Green synthesis of chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles for drug delivery of oxaliplatin and irinotecan against colorectal cancer cells

Glycoconjugates: Advances in modern medicines and human health

Glycans and their glycoconjugates are complex biomolecules that are crucial for various biological processes. Glycoconjugates are found in all domains of life. They are covalently linked to key biomolecules such as proteins and lipids to play a pivotal role in cell signaling, adhesion, and recognition. The diversity of glycan structures and the associated complexity of glycoconjugates is the reason for their role in intricate biosynthetic pathways. Glycoconjugates play an important role in various diseases where they are actively involved in the immune response as well as in the pathogenicity of infectious diseases. In addition, various autoimmune diseases have been linked to glycosylation defects of different biomolecules, making them an important molecule in the field of medicine. The glycoconjugates have been explored for the development of therapeutics and vaccines, representing a breakthrough in medical science. They also hold significance in research studies to understand the mechanisms behind various biological processes. Finally, glycoconjugates have found an emerging role in various industrial and environmental applications which have been discussed here.

Innovative Nanoparticulate Strategies in Colon Cancer Treatment: A Paradigm Shift

As a major public health issue, colorectal cancer causes 9.4% of total cancer-related deaths and comprises 10% of new cancer diagnoses worldwide. In the year 2023, an estimated 153,020 people are expected to receive an identification of colorectal cancer (CRC), resulting in roughly 52,550 fatalities anticipated as a result of this illness. Among those impacted, approximately 19,550 cases and 3750 deaths are projected to occur in individuals under the age of 50. Irinotecan (IRN) is a compound derived from the chemical structure of camptothecin, a compound known for its action in inhibiting DNA topoisomerase I. It is employed in the treatment strategy for CRC therapies. Comprehensive in vivo and in vitro studies have robustly substantiated the anticancer efficacy of these compounds against colon cancer cell lines. Blending irinotecan in conjunction with other therapeutic cancer agents such as oxaliplatin, imiquimod, and 5 fluorouracil enhanced cytotoxicity and improved chemotherapeutic efficacy. Nevertheless, it is linked to certain serious complications and side effects. Utilizing nano-formulated prodrugs within "all-in-one" carrier-free self-assemblies presents an effective method to modify the pharmacokinetics and safety portfolio of cytotoxic chemotherapeutics. This review focuses on elucidating the mechanism of action, exploring synergistic effects, and innovating novel delivery approaches to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of irinotecan.

Recent Advances in the Development of Drug Delivery Applications of Magnetic Nanomaterials

With the predicted rise in the incidence of cancer, there is an ever-growing need for new cancer treatment strategies. Recently, magnetic nanoparticles have stood out as promising nanostructures for imaging and drug delivery systems as they possess unique properties. Moreover, magnetic nanomaterials functionalized with other compounds can lead to multicomponent nanoparticles with innovative structures and synergetic performance. The incorporation of chemotherapeutic drugs or RNA in magnetic drug delivery systems represents a promising alternative that can increase efficiency and reduce the side effects of anticancer therapy. This review presents a critical overview of the recent literature concerning the advancements in the field of magnetic nanoparticles used in drug delivery, with a focus on their classification, characteristics, synthesis and functionalization methods, limitations, and examples of magnetic drug delivery systems incorporating chemotherapeutics or RNA.

Amelioration of Cancer Employing Chitosan, Its Derivatives, and Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles: Recent Updates

The limitations associated with the conventional treatment of cancer have necessitated the design and development of novel drug delivery systems based mainly on nanotechnology. These novel drug delivery systems include various kinds of nanoparticles, such as polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, hydrogels, and polymeric micelles. Among the various kinds of novel drug delivery systems, chitosan-based nanoparticles have attracted the attention of researchers to treat cancer. Chitosan is a polycationic polymer generated from chitin with various characteristics such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and mucoadhesiveness, making it an ideal polymer to fabricate drug delivery systems. However, chitosan is poorly soluble in water and soluble in acidic aqueous solutions. Furthermore, owing to the presence of reactive amino groups, chitosan can be chemically modified to improve its physiochemical properties. Chitosan and its modified derivatives can be employed to fabricate nanoparticles, which are used most frequently in the pharmaceutical sector due to their possession of various characteristics such as nanosize, appropriate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, non-immunogenicity, improved stability, and improved drug loading capacity. Furthermore, it is capable of delivering nucleic acids, chemotherapeutic medicines, and bioactives using modified chitosan. Chitosan and its modified derivative-based nanoparticles can be targeted to specific cancer sites via active and passive mechanisms. Based on chitosan drug delivery systems, many anticancer drugs now have better effectiveness, potency, cytotoxicity, or biocompatibility. The characteristics of chitosan and its chemically tailored derivatives, as well as their use in cancer therapy, will be examined in this review.

Metal and Metal Oxides Nanoparticles and Nanosystems in Anticancer and Antiviral Theragnostic Agents

The development of antiviral treatment and anticancer theragnostic agents in recent decades has been associated with nanotechnologies, and primarily with inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) of metal and metal oxides. The large specific surface area and its high activity make it easy to functionalize INPs with various coatings (to increase their stability and reduce toxicity), specific agents (allowing retention of INPs in the affected organ or tissue), and drug molecules (for antitumor and antiviral therapy). The ability of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of iron oxides and ferrites to enhance proton relaxation in specific tissues and serve as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents is one of the most promising applications of nanomedicine. Activation of MNPs during hyperthermia by an external alternating magnetic field is a promising method for targeted cancer therapy. As therapeutic tools, INPs are promising carriers for targeted delivery of pharmaceuticals (either anticancer or antiviral) via magnetic drug targeting (in case of MNPs), passive or active (by attaching high affinity ligands) targeting. The plasmonic properties of Au nanoparticles (NPs) and their application for plasmonic photothermal and photodynamic therapies have been extensively explored recently in tumor treatment. The Ag NPs alone and in combination with antiviral medicines reveal new possibilities in antiviral therapy. The prospects and possibilities of INPs in relation to magnetic hyperthermia, plasmonic photothermal and photodynamic therapies, magnetic resonance imaging, targeted delivery in the framework of antitumor theragnostic and antiviral therapy are presented in this review.

pH-responsive magnetic Fe3O4/carboxymethyl chitosan/aminated lignosulfonate nanoparticles with uniform size for targeted drug loading

In order to improve the effect of anti-tumor drugs, a magnetic delivery system for targeted drug was reported. Firstly, aminated lignosulfonate (ALS) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) were used to fabricate nano Fe₃O₄ to obtain pH-responsive magnetic Fe₃O ₄ /CMCS/ALS nanoparticles. Then the nanoparticles were loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), realizing the targeted delivery and controlled release of anti-tumor drugs. It was found that the amount of crosslinking agent and emulsifier were the key factors affecting the morphology and size of the magnetic nanoparticles. Under optimized conditions, the particle size was about 79.9-169.9 nm, exhibiting excellent pH responsiveness. When the drug-to-material ratio was 11:10, the DOX loading rate and the encapsulation rate of the nanoparticles was 48.68 % and 86.23 %. While the Fe₃O₄ /CMCS/ALS-DOX particles could release 63.14 %, 56.71 %, and 14.28 % of DOX at pH 4.0, 5.3, and 7.4, respectively. The results showed that the Fe₃O₄ /CMCS/ALS particles exhibited excellent drug loading and release behavior based on the pH responsiveness, which could be described by Langmuir adsorption model and Fick's law of diffusion respectively. MTT assay and Live/dead staining experiments also showed that the drug-loaded particles had obvious growth inhibition on cancer cells.

Nanoparticles Containing Oxaliplatin and the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly widespread malignancy and ranks as the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality.

OBJECTIVE

Cancer patients, including those with CRC, who undergo chemotherapy, are often treated with platinum- based anticancer drugs such as oxaliplatin (OXA). Nevertheless, the administration of OXA is associated with a range of gastrointestinal problems, neuropathy, and respiratory tract infections. Hence, it is necessary to devise a potential strategy that can effectively tackle these aforementioned challenges. The use of nanocarriers has shown great potential in cancer treatment due to their ability to minimize side effects, target drugs directly to cancer cells, and improve drug efficacy. Furthermore, numerous studies have been published regarding the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles in the management of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

In this review, we present the most relevant nanostructures used for OXA encapsulation in recent years, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, polysaccharides, proteins, silica nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, and synthetic polymer-carriers. Additionally, the paper provides a summary of the disadvantages and limits associated with nanoparticles.

RESULTS

The use of different carriers for the delivery of oxaliplatin increased the efficiency and reduced the side effects of the drug. It has been observed that the majority of research investigations have focused on liposomes and polysaccharides.

CONCLUSION

This potentially auspicious method has the potential to enhance results and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, additional investigation is required to ascertain the most suitable medium for the transportation of oxaliplatin and to assess its efficacy through clinical trials.

Biosensors and Drug Delivery in Oncotheranostics Using Inorganic Synthetic and Biogenic Magnetic Nanoparticles

Magnetic nanocarriers have attracted attention in translational oncology due to their ability to be employed both for tumor diagnostics and therapy. This review summarizes data on applications of synthetic and biogenic magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in oncological theranostics and related areas. The basics of both types of MNPs including synthesis approaches, structure, and physicochemical properties are discussed. The properties of synthetic MNPs and biogenic MNPs are compared with regard to their antitumor therapeutic efficiency, diagnostic potential, biocompatibility, and cellular toxicity. The comparative analysis demonstrates that both synthetic and biogenic MNPs could be efficiently used for cancer theranostics, including biosensorics and drug delivery. At the same time, reduced toxicity of biogenic particles was noted, which makes them advantageous for in vivo applications, such as drug delivery, or MRI imaging of tumors. Adaptability to surface modification based on natural biochemical processes is also noted, as well as good compatibility with tumor cells and proliferation in them. Advances in the bionanotechnology field should lead to the implementation of MNPs in clinical trials.

Recent Advances of Chitosan Formulations in Biomedical Applications

Chitosan, a naturally abundant cationic polymer, is chemically composed of cellulose-based biopolymers derived by deacetylating chitin. It offers several attractive characteristics such as renewability, hydrophilicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity towards gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi, etc., because of which it is receiving immense attention as a biopolymer for a plethora of applications including drug delivery, protective coating materials, food packaging films, wastewater treatment, and so on. Additionally, its structure carries reactive functional groups that enable several reactions and electrochemical interactions at the biomolecular level and improves the chitosan’s physicochemical properties and functionality. This review article highlights the extensive research about the properties, extraction techniques, and recent developments of chitosan-based composites for drug, gene, protein, and vaccine delivery applications. Its versatile applications in tissue engineering and wound healing are also discussed. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives for chitosan in biomedical applications are elucidated.