Physical and Biological Properties of 5-Fluorouracil Polymer-Coated Magnetite Nanographene Oxide as a New Thermosensitizer for Alternative Magnetic Hyperthermia and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent: In Vitro and In Vivo Study

HSPiP, Computational Modeling, and QbD-Assisted Optimized Method Validation of 5-Fluorouracil for Transdermal Products

This study addressed the simplest and most efficient HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) method for the estimation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) from rat blood plasma by implementing the Hansen solubility parameters (HSP), computation prediction program, and QbD (quality by design) tool. The mobile phase selection was based on the HSP predictions and experimental data. The Taguchi model identified seven variables (preoptimization) to screen two factors (mobile phase ratio as A and column temperature as B) at three levels as input parameters in "CCD (central composite design)" optimization (retention time as Y1 and peak area as Y2). The stability study (freeze-thaw cycle and short- and long-term stability) was conducted in the rat plasma. Results showed that HSPiP-based HSP values and computational model-based predictions were well simulated with the experimental solubility data. Acetonitrile (ACN) was relatively suitable over methanol as evidenced by the experimental solubility value, HSP predicted parameters (δh of 5-FU - δh of ACN = 8.3-8.3 = 0 as high interactive solvent whereas δh of 5-FU - δh of methanol = 8.3-21.7 = -13.4), and instrumental conditions. CCD-based dependent variables (Y1 and Y2) exhibited the best fit of the model as evidenced by a high value of combined desirability (0.978). The most robust method was adopted at A = 96:4 and B = 40 °C to get earlier Y1 and high Y2 as evidenced by high desirability (D) = 0.978 (quadratic model with p < 0.0023). The estimated values of LLOD and LLOQ were found to be 0.11 and 0.36 μg/mL, respectively with an accuracy range of 94.4-98.7%. Thus, the adopted method was the most robust, reliable, and reproducible methodology for pharmacokinetic parameters after the transdermal application of formulations in the rat.

Enhanced anti-tumor activity of transferrin/folate dual-targeting magnetic nanoparticles using chemo-thermo therapy on retinoblastoma cancer cells Y79

Malignant neoplasms are one of the main causes of death, especially in children, on a global scale, despite strenuous efforts made at advancing both diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. In this regard, a new nanocarrier Vincristine (VCR)-loaded Pluronic f127 polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles conjugated with folic acid and transferrin (PMNP-VCR-FA-TF) were synthesized and characterized by various methods. The cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles was evaluated in vitro and ex vivo conditions. The in vitro anti-tumor effect of the nanoparticles was evaluated by colony formation assay (CFA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Y79 cell line. The results showed that nanoparticles with two ligands conferred greater toxicity toward Y79 cancer cells than ARPE19 normal cells. Under an alternating magnetic field (AMF), these nanoparticles demonstrated a high specific absorption rate. The CFA and ROS results indicated that the AMF in combination with PMNP-VCR-FA-TF conferred the highest cytotoxicity toward Y79 cells compared with other groups (P < 0.05). PMNP-VCR-FA-TF could play an important role in converting externally applied radiofrequency energy into heat in cancer cells. The present study confirmed that dual targeting chemo-hyperthermia using PMNP-VCR-FA-TF was significantly more effective than hyperthermia or chemotherapy alone, providing a promising platform for precision drug delivery as an essential component in the chemotherapy of retinoblastoma.

Functional roles of magnetic nanoparticles for the identification of metastatic lymph nodes in cancer patients

Staging lymph nodes (LN) is crucial in diagnosing and treating cancer metastasis. Biotechnologies for the specific localization of metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) have attracted significant attention to efficiently define tumor metastases. Bioimaging modalities, particularly magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) such as iron oxide nanoparticles, have emerged as promising tools in cancer bioimaging, with great potential for use in the preoperative and intraoperative tracking of MLNs. As radiation-free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probes, MNPs can serve as alternative MRI contrast agents, offering improved accuracy and biological safety for nodal staging in cancer patients. Although MNPs' application is still in its initial stages, exploring their underlying mechanisms can enhance the sensitivity and multifunctionality of lymph node mapping. This review focuses on the feasibility and current application status of MNPs for imaging metastatic nodules in preclinical and clinical development. Furthermore, exploring novel and promising MNP-based strategies with controllable characteristics could lead to a more precise treatment of metastatic cancer patients.

Multi-stimuli-responsive chitosan-functionalized magnetite/poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles as theranostic platforms for combined tumor magnetic resonance imaging and chemotherapy

Chitosan-functionalized magnetite/poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles were formulated by interfacial polymer disposition plus coacervation, and loaded with gemcitabine. That (core/shell)/shell nanostructure was confirmed by electron microscopy, elemental analysis, electrophoretic, and Fourier transform infrared characterizations. A short-term stability study proved the protection against particle aggregation provided by the chitosan shell. Superparamagnetic properties of the nanoparticles were characterized in vitro, while the definition of the longitudinal and transverse relaxivities was an initial indication of their capacity as T2 contrast agents. Safety of the particles was demonstrated in vitro on HFF-1 human fibroblasts, and ex vivo on SCID mice. The nanoparticles demonstrated in vitro pH- and heat-responsive gemcitabine release capabilities. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging studies and Prussian blue visualization of iron deposits in tissue samples defined the improvement in nanoparticle targeting into the tumor when using a magnetic field. This tri-stimuli (magnetite/poly(ε-caprolactone))/chitosan nanostructure could find theranostic applications (biomedical imaging & chemotherapy) against tumors.

Dextran-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with 5-Fluorouracil for Drug-Delivery Applications

This study aims to design and test different formulations composed of dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) loaded with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) with varying nanoparticle:drug ratios on colorectal cancer cells. The stable suspension of IONPs s was synthesized by the adapted co-precipitation method. The stable suspension of IONPs was mixed with a solution of dextran and 5-FU solubilized in a saline solution. The final suspensions with optimized ratios of IONP:5-FU in the final suspension were 0.5:1, 1:1, and 1.5:1. The information on the morphology and size distribution of the IONPs suspension and IONP loads with 5-FU was obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The presence of 5-FU and dextran on the surface of the IONPs was highlighted by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) studies. The determination of the surface charge of the nanoparticles in the final suspensions of IONP:5-FU was achieved by measuring the zeta potential (ζ). The hydrodynamic diameter of the resulting suspensions of IONP:5-FU was determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). A cytocompatibility analysis was performed using Caco-2 (human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma) cells. In this research, our goal was to find a relationship between the formulation ratio of nanoparticles and drug, and the cellular response after exposure, as a strategy to increase the efficacy of this drug-delivery system. The nanoparticle uptake and antitumor activity, including modulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and proliferation biomarkers, were analyzed. The present study showed that the nanoformulation with the ratio IONP:5-FU 1.5:1 had the highest anti-tumor efficiency. Moreover, decreased MCM-2 expression in Caco-2 cells exposed to dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles loaded with 5-FU was demonstrated for the first time.

Biomedical applications of biodegradable polycaprolactone-functionalized magnetic iron oxides nanoparticles and their polymer nanocomposites

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained significant attention among several nanoscale materials during the last decade due to their unique properties. These properties make them successful nanofillers for drug delivery and a number of new biomedical applications. MNPs are more useful when combined with biodegradable polymers. In this review, we discussed the synthesis of polycaprolactones (PCL) and the various methods of synthesizing magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Then, the synthesis of composites that is made of PCL and magnetic materials (with special focus on iron oxide nanoparticles) were highlighted. In addition, we comprehensively reviewed their application in drug delivery, cancer treatment, wound healing, hyperthermia, and bone tissue engineering. Other biomedical applications of the magnetic PCL such as mitochondria targeting are highlighted. Moreover, biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles incorporated into other synthetic polymers apart from PCL are also discussed. Thus, great progress and better outcome with functionalized MNPs enhanced with polycaprolactone has been recorded with the biomedical applications of drug delivery and recovery of bone tissues.

Improve the cytotoxic effects of megavoltage radiation treatment by Fe3O4@Cus–PEG nanoparticles as a novel radiosensitizer in colorectal cancer cells

Background

To enhance the performance of radiotherapy, emerging nanoparticles that can professionally enhance X-ray irradiation to destruct cancer cells are extremely necessary. Here, we examined the potential of PEG-coated magnetite copper sulfide hetero-nanoparticles (Fe3O4@Cus–PEG) as a radiosensitizer agent.

Methods

Fe3O4@Cus–PEG nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized. The toxicity of nanoparticles on HT-29 colorectal cancer cells was assessed by the MTT assay. The radio-sensitizing effects of Fe3O4@Cus–PEG nanoparticles on HT-29 cancer cells were investigated by the MTT and colony formation assays. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms for Fe3O4@Cus–PEG nanoparticles to improve the radiation sensitivity of cells were evaluated.

Results

The results demonstrated that nanoparticles enhanced the effects of X-ray irradiation in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of combined treatments (nanoparticles and X-ray radiation) were strongly synergistic. The sensitizing enhancement ratio (SER) of nanoparticles was 2.02. Our in vitro assays demonstrated that the nitric oxide production, the intracellular hydrogen peroxide concentration, and the expression level of Bax and Caspase-3 genes significantly increased in the cells treated with the combination of nanoparticles and radiation. Whereas, the Glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity and the expression level of the Bcl-2 gene in the combined treatment significantly decreased compared to the radiation alone.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that Fe3O4@Cus–PEG nanoparticles are the promising nano radio-sensitizing agents for the treatment of cancer cells to enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy through increasing the reactive oxygen species generation, nitric oxide production, and inducing apoptosis.

Graphical Abstract

Theranostics platform of Abemaciclib using magnetite@silica@chitosan nanocomposite

The current study was designed to synthesize a nanoformula comprising of magnetite nanoparticles (MN) with mesoporous silica (MS), which was in turn coated with chitosan (CS) and further loaded with a chemotherapeutic agent, Abemaciclib (ABE). The prepared formula, MN@MS@CS@ABE, was characterized by XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, FESEM, DLS, VSM, BET, and BJH. The ABE loading capacity and entrapment efficiency were calculated, and an in vitro drug release experiment was conducted. Cytoxicity was studied by the MTT assay. The formula was investigated as an anticancer agent versus MCF-7 cells by performing Annexin V-FITC flow cytometry and cell cycle analysis. Furthermore, we examine the formula as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ABE loading and encapsulation efficiency were 24.2 % and 63.4 %, respectively. The formula demonstrated sustained drug release behavior for 72 h. The MTT assay revealed a higher cytotoxicity of free ABE in MCF-7 cells compared to MN@MS@CS@ABE. Flow cytometry revealed early and late phases of apoptosis and necrosis with different percentages. The formula stimulated a reduction in signal intensity in the MR T2-weighted imaging technique. In conclusion, the current study developed a nanoformula which could be a promising theranostic agent in cancer therapy and diagnosis.

Sensitization of glioblastoma cancer cells to radiotherapy and magnetic hyperthermia by targeted temozolomide-loaded magnetite tri-block copolymer nanoparticles as a nanotheranostic agent

AIMS

Recently, the development of new strategies in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer cells such as thermo-radiation-sensitizer and theranostic agents have received a great deal of attention. In this work, folic acid-conjugated temozolomide-loaded SPION@PEG-PBA-PEG nanoparticles (TMZ-MNP-FA NPs) were proposed for use as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents and to enhance the cytotoxic effects of hyperthermia and radiotherapy.

MAIN METHODS

Nanoparticles were synthesized by the Nano-precipitation method and their characteristics were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). To evaluate the thermo-radio-sensitization effects of NPs, C6 cells were treated with nanoparticles for 24 h and then exposed to 6-MV X-ray radiation. After radiotherapy, the cells were subjected to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) hyperthermia. The therapeutic potential was assessed using clonogenic assay, ROS generation measurement, flow cytometry assay, and qRT-PCR analysis. Also, the diagnostic properties of the nanoparticles were assessed by MRI.

KEY FINDINGS

MRI scanning indicated that nanoparticles accumulated in C6 cells could be tracked by T2-weighted MR imaging. Colony formation assay proved that TMZ-MNP-FA NPs enhanced the anti-proliferation effects of AMF by 1.94-fold compared to AMF alone (P < 0.0001). Moreover, these NPs improved the radiation effects with a dose enhancement factor of 1.65. All results showed that the combination of carrier-based chemotherapy with hyperthermia and radiotherapy caused a higher anticancer efficacy than single- or two-modality treatments.

SIGNIFICANCE

The nanoparticles advanced in this study can be proposed as the promising theranostic and thermo-radio-sensitizer platform for the diagnosis and tri-modal synergistic cancer therapy.

Advances in Biologically Applicable Graphene-Based 2D Nanomaterials

Climate change and increasing contamination of the environment, due to anthropogenic activities, are accompanied with a growing negative impact on human life. Nowadays, humanity is threatened by the increasing incidence of difficult-to-treat cancer and various infectious diseases caused by resistant pathogens, but, on the other hand, ensuring sufficient safe food for balanced human nutrition is threatened by a growing infestation of agriculturally important plants, by various pathogens or by the deteriorating condition of agricultural land. One way to deal with all these undesirable facts is to try to develop technologies and sophisticated materials that could help overcome these negative effects/gloomy prospects. One possibility is to try to use nanotechnology and, within this broad field, to focus also on the study of two-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterials, which have excellent prospects to be used in various economic sectors. In this brief up-to-date overview, attention is paid to recent applications of graphene-based nanomaterials, i.e., graphene, graphene quantum dots, graphene oxide, graphene oxide quantum dots, and reduced graphene oxide. These materials and their various modifications and combinations with other compounds are discussed, regarding their biomedical and agro-ecological applications, i.e., as materials investigated for their antineoplastic and anti-invasive effects, for their effects against various plant pathogens, and as carriers of bioactive agents (drugs, pesticides, fertilizers) as well as materials suitable to be used in theranostics. The negative effects of graphene-based nanomaterials on living organisms, including their mode of action, are analyzed as well.

Emerging importance of nanotechnology-based approaches to control the COVID-19 pandemic; focus on nanomedicine iterance in diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients

The ongoing outbreak of the newly emerged coronavirus disease 2019, which has tremendously concerned global health safety, is the result of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome of coronavirus 2 with high morbidity and mortality. Because of the coronavirus has no specific treatment, so it is necessary to early detection and produce antiviral agents and efficacious vaccines in order to prevent the contagion of coronavirus. Due to the unique properties of nanomaterials, nanotechnology appears to be a highly relevant discipline in this global emergency, providing expansive chemical functionalization to develop advanced biomedical tools. Fascinatingly, nanomedicine as a hopeful approach for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases, could efficiently help success the fight among coronavirus and host cells. In this review, we will critically discuss how nanomedicine can play an indispensable role in creating useful treatments and diagnostics for coronavirus.