Extrahepatic targeting of lipid nanoparticles in vivo with intracellular targeting for future nanomedicines

A brain-targeting dl-3-n-butylphthalide prodrug to treat ischemic stroke

Stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease worldwide, featured by stubbornly high mortality and morbidity. 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) is a first-line agent to treat ischemic stroke, but its unsatisfactorily intracephalic bioavailability is detrimental to the therapeutic efficacy. We have previously developed a series of prodrugs analogous to NBP, however, their conversion rate in the targeted sites cannot meet the clinical demand. Hence, it is imperative to ameliorate the bioavailability and cellular uptake efficiency of the prodrugs, which may be driven by potential energy consuming cationic transporters. Accordingly, we fabricated a novel prodrug named DB-10, which were used tertiary amine to possess active targeting capacity and connected through amide bonds. Moreover, it is noteworthy that DB-10 could rapidly convert into active original drug in the brain to treat acute injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). The cytotoxicity of DB-10 was equivalent to that of NBP and would not cause obviously undesired damage in vivo. These encouraging results demonstrate that DB-10 could easily increase the accumulation in the brain site, and significantly improve the treatment effect for ischemic stroke, indicating this biosafety prodrug holds tremendous potential for clinical application prospects.

Engineered cell membrane vesicles loaded with lysosomophilic drug for acute myeloid leukemia therapy via organ-cell-organelle cascade-targeting

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents significant treatment challenges due to the severe toxicities and limited efficacy of conventional therapies, highlighting the urgency for innovative approaches. Organelle-targeting therapies offer a promising avenue to enhance therapeutic outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. Herein, inspired that primary AML cells are enriched with lysosomes and sensitive to lysosomophilic drugs (e.g., LLOMe), we developed a smart nanodrug (Cas-CMV@LM) including the engineered cell membrane vesicles (CMVs) nanocarrier and the encapsulated drug cargo LLOMe (LM). Briefly, the nanodrug with organ-cell-organelle cascade-targeting function could firstly home to the bone marrow guided by CMVs derived from CXCR4-overexpressing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC), subsequently target leukemia cells via CD33 and CD123 aptamers anchored on the vesicles, eventually precisely attack the lysosomes of leukemia cells. Consequently, Cas-CMV@LM specifically inhibited leukemia cell proliferation and triggered necroptosis in vitro. Importantly, the cascade-targeting nanodrug displayed high biosafety and significantly impeded leukemia progression in AML patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Collectively, this study provides a paradigm for precision leukemia treatment from the perspective of targeting organelle-lysosome.

Nanocarrier-based targeted drug delivery for Alzheimer's disease: addressing neuroinflammation and enhancing clinical translation

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation, tau pathology, and chronic neuroinflammation. Among these, neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in exacerbating disease progression, making it an attractive therapeutic target. However, the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) significantly limits the effective delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain, necessitating novel drug delivery strategies. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems have emerged as a promising solution to these challenges, offering targeted drug transport, enhanced BBB penetration, and improved bioavailability while minimizing systemic toxicity. This review explores the current advancements in nanocarrier-mediated drug delivery for AD, focusing on the mechanisms of neuroinflammation, the role of nanocarriers in overcoming the BBB, and their ability to modulate inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, the review discusses preclinical validation strategies and key challenges, including safety concerns, large-scale production limitations, and regulatory hurdles that must be addressed to enable clinical translation. Future perspectives emphasize the integration of nanotechnology with precision medicine, gene therapy, and artificial intelligence to optimize nanocarrier design for individualized AD treatment. By overcoming these obstacles, nanocarriers hold the potential to revolutionize therapeutic approaches for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.

The Fomivirsen, Patisiran, and Givosiran Odyssey: How the Success Stories May Pave the Way for Future Clinical Translation of Nucleic Acid Drugs

Over the past 25 years, the approval of several nucleic acid-based drugs by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has marked a significant milestone, establishing nucleic acid drugs as a viable therapeutic modality. These groundbreaking discoveries are the result of some crucial points in the timeline of nucleic acid drug development. The inventions used in fomivirsen (Vitravene; Isis Pharmaceuticals) development paved the road for structural backbone modifications as well as nucleobase and sugar modifications. The approval of patisiran (Onpattro; Alnylam) demonstrated an effective and safe delivery system for small interfering RNA (siRNA), extending potential applications to other nucleic acids such as messenger RNA (mRNA). Givosiran (Givlaari; Alnylam) further revolutionized the field with a carrier-free, targeted platform, utilizing N-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-siRNA conjugates to enable efficient delivery, expanding therapeutic applications beyond rare genetic disorders to more common conditions such as hyperlipidemia and hypertension. In this review paper, we highlight the evolution of nucleic acid-based drug development, focusing on the pioneering agents fomivirsen, patisiran, and givosiran, and discuss the ongoing challenges in advancing these therapeutics and vaccines.

A Nanoradiosensitizer Potentiates Tumor Radiotherapy through JFK Inhibition and Hypoxia Alleviation

Radiotherapy (RT) is a primary treatment for breast cancer, but its effectiveness is often compromised by hypoxia and intrinsic resistance mechanisms. The F-box protein JFK is overexpressed in breast cancer and is associated with reduced radiosensitivity, but specific JFK inhibitors are currently unavailable. Herein, we developed spherical nanoparticles (SNP-JC) designed to co-deliver small interfering RNA targeting JFK and catalase to the tumor, aiming to silence JFK and alleviate hypoxia to overcome RT resistance. Positron emission tomography imaging demonstrated that SNP-JC efficiently accumulated in the tumors. SNP-JC significantly increased DNA damage in tumor cells after RT and promoted the immunogenic cell death. The combination of SNP-JC and RT activated CD8+ T cells and elicited a robust antitumor immunity, resulting in suppressed primary tumor growth and reduced lung metastasis. Our findings demonstrate that a nanoplatform capable of simultaneously silencing JFK and mitigating hypoxia can enhance tumor radiosensitivity, improve antitumor efficacy, and prevent metastasis.

GlycoRNA-rich, neutrophil membrane-coated, siMT1-loaded nanoparticles mitigate abdominal aortic aneurysm progression by inhibiting the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular condition. Currently, there are no clinically available pharmacological interventions that can stop the progression of AAA, primarily due to the incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis and the absence of effective drug delivery systems. The present study aimed to develop a targeted therapy for AAA through a nanomedicine approach involving site-specific regulation of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)-related pathological vascular remodeling. We found that metallothionein 1 (MT1) was upregulated in AAA lesions in both humans and mice. MT1 also facilitated the formation of NETs and subsequently induced phenotypic transformation and apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells. Additional in vivo studies revealed that the glycoRNA-rich membranes coated siMT1-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) nanoparticles (GlycoRNA-NP-siMT1) effectively delivered siMT1 to AAA lesions, thereby inhibiting abdominal aortic dilation. Mechanistically, GlycoRNA-NP-siMT1 mitigated pathological remodeling of the abdominal aorta by reducing neutrophil infiltration and inhibiting the formation of NETs. Our study indicates that MT1 facilitates the progression of AAA by modulating the formation of NETs. Furthermore, GlycoRNA-NP-siMT1 show an inhibitory effect on AAA progression through a dual mechanism: they competitively inhibit neutrophil infiltration and release siMT1, which subsequently suppresses NET formation.

GOLPH3 promotes calcium oxalate-induced renal injury and fibrosis through Golgi stress-mediated apoptosis and inflammatory responses

A common urological disorder, calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones are the most common form of kidney stones. Deposition of CaOx crystals leads to tubular damage, interstitial fibrosis, and chronic kidney disease. Understanding the intrinsic mechanisms of kidney stone formation is essential for the prevention of kidney stones and the development of new therapeutic agents. The Golgi apparatus is a key organelle in the secretory pathway of eukaryotic cells, which plays an important role in the sorting, modification, and transport of proteins within the cell, and has been reported to be involved in several diseases, including prostate tumors, gastrointestinal tumors, sepsis, and so on. GOLPH3 is also known as GPP34, GMx33, or MIDAS. It is a glycoprotein that regulates traffic between the trans-Golgi network and the cell membrane. However, its role in renal injury caused by CaOx crystal deposition is still unclear. Results from immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, western blot, and public database single nucleotide RNA-seq showed that GOLPH3 was significantly upregulated in kidney stone patients and animal kidneys. Significant inhibition of Golgi stress, apoptosis, and renal fibrosis by GOLPH3 inhibition with siRNA in CaOx-stimulated HK-2 cells. The PI3K\AKT\mTOR signaling pathway was inhibited by GOLPH3 knockdown, which may be associated with reduced inflammatory response and apoptosis, as well as restoration of Golgi morphology and function. In conclusion, GOLPH3 plays a critical role in CaOx-induced kidney injury by promoting Golgi stress and increasing inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and renal fibrosis, suggesting that GOLPH3 is a potential therapeutic target for kidney stones.

Advanced Carriers for Precise Delivery and Therapeutic Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicines: Integrating Spatial Multi-Omics and Delivery Visualization

The complex composition of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) has posed challenges for in-depth study and global application, despite their abundance of bioactive compounds that make them valuable resources for disease treatment. To overcome these obstacles, it is essential to modernize TCMs by focusing on precise disease treatment. This involves elucidating the structure-activity relationships within their complex compositions, ensuring accurate in vivo delivery, and monitoring the delivery process. This review discusses the research progress of TCMs in precision disease treatment from three perspectives: spatial multi-omics technology for precision therapeutic activity, carrier systems for precise in vivo delivery, and medical imaging technology for visualizing the delivery process. The aim is to establish a novel research paradigm that advances the precision therapy of TCMs.

Advances in nephroprotection: the therapeutic role of selenium, silver, and gold nanoparticles in renal health

Renal toxicity is a disorder that causes considerable issues in healthcare systems world, highlighting the critical importance of creating alternative treatments. Metallic nanoparticles have recently emerged as promising therapeutic agents for nephroprotection because of their remarkable properties. Numerous disciplines, including medicine, biotechnology, and the food industry, are currently investigating and exploring metallic nanoparticles, such as selenium, silver, and gold, with promising outcomes. In this overview, we provide the most current findings on cutting-edge nephroprotection through metallic nanoparticles, especially selenium, silver, and gold nanoparticles. While outlining the benefits, we outline possible methods for developing metallic nanoparticles, characterization techniques, and nephroprotection therapies. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) minimize oxidative stress, a primary cause of nephrotoxicity through cell regeneration which protects kidneys. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have anti-inflammatory capabilities that help alleviate kidney damage and nephrotoxicity. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which are biocompatible and immune-modifying, reduce inflammation and promote renal cell regeneration, indicating nephroprotective advantages. Renal protection via the use of metallic nanoparticles represents a promising new frontier in the fight against kidney disease and other renal disorders. Metallic nanoparticles of selenium, silver, and gold can protect the kidneys by lowering oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and improving cell repair. Through their mechanisms, these nanoparticles effectively safeguard and repair kidney function, making them suitable for treating renal diseases. The potential applications of selenium, silver, and gold nanoparticles, as well as their complex modes of action and renal penetration, provide fresh hope for improving renal health and quality of life in patients with kidney disease. The current study highlights therapeutic ability, stability, nephroprotection, and toxicity profiles, as well as the importance of continuous research in this dynamic and evolving field.

Entrapment of lipid nanoparticles in peripheral endosomes but not lysosomes impairs intracellular trafficking and endosomal escape

The uptake and intracellular trafficking of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) along the endolysosomal pathway leading to releasing compartments is critical for delivery efficiency. How the players of the processes interact with each other to affect LNP delivery remains unclear. Here, we employed a recently developed, highly sensitive LNP labeling platform in combination with defined-state of endolysosomal activity of cells to address this outstanding question with spatiotemporal analysis. We found the endolysosomal activity (endolyosomal pH, endolysosomal protease activation), which was regulated by nutrients, determines the active endocytosis activity of cells. Elevated internalization of DNA and LNP alike by cells correlated with increased endolysosomal activity. Similar to naked DNA, elevated internalization of LNP resulted in entrapment of LNPs in peripheral endosomes, which significantly impaired the intracellular trafficking of LNP to the perinuclear lysosome region and cytosolic release of LNP cargo. On the other hand, we found the extent of perinuclear lysosomal LNP accumulation positively correlated with the level of transgene expression. Moreover, we found continuous internalization of LNP was necessary not only to saturate the degradation compartments to overcome rapid degradation of LNP but also to maintain a necessary pool of releasing compartments, shuttling between peripheral endosomes and lysosomes via anterograde transport and retrograde transport along microtubules respectively, for meaningful endosomal release. Our results suggest the balance between endocytosis and intracellular trafficking needs to be fine-tuned according to endolysosomal activity of target cell to achieve optimal cytosol release.

Lipid nanosystems for fatty liver therapy and targeted medication delivery: a comprehensive review

Fatty liver is considered to be the most common chronic liver disease with a high global incidence, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer in severe cases, and there is no specific drug for the treatment of fatty liver in the clinic. The use of lipid nanosystems has the potential to be an effective means of fatty liver treatment. The pathogenesis and intervening factors associated with the development of fatty liver are reviewed, and the advantages and the disadvantages of different lipid nanosystems for the treatment of fatty liver are comprehensively discussed, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, nanoemulsions, microemulsions, and phospholipid complexes. The composition and characterisation of these lipid nanosystems are highlighted and summarised with a view to improving the efficiency of lipid nanosystems for the treatment of fatty liver. In addition, active targeting and passive targeting strategies used for fatty liver therapy are discussed in detail.

Engineered Nanoparticles for Theranostic Applications in Kidney Repair

Kidney diseases are characterized by their intricate nature and complexity, posing significant challenges in their treatment and diagnosis. Nanoparticles (NPs), which can be further classified as synthetic and biomimetic NPs, have emerged as promising candidates for treating various diseases. In recent years, the development of engineered nanotherapeutics has focused on targeting damaged tissues and serving as drug delivery vehicles. Additionally, these NPs have shown superior sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis and imaging, thus providing valuable insights for the early detection of diseases. This review aims to focus on the application of engineered synthetic and biomimetic NPs in kidney diseases in the aspects of treatment, diagnosis, and imaging. Notably, the current perspectives and challenges are evaluated, which provide inspiration for future research directions, and encourage the clinical application of NPs in this field.

Nanoformulations in the treatment of lung cancer: current status and clinical potential

OBJECTIVE

Recent developments in nanotechnology have regained hope in enabling the eradication of lung cancer, while overcoming the drawbacks of the classic therapeutics. Nevertheless, there are still formidable obstacles that hinder the translation of such platforms from the bench into the clinic. Herein, we shed light on the clinical potential of these formulations and discuss their future directions.

SIGNIFICANCE OF REVIEW

The current article sheds light on the recent advancements in the recruitment of nanoformulations against lung cancer, focusing on their unique features, merits, and demerits. Moreover, inorganic nanoparticles, including gold, silver, magnetic, and carbon nanotubes are highlighted as emerging drug delivery technologies. Furthermore, the clinical status of these formulations is discussed, with particular attention on the challenges that they encounter in their clinical translation. Lastly, the future perspectives in this promising area are inspired.

KEY FINDINGS

Nanoformulations have a promising potential in improving the physico-chemical properties, pharmacokinetics, delivery efficiency, and selectivity of lung cancer therapeutics. The key challenges that encounter their clinical translation include their structural intricacy, high production cost, scale-up issues, and unclear toxicity profiles. The application of biodegradable platforms improves the biosafety of lung cancer-targeted nanomedicine. Moreover, the design of novel targeting strategies that apply a lower number of components can promote their industrial scalability and deliver them to the market at affordable prices.

CONCLUSIONS

Nanomedicines have opened up new possibilities for treating lung cancer. Focusing on tackling the challenges that hinder their clinical translation will promote the future of this area of endeavor.

DNA Tetrahedron Delivering miR-21-5p Promotes Senescent Bone Defects Repair through Synergistic Regulation of Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis

Compromised osteogenesis and angiogenesis is the character of stem cell senescence, which brought difficulties for bone defects repairing in senescent microenvironment. As the most abundant bone-related miRNA, miRNA-21-5p plays a crucial role in inducing osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation. However, highly efficient miR-21-5p delivery still confronts challenges including poor cellular uptake and easy degradation. Herein, TDN-miR-21-5p nanocomplex is constructed based on DNA tetrahedral (TDN) and has great potential in promoting osteogenesis and alleviating senescence of senescent bone marrow stem cells (O-BMSCs), simultaneously enhancing angiogenic capacity of senescent endothelial progenitor cells (O-EPCs). Of note, the activation of AKT and Erk signaling pathway may direct regulatory mechanism of TDN-miR-21-5p mediated osteogenesis and senescence of O-BMSCs. Also, TDN-miR-21-5p can indirectly mediate osteogenesis and senescence of O-BMSCs through pro-angiogenic growth factors secreted from O-EPCs. In addition, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels are mixed with TDN and TDN-miR-21-5p to fabricate delivery scaffolds. TDN-miR-21-5p@GelMA scaffold exhibits greater bone repair with increased expression of osteogenic- and angiogenic-related markers in senescent critical-size cranial defects in vivo. Collectively, TDN-miR-21-5p can alleviate senescence and induce osteogenesis and angiogenesis in senescent microenvironment, which provides a novel candidate strategy for senescent bone repair and widen clinical application of TDNs-based gene therapy.

Recent advances in nanoagents delivery system-based phototherapy for osteosarcoma treatment

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a prevalent and highly malignant bone tumor, characterized by its aggressive nature, invasiveness, and rapid progression, contributing to a high mortality rate, particularly among adolescents. Traditional treatment modalities, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, face significant challenges, especially in addressing chemotherapy resistance and managing postoperative recurrence and metastasis. Phototherapy (PT), encompassing photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), offers unique advantages such as low toxicity, minimal drug resistance, selective destruction, and temporal control, making it a promising approach for the clinical treatment of various malignant tumors. Constructing multifunctional delivery systems presents an opportunity to effectively combine tumor PDT, PTT, and chemotherapy, creating a synergistic anti-tumor effect. This review aims to consolidate the progress in the application of novel delivery system-mediated phototherapy in osteosarcoma. By summarizing advancements in this field, the objective is to propose a rational combination therapy involving targeted delivery systems and phototherapy for tumors, thereby expanding treatment options and enhancing the prognosis for osteosarcoma patients. In conclusion, the integration of innovative delivery systems with phototherapy represents a promising avenue in osteosarcoma treatment, offering a comprehensive approach to overcome challenges associated with conventional treatments and improve patient outcomes.

Navigating the intricate in-vivo journey of lipid nanoparticles tailored for the targeted delivery of RNA therapeutics: a quality-by-design approach

RNA therapeutics, such as mRNA, siRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9, present exciting avenues for treating diverse diseases. However, their potential is commonly hindered by vulnerability to degradation and poor cellular uptake, requiring effective delivery systems. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a leading choice for in vivo RNA delivery, offering protection against degradation, enhanced cellular uptake, and facilitation of endosomal escape. However, LNPs encounter numerous challenges for targeted RNA delivery in vivo, demanding advanced particle engineering, surface functionalization with targeting ligands, and a profound comprehension of the biological milieu in which they function. This review explores the structural and physicochemical characteristics of LNPs, in-vivo fate, and customization for RNA therapeutics. We highlight the quality-by-design (QbD) approach for targeted delivery beyond the liver, focusing on biodistribution, immunogenicity, and toxicity. In addition, we explored the current challenges and strategies associated with LNPs for in-vivo RNA delivery, such as ensuring repeated-dose efficacy, safety, and tissue-specific gene delivery. Furthermore, we provide insights into the current clinical applications in various classes of diseases and finally prospects of LNPs in RNA therapeutics.

Role of oxidative stress in mitochondrial dysfunction and their implications in intervertebral disc degeneration: Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of low back pain. Intervertebral disc cells are the main components of the intervertebral disc (IVD), and their functions include synthesizing and secreting collagen and proteoglycans to maintain the structural and functional stability of the IVD. In addition, IVD cells are involved in several physiological processes. They help maintain nutrient metabolism balance in the IVD. They also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Because of these roles, IVD cells are crucial in IVDD. When IVD cells are subjected to oxidative stress, mitochondria may become damaged, affecting normal cell function and accelerating degenerative changes. Mitochondria are the energy source of the cell and regulate important intracellular processes. As a key site for redox reactions, excessive oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species can damage mitochondria, leading to inflammation, DNA damage, and apoptosis, thus accelerating disc degeneration.

Aim of review

Describes the core knowledge of IVDD and oxidative stress. Comprehensively examines the complex relationship and potential mechanistic pathways between oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and IVDD. Highlights potential therapeutic targets and frontier therapeutic concepts. Draws researchers' attention and discussion on the future research of all three.

Key scientific concepts of review

Origin, development and consequences of IVDD, molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress acting on mitochondria, mechanisms of oxidative stress damage to IVD cells, therapeutic potential of targeting mitochondria to alleviate oxidative stress in IVDD.

The translational potential of this article

Targeted therapeutic strategies for oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are particularly critical in the treatment of IVDD. Using antioxidants and specific mitochondrial therapeutic agents can help reduce symptoms and pain. This approach is expected to significantly improve the quality of life for patients. Individualized therapeutic approaches, on the other hand, are based on an in-depth assessment of the patient's degree of oxidative stress and mitochondrial functional status to develop a targeted treatment plan for more precise and effective IVDD management. Additionally, we suggest preventive measures like customized lifestyle changes and medications. These are based on understanding how IVDD develops. The aim is to slow down the disease and reduce the chances of it coming back. Actively promoting clinical trials and evaluating the safety and efficacy of new therapies helps translate cutting-edge treatment concepts into clinical practice. These measures not only improve patient outcomes and quality of life but also reduce the consumption of healthcare resources and the socio-economic burden, thus having a positive impact on the advancement of the IVDD treatment field.

RNA-loaded nanoparticles for the treatment of hematological cancers

Hematological cancers encompass a diverse group of malignancies affecting the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. These disorders present unique challenges due to their complex etiology and varied clinical manifestations. Despite significant advancements in understanding and treating hematological malignancies, innovative therapeutic approaches are continually sought to enhance patient outcomes. This review highlights the application of RNA nanoparticles (RNA-NPs) in the treatment of hematological cancers. We delve into detailed discussions on in vitro and preclinical studies involving RNA-NPs for adult patients, as well as the application of RNA-NPs in pediatric hematological cancer. The review also addresses ongoing clinical trials involving RNA-NPs and explores the emerging field of CAR-T therapy engineered by RNA-NPs. Finally, we discuss the challenges still faced in translating RNA-NP research to clinics.

Innovative lipid nanoparticles: A cutting-edge approach for potential renal cell carcinoma therapeutics

The kidney plays a crucial role in regulating homeostasis within the human body. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common form of kidney cancer, accounting for nearly 90 % of all renal malignancies. Despite the availability of various therapeutic strategies, RCC remains a challenging disease due to its resistance to conventional treatments. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field, offering new opportunities in cancer therapeutics. It presents several advantages over traditional methods, enabling diverse biomedical applications, including drug delivery, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), approximately 100 nm in size, are derived from a range of lipids and other biochemical compounds. these particulates are designed to overcome biological barriers, allowing them to selectively accumulate at diseased target sites for effective therapeutic action. Many pharmaceutically important compounds face challenges such as poor solubility in aqueous solutions, chemical and physiological instability, or toxicity. LNP technology stands out as a promising drug delivery system for bioactive organic compounds. This article reviews the applications of LNPs in RCC treatment and explores their potential clinical translation, identifying the most viable LNPs for medical use. With ongoing advancement in LNP-based anticancer strategies, there is a growing potential to improve the management and treatment of renal cancer.

Spleen Targeting Nucleic Acid Delivery Vector Based on Metal-Organic Frameworks

Nucleic acids have attracted increasing attention as drugs due to their fascinating advantages, such as long-term efficacy and ease of preparation compared to proteins. The nucleic acid therapy relies heavily on delivery vectors, which can prevent the degradation of nucleic acids while assisting them in cellular internalization. However, commonly used nonviral vector liposomes easily accumulate in the liver, which can limit their application in extrahepatic diseases. Herein, a potential spleen targeting vector for nucleic acids is developed based on the metal-organic frameworks. The plasmids are encapsulated inside the nanoscale zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) via coprecipitation. The co-encapsulation of the cationic polymer poly(ether imide) (PEI) and the stabilizer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) can significantly improve particle dispersion and stability. The prepared nanoparticles allow efficient transfection in vitro, mainly through clathrin-mediated and caveolae-mediated endocytosis. The biodistribution in mice shows that 46% of the nanoparticles accumulate in the spleen, which is much higher than that of the liposomes. The vector can successfully deliver plasmids to extrahepatic organs for protein synthesis and even induce an immune response. The elaborate ZIF-based nanoparticle may offer a new route for extrahepatic, especially spleen targeting delivery for the nucleic acids.

Construction and performance evaluation of polyguluronic acid polysaccharides-based drug delivery systems

Polysaccharides have garnered significant attention as potential nanoparticle carriers for targeted tumor therapy due to their excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility. Polyguluronic acid (PG) is a homogeneous acidic polysaccharide fragment derived from alginate, which is found in brown algae, possesses excellent bioactivities, unique properties. This study explored the immunomodulatory activity of PG and developed PG-based nanogels through modified disulfide bonds and Ca2+ dual crosslinking. We characterized their structure, assessed their drug-loading and release properties, and ultimately validated both the safety of the nanocarrier and the in vitro anti-tumor efficacy of the encapsulated drug. Results indicated that PG significantly enhanced the proliferative activity and phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells while promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cytokine secretion. The study identified TLR4 as the primary receptor for PG recognition in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, PG-based drug-carrying nanogels were prepared, exhibiting uniform sizes of about 184 nm and demonstrating exceptional encapsulation efficiency (82.15 ± 0.82 %) and drug loading capacity (8.12 ± 0.08 %). In vitro release experiments showed that these nanogels could responsively release drugs under conditions of high glutathione (GSH) reduction, facilitating drug accumulation at tumor sites and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This research not only expands the application of PG in drug delivery systems but also provides valuable insights into leveraging natural immunomodulatory polysaccharides as carriers for targeted drug delivery.

Selective Transfection of a Transferrin Receptor-Expressing Cell Line with DNA-Lipid Nanoparticles

Despite considerable progress in using lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vehicles for gene delivery, achieving selective transfection of specific cell types remains a significant challenge, hindering the advancement of new gene or gene-editing therapies. Although LNPs have been equipped with ligands aimed at targeting specific cellular receptors, achieving complete selectivity continues to be elusive. The exact reasons for this limited selectivity are not fully understood, as cell targeting involves a complex interplay of various cellular factors. Assessing how much ligand/receptor binding contributes to selectivity is challenging due to these additional influencing factors. Nonetheless, such data are important for developing new nanocarriers and setting realistic expectations for selectivity. Here, we have quantified the selective, targeted transfection using two uniquely engineered cell lines that eliminate unpredictable and interfering cellular influences. We have compared the targeted transfection of Chinese ovary hamster (CHO) cells engineered to express the human transferrin receptor 1 (hTfR1), CHO-TRVb-hTfR1, with CHO cells that completely lack any transferrin receptor, CHO-TRVb-neo cells (negative control). Thus, the two cell lines differ only in the presence/absence of hTfR1. The transfection was performed with pDNA-encapsulating LNPs equipped with the DT7 peptide ligand that specifically binds to hTfR1 and enables targeted transfection. The LNP's pDNA encoded for the monomeric GreenLantern (mGL) reporter protein, whose fluorescence was used to quantify transfection. We report a novel LNP composition designed to achieve an optimal particle size and ζ-potential, efficient pDNA encapsulation, hTfR1-targeting capability, and sufficient polyethylene glycol sheltering to minimize random cell targeting. The transfection efficiency was quantified in both cell lines separately through flow cytometry based on the expression of the fluorescent gene product. Our results demonstrated an LNP dose-dependent mGL expression, with a 5-fold preference for the CHO-TRVb-hTfR1 when compared to CHO-TRVb-neo. In another experiment, when both cell lines were mixed at a 1:1 ratio, the DT7-decorated LNP achieved a 3-fold higher transfection of the CHO-TRVb-hTfR1 over the CHO-TRVb-neo cells. Based on the low-level transfection of the CHO-TRVb-neo cells in both experiments, our results suggest that 17-25% of the transfection occurred in a nonspecific manner. The observed transfection selectivity for the CHO-TRVb-hTfR1 cells was based entirely on the hTfR1/DT7 interaction. This work showed that the platform of two engineered cell lines which differ only in the hTfR1 can greatly facilitate the development of LNPs with hTfR1-targeting ligands.

Nucleic Acid Delivery Nanotechnologies for In Vivo Cell Programming

In medicine, it is desirable for clinicians to be able to restore function and imbue novel function into selected cells for therapy and disease prevention. Cells damaged by disease, injury, or aging could be programmed to restore normal or lost functions, such as retinal cells in inherited blindness and neuronal cells in Alzheimer's disease. Cells could also be genetically programmed with novel functions such as immune cells expressing synthetic chimeric antigen receptors for immunotherapy. Furthermore, knockdown or modification of risk factor proteins can mitigate disease development. Currently, nucleic acids are emerging as a versatile and potent therapeutic modality for achieving this cellular programming. In this review, we highlight the latest developments in nanobiomaterials-based nucleic acid therapeutics for cellular programming from a biomaterial design and delivery perspective and how to overcome barriers to their clinical translation to benefit patients.

Coding Therapeutic Nucleic Acids from Recombinant Proteins to Next-Generation Vaccines: Current Uses, Limitations, and Future Horizons

This study aims to highlight the potential use of cTNAs in therapeutic applications. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant use of coding therapeutic nucleic acids (cTNAs) in terms of DNA and mRNA in the development of vaccines. The use of cTNAs resulted in a paradigm shift in the therapeutic field. However, the injection of DNA or mRNA into the human body transforms cells into biological factories to produce the necessary proteins. Despite the success of cTNAs in the production of corona vaccines, they have several limitations such as instability, inability to cross biomembranes, immunogenicity, and the possibility of integration into the human genome. The chemical modification and utilization of smart drug delivery cargoes resolve cTNAs therapeutic problems. The success of cTNAs in corona vaccine production provides perspective for the eradication of influenza viruses, Zika virus, HIV, respiratory syncytial virus, Ebola virus, malaria, and future pandemics by quick vaccine design. Moreover, the progress cTNAs technology is promising for the development of therapy for genetic disease, cancer therapy, and currently incurable diseases.

Expanding RNAi to Kidneys, Lungs, and Spleen via Selective ORgan Targeting (SORT) siRNA Lipid Nanoparticles

Inhibition of disease-causing mutations using RNA interference (RNAi) has resulted in clinically approved medicines with additional candidates in late stage trials. However, targetable tissues currently in preclinical development are limited to liver following systemic intravenous (IV) administration because predictable delivery of siRNA to non-liver tissues remains an unsolved challenge. Here, evidence of durable extrahepatic gene silencing enabled by siRNA Selective ORgan Targeting lipid nanoparticles (siRNA SORT LNPs) to the kidneys, lungs, and spleen is provided. LNPs excel at dose-dependent silencing of tissue-enriched endogenous targets resulting in 60%-80% maximal knockdown after a single IV injection and up to 88% downregulation of protein expression in mouse lungs after two doses. To examine knockdown potency and unbiased organ targeting, B6.129TdTom/EGFP mice that constitutively express the TdTomato transgene across all cell types are utilized to demonstrate 58%, 45%, and 15% reduction in TdTomato fluorescence in lungs, spleen, and kidneys, respectively. Finally, physiological relevance of siRNA SORT LNP-mediated gene silencing is established via acute suppression of endogenous Tie2 which induces lung-specific phenotypic alteration of vascular endothelial barrier. Due to plethora of extrahepatic diseases that may benefit from RNAi interventions, it is anticipated that the findings will expand preclinical landscape of therapeutic targets beyond the liver.

Rational design of lipid nanoparticles: overcoming physiological barriers for selective intracellular mRNA delivery

This review introduces the typical delivery process of messenger RNA (mRNA) nanomedicines and concludes that the delivery involves a at least four-step SCER cascade and that high efficiency at every step is critical to guarantee high overall therapeutic outcomes. This SCER cascade process includes selective organ-targeting delivery, cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and cytosolic mRNA release. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a state-of-the-art vehicle for in vivo mRNA delivery. The review emphasizes the importance of LNPs in achieving selective, efficient, and safe mRNA delivery. The discussion then extends to the technical and clinical considerations of LNPs, detailing the roles of individual components in the SCER cascade process, especially ionizable lipids and helper phospholipids. The review aims to provide an updated overview of LNP-based mRNA delivery, outlining recent innovations and addressing challenges while exploring future developments for clinical translation over the next decade.

Research Advances of Lipid Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common type of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancer and poses an enormous threat to human health. Current strategies for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) therapy primarily focus on chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy; however, their adverse reactions and drug resistance limit their clinical application. Advances in nanotechnology have rendered lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) a promising nanomaterial-based drug delivery system for CRC therapy. LNPs can adapt to the biological characteristics of CRC by modifying their formulation, enabling the selective delivery of drugs to cancer tissues. They overcome the limitations of traditional therapies, such as poor water solubility, nonspecific biodistribution, and limited bioavailability. Herein, we review the composition and targeting strategies of LNPs for CRC therapy. Subsequently, the applications of these nanoparticles in CRC treatment including drug delivery, thermal therapy, and nucleic acid-based gene therapy are summarized with examples provided. The last section provides a glimpse into the advantages, current limitations, and prospects of LNPs in the treatment of CRC.

High-Throughput In Vivo Screening Identifies Differential Influences on mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle Immune Cell Delivery by Administration Route

Immune modulation through the intracellular delivery of nucleoside-modified mRNA to immune cells is an attractive approach for in vivo immunoengineering, with applications in infectious disease, cancer immunotherapy, and beyond. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have come to the fore as a promising nucleic acid delivery platform, but LNP design criteria remain poorly defined, making the rate-limiting step for LNP discovery the screening process. In this study, we employed high-throughput in vivo LNP screening based on molecular barcoding to investigate the influence of LNP composition on immune tropism with applications in vaccines and systemic immunotherapies. Screening a large LNP library under both intramuscular (i.m.) and intravenous (i.v.) injection, we observed differential influences on LNP uptake by immune populations across the two administration routes, gleaning insight into LNP design criteria for in vivo immunoengineering. In validation studies, the lead LNP formulation for i.m. administration demonstrated substantial mRNA translation in the spleen and draining lymph nodes with a more favorable biodistribution profile than LNPs formulated with the clinical standard ionizable lipid DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3). The lead LNP formulations for i.v. administration displayed potent immune transfection in the spleen and peripheral blood, with one lead LNP demonstrating substantial transfection of splenic dendritic cells and another inducing substantial transfection of circulating monocytes. Altogether, the immunotropic LNPs identified by high-throughput in vivo screening demonstrated significant promise for both locally- and systemically-delivered mRNA and confirmed the value of the LNP design criteria gleaned from our screening process, which could potentially inform future endeavors in mRNA vaccine and immunotherapy applications.

Exploring Curcumin-Loaded Lipid-Based Nanomedicine as Efficient Targeted Therapy for Alzheimer's Diseases

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological condition currently with 47 million people suffering from it globally. AD might have many reasons such as genetic issues, environmental factors, and Aβ accumulation, which is the biomarker of the disease. Since the primary reason is unknown, there is no targeted treatment at the moment, but ongoing research aims to slow its progression by managing amyloid-beta peptide production rather than symptomatic improvement. Since phytochemicals have been demonstrated to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, they may target multiple pathological factors and can reduce the risk of the disease. Curcumin, as a phytochemical found in turmeric known for its antioxidant, free radical scavenging properties, and as an antiamyloid in treating AD, has come under investigation. Although its low bioavailability limits its efficacy, a prominent drug delivery system (DDS) is desired to overcome it. Hence, the potency of lipid-based nanoparticles encapsulating curcumin (LNPs-CUR) is considered in this study as a promising DDS. In vivo studies in animal models indicate LNPs-CUR effectively slow amyloid plaque formation, leading to cognitive enhancement and reduced toxicity compared to free CUR. However, a deeper understanding of CUR's pharmacokinetics and safety profile is crucial before LNPs-CUR can be considered as a medicine. Future investigations may explore the combination of NPs with other therapeutic agents to increase their efficacy in AD cases. This review provides the current position of CUR in the AD therapy paradigm, the DDS suggestions for CUR, and the previous research from the point of analytical view focused on the advantages and challenges.

Strategies for enhanced gene delivery to the central nervous system

The delivery of genes to the central nervous system (CNS) has been a persistent challenge due to various biological barriers. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), in particular, hampers the access of systemically injected drugs to parenchymal cells, allowing only a minimal percentage (<1%) to pass through. Recent scientific insights highlight the crucial role of the extracellular space (ECS) in governing drug diffusion. Taking into account advancements in vectors, techniques, and knowledge, the discussion will center on the most notable vectors utilized for gene delivery to the CNS. This review will explore the influence of the ECS - a dynamically regulated barrier-on drug diffusion. Furthermore, we will underscore the significance of employing remote-control technologies to facilitate BBB traversal and modulate the ECS. Given the rapid progress in gene editing, our discussion will also encompass the latest advances focused on delivering therapeutic editing in vivo to the CNS tissue. In the end, a brief summary on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML), ultrasmall, soft endovascular robots, and high-resolution endovascular cameras on improving the gene delivery to the CNS will be provided.

Impact of physicochemical properties on biological effects of lipid nanoparticles: Are they completely safe

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are promising materials and human-use approved excipients, with manifold applications in biomedicine. Researchers have tended to focus on improving the pharmacological efficiency and organ targeting of LNPs, while paid relatively less attention to the negative aspects created by their specific physicochemical properties. Here, we discuss the impacts of LNPs' physicochemical properties (size, surface hydrophobicity, surface charge, surface modification and lipid composition) on the adsorption-transportation-distribution-clearance processes and bio-nano interactions. In addition, since there is a lack of review emphasizing on toxicological profiles of LNPs, this review outlined immunogenicity, inflammation, hemolytic toxicity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by LNPs and the underlying mechanisms, with the aim to understand the properties that underlie the biological effects of these materials. This provides a basic strategy that increased efficacy of medical application with minimized side-effects can be achieved by modulating the physicochemical properties of LNPs. Therefore, addressing the effects of physicochemical properties on toxicity induced by LNPs is critical for understanding their environmental and health risks and will help clear the way for LNPs-based drugs to eventually fulfill their promise as a highly effective therapeutic agents for diverse diseases in clinic.

The impact of, and expectations for, lipid nanoparticle technology: From cellular targeting to organelle targeting

The success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has enhanced the potential of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as a system for the delivery of mRNA. In this review, we describe our progress using a lipid library to engineer ionizable lipids and promote LNP technology from the viewpoints of safety, controlled biodistribution, and mRNA vaccines. These advancements in LNP technology are applied to cancer immunology, and a potential nano-DDS is constructed to evaluate immune status that is associated with a cancer-immunity cycle that includes the sub-cycles in tumor microenvironments. We also discuss the importance of the delivery of antigens and adjuvants in enhancing the cancer-immunity cycle. Recent progress in NK cell targeting in cancer immunotherapy is also introduced. Finally, the impact of next-generation DDS technology is explained using the MITO-Porter membrane fusion-based delivery system for the organelle targeting of the mitochondria. We introduce a successful example of the MITO-Porter used in a cell therapeutic strategy to treat cardiomyopathy.

MCT4 knockdown by tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles remodels the cytokine profile and eradicates aggressive breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is a wide-spread threat to the women's health. The drawbacks of conventional treatments necessitate the development of alternative strategies, where gene therapy has regained hope in achieving an efficient eradication of aggressive tumors. Monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) plays pivotal roles in the growth and survival of various tumors, which offers a promising target for treatment. In the present study, pH-responsive lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) based on the ionizable lipid,1,2-dioleoyl-3-dimethylammonium propane (DODAP), were designed for the delivery of siRNA targeting MCT4 gene to the breast cancer cells. Following multiple steps of characterization and optimization, the anticancer activities of the LNPs were assessed against an aggressive breast cancer cell line, 4T1, in comparison with a normal cell line, LX-2. The selection of the helper phospholipid to be incorporated into the LNPs had a dramatic impact on their gene delivery performance. The optimized LNPs enabled a powerful MCT4 silencing by ∼90 % at low siRNA concentrations, with a subsequent ∼80 % cytotoxicity to 4T1 cells. Meanwhile, the LNPs demonstrated a 5-fold higher affinity to the breast cancer cells versus the normal cells, in which they had a minimum effect. Moreover, the MCT4 knockdown by the treatment remodeled the cytokine profile in 4T1 cells, as evidenced by 90 % and ∼64 % reduction in the levels of TNF-α and IL-6; respectively. The findings of this study are promising for potential clinical applications. Furthermore, the simple and scalable delivery vector developed herein can serve as a breast cancer-targeting platform for the delivery of other RNA therapeutics.

Interactions between nanoparticles and lymphatic systems: Mechanisms and applications in drug delivery

The lymphatic system has garnered significant attention in drug delivery research due to the advantages it offers, such as enhancing systemic exposure and enabling lymph node targeting for nanomedicines via the lymphatic delivery route. The journey of drug carriers involves transport from the administration site to the lymphatic vessels, traversing the lymph before entering the bloodstream or targeting specific lymph nodes. However, the anatomical and physiological barriers of the lymphatic system play a pivotal role in influencing the behavior and efficiency of carriers. To expedite research and subsequent clinical translation, this review begins by introducing the composition and classification of the lymphatic system. Subsequently, we explore the routes and mechanisms through which nanoparticles enter lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. The review further delves into the interactions between nanomedicine and body fluids at the administration site or within lymphatic vessels. Finally, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in lymphatic delivery systems, addressing the challenges and opportunities inherent in current systems for delivering macromolecules and vaccines.

Understanding Gene Involvement in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Gene Therapy and Personalized Medicine

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the dominant type of liver cancers and is one of the deadliest health threats globally. The conventional therapeutic options for HCC are hampered by low efficiency and intolerable side effects. Gene therapy, however, now offers hope for the treatment of many disorders previously considered incurable, and gene therapy is beginning to address many of the shortcomings of conventional therapies. Herein, we summarize the involvement of genes in the pathogenesis and prognosis of HCC, with a special focus on dysregulated signaling pathways, genes involved in immune evasion, and non-coding RNAs as novel two-edged players, which collectively offer potential targets for the gene therapy of HCC. Herein, the opportunities and challenges of HCC gene therapy are discussed. These include innovative therapies such as genome editing and cell therapies. Moreover, advanced gene delivery technologies that recruit nanomedicines for use in gene therapy for HCC are highlighted. Finally, suggestions are offered for improved clinical translation and future directions in this area of endeavor.

Physiological Barriers and Strategies of Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid Drug Delivery

Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs) are currently the most promising vehicles for nucleic acid drug (NAD) delivery. Although their clinical applications have achieved success, the NAD delivery efficiency and safety are still unsatisfactory, which are, to a large extent, due to the existence of multi-level physiological barriers in vivo. It is important to elucidate the interactions between these barriers and LBNPs, which will guide more rational design of efficient NAD vehicles with low adverse effects and facilitate broader applications of nucleic acid therapeutics. This review describes the obstacles and challenges of biological barriers to NAD delivery at systemic, organ, sub-organ, cellular, and subcellular levels. The strategies to overcome these barriers are comprehensively reviewed, mainly including physically/chemically engineering LBNPs and directly modifying physiological barriers by auxiliary treatments. Then the potentials and challenges for successful translation of these preclinical studies into the clinic are discussed. In the end, a forward look at the strategies on manipulating protein corona (PC) is addressed, which may pull off the trick of overcoming those physiological barriers and significantly improve the efficacy and safety of LBNP-based NADs delivery.

Strategies to reduce the risks of mRNA drug and vaccine toxicity

mRNA formulated with lipid nanoparticles is a transformative technology that has enabled the rapid development and administration of billions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine doses worldwide. However, avoiding unacceptable toxicity with mRNA drugs and vaccines presents challenges. Lipid nanoparticle structural components, production methods, route of administration and proteins produced from complexed mRNAs all present toxicity concerns. Here, we discuss these concerns, specifically how cell tropism and tissue distribution of mRNA and lipid nanoparticles can lead to toxicity, and their possible reactogenicity. We focus on adverse events from mRNA applications for protein replacement and gene editing therapies as well as vaccines, tracing common biochemical and cellular pathways. The potential and limitations of existing models and tools used to screen for on-target efficacy and de-risk off-target toxicity, including in vivo and next-generation in vitro models, are also discussed.

Emerging strategies for nanomedicine in autoimmunity

Autoimmune disorders have risen to be among the most prevalent chronic diseases across the globe, affecting approximately 5-7% of the population. As autoimmune diseases steadily rise in prevalence, so do the number of potential therapeutic strategies to combat them. In recent years, fundamental research investigating autoimmune pathologies has led to the emergence of several cellular targets that provide new therapeutic opportunities. However, key challenges persist in terms of accessing and specifically combating the dysregulated, self-reactive cells while avoiding systemic immune suppression and other off-target effects. Fortunately, the continued advancement of nanomedicines may provide strategies to address these challenges and bring innovative autoimmunity therapies to the clinic. Through precise engineering and rational design, nanomedicines can possess a variety of physicochemical properties, surface modifications, and cargoes, allowing for specific targeting of therapeutics to pathological cell and organ types. These advances in nanomedicine have been demonstrated in cancer therapies and have the broad potential to advance applications in autoimmunity therapies as well. In this review, we focus on leveraging the power of nanomedicine for prevalent autoimmune disorders throughout the body. We expand on three key areas for the development of autoimmunity therapies - avoiding systemic immunosuppression, balancing interactions with the immune system, and elevating current platforms for delivering complex cargoes - and emphasize how nanomedicine-based strategies can overcome these barriers and enable the development of next-generation, clinically relevant autoimmunity therapies.

Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Reproductive Disorders

Over the past decade, nanotechnology has seen extensive integration into biomedical applications, playing a crucial role in biodetection, drug delivery, and diagnostic imaging. This is especially important in reproductive health care, which has become an emerging and significant area of research. Global concerns have intensified around disorders such as infertility, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, erectile dysfunction, benign prostate hyperplasia, sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive cancers. Nanotechnology presents promising solutions to address these concerns by introducing innovative tools and techniques, facilitating early detection, targeted drug delivery, and improved imaging capabilities. Through the utilization of nanoscale materials and devices, researchers can craft treatments that are not only more precise but also more effective, significantly enhancing outcomes in reproductive healthcare. Looking forward, the future of nanotechnology in reproductive medicine holds immense potential for reshaping diagnostics, personalized therapies, and fertility preservation. The utilization of nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems is anticipated to elevate treatment effectiveness, minimize side effects, and offer patients therapies that are not only more precise but also more efficient. This review aims to delve into the various types, properties, and preparation techniques of nanocarriers specifically designed for drug delivery in the context of reproductive disorders, shedding light on the current landscape and potential future directions in this dynamic field.

A magnetic separation method for isolating and characterizing the biomolecular corona of lipid nanoparticles

Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations are a proven method for the delivery of nucleic acids for gene therapy as exemplified by the worldwide rollout of LNP-based RNAi therapeutics and mRNA vaccines. However, targeting specific tissues or cells is still a major challenge. After LNP administration, LNPs interact with biological fluids (i.e., blood), components of which adsorb onto the LNP surface forming a layer of biomolecules termed the "biomolecular corona (BMC)" which affects LNP stability, biodistribution, and tissue tropism. The mechanisms by which the BMC influences tissue- and cell-specific targeting remains largely unknown, due to the technical challenges in isolating LNPs and their corona from complex biological media. In this study, we present a new technique that utilizes magnetic LNPs to isolate LNP-corona complexes from unbound proteins present in human serum. First, we developed a magnetic LNP formulation, containing >40 superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs)/LNP, the resulting LNPs containing iron oxide nanoparticles (IOLNPs) displayed a similar particle size and morphology as LNPs loaded with nucleic acids. We further demonstrated the isolation of the IOLNPs and their corresponding BMC from unbound proteins using a magnetic separation (MS) system. The BMC profile of LNP from the MS system was compared to size exclusion column chromatography and further analyzed via mass spectrometry, revealing differences in protein abundances. This new approach enabled a mild and versatile isolation of LNPs and its corona, while maintaining its structural integrity. The identification of the BMC associated with an intact LNP provides further insight into LNP interactions with biological fluids.

Nano-Bio Interactions: Exploring the Biological Behavior and the Fate of Lipid-Based Gene Delivery Systems

Gene therapy for many diseases is rapidly becoming a reality, as demonstrated by the recent approval of various nucleic acid-based therapeutics. Non-viral systems such as lipid-based carriers, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), for delivering different payloads including small interfering RNA, plasmid DNA, and messenger RNA have been particularly extensively explored and developed for clinical uses. One of the most important issues in LNP development is delivery to extrahepatic tissues. To achieve this, various lipids and lipid-like materials are being examined and screened. Several LNP formulations that target extrahepatic tissues, such as the spleen and the lungs have been developed by adjusting the lipid compositions of LNPs. However, mechanistic details of how the characteristics of LNPs affect delivery efficiency remains unclear. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of LNP-based nucleic acid delivery focusing on LNP components and their structures, as well as discussing biological factors, such as biomolecular corona and cellular responses related to the delivery efficiency.

Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Delivery Carrier-Assisted Targeted Controlled Release mRNA Vaccines in Tumor Immunity

In recent years, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have attracted extensive attention in tumor immunotherapy. Targeting immune cells in cancer therapy has become a strategy of great research interest. mRNA vaccines are a potential choice for tumor immunotherapy, due to their ability to directly encode antigen proteins and stimulate a strong immune response. However, the mode of delivery and lack of stability of mRNA are key issues limiting its application. LNPs are an excellent mRNA delivery carrier, and their structural stability and biocompatibility make them an effective means for delivering mRNA to specific targets. This study summarizes the research progress in LNP delivery carrier-assisted targeted controlled release mRNA vaccines in tumor immunity. The role of LNPs in improving mRNA stability, immunogenicity, and targeting is discussed. This review aims to systematically summarize the latest research progress in LNP delivery carrier-assisted targeted controlled release mRNA vaccines in tumor immunity to provide new ideas and strategies for tumor immunotherapy, as well as to provide more effective treatment plans for patients.

Predictive High-Throughput Platform for Dual Screening of mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle Blood-Brain Barrier Transfection and Crossing

Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-mediated nucleic acid therapies, including mRNA protein replacement and gene editing therapies, hold great potential in treating neurological disorders including neurodegeneration, brain cancer, and stroke. However, delivering LNPs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after systemic administration remains underexplored. In this work, we engineered a high-throughput screening transwell platform for the BBB (HTS-BBB), specifically optimized for screening mRNA LNPs. Unlike most transwell assays, which only assess transport across an endothelial monolayer, HTS-BBB simultaneously measures LNP transport and mRNA transfection of the endothelial cells themselves. We then use HTS-BBB to screen a library of 14 LNPs made with structurally diverse ionizable lipids and demonstrate it is predictive of in vivo performance by validating lead candidates for mRNA delivery to the mouse brain after intravenous injection. Going forward, this platform could be used to screen large libraries of brain-targeted LNPs for a range of protein replacement and gene editing applications.

Targeted Nanoparticles: the Smart Way for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a widespread cancer that starts in the digestive tract. It is the third most common cause of cancer deaths around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates an expected death toll of over 1 million cases annually. The limited therapeutic options as well as the drawbacks of the existing therapies necessitate the development of non-classic treatment approaches. Nanotechnology has led the evolution of valuable drug delivery systems thanks to their ability to control drug release and precisely target a wide variety of cancers. This has also been extended to the treatment of CRC. Herein, we shed light on the pertinent research that has been performed on the potential applications of nanoparticles in the treatment of CRC. The various types of nanoparticles in addition to their properties, applications, targeting approaches, merits, and demerits are discussed. Furthermore, innovative therapies for CRC, including gene therapies and immunotherapies, are also highlighted. Eventually, the research gaps, the clinical potential of such delivery systems, and a future outlook on their development are inspired.

mRNA vaccine designs for optimal adjuvanticity and delivery

Adjuvanticity and delivery are crucial facets of mRNA vaccine design. In modern mRNA vaccines, adjuvant functions are integrated into mRNA vaccine nanoparticles, allowing the co-delivery of antigen mRNA and adjuvants in a unified, all-in-one formulation. In this formulation, many mRNA vaccines utilize the immunostimulating properties of mRNA and vaccine carrier components, including lipids and polymers, as adjuvants. However, careful design is necessary, as excessive adjuvanticity and activation of improper innate immune signalling can conversely hinder vaccination efficacy and trigger adverse effects. mRNA vaccines also require delivery systems to achieve antigen expression in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) within lymphoid organs. Some vaccines directly target APCs in the lymphoid organs, while others rely on APCs migration to the draining lymph nodes after taking up mRNA vaccines. This review explores the current mechanistic understanding of these processes and the ongoing efforts to improve vaccine safety and efficacy based on this understanding.

Selective homing of brain-derived reconstituted lipid nanoparticles to cerebral ischemic area enables improved ischemic stroke treatment

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) hold great promise as carriers for developing drug delivery systems (DDSs) aimed at managing ischemic stroke (IS). Previous research has highlighted the vital role played by the lipid composition and biophysical characteristics of LNPs, influencing their interactions with cells and tissues. This understanding presents an opportunity to engineer LNPs tailored specifically for enhanced IS treatment. We previously introduced the innovative concept of reconstituted lipid nanoparticles (rLNPs), which not only retain the advantages of conventional LNPs but also incorporate lipids from the originating cell or tissue. Brain-derived rLNPs (B-rLNPs) exhibit significantly superior accumulation within the cerebral ischemic region when compared to liver-derived rLNPs (L-rLNPs). The homing effect of B-rLNPs was then employed to construct 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) loaded DDS (B-rLNPs/NBP) for the treatment of IS. Our results demonstrated that compared with free NBP, B-rLNPs/NBP can significantly reduce infarct volume, neurological deficits, blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage rate, brain water content, neutrophil infiltration, alleviate pathological structures, and improve the motor function in MCAO/R model. We also proved that B-rLNPs/NBP showed further reinforced protective effects on the same model than free NBP through the regulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB (anti-inflammation) and Bax/Bcl-2 (anti-apoptosis) pathways. This study offers a promising tool towards improved IS treatment.

Preparation of a Novel Multifunctional Cationic Liposome Drug-carrying System and its Functional Study on Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Low-dose chemotherapy is a promising treatment strategy that may be improved by controlled delivery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to design polyethylene glycol-stabilized bilayer-decorated magnetic Cationic Liposomes (CLs) as a drug delivery system for integrated functional studies of lung cancer cell therapy and imaging.

METHODS

A novel multifunctional folic acid targeting magnetic CLs docetaxel drug-loading system (FA-CLs-Fe- DOC) was prepared and tested for its physical properties, encapsulation rate and drug release performance. The feasibility of FA-CLs-Fe-DOC ability to inhibit tumor cells and act as an MRI contrast agent was investigated in vitro, and the target recognition and therapeutic ability of FA-CLs-Fe-DOC was studied in vivo.

RESULTS

FA-CLs-Fe-DOC had a particle size of 221.54 ± 6.42 nm and a potential of 28.64 ± 3.56 mv, with superparamagnetic properties and better stability. The encapsulation rate was 95.36 ± 1.63%, and the drug loading capacity was 9.52 ± 0.22%, which possessed the drug slow-release performance and low cytotoxicity and could effectively inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells, promoting apoptosis of lung cancer cells. MRI showed that it had the function of tracking and localization of lung cancer cells. In vivo experiments confirmed the targeted recognition property and therapeutic function of lung cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we successfully prepared an FA-CLs-Fe-DOC capable of specifically targeting lung cancer cells with integrated functions of efficient lung cancer cell killing and imaging localization. This targeted drug packaging technology may provide a new strategy for the design of integrated carriers for targeted cancer therapy and imaging.

Unleashing the Potential: Designing Antibody-Targeted Lipid Nanoparticles for Industrial Applications with CMC Considerations and Clinical Outlook

Antibody-targeted lipid nanoparticles (Ab-LNPs) are rapidly gaining traction as multifaceted platforms in precision medicine, adept at delivering a diverse array of therapeutic agents, including nucleic acids and small molecules. This review provides an incisive overview of the latest developments in the field of Ab-LNP technology, with a special emphasis on pivotal design aspects such as antibody engineering, bioconjugation strategies, and advanced formulation techniques. Furthermore, it addresses critical chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) considerations and thoroughly examines the in vivo dynamics of Ab-LNPs, underscoring their promising potential for clinical application. By seamlessly blending scientific advancements with practical industrial perspectives, this review casts a spotlight on the burgeoning role of Ab-LNPs as an innovative and potent tool in the realm of targeted drug delivery.