Nanomaterials for cancer therapy and imaging

Recent Advances in Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Magnetic Plasmonic Particles for Bioapplications

The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique, that uses magnetic plasmonic particles (MPPs), is an advanced SERS detection platform owing to the synergetic effects of the particles’ magnetic and plasmonic properties. As well as being an ultrasensitive and reliable SERS material, MPPs perform various functions, such as aiding in separation, drug delivery, and acting as a therapeutic material. This literature discusses the structure and multifunctionality of MPPs, which has enabled the novel application of MPPs to various biological fields.

Electromagnetically Stimuli-Responsive Nanoparticles-Based Systems for Biomedical Applications: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Nanoparticles (NPs) in the biomedical field are known for many decades as carriers for drugs that are used to overcome biological barriers and reduce drug doses to be administrated. Some types of NPs can interact with external stimuli, such as electromagnetic radiations, promoting interesting effects (e.g., hyperthermia) or even modifying the interactions between electromagnetic field and the biological system (e.g., electroporation). For these reasons, at present these nanomaterial applications are intensively studied, especially for drugs that manifest relevant side effects, for which it is necessary to find alternatives in order to reduce the effective dose. In this review, the main electromagnetic-induced effects are deeply analyzed, with a particular focus on the activation of hyperthermia and electroporation phenomena, showing the enhanced biological performance resulting from an engineered/tailored design of the nanoparticle characteristics. Moreover, the possibility of integrating these nanofillers in polymeric matrices (e.g., electrospun membranes) is described and discussed in light of promising applications resulting from new transdermal drug delivery systems with controllable morphology and release kinetics controlled by a suitable stimulation of the interacting systems (nanofiller and interacting cells).

Review of the Mechanism of Nanocarriers and Technological Developments in the Field of Nanoparticles for Applications in Cancer Theragnostics

Cancer cannot be controlled by the usage of drugs alone, and thus, nanotechnology is an important technique that can provide the drug with an impetus to act more effectively. There is adequate availability of anticancer drugs that are classified as alkylating agents, hormones, or antimetabolites. Nanoparticle (NP) carriers increase the residence time of the drug, thereby enhancing the survival rate of the drug, which otherwise gets washed off owing to the small size of the drug particles by the excretory system. For example, for enhancing the circulation, a coating of nonfouling polymers like PEG and dextran is done. Famous drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX) are commonly encapsulated inside the nanocomposite. The various classes of nanoparticles are used to enhance drug delivery by aiding it to fight against the tumor. Targeted therapy aims to attack the cells with features common to the cancer cells while minimizing damage to the normal cell, and these therapies work in one in four ways. Some block the cancer cells from reproducing newer cells, others release toxic substances to kill the cancer cells, some stimulate the immune system to destroy the cancer cells, and some block the growth of more blood vessels around cancer cells, which starve the cells of the nutrients, which is needed for their growth. This review aims to testify the advancements nanotechnology has brought in cancer therapy, and its statements are supported with recent research findings and clinical trial results.

Synthesis and physicochemical evaluation of fluorinated lipopeptide precursors of ligands for microbubble targeting

Ligand-targeted microbubbles are focusing interest for molecular imaging and delivery of chemotherapeutics. Lipid-peptide conjugates (lipopeptides) that feature alternating serine-glycine (SG) n segments rather than classical poly(oxyethylene) linkers between the lipid polar head and a targeting ligand were proposed for the liposome-mediated, selective delivery of anticancer drugs. Here, we report the synthesis of perfluoroalkylated lipopeptides (F-lipopeptides) bearing two hydrophobic chains (C n F2 n +1, n = 6, 7, 8, 1-3) grafted through a lysine moiety on a hydrophilic chain composed of a lysine-serine-serine (KSS) sequence followed by 5 SG sequences. These F-lipopeptides are precursors of targeting lipopeptide conjugates. A hydrocarbon counterpart with a C10H21 chain (4) was synthesized for comparison. The capacity for the F-lipopeptides to spontaneously adsorb at the air/water interface and form monolayers when combined with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) was investigated. The F-lipopeptides 1-3 demonstrated a markedly enhanced tendency to form monolayers at the air/water interface, with equilibrium surface pressures reaching ≈7-10 mN m-1 versus less than 1 mN m-1 only for their hydrocarbon analog 4. The F-lipopeptides penetrate in the DPPC monolayers in both liquid expanded (LE) and liquid condensed (LC) phases without interfacial film destabilization. By contrast, 4 provokes delipidation of the interfacial film. The incorporation of the F-lipopeptides 1-3 in microbubbles with a shell of DPPC and dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine-PEG2000 decreased their mean diameter and increased their stability, the best results being obtained for the C8F17-bearing lipopeptide 3. By contrast, the hydrocarbon lipopeptide led to microbubbles with a larger mean diameter and a significantly lower stability.

Ultrasound-triggered delivery of paclitaxel encapsulated in an emulsion at low acoustic pressures

We investigated the in vitro ultrasound-triggered delivery of paclitaxel, a well known anti-cancerous drug, encapsulated in an emulsion and in the presence of CT26 tumor cells. The emulsion was made of nanodroplets, whose volume comprised 95% perfluoro-octyl bromide and 5% tributyl O-acetylcitrate, in which paclitaxel was solubilized. These nanodroplets, prepared using a high-pressure microfluidizer, were stabilized by a tailor-made and recently patented biocompatible fluorinated surfactant. The delivery investigations were performed at 37 °C using a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer at a frequency of 1.1 MHz. The ultrasonic pulse was made of 275 sinusoidal periods and the pulse repetition frequency was 200 Hz with a duty cycle of 5%. The measured viabilities of CT26 cells showed that paclitaxel delivery was achievable for peak-to-peak pressures of 0.4 and 3.5 MPa, without having to vaporize the perfluorocarbon part of the droplet or to induce inertial cavitation.

Review on the advancements of magnetic gels: towards multifunctional magnetic liposome-hydrogel composites for biomedical applications

Magnetic gels have been gaining great attention in nanomedicine, as they combine features of hydrogels and magnetic nanoparticles into a single system. The incorporation of liposomes in magnetic gels further leads to a more robust multifunctional system enabling more functions and spatiotemporal control required for biomedical applications, which includes on-demand drug release. In this review, magnetic gels components are initially introduced, as well as an overview of advancements on the development, tuneability, manipulation and application of these materials. After a discussion of the advantages of combining hydrogels with liposomes, the properties, fabrication strategies and applications of magnetic liposome-hydrogel composites (magnetic lipogels or magnetolipogels) are reviewed. Overall, the progress of magnetic gels towards smart multifunctional materials are emphasized, considering the contributions for future developments.

Recent advances in breast cancer immunotherapy: The promising impact of nanomedicines

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the prevalent cancers among women. Generally, the treatment of BC is mostly based on several prominent strategies, including chemotherapy, surgery, endocrine therapy, molecular targeted therapy, and radiation. Owing to the growing knowledge about the complexity of BC pathobiology, immunotherapy as a promising treatment modality has substantially improved the patients' care in the clinic. Immunotherapy is used to harness the patient's immune system to recognize and battle devious cancer cells. As a novel therapy approach, this emerging strategy targets the key molecular entities of tumor tissue. To achieve maximal therapeutic impacts, the dynamic interplay between cancer and immune cells needs to be fully comprehended. The key molecular machinery of solid tumors can be targeted by nanoscale immunomedicines. While discussing the potential biomarkers involved in the initiation and progression of BC, we aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the immunotherapy and articulate the recent advances in terms of the therapeutic strategies used to control this disease, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor T cells therapy, and nanomedicines.

Laser activatable perfluorocarbon bubbles for imaging and therapy through enhanced absorption from coupled silica coated gold nanoparticles

Nanoparticles have extensively been used for cancer therapy and imaging (i.e., theranostics) using various imaging modalities. Due to their physical and chemical properties (e.g., absorption, fluorescence, and magnetic properties) they have been used for image guided therapy for cancer treatment monitoring. There are various limitations that make many theranostic agents unable to be used for the extended periods of time required for enhancing theranostic capabilities. Some of these are due to inherent characteristics (e.g., change and/or breakdown of structure) present upon continuous irradiation and others are due to environmental (i.e., physiological) conditions that can lead to physical instability (i.e., in terms of size) affecting the amount of particles that can accumulate at the target site and the overall contrast that can be achieved. In this study, perfluorohexane (PFH) nanoemulsions (NEs) were synthesized with silica coated gold nanoparticles (PFH-NEs-scAuNPs) in order to give both stable and enhanced signals for cancer imaging by increasing vaporization of the emulsions into bubbles through the process of optical droplet vaporization (ODV). The resulting perfluorohexane bubbles could be imaged using nonlinear ultrasound (NL US) which significantly increases the signal to noise ratio due to the nonlinear scattering properties of oscillating bubbles. The NL US signals from PFH bubbles were found to be more stable compared to conventional bubbles used for contrast imaging. In addition, the vaporization of PFH NEs into bubbles was shown to cause significant cancer cell death reflecting the theranostic capabilities of the formed PFH bubbles. Since cell death is initiated with laser excitation of PFH-NEs-scAuNPs, these nanoparticles can specifically target cancer cells once they have accumulated at the tumor region. Due to the type of theranostic agent and imaging modality used, the PFH-NEs-scAuNPs can be used to provide higher specificity compared to other agents for locating the tumor region by minimizing tissue specific signals while at the same time being used to treat cancer.

PFH-NEs from PFH-NEs-scAuNPs can vaporize upon laser excitation leading to formation of PFH bubbles that can be used for contrast enhanced US imaging and therapy.

Acid-Activatable Transmorphic Peptide-Based Nanomaterials for Photodynamic Therapy

Inspired by the dynamic morphology control of molecular assemblies in biological systems, we have developed pH-responsive transformable peptide-based nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy (PDT) with prolonged tumor retention times. The self-assembled peptide-porphyrin nanoparticles transformed into nanofibers when exposed to the acidic tumor microenvironment, which was mainly driven by enhanced intermolecular hydrogen bond formation between the protonated molecules. The nanoparticle transformation into fibrils improved their singlet oxygen generation ability and enabled high accumulation and long-term retention at tumor sites. Strong fluorescent signals of these nanomaterials were detected in tumor tissue up to 7 days after administration. Moreover, the peptide assemblies exhibited excellent anti-tumor efficacy via PDT in vivo. This in situ fibrillar transformation strategy could be utilized to design effective stimuli-responsive biomaterials for long-term imaging and therapy.

Thermoresponsive polymer gated and superparamagnetic nanoparticle embedded hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles as smart multifunctional nanocarrier for targeted and controlled delivery of doxorubicin

The design and development of drug-delivery nanocarriers with high loading capacity, excellent biocompatibility, targeting ability and controllability have been the ultimate goal of the biomedical research community. In this work, we have reported the synthesis and characterization of novel and smart thermoresponsive polymer coated and Fe₃O₄ embedded hollow mesoporous silica (HmSiO₂) based multifunctional superparamagnetic nanocarriers for the delivery of doxorubicin (Dox) for cancer treatment. P(NIPAM-MAm) coated and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle (NP) embedded hollow mesoporous silica nanocomposite (HmSiO₂-F-P(NIPAM-MAm)) was prepared by the in situ polymerization of NIPAM and MAm monomers on the surface of hollow mesoporous silica NPs (HmSiO₂) in the presence of Fe₃O₄ NPs, oxidizer and crosslinker. TEM analysis showed nearly spherical morphology of HmSiO₂-F-P(NIPAM-MAm) nanocarrier with a diameter in the range of 100-300 nm. The coating of P(NIPAM-MAm) layer and embedding of Fe₃O₄ NPs on the surface of the HmSiO₂ NPs was revealed by HRTEM analysis. XRD and FTIR analysis also confirmed the presence of P(NIPAM-MAm) shells and Fe₃O₄ NPs on hollow mesoporous silica NPs. VSM analysis suggested the superparamagnetic nature of HmSiO₂-F-P(NIPAM-MAm) nanocarrier. DSC analysis of HmSiO₂-F-P(NIPAM-MAm) nanocarrier showed a phase transition at the temperature of ∼38 °C. The prepared HmSiO₂-F-P(NIPAM-MAm) nanocarrier was investigated for its suitability for drug-delivery application using doxorubicin as the model drug by an in vitro method. The encapsulation efficiency and encapsulation capacity were found to be 95% and 6.8%, respectively. HmSiO₂-F-P(NIPAM-MAm)-Dox has shown a pH and temperature-dependent Dox release profile. A relatively faster release of Dox from the nanocarrier was observed at temperature above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) than below the LCST. HmSiO₂-F-P(NIPAM-MAm) nanocarrier was found to be biocompatible in nature. In vitro cytotoxicity studies against Hela cells suggested that the HmSiO₂-F-P(NIPAM-MAm)-Dox nanocomposite nanocarrier has good anticancer activity. In vitro cellular uptake study of HmSiO₂-F-P(NIPAM-MAm)-Dox nanocomposite nanocarrier demonstrated its good internalisation ability into Hela cells. Thus, the prepared nanocomposites show potential as nanocarrier for targeted and controlled drug delivery for cancer treatment.

Copper-64 labeled nanoparticles for positron emission tomography imaging: a review of the recent literature

INTRODUCTION

Nuclear medicine plays a crucial role for personalized therapy, mainly in oncology. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy present some disadvantages and research is shifting toward nanotechnology with significant improvements in therapy and diagnosis of several cancers. Indeed, nanoparticles can be tagged with different radioisotopes for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and for therapy. This review describes the current state of the art of ⁶⁴Copper-labeled nanoparticles for PET imaging of cancer.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a systematic analysis of literature using the terms "64CuCl<inf>2</inf>," "64Cu," "Copper" AND "nanoparticle" AND "PET" in online databases: i.e. PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus. The search was limited to English papers and original articles. We excluded articles not in English language, abstracts, case reports, review articles and meeting presentations.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Amongst the 116 articles retrieved, 88 were excluded because reviews, or not in English, or only in-vitro studies or meeting presentations. We considered only 28 original papers. The most used nanoparticles are liposomes and they are mainly used in breast cancer although other animal models of cancer have been also investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that nanoparticles can be considered a promising radiopharmaceutical for PET imaging of different type of cancer.

Unraveling the role of β1 integrin isoforms in cRGD-mediated uptake of nanoparticles bearing hydrophilized alkyne moieties in epithelial and endothelial cells

The uptake and trafficking of NPs is impacted by several attributes such as size, shape, surface charge and importantly by surface ligands that can interact with the cell plasma membrane. We envision that NPs which can be readily modified in aqueous environments will be key to engineering patient-specific nanotherapeutics. Towards such systems that can be functionalized "on demand" in aqueous environments, an α-ω epoxy ester monomer that bears an alkyne group at the end of an oligoethylene glycol moiety was designed and synthesized. Copolymerization of this monomer with ε-caprolactone yielded polymers that present hydrophilized alkyne groups along the backbone. This enabled the direct modification of the surface of NPs, as suspensions in aqueous phase, with cell interaction peptides such cyclic-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (cRGD) using the "click reaction". Uptake of cRGD modified NPs (cRGD-NPs) in human endothelial and tumor epithelial cells revealed that cRGD surprisingly diminished uptake in both tumor epithelial and microvascular endothelial cells by 40-50 percent in comparison to unmodified particles. Probing the mechanism of uptake revealed that the expression pattern of two isoforms of β₁ integrin impacted the uptake of cRGD-NPs differently. While the expression of high molecular weight 140 kDa form of the β₁ integrin enhanced NP uptake, the expression of low molecular 120 kDa form had an inhibitory effect. Furthermore, although, the expression of β₃ integrin was enhanced in endothelial cells and breast cancer epithelial cells, no correlation between β₃ integrin and NP uptake was observed. Additionally, in presence of clathrin and caveolae pathway inhibitors the uptake of cRGD-NPS was in general diminished with a 25-75% decrease in presence of Filipin, a caveolae inhibitor; suggesting a role for lipid rafts in the β₁ integrin-mediated uptake of cRGD-NP NPs. In sum, the polymer system described can be readily adapted to engineer other targeting peptide-based nanotherapeutics, especially for the delivery across difficult penetrate biological barriers such as the blood brain barrier. The main findings of this study have significant implication for the development of integrin targeted nanotherapeutics for anti-tumor therapy.

Innovatory role of nanomaterials as bio-tools for treatment of cancer

Conventional treatment modes like chemotherapy, thermal and radiations aimed at cancerous cells eradication are marked by destruction pointing the employment of nanomaterials as sustainable and auspicious materials for saving human lives. Cancer has been deemed as the second leading cause of death on a global scale. Nanomaterials employment in cancer treatment is based on the utilization of their inherent physicochemical characteristics in addition to their modification for using as nano-carriers and nano-vehicles eluted with anti-cancer drugs. Current work has reviewed the significant role of different types of nanomaterials in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics in a systematic way. Compilation of review has been done by analyzing voluminous investigations employing ERIC, MEDLINE, NHS Evidence and Web of Science databases. Search engines used were Google scholar, Jstore and PubMed. Current review is suggestive of the remarkable performance of nanomaterials making them candidates for cancer treatment for substitution of destructive treatment modes through investigation of their physicochemical characteristics, utilization outputs and long term impacts in patients.

Functionalized Graphene Oxide for Chemotherapeutic Drug Delivery and Cancer Treatment: A Promising Material in Nanomedicine

The usage of nanomaterials for cancer treatment has been a popular research focus over the past decade. Nanomaterials, including polymeric nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles, semiconductor quantum dots, and carbon-based nanomaterials such as graphene oxide (GO), have been used for cancer cell imaging, chemotherapeutic drug targeting, chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy. In this review, we discuss the concept of targeted nanoparticles in cancer therapy and summarize the in vivo biocompatibility of graphene-based nanomaterials. Specifically, we discuss in detail the chemistry and properties of GO and provide a comprehensive review of functionalized GO and GO-metal nanoparticle composites in nanomedicine involving anticancer drug delivery and cancer treatment.

Gated Resonance Energy Transfer (gRET) Controlled by Programmed Death Protein Ligand 1

The resonance energy transfer (RET) between an excited fluorescent probe molecule and a plasmonic nanoparticle (AuNP) has been investigated to evaluate the effect of protein molecules on the RET efficiency. We have found that the energy transfer to a functionalized AuNP can be modulated by a sub-monolayer film of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein. The interactions of PD-L1 with AuNP@Cit involve incorporation of the protein in AuNP shell and formation of a submonolayer adsorption film with voids enabling gated surface plasmon resonance energy transfer (SPRET). A model of the gated-RET system based on the protein size, estimated using Fisher-Polikarpov-Craievich density approximation, has been developed and can be utilized for other proteins, with minimum data requirement, as well. The value of the equilibrium constant KL determined for the Langmuir isotherm is high: KL = 1.27 × 108 M-1, enabling highly sensitive control of the gated-RET by PD-L1. Thus, with the gated-RET technique, one can determine PD-L1 within the dynamic range, extending from 1.2 to 50 nM. Moreover, we have found that the Gibbs free energy for PD-L1 binding to AuNP@Cit is -46.26 kJ/mol (-11.05 kcal/mol), indicating a strong adsorption with supramolecular interactions. The proposed gated-RET system, with the fluorescence intensity of the fluorophore probe molecule modulated by plasmonic quenching with AuNP and shielding of energy transfer by the adsorbed PD-L1 can be further developed for determination of PD-L1 in pharmaceutical formulations for immune checkpoint control in cancer therapy.

Trastuzumab and folic acid functionalized gold nanoclusters as a dual-targeted radiosensitizer for megavoltage radiation therapy of human breast cancer

In the present study, the effect of functionalized gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) with trastuzumab (Herceptin®) and/or folic acid (FA) as a single and dual-targeted radiosensitizers for the enhancement of megavoltage radiation therapy efficacy was investigated. SK-BR3 breast cancer cells as human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) and folate overexpressing cell line and the murine fibroblast (L929) as a control cell line were selected. The cellular uptake was followed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) that showed AuNCs-FA-HER uptake by SK-BR3 cells was 3 times more than the non-targeted AuNCs after 12 h incubation. MTT and clonogenic assays revealed that the viability and surviving fraction of cancer cells were significantly inhibited by treating with all AuNCs under radiation compared to treating with radiation alone. However, these effects in the dual-targeted AuNCs group (AuNCs-FA-HER) was significantly greater than non-targeted and single-targeted AuNCs groups. Also, apoptosis was evaluated using an Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) kit in flow cytometry. All AuNCs, in combination with 4 Gy of photon beam, induced more apoptosis. By fitting the survival fraction data on the linear-quadratic model, the sensitization enhancement factor (SER) of AuNCs, AuNCs-FA, AuNCs-HER, and AuNCs-FA-HER, were obtained 1.17, 1.32, 1.48 and 1.77, respectively. SER for AuNCs-FA-HER was significantly higher than that non-targeted and single-targeted AuNCs (p-value < 0.05) that can be attributed to more internalization in the cancer cells. It was concluded that functionalized AuNCs with both folic acid and Herceptin could represent a promising strategy for increased cellular internalization that improved radiation therapy efficiency in SK-BR3 breast cancer cells.

Nanoinformatics and biomolecular nanomodeling: a novel move en route for effective cancer treatment

Empowering role of nanoinformatics in design and elucidation of nanoparticles for effective cancer treatment has made this field a fascinating area for researchers, inspiring them to enhance up the quality and efficacy of existing anticancer medicines. Theoretical and computational modeling is being seen as a forefront solution for problems related to surface chemistry, optimized geometry, or other properties in nanoparticle designing and drug delivery. The current review aims to acquaint with the insight story of the incubation of in silico tools and techniques in nanotechnology to develop better anticancer nanomedicines. The review also recapitulates the assets and liabilities of this field and present an outline of existing inventiveness and endeavors of nanoinformatics. We propose how nanoinformatics could hasten up the advancements in anticancer nanomedicines through use of computational tools, nanoparticles repositories & various modeling and simulation methods.

Doxorubicin Loaded Poloxamer Thermosensitive Hydrogels: Chemical, Pharmacological and Biological Evaluation

(1) Background: doxorubicin is a potent chemotherapeutic agent, but it has limitations regarding its side effects and therapy resistance. Hydrogels potentially deal with these problems, but several characterizations need to be optimized to better understand how hydrogel assisted chemotherapy works. Poloxamer 407 (P407) hydrogels were mixed with doxorubicin and physico-chemical, biological, and pharmacological characterizations were considered. (2) Methods: hydrogels were prepared by mixing P407 in PBS at 4 °C. Doxorubicin was added upon solutions became clear. Time-to-gelation, hydrogel morphology, and micelles were studied first. The effects of P407-doxorubicin were evaluated on MC-38 colon cancer cells. Furthermore, doxorubicin release was assessed and contrasted with non-invasive in vivo whole body fluorescence imaging. (3) Results: 25% P407 had favorable gelation properties with pore sizes of 30–180 µm. P407 micelles were approximately 5 nm in size. Doxorubicin was fully released in vitro from 25% P407 hydrogel within 120 h. Furthermore, P407 micelles strongly enhanced the anti-neoplastic effects of doxorubicin on MC-38 cells. In vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that hydrogels retained fluorescence signals at the injection site for 168 h. (4) Conclusions: non-invasive imaging showed how P407 gels retained drug at the injection site. Doxorubicin P407 micelles strongly enhanced the anti-tumor effects.

Recent advances in theranostic polymeric nanoparticles for cancer treatment: A review

Nanotheranostics is fast-growing pharmaceutical technology for simultaneously monitoring drug release and its distribution, and to evaluate the real time therapeutic efficacy through a single nanoscale for treatment and diagnosis of deadly disease such as cancers. In recent two decades, biodegradable polymers have been discovered as important carriers to accommodate therapeutic and medical imaging agents to facilitate construction of multi-modal formulations. In this review, we summarize various multifunctional polymeric nano-sized formulations such as polymer-based super paramagnetic nanoparticles, ultrasound-triggered polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles bearing radionuclides, and fluorescent polymeric nano-sized formulations for purpose of theranostics. The use of such multi-modal nano-sized formulations for near future clinical trials can assist clinicians to predict therapeutic properties (for instance, depending upon the quantity of drug accumulated at the cancerous site) and observed the progress of tumor growth in patients, thus improving tailored medicines.

Hyaluronic Acid-Based Theranostic Nanomedicines for Targeted Cancer Therapy

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural mucopolysaccharide and has many useful advantages, including biocompatibility, non-immunogenicity, chemical versatility, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and high hydrophilicity. Numerous tumor cells overexpress several receptors that have a high binding affinity for HA, while these receptors are poorly expressed in normal body cells. HA-based drug delivery carriers can offer improved solubility and stability of anticancer drugs in biological environments and allow for the targeting of cancer treatments. Based on these benefits, HA has been widely investigated as a promising material for developing the advanced clinical cancer therapies in various formulations, including nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, and hydrogels, combined with other materials. We describe various approaches and findings showing the feasibility of improvement in theragnosis probes through the application of HA.

Encapsulation for Cancer Therapy

The current rapid advancement of numerous nanotechnology tools is being employed in treatment of many terminal diseases such as cancer. Nanocapsules (NCs) containing an anti-cancer drug offer a very promising alternative to conventional treatments, mostly due to their targeted delivery and precise action, and thereby they can be used in distinct applications: as biosensors or in medical imaging, allowing for cancer detection as well as agents/carriers in targeted drug delivery. The possibility of using different systems-inorganic nanoparticles, dendrimers, proteins, polymeric micelles, liposomes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), quantum dots (QDs), biopolymeric nanoparticles and their combinations-offers multiple benefits to early cancer detection as well as controlled drug delivery to specific locations. This review focused on the key and recent progress in the encapsulation of anticancer drugs that include methods of preparation, drug loading and drug release mechanism on the presented nanosystems. Furthermore, the future directions in applications of various nanoparticles are highlighted.

Fe3O4/Ag nanocomposite biosynthesised using Spirulina platensis extract and its enhanced anticancer efficiency

In this work, the authors investigated the apoptotic activities of Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposite biosynthesised by Spirulina platensis extract against MCF-7 (human breast cancer cells). The physico-chemical properties of prepared Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposite were studied by different spectroscopic methods. To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effect, MCF-7 cells were treated with different concentrations of Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposite and examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Moreover, apoptotic effects were also studied by Hoechst 33258 staining, caspase 3 activation assays, and annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and propidium iodide staining. Microscopic observations of Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposites indicated approximately spherical shape and small particles in the size range of about 30-50 nm. The MTT assay result revealed that the Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposite causes a dose-dependent cell proliferation reduction in MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ = 135 μg/ml). Regarding to the Annexin V/PI staining result, the increase percentage of apoptotic cells (28.09%) was detected as compared to untreated cells. According to the caspase assay, Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposite enhances caspase 3 level. Furthermore, in vitro anti-cancer activity of the nanocomposite was performed by Hoechst 33258 staining method. The proposed data suggest that Fe₃O₄/Ag nanocomposite may be an effective agent for the inhibition of breast cancer cells at in vitro level.

Emerging and Innovative Theranostic Approaches for Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Status and Advances

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal solid cancers globally. To improve diagnosis sensitivities and treatment efficacies, the development of new theranostic nanoplatforms for efficient HCC management is urgently needed. In the past decade, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with tailored structure, large surface area, high agents loading volume, abundant chemistry functionality, acceptable biocompatibility have received more and more attention in HCC theranostic. This review outlines the recent advances in MSNs-based systems for HCC therapy and diagnosis. The multifunctional hybrid nanostructures that have both of therapy and diagnosis abilities are highlighted. And the precision delivery strategies of MSNs in HCC are also discussed. Final, we conclude with our personal perspectives on the future development and challenges of MSNs.

Cancer Stem Cell Target Labeling and Efficient Growth Inhibition of CD133 and PD-L1 Monoclonal Antibodies Double Conjugated with Luminescent Rare-Earth Tb3+ Nanorods

Rare-earth nanomaterials are being widely applied in medicine as cytotoxicity agents, in radiation and photodynamic therapy, as drug carriers, and in biosensing and bioimaging technology. Terbium (Tb), a rare-earth element belonging to the lanthanides, has a long luminescent lifetime, large stock displacement, narrow spectral width, and biofriendly probes. In cancer therapy, cancer stem cell (CSC)-targeted treatment is receiving considerable attention due to these cells’ harmful characteristics. However, CSCs remain barely understood. Therefore, to effectively label and inhibit the growth of CSCs, we produced a nanocomplex in which TbPO4·H2O nanorods were double conjugated with CD133 and PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies. The Tb3+ nanomaterials were created in the presence of a soft template (polyethylene glycol 2000). The obtained nanomaterial TbPO4·H2O was hexagonal crystal and nanorod in shape, 40–80 nm in diameter, and 300–800 nm in length. The nanorods were further surfaced through tetraethyl orthosilicate hydrolysis and functionalized with amino silane. Finally, the glutaraldehyde-activated Tb3+ nanorods were conjugated with CD133 monoclonal antibody and PD-L1 monoclonal antibody on the surface to obtain the nanocomplex TbPO4·H2O@silica-NH2+mAb^CD133+mAb^PD-L1 (TMC). The formed nanocomplex was able to efficiently and specifically label NTERA-2 cells, a highly expressed CD133 and PD-L1 CSC cell line. The conjugate also demonstrated promising anti-CSC activity by significant inhibition (58.50%) of the growth of 3D tumor spheres of NTERA-2 cells (p < 0.05).

Nanocarriers as Magic Bullets in the Treatment of Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell malignancy characterized by the accumulation of immature cells in the blood and bone marrow. Treatment strategies mainly rely on the administration of chemotherapeutic agents, which, unfortunately, are known for their high toxicity and side effects. The concept of targeted therapy as magic bullet was introduced by Paul Erlich about 100 years ago, to inspire new therapies able to tackle the disadvantages of chemotherapeutic agents. Currently, nanoparticles are considered viable options in the treatment of different types of cancer, including leukemia. The main advantages associated with the use of these nanocarriers summarized as follows: i) they may be designed to target leukemic cells selectively; ii) they invariably enhance bioavailability and blood circulation half-life; iii) their mode of action is expected to reduce side effects. FDA approval of many nanocarriers for treatment of relapsed or refractory leukemia and the desired results extend their application in clinics. In the present review, different types of nanocarriers, their capability in targeting leukemic cells, and the latest preclinical and clinical data are discussed.

Synthesis of lactoferrin mesoporous silica nanoparticles for pemetrexed/ellagic acid synergistic breast cancer therapy

Despite the clinical approval of few nanomedicines for cancer therapy, some drawbacks still impede their improved efficiency including low drug loading, off-target toxicity and development of multi-drug resistance. Herein, lactoferrin (Lf)-coupled mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) were developed for combined delivery of the cytotoxic drug pemetrexed (PMT) and the phytomedicine ellagic acid (EA) for synergistic breast cancer therapy. While the hydrophobic EA was physically encapsulated within the pores of MSNPs via the adsorptive properties of MSNPs and the electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged EA and positively charged amino modified MSNs, the highly water soluble PMT was chemically anchored to the Lf shell through chemical conjugation to the surface of lactoferrin coated MSNPs by carbodiimide reaction to avoid pre-mature drug release and systemic toxicity. The dual drug-loaded Lf-MSNPs (284 nm) demonstrated a sequential faster release of EA followed by a sustained release of PMT. The dual drug-loaded Lf-MSNPs exhibited highest cytotoxicity against MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) breast cancer cells as revealed by the lowest combination index (CI = 0.885) compared to free drugs. The combination index value (< 1) revealed synergy between both loaded drugs. Furthermore, high cellular uptake of the nanocarriers into MCF-7 breast cancer cells was observed via Lf-receptor mediated endocytosis. Altogether, the dual drug-loaded Lf-targeted MSNPs showed to be a promising carrier for breast cancer therapy through triggering different signaling pathways, and hence overcoming the multi-drug resistance and minimizing the systemic toxicity.

Tumor-Targeted Dendrimer Nanoparticles for Combinatorial Delivery of siRNA and Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment

In current cancer therapy, the combined targeted delivery of treatments is an important method to enhance the therapeutic efficiency and reduce adverse side effects. Dendrimer-based nanoparticles have received considerable attention for multifunctional therapeutic delivery. In this chapter, we describe the methods for encapsulating the chemotherapeutic drug, cisplatin (CDDP), and human antigen R (HuR)-targeted siRNA into dendrimer nanoparticles for folate receptor-targeted delivery. We discuss the methodologies for physical and biological characterization of synthesized multifunctional (Den-PEI-CDDP-HuR-FA) nanoparticles in detail. Physical characterization includes size and charge determination, drug encapsulation and release kinetics, ligand conjugation, etc., and functional characterization involves testing of the nanoparticles for receptor-specific uptake and cytotoxicity on human lung cancer and normal cells. The protocol provided is geared to provide the readers an overview of developing multifunctional dendrimer-based nanoparticles. However, based on the individual's objective and the type of combinatorial drugs to deliver, the protocol may need modifications in achieving maximal efficacy.

Site-Specific 111In-Radiolabeling of Dual-PEGylated Porous Silicon Nanoparticles and Their In Vivo Evaluation in Murine 4T1 Breast Cancer Model

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been successfully used for improving circulation time of several nanomaterials but prolonging the circulation of porous silicon nanoparticles (PSi NPs) has remained challenging. Here, we report a site specific radiolabeling of dual-PEGylated thermally oxidized porous silicon (DPEG-TOPSi) NPs and investigation of influence of the PEGylation on blood circulation time of TOPSi NPs. Trans-cyclooctene conjugated DPEG-TOPSi NPs were radiolabeled through a click reaction with [¹¹¹In]In-DOTA-PEG₄-tetrazine (DOTA = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) and the particle behavior was evaluated in vivo in Balb/c mice bearing 4T1 murine breast cancer allografts. The dual-PEGylation significantly prolonged circulation of [¹¹¹In]In-DPEG-TOPSi particles when compared to non-PEGylated control particles, yielding 10.8 ± 1.7% of the injected activity/g in blood at 15 min for [¹¹¹In]In-DPEG-TOPSi NPs. The improved circulation time will be beneficial for the accumulation of targeted DPEG-TOPSi to tumors.

Lipoprotein Drug Delivery Vehicles for Cancer: Rationale and Reason

Lipoproteins are a family of naturally occurring macromolecular complexes consisting amphiphilic apoproteins, phospholipids, and neutral lipids. The physiological role of mammalian plasma lipoproteins is to transport their apolar cargo (primarily cholesterol and triglyceride) to their respective destinations through a highly organized ligand-receptor recognition system. Current day synthetic nanoparticle delivery systems attempt to accomplish this task; however, many only manage to achieve limited results. In recent years, many research labs have employed the use of lipoprotein or lipoprotein-like carriers to transport imaging agents or drugs to tumors. The purpose of this review is to highlight the pharmacologic, clinical, and molecular evidence for utilizing lipoprotein-based formulations and discuss their scientific rationale. To accomplish this task, evidence of dynamic drug interactions with circulating plasma lipoproteins are presented. This is followed by epidemiologic and molecular data describing the association between cholesterol and cancer.

Nanobiomaterials Used in Cancer Therapy: An Up-To-Date Overview

The disadvantages that come with traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, generated a research shift toward nanotechnology. However, even with the important advancements regarding cancer therapy, there are still serious stepping stones that need to be addressed. The use of both nanotechnology and nanomedicine has generated significant improvements in nano-sized materials development and their use as therapeutic, diagnosis, and imaging agents. The biological barriers that come from the healthy body, as well from the tumorous sites, are important parameters that need to be taken into consideration when designing drug delivery systems. There are several aspects of extreme importance such as the tumor microenvironment and vasculature, the reticuloendothelial system, the blood-brain barrier, the blood-tumor barrier, and the renal system. In order to achieve an effective system for cancer therapy, several characteristics of the nanoparticles have been outlined. Moreover, this review has also focused on the different types of nanoparticles that have been studied over the years as potential candidates for cancer therapy.

Impact of Molybdenum Compounds as Anticancer Agents

The aim of this mini review was to report the molybdenum compound intervention to control cancer disease. The intervention explains its roles and progress from inorganic molybdenum compounds via organomolybdenum complexes to its nanoparticles to control oesophageal cancer and breast cancer as case studies. Main contributions of molybdenum compounds as anticancer agents could be observed in their nanofibrous support with suitable physicochemical properties, combination therapy, and biosensors (biomarkers). Recent areas in anticancer drug design, which entail the uses of selected targets, were also surveyed and proposed.

Preparation and preliminary pharmacokinetics study of GNA-loaded zein nanoparticles

OBJECTIVES

Gambogenic acid (GNA), one of the main active ingredients isolated from Garcinia cambogia, has shown diverse antitumour activities. However, short biological half-life and low oral bioavailability severely limit its clinical application. Here, we developed GNA-loaded zein nanoparticles (GNA-ZN-NPs) based on phospholipid complex and zein nanoparticles to prolong the circulation time and enhance oral bioavailability of GNA.

METHODS

The physicochemical properties of GNA-ZN-NP were characterized in details. The in vitro release profile, in vivo pharmacokinetic experiments and tissue distribution of GNA-ZN-NPs were also evaluated.

KEY FINDINGS

The particle size, PDI and encapsulation efficiency of GNA-ZN-NPs were 102.90 nm, 0.027 and 76.35 ± 0.64%, respectively. The results of SEM, FTIR, DSC and XRD demonstrated that GNA-ZN-NPs were prepared successfully. The in vitro dissolution of GNA-ZN-NPs exhibited controlled release compared with raw GNA solution. The pharmacokinetic study showed that the AUC of GNA-ZN-NPs was significantly increased, and the t_1/2 and MRT values of GNA-ZN-NPs were 3.21-fold and 2.19-fold higher than that of GNA solution. Tissue distribution results illustrated that GNA-ZN-NPs showed hepatic-targeting properties.

CONCLUSION

GNA-ZN-NPs significantly enhanced the oral bioavailability and prolonged half-life of GNA, providing a promising oral drug delivery system to improve in vivo pharmacokinetic behaviour of GNA.

Prodrugs in combination with nanocarriers as a strategy for promoting antitumoral efficiency

Prodrug entrapment into nanocarriers for tumor delivery is a strategy to achieve a valid therapy with high efficiency. The prodrug contains anticancer agents conjugating with functional moieties or ligands so that the active component is released after metabolism in the body or tumor. The advantages of nanosystems for loading prodrugs include high loading, increased prodrug stability, improved bioavailability and enhanced targeting to tumor cells. In the present article, we introduce the prodrug delivery approaches according to nanomedicine and the recent advances in prodrug-loaded nanocarriers. First, we discuss the conceptional design of combined prodrugs and nanocarriers in response to the obstruction in anticancer therapy. Then we describe the cases of prodrug-loaded nanoparticles for cancer treatment during the past 5 years.

Application of Nanotechnology in Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells: A Review

Cancer is increasingly apparent as a systems-level, network happening. The central tendency of malignant alteration can be described as a two-phase procedure, where an initial increase of network plasticity is followed by reducing plasticity at late stages of tumor improvement. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cancer cells that take characteristics associated with normal stem cells. Cancer therapy has been based on the concept that most of the cancer cells have a similar ability to separate metastasise and kill the host. In this review, we addressed the use of nanotechnology in the treatment of cancer stem cells.

Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles from Abies spectabilis extract and its anticancer activity on bladder cancer T24 cells

In recent times, Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized from plant extracts and their anticancer activity have attracted significant attention. We report the green approach for the synthesis of AuNPs using extract from Abies spectabilis plant. In this study, the reaction parameters were optimized to control the size of the nanoparticle, which was confirmed by Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM). Various characterization technique such as SAED pattern, UV visible spectroscopy, EDX, FTIR, and AFM were employed to analyze the synthesized AuNPs obtained from A. spectabilis plant extract. Furthermore, we investigated the anticancer activities using T24 cell lines. Interestingly, the results of extensive screening on the applications of newly synthesized AuNPs were tested for their cytotoxicity effects on anticancer activity against T24 cells by MTT assay. The cell apoptosis was studied using TUNEL, DAPI, caspase activity, cell invasion and migration. Nanoparticles at different concentrations ranging from 1 to 25 μg/ml exhibited a dose dependent cytotoxicity for 24 h. Condensation and DNA fragmentation are characteristic of apoptosis by DAPI, TUNEL staining, and the significant up regulations of Beclin-1, Bax and caspase 3, whereas the expressions of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bid were down regulated. However, this study, therefore attempts to report the synthesis, characterization, and anticancer activity of gold nanoparticles of A. spectabilis plant extract beneficial for cancer therapeutics.

Growth-inhibitory effects of anthracycline-loaded bacterial magnetosomes against hepatic cancer in vitro and in vivo

Aim: This study aimed to develop anthracycline-loaded bacterial magnetosomes (BMs) with enhanced anticancer efficiency and elucidate their endocytosis mechanism. Methods: Drug-loaded BMs (DBMs) were successfully prepared and characterized. DBMs endocytosis was investigated within HepG2 cells. The anticancer effect of DBMs was studied both in vitro and in vivo. Results: Doxorubicin-BMs and daunorubicin-BMs showed enhanced growth inhibitory effect in vitro and in vivo with no notable toxicity to normal tissues. The DBMs were internalized into cells through caveolae-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis. The loaded drugs were released from DBMs in cytoplasm and entered the nucleus to exert their activity. Conclusion: Our findings offer promising candidates for improved cancer therapy with a clear mechanism of DBMs endocytosis and working principle.

Encapsulation of epigallocatechin-3-gallate into albumin nanoparticles improves pharmacokinetic and bioavailability in rat model

In the present study, we fabricated epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) loaded albumin nanoparticles (Alb-NP-EGCG) to enhance bioavailability and improve pharmacokinetic parameters of EGCG. The physicochemical properties of the Alb-NP-EGCG were studied using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction and in vitro release studies. Characterization of Alb-NP-EGCG indicated the formation of spherical nanoparticles with no drug and excipient interaction. Alb-NP-EGCG showed a high drug loading capacity of 92%. Further, in vitro study showed a sustained release of EGCG from Alb-NP-EGCG over a period of 48 h. Mathematical modeling and release kinetics indicated that the Alb-NP-EGCG followed zero order kinetic and EGCG was released via fickian diffusion method. In vivo bioavailability and distribution of Alb-NP-EGCG showed an enhanced plasma concentration of EGCG with 1.5 fold increase along with prolonged T 1/2 of 15.6 h in the system when compared with the free EGCG. All this study demonstrated the fabrication of EGCG loaded albumin nanoparticles which favored the slow and sustained release of EGCG with improved pharmacokinetics and bioavailability thereby prolonging the action of EGCG. Additional acute and sub-acute toxicity test of the Alb-NP-EGCG demonstrated the safety of the Alb-NP-EGCG. Therefore, the Alb-NP-EGCG could be a promising drug delivery system for EGCG.