An Overview on Gold Nanorods as Versatile Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy

A simple two-dimensional metal-organic framework-based phototherapy nanoplatform with a triple-synergistic mechanism for enhanced wound infection treatment

Selecting an appropriate treatment for bacterial infections is critical. However, the rising prevalence of antimicrobial resistance has rendered many existing therapies less effective, highlighting the urgent need for novel antimicrobial strategies that are less prone to inducing antimicrobial resistance. Herein, we propose a simple, energy-efficient, photoresponsive antibacterial strategy based on metal-organic frameworks. Specifically, we developed an Au@Cu-THQ system activated by near-infrared laser irradiation, capable of exerting a synergistic triple-mode antibacterial effect-photothermal, photodynamic, and glutathione (GSH) depletion for the effective treatment of bacterial infections. The photothermal effect notably enhances the generation of reactive oxygen species and accelerates GSH depletion within bacterial cells, leading to a substantial disruption of their antioxidant defense systems and significantly amplifying the photodynamic therapeutic effect. Moreover, this material demonstrated excellent and stable photothermal performance both in vitro and in vivo, characterized by high photothermal conversion efficiency and effective GSH depletion activity. These features contribute to its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, offering a promising multimodal strategy for the future development of in vivo anti-infective formulations.

Multi-Response Au-Nanohybrid Composite Triggered NIR-Light for Effective Anti-Tumor Therapy in Animal Model

Introduction

The therapeutic efficacy of nanomedicine in oncology is predicated on its capacity to enhance drug uptake by cells and control drug release. While targeted nanomedicines are highly regarded for their potential, they are not spared from issues of colloidal instability and uncontrolled drug release.

Methods

The hybrid system (Au@SiO2-HA-DOX) was designed to enhance colloidal stability and facilitate controlled drug delivery by coating gold nanorods with silica shells and hyaluronic acid (HA) for tumor targeting. The nanoparticles were characterized for morphology, size, zeta potential, and photothermal properties. The loading efficiency of doxorubicin (DOX) and its release behavior in response to pH, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and NIR stimulation were evaluated.

Results

Under NIR irradiation, the nanoparticles exhibited excellent photothermal stability and sustained temperature elevation. In vitro studies demonstrated that the nanoparticles possessed good biocompatibility (cell viability exceeding 90%) and colloidal stability (7 days). The loading efficiency of DOX was enhanced to 65.9%, with sustained release characteristics. Furthermore, Au@SiO2-HA-DOX exhibited selective targeting and stronger cytotoxicity towards cancer cells. The cellular uptake efficiency was 1.7 times higher than that of the Free DOX at 24 h, with an IC50 value of 1.36 µM, compared to 2.01 µM for Free DOX. In vivo experiments in a mouse breast cancer model revealed significant tumor growth inhibited with NIR-assisted therapy, while maintaining stable body weight and preserving good biocompatibility.

Conclusion

This nanohybrid system represents a promising strategy for improving the efficacy of chemotherapy and reducing toxicity in cancer treatment. It enhances drug enrichment and release in tumor tissues while minimizing the impact on normal tissues.

Dumbbell-Shaped Gold Nanorod@Mesoporous Palladium Nanozymes for NIR-II-Triggered Photocatalytic Amplification and Trimodal Cancer Therapy

While nanozyme-mediated catalytic therapy holds promise for precision oncology, achieving spatiotemporal control over enzymatic activity and synergistic therapeutic amplification in the biologically favorable second near-infrared window (NIR-II) remains an unmet challenge. In this study, we present a breakthrough in plasmonic heterojunction engineering through the rational design of asymmetric dumbbell-shaped Au nanorod@end-mesoporous Pd architectures that establish a high density of plasmonic hotspots at the mesopore sites. Unlike conventional core-shell configurations (Au@mesoPd) showing negligible NIR-II response, our heterostructure demonstrates a nearly 200% enhancement in peroxidase-like activity under 1064 nm excitation through precisely engineered hot electron dynamics. Time-resolved absorption spectroscopy and COMSOL simulations reveal that the unique terminal deposition of mesoporous Pd domains creates high-density electromagnetic hotspots (>200% field enhancement vs core-shell) while maintaining efficient charge transfer channels─synergistically boosting both hot carrier generation and catalytic turnover frequency. This nanoarchitecture integrates NIR-II photoacoustic navigation with a triple therapeutic modality, combining plasmon-enhanced photothermal ablation, Pd-mediated catalytic therapy, and chemotherapy, which holds great potential for NIR-II-triggered synergistic multimodal cancer therapy.

Optimizing near-infrared-activated gold nanostructures for targeted combination cancer therapy

The application of near-infrared (NIR)-activated gold nanostructures, particularly gold nanostars (AuNSs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs), has emerged as a promising strategy in targeted combination cancer therapy (Figure 1). These nanostructures leverage their unique localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties, which enable effective absorption and conversion of NIR light into heat, facilitating photothermal therapy (PTT) to selectively destroy cancer cells. Recent advancements in the synthesis and functionalization of AuNSs and AuNRs have enhanced their biocompatibility, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. This review highlights the mechanisms by which these gold nanostructures can be optimized for synergistic effects when combined with other therapeutic modalities such as chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). We discuss the importance of surface modifications that improve tumor targeting and retention, as well as the potential to overcome limitations associated with conventional therapies. The integration of AuNSs and AuNRs into multi-faceted treatment regimens represents a significant step forward in the development of effective cancer therapies, aiming to maximize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects.

Advances in Photothermal Therapy for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer represents a critical global health issue, where traditional treatment modalities are often characterized by considerable adverse effects and suboptimal effectiveness. Photothermal therapy (PTT) offers an innovative method for tumor treatment, leveraging photothermal agents to convert light into hyperthermia, ultimately leading to tumor ablation. PTT offers unique advantages in treating oral cancer due to its superficial anatomical location and consequent accessibility to laser irradiation. PTT's advantage is further enhanced by its capacity to facilitate drug release and promote tissue regeneration. Consequently, the application of PTT for oral cancer has garnered widespread interest and has undergone rapid development. This review outlines advances in PTT for oral cancer, emphasizing strategies to improve efficacy and combination therapy approaches. The key challenges, including temperature control and long-term biosafety, are discussed alongside future directions. The review also encompasses PTT's role in managing oral potentially malignant disorders and postoperative defects, conditions intimately linked with oral cancer. We aim to provide guidance for emerging PTT research in oral cancer and to promote the development of precise and efficient treatment strategies.

Fabrication of a nanoplatform based on chitosan and hyaluronic acid containing alkyne-functionalized gold nanoparticles for tumor targeted synergistic phototherapy

The physical and chemical properties of gold nanoparticles can significantly influence their anti-tumor efficacy. Streamlining synthesis methods to modulate these properties and enhance therapeutic effects could facilitate their translation into clinical applications. This study presents a new approach to synthesize small alkynyl-modified gold nanoparticles (Alk-GNP) at room temperature using sodium citrate and propiolic acid (PA) to reduce chloroauric acid. The resulting Alk-GNP, approximately 11 nm in size with narrow dispersion, contrasts with larger gold nanoparticles (GNP) synthesized by the classical Turkevich method using boiling water. Subsequently, a round composite (CHAM) was developed using chitosan and hyaluronic acid to co-deliver Alk-GNP and the photosensitizer methylene blue for synergistic treatment. CHAM showed excellent stability and strong CD44-positive tumor targeting capabilities. It significantly boosted photothermal activity and reactive oxygen species generation compared to current GNP-based formulations. In tumor-bearing mouse models, CHAM effectively localized in tumor tissue and exhibited potent photothermal and photodynamic therapeutic effects to inhibit tumor growth while ensuring safety. The robust data presented in this study supports the potential translation of this approach, offering a simplified preparation process and improved tumor treatment efficacy.

Drug delivery for platinum therapeutics

Cancer remains a severe threat to human health. Platinum drugs, such as cisplatin (CDDP), oxaliplatin, and carboplatin, are extensively utilized for treating various cancers and have become the primary drugs in first-line treatments for numerous solid tumors due to their effective anticancer properties. However, their side effects, including drug resistance, nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, limit the clinical application. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop targeted delivery and controlled release systems for platinum drugs to address the disadvantages, enhancing tumor accumulation and improving therapeutic effects. In this review, we first review the progress of platinum drugs, their anticancer mechanism, clinical applications and limitations. Then, we comprehensively summarize the platinum-based delivery using drug carriers and responsive strategies. We especially highlight the platinum-delivery formulations in ongoing clinical trials. Finally, we provide perspectives for this field. The review could provide an increasingly in-depth understanding of platinum therapeutics and motivate increasing delivery tactics to overcome the limitations of platinum application.

Microneedle-based nanodrugs for tumor immunotherapy

Microneedles have emerged as a promising and effective method for delivering therapeutic drugs and immunobiologics to treat various diseases. It is widely recognized that immune therapy has limited efficacy in solid tumors due to physical barriers and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Microneedle-based nanodrugs (NDMNs) offer a novel approach to overcome these limitations. These tiny needles are designed to load a variety of inorganic and organic nanoparticles, antigen vaccines, gene drugs, oncolytic viruses, and more. Utilizing microneedle arrays, NDMNs can effectively penetrate the skin barrier, delivering drugs precisely to the tumor site or immunoactive regions within the skin. Additionally, by designing and optimizing the microneedle structure, shape, and functionality, NDMNs enable precise drug release and efficient penetration, thereby enhancing the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the pivotal role of NDMNs in cancer immunotherapy, summarizing innovative microneedle design strategies, mechanisms of immune activation, and delivery strategies of various nanodrugs. Furthermore, we explore the current clinical realities, limitations, and future prospects of NDMNs in tumor immunotherapy.

Iontophoresis-driven alterations in nanoparticle uptake pathway and intracellular trafficking in carcinoma skin cancer cells

Effective treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) poses challenges due to intrinsic drug resistance and limited drug penetration into tumor cells. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising approach to enhance therapeutic efficacy; however, they often face hurdles such as inadequate cellular uptake and rapid lysosomal degradation. This study explores the potential of iontophoresis to augment the efficacy of liposome and immunoliposome-based drug delivery systems for SCC treatment. The study assessed iontophoresis effects on SCC cell line (A431) viability, nanoparticle uptake dynamics, and intracellular distribution patterns. Specific inhibitors were employed to delineate cellular internalization pathways, while fluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry examined changes in EGFR expression and lysosomal activity. Results demonstrated that iontophoresis significantly increased cellular uptake of liposomes and immunoliposomes, achieving approximately 50 % uptake compared to 10 % with passive treatment. This enhancement correlated with modifications in endocytic pathways, favoring macropinocytosis and caveolin-mediated endocytosis for liposomes, and macropinocytosis and clathrin-mediated pathways for immunoliposomes. Moreover, iontophoresis induced alterations in EGFR distribution and triggered syncytium-like cellular clustering. It also attenuated lysosomal activity, thereby reducing nanoparticle degradation and prolonging intracellular retention of therapeutic agents. These findings underscore the role of iontophoresis in modulating nanoparticle internalization pathways, offering insights that could advance targeted drug delivery strategies and mitigate therapeutic resistance in SCC and other malignancies.

Development of a smartphone-assisted multiple colorimetric detection assay for GSH in food based on the degradation of gold nanorods

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide and natural reducing agent composed of glutamic acid, glycine, and cysteine. Its level in the human body is closely linked to human health, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. The supplementation of exogenous GSH could bring health benefits and GSH detection in food is of considerable importance. However, the existing assays for GSH detection such as high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, electrochemiluminescence and fluorescent nanoprobe were not satisfactory because of the disadvantages of equipment and site requirements. In this study, a multiple-colorimetric detection assay for GSH was developed based on GSH's reaction with gold nanorods. During the reaction with varying concentrations of GSH, the gold nanorods degraded into spherical nanoparticles with multiple color changes, which could be used to determine GSH concentrations. The transverse surface plasmon resonance absorption peak of gold nanorods (AuNRs) significantly shifted, indicating a novel mechanism distinct from etching or surface coating, which typically altered the longitudinal surface plasmon absorption peak. Under optimized conditions, the assay exhibited commendable specificity and reliability in actual samples. The assay accurately quantified GSH ranging from 1 to 10 µM, with detection limits of 439 nM and 260 nM for spectrophotometry and visual analysis, respectively. It was firstly to use GSH as a reducing agent to react with AuNRs in the presence of AgNO3 and the mechanism was different from etching or surface coating. The study's assay shows potential for detecting GSH in food samples and provides an alternative approach for the development of colorimetric detection assays based on AuNRs.

Endogenous Protein-Modified Gold Nanorods as Immune-Inert Biomodulators for Tumor-Specific Imaging and Therapy

Engineered modifications of nanomaterials inspired by nature hold great promise for disease-specific imaging and therapies. However, conventional polyethylene glycol modification is limited by immune system rejection. The manipulation of gold nanorods (Au NRs) modified by endogenous proteins (eP@Au) is reported as an engineered biomodulator for enhanced breast tumor therapy. The results show that eP@Au NRs neither activate inflammatory factors in vitro nor elicit rejection of immune responses in vivo. Tumor-specific eP@Au NRs exhibit a dual-modal imaging capability and trigger a mild photothermal effect under near-infrared light irradiation, enabling highly efficient imaging and therapy of tumors. Transcriptome sequencing and confirmatory experiments reveal that the antitumor effect is mainly attributed to the repression of PI3K-Akt/MAPK signaling pathways at the molecular level. This powerful and surprising in situ eP-regulated biomodulation demonstrates the advantages of convenient fabrication, inert immunogenicity, and biocompatibility, providing an alternative strategy for biomedical imaging and therapy.

X-ray triggered bimetallic nanoassemblies as radiosensitizers and STING agonists for a CDT/radio-immunotherapy strategy

Radiotherapy (RT) is a cornerstone of cancer therapy, but its effectiveness is constrained by dose-limiting toxicity and inadequate systemic immune activation. To overcome these limitations, we have engineered an X-ray-responsive nanoassembly (sMnAu NAs) by cross-linking monodisperse MnAu nanoparticles (NPs) with radiation-responsive diselenide-containing linkers. MnAu alloy NPs not only provide Au NPs for radiosensitization, but also control Mn (0) release, which stimulates Fenton-like reaction for chemodynamic therapy and is transferred into Mn2+ to activate the STING pathway for immunotherapy. The responsive design not only improves tumor accumulation via EPR effect during circulation, but also achieves deep penetration of MnAu NPs following X-ray induced disassembly. The synergistic combination of chemodynamic therapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy exhibits remarkable inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis. Overall, our sMnAu NAs represent a promising radiosensitizer for chemodynamic therapy and radiotherapy to enhance immunotherapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: As a principal treatment modality in cancer management, RT is limited due to the co-irradiation of organs at risk and subsequent normal tissue toxicities. This study reported an X-ray responsive radiosensitizer prepared by cross-linking monodisperse MnAu NPs with diselenide-containing linkers. Upon X-ray irradiation, sMnAu NAs accumulate in tumors and disassemble into MnAu NPs, enabling deeper penetration. The increased surface area of MnAu NPs enhances the exposure of Mn(0), which reacts into Mn2+ and enhances ROS generation. The released Mn2+ activates the STING pathway, potentiating the X-ray-induced immune response. The synergistic integration of CDT, RT, and immunotherapy results in a potent suppression of tumor growth and metastasis. Collectively, this X-ray activatable CDT/radio-immunotherapy strategy holds great potential for effective cancer treatment.

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma-targeting Au-HN-1 nanosystem for CT imaging and photothermal therapy

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a prevalent malignancy that afflicts the head and neck area and presents a high incidence of metastasis and invasion. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are essential for enhancing the quality of life and the survival rates of TSCC patients. The current treatment modalities for TSCC frequently suffer from a lack of specificity and efficacy. Nanoparticles with diagnostic and photothermal therapeutic properties may offer a new approach for the targeted therapy of TSCC. However, inadequate accumulation of photosensitizers at the tumor site diminishes the efficacy of photothermal therapy (PTT). This study modified gold nanodots (AuNDs) with the TSCC-targeting peptide HN-1 to improve the selectivity and therapeutic effects of PTT. The Au-HN-1 nanosystem effectively targeted the TSCC cells and was rapidly delivered to the tumor tissues compared to the AuNDs. The enhanced accumulation of photosensitizing agents at tumor sites achieved significant PTT effects in a mouse model of TSCC. Moreover, owing to its stable long-term fluorescence and high X-ray attenuation coefficient, the Au-HN-1 nanosystem can be used for fluorescence and computed tomography imaging of TSCC, rendering it useful for early tumor detection and accurate delineation of surgical margins. In conclusion, Au-HN-1 represents a promising nanomedicine for imaging-based diagnosis and targeted PTT of TSCC.

Novel Modifications and Delivery Modes of Cyclic Dinucleotides for STING Activation in Cancer Treatment

The microenvironment tends to be immunosuppressive during tumor growth and proliferation. Immunotherapy has attracted much attention because of its ability to activate tumor-specific immune responses for tumor killing. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway is an innate immune pathway that activates antitumor immunity by producing type I interferons. Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs), produced by cGAS sensing cytoplasmic abnormal DNA, are major intermediate activating molecules in the STING pathway. Nowadays, CDNs and their derivatives have widely worked as powerful STING agonists in tumor immunotherapy. However, their clinical translation is hindered by the negative electrical properties, sensitivity to hydrolytic enzymes, and systemic toxicity. Recently, various CDN delivery systems have made significant progress in addressing these issues, either through monotherapy or in combination with other treatment modalities. This review details recent advances in CDNs-based pharmaceutical development or delivery strategies for enriching CDNs at tumor sites and activating the STING pathway.

How the Versatile Self-Assembly in Drug Delivery System to Afford Multimodal Cancer Therapy?

The rapid development of self-assembly technology during the past few decades has effectively addressed plenty of the issues associated with carrier-based drug delivery systems, such as low loading efficiency, complex fabrication processes, and inherent toxicity of carriers. The integration of nanoscale delivery systems with self-assembly techniques has enabled efficient and targeted self-administration of drugs, enhanced bioavailability, prolonged circulation time, and controllable drug release. Concurrently, the limitations of single-mode cancer treatment, including low bioavailability, poor therapeutic outcomes, and significant side effects, have highlighted the urgent need for multimodal combined antitumor therapies. Set against the backdrop of multimodal cancer therapy, this review summarizes the research progress and applications of a large number of self-assembled drug delivery platforms, including natural small molecule self-assembled, carrier-free self-assembled, amphiphilic polymer-based self-assembled, peptide-based self-assembled, and metal-based self-assembled nano drug delivery systems. This review particularly analyzes the latest advances in the application of self-assembled nano drug delivery platforms in combined antitumor therapies mediated by chemotherapy, phototherapy, radiotherapy, sonodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy, providing innovative research insights for further optimization and expansion of self-assembled nano drug delivery systems in the clinical translation and development of antitumor combined therapy.

Photothermally Active Quantum Dots in Cancer Imaging and Therapeutics: Nanotheranostics Perspective

Cancer is becoming a global threat, as the cancerous cells manipulate themselves frequently, resulting in mutants and more abnormalities. Early-stage and real-time detection of cancer biomarkers can provide insight into designing cost-effective diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Nanoparticle and quantum dot (QD)-based approaches have been recognized as clinically relevant methods to detect disease biomarkers at the molecular level. Over decades, as an emergent noninvasive approach, photothermal therapy has evolved to eradicate cancer. Moreover, various structures, viz., nanoparticles, clusters, quantum dots, etc., have been tested as bioimaging and photothermal agents to identify tumor cells selectively. Among them, QDs have been recognized as versatile probes. They have attracted enormous attention for imaging and therapeutic applications due to their unique colloidal stability, optical and physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, easy surface conjugation, scalable production, etc. However, a few critical concerns of QDs, viz., precise engineering for molecular imaging and sensing, selective interaction with the biological system, and their associated toxicity, restrict their potential intervention in curing cancer and are yet to be explored. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no specific regulation for the approval of nanomedicines. Therefore, these nanomedicines undergo the traditional drug, biological, and device approval process. However, the market survey of QDs is increasing, and their prospects in translational nanomedicine are very promising. From this perspective, we discuss the importance of QDs for imaging, sensing, and therapeutic usage pertinent to cancer, especially in its early stages. Moreover, we also discuss the rapidly growing translational view of QDs. The long-term safety studies and cellular interaction of these QDs could enhance their visibility and bring photothermally active QDs to the clinical stage and concurrently to FDA approval.

Tetramethyl Cucurbit[6]uril-Porphyrin Supramolecular Polymer Enhances Photosensitization

Porphyrins serve as photosensitizers (PS) in the realm of cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT). Upon excitation by laser light, porphyrins are capable of converting molecular oxygen into highly cytotoxic singlet oxygen (1O2). However, the rigid π-conjugated structure of porphyrins frequently results in the formation of aggregates in aqueous solutions, which leads to the self-quenching of the excited state. Cucurbit[n]urils exhibit the capacity to stably bind with porphyrins via host-guest interactions, effectively inhibiting their aggregation and potentially enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of PDT. In this study, water-soluble tetramethyl cucurbit[6]uril (TMeQ[6]) was selected as the host, while four propionic acid group-appended porphyrin cationic (TPPOR) was utilized as guests to construct a supramolecular photosensitizer (TPPOR-2TMeQ[6]) in a molar ratio of 2:1. Further experimental findings demonstrate that the presence of TMeQ[6] inhibits the aggregation of TPPOR through non-covalent interactions. This inhibition reduces the energy difference between the excited singlet and triplet states, thereby enhancing the conversion efficiency of 1O2. Moreover, TPPOR-2TMeQ[6] exhibits favorable biocompatibility and minimal dark toxicity against breast cancer cells (4T1). Upon intracellular excitation, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly increase, inducing oxidative stress in 4T1 cells and leading to apoptosis. Consequently, the findings of this study suggest that the enhanced photosensitization achieved through this supramolecular approach is likely to promote the anticancer therapeutic effects of PDT, thereby broadening the application prospects of porphyrins within PDT systems.

Integrated gold nanorods-based dual-signal platform for accurate total antioxidant capacity assessment in food samples

Accurate assessment of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in food is crucial for evaluating nutritional quality and potential health benefits. This study aims to enhance the sensitivity and reliability of TAC detection through a dual-signal method, combining colorimetric and photothermal signals. Gold nanorods (AuNRs) were utilized to establish a dual-signal method duo to the colorimetric and photothermal properties. Fenton reaction can etch the AuNRs from the tips, as a result, a blue shift in the longitudinal LSPR absorption peak was obtained, leading to significant changes in color and photothermal effects, facilitating discrimination through both visual observation and thermometer measurements. In the presence of antioxidants, the Fenton reaction was suppressed or inhibited, protecting the AuNRs from etching. The colorimetric and photothermal signals were therefore positively correlated with TAC levels, enabling dual-signal detection of TAC. The linear range of AA was 4-100 μM in both colorimetry and photothermal modes, with detection limits of 1.60 μM and 1.38 μM, respectively. This dual-signal approach achieves low detection limits, enhancing precision and sensitivity. The method thus has the potential to act as a promising candidate for TAC detection in food samples, contributing to improved food quality and safety assessment.

Valence-Transforming O2-Depleting Nano-Assembly Enable In Situ Tumor Depositional Embolization

Abnormal metabolism and blood supply/O2 imbalance in tumor cells affect drug transport delivery and increase the difficulty of tumor treatment. Controlling tumor growth by inhibiting tumor cell metabolism and regulating progressive embolization in the tumor region provides an innovative basis for constructing tumor therapeutic models. A highly biocompatible and efficient O2-depleting agent has been investigated to enable in situ precipitation and embolization within the tumor microenvironment. In situ deformation embolizer, Fe-GA@CaCO3 nano-assembly (GA: gallic acid), can convert into the large granular size embolization components of Fe(III) precipitates and affluent Ca2+ within the tumor microenvironment. In situ progressive O2 depletion produces Fe(III) precipitates that embolize tumor regions, isolating O2 and nutrients by blocking supply. Meanwhile, affluent Ca2+ acts on the intracellular, causing mitochondrial dysfunction through calcium overload and contributing to irreversible tumor cell damage. Both internal and external routes work synergistically to produce precise functional inhibition of tumors from the inside out, simultaneously responding to both intracellular and the corresponding tumor regions, providing an innovative solution for anti-tumor therapy.

Shape-dependent cellular uptake of iron oxide nanorods: mechanisms of endocytosis and implications on cell labeling and cellular delivery

The effects of nanoparticle morphology, especially size and shape, on their interactions with cells are of great interest in understanding the fate of nanoparticles in biological systems and designing them for biomedical applications. While size and shape-dependent cell behavior, endocytosis mechanism, and subcellular distribution of nanoparticles have been investigated extensively with gold and other nanoparticles, studies on iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP), one of the most promising and well-thought-of nanomaterials in biomedical applications, were limited. In this study, we synthesized oligosaccharide-coated water-soluble iron oxide nanorods (IONR) with different core sizes (nm) and different aspect ratios (i.e., length/width), such as IONR(L) at 140/6 nm and IONR(S) at 50/7 nm as well as spherical IONP (20 nm). We investigated how their sizes and shapes affect uptake mechanisms, localization, and cell viability in different cell lines. The results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal fluorescence microscopic imaging confirmed the internalization of these nanoparticles in different types of cells and subsequent accumulation in the subcellular compartments, such as the endosomes, and into the cytosol. Specifically, IONR(L) exhibited the highest cellular uptake compared to IONR(S) and spherical IONP, 1.36-fold and 1.17-fold higher than that of spherical IONP in macrophages and pediatric brain tumor medulloblastoma cells, respectively. To examine the cellular uptake mechanisms preferred by the different IONR and IONP, we used different endocytosis inhibitors to block specific cellular internalization pathways when cells were treated with different nanoparticles. The results from these blocking experiments showed that IONR(L) enter macrophages and normal kidney cells through clathrin-mediated, dynamin-dependent, and macropinocytosis/phagocytosis pathways, while they are internalized in cancer cells primarily via clathrin/caveolae-mediated and phagocytosis mechanisms. Overall, our findings provide new insights into further development of magnetic IONR-based imaging probes and drug delivery systems for biomedical applications.

A Multifunctional Low-Temperature Photothermal Nanomedicine for Melanoma Treatment via the Oxidative Stress Pathway Therapy

Purpose

Melanoma is a highly aggressive and dangerous malignant skin tumor and there is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutic approaches against melanoma. The main objective of this study was to construct a multifunctional nanomedicine (GNR@PEG-Qu) to investigate its therapeutic effect on melanoma from the oxidative stress pathway.

Methods

First, the nanomedicine GNR@PEG-Qu was synthesized and characterized, and its photothermal and antioxidant properties were confirmed. In addition, in vivo imaging capabilities were observed. Finally, the tumor inhibitory effects of GNR@PEG-Qu in vivo and in vitro as well as its biosafety were observed.

Results

GNR@PEG-Qu shows good photothermal and anti-oxidation properties. Following exposure to 1064 nm laser irradiation in the second near-infrared II (NIR-II) window, GNR@PEG-Qu shows anti-tumor ability through low-temperature photothermal therapy (PTT) adjuvant drug chemotherapy. GNR@PEG-Qu makes full use of the antioxidant capacity of quercetin, reduces ROS levels in melanoma, alleviates oxidative stress state, and achieves "oxidative stress avoidance" at the tumor site. Quercetin can also downregulate the expression of the heat shock protein Hsp70, which will improve the thermal sensitivity of the tumor site and enhance the efficacy of low-temperature PTT.

Conclusion

GNR@PEG-Qu nanoagent exhibits synergistic treatment and high tumor inhibition effects, which is a promising strategy developed to achieve oxidative stress avoidance and synergistic therapy of melanoma using quercetin (Qu)-coated gold nanorod (GNR@PEG).

Aggregation-Induced Emission-Active Organic Nanoagent with High Photothermal Conversion Efficiency for Near-Infrared Imaging-Guided Tumor Photothermal Therapy

Photothermal therapy (PTT) provides a great prospect for noninvasive cancer therapy. However, it is still highly challenging to construct photothermal agents (PTAs) with the desired performances for imaging-guided PTT applications. Herein, a D-A-D-type naphthalene diamine (NDI)-based photothermal nano-PTAs NDS-BPN NP with near-infrared region (NIR) emission at 822 nm, aggregation-induced emission (AIE), high photothermal conversion efficiency (55.05%), and excellent photothermal stability is successfully designed and prepared through a simple two-step engineering method by using a new AIE molecule NDS-BPN and DSPE-PEG2000 as precursors. The prepared PTT nanoagents NDS-BPN NPs have been further applied for efficient photothermal ablation of cancer cells in vitro and also achieved the NIR fluorescent image-guided PTT tumor therapy in vivo with satisfactory results. We believe that this work provides an attractive NIR AIE NDI-based nano-PTA for the phototherapy of tumors as well as develops the construction strategy of NDI molecular-based photothermal nanoagents with desired performances for imaging-guided PTT.

A Perspective on the Permeability of Cocrystals/Organic Salts of Oral Drugs

According to the BCS classification system, the differentiation of drugs is based on two essential parameters of solubility and permeability, meaning the latter is as pivotal as the former in creating marketable pharmaceutical products. Nevertheless, the indispensable role of permeability in pharmaceutical cocrystal profiles has not been sufficiently cherished, which can be most probably attributed to two principal reasons. First, responsibility may be on more user-friendly in vitro measurement procedures for solubility compared to permeability, implying the permeability measurement process seems unexpectedly difficult for researchers, whereas they have a complete understanding of solubility concepts and experiments. Besides, it may be ascribed to the undeniable attraction of introducing new crystal-based structures which mostly leaves the importance of improving the function of existing multicomponents behind. Bringing in new crystalline entities, to rephrase it, researchers have a fairly better chance of achieving high-class publications. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided a golden opportunity for pharmaceutical cocrystals to straightforwardly enter the market by simply considering them as derivatives of the existing active pharmaceutical ingredients, inattention to assessing and scaling up permeability which is intimately linked with solubility has resulted in limited numbers of them in the global pharmaceutical market. Casting a glance at the future, it is apprehended that further development in the field of permeability of pharmaceutical cocrystals and organic salts requires a meticulous perception of achievements to date and potentials to come. Thence, this perspective scrutinizes the pathway of permeation assessment making researchers confront their fear upfront through mapping the simplest way of permeability measurement for multicomponents of oral drugs.

Stimuli-Responsive Covalent Organic Frameworks for Cancer Therapy

Chemotherapy as a common anticancer therapeutic modality is often challenged by various obstacles such as poor stability, low solubility, and severe side effects of chemotherapeutic agents as well as multidrug resistance of cancerous cells. Nanoparticles in the role of carriers for chemotherapeutic drugs and platforms for combining different therapeutic approaches have effectively participated in overcoming such drawbacks. In particular, nanoparticles able to induce their therapeutic effect in response to specific stimuli like tumor microenvironment characteristics (e.g., hypoxia, acidic pH, high levels of glutathione, and overexpressed hydrogen peroxide) or extrinsic stimulus of laser light bring about more precise and selective treatments. Among them, nanostructures of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have drawn great interest in biomedical fields during recent years. Possessing large surface area, high porosity, structural stability, and customizable architecture, these biocompatible porous crystalline polymers properly translate to promising platforms for drug delivery and induction of combination therapies. With the focus on stimuli-responsive characteristics of nanoscale COFs, this study aims to propose an overview of their potentiality in cancer treatment on the basis of chemotherapy alone or in combination with sonodynamic, chemodynamic, photodynamic, and photothermal therapies.

Current advance of nanotechnology in diagnosis and treatment for malignant tumors

Cancer remains a significant risk to human health. Nanomedicine is a new multidisciplinary field that is garnering a lot of interest and investigation. Nanomedicine shows great potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Specifically engineered nanoparticles can be employed as contrast agents in cancer diagnostics to enable high sensitivity and high-resolution tumor detection by imaging examinations. Novel approaches for tumor labeling and detection are also made possible by the use of nanoprobes and nanobiosensors. The achievement of targeted medication delivery in cancer therapy can be accomplished through the rational design and manufacture of nanodrug carriers. Nanoparticles have the capability to effectively transport medications or gene fragments to tumor tissues via passive or active targeting processes, thus enhancing treatment outcomes while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Simultaneously, nanoparticles can be employed in the context of radiation sensitization and photothermal therapy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of malignant tumors. This review presents a literature overview and summary of how nanotechnology is used in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. According to oncological diseases originating from different systems of the body and combining the pathophysiological features of cancers at different sites, we review the most recent developments in nanotechnology applications. Finally, we briefly discuss the prospects and challenges of nanotechnology in cancer.

Nanomaterials: leading immunogenic cell death-based cancer therapies

The field of oncology has transformed in recent years, with treatments shifting from traditional surgical resection and radiation therapy to more diverse and customized approaches, one of which is immunotherapy. ICD (immunogenic cell death) belongs to a class of regulatory cell death modalities that reactivate the immune response by facilitating the interaction between apoptotic cells and immune cells and releasing specific signaling molecules, and DAMPs (damage-associated molecular patterns). The inducers of ICD can elevate the expression of specific proteins to optimize the TME (tumor microenvironment). The use of nanotechnology has shown its unique potential. Nanomaterials, due to their tunability, targeting, and biocompatibility, have become powerful tools for drug delivery, immunomodulators, etc., and have shown significant efficacy in clinical trials. In particular, these nanomaterials can effectively activate the ICD, trigger a potent anti-tumor immune response, and maintain long-term tumor suppression. Different types of nanomaterials, such as biological cell membrane-modified nanoparticles, self-assembled nanostructures, metallic nanoparticles, mesoporous materials, and hydrogels, play their respective roles in ICD induction due to their unique structures and mechanisms of action. Therefore, this review will explore the latest advances in the application of these common nanomaterials in tumor ICD induction and discuss how they can provide new strategies and tools for cancer therapy. By gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanism of action of these nanomaterials, researchers can develop more precise and effective therapeutic approaches to improve the prognosis and quality of life of cancer patients. Moreover, these strategies hold the promise to overcome resistance to conventional therapies, minimize side effects, and lead to more personalized treatment regimens, ultimately benefiting cancer treatment.

In Situ Aggregated Nanomanganese Enhances Radiation-Induced Antitumor Immunity

Radiosensitizers play a pivotal role in enhancing radiotherapy (RT). One of the challenges in RT is the limited accumulation of nanoradiosensitizers and the difficulty in activating antitumor immunity. Herein, a smart strategy was used to achieve in situ aggregation of nanomanganese adjuvants (MnAuNP-C&B) to enhance RT-induced antitumor immunity. The aggregated MnAuNP-C&B system overcomes the shortcomings of small-sized nanoparticles that easily flow back into blood vessels and diffuse into surrounding tissues, and it also prolongs the retention time of nanomanganese within cancer cells and tumors. The MnAuNP-C&B system significantly enhances the radiosensitization effect in RT. Additionally, the pH-responsive disassembly of MnAuNP-C&B triggers the release of Mn2+, further promoting RT-induced activation of the STING pathway and eliciting robust antitumor immunity. Overall, our study presents a smart strategy wherein in situ aggregation of nanomanganese effectively inhibits tumor growth through radiosensitization and the activation of antitumor immunity.

Contrast enhanced photoacoustic detection of fibrillar collagen in the near infrared region-I

Fibrillar collagen accumulation emerges as a promising biomarker in several diseases, such as desmoplastic tumors and unstable atherosclerotic plaque. Gold nanorods (GNRs) hold great potential as contrast agents in high-resolution, biomedically safe, and non-invasive photoacoustic imaging (PAI). This study presents the design and characterization of a specialized imaging tool which exploits GNR assisted targeted photoacoustic imaging that is tailored for the identification of fibrillar collagen. In addition to the photoacoustic characterization of collagen in the NIR 1 and 2 regions, we demonstrate the detailed steps of conjugating a decoy to GNRs. This study serves as a proof of concept, that demonstrates that conjugated collagenase-1 (MMP-1) generates a distinct and collagen-specific photoacoustic signal, facilitating real-time visualization in the wavelength range of 700-970 nm (NIR I). As most of the reported studies utilized the endogenous contrast of collagen in the NIR II wavelength that has major limitations to perform in vivo deep tissue imaging, the approach that we are proposing is unique and it highlights the promise of MMP-1 decoy-functionalized GNRs as novel contrast agents for photoacoustic imaging of collagen in the NIR 1 region. To our knowledge this is the first time functionalized GNRs are optimized for the detection of fibrillar collagen and utilized in the field of non-invasive photoacoustic imaging that can facilitate a better prognosis of desmoplastic tumors and broken atherosclerotic plaques.

A Label-Free Photoelectrochemical Biosensor Based on ZnO/Cs3MnBr5 Heterogeneous Films for Alpha-Fetoprotein Detection

Highly sensitive and specific biomarker detection is of outstanding importance for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Herein, we developed robust photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensors with low background noise and high sensitivity based on a heterojunction, which can improve semiconductor photoelectric properties by limiting the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and successfully widening the range of light absorption. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was used as a target model to examine the analytical performances of the designed PEC biosensors. ZnO/Cs3MnBr5 heterogeneous film with a uniform porous structure and large surface area enhanced electron transfer and biomolecule immobilization, and significantly increased the photocurrent response. Under the optimal conditions, the designed PEC biosensor exhibited a linear detection range of 0.01-500 ng/mL and a detection limit of 12 pg/mL. In addition, this PEC biosensor performed well when testing human serum samples and exhibited good repeatability, stability over time, and specificity, showing enormous potential for the detection of cancer markers in future biological and clinical research.

Nanomaterials-based advanced systems for photothermal / photodynamic therapy of oral cancer

The traditional clinical approaches for oral cancer consist of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and so on. However, these treatments often induce side effects and exhibit limited efficacy. Photothermal therapy (PTT) emerges as a promising adjuvant treatment, utilizing photothermal agents (PTAs) to convert light energy into heat for tumor ablation. Another innovative approach, photodynamic therapy (PDT), leverages photosensitizers (PSs) and specific wavelength laser irradiation to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), offering an effective and non-toxic alternative. The relevant combination therapies have been reported in the field of oral cancer. Simultaneously, the advancement of nanomaterials has propelled the clinical application of PTT and PDT. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of PTT and PDT is required for better application in oral cancer treatment. Here, we review the use of PTT and PDT in oral cancer, including noble metal materials (e.g., Au nanoparticles), carbon materials (e.g., graphene oxide), organic dye molecules (e.g., indocyanine green), organic molecule-based agents (e.g., porphyrin-analog phthalocyanine) and other inorganic materials (e.g., MXenes), exemplify the advantages and disadvantages of common PTAs and PSs, and summarize the combination therapies of PTT with PDT, PTT/PDT with chemotherapy, PTT with radiotherapy, PTT/PDT with immunotherapy, and PTT/PDT with gene therapy in the treatment of oral cancer. The challenges related to the PTT/PDT combination therapy and potential solutions are also discussed.

Formulation optimization of lyophilized aptamer-gold nanoparticles: Maintained colloidal stability and cellular uptake

Anti-nucleolin (NCL) aptamer AS1411 is the first anticancer aptamer tested in clinical trials. Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have been widely exploited for various biomedical applications due to their unique functional properties. In this study, we evaluated the colloidal stability and targeting capacity of AS1411-funtionalized AuNP (AuNP/NCL-Apt) against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line before and after lyophilization. Trehalose, mannitol, and sucrose at various concentrations were evaluated to determine their cryoprotection effects. Our results indicate that sucrose at 10 % (w/v) exhibits the best cryoprotection effect and minimal AuNP/NCL-Apt aggregation as confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Moreover, the lyophilized AuNP/NCL-Apt at optimized formulation maintained its targeting and cytotoxic functionality against MCF-7 cells as proven by the cellular uptake assays utilizing flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of nucleolin-target gene expression also confirmed the effectiveness of AuNP/NCL-Apt. This study highlights the importance of selecting the proper type and concentration of cryoprotectant in the typical nanoparticle lyophilization process and contributes to our understanding of the physical and biological properties of functionalized nanoparticles upon lyophilization.

Metal-Organic Framework-Capped Gold Nanorod Hybrids for Combinatorial Cancer Therapy

Recently, nanomaterials have attracted extensive attention in cancer-targeting therapy and as drug delivery vehicles owing to their unique surface and size properties. Multifunctional combinations of nanomaterials have become a research hotspot as researchers aim to provide a full understanding of their nanomaterial characteristics. In this study, metal-organic framework-capped gold nanorod hybrids were synthesized. Our research explored their ability to kill tumor cells by locally increasing the temperature via photothermal conclusion. The specific peroxidase-like activity endows the hybrids with the ability to disrupt the oxidative balance in vitro. Simultaneously, chemotherapeutic drugs are administered and delivered by loading and transportation for effective combinatorial cancer treatment, thereby enhancing the curative effect and reducing the unpredictable toxicity and side effects of large doses of chemotherapeutic drugs. These studies can improve combinatorial cancer therapy and enhance cancer treatment.

Enhancing Phototoxicity in Human Colorectal Tumor Cells Through Nanoarchitectonics for Synergistic Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapies

Phototherapies are promising for noninvasive treatment of aggressive tumors, especially when combining heat induction and oxidative processes. Herein, we show enhanced phototoxicity of gold shell-isolated nanorods conjugated with toluidine blue-O (AuSHINRs@TBO) against human colorectal tumor cells (Caco-2) with synergic effects of photothermal (PTT) and photodynamic therapies (PDT). Mitochondrial metabolic activity tests (MTT) performed on Caco-2 cell cultures indicated a photothermal effect from AuSHINRs owing to enhanced light absorption from the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The phototoxicity against Caco-2 cells was further increased with AuSHINRs@TBO where oxidative processes, such as hydroperoxidation, were also present, leading to a cell viability reduction from 85.5 to 39.0%. The molecular-level mechanisms responsible for these effects were investigated on bioinspired tumor membranes using Langmuir monolayers of Caco-2 lipid extract. Polarization-modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) revealed that the AuSHINRs@TBO incorporation is due to attractive electrostatic interactions with negatively charged groups of the Caco-2 lipid extract, resulting in the expansion of surface pressure isotherms. Upon irradiation, Caco-2 lipid extract monolayers containing AuSHINRs@TBO (1:1 v/v) exhibited ca. 1.0% increase in surface area. This is attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their interaction with Caco-2 lipid extract monolayers, leading to hydroperoxide formation. The oxidative effects are facilitated by AuSHINRs@TBO penetration into the polar groups of the extract, allowing oxidative reactions with carbon chain unsaturations. These mechanisms are consistent with findings from confocal fluorescence microscopy, where the Caco-2 plasma membrane was the primary site of the cell death induction process.

Progress of Mesoporous Silica Coated Gold Nanorods for Biological Imaging and Cancer Therapy

For unique surface plasmon absorption and fluorescence characteristics, gold nanorods have been developed and widely employed in the biomedical field. However, limitations still exist due their low specific surface area, instability and tendency agglomerate in cytoplasm. Mesoporous silica materials have been broadly applied in field of catalysts, adsorbents, nanoreactors, and drug carriers due to its unique mesoporous structure, highly comparative surface area, good stability and biocompatibility. Therefore, coating gold nanorods with a dendritic mesopore channels can effectively prevent particle agglomeration, while increasing the specific surface area and drug loading efficiency. This review discusses the advancements of GNR@MSN in synthetic process, bio-imaging technique and tumor therapy. Additionally, the further application of GNR@MSN in imaging-guided treatment modalities is explored, while its promising superior application prospect is highlighted. Finally, the issues related to in vivo studies are critically examined for facilitating the transition of this promising nanoplatform into clinical trials.

The Use of Conjugated Gold Nanorods with Reduced Toxicity in Photothermal Therapy for MRSA

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the deadliest pathogenic bacteria. Using photothermal therapy (PTT) to eradicate MRSA bacteria easily and effectively, it has directed this bacterium to be destroyed. Gold nanorods (AuNRs), which are nanoparticles that provide PPT, were synthesized and removed from the CTAB molecule reduce the toxic effect caused by CTAB. Subsequently, mercaptophenylboronic acid (MFBA) coated AuNRs were synthesized and used in photothermal therapy to develop a targeting agent to selectively eliminate MRSA. A decrease in cytotoxic effect of CTAB@AuNRs after conjugation with MFBA was also demonstrated by the MTS cell viability test. We found that at the end of 48 hours and 72 hours of interaction, IC50 values of MFBA@ AuNR increased by approximately 50 % compared to CTAB@AuNR. Also, it shows that the cytotoxicity of AuNRs conjugated with MFBA was reduced. Herein, photothermal efficiency was achieved with MFBA@AuNRs targeting MRSA. The purpose of using and modifying gold nanorods is to reduce the toxicity of AuNRs and to examine their efficacy on resistant pathogenic bacteria strains by taking advantage of photothermal therapy properties.

Designing Gold Nanoparticles for Precise Glioma Treatment: Challenges and Alternatives

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a glioma and the most aggressive type of brain tumor with a dismal average survival time, despite the standard of care. One promising alternative therapy is boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), which is a noninvasive therapy for treating locally invasive malignant tumors, such as glioma. BNCT involves boron-10 isotope capturing neutrons to form boron-11, which then releases radiation directly into tumor cells with minimal damage to healthy tissues. This therapy lacks clinically approved targeted blood-brain-barrier-permeating delivery vehicles for the central nervous system (CNS) entry of therapeutic boron-10. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are selective and effective drug-delivery vehicles because of their desirable properties, facile synthesis, and biocompatibility. This review discusses biomedical/therapeutic applications of GNPs as a drug delivery vehicle, with an emphasis on their potential for carrying therapeutic drugs, imaging agents, and GBM-targeting antibodies/peptides for treating glioma. The constraints of GNP therapeutic efficacy and biosafety are discussed.

Biological structural study of emerging shaped nanoparticles for the blood flow in diverging tapered stenosed arteries to see their application in drug delivery

The magnetic force effects and differently shaped nano-particles in diverging tapering arteries having stenoses are being studied in current research via blood flow model. There hasn't been any research done on using metallic nanoparticles of different shapes with water as the base fluid. A radially symmetric but axially non-symmetric stenosis is used to depict the blood flow. Another significant aspect of our research is the study of symmetrical distribution of wall shearing stresses in connection with resistive impedance, as well as the rise of these quantities with the progression of stenosis. Shaping nanoparticles in accordance with the understanding of blood flow in arteries offers numerous possibilities for improving drug delivery, targeted therapies, and diagnostic imaging in the context of cardiovascular and other vascular-related diseases. Exact solutions for different flow quantities namely velocity, temperature, resistance impedance, boundary shear stress, and shearing stress at the stenosis throat, have been assessed. For various parameters of relevance for Cu-water, the graphical results of several types of tapered arteries (i.e. diverging tapering) have been explored.

Advances in the variations and biomedical applications of stimuli-responsive nanodrug delivery systems

Chemotherapy is an important cancer treatment modality, but the clinical utility of chemotherapeutics is limited by their toxic side effects, inadequate distribution and insufficient intracellular concentrations. Nanodrug delivery systems (NDDSs) have shown significant advantages in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Variable NDDSs that respond to endogenous and exogenous triggers have attracted much research interest. Here, we summarized nanomaterials commonly used for tumor therapy, such as peptides, liposomes, and carbon nanotubes, as well as the responses of NDDSs to pH, enzymes, magnetic fields, light, and multiple stimuli. Specifically, well-designed NDDSs can change in size or morphology or rupture when induced by one or more stimuli. The varying responses of NDDSs to stimulation contribute to the molecular design and development of novel NDDSs, providing new ideas for improving drug penetration and accumulation, inhibiting tumor resistance and metastasis, and enhancing immunotherapy.

Supramolecular self-assembled peptide-engineered nanofibers: A propitious proposition for cancer therapy

Cancer is a devastating disease that causes a substantial number of deaths worldwide. Current therapeutic interventions for cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. These conventional therapeutic approaches are associated with disadvantages such as multidrug resistance, destruction of healthy tissues, and tissue toxicity. Therefore, there is a paradigm shift in cancer management wherein nanomedicine-based novel therapeutic interventions are being explored to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. Supramolecular self-assembled peptide nanofibers are emerging drug delivery vehicles that have gained much attention in cancer management owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, biomimetic property, stimuli-responsiveness, transformability, and inherent therapeutic property. Supramolecules form well-organized structures via non-covalent linkages, the intricate molecular arrangement helps to improve tissue permeation, pharmacokinetic profile and chemical stability of therapeutic agents while enabling targeted delivery and allowing efficient tumor imaging. In this review, we present fundamental aspects of peptide-based self-assembled nanofiber fabrication their applications in monotherapy/combinatorial chemo- and/or immuno-therapy to overcome multi-drug resistance. The role of self-assembled structures in targeted/stimuli-responsive (pH, enzyme and photo-responsive) drug delivery has been discussed along with the case studies. Further, recent advancements in peptide nanofibers in cancer diagnosis, imaging, gene therapy, and immune therapy along with regulatory obstacles towards clinical translation have been deliberated.

Preparation and photothermal therapy of gold nanorods modified by Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC polysaccharide

In recent years, the application of nanoparticles formed by coupling metal nanomaterials of photothermal therapy with polysaccharides as modified carriers in the targeted treatment of liver cancer has attracted extensive attention. In the present work, an undescribed homogeneous polysaccharide BCP50-2 was obtained from Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC. The structural analysis displayed that BCP50-2 contained galactose and a small amount of arabinose, and was mainly composed of six monosaccharide residues: →3,5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →4)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →4,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →3)-α-l-Galp-(1→, terminal α-l-Araf, and terminal β-d-Galp. To enhance the antitumor activity of BCP50-2, BCP50-2-AuNRs were prepared by coupling BCP50-2 with gold nanorods for the treatment of liver cancer. BCP50-2-AuNRs were rod-shaped with a long diameter of 26.8 nm and had good photothermal conversion effects. Under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation, BCP50-2-AuNRs possessed photothermal effects and suppressed the growth of HepG2, A549, and MCF-7 cells. In addition, BCP50-2-AuNRs inhibited the development of liver cancer by inducing cell apoptosis, arresting the cell cycle in G2/M phases, and inhibiting cell migration. Moreover, BCP50-2-AuNRs inhibited tumor proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in zebrafish. In summary, BCP50-2-AuNRs may be potentially useful for cancer treatment.

Green synthesis of chitosan/silver nanocomposite using kaempferol for triple negative breast cancer therapy and antibacterial activity

The synthesis of polymer-encapsulated metal nanoparticles is a growing field of area due to their long-term uses in the development of new technologies. The present study describes the synthesis of chitosan/silver nanocomposite using kaempferol for anticancer and bactericidal activity. The formation of Kf-CS/Ag nanocomposite was confirmed by the development of a brown color and UV-absorbance around 438 nm. The IR study was utilized to determine the existence of Kf and CS in the synthesized nanocomposite. TEM analysis demonstrated that the synthesized nanocomposite have a predominantly uniform spherical shape and size ranges 7-10 nm. EDX spectrum showed the existence of Ag, C, and N elements in the nanocomposite material. Further, Kf-CS/Ag nanocomposite exhibited potential in vitro inhibitory property against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and their IC50 values was found to be 53 μg/mL. Moreover, fluorescent assays such as DAPI and AO/EtBr confirmed the apoptosis induction ability of Kf-CS/Ag nanocomposite in MDA-MB-231 cells. The synthesized Kf-CS/Ag nanocomposite showed significant and dose-depended antibacterial property against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Thus, the obtained findings demonstrated that the synthesized nanocomposite can be potentially used to improve human health as biocidal nanocomposite in biomedical sectors.

The Refined Application and Evolution of Nanotechnology in Enhancing Radiosensitivity During Radiotherapy: Transitioning from Gold Nanoparticles to Multifunctional Nanomaterials

Radiotherapy is a pivotal method for treating malignant tumors, and enhancing the therapeutic gain ratio of radiotherapy through physical techniques is the direction of modern precision radiotherapy. Due to the inherent physical properties of high-energy radiation, enhancing the therapeutic gain ratio of radiotherapy through radiophysical techniques inevitably encounters challenges. The combination of hyperthermia and radiotherapy can enhance the radiosensitivity of tumor cells, reduce their radioresistance, and holds significant clinical utility in radiotherapy. Multifunctional nanomaterials with excellent biocompatibility and safety have garnered widespread attention in tumor hyperthermia research, demonstrating promising potential. Utilizing nanotechnology as a sensitizing carrier in conjunction with radiotherapy, and high atomic number nanomaterials can also serve independently as radiosensitizing carriers. This synergy between tumor hyperthermia and radiotherapy may overcome many challenges currently limiting tumor radiotherapy, offering new opportunities for its further advancement. In recent years, the continuous progress in the synthesis and design of novel nanomaterials will propel the future development of medical imaging and cancer treatment. This article summarizes the radiosensitizing mechanisms and effects based on gold nanotechnology and provides an overview of the advancements of other nanoparticles (such as bismuth-based nanomaterials, magnetic nanomaterials, selenium nanomaterials, etc.) in the process of radiation therapy.

Interactions between gold nanoparticles with different morphologies and human serum albumin

Introduction: Three different shapes of gold nanoparticles were synthesized in this experiment. At the same time, studies compared their effects with human serum albumin (HSA). Methods: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with three different morphologies, such as, nanospheres (AuNSs), nanorods (AuNRs), and nanoflowers (AuNFs) were synthesized via a seeding method and their characteristic absorption peaks were detected using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy, Telectron microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential measurements, circular dichroism (CD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to study the interactions between them and HSA. By comparing the thermodynamic parameters and quenching mechanism of the three materials, similarities and differences were determined in their interactions with HSA. Results: The results showed that with an increase in the concentration of the AuNPs with the three different morphologies, the UV-vis absorption peak intensity of the mixed solution increased, but its fluorescence intensity was quenched. This indicates that the three types of AuNPs interact with HSA, and that the interactions between them represent a static quenching process, which is consistent with the conclusions derived from three-dimensional fluorescence experiments. Through variable-temperature fluorescence experiments, the binding constants, number of binding sites, and thermodynamic parameters of the interactions between the three types of AuNPs and HSA were determined. The Gibbs free energy changes were <0, indicating that the reactions of the three types of AuNPs with HSA are spontaneous, resulting in associated matter. Binding constant measurements indicated that the strongest binding took place between the AuNFs and HSA. In addition, the results of fluorescence, CD spectroscopy, and FTIR showed that three different shapes of AuNPs can induce conformational changes in HSA and reduce the α-helix content. Among them, AuNFs have the smallest ability to induce conformational changes. Discussion: According to studies, AuNFs interact more favorably with HSA. This can be used as a reference for the administration of drugs containing AuNPs.

An overview on nanoplatforms for statins delivery: Perspectives for safe and effective therapy

Statins are the most widely used pharmacological agents for reducing blood cholesterol levels and treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Most of the statins' derivatives have been limited by water solubility, bioavailability, and oral absorption, which has led to adverse effects on several organs, especially at high doses. As an approach to reducing statin intolerance, achieving a stable formulation with improved efficacy and bioavailability at low doses has been suggested. Nanotechnology-based formulations may provide a therapeutic benefit over traditional formulations in terms of potency and biosafety. Nanocarriers can provide tailored delivery platforms for statins, thereby enhancing the localized biological effects and lowering the risk of undesired side effects while boosting statin's therapeutic index. Furthermore, tailored nanoparticles can deliver the active cargo to the desired site, which culminates in reducing off-targeting and toxicity. Nanomedicine could also provide opportunities for therapeutic methods by personalized medicine. This review delves into the existing data on the potential improvement of statin therapy using nano-formulations.

NIR-II responsive PEGylated MoO2 nanocrystals with LSPR for efficient photothermal and photodynamic performance enhancement

Phototherapy, including photothermal and photodynamic therapy, has gained extensive attention in the tumor treatment field recently, while synergistic therapy can significantly improve curative effects. However, a complicated photo-responsive nanosystem, different excitation wavelengths, and low tissue depth hindered its actual application. Herein, single near-infrared responsive PEGylated defective MoO2 nanocrystals were fabricated by a green hydrothermal method. The photothermal and photodynamic performances of the samples were presented in detail under a safe power of 1064 nm (NIR-II, 1.0 W cm-2). Interestingly, the photodynamic properties were prompted by the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) photothermal effect obviously, and the collaborative enhancement mechanism was explored in depth. Subsequently, the in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated on the 4T1 cancer cells under NIR-II irradiation. This work may provide guidance for the facile fabrication of TMOs for NIR-II responsive and enhanced dual-modal phototherapy.

Recent Progress of Gold-Based Nanostructures towards Future Emblem of Photo-Triggered Cancer Theranostics: A Special Focus on Combinatorial Phototherapies

Cancer is one of the most dangerous health problems in the millennium and it is the third foremost human cause of death in the universe. Traditional cancer treatments face several disadvantages and cannot often afford adequate outcomes. It has been exhibited that the outcome of several therapies can be improved when associated with nanostructures. In addition, a modern tendency is being developed in cancer therapy to convert single-modal into multi-modal therapies with the help of existing various nanostructures. Among them, gold is the most successful nanostructure for biomedical applications due to its flexibility in preparation, stabilization, surface modifications, less cytotoxicity, and ease of bio-detection. In the past few decades, gold-based nanomaterials rule cancer treatment applications, currently, gold nanostructures were the leading nanomaterials for synergetic cancer therapies. In this review article, the synthesis, stabilization, and optical properties of gold nanostructures have been discussed. Then, the surface modifications and targeting mechanisms of gold nanomaterials will be described. Recent signs of progress in the application of gold nanomaterials for synergetic cancer therapies such as photodynamic and photo-thermal therapies in combination with other common interventions such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and will be reviewed. Also, a summary of the pharmacokinetics of gold nanostructures will be delivered. Finally, the challenges and outlooks of the gold nanostructures in the clinics for applications in cancer treatments are debated.