Quercetin nanocomposite as novel anticancer therapeutic: improved efficiency and reduced toxicity

Anticancer activity of flavonoids accompanied by redox state modulation and the potential for a chemotherapeutic strategy

Since researchers began studying the mechanism of flavonoids' anticancer activity, little attention has been focused on the modulation of redox state in cells as a potential chemotherapeutic strategy. However, recent studies have begun identifying that the anticancer effect of flavonoids occurs both in their antioxidative activity which scavenges ROS and their prooxidative activity which generates ROS. Against this backdrop, this study attempts to achieve a comprehensive analysis of the individual and separate study findings regarding flavonoids' modulation of redox state in cancer cells. It focuses on the mechanism behind the anticancer effect, and mostly on the modulation of redox potential by flavonoids such as quercetin, hesperetin, apigenin, genistein, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), luteolin and kaempferol in both in vitro and animal models. In addition, the clinical applications of and bioavailability of flavonoids were reviewed to help build a treatment strategy based on flavonoids' prooxidative potential.

Application of quercetin flavonoid based hybrid nanocomposites: A review

Natural bioflavonoids are an essential component of dietary supplements possessing antimicrobial properties. Many of the bioflavonoids have resulted in positive antitumor, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties, but the efficacy remains low due to toxicity at the molecular level whereas antiviral property limits to negative. The synergistic link between nanoscience and flavonoid chemistry enhances the epidemiological properties of flavonoid and also diminish the antimicrobial resistivity (AMR) by forming their hybrid nanocomposites. Nanochemistry uses various nanocomposite and nanomaterials for biosensing the flavonoids and their delivery as a drug. The quercetin flavonoid and its derivatives such as rutin, and myricetin are used for sensing and drug delivery. Quercetin with 15Carbon-5Hydroxyl chemical scaffold has been explored for a few decades for the development of hybrid nanocomposite and nanomaterial with metallic as well as organic nano co-composites. This quercetin flavonoid based hybrid nanocomposites seemed to show a significant effect on In vitro and some animal model processes along with attenuating lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation, and capillary permeability actions. This review mainly focused on the hybrid nanoscience of quercetin bioflavonoid and its application in numerous biological, material fields with a future perspective.

Naringenin-Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: A Potential Approach for Site-Specific Remote-Controlled Anticancer Delivery for the Treatment of Lung Cancer Cells

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with naringenin have been developed as new drug carriers to improve the performance of lung cancer treatment. The nanocarrier was characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Drug release rates were determined in vitro by the dialysis method. The cytotoxic profile was evaluated using the MTT assay, against a human skin cell line (hFB) as a model for normal cells, and against an adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial (A569) cell line as a lung cancer in vitro model. The results demonstrated that the functionalization of carbon nanotubes with naringenin occurred by non-covalent interactions. The release profiles demonstrated a pH-responsive behavior, showing a prolonged release in the tumor pH environment. The naringenin-functionalized carbon nanotubes showed lower cytotoxicity on non-malignant cells (hFB) than free naringenin, with an improved anticancer effect on malignant lung cells (A549) as an in vitro model of lung cancer.

When polymers meet carbon nanostructures: expanding horizons in cancer therapy

The development of hybrid materials, which combine inorganic with organic materials, is receiving increasing attention by researchers. As a consequence of carbon nanostructures high chemical versatility, they exhibit enormous potential for new highly engineered multifunctional nanotherapeutic agents for cancer therapy. Whereas many groups are working on drug delivery systems for chemotherapy, the use of carbon nanohybrids for radiotherapy is rarely applied. Thus, nanotechnology offers a wide range of solutions to overcome the current obstacles of conventional chemo- and/or radiotherapies. Within this review, the structure and properties of carbon nanostructures (carbon nanotubes, nanographene oxide) functionalized preferentially with different types of polymers (synthetic, natural) are discussed. In short, synthesis approaches, toxicity investigations and anticancer efficacy of different carbon nanohybrids are described.

Quercetin Loaded Nanoparticles in Targeting Cancer: Recent Development

The spread of metastatic cancer cell is the main cause of death worldwide. Cellular and molecular basis of the action of phytochemicals in the modulation of metastatic cancer highlights the importance of fruits and vegetables. Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid present in fruits, vegetables, seeds, berries, and tea. The cancer-preventive activity of quercetin is well documented due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic activities. However, poor water solubility and delivery, chemical instability, short half-life, and low-bioavailability of quercetin limit its clinical application in cancer chemoprevention. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism of controlled and regulated drug delivery is essential for the development of novel and effective therapies. To overcome the limitations of accessibility by quercetin, it can be delivered as nanoconjugated quercetin. Nanoconjugated quercetin has attracted much attention due to its controlled drug release, long retention in tumor, enhanced anticancer potential, and promising clinical application. The pharmacological effect of quercetin conjugated nanoparticles typically depends on drug carriers used such as liposomes, silver nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, PLGA (Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid), PLA (poly(D,L-lactic acid)) nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, chitosan nanoparticles, etc. In this review, we described various delivery systems of nanoconjugated quercetin like liposomes, silver nanoparticles, PLGA (Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid), and polymeric micelles including DOX conjugated micelles, metal conjugated micelles, nucleic acid conjugated micelles, and antibody-conjugated micelles on in vitro and in vivo tumor models; as well as validated their potential as promising onco-therapeutic agents in light of recent updates.

Evaluation and Exploitation of Bioactive Compounds of Walnut, Juglans regia

In the last few years, great importance has been given to natural materials (such as walnuts, peanuts, chestnuts) due to their medicinal and pharmaceutical uses induced by the presence of natural agents, including polyphenols. Juglans regia is a traditional plant that has been used since ancient times in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases like microbial infections, stomach ache, thyroid dysfunctions, cancer, heart diseases and sinusitis. Recently, scientific attention for the phytochemical profile of walnut by-products is increasing due to their valuable active constituents. Natural polyphenols are important compounds present in walnut with valuable properties that have been studied for the treatment of inflammation, cancer or anti-ageing effect. The use of nanocarriers as a drug delivery system is now a promising strategy to get more stable products and is easier to apply in a medical, therapeutic and pharmaceutical environment. The aim of this work was to review the latest information provided by scientific investigators regarding the nutritional value, bioactive compounds, antioxidant and antitumor activity of walnut by-product extracts. Moreover, this review provides comprehensive information on the nanoencapsulation of bioactive constituents for application in clinical medicine, particularly in cancer research.

Overview of Carbon Nanotubes for Biomedical Applications

The unique combination of mechanical, optical and electrical properties offered by carbon nanotubes has fostered research for their use in many kinds of applications, including the biomedical field. However, due to persisting outstanding questions regarding their potential toxicity when considered as free particles, the research is now focusing on their immobilization on substrates for interface tuning or as biosensors, as load in nanocomposite materials where they improve both mechanical and electrical properties or even for direct use as scaffolds for tissue engineering. After a brief introduction to carbon nanotubes in general and their proposed applications in the biomedical field, this review will focus on nanocomposite materials with hydrogel-based matrices and especially their potential future use for diagnostics, tissue engineering or targeted drug delivery. The toxicity issue will also be briefly described in order to justify the safe(r)-by-design approach offered by carbon nanotubes-based hydrogels.

Anti-Cancerous Potential of Polyphenol-Loaded Polymeric Nanotherapeutics

Recent evidence has extensively demonstrated the anticancer potential of nutraceuticals, including plant polyphenols. Polymeric nanocarrier systems have played an important role in improving the physicochemical and pharmacological properties of polyphenols, thus ameliorating their therapeutic effectiveness. This article summarizes the benefits and shortcomings of various polymeric systems developed for the delivery of polyphenols in cancer therapy and reveals some ideas for future work.

Carbon nanotubes in the delivery of anticancer herbal drugs

Cancer is estimated to be a significant health problem of the 21st century. The situation gets even tougher when it comes to its treatment using chemotherapy employing synthetic anticancer molecules with numerous side effects. Recently, there has been a paradigm shift toward the adoption of herbal drugs for the treatment of cancer. In this context, a suitable delivery system is principally warranted to deliver these herbal biomolecules specifically at the tumorous site. To achieve this goal, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely explored to deliver anticancer herbal molecules with improved therapeutic efficacy and safety. This review uniquely expounds the biopharmaceutical, clinical and safety aspects of different anticancer herbal drugs delivered through CNTs with a cross-talk on their outcomes. This review will serve as a one-stop-shop for the readers on various anticancer herbal drugs delivered through CNTs as a futuristic delivery device.

Advances in Carbon Nanotubes-Hydrogel Hybrids in Nanomedicine for Therapeutics

In spite of significant advancement in hydrogel technology, low mechanical strength and lack of electrical conductivity have limited their next-level biomedical applications for skeletal muscles, cardiac and neural cells. Host-guest chemistry based hybrid nanocomposites systems have gained attention as they completely overcome these pitfalls and generate bioscaffolds with tunable electrical and mechanical characteristics. In recent years, carbon nanotube (CNT)-based hybrid hydrogels have emerged as innovative candidates with diverse applications in regenerative medicines, tissue engineering, drug delivery devices, implantable devices, biosensing, and biorobotics. This article is an attempt to recapitulate the advancement in synthesis and characterization of hybrid hydrogels and provide deep insights toward their functioning and success as biomedical devices. The improved comparative performance and biocompatibility of CNT-hydrogels hybrids systems developed for targeted biomedical applications are addressed here. Recent updates toward diverse applications and limitations of CNT hybrid hydrogels is the strength of the review. This will provide a holistic approach toward understanding of CNT-based hydrogels and their applications in nanotheranostics.

Combined therapies with nanostructured carbon materials: there is room still available at the bottom

The progress of the chemistry of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene derivatives [mainly graphene oxide (GO)] has produced a number of technologically advanced drug delivery systems (DDS) that have been used in the field of nanomedicine, mostly in studies related to oncology. However, such a demanding field of research requires continuous improvements in terms of efficiency, selectivity and versatility. The loading of two, or more, bioactive components on the same nanoparticle offers new possibilities for treating cancer, efficiently addressing issues related both to biodistribution and pharmacokinetics. Nanostructured carbon materials (NCM), with their high surface area, their efficient cellular membrane crossing and their chemical versatility are ideal candidates for easy hetero-decoration and exploitation as advanced DDS. This review describes the achievements obtained in this area focusing on those studies in which two or more active components were loaded onto the DDS.

Polyphenols delivery by polymeric materials: challenges in cancer treatment

Nanotechnology can offer different solutions for enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of polyphenols, a class of natural products widely explored for a potential applicability for the treatment of different diseases including cancer. While possessing interesting anticancer properties, polyphenols suffer from low stability and unfavorable pharmacokinetics, and thus suitable carriers are required when planning a therapeutic protocol. In the present review, an overview of the different strategies based on polymeric materials is presented, with the aim to highlight the strengths and the weaknesses of each approach and offer a platform of ideas for researchers working in the field.

Versatile oligomers and polymers from flavonoids – a new approach to synthesis

Antioxidant oligomers and polymers have been prepared from two flavonoids, catechin and quercetin, using a new facile technique.

Carbon nanotubes: a novel material for multifaceted applications in human healthcare

Remarkable advances achieved in modern material technology, especially in device fabrication, have facilitated diverse materials to expand the list of their application fields.

Nanoparticles for radiooncology: Mission, vision, challenges

Cancer is one of the leading non-communicable diseases with highest mortality rates worldwide. About half of all cancer patients receive radiation treatment in the course of their disease. However, treatment outcome and curative potential of radiotherapy is often impeded by genetically and/or environmentally driven mechanisms of tumor radioresistance and normal tissue radiotoxicity. While nanomedicine-based tools for imaging, dosimetry and treatment are potential keys to the improvement of therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects, radiotherapy is an established technique to eradicate the tumor cells. In order to progress the introduction of nanoparticles in radiooncology, due to the highly interdisciplinary nature, expertise in chemistry, radiobiology and translational research is needed. In this report recent insights and promising policies to design nanotechnology-based therapeutics for tumor radiosensitization will be discussed. An attempt is made to cover the entire field from preclinical development to clinical studies. Hence, this report illustrates (1) the radio- and tumor-biological rationales for combining nanostructures with radiotherapy, (2) tumor-site targeting strategies and mechanisms of cellular uptake, (3) biological response hypotheses for new nanomaterials of interest, and (4) challenges to translate the research findings into clinical trials.

Enhancing the therapeutic effects of polyphenols with macromolecules

A review of key macromolecular systems employed to stabilise polyphenols, including direct polymerisation of polyphenol monomers and conjugation with macromolecules.

Overview on in vitro and in vivo investigations of nanocomposite based cancer diagnosis and therapeutics

The nanodevices are synthesized using nanocomposites by the researchers around the globe. Most of their applications are related to in vivo visualization and therapy with anticancer drugs in the field of oncology.

Carbon nanotubes hybrid hydrogels in drug delivery: a perspective review

The use of biologics, polymers, silicon materials, carbon materials, and metals has been proposed for the preparation of innovative drug delivery devices. One of the most promising materials in this field are the carbon-nanotubes composites and hybrid materials coupling the advantages of polymers (biocompatibility and biodegradability) with those of carbon nanotubes (cellular uptake, stability, electromagnatic, and magnetic behavior). The applicability of polymer-carbon nanotubes composites in drug delivery, with particular attention to the controlled release by composites hydrogel, is being extensively investigated in the present review.