Role and implications of nanodiagnostics in the changing trends of clinical diagnosis

Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles: in-silico and in-vitro assessment of anticancer and antibacterial activity and biomolecule (DNA) binding analysis

The zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized by a green chemistry approach utilizing Stachys schtschegleevii Sosn.) S. schtchegleevii (extract, aims to innovate by employing environmentally friendly techniques. The production of ZnO NPs was confirmed by FT-IR, zeta potential, TEM, SEM-EDX, DLS and ultraviolet-visible techniques. The antibacterial potency of the ZnO NPs was evaluated toward pathogenic strains of E. coli and S. aureus. The antibacterial efficacy of this NPs against the selected bacteria followed the sequence: S. aureus > E. coli. The results of the MTT assay indicate that ZnO NPs have significant anticancer potential against the MCF-7 cell line. Furthermore, the synthesized ZnO NPs demonstrate a stronger inhibitory effect compared to the extract on the cancer cell line. To find out the potential of ZnO NPs as therapeutics, interaction process with calf-thymus DNA (ct-DNA) was performed by using absorption, and fluorescence studies. The evaluation of the fluorescence spectra and UV-visible absorption showed a satisfactory association of the ZnO NPs with ct-DNA. Besides, to clarify the binding interactions of ZnO NPs with the enzymes and ct-DNA, molecular docking simulation was performed. The molecular docking' results show a well compromise with our experimental results. In total, the present investigation employs ZnO NPs synthesized through green methods as an efficient strategy for the purpose of the potentiation of anticancer and antibacterial activities in a biocompatible manner.

A Nanorobotics-Based Approach of Breast Cancer in the Nanotechnology Era

We are living in an era of advanced nanoscience and nanotechnology. Numerous nanomaterials, culminating in nanorobots, have demonstrated ingenious applications in biomedicine, including breast cancer (BC) nano-theranostics. To solve the complicated problem of BC heterogeneity, non-targeted drug distribution, invasive diagnostics or surgery, resistance to classic onco-therapies and real-time monitoring of tumors, nanorobots are designed to perform multiple tasks at a small scale, even at the organelles or molecular level. Over the last few years, most nanorobots have been bioengineered as biomimetic and biocompatible nano(bio)structures, resembling different organisms and cells, such as urchin, spider, octopus, fish, spermatozoon, flagellar bacterium or helicoidal cyanobacterium. In this review, readers will be able to deepen their knowledge of the structure, behavior and role of several types of nanorobots, among other nanomaterials, in BC theranostics. We summarized here the characteristics of many functionalized nanodevices designed to counteract the main neoplastic hallmark features of BC, from sustaining proliferation and evading anti-growth signaling and resisting programmed cell death to inducing angiogenesis, activating invasion and metastasis, preventing genomic instability, avoiding immune destruction and deregulating autophagy. Most of these nanorobots function as targeted and self-propelled smart nano-carriers or nano-drug delivery systems (nano-DDSs), enhancing the efficiency and safety of chemo-, radio- or photodynamic therapy, or the current imagistic techniques used in BC diagnosis. Most of these nanorobots have been tested in vitro, using various BC cell lines, as well as in vivo, mainly based on mice models. We are still waiting for nanorobots that are low-cost, as well as for a wider transition of these favorable effects from laboratory to clinical practice.

Targeting Amyloids with Coated Nanoparticles: A Review on Potential Combinations of Nanoparticles and Bio-Compatible Coatings

Amyloidosis is the major cause of many neurodegenerative diseases, such as, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's where the misfolding and deposition of a previously functional protein make it inept for carrying out its function. The genesis of amyloid fibril formation and the strategies to inhibit it have been studied extensively, although some parts of this puzzle still remain unfathomable to date. Many classes of molecules have been explored as potential drugs in vitro, but their inability to work in vivo by crossing the blood-brain-barrier has made them an inadequate treatment option. In this regard, nanoparticles (NPs) have turned out to be an exciting alternative because they could overcome many drawbacks of previously studied molecules and provide advantages, such as, greater bioavailability of molecules and target-specific delivery of drugs. In this paper, we present an overview on several coated NPs which have shown promising efficiency in inhibiting fibril formation. A hundred and thirty papers published in the past two decades have been comprehensively reviewed, which majorly encompass NPs comprising different materials like gold, silver, iron-oxide, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), polymeric NP, etc., which are coated with various molecules of predominantly natural origin, such as different types of amino acids, peptides, curcumin, drugs, catechin, etc. We hope that this review will shed light on the advancement of symbiotic amalgamation of NPs with molecules from natural sources and will inspire further research on the tremendous therapeutic potential of these combinations for many amyloid-related diseases.

A Systematic Review of Nanomedicine in Glioblastoma Treatment: Clinical Efficacy, Safety, and Future Directions

(1) Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is categorized as a grade IV astrocytoma by the World Health Organization (WHO), representing the most aggressive and prevalent form of glioma. It presents a significant clinical challenge, with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of various nanotherapy approaches for GBM and explores future directions in tumor management. Nanomedicine, which involves nanoparticles in the 1-100 nm range, shows promise in improving drug delivery and targeting tumor cells. (2) Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of databases including Google Scholar, NCBI PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted to identify clinical trials on GBM and nanomedicine. The primary outcome measures were median overall survival, progression-free survival, and quality of life assessed through Karnofsky performance scores. The safety profile was assessed by adverse events. (3) Results: The analysis included 225 GBM patients, divided into primary and recurrent sub-populations. Primary GBM patients had a median overall survival of 6.75 months, while recurrent GBM patients had a median overall survival of 9.7 months. The mean PFS period was 2.3 months and 3.92 months in primary GBM and recurrent GBM patients, respectively. Nanotherapy showed an improvement in quality of life, with KPS scores increasing after treatment in recurrent GBM patients. Adverse events were observed in 14.2% of patients. Notably, Bevacizumab therapy exhibited better survival outcomes but with a higher incidence of adverse events. (4) Conclusions: Nanotherapy offers a modest increase in survival with fewer severe side effects. It shows promise in improving the quality of life, especially in recurrent GBM patients. However, it falls short in terms of overall survival compared to Bevacizumab. The heterogeneous nature of treatment protocols and reporting methods highlights the need for standardized multicenter trials to further evaluate the potential of nanomedicine in GBM management.

Exploring the multifunctional roles of quantum dots for unlocking the future of biology and medicine

With recent advancements in nanomedicines and their associated research with biological fields, their translation into clinically-applicable products is still below promises. Quantum dots (QDs) have received immense research attention and investment in the four decades since their discovery. We explored the extensive biomedical applications of QDs, viz. Bio-imaging, drug research, drug delivery, immune assays, biosensors, gene therapy, diagnostics, their toxic effects, and bio-compatibility. We unravelled the possibility of using emerging data-driven methodologies (bigdata, artificial intelligence, machine learning, high-throughput experimentation, computational automation) as excellent sources for time, space, and complexity optimization. We also discussed ongoing clinical trials, related challenges, and the technical aspects that should be considered to improve the clinical fate of QDs and promising future research directions.

Evolution of tuberculosis diagnostics: From molecular strategies to nanodiagnostics

Tuberculosis has remained a global concern for public health affecting the lives of people for ages. Approximately 10 million people are affected by the disease and 1.5 million succumb to the disease worldwide annually. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the role of early diagnosis to win the battle against such infectious diseases. Thus, advancement in the diagnostic approaches to provide early detection forms the foundation to eradicate and manage contagious diseases like tuberculosis. The conventional diagnostic strategies include microscopic examination, chest X-ray and tuberculin skin test. The limitations associated with sensitivity and specificity of these tests demands for exploring new techniques like probe-based assays, CRISPR-Cas and microRNA detection. The aim of the current review is to envisage the correlation between both the conventional and the newer approaches to enhance the specificity and sensitivity. A significant emphasis has been placed upon nanodiagnostic approaches manipulating quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, and biosensors for accurate diagnosis of latent, active and drug-resistant TB. Additionally, we would like to ponder upon a reliable method that is cost-effective, reproducible, require minimal infrastructure and provide point-of-care to the patients.

Enhanced antibacterial activity of cadmium telluride nanocrystals in combination with 940-nm laser diode on anaerobic bacteria P. gingivalis: an in vitro study

Periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic diseases in the oral cavity that causes tooth loss. Root scaling and leveling cannot eliminate all periodontal pathogens, and the use of antibacterial agents or lasers can increase the efficiency of mechanical methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antibacterial activity of cadmium telluride nanocrystals in combination with 940-nm laser diode. Cadmium telluride nanocrystals were prepared by a green route of synthesis in aqueous medium. The results of this study showed that cadmium telluride nanocrystals significantly inhibit the growth of P. gingivalis. The antibacterial property of this nanocrystal increases with increasing its concentration, laser diode 940-nm irradiation and with increasing the time. It was shown that the antibacterial activity of combination of 940-nm laser diode and cadmium telluride nanocrystals is greater than the effect of either alone and can have a similar effect with its long-term presence of microorganisms. This is very important because it is not possible to use these nanocrystals in the mouth and in the periodontal bag for a long time.

Nanotechnology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteomyelitis

Infection remains one of the largest threats to global health. Among those infections that are especially troublesome, osteomyelitis, or inflammation of the bone, typically due to infection, is a particularly difficult condition to diagnose and treat. This difficulty stems not only from the biological complexities of opportunistic infections designed to avoid the onslaught of both the host immune system as well as exogenous antibiotics, but also from changes in the host vasculature and the heterogeneity of infectious presentations. While several groups have attempted to classify and stage osteomyelitis, controversy remains, often delaying diagnosis and treatment. Despite a host of preclinical treatment advances being incubated in academic and company research and development labs worldwide, clinical treatment strategies remain relatively stagnant, including surgical debridement and lengthy courses of intravenous antibiotics, both of which may compromise the overall health of the bone and the patient. This manuscript reviews the current methods for diagnosing and treating osteomyelitis and then contemplates the role that nanotechnology might play in the advancement of osteomyelitis treatment.

Nanotechnology based solutions to combat zoonotic viruses with special attention to SARS, MERS, and COVID 19: Detection, protection and medication

Zoonotic viruses originate from birds or animal sources and responsible for disease transmission from animals to people through zoonotic spill over and presents a significant global health concern due to lack of rapid diagnostics and therapeutics. The Corona viruses (CoV) were known to be transmitted in mammals. Early this year, SARS-CoV-2, a novel strain of corona virus, was identified as the causative pathogen of an outbreak of viral pneumonia in Wuhan, China. The disease later named corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), subsequently spread across the globe rapidly. Nano-particles and viruses are comparable in size, which serves to be a major advantage of using nano-material in clinical strategy to combat viruses. Nanotechnology provides novel solutions against zoonotic viruses by providing cheap and efficient detection methods, novel, and new effective rapid diagnostics and therapeutics. The prospective of nanotechnology in COVID 19 is exceptionally high due to their small size, large surface-to-volume ratio, susceptibility to modification, intrinsic viricidal activity. The nano-based strategies address the COVID 19 by extending their role in i) designing nano-materials for drug/vaccine delivery, ii) developing nano-based diagnostic approaches like nano-sensors iii) novel nano-based personal protection equipment to be used in prevention strategies.This review aims to bring attention to the significant contribution of nanotechnology to mitigate against zoonotic viral pandemics by prevention, faster diagnosis and medication point of view.

Current Trends and Challenges in Pharmacoeconomic Aspects of Nanocarriers as Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Treatment

Nanotherapy is a part of nanomedicine that involves nanoparticles as carriers to deliver drugs to target locations. This novel targeting approach has been found to resolve various problems, especially those associated with cancer treatment. In nanotherapy, the carrier plays a crucial role in handling many of the existing challenges, including drug protection before early-stage degradations of active substances, allowing them to reach targeted cells and overcome cell resistance mechanisms. The present review comprises the following sections: the first part presents the introduction of pharmacoeconomics as a branch of healthcare economics, the second part covers various beneficial aspects of the use of nanocarriers for in vitro, in vivo, and pre- and clinical studies, as well as discussion on drug resistance problem and present solutions to overcome it. In the third part, progress in drug manufacturing and optimization of the process of nanoparticle synthesis were discussed. Finally, pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of nanoformulations due to up-to-date studies were summarized. In this review, the most recent developments in the field of nanotechnology's economic impact, particularly beneficial applications in medicine were presented. Primarily focus on cancer treatment, but also discussion on other fields of application, which are strongly associated with cancer epidemiology and treatment, was made. In addition, the current limitations of nanomedicine and its huge potential to improve and develop the health care system were presented.

Review of nanotheranostics for molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders and commensurate nanotherapeutics for neuropsychiatry: The mind knockout

Bio-neuronal led psychiatric abnormalities transpired by the loss of neuronal structure and function (neurodegeneration), pro-inflammatory cytokines, microglial dysfunction, altered neurotransmission, toxicants, serotonin deficiency, kynurenine pathway, and excessively produced neurotoxic substances. These uncontrolled happenings in the etiology of psychiatric disorders initiate further changes in neurotransmitter metabolism, pathologic microglial, cell activation, and impaired neuroplasticity. Inflammatory cytokines, the outcome of dysfunctional mitochondria, dysregulation of the immune system, and under stress functions of the brain are leading biochemical factors for depression and anxiety. Nanoscale drug delivery platforms, inexpensive diagnostics using nanomaterials, nano-scale imaging technologies, and ligand-conjugated nanocrystals used for elucidating the molecular mechanisms and foremost cellular communications liable for such disorders are highly capable features to study for efficient diagnosis and therapy of the mental illness. These theranostic tools made up of multifunctional nanomaterials have the potential for effective and accurate diagnosis, imaging of psychiatric disorders, and are at the forefront of leading technologies in nanotheranostics openings field as they can collectively and efficiently target the stimulated territories of the cerebellum (cells and tissues) through molecular-scale interactions with higher bioavailability, and bio-accessibility. Specifically, the nanoplatforms based neurological changes are playing a significant role in the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders and portraying the routes of functional restoration of mental disorders by newer imaging tools at nano-level in all directions. Because of these nanotherapeutic platforms, the molecules of nanomedicine can penetrate the Blood-Brain Barrier with an increased half-life of drug molecules. The discoveries in nanotheranostics and nanotherapeutics inbuilt unique multi-functionalities are providing the best multiplicities of novel nanotherapeutic potentialities with no toxicity concerns at the level of nano range.

Development of a portable lab-on-a-valve device for making primary diagnoses based on gold-nanoparticle aggregation induced by a switchable linker

We have developed a low-cost, portable lab-on-a-valve (LOV) integrated microdevice for the detection of pathogens in primary-diagnosis settings. This system was designed for field-based pathogen detection based on the aggregation of gold nanoparticles induced by a switchable linker. A three-way valve, which has attracted much attention as a functional mesofluidic platform for pressure-driven flow, has been designed as a universal reaction platform that combines the functions of fluid flow and a reaction chamber. In addition, we obtain rapid and enhanced visual signals by the use of a syringe filter to remove gold nano-aggregates (Au NAs). Using this device, Salmonella Typhimurium down to 101 CFU mL-1 can be visually detected within 30 min by performing a simple operation that requires no complex equipment. This prototype device has great potential for use in the semi-quantitative and qualitative identification of pathogens in on-site primary diagnoses.

Pros and cons in prion diseases abatement: Insights from nanomedicine and transmissibility patterns

Ample research progress with nanotechnology applications in health and medicine implies precision and accuracy in the scenario of neurodegenerative disorders, for which impending research in ultimate and complete cure has been the vision worldwide. The complexity of prion disease has been unravelled by scientists and demarcated for efficient abatement protocols, but which are still under research and clinical trials. Drug delivery strategies combating prion diseases across the blood brain barrier, the efficacy of drugs and biocompatibility remain a serious question to be thoroughly studied for effective diagnosis and treatment. The present review compiles comprehensively the current treatment modalities against prion diseases and future prospects of nanotechnology addressing diagnosis and treatment of prion diseases with a special emphasis on transmissibility. Further, approaches for anti-prion technology, immunotherapy, and hindrances in vaccine development are discussed.

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis: Nanodiagnostics Approaches

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most devastating infectious diseases worldwide. The burden of TB is alarmingly high in developing countries, where diagnosis latent TB infection (LTBI), Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB), drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), HIV-associated TB, and paediatric TB is still a challenge. This is mainly due to delayed or misdiagnosis of TB, which continues to fuel its worldwide epidemic. The ideal diagnostic test is still unavailable, and conventional methods remain a necessity for TB diagnosis, though with poor diagnostic ability. The nanoparticles have shown potential for the improvement of drug delivery, reducing treatment frequency and diagnosis of various diseases. The engineering of antigens/antibody nanocarriers represents an exciting front in the field of diagnostics, potentially flagging the way toward development of better diagnostics for TB. This chapter discusses the presently available tests for TB diagnostics and also highlights the recent advancement in the nanotechnology-based detection tests for M. tuberculosis.

Nanotechnology Meets Oncology: Nanomaterials in Brain Cancer Research, Diagnosis and Therapy

Advances in technology of the past decades led to development of new nanometer scale diagnosis and treatment approaches in cancer medicine leading to establishment of nanooncology. Inorganic and organic nanomaterials have been shown to improve bioimaging techniques and targeted drug delivery systems. Their favorable physico-chemical characteristics, like small sizes, large surface area compared to volume, specific structural characteristics, and possibility to attach different molecules on their surface transform them into excellent transport vehicles able to cross cell and/or tissue barriers, including the blood-brain barrier. The latter is one of the greatest challenges in diagnosis and treatment of brain cancers. Application of nanomaterials can prolong the circulation time of the drugs and contrasting agents in the brain, posing an excellent opportunity for advancing the treatment of the most aggressive form of the brain cancer-glioblastomas. However, possible unwanted side-effects and toxicity issues must be considered before final clinical translation of nanoparticles.

Biogenic synthesis of gold nanoparticles from Terminalia arjuna bark extract: assessment of safety aspects and neuroprotective potential via antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antiamyloidogenic effects

The development of neuroprotective drugs through eco-friendly production routes is a major challenge for current pharmacology. The present study was carried out to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through biogenic route using ethanolic bark extract of Terminalia arjuna, a plant of high interest in Asian traditional medicine, and to evaluate its neuroprotective effects. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, FESEM, EDX, HRTEM, DLS, and zeta potential analyses. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a characteristics SPR absorption band at 536 nm specific for AuNPs. XRD, TEM, and FESEM analyses revealed the formation of face-centered cubic crystalline, spherical and triangular shaped AuNPs, with size ranging between 20 and 50 nm. DLS and ZP analysis illustrated that the average size of AuNPs was 30 nm, which was found to be stable at 45 mv. The neuroprotective potential of AuNPs was evaluated by assessing its antioxidant, cholinesterase inhibitory, and antiamyloidogenic activities. AuNPs showed dose-dependant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase with IC₅₀ value of 4.25 ± 0.02 and 5.05 ± 0.02 μg/ml, respectively. In vitro antioxidant assays illustrated that AuNPs exhibited the highest reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity. In addition, AuNPs also efficiently suppressed the fibrillation of Aβ and destabilized the preformed mature fibrils. Results of toxicity studies in PBMC and adult zebra fish illustrated that AuNPs are non-toxic and biocompatible. Overall, our results highlighted the AuNPs promising potential in terms of antioxidant, anticholinesterase, antiamyloidogenic effects, and non-lethality allowing us to propose these nanomaterials as a suitable candidate for the development of drugs helpful in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Biogenic synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using olea europaea leaf extract and evaluation of their toxicity activities: An in vivo and in vitro study

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CUNPs) were synthesized using Olea europaea leaf extract as reducing and protecting agent. The formation of nanoparticles was observed through a color change from yellowish to brownish black. The CUNPs were confirmed with UV-Vis spectrophotometer, which revealed a peak absorbance at 289 nm. The synthesized CUNPs were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM. The XRD pattern revealed that CUNPs were crystalline in nature with a diameter around 20 nm. FTIR spectral analysis showed that CUNPs were capped with plant constituents. From SEM and TEM analyses, the CUNPs were generally found to be spherical in shape, and the size range was 20-50 nm. Free radical scavenging potential of CUNPs against DPPH was confirmed by its stable antioxidant effects. In addition, the toxicity of CUNPs in mice was also assessed by body weight and weights of liver, kidneys, spleen, and thymus. The immune response in mice was signaled through an obvious change in spleen and thymus index, with a decrease of ADA enzyme activity in serum, spleen, and thymus after CUNPs treatment. The CUNPs were found to exert cell growth arrest against AMJ-13 and SKOV-3 cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner and induce cell death by apoptosis. Less significant cytotoxic effect was observed in normal dermal fibroblast cells. These findings suggest that CUNPs may have the potential to be anticancer agents. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:218-230, 2018.

Anisotropic noble metal nanoparticles: Synthesis, surface functionalization and applications in biosensing, bioimaging, drug delivery and theranostics

Anisotropic nanoparticles have fascinated scientists and engineering communities for over a century because of their unique physical and chemical properties. In recent years, continuous advances in design and fabrication of anisotropic nanoparticles have opened new avenues for application in various areas of biology, chemistry and physics. Anisotropic nanoparticles have the plasmon absorption in the visible as well as near-infrared (NIR) region, which enables them to be used for crucial applications such as biological imaging, medical diagnostics and therapy ("theranostics"). Here, we describe the progress in anisotropic nanoparticles achieved since the millennium in the area of preparation including various shapes and modification of the particle surface, and in areas of application by providing examples of applications in biosensing, bio-imaging, drug delivery and theranostics. Furthermore, we also explain various mechanisms involved in cellular uptake of anisotropic nanoparticles, and conclude with our opinion on various obstacles that limit their applications in biomedical field.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Anisotropy at the molecular level has always fascinated scientists and engineering communities for over a century, however, the research on novel methods through which shape and size of nanoparticles can be precisely controlled has opened new avenues for anisotropic nanoparticles in various areas of biology, chemistry and physics. In this manuscript, we describe progress achieved since the millennium in the areas of preparation of various shapes of anisotropic nanoparticles, investigate various methods involved in modifying the surface of these NPs, and provide examples of applications in biosensing and bio-imaging, drug delivery and theranostics. We also present mechanisms involved in cellular uptake of nanoparticles, describe different methods of preparation of anisotropic nanoparticles including biomimetic and photochemical synthesis, and conclude with our opinion on various obstacles that limit their applications in biomedical field.

Nanomedicine and cancer immunotherapy: focus on indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase inhibitors

Nanomedicine application in cancer immunotherapy is currently one of the most challenging areas in cancer therapeutic intervention. Innovative solutions have been provided by nanotechnology to deliver cytotoxic agents to the cancer cells partially affecting the healthy cells of the body during the process. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery is an emerging approach to stimulate the immune responses against cancer. The inhibition of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a pivotal area of research in cancer immunotherapy. IDO is a heme-containing immunosuppressive enzyme, which is responsible for the degradation of tryptophan while increasing the concentration of kynurenine metabolites. Various preclinical studies showed that IDO inhibition in certain diseases may result in significant therapeutic effects. Here, we provide a review of the natural and synthetic inhibitors of IDO. These inhibitors are classified according to their source, inhibitory concentrations, the chemical structure, and the mechanism of action. Tumor-targeted chemotherapy is an advanced technique and has more advantages as compared to the conventional chemotherapy. Search for more efficient and less toxic nanoparticles in conjunction with compounds to inhibit IDO is still an area of interest for several research groups worldwide, especially revealing to be an extensive and a promising area in cancer therapeutic innovations.

Nanotechnology-Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Affinity Biosensors for In Vitro Diagnostics

In the last decades, in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDDs) became a very important tool in medicine for an early and correct diagnosis, a proper screening of targeted population, and also assessing the efficiency of a specific therapy. In this review, the most recent developments regarding different configurations of surface plasmon resonance affinity biosensors modified by using several nanostructured materials for in vitro diagnostics are critically discussed. Both assembly and performances of the IVDDs tested in biological samples are reported and compared.

Advanced Nanobiomaterials: Vaccines, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases

The use of nanoparticles has contributed to many advances due to their important properties such as, size, shape or biocompatibility. The use of nanotechnology in medicine has great potential, especially in medical microbiology. Promising data show the possibility of shaping immune responses and fighting severe infections using synthetic materials. Different studies have suggested that the addition of synthetic nanoparticles in vaccines and immunotherapy will have a great impact on public health. On the other hand, antibiotic resistance is one of the major concerns worldwide; a recent report of the World Health Organization (WHO) states that antibiotic resistance could cause 300 million deaths by 2050. Nanomedicine offers an innovative tool for combating the high rates of resistance that we are fighting nowadays, by the development of both alternative therapeutic and prophylaxis approaches and also novel diagnosis methods. Early detection of infectious diseases is the key to a successful treatment and the new developed applications based on nanotechnology offer an increased sensibility and efficiency of the diagnosis. The aim of this review is to reveal and discuss the main advances made on the science of nanomaterials for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Highlighting innovative approaches utilized to: (i) increasing the efficiency of vaccines; (ii) obtaining shuttle systems that require lower antibiotic concentrations; (iii) developing coating devices that inhibit microbial colonization and biofilm formation.

Nanoformulations for therapy of pancreatic and liver cancers

Pancreatic and liver cancers often have poor prognoses. Clinically, pancreatic and liver cancer requires early diagnosis, and surgery is often associated with tumor recurrence. Currently, chemotherapies are limited in their ability to accurately target the tumors, and are associated with significant toxicity in patients. Targeting of chemotherapy can be improved by encapsulation in nanocarriers. A variety of preclinical studies indicate relatively superior therapeutic outcomes compared with drug alone therapy. Targeted nanoparticle imaging agents may also additionally facilitate better diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. This review discusses the nanoformulations that are under investigation (mainly preclinical studies, but also with some current clinical trial examples) against pancreatic and liver cancers, understands the challenges and provides future perspectives.

Bioapplication of graphene oxide derivatives: drug/gene delivery, imaging, polymeric modification, toxicology, therapeutics and challenges

This review article summarizes the latest progress in research regarding bioapplications of graphene oxide derivatives and provides expert opinions on strategies for overcoming the current challenges.

Feasibility of HIV point-of-care tests for resource-limited settings: challenges and solutions

Improved access to anti-retroviral therapy increases the need for affordable monitoring using assays such as CD4 and/or viral load in resource-limited settings. Barriers to accessing treatment, high rates of loss to initiation and poor retention in care are prompting the need to find alternatives to conventional centralized laboratory testing in certain countries. Strong advocacy has led to a rapidly expanding repertoire of point-of-care tests for HIV. point-of-care testing is not without its challenges: poor regulatory control, lack of guidelines, absence of quality monitoring and lack of industry standards for connectivity, to name a few. The management of HIV increasingly requires a multidisciplinary testing approach involving hematology, chemistry, and tests associated with the management of non-communicable diseases, thus added expertise is needed. This is further complicated by additional human resource requirements and the need for continuous training, a sustainable supply chain, and reimbursement strategies. It is clear that to ensure appropriate national implementation either in a tiered laboratory model or a total decentralized model, clear country-specific assessments need to be conducted.