A comprehensive review on nanocomposite biomaterials based on gelatin for bone tissue engineering

The creation of a suitable scaffold is a crucial step in the process of bone tissue engineering (BTE). The scaffold, acting as an artificial extracellular matrix, plays a significant role in determining the fate of cells by affecting their proliferation and differentiation in BTE. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to the fabrication approach and materials used for scaffold preparation. Natural polypeptides such as gelatin and collagen have been widely used for this purpose. The unique properties of nanoparticles, which vary depending on their size, charge, and physicochemical properties, have demonstrated potential in solving various challenges encountered in BTE. Therefore, nanocomposite biomaterials consisting of polymers and nanoparticles have been extensively used for BTE. Gelatin has also been utilized in combination with other nanomaterials to apply for this purpose. Composites of gelatin with various types of nanoparticles are particularly promising for creating scaffolds with superior biological and physicochemical properties. This review explores the use of nanocomposite biomaterials based on gelatin and various types of nanoparticles together for applications in bone tissue engineering.

Enzymatically crosslinked magnetic starch-grafted poly(tannic acid) hydrogel for "smart" cancer treatment: An in vitro chemo/hyperthermia therapy study

A novel strategy was designed and developed based of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mediated crosslinking of tyramine-functionalized starch (Tyr-St), tannic acid (TA) and phenolated-magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4-PhOH NPs), and simultaneous loading of doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox) to afford a pH-responsive magnetic hydrogel-based drug delivery system (DDS) for synergistic in vitro chemo/hyperthermia therapy of human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. The developed St-g-PTA/Fe3O4 magnetic hydrogel showed porous micro-structure with saturation magnetization (δs) value of 19.2 emu g-1 for Fe3O4 NPs content of ∼7.4 wt%. The pore sizes of the St-g-PTA/Fe3O4 hydrogel was calculated to be 2400 ± 200 nm-2. In vitro drug release experiments exhibited the developed DDS has pH-dependent drug release behavior, while at physiological pH (7.4) released only 30 % of the loaded drug after 100 h. Human serum albumin (HSA) adsorption capacities of the synthesized St/Fe3O4 and St-g-PTA/Fe3O4 magnetic hydrogels were obtained as 86 ± 2.2 and 77 ± 1.9 μgmg-1, respectively. The well-known MTT-assay approved the cytocompatibility of the developed St-g-PTA/Fe3O4 hydrogel, while the Dox-loaded system exhibited higher anti-cancer activity than those of the free Dox as verified by MTT-assay, and optical as well as florescent microscopies imaging. The synergistic chemo/hyperthermia therapy effect was also verified for the developed St-g-PTA/Fe3O4-Dox via hot water approach.

Microfluidic paper-based colorimetric quantification of malondialdehyde using silver nanoprism toward on-site biomedical analysis: a new platform for the chemical sensing and biosensing of oxidative stress

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a critical product of polyunsaturated adipose acid peroxidation and represents a common biomarker of oxidative stress. The effect of different MDA concentrations on human biofluids reflects pathological changes, which has been seen in diverse types of sickness, such as leukemia, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related macular degeneration and liver disease. In this study, different types of silver nanoparticles, including silver nanoprism (AgNPrs), silver nanowires (AgNWs), and silver nanospheres (AgNSs), were synthesized and used for the chemosensing of MDA by colorimetric and spectrophotometric methods. Colorimetric tests were performed to identify malondialdehyde in the solution as well as the one-droplet-based microfluidic paper substrate as a miniaturization device for the monitoring of analytes in human real samples. The analytical quantification of the MDA was done using the UV-Vis method. Also, the utilization of the designed chemosensor for the analysis of MDA in real sample was evaluated in human urine samples. Using the spectrophotometric method, MDA was deformed in the linear range of 0.01192 to 1.192 mM with a low limit of quantification of 0.12 μM. Essential significant features of this study include the first application of AgNPrs with high stability and great optical properties without any reagent as an optical sensing probe of MDA and optimized OD-μPCD toward on-site and on-demand MDA screening in real samples diagnosis and the innovative time/color semi-analytical recognition strategy. Moreover, the prepared OD-μPCD decorated by AgNPrs could be a prized candidate for commercialization due to the benefits of the low-cost materials used, like paper and paraffin, and portability. This innovative process led to uniform hydrophilic micro-channels on the surface of cellulose, without the use of a UV lamp, clean room, and organic solvents. This report could be a pioneering work, inspiring simple and effective on-site semi-analytical recognition devices for harmful substances or illegal drugs, which simply consist of a piece of lightweight paper and one drop of the required reagent.

Biomimetic alginate-based electroconductive nanofibrous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering application

Novel electrically conductive nanofibrous scaffolds were designed and fabricated through the grafting of aniline monomer onto a phenylamine-functionalized alginate (Alg-NH2) followed by electrospinning with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Performance of the prepared scaffolds in bone tissue engineering (TE) were studied in terms of physicochemical (e.g., conductivity, electroactivity, morphology, hydrophilicity, water uptake, and mechanical) and biological (cytocompatibility, in vitro biodegradability, cells attachment and proliferation, hemolysis, and protein adsorption) properties. The contact angles of the scaffolds with water drop were obtained about 50 to 60° that confirmed their excellent hydrophilicities for TE applications. Three dimensional (3D), inter-connected and uniform porous structures of the scaffolds without any bead formation was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrical conductivities of the fabricated scaffolds were obtained as 1.5 × 10-3 and 2.7 × 10-3 Scm-1. MTT assay results revealed that the scaffolds have acceptable cytocompatibilities and can enhance the cells adhesion as well as proliferation, which approved their potential for TE applications. Hemolysis rate of the developed scaffolds were quantified <2 % even at high concentration (200 μgmL-1) of samples that approved their hemocompatibilities. The scaffolds were also exhibited acceptable protein adsorption capacities (65 and 68 μgmg-1). As numerous experimental results, the developed scaffolds have acceptable potential for bone TE.

Extracellular matrix-mimetic electrically conductive nanofibrous scaffolds based on polyaniline-grafted tragacanth gum and poly(vinyl alcohol) for skin tissue engineering application

As pivotal role of scaffold in tissue engineering (TE), the aim of present study was to design and development of extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic electrically conductive nanofibrous scaffolds composed of polyaniline-grafted tragacanth gum (TG-g-PANI) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with different PANI content for skin tissue engineering (STE) application. The fabricated scaffolds were preliminary evaluated in terms of some physicochemical and biological properties. Cytocompatibility and cells proliferation properties of the scaffolds were examined with the well-known MTT assay, and it was found that the developed scaffolds have proper cytocompatibilities and can enhances the mouse fibroblast L929 cells adhesion as well as proliferation, which confirm their potential for STE applications. Hemocompatibility assay revealed that the hemolysis rate of the fabricated scaffolds were <2 % even at a relatively high concentration (200 μgmL-1) of samples, therefore, these scaffolds can be considered as safe. Human serum albumin (HSA) protein adsorption capacities of the fabricated scaffolds were quantified as 42 and 49 μgmg-1 that represent suitable values for a successful TE. Overall, the fabricated scaffold with 20 wt% of TG-g-PANI showed higher potential in both physicochemical and biological features than scaffold with 30 wt% of mentioned copolymer for STE application.

Atherosclerosis preventive effects of marrubiin against (TNF-α)-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis

Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a complicated cascade of inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, making it the most prevalent cardiovascular disease. The onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases are greatly influenced by oxidative stress. Targeting oxidative stress is an effective strategy for treating such diseases. Marrubiin is a bioactive furan labdane diterpenoid acts as a strong antioxidant to protect against oxidative damage. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of marrubiin against oxidative stress and apoptosis in a cellular model of the vascular system.

Methods

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with varying concentration of marrubiin and its IC50 value was determined. The antioxidant potential of marrubiin was assessed by measuring the intracellular level of glutathione (GSH) using a colorimetric technique. Since apoptosis plays a significant role in the plaque rupture, the study also evaluated the protective effects of marrubiin on the expression of key genes involved in apoptotic pathways.

Results

Cells treated with marrubiin showed increased GSH levels compared to cell therapy control cells, indicating marrubiin's ability to counteract the effects of TNF-α's on GSH levels. Furthermore real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that marrubiin upregulated Bcl-xl while downregulating caspase3 and Nox4 in treated cells. These findings suggest that marrubiin protects against apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, marrubiin is recommended as a preventive/therapeutic treatment for diseases caused by elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in cardiovascular diseases.

Mesenchymal stem cell secretome induced the acquisition of anti-inflammatory phenotype in rat cortical microglia in vitro

Introduction: Here, we aimed to address the impact of mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium (MSCs-CM) on M1/M2 phenotype shifting of rat microglia after 48 hours in vitro. Methods: Rat neonatal cortical microglia were randomly allocated into four different groups as follows: Control; MSC-CM; IL-4; and Anti-IL-4 groups. In the MSC-CM, microglia were treated with MSC condition media. In the interleukin-4 (IL-4), cells received 20 ng/mL IL-4; conceived as a positive M2 control group). In the Anti-IL-4, the combination of IL-4 peptide and anti-IL-4 antibody was used. After 48 hours, protein levels of Iba1, CD86, and CD206 were monitored using immunofluorescence imaging and flow cytometry analysis. Results: According to immunofluorescence imaging, 48-hour incubation of rat cortical microglia with stem cells condition media increased protein levels of CD206 and decreased CD86, showing the polarization of microglia toward M2 type lineage compared to the non-treated control group. We found a similar trend in the group that received IL-4. By contrast, the incubation of microglia with anti-IL-4 antibody blunted the stimulatory effect of IL-4 to promote M2-type microglia. Similar to the immunofluorescence data, flow cytometry analysis revealed a significant increase of CD206 positive microglia after exposure to MSC-CM and IL-4 (P<0.05). Treatment with anti-IL-4 antibody significantly reduced the percent of CD206 positive cells, showing the inhibition of M1-to-M2 phenotype acquisition. Conclusion: The current study highlighted a notable anti-inflammatory effect of MSC secretome on cortical microglia by promoting M1-to-M2 phenotype acquisition.

Recent advances in the production, reprogramming, and application of CAR-T cells for treating hematological malignancies

As genetically engineered cells, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells express specific receptors on their surface to target and eliminate malignant cells. CAR proteins are equipped with elements that enhance the activity and survival of T cells. Once injected, CAR-T cells act as a "living drug" against tumor cells in the body. Up to now, CAR-T cell therapy has been demonstrated as a robust adoptive cell transfer (ACT) immunotherapeutic modality for eliminating tumor cells in refractory hematological malignancies. CAR-T cell therapy modality involves several steps, including the collecting of the blood from patients, the isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the enrichment of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T cell, the genetic reprogramming, the expansion of modified T cells, and the injection of genetically engineered T cells. The production of CAR-T cells is a multi-step procedure, which needs precise and safety management systems, including good manufacturing practice (GMP), and in-line quality control and assurance. The current study describes the structure of CARs and concentrates on the next generations of CARs that are engaged in enhancing the anti-tumor responses and safety of the engineered T cells. This paper also highlights the important concerns in quality control and nonclinical research of CAR-T cells, as well as general insights into the manufacture, reprogramming, and application of CAR-T cells based on new and enhanced techniques for treating hematological malignancies. Besides, the application of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology and nanocarrier-based delivery systems containing CAR coding sequences to overcome the limitations of CAR-T cell therapy has also been explained.

The effects of L-carnitine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles on performance, antioxidant parameters, and expression of genes associated with cholesterol metabolism in laying hens

The purpose of this study was to investigate the production performance, antioxidant parameters, egg yolk cholesterol content, and expression of genes related to cholesterol metabolism in laying hens fed L-carnitine (LC) and L-carnitine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (LC-SLNs). A total of 350 Hy-Line (w-36) laying hens at 50 wk of age (1520.0 ± 0.7 g) were randomly assigned to 35 units (5 replicates and 50 hens in each treatment) with seven dietary treatments as a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal-based diets, including 1) Control (basal diet); 2) Basal diet +50 mg/kg LC (50LC); 3) Basal diet +100 mg/kg LC (100LC); 4) Basal diet +150 mg/kg LC (150LC); 5) Basal diet +50 mg/kg LC-SLNs (50LC-SLNs); 6) Basal diet +100 mg/kg LC-SLNs (100LC-SLNs) and 7) Basal diet +150 mg/kg LC-SLNs (150LC-SLNs). Results showed that the 50LC-SLNs had the least feed conversion ratio (FCR) in all groups (P < 0.05). The dietary supplementation of 100LC-SLNs decreased (P < 0.01) the egg yolk cholesterol concentration from 14.71 to 11.76 mg/g yolk (25%). The 50LC-SLNs group produced the most total antioxidant capacity with a difference of 58.44% compared to the control group (P < 0.01). The greatest amount of total superoxide dismutase was found for 50LC-SLNs (P < 0.05), while the glutathione peroxidase was not affected by the experimental treatments (P > 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde levels were reduced by 50.52% in laying hens fed 50LC-SLNs compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The transcript level of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in the LC and LC-SLNs groups. The expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase was significantly increased (P < 0.01) in the plain LC (∼83%) and LC-SLNs (∼91%) groups. The inclusion of LC-SLNs in the diet increased (P < 0.05) the villus height and decreased villus width in all three parts of the small intestine. Dietary inclusion of LC was found to reduce egg yolk and serum cholesterol content by improving the production performance and antioxidant status. The LC-SLNs groups were more affected than the plain LC groups, which may be attributed to the increased bioavailability of LC.

Electrosprayed Nanoparticles Containing Hydroalcoholic Extract of Echinacea Purpurea (L.) Moench Stimulates the Immune System by Increasing Inflammatory Factors in Male Wistar Rats

Introduction: Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is a member of the Asteracea family and is traditionally used mainly due to its immunostimulatory properties. Various compounds including alkylamides and chicoric acid were reported as active ingredients of E. purpurea. Here, we aimed to prepare electrosprayed nanoparticles (NPs) containing hydroalcoholic extract of E. purpurea using Eudragit RS100 (EP-Eudragit RS100 NPs) to improve the immunomodulatory effects of the extract. Methods: The EP-Eudragit RS100 NPs with the different extract:polymer ratios and solution concentrations were prepared using the electrospray technique. The size and morphology of the NPs were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). To evaluate the immune responses, male Wistar rats were administrated with the prepared EP-Eudragit RS100 NPs and plain extract in the final dose of 30 or 100 mg/kg. The blood samples of the animals were collected and the inflammatory factors and complete blood count (CBC) were investigated. Results: In vivo studies indicated that the plain extract and EP-Eudragit RS100 NPs (100 mg/kg) significantly increased the serum level of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1-β (IL1-β) whereas the EP-Eudragit RS100 NPs (30 mg/kg) significantly increased the number of white blood cells (WBCs) compared to the control group. Lymphocytes’ count in all groups was increased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05) whereas other CBC parameters remained unchanged. Conclusion: The prepared EP-Eudragit RS100 NPs by electrospray technique caused significant reinforcement in the immunostimulatory effects of the extract of E. purpurea.

Recent advances in γH2AX biomarker-based genotoxicity assays: A marker of DNA damage and repair

The phosphorylation of histone variant H2AX and formation of γH2AX is a primary response to the DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Detection of γH2AX is a robust and sensitive tool for diagnosis of DNA damage and repair in pre-clinical drug discovery investigations. In addition, the replication stress also leads to the formation of γH2AX and cell death and so γH2AX can serve as a surrogate marker of drug-induced cytotoxicity. Recent advances in genomic research offer an opportunity to detect γH2AX as a specific biomarker for quantitative analysis of DNA damages and repair using high content screening technology and quantitative imaging analysis. The proposed approaches identify a wide range of genetic disorders and are applied in combination with other assays in drug discovery and also for the evaluation of the efficacy of various developmental drugs. In the current review, we provide recent insights into the potential of γH2AX biomarker as a powerful tool in genotoxicity analyses for the monitoring and managing of cancer diseases.

Acriflavine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: preparation, physicochemical characterization, and anti-proliferative properties

Acriflavine (ACF) is an antiseptic compound with the potential antitumor activity which is used for the fluorescent staining of RNA due to its dominant fluorescent emission at ∼515 nm. Here, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing ACF (ACF-SLNs) were prepared and their physicochemical properties, potential geno/cytotoxicity, as well as the fluorescent properties were investigated. FITC-annexin V/PI staining and cell cycle assays were carried out to find the type of cellular death caused. Particle size analysis and SEM images revealed that spherical ACF-SLNs had a homogeneous dispersion with a mean diameter of 106 ± 5.7 nm. Drug loading (DL) of 31.25 ± 4.21 mg/mL and high encapsulation efficiency (EE%) (89.75 ± 5.44) were found. ACF-SLNs physically were relatively stable in terms of dispersion, size, and EE. The uptake study demonstrated the potential use of fluorescent ACF-SLNs in bio-distribution studies. MTT assay showed that plain ACF could induce growth inhibition of A549 cells with IC50 of 8.5, 6, and 4.5 μMol after 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively, while ACF-SLNs had stable cytotoxic effects after 48 hours. ACF-SLNs induced remarkable apoptosis and even necrosis after 48 h. Conclusively, ACF-SLNs with acceptable physicochemical features showed increased bioimpacts after 48 h compared to plain ACF.

Sclareol Inhibits Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Accumulation and Induces Apoptosis in Hypoxic Cancer Cells

Purpose: The hypoxia in solid tumors is associated with the resistance to chemo/radiotherapy. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) plays a key role in cell remodeling to hypoxia. Therefore, the inhibition of HIF-1 accumulation is considered a hopeful strategy for the treatment of cancer. Here, we aimed to evaluate the geno- and cytotoxicity properties of sclareol, a natural bicyclic diterpene alcohol, on A549 cells in CoCl₂-induced hypoxia.

Methods: The cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing properties of sclareol on the A549 cell were evaluated using MTT assay and Annexin V/PI staining, respectively in hypoxia. DAPI staining, DNA ladder, and comet assay were used to evaluate the genotoxicity. Further, the qPCR technique was employed to assess the expression of HIF-1α, HIF-1β, and downstream target genes (GluT1, and Eno1). Finally, the level of HIF-1α protein was evaluated through Western blotting in sclareol-treated cells in hypoxia.

Results: The inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of sclareol against A549 cells was 8 μg/mL at 48 hours in hypoxia. The genotoxicity of sclareol was confirmed in the cells treated with sclareol in hypoxia. Sclareol induced ~46% apoptosis and also necrosis in the hypoxic condition. The qPCR analyses showed an enhanced suppression of HIF-1α, HIF-1β, GluT1, and Eno1 due to the sclareol treatment in the hypoxia. Moreover, protein quantification analysis showed dose-dependently degradation of HIF-1α in hypoxia upon treatment with sclareol.

Conclusion: The results obtained here indicate that sclareol possesses dose-dependent cytotoxicity effects against A549 cells in hypoxia through inhibition of HIF-1α protein accumulation, increasing cell sensitivity to intracellular oxygen levels, and disruption of cell adaptation to hypoxia.

Natural polypeptides-based electrically conductive biomaterials for tissue engineering

Fabrication of an appropriate scaffold is the key fundamental step required for a successful tissue engineering (TE). The artificial scaffold as extracellular matrix in TE has noticeable role in the fate of cells in terms of their attachment, proliferation, differentiation, orientation and movement. In addition, chemical and electrical stimulations affect various behaviors of cells such as polarity and functionality. Therefore, the fabrication approach and materials used for the preparation of scaffold should be more considered. Various synthetic and natural polymers have been used extensively for the preparation of scaffolds. The electrically conductive polymers (ECPs), moreover, have been used in combination with other polymers to apply electric fields (EF) during TE. In this context, composites of natural polypeptides and ECPs can be taken into account as context for the preparation of suitable scaffolds with superior biological and physicochemical features. In this review, we overviewed the simultaneous usage of natural polypeptides and ECPs for the fabrication of scaffolds in TE.

Antisense LNA-loaded nanoparticles of star-shaped glucose-core PCL-PEG copolymer for enhanced inhibition of oncomiR-214 and nucleolin-mediated therapy of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells

We aimed to inhibit overexpressed oncomiR-214 in cisplatin (CIS)-resistant ovarian cancer (OC) and perform targeted therapy of sensitized cells using a novel polymeric drug delivery system (DDS). A system of nanoparticles (NPs) of star-shaped glucose-core polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol (Glu-PCL-PEG) block copolymer containing cisplatin (CIS-PCL NPs) and locked nucleic acid (LNA) anti-miR-214 (LNA-PCL NPs) were prepared and anti-nucleolin aptamer was conjugated to the surface of prepared NPs to prepare Ap-CIS-PCL NPs and Ap-LNA-PCL NPs, respectively. The cancer-targeting ability of the NPs was confirmed and the CIS-resistant A2780 (A2780 R) cells were transfected with Ap-LNA-PCL NPs to inhibit oncomiR-214 and sensitize the cells to CIS. Next, the miR-214-inhibited cells were exposed to the Ap-CIS-NPs and the deracination efficiency of targeted DDS was evaluated. The oncomiR-214 in A2780 R cells were harnessed by Ap-LNA-PCL NPs, and nucleolin-mediated endocytosis of targeted polymeric DDSs containing CIS into miR-214-inhibited A2780 R cells caused enhanced apoptosis, which was further confirmed by apoptosis detection and evaluation of downstream genes expression. Targeted inhibition of miR-214 using the developed NPs containing LNA can decrease drug-resistant properties of cancer cells and may enhance the efficiency of targeted DDSs.

Aptamedicine: a new treatment modality in personalized cancer therapy

Aptamers ( Aps ) are short single-strand nucleic acids exhibiting unique 3D structure which facilitate their targeting potential against various cancer molecular markers ( CMMs ). Such features of Aps not only make them as suitable homing agents in targeted drug delivery systems (DDSs) but also candidate them as macromolecules that inhibit the interaction of the target ligand with other proteins. On the other hand, the conjugation of Aps with another therapeutic molecule such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNAs/miRNAs, Aps , toxins, chemotherapeutic agents, DNAzymes/Ribozymes provides hopeful strategy to eradicate the malignancies and overcome the off-target unwanted side effects. Such prominent features of Aps make them a promising treatment modality to overcome the tumor complexity and heterogeneity, which can be consequently applied for personalized therapy of cancer by using bispecific Ap-based therapeutics.

Triterpenoid corosolic acid attenuates HIF-1 stabilization upon cobalt (II) chloride-induced hypoxia in A549 human lung epithelial cancer cells

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 is a target for the management of cancer. Here, the anti-proliferation properties of corosolic acid (CA) against A549 human lung epithelial cancer cells in CoCl₂-induced hypoxia is reported. CA was isolated from the roots of Salvia syriaca based on a bioassay-guided isolation platform and identified by 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Several cytotoxicies and genotoxicity analyses were performed using MTT, DAPI, cell cycle, DNA ladder, and annexin V/PI detection. Cobalt chloride (CoCl₂) was used to stimulate hypoxia. The adaptation of A549 cells to a stimulated hypoxic condition in the presence of CA was evaluated. CA decreased the growth of A549 cells with an IC₅₀ of 12 μg/mL at 48 h. Also, chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation were detected as signs of apoptosis occurrence. CA induced ~85% apoptosis and even 1% necrosis. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α), HIF-1β and downstream genes was strongly suppressed in the presence of CA in CoCl₂-stimulated hypoxia condition. Results indicated that CA has remarkable cytotoxicity against the cancerous cell in hypoxia condition and may be regarded for preparation of new formulations for possible uses as supplement and medicine in cancer therapy.

Functional expression and impact of testis-specific gene antigen 10 in breast cancer: a combined in vitro and in silico analysis

Introduction: Testis-specific gene antigen 10 (TSGA10) is a less-known gene, which is involved in the vague biological paths of different cancers. Here, we investigated the TSGA10 expression using different concentrations of glucose under hypoxia and also its interaction with the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Methods: The breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were cultured with different concentrations of glucose (5.5, 11.0 and 25.0 mM) under normoxia/hypoxia for 24, 48, and 72 hours and examined for the HIF-1α expression and cell migration by Western blotting and scratch assays. The qPCR was employed to analyze the expression of TSGA10. Three-dimensional (3D) structure and the energy minimization of the interacting domain of TSGA10 were performed by MODELLER v9.17 and Swiss-PDB viewer v4.1.0/UCSF Chimera v1.11. The UCSF Chimera v1.13.1 and Hex 6.0 were used for the molecular docking simulation. The Cytoscape v3.7.1 and STRING v11.0 were used for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The HIF-1a related hypoxia pathways were obtained from BioModels database and reconstructed in CellDesigner v4.4.2. Results: The increased expression of TSGA10 was found to be significantly associated with the reduced metastasis in the MDA-MB-231 cells, while an inverse relationship was seen between the TSGA10 mRNA level and cellular migration but not in the MCF-7 cells. The C-terminal domain of TSGA10 interacted with HIF-1α with high affinity, resulting in PPI network with 10 key nodes (HIF-1α, VEGFA, HSP90AA1, AKT1, ARNT, TP53, TSGA10, VHL, JUN, and EGFR). Conclusions: Collectively, TSGA10 functional expression alters under the hyper-/hypo-glycemia and hypoxia, which indicates its importance as a candidate bio-target for the cancer therapy.

AS1411 aptamer-decorated cisplatin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles for targeted therapy of miR-21-inhibited ovarian cancer cells

AIM

The overexpression of miRNA-21 correlates with the cisplatin (CIS) resistance in the ovarian cancers.

METHODS

AS1411 antinucleolin aptamer-decorated PEGylated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles containing CIS (Ap-CIS-NPs) and anti-miR-21 (Ap-anti-miR-21-NPs) were prepared, physicochemically investigated and their cancer-targeting ability was confirmed. CIS-resistant A2780 cells (A2780 R) were infected with anti-miR-21 using Ap-anti-miR-21-NPs to decrease the drug resistance and sensitize the cells to CIS. Afterward, miR-21-inhibited cells were exposed to the Ap-CIS-NPs.

RESULTS

Ap-anti-miR-21-NPs could infect the A2780 R cells mainly through nucleolin-mediated endocytosis and inhibit the endogenous miR-21. Targeted delivery of CIS using Ap-CIS-NPs into the miR-21-inhibited cells caused an enhanced mortality.

CONCLUSION

The targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics to the oncomiR-inhibited cells may find a robust application in cancer chemo/gene therapy.

Bispecific therapeutic aptamers for targeted therapy of cancer: a review on cellular perspective

Aptamers (Aps), as short single-strand nucleic acids, can bind to their corresponding molecular targets with the high affinity and specificity. In comparison with the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and peptides, unique physicochemical and biological characteristics of Aps make them excellent targeting agents for different types of cancer molecular markers (CMMs). Much attention has been paid to the Ap-based multifunctional chimeric and therapeutic systems, which provide promising outcomes in the targeted therapy of various formidable diseases, including malignancies. In the Ap-based chimeric systems, a targeting Ap is conjugated to another therapeutic molecule (e.g., siRNA/miRNA, Ap, toxins, chemotherapeutic agents, DNAzyme/ribozymes) with a capability of binding to a specific cell surface receptor at the desired target site. Having been engineered as multifunctional nanosystems (NSs), Ap-based hybrid scaffolds can be used to concurrently target multiple markers/pathways in cancerous cells, causing drastic inhibitory effects on the growth and the progression of tumor cells. Multi/bispecific Aps composed of two/more Aps provide a versatile tool for the optimal and active targeting of cell surface receptor(s) with markedly high affinity and avidity. Targeting the optimum activity of key receptors and dominant signaling pathways in the activation of immunity, the multi/bispecific Ap-based therapeutics can also be used to enhance the antitumor activity of the immune system. Further, the bispecific systems can be designed to induce cytotoxicity in a heterogeneous population of cancer cells with different CMMs. In this review, we provide some important insights into the construction and applications of the Ap-based chimeric NSs and discuss the multifunctional Ap chimera and their effects on the signaling pathways in cancer.

Chitosan-grafted-poly(methacrylic acid)/graphene oxide nanocomposite as a pH-responsive de novo cancer chemotherapy nanosystem

The aim of this study was the design and development of a novel de novo drug delivery system for cancer chemotherapy. For this purpose, chitosan (CS) functionalized using phthalic anhydride followed by 4-cyano, 4-[(phenylcarbothioyl) sulfanyl] pentanoic acid as a chain transfer agent (CTA) to afford CS-CTA macroinitiator. The synthesized CS-CTA macroinitiator was then copolymerized with methacrylic acid (MAA) monomer using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization technique to produce chitosan-graft-poly(methacrylic acid) (CS-g-PMAA) graft copolymer. Afterward, graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were incorporated into the synthesized copolymer through the physical interactions. The CS-g-PMAA/GO nanocomposite was loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) as a universal anticancer drug. The biocompatibility, DOX-loading capacity, and pH dependent drug release behavior of the developed nanocomposite were also investigated. As the experimental results, as well as superior biological and physicochemical features of CS and GO, we envision that the developed CS-g-PMAA/GO nanocomposite may be applied as de novo drug delivery nanosystem for cancer chemotherapy.

Recent advances in aptamer-armed multimodal theranostic nanosystems for imaging and targeted therapy of cancer

The side effects of chemotherapeutics during the course of cancer treatment limit their clinical outcomes. The most important mission of the modern cancer therapy modalities is the delivery of anticancer drugs specifically to the target cells/tissue in order to avoid/reduce any inadvertent non-specific impacts on the healthy normal cells. Nanocarriers decorated with a designated targeting ligand such as aptamers (Aps) and antibodies (Abs) are able to deliver cargo molecules to the target cells/tissue without affecting other neighboring cells, resulting in an improved treatment of cancer. For targeted therapy of cancer, different ligands (e.g., protein, peptide, Abs, Aps and small molecules) have widely been used in the development of different targeting drug delivery systems (DDSs). Of these homing agents, nucleic acid Aps show unique targeting potential with high binding affinity to a variety of biological targets (e.g., genes, peptides, proteins, and even cells and organs). Aps have widely been used as the targeting agent, in large part due to their unique 3D structure, simplicity in synthesis and functionalization, high chemical flexibility, low immunogenicity and toxicity, and cell/tissue penetration capability in some cases. Here, in this review, we provide important insights on Ap-decorated multimodal nanosystems (NSs) and discuss their applications in targeted therapy and imaging of cancer.

Combating atherosclerosis with targeted nanomedicines: recent advances and future prospective

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is recognized as the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The increasing prevalence of such disease demands novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to overcome associated clinical/social issues. Recent advances in nanotechnology and biological sciences have provided intriguing insights to employ targeted Nanomachines to the desired location as imaging, diagnosis, and therapeutic modalities. Nanomedicines as novel tools for enhanced drug delivery, imaging, and diagnosis strategies have shown great promise to combat cardiovascular diseases.

Methods: In the current study, we intend to review the most recent studies on the nano-based strategies for improved management of CVDs.

Results: A cascade of events results in the formation of atheromatous plaque and arterial stenosis. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that nanomedicines have displayed unique functionalities and provided de novo applications in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Conclusion: Despite some limitations, nanomedicines hold considerable potential in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various ailments including atherosclerosis. Fewer side effects, amenable physicochemical properties and multi-potential application of such nano-systems are recognized through various investigations. Therefore, it is strongly believed that with targeted drug delivery to atherosclerotic lesions and plaque, management of onset and progression of disease would be more efficient than classical treatment modalities.

Marrubiin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles' impact on TNF-α treated umbilical vein endothelial cells: A study for cardioprotective effect

Oxidative stress possesses a key role in the onset and development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), thus it can be an efficient target to tackle such ailment. Marrubiin, a bioactive diterpene, is a potent antioxidant against oxidative stress. Herein, we aimed to formulate marrubiin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to improve its pharmacokinetics and bioavailability and also to investigate free drug and formulation's protective impact against intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in HUVECs. Marrubiin-SLNs were formulated using hot homogenization/solidification method and then were subjected to physicochemical characterizations, i.e. size, zeta potential, morphology, polydispersity index (PDI), encapsulation efficiency (% EE), drug loading/content and physical stability assessments. MTT assay was performed to study the cytotoxicity of the intact and SLN incorporated marrubiin on HUVECs. Further, the antioxidant property of marrubiin and formulations was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay and their protective effect against TNF-α induced oxidative stress was assessed by the means of intracellular ROS assessment, and also apoptosis/necrosis, cell cycle, and DNA fragmentation assays. Electron microscopy analysis showed spherical monodispersed SLNs with the size less than 100 nm, particle/zeta size analyses also approved the size of particles with a zeta potential of -1.28 ± 0.17 mV. Results also showed high EE (98%), drug loading (31.74 mg/g) with 3.15% drug content. In vitro release studies revealed about 90% of marrubiin cumulative release during 24 h. The stability of marrubiin-SLNs in terms of size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, EE and drug leakage was approved. Marrubiin antioxidant stability after formulation was approved by DPPH analysis. MTT cell survival assay showed no significant cytotoxicity after 24 h and 48 h. Intracellular ROS detection assay revealed that marrubiin and marrubiin-SLNs, play protective effect against TNF-α induced oxidative stress in HUVECs which was further approved by apoptosis assessment. Conclusively, based on our findings, marrubiin nanoparticles are proposed as a preventive/therapeutic remedy against disorders elicited by increased levels of intracellular ROS in CVDs.

Spectrophotometric analysis of thrombolytic activity: SATA assay

Introduction: Measurement of thrombolytic activity is crucial for research and development of novel thrombolytics. It is a key factor in the assessment of the effectiveness of conventionally used thrombolytic therapies in the clinic. Previous methods used for the assessment of thrombolytic activity are often associated with some drawbacks such as being costly, time-consuming, complex with low accuracy. Here, we introduce a simple, economic, relatively accurate and fast method of spectrophotometric analysis of thrombolytic activity (SATA) assay, standardized by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which can quantitatively measure in vitro thrombolytic activity.

Methods: Blood clots were formed, uniformly, by mixing citrated whole blood with partial thromboplastin time (PTT) reagent, together with calcium chloride. Then, designated concentrations of tPA were added to the samples, and the released red blood cells from each clot were quantified using spectrophotometry (λ_max=405nm) as an indicator of thrombolytic activity. The accuracy of the method was tested by assessment of dose-responsibility against R² value obtained by linear equation and measurement of the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). The SATA assay was validated in comparison with some currently used techniques.

Results: A linear relationship was obtained between different concentrations of tPA versus the spectrophotometric absorbance of the related dilutions of lysed clots, at λ_max=405nm. Calculated R² values were greater than 0.9; with LOD of 0.90 µg/mL of tPA (436.50IU) and LOQ of 2.99 µg/mL of tPA (1450.15IU).

Conclusion: Conclusively, the SATA assay is a very simple quantitative method with repeatable and reproducible results for estimating the potency of an unknown thrombolytic agent, and calculating the activity as delicate as 1 µg/mL of tPA (485 IU/mL of thrombolytic dose).

Doxorubicin-conjugated D-glucosamine- and folate- bi-functionalised InP/ZnS quantum dots for cancer cells imaging and therapy

Nanoscaled quantum dots (QDs), with unique optical properties have been used for the development of theranostics. Here, InP/ZnS QDs were synthesised and functionalised with folate (QD-FA), D-glucosamine (QD-GA) or both (QD-FA-GA). The bi-functionalised QDs were further conjugated with doxorubicin (QD-FA-GA-DOX). Optimum Indium to fatty acid (In:MA) ratio was 1:3.5. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs revealed spherical morphology for the QDs (11 nm). Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum confirmed the chemical composition of the QDs. MTT analysis in the OVCAR-3 cells treated with bare QDs, QD-FA, QD-GA, QD-FA-GA and QD-FA-GA-DOX (0.2 mg/mL of QDs) after 24 h indicated low toxicity for the bare QDs and functionalised QDs (about 80-90% cell viability). QD-FA-GA-DOX nanoparticles elicited toxicity in the cells. Cellular uptake of the engineered QDs were investigated in both folate receptor (FR)-positive OVCAR-3 cells and FR-negative A549 cells using fluorescence microscopy and FACS flow cytometry. The FA-functionalised QDs showed significantly higher uptake in the FR-positive OVCAR-3 cells, nonetheless the GA-functionalised QDs resulted in an indiscriminate uptake in both cell lines. In conclusion, our findings indicated that DOX-conjugated FA-armed QDs can be used as theranostics for simultaneous imaging and therapy of cancer.

Recent advances in targeted delivery of tissue plasminogen activator for enhanced thrombolysis in ischaemic stroke

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only FDA approved medical treatment for the ischaemic stroke. However, it associates with some inevitable limitations, including: short therapeutic window, extremely short half-life and low penetration in large clots. Systemic administration may lead to complications such as haemorrhagic conversion in the brain and relapse in the form of re-occlusion. Furthermore, ultrasound has been utilised in combination with contrast agents, echogenic liposome, microspheres or nanoparticles (NPs) carrying tPA for improving thrombolysis - an approach that has resulted in slight improvement of tPA delivery and facilitated thrombolysis. Most of these delivery systems are able to extend the circulating half-life and clot penetration of tPA. Various technologies employed for ameliorated thrombolytic therapy are in different phases, some are in final steps for clinical applications while some others are under investigations for their safety and efficacy in human cases. Here, recent progresses on the thrombolytic therapy using novel nano- and micro-systems incorporating tPA are articulated. Of these, liposomes and microspheres, polymeric NPs and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are discussed. Key technologies implemented for efficient delivery of tPA and advanced thrombolytic therapy and their advantages/disadvantages are further expressed.

Molecular machineries of pH dysregulation in tumor microenvironment: potential targets for cancer therapy

Introduction: Cancer is an intricate disorder/dysfunction of cells that can be defined as a genetic heterogeneity in human disease. Therefore, it is characterized by several adaptive complex hallmarks. Among them, the pH dysregulation appears as a symbol of aberrant functions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In comparison with normal tissues, in the solid tumors, we face with an irregular acidification and alkalinization of the extracellular and intracellular fluids. Methods: In this study, we comprehensively discussed the most recent reports on the hallmarks of solid tumors to provide deep insights upon the molecular machineries involved in the pH dysregulation of solid tumors and their impacts on the initiation and progression of cancer. Results: The dysregulation of pH in solid tumors is fundamentally related to the Warburg effect and hypoxia, leading to expression of a number of molecular machineries, including: NHE1, H+ pump V-ATPase, CA-9, CA-12, MCT-1, GLUT-1. Activation of proton exchangers and transporters (PETs) gives rise to formation of TME. This condition favors the cancer cells to evade from the anoikis and apoptosis, granting them aggressive and metastasis phenotype, as well as resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This review aimed to discuss the key molecular changes of tumor cells in terms of bio-energetics and cancer metabolism in relation with pH dysregulation. During this phenomenon, the intra- and extracellular metabolites are altered and/or disrupted. Such molecular alterations provide molecular hallmarks for direct targeting of the PETs by potent relevant inhibitors in combination with conventional cancer therapies as ultimate therapy against solid tumors. Conclusion: Taken all, along with other treatment strategies, targeting the key molecular machineries related to intra- and extracellular metabolisms within the TME is proposed as a novel strategy to inhibit or block PETs that are involved in the pH dysregulation of solid tumors.

Reduced graphene oxide decorated with gold nanoparticle as signal amplification element on ultra-sensitive electrochemiluminescence determination of caspase-3 activity and apoptosis using peptide based biosensor

Introduction: Growing demands for ultrasensitive biosensing have led to the development of numerous signal amplification strategies. In this report, a novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method was developed for the detection and determination of caspase-3 activity based on reduced graphene oxide sheets decorated by gold nanoparticles as signal amplification element and horseradish peroxidase enzyme (HRP) as ECL intensity enhancing agent. Methods: The ECL intensity of the luminol was improved by using the streptavidin coated magnetic beads and HRP in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The cleavage behavior of caspase-3 was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques using biotinylated peptide (DEVD containing peptide) which was coated on reduced graphene oxide decorated with gold nanoparticle. The surface modification of graphene oxide was successfully confirmed by FTIR, UV-vis and x-ray spectroscopy. Results: ECL based biosensor showed that the linear dynamic range (LDR) and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) were 0.5-100 and 0.5 femtomolar (fM), respectively. Finally, the performance of the engineered peptide based biosensor was validated in the A549 cell line as real samples. Conclusion: The prepared peptide based biosensor could be considered as an excellent candidate for early detection of apoptosis, cell turnover, and cancer related diseases.

Development of novel electrically conductive scaffold based on hyperbranched polyester and polythiophene for tissue engineering applications

A novel electrically conductive scaffold containing hyperbranched aliphatic polyester (HAP), polythiophene (PTh), and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) for regenerative medicine application was succesfully fabricated via electrospinning technique. For this purpose, the HAP (G4; fourth generation) was synthesized via melt polycondensation reaction from tris(methylol)propane and 2,2-bis(methylol)propionic acid (bis-MPA). Afterward, the synthesized HAP was functionalized with 2-thiopheneacetic acid in the presence of N,N-dicyclohexyl carbodiimide, and N-hydroxysuccinimide as coupling agent and catalyst, respectively, to afford a thiophene-functionalized G4 macromonomer. This macromonomer was subsequently used in chemical oxidation copolymerization with thiophene monomer to produce a star-shaped PTh with G4 core (G4-PTh). The solution of the G4-PTh, and PCL was electrospun to produce uniform, conductive, and biocompatible nanofibers. The conductivity, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties of these nanofibers were investigated. The biocompatibility of the electrospun nanofibers were evaluated by assessing the adhesion and proliferation of mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cell line and in vitro degradability to demonstrate their potential uses as a tissue engineering scaffold. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2673-2684, 2016.

Formulation and Physicochemical Characterization of Lycopene-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

PURPOSE

Lycopene belongs to the carotenoids that shows good pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer. However, as a result of very low aqueous solubility, it has a limited systemic absorption, following oral administration.

METHODS

Here, we prepared a stable lycopene-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles using Precirol® ATO5, Compritol 888 ATO and myristic acid by hot homogenization method with some modification. The size and morphological characteristics of nanoparticles were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Moreover, zeta potential and dispersity index (DI) were measured using zeta sizer. In addition, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), drug loading (DL) and cumulative drug release were quantified.

RESULTS

The results showed that the size and DI of particles was generally smaller in the case of SLNs prepared with precirol when compared to SLNs prepared with compritol. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size analyses showed spherical SLNs (125 ± 3.89 nm), monodispersed distribution, and zeta potential of -10.06 ± 0.08 mV. High EE (98.4 ± 0.5 %) and DL (44.8 ± 0.46 mg/g) were achieved in the case of nanoparticles prepared by precirol. The stability study of the lycopene-SLNs in aqueous medium (4 °C) was showed that after 2 months there is no significant differences seen in size and DI compared with the fresh formulation.

CONCLUSION

Conclusively, in this investigation we prepared a stable lycopene-SLNs with good physicochemical characteristic which candidate it for the future in vivo trials in nutraceutical industries.