Nanomaterials in anticancer applications and their mechanism of action - A review

Exploring Escherichia coli EGY Type II L-Asparaginase Variant of Unique Glutaminase Activity: Cloning, Expression, Biochemical Characterization, and Molecular Docking Analysis

Microbial L-asparaginase II is a cornerstone biopharmaceutical drug for the effective treatment of leukemia and other blood cancers. However, the associated cellular resistance mechanisms in response to the treatment require effective management and necessitate searching and developing of better versions of the enzyme. Overall, the current study described a new E. coli type II L-ASNase variant of unique L-glutaminase co-activity that was cloned into pET28a ( +) vector and expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) pLysS as a cytosolic protein with a molecular weight of 38.390 kDa. The recombinant E. coli L-ASNase was purified by affinity chromatography and showed high specific activity of 7179.5 U/mg. The purified enzyme exhibited enormous thermal stability and its affinity for L-asparagine (L-Asn) and L-glutamine (L-Gln) was in silico analyzed by molecular docking and experimentally verified which indicated relatively similar affinity. The purified E. coli L-ASNase demonstrated high dual activities toward L-Asn (Km and Vmax 0.627 mM and 385 µmol min-1) with 90% specificity toward L-Gln (Km and Vmax 0.715 mM and 376 µmol min-1). The molecular docking study suggested that E. coli EGY L-ASNase follows a single displacement mechanism of catalysis based on the interacting residues analysis from a computational insight. Biochemical characterization and immunogenicity prediction were carried out to contribute for better understanding of the immunogenic determinants along with the other features of the new variant to consider its potentiality for in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity testing in future studies.

Facile phyto-mediated synthesis of ternary CuO/Mn3O4/ZnO nanocomposite using Nigella Sativa seeds extract: characterization,antimicrobial, and biomedical evaluations

The phyto-synthesis of ternary CuO/ Mn3O4/ZnO nanocomposite was achieved by the utilization of an eco-friendly, straightforward approach that involved the extract of Nigella sativa seeds. Our ternary nanocomposite appears to include equal amounts of CuO, Mn3O4, and ZnO based on the atomic percentages. The results indicate that a robust and thermally stable CuO/Mn3O4/ZnO nanocomposite was developed in stable nanosuspensions. The CuO/Mn3O4/ZnO nanocomposites showed antimicrobial capabilities against multidrug-resistant human pathogens. The highest biofilm reduction in viable planktonic populations of all human pathogens investigated was significantly reduced by the CuO/Mn3O4/ZnO ternary nanocomposites with a value of 18.5 µg/mL. The unique, enhanced, and triple-combined properties enabled the nanocomposite to have strong antimicrobial ability. The CuO/Mn3O4/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited strong anticancer activity against A549, MDA, HCT-116, and HepG2 cells, with selectivity index values ​​ranging from 24.72 to 41.96. The CuO/Mn3O4/ZnO nanocomposite appeared to induce selective dose-dependent nuclear condensation and cell shrinkage in the treated cancer cells, significantly inducing the apoptosis mechanism to combat cancer progression. The phytosynthetic CuO/Mn3O4/ZnO nanocomposite appears to induce selective dose-dependent nuclear condensation and cell shrinkage in treated cancer cells, significantly triggering apoptotic mechanisms to combat cancer progression. This apoptotic pathway was confirmed by the strong affinity of CuO/Mn3O4/ZnO nanocomposites for ErbBs and VEGF with potent antioxidant activity to scavenge ABTS and DPPH radicals at EC50 values ​​of 236.6 µg/mL and 134.8 µg/mL, respectively.

The potential use of bacteria and their derivatives as delivery systems for nanoparticles in the treatment of cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Nanomaterials, unique optical, magnetic, and electrical properties at the nanoscale (1-100 nm), have been engineered to improve drug capacity, bioavailability, and specificity in cancer treatment. These advancements address toxicity and lack of selectivity in conventional therapies, enabling precise targeting of cancer cells, the tumour microenvironment, and the immune system. Among emerging approaches, bacterial treatment shows promise due to its natural ability to target cancer and its diverse therapeutic mechanisms, which nanotechnology can further enhance. Bacteria-based drug delivery systems leverage bacteria's adaptability and survival strategies within the human body. Bacterial derivatives, such as bacterial ghosts (BGs), bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs), and dietary toxins, are recognised as effective biological nanomaterials capable of carrying nanoparticles (NPs). These systems have attracted increasing attention for their potential in targeted NP delivery for cancer treatment. This study explores the use of various bacteria and their byproducts as NP delivery vehicles, highlighting their potential in treating different types of cancer. By combining the strengths of nanotechnology and bacterial therapy, these innovative approaches aim to revolutionise cancer treatment with improved precision and efficacy.

Nanoparticles of banana peels as a potential source of bioactive compounds and their activities on HepG2

Nanoparticles of blanched green banana peels (BGBP) were prepared using physical technique (by grinding) in order to avoid any harm effect on human health that could occurred when metals were used for preparing nanoparticles size (NPs) of banana peels. This work was designed to study the preparation of nano scale (70-135 nm for TEM) (243.4-933.9 nm for SEM) and normal size (0.12-0.25 µm for TEM) (1.150 µm for SEM) from BGBP after milling and evaluate the activities of their extracts as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer agents. The size and shape of nanoparticles were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and it cleared the appearance of particle aggregation was attributed to mechanical pressure and friction resulting from the interaction between the abrasive balls and the pulverizing vessel's inner surface. Also, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) shows presence of different spherical shapes ranging between 70 and 135 nm, along with the emergence of slender fibrillary shapes., on the other hand, Fourier transform IR (FT-IR) cleared that the higher extraction yields of phenolic compounds and greater antioxidant activities were achieved due to the increased surface area of nano-scale samples following milling. In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) determined the materials crystalline structure. Bioactive compounds (mainly phenolic compounds) were recovered by extracting banana peels weather from normal size or (NPs). The extracted bioactive compounds were subjected to evolution as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Dealing with this study, it was concluded that bioactive compounds extracted from NPS of BGBP showed antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities higher than those extracted from the normal size ones. So, it is strongly recommended to use NPs of BGBP for producing these bioactive compounds since these compounds are important to protect humans against a lot of dangerous diseases. Finally, the potential applications of these compounds in the pharmaceutical or food industries would be beneficial.

Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Clerodendrum trichotomum Thunberg for Antibacterial and Anticancer Applications

Purpose

The potential use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in healthcare research has increased dramatically in recent years, owing to advancements in their synthesis techniques, including green synthesis. Although Clerodendrum trichotomum is a popular medicinal plant that harbors many bioactive phytochemicals in various parts of the world, the green synthesis of AuNPs using this precious plant is still under investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the green synthesis of AuNPs from C. trichotomum Thunberg leaves (CTT-AuNPs) and their antibacterial and cytotoxic properties.

Methods

AuNPs were synthesized from Clerodendrum trichotomum Thunberg and characterized using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. A serial dilution technique was used to determine the antibacterial activity of the synthesized CTT-AuNPs against two bacterial species, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The cytotoxicity assay was carried out in the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), whereas the biocompatibility test was performed in the kidney cell line (293T).

Results

Multiple spectroscopic characterization techniques confirmed the successful synthesis of CTT-AuNPs. The average size of CTT-AuNPs was 19.1±2.2 nm. The results of this study revealed that CTT-AuNPs showed strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae, which was further confirmed using a live/dead dual staining assay. CTT-AuNPs also significantly reduced the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells to 32.67% at 120 µg/mL after 24 hours of incubation. These green-synthesized CTT-AuNPs exhibited excellent cytobiocompatibility with 293T kidney cells. The dual staining method further confirmed the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of CTT-AuNPs compared with chemically synthesized AuNPs.

Conclusion

This work will pave the way for the production of biocompatible AuNPs from C. trichotomum Thunberg that can be used in different disease treatments.

Magnetic melamine cross-linked polystyrene-alt-malic anhydride copolymer: Synthesis, characterization, paclitaxel delivery, cytotoxic effects on human ovarian and breast cancer cells

Objectives

Due to systematic side effects, there is a growing interest in nanoparticle formulation of anticancer drugs. Here, we aimed to synthesize poly (styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) cross-linked by melamine (PSMA/Me) and coated with magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) PSMA/Me/Fe3O4. In addition, we aimed to load paclitaxel (PTX) into PSMA/Me/Fe3O4 for drug delivery and anticancer investigations.

Methods

Novel PSMA/Me was synthesized via free radical copolymerization, coated with Fe3O4, and then used as a transporter for PTX delivery. Fabricated copolymer was characterized using SEM, TGA, and XRD techniques. Drug release rate and loading efficiency were investigated. Human ovarian cancer cells (Skov-3) and breast cancer cells (MCF-7 cells) were incubated with the serial concentration of either free PTX or PSMA/Me/Fe3O4/PTX for cell viability and IC50 analysis for 24 and 48 h.

Results

Characterization methods confirmed PSMA/Me copolymer formation. The results showed a significant encapsulation efficiency of 83%. The drug release analysis exhibited that PSMA/Me/Fe3O4/PTX may be considered pH-sensitive nanocarriers. PSMA/Me/Fe3O4/PTX reduced cell viability both dose and time-dependently (p < 0.05). IC50 values of PSMA/Me/Fe3O4/PTX were low when compared to free PTX either 24 or 48 h post-treatment.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that PSMA/Me/Fe3O4/PTX was more cytotoxic than PTX in both cancer cells. Findings indicated the potential of PSMA/Me/Fe3O4/PTX as an anticancer nanocarrier system.

Design of Bionanomaterial of Chitosan Carbohydrate Polymer Composited with Broccoli Extract and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Anticancer Activity in Human Osteosarcoma

In the current research, a chitosan/broccoli extract/ZnO nanoparticle (CH/BE/ZnO) bionanocomposite was created. The physicochemical properties of CH/BE/ZnO bionanocomposite were investigated using a variety of methods, including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), elemental analysis (CHN-O), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The CH/BE/ZnO bionanocomposite's biological activity was assessed by examining its cytotoxicity capabilities against a bone cancer cell line (MG63). The total pore volume and specific surface area of CH/BE/ZnO are 0.134 cm3/g and 16.99 m2/g, respectively. The IC50 results for CH/BE/ZnO bionanocomposite in bone cancer investigations using the MTT test against the MG63 cell line was 115 μg/mL. The results indicate that the CH/BE/ZnO bionanocomposite is an effective chemotherapeutic agent against human osteosarcoma. The CH/BE/ZnO bionanocomposite showed high performance and structure, which means innovating nanomaterial agents for biological applications in the future.

Electrochemical analysis of anticancer and antibiotic drugs in water and biological specimens

The increasing prevalence of pharmaceuticals in water and complex matrices necessitates accurate measurement and monitoring of their environmental contamination levels. This is crucial not only for environmental conservation but also for comprehending the intricate mechanisms involved and developing more effective treatment approaches. In this context, electrochemical techniques show significant potential for the detection of pharmaceuticals across various matrices. Specifically, voltammetry is advantageous due to its rapid, straightforward, and cost-effective nature, allowing for the simultaneous analysis of multiple anticancer and antibiotic drugs. By utilizing nanomaterial-modified electrochemical sensors, the sensitivity and selectivity of detection methods can be significantly improved. The small size and customizable properties of nanomaterials enable these sensors to identify trace amounts of drugs in diverse samples. However, challenges persist in achieving reliable and accurate electrochemical monitoring of drugs in water and biological samples. Biofluids such as saliva, urine, and blood/serum, along with environmental samples from lakes and rivers, often contain numerous interfering substances that can diminish analyte signals. This review examines electrochemical methods and their potential applications for detecting pharmaceuticals and their metabolites, while also addressing the mechanisms of action and harmful effects of these drugs on both ecosystems and human health. Recent developments in electrochemical sensors utilizing nanomaterials for the detection of health-threatening pharmaceutical contaminants are examined, providing important insights into their underlying mechanisms. The emphasis is placed on the detection of anticancer agents and antibiotics, which relies on the electrocatalytic properties of the sensor materials. Additionally, discussions on density functional theory studies are included, along with an exploration of the emerging challenges and future directions in this area, aimed at enhancing readers' comprehension of the field and underscoring the necessary actions for a sustainable future.

Innovative anticancer nanocomposites from Corchorus olitorius mucilage/chitosan/selenium nanoparticles

Cancers are continuing to threaten human health globally; the achievement of effectual and biosafe anticancerous compounds is a precious goal. The extraction of Corchorus olitorius mucilage (Jm) and its usage for selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) biosynthesis was projected. The innovative formulation of bioactive nanocomposites (NCs) from Jm/SeNPs and chitosan nanoparticles (Cht) was also proposed to apply these NCs as effectual anticancers against CaCo-2 and HeLa cancerous cells. The Jm/SeNPs biosynthesis (mean diameter = 6.45 nm) was innovatively achieved and confirmed using infrared and ultraviolet-visible analysis. The constructions of different NCs were done (N1: 2Jm/SeNPs:1Cht; N2: 1Jm/SeNPs:1Cht; and N3: 1Jm/SeNPs:2Cht) with mean particles' diameter of 88.41, 46.86 and 69.35 nm, respectively. The cytotoxicity assay of constructed NCs indicated their potentialities to suppress examined cells; N1 (negatively charged; -16.2 mV) was the most forceful with IC50 of 12.36 and 73.15 mg/L against CaCo-2 and HeLa cells, respectively. The scanning microscopy imaging of treated CaCo-2 cells with N1 of Cht/Jm/SeNPs indicated that the NCs led to remarkable apoptotic destructions of treated cells, including cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, cytoplasmic vacuolization, cell debris and apoptotic indices. The innovative NCs from Cht/Jm/SeNPs are promisingly recommended as effectual, natural and bioactive anticancer formulations against human cancers.

Natural compounds-based nanomedicines for cancer treatment: Future directions and challenges

Several efforts have been extensively accomplished for the amelioration of the cancer treatments using different types of new drugs and less invasives therapies in comparison with the traditional therapeutic modalities, which are widely associated with numerous drawbacks, such as drug resistance, non-selectivity and high costs, restraining their clinical response. The application of natural compounds for the prevention and treatment of different cancer cells has attracted significant attention from the pharmaceuticals and scientific communities over the past decades. Although the use of nanotechnology in cancer therapy is still in the preliminary stages, the application of nanotherapeutics has demonstrated to decrease the various limitations related to the use of natural compounds, such as physical/chemical instability, poor aqueous solubility, and low bioavailability. Despite the nanotechnology has emerged as a promise to improve the bioavailability of the natural compounds, there are still limited clinical trials performed for their application with various challenges required for the pre-clinical and clinical trials, such as production at an industrial level, assurance of nanotherapeutics long-term stability, physiological barriers and safety and regulatory issues. This review highlights the most recent advances in the nanocarriers for natural compounds secreted from plants, bacteria, fungi, and marine organisms, as well as their role on cell signaling pathways for anticancer treatments. Additionally, the clinical status and the main challenges regarding the natural compounds loaded in nanocarriers for clinical applications were also discussed.

Controlled assembly of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle into nanoliposome for Pickering emulsion preparation

There has been a surge in effort in the development of various solid nanoparticles as Pickering emulsion stabilizers in the past decades. Regardless, the exploration of stabilizers that simultaneously stabilize and deliver bioactive has been limited. For this, liposomes with amphiphilic nature have been introduced as Pickering emulsion stabilizers but these nano-sized vesicles lack targeting specificity. Therefore in this study, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) encapsulated within liposomes (MLP) were used as Pickering emulsion stabilizers to prepare pH and magnetic-responsive Pickering emulsions. A stable MLP-stabilized Pickering emulsion formulation was established by varying the MLP pH, concentration, and oil loading during the emulsification process. The primary stabilization mechanism of the emulsion under pH variation was identified to be largely associated with the MLP phosphate group deprotonation. When subjected to sequential pH adjustment to imitate the gastrointestinal digestion pH environment, a recovery in Pickering emulsion integrity was observed as the pH changes from acidic to alkaline. By incorporating SPION, the Pickering emulsion can be guided to the targeted site under the influence of a magnetic field without compromising emulsion stability. Overall, the results demonstrated the potential of MLP-stabilized Pickering emulsion as a dual pH- and magnetic-responsive drug delivery carrier with the ability to co-encapsulate hydrophobic and hydrophilic bioactive.

Innovative Strategies for Upcycling Agricultural Residues and Their Various Pharmaceutical Applications

This review investigates innovative strategies for upcycling agricultural residues into valuable pharmaceutical compounds. The improper disposal of agricultural residues contributes to significant environmental issues, including increased greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem degradation. Upcycling offers a sustainable solution, transforming these residues into high-value bioproducts (antioxidants, antitumor agents, antidiabetic compounds, anti-inflammatory agents, and antiviral drugs). Nanotechnology and microbial biotechnology have a crucial role in enhancing bioavailability and targeted delivery of bioactive compounds. Advanced techniques like enzymatic hydrolysis, green solvents, microwave processing, pyrolysis, ultrasonic processing, acid and alkaline hydrolysis, ozonolysis, and organosolv processes are explored for their effectiveness in breaking down agricultural waste and extracting valuable compounds. Despite the promising potential, challenges such as variability in residue composition, scalability, and high costs persist. The review emphasizes the need for future research on cost-effective extraction techniques and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of bioproducts. The upcycling of agricultural residues represents a viable path towards sustainable waste management and production of pharmaceutical compounds, contributing to environmental conservation and public health improvements. This review provides an analysis of the current literature and identifies knowledge gaps, offering recommendations for future studies to optimize the use of agricultural residues in the drug industry.

Fe3O4-Coated CNTs-Gum Arabic Nano-Hybrid Composites Exhibit Enhanced Anti-Leukemia Potency Against AML Cells via ROS-Mediated Signaling

Background

Prior studies on magnetite (Fe3O4) NPs and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) cytotoxic effects against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are inconclusive rather than definitive.

Purpose

Investigation of the effects of Gum Arabic (GA)-stabilized/destabilized Fe3O4 NPs and CNTs, alone or in combination, on AML cell proliferation.

Methods

Hybrid NPs were synthesized, characterized, and assessed for their cytotoxicity against Kasumi-1, HL-60, and THP-1 in comparison to normal primary bone marrow CD34+ cells. The molecular pathways of nanostructures' cytotoxicity were also investigated.

Results

The Fe3O4 NPs were effectively synthesized and attached to the surface of the CNTs, resulting in the formation of a novel hybrid through their interaction with the GA colloidal solution in an aqueous media. Although the evaluated nanostructured nanoparticles had significant growth suppression ability against the leukemia cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 42.437 to 189.842 μg/mL, they exhibited comparatively modest toxicity towards normal hematopoietic cells (IC50: 113.529‒162.656 μg/mL). The incorporation of Fe3O4 NPs with CNTs in a hybrid nanocomposite significantly improved their effectiveness against leukemia cells, with the extent of improvement varying depending on the specific cell type. The nanostructured particles were stabilized by GA, which enhances their ability to inhibit cell proliferation in a manner that depends on the specific cell type. Also, nanoparticles exhibit cytotoxicity due to their capacity to stimulate the production of intracellular ROS, halt the cell cycle at the G1 phase, and induce apoptosis. This is supported by the activation of p53, BAX, cytochrome C, and caspase-3, which are triggered by ROS. The nanostructures lead to an increase in the expression of genes encoding proteins related to oxidative stress (SIRT1, FOXO3, NFE2L2, and MAP3K5) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKN1A and CDKN1B) in response to ROS.

Conclusion

We provide an effective Fe3O4 NPs/CNTs nano-hybrid composite that induces apoptosis and has strong anti-leukemic capabilities. This hybrid nanocomposite is promising for in vivo testing and validation.

Synthesis of calix (4) resorcinarene based amphiphilic macrocycle as an efficient nanocarrier for Amphotericin-B to enhance its oral bioavailability

The supramolecular-based macrocyclic amphiphiles have fascinating attention and find extensive utilization in the pharmaceutical industry for efficient drug delivery. In this study, we designed and synthesized a new supramolecular amphiphilic macrocycle to serve as an efficient nanocarrier, achieved by treating 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde with 1-bromotetradecane. The derivatized product was subsequently treated with resorcinol to cyclize, resulting in the formation of a calix(4)-resorcinarene-based supramolecular amphiphilic macrocycle. The synthesized macrocycle and intermediate products were characterized using mass spectrometry, IR, and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The amphotericin-B (Amph-B)-loaded and unloaded amphiphiles were screened for biocompatibility studies, vesicle formation, particle shape, size, surface charge, drug entrapment, in-vitro release profile, and stability through atomic force microscopy (AFM), Zetasizer, HPLC, and FT-IR. Amph-B -loaded macrocycle-based niosomal vesicles were investigated for in-vivo bioavailability in rabbits. The synthesized macrocycle exhibited no cytotoxicity against normal mouse fibroblast cells and was found to be hemocompatible and safe in mice following an acute toxicity study. The drug-loaded macrocycle-based vesicles appeared spherical, nano-sized, and homogeneous in size, with a notable negative surface charge. The vesicles remained stable after 30 days of storage. The results of Amph-B oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics revealed that the newly tailored niosomal formulation enhanced drug solubility, protected drug degradation at gastric pH, facilitated sustained drug release at the specific target site, and delayed plasma drug clearance. Incorporating such advanced niosomal formulations in the field of drug delivery systems has the potential to revolutionize therapeutic outcomes and improve the quality of patient well-being.

A large-scale machine learning analysis of inorganic nanoparticles in preclinical cancer research

Owing to their distinct physical and chemical properties, inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have shown promising results in preclinical cancer therapy, but designing and engineering them for effective therapeutic purposes remains a challenge. Although a comprehensive database of inorganic NP research is not currently available, it is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies. In this context, machine learning (ML) has emerged as a transformative tool, but its adaptation to nanomedicine is hindered by inexistent or small datasets. Here we assembled a large database of inorganic NPs, comprising experimental datasets from 745 preclinical studies in cancer nanomedicine. Using descriptive statistics and explainable ML models we mined this database to gain knowledge of inorganic NP design patterns and inform future NP research for cancer treatment. Our analyses suggest that NP shape and therapy type are prominent features in determining in vivo efficacy, measured as a percentage of tumour reduction. Moreover, our database provides a large-scale open-access resource for discriminative ML that the broader nanotechnology community can utilize. Our work blueprints data mining for translational cancer research and offers evidence for standardizing NP reporting to accelerate and de-risk inorganic NP-based drug delivery, which may help to improve patient outcomes in clinical settings.

Recent advances in nanoformulation-based delivery for cancer immunotherapy

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and its treatment faces several challenges. Phytoconstituents derived from recently discovered medicinal plants through nanotechnology potentially target cancer cells via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways and exert their effects selectively through the generation of reactive oxygen species through β-catenin inhibition, DNA damage, and increasing caspase 3/9 and p53 expression. These nanocarriers act specifically against different cancer cell lines such as HT-29, MOLT-4 human leukemia cancer and MCF-7 cell lines SKOV-3, Caov-3, SW-626, HepG2, A-549, HeLa, and MCF-7. This review comprehensively elaborates on the cellular and molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic prospects of various plant-mediated nanoformulations to attain a revolutionary shift in cancer immunotherapy.

Biomaterial-Based Responsive Nanomedicines for Targeting Solid Tumor Microenvironments

Solid tumors are composed of a highly complex and heterogenic microenvironment, with increasing metabolic status. This environment plays a crucial role in the clinical therapeutic outcome of conventional treatments and innovative antitumor nanomedicines. Scientists have devoted great efforts to conquering the challenges of the tumor microenvironment (TME), in respect of effective drug accumulation and activity at the tumor site. The main focus is to overcome the obstacles of abnormal vasculature, dense stroma, extracellular matrix, hypoxia, and pH gradient acidosis. In this endeavor, nanomedicines that are targeting distinct features of TME have flourished; these aim to increase site specificity and achieve deep tumor penetration. Recently, research efforts have focused on the immune reprograming of TME in order to promote suppression of cancer stem cells and prevention of metastasis. Thereby, several nanomedicine therapeutics which have shown promise in preclinical studies have entered clinical trials or are already in clinical practice. Various novel strategies were employed in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Among them, nanomedicines based on biomaterials show great promise in improving the therapeutic efficacy, reducing side effects, and promoting synergistic activity for TME responsive targeting. In this review, we focused on the targeting mechanisms of nanomedicines in response to the microenvironment of solid tumors. We describe responsive nanomedicines which take advantage of biomaterials' properties to exploit the features of TME or overcome the obstacles posed by TME. The development of such systems has significantly advanced the application of biomaterials in combinational therapies and in immunotherapies for improved anticancer effectiveness.

Ciprofloxacin and Norfloxacin Hybrid Compounds: Potential Anticancer Agents

BACKGROUND

The concept of utilizing drug repurposing/repositioning in the development of hybrid molecules is an important strategy in drug discovery. Fluoroquinolones, a class of antibiotics, have been reported to exhibit anticancer activities. Although anticancer drug development is achieving some positive outcomes, there is still a need to develop new and effective anticancer drugs. Some limitations associated with most of the available anticancer drugs are drug resistance and toxicity, poor bio-distribution, poor solubility, and lack of specificity, thereby reducing their therapeutic outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

Fluoroquinolones, a known class of antibiotics, have been explored by hybridizing them with other pharmacophores and evaluating their anticancer activity in silico and in vitro. Hence, this review provides an update on new anticancer drugs containing fluoroquinolones moiety, Ciprofloxacin and Norfloxacin between 2020 and 2023, their structural relationship activity, and the future strategies to develop potent chemotherapeutic agents.

METHODS

Fluoroquinolones were mostly hybridized via the N-4 of the piperazine ring on position C-7 with known pharmacophores characterized, followed by biological studies to evaluate their anticancer activity.

RESULTS

The hybrid molecules displayed promising and interesting anticancer activities. Factors such as the nature of the linker, the presence of electron-withdrawing groups, nature, and position of the substituents influenced the anticancer activity of the synthesized compounds.

CONCLUSION

The hybrids were selective towards some cancer cells. However, further in vivo studies are needed to fully understand their mode of action.

The dual activity of CaONPs as a cancer treatment substance and at the same time resistance to harmful microbes

Nanotechnology holds significant promise for the development of novel and necessary products that enhance human health. Pharmacology and nanotechnology have contributed to developing advanced and highly effective drugs for cancer treatment and combating microbial infections. The microbiological effectiveness against the variety of examined microorganisms was assessed using the time killer curve, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), MIC techniques, and the agar well diffusion method. SEM was utilized to enhance the analysis of the mechanisms underlying the bio-interface interaction and intracellular localization of calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaONPs). The MTT test was used to examine the cytotoxicity of CaONP anticancer activity in various cancer cells, including colon, breast, and hepatic cells. The efficacy of CaONPs as an anticancer medication was elucidated by analyzing the gene expression of both treated and untreated cancer cells. MIC and MBC of CaONPs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis were 150, 150, 150, and 200 µg/ml, respectively. The MIC and MFC of CaONPs against Candida albicans were 200 µg/ml and 250 µg/ml, respectively. The IC50 values of various CaONPs vary depending on the type of cancer cells. The gene expression analysis of breast cancer cells undergoing treatment revealed the identification of several cancer-controlling genes, namely BAX, BCL2, P53, TERT, KRAS1, KRAS2, and RB1. The study demonstrated the notable antibacterial efficacy of CaONPs, highlighting their potential as cancer therapies.

Nanobiomaterials: exploring mechanistic roles in combating microbial infections and cancer

The initiation of the "nanotechnology era" within the past decade has been prominently marked by advancements in biomaterials. This intersection has opened up numerous possibilities for enhancing the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of various illnesses by leveraging the synergy between biomaterials and nanotechnology. The term "nano biomaterials" referring to biomaterials featuring constituent or surface feature sizes below 100 nm, presents a realm of extraordinary materials endowed with unique structures and properties. Beyond addressing common biomedical challenges, these nano biomaterials contribute unprecedented insights and principles that enrich our understanding of biology, medicine, and materials science. A critical evaluation of recent technological progress in employing biomaterials in medicine is essential, along with an exploration of potential future trends. Nanotechnology breakthroughs have yielded novel surfaces, materials, and configurations with notable applications in the biomedical domain. The integration of nanotechnology has already begun to enhance traditional biomedical practices across diverse fields such as tissue engineering, intelligent systems, the utilization of nanocomposites in implant design, controlled release systems, biosensors, and more. This mini review encapsulates insights into biomaterials, encompassing their types, synthesis methods, and the roles of organic and inorganic nanoparticles, elucidating their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, the focus is squarely placed on nano biomaterials and their versatile applications, with a particular emphasis on their roles in anticancer and antimicrobial interventions. This review underscores the dynamic landscape of nanotechnology, envisioning a future where nano biomaterials play a pivotal role in advancing medical applications, particularly in combating cancer and microbial infections.

Understanding the charismatic potential of nanotechnology to treat skin carcinoma

Carcinoma is a condition that continues to pose a significant challenge, despite current medical advances. Skin carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer, and it has seen a massive increase all over the world. The challenges with current treatment are due to toxicity that leads to many more skin complications. Due to this to avoid such complications by designing diverse nanoparticles as delivery carriers, nanomedicine is employed as a hub for diagnostics and therapy. Liposomes, gold nanoparticles, transferases, nanofibers, etc., can all be used as delivery nanocarriers. These nanoparticles' structures and characteristics protect the medicine from degradation and improve its stability. Surface modifying agents and procedures are employed to functionalize nanoparticles, resulting in smart delivery systems. The application of nanotechnology-based approaches systematically increases drug delivery to target cells. Skin cancer has several challenges, including a long time to diagnose early types of cancer and a slower growth rate. This review focuses on innovative skin cancer therapy techniques, focusing on nanotechnology and the challenges associated with current treatment of skin cancer.

Nano-engineering nanomedicines with customized functions for tumor treatment applications

Nano-engineering with unique "custom function" capability has shown great potential in solving technical difficulties of nanomaterials in tumor treatment. Through tuning the size and surface properties controllablly, nanoparticles can be endoewd with tailored structure, and then the characteristic functions to improve the therapeutic effect of nanomedicines. Based on nano-engineering, many have been carried out to advance nano-engineering nanomedicine. In this review, the main research related to cancer therapy attached to the development of nanoengineering nanomedicines has been presented as follows. Firstly, therapeutic agents that target to tumor area can exert the therapeutic effect effectively. Secondly, drug resistance of tumor cells can be overcome to enhance the efficacy. Thirdly, remodeling the immunosuppressive microenvironment makes the therapeutic agents work with the autoimmune system to eliminate the primary tumor and then prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis. Finally, the development prospects of nano-engineering nanomedicine are also outlined.

Transformation of Agro-Waste into Value-Added Bioproducts and Bioactive Compounds: Micro/Nano Formulations and Application in the Agri-Food-Pharma Sector

The agricultural sector generates a significant amount of waste, the majority of which is not productively used and is becoming a danger to both world health and the environment. Because of the promising relevance of agro-residues in the agri-food-pharma sectors, various bioproducts and novel biologically active molecules are produced through valorization techniques. Valorization of agro-wastes involves physical, chemical, and biological, including green, pretreatment methods. Bioactives and bioproducts development from agro-wastes has been widely researched in recent years. Nanocapsules are now used to increase the efficacy of bioactive molecules in food applications. This review addresses various agri-waste valorization methods, value-added bioproducts, the recovery of bioactive compounds, and their uses. Moreover, it also covers the present status of bioactive micro- and nanoencapsulation strategies and their applications.