Green design “bioinspired disassembly-reassembly strategy” applied for improved tumor-targeted anticancer drug delivery

Nanotechnologies meeting natural sources: Engineered lipoproteins for precise brain disease theranostics

Biological nanotechnologies have provided considerable opportunities in the management of malignancies with delicate design and negligible toxicity, from preventive and diagnostic to therapeutic fields. Lipoproteins, because of their inherent blood-brain barrier permeability and lesion-homing capability, have been identified as promising strategies for high-performance theranostics of brain diseases. However, the application of natural lipoproteins remains limited owing to insufficient accumulation and complex purification processes, which can be critical for individual therapeutics and clinical translation. To address these issues, lipoprotein-inspired nano drug-delivery systems (nano-DDSs), which have been learned from nature, have been fabricated to achieve synergistic drug delivery involving site-specific accumulation and tractable preparation with versatile physicochemical functions. In this review, the barriers in brain disease treatment, advantages of state-of-the-art lipoprotein-inspired nano-DDSs, and bio-interactions of such nano-DDSs are highlighted. Furthermore, the characteristics and advanced applications of natural lipoproteins and tailor-made lipoprotein-inspired nano-DDSs are summarized. Specifically, the key designs and current applications of lipoprotein-inspired nano-DDSs in the field of brain disease therapy are intensively discussed. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives in the field of lipoprotein-inspired nano-DDSs combined with other vehicles, such as exosomes, cell membranes, and bacteria, are discussed.

Bio-fabricated nanodrugs with chemo-immunotherapy to inhibit glioma proliferation and recurrence

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor with high mortality. Knowledge of the stemness concept has developed recently, giving rising to a novel hallmark with therapeutic potential that can help in management of GBM recurrence and prognosis. However, limited blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, non-discriminatory distribution, and deficiency of diagnosis remain three major obstacles need to be overcome for further facilitating therapeutic effects. Herein, D4F and α-Melittin (a-Mel) are co-assembled to construct bio-fabricated nanoplatforms, which endowed with inherent BBB permeability, precise tumor accumulation, deep penetration, and immune activation. After carrying arsenic trioxide (ATO) and manganese dichloride (MnCl₂), these elaborated nanodrugs, Mel-LNPs/MnAs, gather in tumor foci by natural pathways and respond to microenvironment to synchronously release Mn²⁺ and As³⁺, achieving real-time navigating-diagnosis and tumor cell proliferation inhibition. Through down regulating CD44 and CD133 expression, the GBM stemness was suppressed to overcome its high recurrence, invasion, and chemoresistance. After being combined with temozolomide (TMZ), the survival rate of GBM-bearing mice is significantly enhanced, and the rate of recurrence is powerfully limited. Collectively, this tumor-specific actuating multi-modality nanotheranostics provide a promising candidate for clinical application with high security.

A green-inspired method to prepare non-split high-density lipoprotein (HDL) carrier with anti-dysfunctional activities superior to reconstituted HDL

Numerous studies have demonstrated that dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein (HDL), especially oxidized HDL (OxHDL), could generate multifaceted in vivo proatherogenic effects that run counter to the antiatherogenic activities of HDL. It thereby reminded us that the in vitro reconstituted HDL (rHDL) might encountered with oxidation-induced dysfunction. Accordingly, a green-inspired method was employed to recycle non-split HDL from human plasma fraction IV. Then it was compared with rHDL formulated by an ethanol-injection method in terms of physicochemical properties and anti-dysfunctional activities. Results exhibited that rHDL oxidation extent exceeded that of non-split HDL evidenced by higher malondialdehy content, weaker inhibition on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and more superoxide anion. The reserved paraoxonase-1 activity on non-split HDL could partially explain for above experimental results. In the targeted transport mechanism experiment, upon SR-BI receptor inhibition and/or CD36 receptor blockage, the almost unchanged non-split HDL uptake in lipid-laden macrophage indicated its negligible oxidation modification profile with regard to rHDL again. Furthermore, compared to rHDL, better macrophage biofunctions were observed for non-split HDL as illustrated by accelerated cholesterol efflux, inhibited oxidized LDL uptake and lessened cellular lipid accumulation. Along with decreased ROS secretion, obviously weakened oxidative stress damage was also detected under treatment with non-split HDL. More importantly, foam cells with non-split HDL-intervention inspired an enhanced inflammation repression and apoptosis inhibition effect. Collectively, the anti-dysfunctional activities of non-split HDL make it suitable as a potential nanocarrier platform for cardiovascular drug payload and delivery.

"Carrier-drug" layer-by-layer hybrid assembly of biocompatible polydopamine nanoparticles to amplify photo-chemotherapy

Polydopamine (PDA) is capable of wide drug delivery for biomedical applications by virtue of an adjustable polymerization process, including surface coating and conjugation. Inspired by the polymerization of dopamine, we introduce a layer-by-layer hybrid co-assembly strategy for the incorporation of doxorubicin (DOX) and dopamine to form PDA "carrier-drug" hybrid assembly. The "carrier-drug" hybrid assembly relies on the π-π stacking interaction between the drug (DOX) and carrier (PDA), and such the stacked-layer structure enables PDA nanoparticles with a superior drug loading of 58%, which is about 1.7-fold higher than that of the DOX surface coating (∼35%). To further improve blood circulation stability and enhance tumor penetration, we herein propose the conjugation of native apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) with tumor-homing cyclic peptide iRGD for PDA surface modification. The "carrier-drug" hybrid assembly can respond to triple stimuli of the acidic pH, concentrated reactive oxygen species (ROS), and near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation for realizing site-specific and on-demand drug release. In chemo-photothermal synergy therapy, the "carrier-drug" hybrid assembly performs efficient tumor penetration and accumulation, dramatically suppressing tumor growth and metastasis in a 4T1 orthotopic tumor-bearing mice model at a safe level. Collectively, our findings share new insights into the design of "carrier-drug" hybrid assembly for enhanced chemo-photothermal oncotherapy.

High-density lipoprotein in Alzheimer's disease: From potential biomarkers to therapeutics

The inverse correlation between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in vivo and the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become an inspiration for HDL-inspired AD therapy, including plain HDL and various intelligent HDL-based drug delivery systems. In this review, we will focus on the two endogenous HDL subtypes in the central nervous system (CNS), apolipoprotein E-based HDL (apoE-HDL) and apolipoprotein A-I-based HDL (apoA-I-HDL), especially their influence on AD pathophysiology to reveal HDL's potential as biomarkers for risk prediction, and summarize the relevant therapeutic mechanisms to propose possible treatment strategies. We will emphasize the latest advances of HDL as therapeutics (plain HDL and HDL-based drug delivery systems) to discuss the potential for AD therapy and review innovative techniques in the preparation of HDL-based nanoplatforms to provide a basis for the rational design and future development of anti-AD drugs.

Biomimetic recombinant of red blood cell membranes for improved photothermal therapy

Background

RBC membrane derived nanoparticles (NPs) represent an emerging platform with prolonged circulation capacity for the delivery of active substances. For functionalize derived RBCs NPs, various strategies, such as biomimetic rebuilding of RBCs, chemical modification or inserting ligands, have been carried out to improve their performance. However, one potential adverse effect for these methods is the structural failure of membrane proteins, consequently affecting its original immune escape function.

Results

In this study, we reported a green technology of “disassembly-reassembly” to prepare biomimetic reconstituted RBCs membrane (rRBCs) by separating the endogenous proteins and lipids from nature RBC membrane. IR780 iodide was used as a pattern drug to verify the property and feasibility of rRBCs by constructing IR780@rRBC NPs with IR780@RBC NPs and free IR780 as controls. The results demonstrated the superiority of IR780@rRBC NPs in toxicity, stability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics compared with IR780@rRBC and free IR780.

Conclusions

The reported “disassembly-reassembly” strategy shows great potential to produce controllable and versatile rRBC membrane-inspired delivery platform, which may be used to overcome the deficiency of functionalization in cell membrane coated nanoparticles .

Graphic abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-00949-7.

Nanotechnology in the Treatment of Diabetic Complications: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

In today's society, the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus and its subsequent complications have brought trouble to human beings. Complications caused by diabetes bring not only physical and mental pain to patients but also a heavy economic burden to families. And once diabetic complications occur, they are often irreversible and very difficult. At present, some studies suggest that nanotechnology can treat some diabetic complications. This paper reviews the application of nanotechnology in the repair of diabetic segmental bone injury, the healing of diabetic skin ulcers, the therapeutic effect, and improvement strategies and deficiencies of nanotechnology in diabetic complications.

Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of the anti-rheumatoid arthritis potential of xylopic acid in a bioinspired lipoprotein nanoformulation

Xylopic acid (XA), a diterpene kaurene and the major active ingredient of the African spice Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae), is reported to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of XA for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a debilitating autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by joint damage, in the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis model in rats. We synthesized bioinspired reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) nanoparticles loaded with purified XA crystals (rHDL/XA) that passively accumulate in inflamed joints of CFA-induced arthritic rats. Treatment with rHDL/XA minimized mononuclear cell infiltration of CFA-induced arthritic sites and ameliorated disease burden. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that the major molecular pathways perturbed following CFA-induced arthritis correlated with amino acid and lipid metabolism, which were restored to normal states by rHDL/XA treatment. This work demonstrates the anti-RA potential of XA in a nanoformulation and uncovers its underlying therapeutic mechanisms at the transcript and metabolite levels.

Synergistic inhibition of metastatic breast cancer by dual-chemotherapy with excipient-free rhein/DOX nanodispersions

BACKGROUND

The management of metastatic cancer remains a major challenge in cancer therapy worldwide. The targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs through rationally designed formulations is one potential therapeutic option. Notably, excipient-free nanodispersions that are entirely composed of pharmaceutically active molecules have been evaluated as promising candidates for the next generation of drug formulations. Formulated from the self-assembly of drug molecules, these nanodispersions enable the safe and effective delivery of therapeutic drugs to local disease lesions. Here, we developed a novel and green approach for preparing nanoparticles via the self-assembly of rhein (RHE) and doxorubicin (DOX) molecules, named RHE/DOX nanoparticles (RD NPs); this assembly was associated with the interaction force and did not involve any organic solvents.

RESULTS

According to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, DOX molecules tend to assemble around RHE molecules through intermolecular forces. This intermolecular retention of DOX was further improved by the nanosizing effect of RD NPs. Compared to free DOX, RD NPs exerted a slightly stronger inhibitory effect on 4T1 cells in the scratch healing assay. As a dual drug-loaded nanoformulation, the efficacy of RD NPs against tumor cells in vitro was synergistically enhanced. Compared to free DOX, the combination of DOX and RHE in nanoparticles exerted a synergistic effect with a combination index (CI) value of 0.51 and showed a stronger ability to induce cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the RD NP treatment not only effectively suppressed primary tumor growth but also significantly inhibited tumor metastasis both in vitro and in vivo, with a better safety profile.

CONCLUSIONS

The generation of pure nanodrugs via a self-assembly approach might hold promise for the development of more efficient and novel excipient-free nanodispersions, particularly for two small molecular antitumor drugs that potentially exert synergistic antiproliferative effects on metastatic breast cancer.

Impacts of particle size on the cytotoxicity, cellular internalization, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of betulinic acid nanosuspensions in combined chemotherapy

To evaluate the effect of particle size on the cellular internalization, tissue distribution, and bioavailability of betulinic acid nanosuspensions (BA/NSs) and further investigate the combined effect of BA/NSs and Taxol® on breast cancer, BA/NSs with different particle sizes (160 nm, 400 nm, and 700 nm) were prepared by an efficient universal green technology. The use of BA/NS (160 nm) was more likely to increase the BA release rate and enhance bioavailability compared with the use of larger size particles. BA/NSs were internalized by 4T1 cells in different ways, including clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and macropinocytosis. For the 4T1 orthotopic tumor model, BA/NS (160 nm) showed a tendency to accumulate at a higher level in tumor tissue. Moreover, combination therapy with BA/NSs and Taxol® showed remarkable potential to enhance antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. The cytotoxicity and apoptotic ability of the different preparations decreased in the following order: BA/NS (160 nm) + Taxol®, BA/NS (400 nm) + Taxol®, and BA/NS (700 nm) + Taxol®. The tumor inhibition rates of BA/NSs (160 nm, 400 nm, and 700 nm) combined with Taxol® were 2.35-, 1.74- and 1.12-fold higher than that of free BA, respectively. The combined chemotherapy showed good safety, indicating that it had the effect of enhancing treatment and reducing toxicity.

Size-Controlled Preparation and Behavior Study of Phospholipid-Calcium Carbonate Hybrid Nanoparticles

Background

Calcium carbonate (CC) nanoparticles have broad biomedical utilizations, owing to their multiple intrinsic merits. However, bare CC nanoparticles do not allow for the development of multifunctional devices suitable for advanced drug delivery in cancer therapy.

Methods

Phospholipid-modified phospholipid–CC hybrid nanoparticles were prepared in our study using a combination of vapor-diffusion and solvent-diffusion methods to offer optimized pharmaceutical capabilities.

Results

Considering that particle size is a critical parameter that plays an important role in both in vitro and in vivo behaviors of nanoparticles, we here for the first time a present detailed protocol for the size-controlled preparation of hybrid nanoparticles, as well as analysis of the in vitro/in vivo behaviors of differently sized hybrid nanoparticles.

Conclusion

Our results might significantly advance the application of this promising material in more varied fields.

Cancer Therapy Based on Smart Drug Delivery with Advanced Nanoparticles

Background:

Cancer, as one of the most dangerous disease, causes millions of deaths every year. The main reason is the absence of an effective and thorough treatment. Drug delivery systems have significantly reduced the side-effect of chemotherapy. Combined with nanotechnology, smart drug delivery systems including many different nanoparticles can reduce the side-effect of chemotherapy better than traditional drug delivery systems.

Methods:

In this article, we will describe in detail the different kinds of nanoparticles and their mechanisms emphasizing the triggering factors in drug delivery. Besides, the application of smart drug delivery systems in imaging will be introduced.

Results:

Combined with nanotechnology, smart drug delivery systems including many different nanoparticles can reduce the side-effect of chemotherapy better than traditional drug delivery systems.

Conclusion:

Despite considerable progress in nanoparticle research over the past decade, such as smart drug delivery systems for the treatment of cancer, molecular imaging probes and the like. The range of nanoparticles used in multifunction systems for imaging and drug delivery continues to grow and we expect this dilatation to continue. But to make nanoparticles truly a series of clinical products to complement and replace current tools, constant exploration efforts and time are required. Overall, the future looks really bright.

Reassembly of native components with donepezil to execute dual-missions in Alzheimer's disease therapy

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifaceted and progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and deficits of acetylcholine. Accordingly, the intra-/extra-cerebral level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) is crucial on the pathogenesis of AD; and most of all, various HDL-protein subtypes play a double-edged role in AD pathology, of which apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) gives protective outcomes. Inspired from "HDL bionics", we proposed biologically reassembled nanodrugs, donepezil-loaded apolipoprotein A-I-reconstituted HDL (rHDL/Do) that concurrently executed dual-missions of Aβ-targeting clearance and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition in AD therapy. Once prepared, rHDL/Do nanodrug achieved high drug encapsulation efficiency of 90.47%, and mimicked the configurations and properties of natural lipoproteins aiming to significantly enhance BBB penetration and modulate Aβ-induced neuronal damage both in vitro and in vivo. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis confirmed that rHDL/Do facilitated microglial-mediated Aβ intake and degradation, demonstrating low KD value with Aβ affinity (2.45 × 10^-8 of Aβ monomer and 2.78 × 10^-8 of Aβ oligomer). In AD animal models, daily treatment of rHDL/Do efficiently inhibited AChE activity, ameliorated neurologic variation, promoted Aβ clearance, and rescued memory loss at a safe level. The collective findings indicated that the biological nanodrug was provided with the capacities of BBB penetration, Aβ capture and degradation via microglial cells, and cholinergic dysfunction amelioration after controlled donepezil release. In summary, rHDL/Do nanodrugs could offer a promising strategy to synergize both symptom control and disease modification in AD therapy.

Lipoprotein-inspired penetrating nanoparticles for deep tumor-targeted shuttling of indocyanine green and enhanced photo-theranostics

Biomimetic iRGD-rHDL/ICG nanoparticles exhibited deep tumor targeted shuttling of indocyanine green and enhanced phototherapy.

Development of a novel morphological paclitaxel-loaded PLGA microspheres for effective cancer therapy: in vitro and in vivo evaluations

Sustained release of therapeutic agents into tumor cells is a potential approach to improve therapeutic efficacy, decrease side effects, and the drug administration frequency. Herein, we used the modified double-emulsion solvent evaporation (DSE) method to prepare a novel morphological paclitaxel (PTX) loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres (MS). The prepared rough PTX-PLGA-MS possessed microporous surface and highly porous internal structures, which significantly influenced the drug entrapment and release behaviors. The rough MS with an average particle size of 53.47 ± 2.87 μm achieved high drug loading (15.63%) and encapsulation efficiency (92.82%), and provided a favorable sustained drug release. The in vitro antitumor tests of flow cytometry and fluoroimmunoassay revealed that the rough PTX-PLGA-MS displayed effective anti-gliomas activity and enhanced the cellular PTX uptake through adsorptive endocytosis. Both in vitro and in vivo antitumor results demonstrated that the sustained-release PTX could induce the microtubules assembly and the over-expression of Bax and Cyclin B1 proteins, resulting in the microtubule dynamics disruption, G2/M phase arrest, and cell apoptosis accordingly. Furthermore, as the rough PTX-PLGA-MS could disperse and adhere throughout the tumor sites and cause extensive tumor cell apoptosis with one therapeutic course (12 days), they could reduce the system toxicity and drug administration frequency, thus achieving significant tumor inhibitory effects with rapid sustained drug release. In conclusion, our results verified that the rough PTX-PLGA-MS drug release system could serve as a promising treatment to malignant glioma.

Deep Tumor Penetrating Bioparticulates Inspired Burst Intracellular Drug Release for Precision Chemo-Phototherapy

The relevance of personalized medicine has inspired research for individually concerted diagnosis and therapy. Numerous efforts are devoted to designing drug particulates with capabilities of tumor penetrating and subcellular trafficking to concurrently discharge theranostics in response to multistimulations. In this study, a bioinspired particulate, formulated with whole components of native high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and decorated with the tumor-penetrating peptide iRGD, is proposed to promote tumor penetration of HDLs (pHDLs) together with payloads. Specifically, paclitaxel (PTX), and the NIR fluorescent probe indocyanine green (ICG) are integrated into pHDLs (pHDL/PTX-ICG) for synergetic chemo-phototherapy. Inspired by lipoproteins, pHDLs are not only restored from naturally occurring materials but also possessed artificially endowed functions, leading to an enhanced cellular uptake, higher accumulation, and deep penetration into tumors without causing appreciable adverse effects, compared to reconstituted HDLs or lipid-based nanoparticles. After intravenous administration, pHDL/PTX-ICG performs a burst of intracellular drug release and imaging-guided precision chemo-phototherapy upon NIR irradiation that completely eradicates xenograft tumors. Neither recurrence nor significant toxicity is observed due to maneuvered regional photodynamic and photothermal therapy. Taken together, pHDL/PTX-ICG is proven to be a promising platform to achieve deep tumor penetration and imaging-guided chemo-phototherapy.

Paclitaxel-loaded PLGA microspheres with a novel morphology to facilitate drug delivery and antitumor efficiency

A novel morphological PTX-PLGA-MS with microporous surface and porous internal structures to enhance drug loading, delivery and antitumor efficiency.

Biomimetics: reconstitution of low-density lipoprotein for targeted drug delivery and related theranostic applications

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), one of the four major groups of lipoproteins for lipid transport in vivo, is emerging as an attractive carrier for the targeted delivery of theranostic agents. In contrast to the synthetic systems, LDL particles are intrinsically biocompatible and biodegradable, together with reduced immunogenicity and natural capabilities to target cancerous cells and to escape from the recognition and elimination by the reticuloendothelial system. Enticed by these attributes, a number of strategies have been developed for reconstituting LDL particles, including conjugation to the apolipoprotein, insertion into the phospholipid layer, and loading into the core. Here we present a tutorial review on the development of reconstituted LDL (rLDL) particles for theranostic applications. We start with a brief introduction to LDL and LDL receptor, as well as the advantages of using rLDL particles as a natural and versatile platform for the targeted delivery of theranostic agents. After a discussion of commonly used strategies for the reconstitution of LDL, we highlight the applications of rLDL particles in the staging of disease progression, treatment of lesioned tissues, and delivery of photosensitizers for photodynamic cancer therapy. We finish this review with a perspective on the remaining challenges and future directions.

Rerouting Native HDL to Predetermined Receptors for Improved Tumor-Targeted Gene Silencing Therapy

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is an outstanding biocompatible nanovector for tumor-targeted delivery of multimodel drugs in cancer therapy. However, this seemingly promising delivery platform demonstrates an adverse accumulation in liver and adrenal due to the primary expression of natural target scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), which overexpressed in malignant cells as well. Therefore, we endowed native HDLs with rerouting capacity, that is, enabling HDLs to get away from natural receptors (SR-BI) to selectively alternate tumor-rich receptors. The α_vβ₃-integrin specific cyclic-RGDyk peptide was conjugated with HDL-protein component apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), demonstrating high substitution degree of 26.2%. Afterward, RGD-modified apoA-I was introduced to fabricate cholesterol siRNA-loaded HDL nanoparticles (RGD-HDL/Ch-siRNA) for specific affinity with tumor angiogenesis and α_vβ₃ integrin on tumor surface. After preparation, RGD-HDL/Ch-siRNA shared desirable particle size, efficient siRNA protection during blood circulation, and favorable proton sponge effect. α_vβ₃ integrin-associated superior rerouting capacity, endocytosis pathway, and rapid endolysosome escape were confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. For targeted gene silencing therapy, Pokemon-specific siRNA (siPokemon) was introduced as RNA interference candidate; the enhanced antitumor efficacy and decreased Pokemon expression level were commendably confirmed by tumor growth inhibition, survival period extension, and western blot analysis. Collectively, cyclic-RGDyk modification endows native HDLs with rerouting capacity to specific α_vβ₃ integrin receptor, which provides a promising strategy to extend malignancy targeting potential of native HDL to a broader purview.

Electrostatic wrapping of doxorubicin with curdlan to construct an efficient pH-responsive drug delivery system

The development of environmentally responsive drug delivery systems for the treatment of cancer has attracted particular interest in recent years. However, the enhancement of drug loading capacity and realization of pH-responsive drug delivery remain challenging. Herein, we employ carboxymethyl curdlan as a hydrophilic carrier to wrap doxorubicin (DOX) directly via electrostatic interaction. The sizes of the formed nanoparticles can be simply tuned by changing their feeding ratios. In particular, the nanoparticles are highly stable in aqueous solution without size variation. In vitro drug release and cytotoxicity assays illustrate that this delivery system can release DOX differentially under various environmental conditions and transport it into cell nuclei efficiently, with comparable therapeutic effect to the free drug. These results suggest that the carrying of antitumor drugs by polysaccharide via electrostatic interaction is a simple but effective way to construct a pH-dependent drug delivery platform.

A Smart Responsive Dual Aptamers-Targeted Bubble-Generating Nanosystem for Cancer Triplex Therapy and Ultrasound Imaging

The absence of targeted, single treatment methods produces low therapeutic value for treating cancers. To increase the accumulation of drugs in tumors and improve the treatment effectiveness, near-infrared 808 nm photothermal responsive dual aptamers-targeted docetaxel (DTX)-containing nanoparticles is proposed. In this system, DTX and NH₄ HCO₃ are loaded in thermosensitive liposomes. The surface of liposomes is coated with gold nanoshells and connected with sulfydryl (SH) modified AS1411 and S2.2 aptamers. The nanosystem has good biocompatibility and uniform size (diameter about 200 nm). The drug is rapidly released, reaching a maximum amount (84%) at 4 h under 808 nm laser irradiation. The experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo demonstrate the nanosystem can synergistically inhibit tumor growth by combination of chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and biological therapy. Dual ligand functionalization significantly increases cellular uptake on breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) cells and achieves ultrasound imaging (USI) at tumor site. The results indicate that this drug delivery system is a promising theranostic agent involving light-thermal response at tumor sites, dual ligand targeted triplex therapy, and USI.

A review of drug delivery systems based on nanotechnology and green chemistry: green nanomedicine

This review discusses the impact of green and environmentally safe chemistry on the field of nanotechnology-driven drug delivery in a new field termed "green nanomedicine". Studies have shown that among many examples of green nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems, those receiving the greatest amount of attention include nanometal particles, polymers, and biological materials. Furthermore, green nanodrug delivery systems based on environmentally safe chemical reactions or using natural biomaterials (such as plant extracts and microorganisms) are now producing innovative materials revolutionizing the field. In this review, the use of green chemistry design, synthesis, and application principles and eco-friendly synthesis techniques with low side effects are discussed. The review ends with a description of key future efforts that must ensue for this field to continue to grow.

Recent advances in green nanoparticulate systems for drug delivery: efficient delivery and safety concern

Nanotechnology manipulates therapeutic agents at the nanoscale for the development of nanomedicines. However, there are current concerns over nanomedicines, mainly related to the possible toxicity of nanomaterials used for health medications. Due to their small size, they can enter the human body more readily than larger sized particles. Green chemistry encompasses the green synthesis of drug-loaded nanoparticles by reducing the use of hazardous materials in the synthesis process, thus reducing the adverse health impacts of pharmaceutics. This would greatly expand their potential in biomedical treatments. This review highlights the potential risks of nanomedicine formulations to health, delivery routes of green nanomedicines, recent advances in the development of green nanoscale systems for biomedical applications and future perspectives for the green development of nanomedicines.

Laser-Triggered Small Interfering RNA Releasing Gold Nanoshells against Heat Shock Protein for Sensitized Photothermal Therapy

The resistance of cancer cells to photothermal therapy is closely related to the overexpression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), which are abnormally upregulated when cells are under lethal stresses. Common strategies that use small molecule inhibitors against HSPs to enhance hyperthermia effect lack spatial and temporal control of drug release, leading to unavoidable systemic toxicity. Herein, a versatile photothermal platform is developed which is composed of a hollow gold nanoshell core densely packed with small interfering RNAs against heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). Upon near infrared light irradiation, the small interfering RNAs can detach from gold surface specifically and escape from endosomes for Hsp70 silencing. Meanwhile, the temperature increases for hyperthermia therapy due to the high photothermal efficiency of the nanoshells. Efficient downregulation of Hsp70 after light activation is achieved in vitro and in vivo. Ultimately, the light-controlled dual functional nanosystem, with the effects of Hsp70 silencing and temperature elevation, results in sensitized photothermal therapy in nude mice model under mild temperature. This strategy smartly combines the localized photothermal therapy with controlled Hsp70 silencing, and has great potential for clinical translation with a simple and easily controlled structure.

Preparation and evaluation of celecoxib nanosuspensions for bioavailability enhancement

We prepare celecoxib nanosuspensions using TPGS as stabilizer via high speed shear as a pre-treatment step, followed by HPH method; and the solidification of fresh nanosuspension was carried out by freeze-drying.

Simultaneous delivery of anti-miR21 with doxorubicin prodrug by mimetic lipoprotein nanoparticles for synergistic effect against drug resistance in cancer cells

The development of drug resistance in cancer cells is one of the major obstacles to achieving effective chemotherapy. We hypothesized that the combination of a doxorubicin (Dox) prodrug and microRNA (miR)21 inhibitor might show synergistic antitumor effects on drug-resistant breast cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to develop new high-density lipoprotein-mimicking nanoparticles (HMNs) for coencapsulation and codelivery of this potential combination. Dox was coupled with a nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide to construct a prodrug (NLS-Dox), thereby electrostatically condensing miR21 inhibitor (anti-miR21) to form cationic complexes. The HMNs were formulated by shielding these complexes with anionic lipids and Apo AI proteins. We have characterized that the coloaded HMNs had uniformly dispersed distribution, favorable negatively charged surface, and high coencapsulation efficiency. The HMN formulation effectively codelivered NLS-Dox and anti-miR21 into Dox-resistant breast cancer MCF7/ADR cells and wild-type MCF7 cells via a high-density-lipoprotein receptor-mediated pathway, which facilitated the escape of Pgp drug efflux. The coloaded HMNs consisting of NLS-Dox/anti-miR21 demonstrated greater cytotoxicity with enhanced intracellular accumulation in resistant MCF7/ADR cells compared with free Dox solution. The reversal of drug resistance by coloaded HMNs might be attributed to the suppression of miR21 expression and the related antiapoptosis network. Furthermore, the codelivery of anti-miR21 and NLS-Dox by HMNs showed synergistic antiproliferative effects in MCF7/ADR-bearing nude mice, and was more effective in tumor inhibition than other drug formulations. These data suggested that codelivery of anti-miR21 and chemotherapeutic agents by HMNs might be a promising strategy for antitumor therapy, and could restore the drug sensitivity of cancer cells, alter intracellular drug distribution, and ultimately enhance chemotherapeutic effects.