Biocompatibility studies of intravenously administered ionic-crosslinked chitosan-BSA nanoparticles as vehicles for antitumour drugs

Bio synthesis, comprehensive characterization, and multifaceted therapeutic applications of BSA-Resveratrol coated platinum nanoparticles

This study examines the manufacturing, characterization, and biological evaluation of platinum nanoparticles, which were synthesized by Enterobacter cloacae and coated with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and Resveratrol (RSV). The formation of PtNPs was confirmed with the change of color from dark yellow to black, which was due to the bioreduction of platinum chloride by E. cloacae. BSA and RSV functionalization enhanced these nanoparticles' biocompatibility and therapeutic potential. TGA, SEM, XRD, and FTIR were employed for characterization, where PtNPs and drug conjugation-related functional groups were studied by FTIR. XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of PtNPs and Pt-BSA-RSV NPs, while TGA and SEM showed thermal stability and post-drug coating morphological changes. Designed composite was also found to be biocompatible in nature in hemolytic testing, indicating their potential in Biomedical applications. After confirmation of PtNPs based nanocaompsite synthesis, they were examined for anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Pt-BSA-RSV NPs showed higher concentration-dependent DPPH scavenging activity, which measured antioxidant capability. Enzyme inhibition tests demonstrated considerable anti-inflammatory activity against COX-2 and 15-LOX enzymes. In in vitro anticancer studies, Pt-BSA-RSV NPs effectively killed human ovarian cancer cells. This phenomenon was demonstrated to be facilitated by the acidic environment of cancer, as the drug release assay confirmed the release of RSV from the NP formulation in the acidic environment. Finally, Molecular docking also demonstrated that RSV has strong potential as an anti-oxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agent. Overall, in silico and in vitro investigations in the current study showed good medicinal applications for designed nanocomposites, however, further in-vivo experiments must be conducted to validate our findings.

Nanomedical research and development in Spain: improving the treatment of diseases from the nanoscale

The new and unique possibilities that nanomaterials offer have greatly impacted biomedicine, from the treatment and diagnosis of diseases, to the specific and optimized delivery of therapeutic agents. Technological advances in the synthesis, characterization, standardization, and therapeutic performance of nanoparticles have enabled the approval of several nanomedicines and novel applications. Discoveries continue to rise exponentially in all disease areas, from cancer to neurodegenerative diseases. In Spain, there is a substantial net of researchers involved in the development of nanodiagnostics and nanomedicines. In this review, we summarize the state of the art of nanotechnology, focusing on nanoparticles, for the treatment of diseases in Spain (2017-2022), and give a perspective on the future trends and direction that nanomedicine research is taking.

Encapsulated Peptides and Proteins with an Effect on Satiety

The world scenario has undergone a nutritional transition in which some countries have left the reality of malnutrition and now face an epidemic of excess body weight. Researchers have been looking for strategies to reverse this situation. Peptides and proteins stand out as promising molecules with anti-obesity action. However, oral administration and passage through the gastrointestinal tract face numerous physiological barriers that impair their bioactive function. Encapsulation aims to protect the active substance and modify the action, one possibility of potentiating anti-obesity activity. Research with encapsulated peptides and proteins has demonstrated improved stability, delivery, controlled release, and increased bioactivity. However, it is necessary to explore how proteins and peptides affect weight loss and satiety, can impact the nutritional status of obesity, and how encapsulation can enhance the bioactive effects of these molecules. This integrative review aimed to discuss how the encapsulation of protein molecules impacts the nutritional status of obesity. From the studies selected following pre-established criteria, it was possible to infer that the encapsulation of proteins and peptides can contribute to greater efficiency in reducing weight gain, changes in adipose tissue function, and lower hormone levels that modulate appetite and body weight in animals with obesity.

Nanoparticle-Containing Hyaluronate Solution for Improved Lubrication of Orthopedic Ceramics

Premature failure caused by inadequate lubrication of an artificial joint is a major problem. Inspired by engine lubrication, in which various additives are used to enforce the oil lubricant, here, a bench test of a biomimetic lubricating fluid containing different substances was carried out. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), in the form of both molecules and nanoparticles, was used as a functional additive. Compared with BSA molecules, BSA nanoparticles dispersed in HA solution served as more effective additives in the biomimetic lubrication fluid to minimize the friction and wear of ceramic orthopedic materials made of zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂). Meanwhile, a tribo-acoustic study indicated that the “squeaking” problem associated with ZrO₂ could be suppressed by the biomimetic fluid. Together with a cytotoxicity assessment, the BSA nanoparticle-incorporated biomimetic fluid was confirmed as a potential reagent for use in the clinic to maintain an even longer service life of artificial joints.

Theranostic Platforms Based on Silica and Magnetic Nanoparticles Containing Quinacrine, Chitosan, Fluorophores, and Quantum Dots

In this paper, we describe the synthesis of multilayer nanoparticles as a platform for the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic injuries. The platform is based on magnetite (MNP) and silica (SNP) nanoparticles, while quinacrine is used as an anti-ischemic agent. The synthesis includes the surface modification of nanoparticles with (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPMS), the immobilization of quinacrine, and the formation of a chitosan coating, which is used to fix the fluorophore indocyanine green (ICG) and colloidal quantum dots AgInS₂/ZnS (CQDs), which serve as secondary radiation sources. The potential theranostic platform was studied in laboratory animals.

Chitosan-based nanodelivery systems for cancer therapy: Recent advances

Nowadays, cancer is one of the most prominent issues related to human health since it causes more than one-tenth of death cases throughout the world. On the other hand, routine therapeutic approaches in cancer suppression such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, etc. due to their undesirable therapeutic outputs, including low efficiency in cancer inhibition, non-targeted drug delivery, nonselective distribution, and enormous side effects, have been indicated inefficient potency in cancer therapy or at least its growth inhibition. As a result, the development of novel and practical therapeutic methods such as nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems can be outstandingly beneficial in cancer suppression. Among various nanoparticles used in the delivery of bioactive to the tumor site, chitosan (CS) nanoparticles have received high attention. CS, poly [β-(1-4)-linked-2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucose], is a natural linear amino polysaccharide derived from chitin which is made of irregularly distributed d-glucosamine and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine units. CS nanoparticles owing to their appropriate aspects, including nanometric size, great drug loading efficacy, ease of manipulation, non-toxicity, excellent availability and biocompatibility, good serum stability, long-term circulation time, suitable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics, non-immunogenicity, and enhanced drug solubility in the human body, have been designated as an efficient candidate for drug delivery systems. They can be involved in both passive (based on the enhanced permeability and retention effect cancer targeting) and active (receptor-mediated or stimuli-responsive cancer targeting) drug delivery systems for potential cancer therapy. This review presents the properties, preparation, modification, and numerous pharmaceutical applications of CS-based drug nanodelivery systems in the diagnosis and therapy of cancer.

Beneficial Effects of Tamarind Trypsin Inhibitor in Chitosan-Whey Protein Nanoparticles on Hepatic Injury Induced High Glycemic Index Diet: A Preclinical Study

Several studies have sought new therapies for obesity and liver diseases. This study investigated the effect of the trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seeds (TTI), nanoencapsulated in chitosan and whey protein isolate (ECW), on the liver health status of the Wistar rats fed with a high glycemic index (HGLI) diet. The nanoformulations without TTI (CW) and ECW were obtained by nanoprecipitation technique, physically and chemically characterized, and then administered to the animals. The adult male Wistar rats (n = 20) were allocated to four groups: HGLI diet + water; standard diet + water; HGLI diet + ECW (12.5 mg/kg); and HGLI diet + CW (10.0 mg/kg), 1 mL per gagave, for ten days. They were evaluated using biochemical and hematological parameters, Fibrosis-4 Index for Liver Fibrosis (FIB-4), AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) scores, and liver morphology. Both nanoparticles presented spherical shape, smooth surface, and nanometric size [120.7 nm (ECW) and 136.4 nm (CW)]. In animals, ECW reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose (17%), glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (39%), and alkaline phosphatase (24%). Besides, ECW reduced (p < 0.05) APRI and FIB-4 scores and presented a better aspect of hepatic morphology. ECW promoted benefits over a liver injury caused by the HGLI diet.

Paclitaxel-Loaded Folate-Targeted Albumin-Alginate Nanoparticles Crosslinked with Ethylenediamine. Synthesis and In Vitro Characterization

Among the different ways to reduce the secondary effects of antineoplastic drugs in cancer treatment, the use of nanoparticles has demonstrated good results due to the protection of the drug and the possibility of releasing compounds to a specific therapeutic target. The α-isoform of the folate receptor (FR) is overexpressed on a significant number of human cancers; therefore, folate-targeted crosslinked nanoparticles based on BSA and alginate mixtures and loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) have been prepared to maximize the proven antineoplastic activity of the drug against solid tumors. Nanometric-range-sized particles (169 ± 28 nm-296 ± 57 nm), with negative Z-potential values (between -0.12 ± 0.04 and -94.1± 0.4), were synthesized, and the loaded PTX (2.63 ± 0.19-3.56 ±0.13 µg PTX/mg Np) was sustainably released for 23 and 27 h. Three cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and HeLa) were selected to test the efficacy of the folate-targeted PTX-loaded BSA/ALG nanocarriers. The presence of FR on the cell membrane led to a significantly larger uptake of BSA/ALG-Fol nanoparticles compared with the equivalent nanoparticles without folic acid on their surface. The cell viability results demonstrated a cytocompatibility of unloaded nanoparticle-Fol and a gradual decrease in cell viability after treatment with PTX-loaded nanoparticle-Fol due to the sustainable PTX release.

Nanoparticle Delivery Systems with Cell-Specific Targeting for Pulmonary Diseases

Respiratory disorders are among the most important medical problems threatening human life. The conventional therapeutics for respiratory disorders are hindered by insufficient drug concentrations at pathological lesions, lack of cell-specific targeting, and various biobarriers in the conducting airways and alveoli. To address these critical issues, various nanoparticle delivery systems have been developed to serve as carriers of specific drugs, DNA expression vectors, and RNAs. The unique properties of nanoparticles, including controlled size and distribution, surface functional groups, high payload capacity, and drug release triggering capabilities, are tailored to specific requirements in drug/gene delivery to overcome major delivery barriers in pulmonary diseases. To avoid off-target effects and improve therapeutic efficacy, nanoparticles with high cell-targeting specificity are essential for successful nanoparticle therapies. Furthermore, low toxicity and high degradability of the nanoparticles are among the most important requirements in the nanoparticle designs. In this review, we provide the most up-to-date research and clinical outcomes in nanoparticle therapies for pulmonary diseases. We also address the current critical issues in key areas of pulmonary cell targeting, biosafety and compatibility, and molecular mechanisms for selective cellular uptake.

NANOG Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotide-Encapsulated Niosomes Nanocarriers: A Promising Approach to Suppress the Metastatic Properties of U87 Human Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells

Recently, advances in the synthesis and development of multifunctional nanoparticle platforms have opened up great opportunities and advantages for specifically targeted delivery of genes of interest. BSA-coated niosome structures (NISM@B) can potentially improve the efficiency in vitro delivery of nucleic acid molecules and the transfection of genes. Few studies have reported the combined use of niosomes with nucleic acid as therapeutic agents or decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs). Herein, we synthesized NISM@B to encapsulate NANOG decoy ODN (NISM@B-DEC), after which the physicochemical characteristics and in vitro and in vivo properties of NISM@B-DEC were investigated. Our results regarding physicochemical characteristics revealed that the stable niosome nanocarrier system was successfully synthesized with a regular spherical shape and narrow size distribution with proper zeta-potential values and had an appropriate biocompatibility. The ODN release from the niosome nanocarrier system exhibited controlled and pH-dependent behavior as the best models to explain the ODN release profile. NISM@B-DEC was efficiently taken up by human glioblastoma cells (U87) and significantly inhibited cell growth. Finally, blockage of the NANOG pathway by NISM@B-DEC resulted in G1 cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and cell death. In addition, NISM@B-DEC caused a significant decrease in tumor formation and improved wound-healing efficiency of the U87 cells. These findings confirm that NISM@B-DEC could potentially suppress the metastatic ability of these cells. It can be concluded that the presented nanocarrier system can be a promising approach for targeted gene delivery in cancer therapy.

Biological Safety and Biodistribution of Chitosan Nanoparticles

The effect of unmodified chitosan nanoparticles with a size of ~100 nm and a weakly positive charge on blood coagulation, metabolic activity of cultured cardiomyocytes, general toxicity, biodistribution, and reactive changes in rat organs in response to their single intravenous administration at doses of 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg was studied. Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) have a small cytotoxic effect and have a weak antiplatelet and anticoagulant effect. Intravenous administration of CNPs does not cause significant hemodynamic changes, and 30 min after the CNPs administration, they mainly accumulate in the liver and lungs, without causing hemolysis and leukocytosis. The toxicity of chitosan nanoparticles was manifested in a dose-dependent short-term delay in weight gain with subsequent recovery, while in the 2-week observation period no signs of pain and distress were observed in rats. Granulomas found in the lungs and liver indicate slow biodegradation of chitosan nanoparticles. In general, the obtained results indicate a good tolerance of intravenous administration of an unmodified chitosan suspension in the studied dose range.

Functional Protein-Based Bioinspired Nanomaterials: From Coupled Proteins, Synthetic Approaches, Nanostructures to Applications

Protein-based bioinspired nanomaterials (PBNs) combines the advantage of the size, shape, and surface chemistry of nanomaterials, the morphology and functions of natural materials, and the physical and chemical properties of various proteins. Recently, there are many exciting developments on biomimetic nanomaterials using proteins for different applications including, tissue engineering, drug delivery, diagnosis and therapy, smart materials and structures, and water collection and separation. Protein-based biomaterials with high biocompatibility and biodegradability could be modified to obtain the healing effects of natural organisms after injury by mimicking the extracellular matrix. For cancer and other diseases that are difficult to cure now, new therapeutic methods involving different kinds of biomaterials are studied. The nanomaterials with surface modification, which can achieve high drug loading, can be used as drug carriers to enhance target and trigger deliveries. For environment protection and the sustainability of the world, protein-based nanomaterials are also applied for water treatment. A wide range of contaminants from natural water source, such as organic dyes, oil substances, and multiple heavy ions, could be absorbed by protein-based nanomaterials. This review summarizes the formation and application of functional PBNs, and the details of their nanostructures, the proteins involved, and the synthetic approaches are addressed.