Nanomedicine

Drug delivery systems consisting of liposomes displaying a cell surface receptor-targeting peptide are being developed to specifically deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to tumors overexpressing a target receptor. This study addresses novel liposome composition approaches to specifically target tissues overexpressing bombesin (BN) receptors. A new amphiphilic peptide derivative (MonY-BN) containing the BN(7-14) peptide, the DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetate) chelating agent, a hydrophobic moiety with two C(18) alkyl chains, and polyethylene glycol spacers, has been synthesized by solid-phase methods. Liposomes have been generated by co-aggregation of MonY-BN with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC). The structural and biological properties of these new target-selective drug-delivery systems have been characterized. Liposomes with a DSPC/MonY-BN (97/3 molar ratio) composition showed a diameter of 145.5 ± 31.5 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.20 ± 0.05. High doxorubicin...

This study evaluated the in vitro effects of 62.5 µg/mL silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs) on MRC-5 human lung fibroblast cells for 24, 48 and 72 h. The nanoparticles' morphology, composition, and structure were investigated using high resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction. Our study showed a decreased cell viability and the induction of cellular oxidative stress as evidenced by an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), carbonyl groups, and advanced oxidation protein products after 24, 48, and 72 h, as well as a decreased concentration of glutathione (GSH) and protein sulfhydryl groups. The protein expression of Hsp27, Hsp60, and Hsp90 decreased at all time intervals, while the level of protein Hsp70 remained unchanged during the exposure. Similarly, the expression of p53, MDM2 and Bcl-2 was significantly decreased for all time intervals, while the expression of Bax, a marker for apoptosis, was insignificantly downregulated. These results correlated with the increase of pro-caspase 3 expression. The role of autophagy in cellular response to SiO 2 NPs was demonstrated by a fluorescence-labeled method and by an increased level of LC3-II/LC3-I ratio. Taken together, our data suggested that SiO 2 NPs induced ROS-mediated autophagy in MRC-5 cells as a possible mechanism of cell survival.

Nanogels are a novel class of three-dimensional cross-linked polymers able to retain high amounts of water in their network structure, with large potential applications in nanomedicine. In our study, the polymer matrix selected was chitosan, as this polysaccharide biopolymer composed of N-acetylglucosamine and glucosamine residues exhibits great biocompatibility and low toxicity. The preparation was performed by ionic gelation in the presence of hyaluronic acid and sodium tripolyphosphate, with rhodamine or fluorescein isothiocyanate molecules grafted on a chitosan backbone. In order to validate the possible usage of these chitosan-fluorophores conjugates for fluorescence imaging purposes in cancer diagnostics and therapy, their biological effect was assessed on SVEC4-10 cells (a simian virus 40-transformed mouse microvascular endothelial cell line). Cell viability, membrane integrity and nanogels uptake were examined following exposure for 6 and 24 h at concentrations up to 120 µg/...

The use of nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the detection and treatment of cancer. Developments in protein engineering and materials science have led to the emergence of new nanoscale targeting techniques, which offer renewed hope for cancer patients. While several nanocarriers for medicinal purposes have been approved for human trials, only a few have been authorized for clinical use in targeting cancer cells. In this review, we analyze some of the authorized formulations and discuss the challenges of translating findings from the lab to the clinic. This study highlights the various nanocarriers and compounds that can be used for selective tumor targeting and the inherent difficulties in cancer therapy. Nanotechnology provides a promising platform for improving cancer detection and treatment in the future, but further research is needed to overcome the current limitations in clinical translation.

To conduct a systematic review of nanoparticles' use in the treatment of prostate cancer in animals. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in the databases PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Cochrane Library, and EMBASE, and the descriptors were chosen based on terms indexed in Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS)/Medical Subject Headings (MESH), which are: nanoparticles, nanomedicine, and prostate cancer. The systematic review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with ID CRD42021271008. Results: A total of 3,897 articles was chosen; after reading the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six scientific articles with themes involving nanoparticles carrying medications were reached. Among the nanoparticles found, there were carboxymethylcellulose polymer, micellar casein nanoparticles, liquid crystal nanoparticles, serum albumin nanoparticles, and poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide (mPEG-PLA) conjugated nanoparticles encapsulating cabazitaxel, docetaxel, and flutamide, which were nanoparticles used to treat prostate cancer in animals. Conclusion: Through using nanoparticles to encapsulate medications for treating prostate cancer in animals, studies show a decrease in weight and tumor reduction, with nanoparticles resulting in greater survival time than free medications. The improved permeability and retention effect of nanoparticles in the bloodstream contribute to their effectiveness.

Background: Curcumin has been widely used owing to its various medicinal properties including antitumor effects. However, its clinical application is limited by its instability, poor solubility and low bioavailability. Folic acid (FA)-functionalized nanoformulations may enhance the sustained release of an anticancer drug (curcumin) by tumor-specific targeting to improve therapeutic benefit. This study aims to design a nanoconjugate (NC) comprised of folate-curcumin-loaded gold-polyvinylpyrrolidone nanoparticles (FA-CurAu-PVP NPs) for targeted delivery in breast cancer model systems. Methods: We developed curcumin-loaded FA-functionalized Au-PVP NCs by layer-bylayer assembly. The folic acid-curcumin Au-PVP NCs (FA-CurAu-PVP NCs) were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. In vitro anticancer and antimigratory effects of NCs were examined by performing MTT and wound migration assays. The in vivo antitumor efficacy of NCs was investigated using a preclinical breast cancer orthotopic mouse model. Results: Curcumin (40 µg/mL) was loaded along with conjugation of folate onto Au-PVP NPs to form FA-CurAu-PVP NCs. The size and charge of the NCs were increased gradually through layer-by-layer assembly and showed 80% release of curcumin at acidic pH. The NC did not show aggregation when incubated with human serum and mimicked an intrinsic peroxidase-like property in the presence of 3,3ʹ,5,5ʹ-tetramethylbenzidine substrate. The MTT data using these NCs showed efficient anticancer activity at lower doses in estrogen/ progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-negative cells compared with ER/PR-positive cells. Furthermore, the NCs did not show cytotoxicity at the investigated concentration in human breast epithelial and mouse fibroblast cell lines. They showed inhibitory effects on cell migration and high antitumor efficacy in in vivo analysis. Conclusion: These results suggest that folate-based tumor targeting using CurAu-PVP NCs is a promising approach for tumor-specific therapy of breast cancer without harming normal cells.

A simple method for synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Aspergillum sp. WL-Au was presented in this study. According to UV-vis spectra and transmission electron microscopy images, the shape and size of AuNPs were affected by different parameters, including buffer solution, pH, biomass and HAuCl 4 concentrations. Phosphate sodium buffer 2 was more suitable for extracellular synthesis of AuNPs, and the optimal conditions for AuNPs synthesis were pH 7.0, biomass 100 mg/mL and HAuCl 4 3 mM, leading to the production of spherical and pseudo-spherical nanoparticles. The biosynthesized AuNPs possessed excellent catalytic activities for the reduction of 2-nitrophenol, 3-nitrophenol, 4-nitrophenol, o-nitroaniline and m-nitroaniline in the presence of NaBH 4 , and the catalytic rate constants were calculated to be 6.

This study aims to prepare Loratadine-loaded chitosan/tannic acid nanoparticles (LOR-CS/TAN NPs) through ionic gelation to be used as an anti-proliferative agent to aid in overcoming breast cancer propagation. Methods: First, in-silico virtual screening was carried out to select the most appropriate anti-histaminic drug based on its inhibitory effect on the H1-histamine receptor, resulting in the selection of Loratadine (LOR). Molecular interaction between LOR with chitosan (CS), a positively charged polymer, and hyaluronan, a negatively charged polymer, was investigated separately through molecular docking, leading to the selection of CS. Optimization was carried out using Box Behnken Design, with concentrations of CS, LOR, and tannic acid (TAN) as independent variables. The optimized nanoparticles were then examined through morphological and physicochemical studies. Cell studies against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line were conducted to assess cytotoxicity, cell cycle, apoptosis, and necrosis. Results: The optimum formulation was determined to be CS (0.2% w/v), LOR (1:2 weight ratio to CS), and TAN (1:30.6 weight ratio to CS). The optimized LOR-CS/TAN NPs exhibited a size of 283 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.102, and an entrapment efficiency of 78%, along with sustained drug release for 24 hours. The results demonstrated that LOR-CS/TAN NPs possess higher anti-cancer activity compared to free LOR. This enhanced activity is attributed to the synergistic effect of the drug and the designed nanoparticle, particularly due to the presence of tannic acid. Conclusion: In conclusion, Loratadine-loaded chitosan/tannic acid nanoparticles (LOR-CS/TAN NPs) demonstrated enhanced anticancer activity against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The synergistic effect of Loratadine and the nanoparticle system, particularly due to the presence of tannic acid, resulted in higher cytotoxicity compared to free Loratadine. These findings suggest that LOR-CS /TAN NPs have significant potential as a novel anti-proliferative agent for breast cancer therapy.

Background: Celecoxib, a cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, has been reported to mediate growth inhibitory effects and to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. In this study, we examined the potential effects of celecoxib on glioma cell proliferation, migration, and inhibition of COX-2 expression in vitro. Methods: Celecoxib was incorporated into poly DL-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles for antitumor drug delivery. Results: PLGA nanoparticles incorporating celecoxib had spherical shapes and their particle sizes were in the range of 50-200 nm. Drug-loading efficiency was not significantly changed according to the solvent used, except for acetone. Celecoxib was released from the PLGA nanoparticles for more than 2 days, and the higher the drug content, the longer the duration of drug release. PLGA nanoparticles incorporating celecoxib showed cytotoxicity against U87MG tumor cells similar to that of celecoxib administered alone. Furthermore, celecoxib did not affect the degree of migration of U87MG cells. PLGA nanoparticles incorporating celecoxib showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity similar to that of celecoxib alone in C6 rat glioma cells. Western blot assay of the C6 cells showed that neither celecoxib alone nor PLGA nanoparticles incorporating celecoxib affected COX-2 expression. Conclusion: PLGA nanoparticles incorporating celecoxib had antitumor activity similar to that of celecoxib alone, even though these particles did not affect the degree of migration or COX-2 expression in the tumor cells.

5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) has the potential to kill cancer cells via apoptotic or necrotic signals that are dependent on the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Celecoxib is an anti-inflammatory drug that induces intracellular ROS generation. We investigated whether the combined application of celecoxib and ALA-PDT improved the efficacy of PDT in human cholangiocarcinoma cells and in tumor bearing mice. In vitro, combined treatment of celecoxib and ALA-PDT increased phototoxicity and intracellular ROS levels after irradiation with 0.75 J/cm 2 when compared to ALA-PDT alone. Even though ROS levels increased with 0.25 J/cm 2 of irradiation, it did not influence phototoxicity. When heme oxygenase-1, a defensive protein induced by oxidative stress, was inhibited in the combined treatment group, phototoxicity was increased at both 0.25 J/cm 2 and 0.75 J/cm 2 of irradiation. We identified the combined effect of ALA-PDT and celecoxib through the increase of oxidative stress such as ROS. In vivo, about 40% tumor growth inhibition was observed with combined application of ALA-PDT and celecoxib when compared to ALA-PDT alone. The combined application of ALA-PDT and celecoxib could be an effective therapy for human cholangiocarcinoma. Moreover, use of a heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor with PDT could play an important role for management of various tumors involving oxidative stress.

Antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) has received significant interest worldwide particularly by the implementation of nanotechnology to synthesize particles in the nanometer region. Many microorganisms exist in the range from hundreds of nanometers to tens of micrometers. ZnO-NPs exhibit attractive antibacterial properties due to increased specific surface area as the reduced particle size leading to enhanced particle surface reactivity. ZnO is a bio-safe material that possesses photo-oxidizing and photocatalysis impacts on chemical and biological species. This review covered ZnO-NPs antibacterial activity including testing methods, impact of UV illumination, ZnO particle properties (size, concentration, morphology, and defects), particle surface modification, and minimum inhibitory concentration. Particular emphasize was given to bactericidal and bacteriostatic mechanisms with focus on generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), OH-(hydroxyl radicals), and O 2-2 (peroxide). ROS has been a major factor for several mechanisms including cell wall damage due to ZnO-localized interaction, enhanced membrane permeability, internalization of NPs due to loss of proton motive force and uptake of toxic dissolved zinc ions. These have led to mitochondria weakness, intracellular outflow, and release in gene expression of oxidative stress which caused eventual cell growth inhibition and cell death. In some cases, enhanced antibacterial activity can be attributed to surface defects on ZnO abrasive surface texture. One functional application of the ZnO antibacterial bioactivity was discussed in food packaging industry where ZnO-NPs are used as an antibacterial agent toward foodborne diseases. Proper incorporation of ZnO-NPs into packaging materials can cause interaction with foodborne pathogens, thereby releasing NPs onto food surface where they come in contact with bad bacteria and cause the bacterial death and/or inhibition.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of leishmaniasis that is distributed in around 100 countries. Preparing essential oil-based nanoformulations with the leishmanicidal effect is a promising strategy for the development of new drugs. In this study, the leishmanicidal effects of three essential oils of Artemisia dracunculus, Zataria multiflora, and Zingiber officinale against promastigotes of Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major were first investigated. The essential oil of A. dracunculus showed the most potent activity. After that, by adding carbomer 940, 1.5% w/v, to the prepared nanoemulsion with particle size of 7.86 ± 4 nm and particle size distribution (SPAN) of 0.96 ± 0.1, nanogel of ADEO was prepared. The leishmanicidal effect of the nanogel was significantly better than the non-formulated A. dracunculus essential oil. Interestingly, the promastigotes' viabilities at a 160 µg/mL concentration were decreased to ~ 0%. The prepared green nanoformulation could ...

We describe the current difference in reporting the performance of nanotechnology diagnostic devices between technologists and clinicians. This perspective specifies the "metrics" used to evaluate these devices and describes strategies to bridge the gap between these two communities in order to accelerate the translation from academic bench to the clinic. We use two recently published ACS Nano articles to highlight the evaluation of silicon nanowire and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy-breath diagnostic tests for patients afflicted with cancer and asthma. These studies represent some of the earliest studies of emerging nanotechnology devices utilizing clinical parameters to assess performance.

Aim: To compare the synthesis, heating capability, extent of cellular internalisation and thermoablation capacity of two types of anisotropic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs): gold nanorods (NRs) and nanoprisms (NPrs). Methods: Gold nanoprisms (NPrs) and nanorods (NRs) with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption bands in the near-infra-red (NIR) range were synthesised and their heating efficiency upon irradiation with a NIR-laser (1064 nm) was evaluated. Their cellular internalisation, location and toxicity were then assessed in the Vero cell line by TEM and ICP analysis and their ability to induce cell death upon laser irradiation was then assessed and compared. Results: poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG)-stabilised NPrs and NRs produced no cytotoxic effects and TEM studies showed that both types of nanoparticles are accumulated inside lysosomes, where NPrs displayed a far greater cellular internalisation. Although NRs possessed a more efficient heating capability during 10 min irradiation with a NIR laser, in vitro thermoablation studies clearly demonstrated that NPrs were more effective at inducing cell death. Conclusion: While both NRs and NPrs are each highly efficient heat mediators with the potential to induce cell death, the combined heating and cell internalisation properties of NPrs make them more appropriate for photothermal cell ablation studies.

The size and redox properties of molecular polyoxometalates (POMs) make them extremely relevant for bioapplications: from disrupting tumour growth and enzyme inhibition, to DNA-intercalating agents and antimicrobial applications. Their unique ability to reversibly dominate and receive electrons, coupled with their high anionic charge, also makes them suitable for the preparation of zero-valent state metal nanoparticles (NPs) from molecular precursors. Polyoxometalate-stabilised nanoparticles (NPs@POM) are therefore an ideal delivery vehicle for bioactive POMs. Here we show how POM-stabilised gold NPs (AuNPs@POM) are massively internalised into Vero (kidney epithelial) and B16 (skin melanoma) cell lines with variable cytotoxic effects. Cell viability assays and quantification of cytoplasmic membrane composition revealed that the Vero cell line was unaltered by the internalisation of these hybrid particles; while their internalisation in B16 tumour cells produced mild cytotoxic effects and an antiproliferative cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases. The observed perturbation of the tumour cell line combined with the high degree of internalisation means that these (or similar) NPs@POM could serve as candidates for a range of bioapplications in diagnostics or therapy.

La química cooperativa de los polioxometalates (POMs) y las nanopartículas metalicas (NPs) todavía sigue siendo un área de la nanociencia relativamente inexplorada, a pesar de mostrar considerable potencial y aplicación en campos tan diversos como la catálisis y la medicina.[1][2] El tamaño, forma y composición elemental de estos dos tipos de materiales juegan un papel crucial en su aplicación, ya que estas características físicas afectan drásticamente sus propiedades físico-químicas y ópticas.[3] Aquí mostramos cómo se puede utilizar los POM para controlar la nucleación de las NPs [4] y también direccionar la formación de complejos supramoleculares.[5] Aquí hablaremos de estudios preliminares sobre la citotoxicidad de estos nanohíbridos como agentes antibacterianos y fototérmicos.

Aim: This work compares the synthesis, heating capability, cellular internalization and thermoablation capacity of two different types of anisotropic gold nanoparticles: gold nanorods (NRs) and nanoprisms (NPrs). Methods: Both particles possess surface plasmon resonance absorption bands in the near-IR, and their heating efficiency upon irradiation with a continuous near-IR laser (1064 nm) was evaluated. The cellular internalization, location and toxicity of these PEG-stabilized NPrs and NRs were then assessed in the Vero cell line by transmission electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis, and their ability to induce cell death upon laser irradiation was then evaluated and compared. Results & conclusion: Although both nanoparticles are highly efficient photothermal converters, NRs possessed a more efficient heating capability, yet the in vitro thermoablation studies clearly demonstrated that NPrs were more effective at inducing cell death through p...

Nanoparticles are a game-changing innovation in cancer therapy and drug delivery. Their ability to enhance drug targeting, overcome biological barriers, and minimize side effects makes them a cornerstone of modern oncology. The challenge lies in effectively distinguishing cancer cells from their regular counterparts in cancer therapy. Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative solution, addressing this challenge through precise treatment modalities. This chapter delves into the pivotal role of Nanoparticles (NPs) in cancer therapy, primarily focusing on their significance in the drug delivery process. Overcoming the hurdles posed by conventional treatments, the genomic instability of tumors contributes to the variability among cancers, resulting in chemoresistance that challenges therapeutic success. A pioneering deep learning approach coupled with NPs has been proposed to tackle these issues, outshining previous methodologies by delivering drugs with accurate precision to targe...

The present article is not aimed at extensively reviewing the literature on lipid nanoparticles, already described in monographs of recent redaction, but will provide a compilation of in vivo evidences supporting their potentiality in overcoming the blood-brain barrier problem. The advantages of using lipid over polymer carriers will be also discussed.

Colon cancer is one of the major causes of death in the Western world. Early detection significantly improves long-term survival for patients with colon cancer. Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanoparticles are promising candidates for use as contrast agents for tumor detection. Using NIR offers several advantages for bioimaging compared with fluorescence in the visible spectrum: lower autofluorescence of biological tissues and lower absorbance and, consequently, deeper penetration into biomatrices. The present study describes the preparation of new NIR fluorescent proteinoid-poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanoparticles. For this purpose, a P(EF-PLLA) random copolymer was prepared by thermal copolymerization of L-glutamic acid (E) with L-phenylalanine (F) and PLLA. Under suitable conditions, this proteinoid-PLLA copolymer can self-assemble to nanosized hollow particles of relatively narrow size distribution. This self-assembly process was used for encapsulation of the NIR dye indocyanine green. The encapsulation process increases significantly the photostability of the dye. These NIR fluorescent nanoparticles were found to be stable and nontoxic. Leakage of the NIR dye from these nanoparticles into phosphate-buffered saline containing 4% human serum albumin was not detected. Tumor-targeting ligands such as peanut agglutinin and anticarcinoembryonic antigen antibodies were covalently conjugated to the surface of the NIR fluorescent P(EF-PLLA) nanoparticles, thereby increasing the fluorescent signal of tumors with upregulated corresponding receptors. Specific colon tumor detection by the NIR fluorescent P(EF-PLLA) nanoparticles was demonstrated in a chicken embryo model. In future work, we plan to extend this study to a mouse model, as well as to encapsulate a cancer drug such as doxorubicin within these nanoparticles for therapeutic applications.

Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is a novel approach for delivering drugs directly into brain tumors by intracranial infusion, enabling the distribution of high drug concentrations over large tissue volumes. This study was designed to present a method for binding methotrexate (MTX) to unique crystalline, highly ordered and superparamagnetic maghemite nanoparticles via human serum albumin (HSA) coating, optimized for CED treatments of gliomas. Naked nanoparticles and HSA-or polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated nanoparticles with/without MTX were studied. In vitro results showed no toxicity and a similar cell-kill efficacy of the MTX-loaded particles via HSA coating to that of free MTX, while MTX-loaded particles via PEG coating showed low efficacy. In vivo, the PEG-coated nanoparticles provided the largest distributions in normal rat brain and long clearance times, but due to their low efficacy in vitro, were not considered optimal. The naked nanoparticles provided the smallest distributions and shortest clearance times. The HSA-coated nanoparticles (with/without MTX) provided good distributions and long clearance times (nearly 50% of the distribution volume remained in the brain 3 weeks post treatment). No MTX-related toxicity was noted. These results suggest that the formulation in which HSA was bound to our nanoparticles via a unique precipitation method, and MTX was bound covalently to the HSA, could enable efficient and stable drug loading with no apparent toxicity. The cell-kill efficacy of the bound MTX remained similar to that of free MTX, and the nanoparticles presented efficient distribution volumes and slow clearance times in vivo, suggesting that these particles are optimal for CED.

The highly compartmentalized anatomy of the ear aggravates drug delivery, which is used to combat hearing-related diseases. Novel nanosized drug vehicles are thought to overcome the limitations of classic approaches. In this article, we summarize the nanotechnology-based efforts involving nano-objects, such as liposomes, polymersomes, lipidic nanocapsules and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles, as well as nanocoatings of implants to provide an efficient means for drug transfer in the ear. Modern strategies do not only enhance drug delivery efficiency, in the inner ear these vector systems also aim for specific uptake into hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. These novel peptide-mediated strategies for specific delivery are reviewed in this article. Finally, the biosafety of these vector systems is still an outstanding issue, since long-term application to the ear has not yet been assessed.

Negatively charged functional organic molecules such as retinoic acid, ascorbic acid, indole acetic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid, acidic dye (indigo carmine, Food Blue 1) are intercalatively encapsulated by zinc basic salt (hydrozincite) and layered double hydroxide. Such functional organic-inorganic nanohybrids are realized via coprecipitation reaction involving simultaneous formation of layered inorganic lattice and intercalation of anionic species. The heterostructural nature of these nanohybrids, their particle morphology and textural characterizations are mainly discussed on the basis of Powder X-ray Diffraction and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy results.

Nanopharmaceuticals containing quantum dot nanoparticles (Q-Dot NPs) for treating serious cancers such as breast cancer have made fantastic proposals. In this study, ZnO quantum dot NPs are formulated via ZnO@PVP nanopolymer as co-assistants coordinating with efficacious suitable wetting agents, PEG-binding compound, and W/O emulsifier for producing eco-friendly water-based nanodrug. Several characterization techniques containing SEM, TEM, FTIR, photoluminescence, zeta potential, and UV-Vis absorption were employed for ZnO Q-Dot NPs in nanodrug. This work aims to investigate the anti-tumor effects of such nanomedicine on the 4T1 breast cancer cell line in BALB/c mice, being elaborated through intraperitoneal, injection (IVP) and oral therapy. The impressive findings showed that ZnO nanodrug caused changes in blood factors, having the most effectiveness at 40 µg/ml concentration after two weeks of oral treatments. The significant increase in white blood cells (WBC) neutrophils and meaningful decreases in lymphocytes and especially cholesterol were powerful simultaneous impacts, successfully treating malignant breast cancer masses. In this significant animal model research for breast cancer, the sick mice recovered entirely and even had a safe space to mate. Histopathological results showed no evidence of breast tumor How to cite this paper:

To assist intravenously administered anticancer agents in achieving proper circulation times and tumor concentrations, and to thereby improve the balance between their efficacy and their toxicity, a large number of drug delivery systems have been designed and evaluated over the years. Clinically relevant examples of such nanometer-sized carrier materials are liposomes, polymers, micelles and antibodies. In the vast majority of cases, however, and especially in patients, nanomedicine formulations are only able to attenuate the toxicity of the conjugated or entrapped chemotherapeutic drug, and they generally fail to improve the efficacy of the intervention. To overcome this shortcoming, and to broaden the clinical applicability of tumor-targeted nanomedicines, in the past 5 years we have developed several concepts for using N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA)-based polymer therapeutics to enhance the efficacy of combined modality anticancer therapy. Regarding surgery, HPMA copoly...

Nowadays there is an imperative demand to build up reliable, sustainable, and ecofriendly protocols for manufacturing a large collection of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. The green synthesis of those nanomaterials has gained considerable attention as a promising tool to obstruct the harmful effects of nanoparticles resulting from conservative synthesis approach. Plant extracts in particular have been extensively utilized for the preparation of metal nanoparticles with the aid of essential phytochemicals in plant extracts. This short review describes the importance of plants as green sources for synthesis of metal nanoparticles.

1 Department of Physics, University of Lucknow, UP226007, India [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] 2 Department of Physics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP 221005, India [email protected]; [email protected] Correspondence: Ayushi, Fanindra, Pankaj, Rajiv, Shri Abstract There are numerous challenges involved in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Globally, majority of people suffers from cancerous disease involving throat cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, cancerous brain tumor. Among these the most common ones is the lung cancer or lung carcinoma. The leading cause of the lung cancer is the smoking. Around 80% to 90% of deaths are caused due to Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The inadequate diagnostic techniques and low chances for the survival of lung cancer patients results from the lack of an early prognosis and incompetency in traditional therapies. However, such challenges involved in the prognosis and...

Introduction: Positron emission tomography (PET) tracers has the potential to revolutionize cancer imaging and diagnosis. PET tracers offer non-invasive quantitative imaging in biotechnology and biomedical applications, but it requires radioisotopes as radioactive imaging tracers or radiopharmaceuticals. Method: This paper reports the synthesis of 18 F-nGO-PEG by covalently functionalizing PEG with nano-graphene oxide, and its excellent stability in physiological solutions. Using a green synthesis route, nGO is then functionalized with a biocompatible PEG polymer to acquire high stability in PBS and DMEM. Results and discussion: The radiochemical safety of 18 F-nGO-PEG was measured by a reactive oxygen species and cell viability test. The biodistribution of 18 F-nGO-PEG could be observed easily by PET, which suggested the significantly high sensitivity tumor uptake of 18 F-nGO-PEG and in a tumor bearing CT-26 mouse compared to the control. 18 F-nGO-PEG was applied successfully as an efficient radiotracer or drug agent in vivo using PET imaging. This article is expected to assist many researchers in the fabrication of 18 F-labeled graphene-based bio-conjugates with high reproducibility for applications in the biomedicine field.

In recent years, progress in nanotechnology provided new tools to treat cancer more effectively. Advances in biomaterials tailored for drug delivery have the potential to overcome the limited selectivity and side effects frequently associated with traditional therapeutic agents. While autophagy is pivotal in determining cell fate and adaptation to different challenges, and despite the fact that it is frequently dysregulated in cancer, antitumor therapeutic strategies leveraging on or targeting this process are scarce. This is due to many reasons, including the very contextual effects of autophagy in cancer, low bioavailability and non-targeted delivery of existing autophagy modulatory compounds. Conjugating the versatile characteristics of nanoparticles with autophagy modulators may render these drugs safer and more effective for cancer treatment. Here, we review current standing questions on the biology of autophagy in tumor progression, and precursory studies and the state-of-the-...

Plasmonic materials as non-invasive and selective treatment strategies are gaining increasing attention in the healthcare sector due to their remarkable optical and electronic properties, where the interface between matter and light becomes enhanced and highly localized. Some attractive applications of plasmonic materials in healthcare include drug delivery to target specific tissues or cells, hence reducing the side effects of the drug and improving their efficacy; enhancing the contrast and resolution in bioimaging; and selectively heating and destroying the cancerous cells while parting the healthy cells. Despite such advancements in photothermal therapy for cancer treatment, some limitations are still challenging. These include poor photothermal conversion efficiency, heat resistance, less accumulation in the tumor microenvironment, poor biosafety of photothermal agents, damage to the surrounding healthy tissues, post-treatment inflammatory responses, etc. Even though the clinical application of photothermal therapy is primarily restricted due to poor tissue penetration of excitation light, enzyme therapy is hindered due to less therapeutic efficacy. Several multimodal strategies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy were developed to circumvent these side effects associated with plasmonic photothermal agents for effective mild-temperature photothermal therapy. It can be prophesied that the nanohybrid platform could pave the way for developing cutting-edge multifunctional precise nanomedicine via an ecologically sustainable approach towards cancer therapy. In the present review, we have highlighted the significant challenges of photothermal therapy from the laboratory to the clinical setting and their struggle to get approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Despite being a conceptually appealing alternative to conventional antibiotics, a major challenge toward the successful implementation of antisense treatments for bacterial infections is the development of efficient oligonucleotide delivery systems. Cationic vesicles (bolasomes) composed of dequalinium chloride ("DQAsomes") have been used to deliver plasmid DNA across the cardiolipin-rich inner membrane of mitochondria. As cardiolipin is also a component of many bacterial membranes, we investigated the application of cationic bolasomes to bacteria as an oligonucleotide delivery system. Antisense sequences designed in silico to target the expression of essential genes of the bacterial pathogen, Clostridium difficile, were synthesized as 2′-O-methyl phosphorothioate gapmer antisense oligonucleotides (ASO). These antisense gapmers were quantitatively assessed for their ability to block mRNA translation using luciferase reporter and C. difficile protein expression plasmid constructs in a coupled transcription-translation system. Cationic bolaamphiphile compounds (dequalinium derivatives) of varying alkyl chain length were synthesized and bolasomes were prepared via probe sonication of an aqueous suspension. Bolasomes were characterized by particle size distribution, zeta potential, and binding capacities for anionic oligonucleotide. Bolasomes and antisense gapmers were combined to form antisense nanocomplexes. Anaerobic C. difficile log phase cultures were treated with serial doses of gapmer nanocomplexes or equivalent amounts of empty bolasomes for 24 hours. Antisense gapmers for four gene targets achieved nanomolar minimum inhibitory concentrations for C. difficile, with the lowest values observed for oligonucleotides targeting polymerase genes rpoB and dnaE. No inhibition of bacterial growth was observed from treatments at matched dosages of scrambled gapmer nanocomplexes or plain, oligonucleotide-free bolasomes compared to untreated control cultures. We describe the novel application of cationic bolasomes to deliver ASOs into bacteria. We also report the first successful in vitro antisense treatment to inhibit the growth of C. difficile.

Several key attributes of zebrafish make them an ideal model system for the discovery and development of regeneration promoting therapeutics; most notably their robust capacity for self-repair which extends to the central nervous system. Further, by enabling large-scale drug discovery directly in living vertebrate disease models, zebrafish circumvent critical bottlenecks which have driven drug development costs up. This review summarizes currently available zebrafish phenotypic screening platforms, HTS-ready neurodegenerative disease modeling strategies, zebrafish small molecule screens which have succeeded in identifying regeneration promoting compounds and explores how intravital imaging in zebrafish can facilitate comprehensive analysis of nanocarrier biodistribution and pharmacokinetics. Finally, we discuss the benefits and challenges attending the combination of zebrafish and nanoparticle-based drug optimization, highlighting inspiring proof-of-concept studies and looking toward implementation across the drug development community.

Objective(s): The present investigation dealt with the biological production of manganese nanoparticles using Aegle marmelos fruit and assessing the antioxidant and antibiofilm activities. Methods: The nanoparticles were produced using the fruit extract of Aegle marmelos as the reducing agent with potassium permanganate as the substrate. Manganese nanoparticles synthesized were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and X Ray Diffractometry. Antibiofilm and antioxidant activities of the nanoparticles were assessed by DPPH and crystal violet staining methods respectively and were statistically analysed using SPSS software. Results: The characterisation study reported that the average crystallite size of the formed nanoparticle was 23.7nm. The results indicated that biofilms of gram positive and gram negative bacteria were inhibited at 80 and 100 μg of nanoparticles/ml respectively showing more activity against gram positive bacterial bi...

In the present study, we developed a self-assembled biodegradable polyglutamic acid (PGA)-based formulation of amphotericin B (AmB) and evaluated its in vitro antifungal potential against Candida albicans. The AmB-loaded PGA nanoparticles were prepared in-house and had a mean size dimension of around 98±2 nm with a zeta potential of-35.2±7.3 mV. Spectroscopic studies revealed that the drug predominantly acquires an aggregated form inside the formulation with an aggregation ratio above 2. The PGA-based AmB formulation was shown to be highly stable in phosphate-buffered saline as well as in serum (only 10%-20% of the drug was released after 10 days). The AmB−PGA nanoparticles were less toxic to red blood cells (15% lysis at an AmB concentration of 100 µg/mL after 24 hours) when compared with Fungizone ® , a commercial antifungal product. An MTT assay showed that the viability of mammalian cells (KB and RAW 264.7) was negligibly affected at AmB concentrations as high as 200 µg/mL. Histopathological examination of mouse kidney revealed no signs of tissue necrosis. The AmB−PGA formulation showed potent antimicrobial activity similar to that of Fungizone against C. albicans. Interestingly, AmB-bearing PGA nanoparticles were found to inhibit biofilm formation to a considerable extent. In summary, AmB−PGA nanoparticles showed highly attenuated toxicity when compared with Fungizone, while retaining equivalent active antifungal properties. This study indicates that the AmB−PGA preparation could be a promising treatment for various fungal infections.

Background: Nanomaterials are considered to be the pre-eminent component of the rapidly advancing field of nanotechnology. However, developments in the biologically inspired synthesis of nanoparticles are still in their infancy and consequently attracting the attention of material scientists throughout the world. Keeping in mind the fact that microorganism-assisted synthesis of nanoparticles is a safe and economically viable prospect, in the current study we report Candida albicans-mediated biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles. Methods and results: Transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and various spectrophotometric analyses were performed to characterize the gold nanoparticles. The morphology of the synthesized gold particles depended on the abundance of C. albicans cytosolic extract. Transmission electron microscopy, nanophox particle analysis, and atomic force microscopy revealed the size of spherical gold nanoparticles to be in the range of 20-40 nm and nonspherical gold particles were found to be 60-80 nm. We also evaluated the potential of biogenic gold nanoparticles to probe liver cancer cells by conjugating them with liver cancer cell surface-specific antibodies. The antibody-conjugated gold particles were found to bind specifically to the surface antigens of the cancer cells. Conclusion: The antibody-conjugated gold particles synthesized in this study could successfully differentiate normal cell populations from cancerous cells.

Background and Objective: Cancer cells accumulate high concentrations of reactive oxygen species as a result of their faster and uninhibited metabolic activity. Cancer chemotherapeutic agents release an excess of severe adverse reactions as a result of targeting normal cells. This demands an improvement in targeted drug-delivery systems to selectively discharge anticancer drugs in the vicinity of such highly metabolically and mitotically active cells. Materials and Methods: Here, magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by a traditional co-precipitation technique. Fe 3 O

Nanotechnology has achieved the status as one of the critical research endeavors of the early 21st century. Nanoscale devices and components are smaller than human cells (10,000 – 20,000 nm in diameter) & organelles and similar in size to large biological macromolecules such as enzyme & receptors – Hb for e.g., is approx 5 nm in diameter. While the lipid bilayer surrounding the cells are on the order of 6 nm thick. Nanoscale devices are smaller than 50 nm can easily enter most cells, while those smaller than 20 nm can transit out of blood vessels. Therefore, the size of the Nanoscale devices allows them to interact readily with biomolecules on the cell surface and within the cell, often in ways that do not alter the behavior and biochemical properties of those molecules. Such ready access to the interior of a living cell affords the opportunity for unprecedented gains on the clinical and basic frontiers. Nanotechnology research is generating a variety of constructs giving cancer res...

In both men and women around the world, lung cancer accounts as the principal cause of cancer-related death after breast cancer. Therefore, early detection of the disease is a cardinal step in improving prognosis and survival of patients. Today, the newly-defined microRNAs regulate about 30 to 60 percent of the gene expression. Changes in microRNA Profiles are linked to numerous health conditions, making them sophisticated biomarkers for timely, if not early, detection of cancer. Though evaluation of microRNAs in real samples has proved to be rather challenging, which is largely attributable to the unique characteristics of these molecules. Short length, sequence similarity, and low concentration stand among the factors that define microRNAs. Recently, diagnostic technologies with a focus on wide-scale point of care have recently garnered attention as great candidates for early diagnosis of cancer. Electrochemical nano-biosensors have recently garnered much attention as a molecular ...

The present study investigates the interaction of citrate stabilized gold nanoparticles (12±1.5nm) (GNPs) with free radicals; 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) stable and electrochemically generated superoxide, O2(-). Different experiments were designed to understand the interaction between GNPs and DPPH by employing cyclic voltammetry, UV-vis spectroscopy and computational chemistry using 6-311G basis set. The increase in heterogeneous rate constant, ksh, of DPPH upon addition of GNPs pointed towards possible complex formation, DPPH-GNPs which were further explained by a model assuming surface adsorption of DPPH on GNPs. Further, the model was validated by studying interaction of GNPs with a biologically important free radical, O2(-). Exciting result in terms of disappearance of anodic peak after GNPs addition confirmed that gold nanoparticles interacted with stable as well as unstable free radicals. Also, the stoichiometry of the most stable complex GNP-DPPH was determined from...

Recent reports indicate that the value of medical therapy market of nucleic acids will soon exceed US$210 billion. This figure shows the potential of these medicines for treating different diseases such as cancer, arthritis, rheumatoid, and cardiovascular disorders. A report under the title "medical therapy based on nucleic acid: the world market and its usage" categorized medical therapy based on nucleic acid into six categories and as the most important and popular medicines in the future. These six categories are antisense, intervening ribonucleic, gene therapy, nucleoside analogues, ribosomes, and aptamers. The term "aptamer" is from Latin root "aptus" for "fit." The single strand oligonucleotides are made of RNA and DNA and usually reach the length of 20-100 nucleotide with a unique 3D structure. The structure is affected by the sequence, which also exclusively affects how aptamer is bound to its target molecules (e.g. protein with positive and negative loads, lipids, polysaccharides, antibodies, ions, viruses, tissues, cell, and small organs) at macro and micro scales [1-4]. Aptamers might play a role in blocking protein-protein reactions as receptor agonist, diagnosing markers, or carrier of other materials to the cell [2]. High accuracy of aptamers enables them to detect proteins among few

One of the most exciting fields of current research is nanomedicine, but its definition and landscape remains elusive due to its continuous expansion in all directions and thus constantly eroding its boundaries and defying definitions. This lack of conceptual framework and confusing definitions was a hurdle for policy makers to enunciate credible goals and allocate resources for the advancement of the field. In this mini review, we have provided a broad framework of nanomedicine which defines its elusive landscape, and we hope this framework will accommodate its explosive growth in the future. Also, we have highlighted the role and scope of atomic force microscopy techniques in the advancement of nanomedicine. For improving health care of all that eventually would require successful intervention at fundamental biological processes, the importance of understanding the structure-function relationship of biomolecules cannot be over emphasized. In this context, AFM and its variants play a pivotal role in contributing towards the nanomedicine knowledge-base that is required for fruitful developments in nano-diagnostics and nano-therapeutics.