Half-antibody functionalized lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery to carcinoembryonic antigen presenting pancreatic cancer cells

Unveiling nanoparticle-immune interactions: how super-resolution imaging illuminates the invisible

Nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable attention in nanomedicine, particularly in harnessing and manipulating immune cells. However, the current understanding of the interactions between NPs and immune cells at the nanoscale remains limited. Advancing this knowledge guides the design principles of NPs. This review offers a historical perspective on the synergistic evolution of immunology and optical microscopy, examines the current landscape of NP applications in immunology, and explores the advancements in super-resolution imaging techniques, which provide new insights into nanoparticle-immune cell interactions. Key findings from recent studies are discussed, along with challenges and future directions in this rapidly evolving field.

Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Pulmonary Drug Delivery

Nanoscale drug delivery systems have provoked interest for application in various therapies on account of their ability to elevate the intracellular concentration of drugs inside target cells, which leads to an increase in efficacy, a decrease in dose, and dose-associated adverse effects. There are several types of nanoparticles available; however, core-shell nanoparticles outperform bare nanoparticles in terms of their reduced cytotoxicity, high dispersibility and biocompatibility, and improved conjugation with drugs and biomolecules because of better surface characteristics. These nanoparticulate drug delivery systems are used for targeting a number of organs, such as the colon, brain, lung, etc. Pulmonary administration of medicines is a more appealing method as it is a noninvasive route for systemic and locally acting drugs as the pulmonary region has a wide surface area, delicate blood-alveolar barrier, and significant vascularization. A core-shell nano-particulate drug delivery system is more effective in the treatment of various pulmonary disorders. Thus, this review has discussed the potential of several types of core-shell nanoparticles in treating various diseases and synthesis methods of core-shell nanoparticles. The methods for synthesis of core-shell nanoparticles include solid phase reaction, liquid phase reaction, gas phase reaction, mechanical mixing, microwave- assisted synthesis, sono-synthesis, and non-thermal plasma technology. The basic types of core-shell nanoparticles are metallic, magnetic, polymeric, silica, upconversion, and carbon nanomaterial- based core-shell nanoparticles. With this special platform, it is possible to integrate the benefits of both core and shell materials, such as strong serum stability, effective drug loading, adjustable particle size, and immunocompatibility.

Insights and therapeutic advances in pancreatic cancer: the role of electron microscopy in decoding the tumor microenvironment

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers, with a 5-year overall survival rate of less than 10%. Despite the development of novel therapies in recent decades, current chemotherapeutic strategies offer limited clinical benefits due to the high heterogeneity and desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic cancer as well as inefficient drug penetration. Antibody- and nucleic acid-based targeting therapies have emerged as strong contenders in pancreatic cancer drug discovery. Numerous studies have shown that these strategies can significantly enhance drug accumulation in tumors while reducing systemic toxicity. Additionally, electron microscopy (EM) has been a critical tool for high-resolution analysis of the TME, providing insights into the ultrastructural changes associated with pancreatic cancer progression and treatment responses. This review traces the current and technological advances in EM, particularly the development of ultramicrotomy and improvements in sample preparation that have facilitated the detailed visualization of cellular and extracellular components of the TME. This review highlights the contribution of EM in assessing the efficacy of therapeutic agents, from revealing apoptotic changes to characterizing the effects of novel compounds like ionophore antibiotic gramicidin A on cellular ultrastructures. Moreover, the review delves into the potential of EM in studying the interactions between the tumor microbiome and cancer cell migration, as well as in aiding the development of targeted therapies like antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and aptamer-drug conjugates (ApDCs).

An Update on the Application of Nano Phytomedicine as an Emerging Therapeutic Tool for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract:

The existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a densely woven network of blood vessels and endothelial cells designed to prevent the infiltration of foreign substances into the brain, the methods employed in developing treatments for neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Multiple sclerosis, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and others, pose significant challenges and complexities. These illnesses have had a terrible impact on the human population's health. Because early detection of these problems is poor and no good therapy has been established, they have emerged as the biggest lifethreatening healthcare burden worldwide compared to other significant illnesses. Traditional drug delivery techniques do not offer efficient treatment for NDs due to constraints in the BBB design, efflux pumps, and metabolic enzyme expression. Nanotechnology has the potential to significantly enhance ND therapy by utilizing systems that have been bioengineered to engage with living organisms at the cellular range. Compared to traditional techniques, nanotechnological technologies have several potential ways for crossing the BBB and increasing therapeutic efficacy in the brain. The introduction and growth of nanotechnology indicate promising potential for overcoming this issue. Engineered nanoparticles coupled with therapeutic moieties and imaging agents with dimensions ranging from 1-100 nm can improve effectiveness, cellular uptake, selective transport, and drug delivery to the brain due to their changed physicochemical properties. Conjugates of nanoparticles and medicinal plants, or their constituents known as nano phytomedicine, have recently gained importance in developing cutting-edge neuro-therapeutics due to their abundant natural supply, promising targeted delivery to the brain, and lower potential for adverse effects. This study summarizes the common NDs, their prevalence and pathogenesis, and potential herbal nanoformulation for treating NDs.

Targeted Nanoparticle-Based Diagnostic and Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the deadliest cancers, presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to its aggressive, metastatic nature and lack of early detection methods. A key obstacle in PDAC treatment is the highly complex tumor environment characterized by dense stroma surrounding the tumor, which hinders effective drug delivery. Nanotechnology can offer innovative solutions to these challenges, particularly in creating novel drug delivery systems for existing anticancer drugs for PDAC, such as gemcitabine and paclitaxel. By using customization methods such as incorporating conjugated targeting ligands, tumor-penetrating peptides, and therapeutic nucleic acids, these nanoparticle-based systems enhance drug solubility, extend circulation time, improve tumor targeting, and control drug release, thereby minimizing side effects and toxicity in healthy tissues. Moreover, nanoparticles have also shown potential in precise diagnostic methods for PDAC. This literature review will delve into targeted mechanisms, pathways, and approaches in treating pancreatic cancer. Additional emphasis is placed on the study of nanoparticle-based delivery systems, with a brief mention of those in clinical trials. Overall, the overview illustrates the significant advances in nanomedicine, underscoring its role in transcending the constraints of conventional PDAC therapies and diagnostics.

Biocatalytic Buoyancy-Driven Nanobots for Autonomous Cell Recognition and Enrichment

Autonomously self-propelled nanoswimmers represent the next-generation nano-devices for bio- and environmental technology. However, current nanoswimmers generate limited energy output and can only move in short distances and duration, thus are struggling to be applied in practical challenges, such as living cell transportation. Here, we describe the construction of biodegradable metal-organic framework based nanobots with chemically driven buoyancy to achieve highly efficient, long-distance, directional vertical motion to "find-and-fetch" target cells. Nanobots surface-functionalized with antibodies against the cell surface marker carcinoembryonic antigen are exploited to impart the nanobots with specific cell targeting capacity to recognize and separate cancer cells. We demonstrate that the self-propelled motility of the nanobots can sufficiently transport the recognized cells autonomously, and the separated cells can be easily collected with a customized glass column, and finally regain their full metabolic potential after the separation. The utilization of nanobots with easy synthetic pathway shows considerable promise in cell recognition, separation, and enrichment.

Nanodelivery systems: An efficient and target-specific approach for drug-resistant cancers

BACKGROUND

Cancer treatment is still a global health challenge. Nowadays, chemotherapy is widely applied for treating cancer and reducing its burden. However, its application might be in accordance with various adverse effects by exposing the healthy tissues and multidrug resistance (MDR), leading to disease relapse or metastasis. In addition, due to tumor heterogeneity and the varied pharmacokinetic features of prescribed drugs, combination therapy has only shown modestly improved results in MDR malignancies. Nanotechnology has been explored as a potential tool for cancer treatment, due to the efficiency of nanoparticles to function as a vehicle for drug delivery.

METHODS

With this viewpoint, functionalized nanosystems have been investigated as a potential strategy to overcome drug resistance.

RESULTS

This approach aims to improve the efficacy of anticancer medicines while decreasing their associated side effects through a range of mechanisms, such as bypassing drug efflux, controlling drug release, and disrupting metabolism. This review discusses the MDR mechanisms contributing to therapeutic failure, the most cutting-edge approaches used in nanomedicine to create and assess nanocarriers, and designed nanomedicine to counteract MDR with emphasis on recent developments, their potential, and limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies have shown that nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery confers distinct benefits over traditional pharmaceuticals, including improved biocompatibility, stability, permeability, retention effect, and targeting capabilities.

Transnasal targeted delivery of therapeutics in central nervous system diseases: a narrative review

Currently, neurointervention, surgery, medication, and central nervous system (CNS) stimulation are the main treatments used in CNS diseases. These approaches are used to overcome the blood brain barrier (BBB), but they have limitations that necessitate the development of targeted delivery methods. Thus, recent research has focused on spatiotemporally direct and indirect targeted delivery methods because they decrease the effect on nontarget cells, thus minimizing side effects and increasing the patient's quality of life. Methods that enable therapeutics to be directly passed through the BBB to facilitate delivery to target cells include the use of nanomedicine (nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles), and magnetic field-mediated delivery. Nanoparticles are divided into organic, inorganic types depending on their outer shell composition. Extracellular vesicles consist of apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes. Magnetic field-mediated delivery methods include magnetic field-mediated passive/actively-assisted navigation, magnetotactic bacteria, magnetic resonance navigation, and magnetic nanobots-in developmental chronological order of when they were developed. Indirect methods increase the BBB permeability, allowing therapeutics to reach the CNS, and include chemical delivery and mechanical delivery (focused ultrasound and LASER therapy). Chemical methods (chemical permeation enhancers) include mannitol, a prevalent BBB permeabilizer, and other chemicals-bradykinin and 1-O-pentylglycerol-to resolve the limitations of mannitol. Focused ultrasound is in either high intensity or low intensity. LASER therapies includes three types: laser interstitial therapy, photodynamic therapy, and photobiomodulation therapy. The combination of direct and indirect methods is not as common as their individual use but represents an area for further research in the field. This review aims to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of these methods, describe the combined use of direct and indirect deliveries, and provide the future prospects of each targeted delivery method. We conclude that the most promising method is the nose-to-CNS delivery of hybrid nanomedicine, multiple combination of organic, inorganic nanoparticles and exosomes, via magnetic resonance navigation following preconditioning treatment with photobiomodulation therapy or focused ultrasound in low intensity as a strategy for differentiating this review from others on targeted CNS delivery; however, additional studies are needed to demonstrate the application of this approach in more complex in vivo pathways.

Lipid Nanoparticles Functionalized with Antibodies for Anticancer Drug Therapy

Nanotechnology takes the lead in providing new therapeutic options for cancer patients. In the last decades, lipid-based nanoparticles-solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), liposomes, and lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles-have received particular interest in anticancer drug delivery to solid tumors. To improve selectivity for target cells and, thus, therapeutic efficacy, lipid nanoparticles have been functionalized with antibodies that bind to receptors overexpressed in angiogenic endothelial cells or cancer cells. Most papers dealing with the preclinical results of antibody-conjugated nanoparticles claim low systemic toxicity and effective tumor inhibition, which have not been successfully translated into clinical use yet. This review aims to summarize the current "state-of-the-art" in anticancer drug delivery using antibody-functionalized lipid-based nanoparticles. It includes an update on promising candidates that entered clinical trials and some explanations for low translation success.

An Overview of Polymeric Nanoparticles-Based Drug Delivery System in Cancer Treatment

Cancer is recognized as one of the world's deadliest diseases, with more than 10 million new cases each year. Over the past 2 decades, several studies have been performed on cancer to pursue solutions for effective treatment. One of the vital benefits of utilizing nanoparticles (NPs) in cancer treatment is their high adaptability for modification and amalgamation of different physicochemical properties to boost their anti-cancer activity. Various nanomaterials have been designed as nanocarriers attributing nontoxic and biocompatible drug delivery systems with improved bioactivity. The present review article briefly explained various types of nanocarriers, such as organic-inorganic-hybrid NPs, and their targeting mechanisms. Here a special focus is given to the synthesis, benefits, and applications of polymeric NPs (PNPs) involved in various anti-cancer therapeutics. It has also been discussed about the drug delivery approach by the functionalized/encapsulated PNPs (without/with targeting ability) that are being applied in the therapy and diagnostic (theranostics). Overall, this review can give a glimpse into every aspect of PNPs, from their synthesis to drug delivery application for cancer cells.

Recent developments in silver nanoparticles utilized for cancer treatment and diagnosis: a patent review

Nanotheranostics is a young but rapidly expanding science that incorporates elements of therapy and diagnostics in a unique and miniscule area of research. The potential to combine diagnostic and therapeutic abilities inside a complete unit opens up interesting possibilities for innovative biomedical research. Silver-based nanoparticles, for instance, are widely utilized as pharmacological and biomedical imaging molecules, and hence offer a lot of potential for the development of versatile targeted therapy compositions. These nanoparticles have been used for cancer diagnosis and cancer treatments recently. We evaluate major innovations based on silver nanotheranostics technologies in this review paper, with an emphasis on cancer treatment implications. The present review covers papers, from 2010 to 2020.

A spotlight on alkaloid nanoformulations for the treatment of lung cancer

Numerous naturally available phytochemicals have potential anti-cancer activities due to their vast structural diversity. Alkaloids have been extensively used in cancer treatment, especially lung cancers, among the plant-based compounds. However, their utilization is limited by their poor solubility, low bioavailability, and inadequacies such as lack of specificity to cancer cells and indiscriminate distribution in the tissues. Incorporating the alkaloids into nanoformulations can overcome the said limitations paving the way for effective delivery of the alkaloids to the site of action in sufficient concentrations, which is crucial in tumor targeting. Our review attempts to assess whether alkaloid nanoformulation can be an effective tool in lung cancer therapy. The mechanism of action of each alkaloid having potential is explored in great detail in the review. In general, Alkaloids suppress oncogenesis by modulating several signaling pathways involved in multiplication, cell cycle, and metastasis, making them significant component of many clinical anti-cancerous agents. The review also explores the future prospects of alkaloid nanoformulation in lung cancer. So, in conclusion, alkaloid based nanoformulation will emerge as a potential gamechanger in treating lung cancer in the near future.

Recent advancements of nanoparticles application in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders: At a glance

Nanoscale engineering is one of the innovative approaches to heal multitudes of ailments, such as varieties of malignancies, neurological problems, and infectious illnesses. Therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) may be modified in aspect because of their ability to stimulate physiological response while limiting negative consequences by interfacing and activating possible targets. Nanomaterials have been extensively studied and employed for cancerous therapeutic strategies since nanomaterials potentially play a significant role in medical transportation. When compared to conventional drug delivery, nanocarriers drug delivery offers various benefits, such as excellent reliability, bioactivity, improved penetration and retention impact, as well as precise targeting and administering. Upregulation of drug efflux transporters, dysfunctional apoptotic mechanisms, and a hypoxic atmosphere are all elements that lead to cancer treatment sensitivity in humans. It has been possible to target these pathways using nanoparticles and increase the effectiveness of multidrug resistance treatments. As innovative strategies of tumor chemoresistance are uncovered, nanomaterials are being developed to target specific pathways of tumor resilience. Scientists have recently begun investigating the function of nanoparticles in immunotherapy, a field that is becoming increasingly useful in the care of malignancies. Nanoscale therapeutics have been explored in this scientific literature and represent the most current approaches to neurodegenerative illnesses and cancer therapy. In addition, current findings and various biomedical nanomaterials' future promise for tissue regeneration, prospective medication design, and the synthesis of novel delivery approaches have been emphasized.

Smart active-targeting of lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for therapeutic applications: Recent advances and challenges

The advances in producing multifunctional lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNs) by combining the biomimetic behavior of liposomes and architectural advantages of polymers have provided great opportunities for selective and efficient therapeutics delivery. The constructed LPHNs exhibit different therapeutic efficacies for special uses based on characteristics of different excipients. However, the high mechanical/structural stability of hybrid nano-systems could be viewed as both a negative property and a positive feature, where the concomitant release of drug molecules in a controllable manner is required. In addition, difficulties in scaling up the LPHNs production, due to involvement of several criteria, limit their application for biomedical fields, especially in monitoring, bioimaging, and drug delivery. To address these challenges bio-modifications have exhibited enormous potential to prepare reproducible LPHNs for site-specific therapeutics delivery, diagnostic and preventative applications. The ever-growing surface bio-functionality has provided continuous vitality to this biotechnology and has also posed desirable biosafety to nanoparticles (NPs). As a proof-of-concept, this manuscript provides a crucial review of coated lipid and polymer NPs displaying excellent surface functionality and architectural advantages. We also provide a description of structural classifications and production methodologies, as well as the biomedical possibilities and translational obstacles in the development of surface modified nanocarrier technology.

Nanomedicine tactics in cancer treatment: Challenge and hope

Defeating cancer is the ultimate challenge and goal of oncologists, facing various obstacles along with finding effective anti-cancer therapies and understanding drug delivery mechanisms. Additionally, the translation of the experimental findings to the clinical outcomes such as specificity, delivery, toxicity, clearance, and bioavailability is another health concern. Nanomedicine is a branch of nanotechnology that has been drastically developed in the last decades. Due to the fact of various nanomaterial formulas, different nanomedicine drug delivery tactics have been developed as anti-cancer therapies. The most effective and less toxic approaches involved the active targeting drug delivery tactic, which relies on the recognition of the drug nanoparticle carriers and the cell surface marker. Accordingly, FDA approved such a group of nanomedicine drug delivery systems while other formulas are still under the clinical trial phases. Nanomedicine is showing a bright future in the treatment of cancer. Oncologists learned from cancer research the possible drug resistance that could be developed. Consequently, researchers need to be prepared for the possible adverse effect of the nanomedicine approach.

Antibody-Incorporated Nanomedicines for Cancer Therapy

Antibody-based cancer therapy, one of the most significant therapeutic strategies, has achieved considerable success and progress over the past decades. Nevertheless, obstacles including limited tumor penetration, short circulation half-lives, undesired immunogenicity, and off-target side effects remain to be overcome for the antibody-based cancer treatment. Owing to the rapid development of nanotechnology, antibody-containing nanomedicines that have been extensively explored to overcome these obstacles have already demonstrated enhanced anticancer efficacy and clinical translation potential. This review intends to offer an overview of the advancements of antibody-incorporated nanoparticulate systems in cancer treatment, together with the nontrivial challenges faced by these next-generation nanomedicines. Diverse strategies of antibody immobilization, formats of antibodies, types of cancer-associated antigens, and anticancer mechanisms of antibody-containing nanomedicines are provided and discussed in this review, with an emphasis on the latest applications. The current limitations and future research directions on antibody-containing nanomedicines are also discussed from different perspectives to provide new insights into the construction of anticancer nanomedicines.

Indocyanine-type Infrared-820 Encapsulated Polymeric Nanoparticle-Assisted Photothermal Therapy of Cancer

Organic small-molecule photosensitizers are well-characterized and known for the light-responsive treatment modality including photodynamic therapy. Compared with ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) light used in conventional photodynamic therapy with organic photosensitizers, near-infrared (NIR) light from 700 to 900 nm is less absorbed and scattered by biological tissue such as hemoglobin, lipids, and water, and thus, the use of NIR excitation can greatly increase the penetration depth and emission. Additionally, NIR light has lower energy than UV-vis that can be beneficial due to less activation of fluorophores present in tissues upon NIR irradiation. However, the low water stability, nonspecific distribution, and short circulation half-life of the organic photosensitizers limit its broad biological application. NIR responsive small-molecule fluorescent agents are the focus of extensive research for combined molecular imaging and hyperthermia. Recently a new class of NIR dye, IR-820 with excitation and emission wavelengths of 710 and 820 nm, has been developed and explored as an alternative platform to overcome some of the limitations of the most commonly used gold nanoparticles for photothermal therapy of cancer. Herein, we synthesized a core-shell biocompatible nanocarrier envelope made up of a phospholipid conjugated with poly(ethylene glycol) as a shell, while poly(lactic glycolic acid) (PLGA) was used as a core to encapsulate IR-820 dye. The IR-820-loaded nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation and characterized for their physicochemical properties and photothermal efficiency. These nanoparticles were monodispersed and highly stable in physiological pH with the hydrodynamic size of 103 ± 8 nm and polydispersity index of 0.163 ± 0.031. The IR-820-loaded nanocarrier showed excellent biocompatibility in the dark, whereas remarkable phototoxicity was observed with breast cancer cells (MCF-7) upon NIR laser excitation. Therefore, the IR-820-loaded phospholipid mimicking biodegradable lipid-polymer composite nanoparticles could have great potential for cancer theranostics.

Bodipy-carbohydrate systems: synthesis and bio-applications

Luminescent BODIPY-sugar probes have stimulated the attention of researchers for the potential applications of such molecular systems in bio-imaging. The presence of carbohydrate units confers unique structural and biological features, beside enhancement of water solubility and polarity. On the other hand, BODIPY (BOronDiPYrromethene) derivatives represent eclectic and functional luminescent molecules because of their outstanding photophysical properties. This article provides a review on the synthesis and applications of BODIPY-linked glycosyl probes in which the labelling of complex carbohydrates with BODIPY allowed the disclosing of their in vivo behaviour or where the sugar constitutes a recognition element for specific targeting probes, or, finally, in which the stereochemical characteristics of the carbohydrate hydroxyl groups play as structural elements for assembling more than one photoactive subunit, resulting in functional supramolecular molecules with modulable properties. We describe the methods we have used to construct various multiBODIPY molecular systems capable of functioning as artificial antennas exhibiting extremely efficient and fast photo-induced energy transfer. Some of these systems have been designed to allow the modulation of energy transfer efficiency and emission color, and intensity dependent on their position within a biological matrix. Finally, future perspectives for such BODIPY-based functional supramolecular sugar systems are also highlighted.

Nanocarriers for pancreatic cancer imaging, treatments, and immunotherapies

Pancreatic tumors are highly desmoplastic and immunosuppressive. Delivery and distribution of drugs within pancreatic tumors are compromised due to intrinsic physical and biochemical stresses that lead to increased interstitial fluid pressure, vascular compression, and hypoxia. Immunotherapy-based approaches, including therapeutic vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibition, CAR-T cell therapy, and adoptive T cell therapies, are challenged by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Together, extensive fibrosis and immunosuppression present major challenges to developing treatments for pancreatic cancer. In this context, nanoparticles have been extensively studied as delivery platforms and adjuvants for cancer and other disease therapies. Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the development of multiple nanocarrier-based formulations that not only improve drug delivery but also enhance immunotherapy-based approaches for pancreatic cancer. This review discusses and critically analyzes the novel nanoscale strategies that have been used for drug delivery and immunomodulation to improve treatment efficacy, including newly emerging immunotherapy-based approaches. This review also presents important perspectives on future research directions that will guide the rational design of novel and robust nanoscale platforms to treat pancreatic tumors, particularly with respect to targeted therapies and immunotherapies. These insights will inform the next generation of clinical treatments to help patients manage this debilitating disease and enhance survival rates.

Strategies for Preparing Different Types of Lipid Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles in Targeted Tumor Therapy

At present, cancer is one of the most common diseases in the world, causing a large number of deaths and seriously affecting people's health. The traditional treatment of cancer is mainly surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Conventional chemotherapy is still an important treatment, but it has some shortcomings, such as poor cell selectivity, serious side effects, drug resistance and so on. Nanoparticle administration can improve drug stability, reduce toxicity, prolong drug release time, prolong system half-life, and bring broad prospects for tumor therapy. Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs), which combine the advantages of polymer core and phospholipid shell to form a single platform, have become multi-functional drug delivery platforms. This review introduces the basic characteristics, structure and preparation methods of LPNs, and discusses targeting strategies of LPNs in tumor therapy in order to overcome the defects of traditional drug therapy.

Review of clinical and emerging biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment management of pancreatic cancer: towards personalised medicine

Background:

Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most commonly diagnosed cancer and the 3rd leading cause of cancer mortality and accounts for approximately 2·7% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases and 6·4% of all cancer mortalities in Canada. It has a very poor survival rate mainly due to the difficulty of detecting the disease at an early stage. Consequently, in the advancement of disease management towards the concept of precision medicine that takes individual patient variabilities into account, several investigators have focused on the identification of effective clinical biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity, capable of early diagnosis of symptomatic patients and early detection of the disease in asymptomatic individuals at high risk for developing pancreatic cancer.

Materials and methods:

We searched several databases from August to December 2020 for relevant studies published in English between 2000 and 2020 and reporting on biomarkers for the management of pancreatic cancer. In this narrative review paper, we describe 13 clinical and emerging biomarkers for pancreatic cancers used in screening for early detection and diagnosis, to identify patients’ risk for metastatic disease and subsequent relapse, to monitor patient response to specific treatment and to provide clinicians the possibility of prospectively identifying groups of patients who will benefit from a particular treatment.

Conclusions:

Current and emerging biomarkers for pancreatic cancer with high specificity and sensitivity has the potential to account for individual patient variabilities, for early detection of disease before the onset of metastasis to improve treatment outcome and patients’ survival, help screen high-risk populations, predict prognosis, provide accurate information of patient response to specific treatment and improve patients monitoring during treatment. Thus, the future holds promise for the use of effective clinical biomarkers or a panel of biomarkers for personalised patient-specific targeted medicine for pancreatic cancer.

Theranostic Nanoparticles for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Pancreatic cancer is one of the low vascular permeable tumors with a high mortality rate. The five-year survival period is ~5%. The field of drug delivery is at its pace in developing unique drug delivery carriers to treat high mortality rate cancers such as pancreatic cancer. Theranostic nanoparticles are the new novel delivery carriers where the carrier is loaded with both diagnostic and therapeutic agents. The present review discusses various therapeutic and theranostic nanocarriers for pancreatic cancer.

Engineering Modular Half-Antibody Conjugated Nanoparticles for Targeting CD44v6-Expressing Cancer Cells

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a major cause of death worldwide mainly because of the late detection in advanced stage. Recently, we proposed CD44v6 as a relevant marker for early detection of GC, opening new avenues for GC-targeted theranostics. Here, we designed a modular nanoscale system that selectively targets CD44v6-expressing GC cells by the site-oriented conjugation of a new-engineered CD44v6 half-antibody fragment to maleimide-modified polystyrene nanoparticles (PNPs) via an efficient bioorthogonal thiol-Michael addition click chemistry. PNPs with optimal particle size (200 nm) for crossing a developed biomimetic CD44v6-associated GC stromal model were further modified with a heterobifunctional maleimide crosslinker and click conjugated to the novel CD44v6 half-antibody fragment, obtained by chemical reduction of full antibody, without affecting its bioactivity. Collectively, our results confirmed the specific targeting ability of CD44v6-PNPs to CD44v6-expressing cells (1.65-fold higher than controls), highlighting the potential of CD44v6 half-antibody conjugated nanoparticles as promising and clinically relevant tools for the early diagnosis and therapy of GC. Additionally, the rational design of our nanoscale system may be explored for the development of several other nanotechnology-based disease-targeted approaches.

Distinct Proteins in Protein Corona of Nanoparticles Represent a Promising Venue for Endogenous Targeting - Part II: In vitro and in vivo Kinetics Study

Introduction

Nanoparticles (NPs), upon introduction to the biological systems, become wrapped by serum and cellular proteins constituting the protein corona (PC). This PC contributes largely to the NPs’ interaction with the biological systems and their subsequent functions. On the one hand, PC can decrease the efficiency of targeting by directing the NPs to the reticuloendothelial system (RES) or by masking the active targeting moieties and decreasing their ability to bind to their target receptors. On the other hand, some components of PC have offered hopes for achieving endogenous targeting.

Methods

In this study, we aimed at the investigation of the role of the PC in determining the behavior of cRGDyk peptide-unconjugated and -conjugated NPs (uNPs and cNPs) exhibiting different physicochemical properties and their interaction with melanoma on in vitro and in vivo levels. Mathematical modeling has been utilized to understand the kinetics of the interaction of NPs with the tumor cells and different organs, respectively.

Results

Endocytosis and exocytosis were reported to occur simultaneously for the utilized NPs. The balance was largely dependent on the NPs’ physicochemical properties and the role of the PC. In addition, distinct proteins present in the PC (illustrated in the results of the PC analysis in part I) have also determined the patterns of the NPs’ distribution in different organs and tissues of the vascular system, the RES system and the target tumot tissue. Vitronectin (VN) was found to mediate higher accumulation in integrin receptor-expressing melanoma cells, while complement 3 protein (C3) and clusterin (CLU), as an opsonin and dysopsonin, respectively, regulated the balance between the RES uptake and blood circulation.

Discussion

PC, if properly modulated by tuning NPs’ physicochemical properties, can serve as a potential venue for optimum utilization of NPs in cancer therapy.

Distinct Proteins in Protein Corona of Nanoparticles Represent a Promising Venue for Endogenous Targeting - Part I: In vitro Release and Intracellular Uptake Perspective

Introduction

Protein corona (PC) deposition on nanoparticles (NPs) in biological systems contributes to a great extent to NPs' fates; their targeting potential, the interaction with different biological systems and the subsequent functions. PC - when properly tuned - can serve as a potential avenue for optimization of NPs' use in cancer therapy.

Methods

Poly-lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based NPs exhibiting different physicochemical properties were fabricated and characterized. The PC makeup of these NPs were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by Western blot and Bradford assay, respectively. The effect of PC on the release of NPs' cargos and the intracellular uptake into B16F10 melanoma cells has been studied.

Results

The composition of NPs (polymeric PLGA NPs vs lipid-polymer hybrid NPs) and the conjugation of an active targeting ligand (cRGDyk peptide) represented the major determinants of the PC makeup of NPs. The in vitro release of the loaded cargos from the NPs depended on the PC and the presence of serum proteins in the release medium. Higher cumulative release has been recorded in the presence of proteins in the case of peptide conjugated NPs, cNPs, while the unconjugated formulations, uNPs, showed an opposite pattern. NPs intracellular uptake studies revealed important roles of distinct serum and cellular proteins on the extent of NPs' accumulation in melanoma cells. For example, the abundance of vitronectin (VN) protein from serum has been positively related to the intracellular accumulation of the NPs.

Conclusion

Careful engineering of nanocarriers can modulate the recruitment of some proteins suggesting a potential use for achieving endogenous targeting to overcome the current limitations of targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents.

Utilization of Polymer-Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles for Targeted Anti-Cancer Therapy

Cancer represents one of the most dangerous diseases, with 1.8 million deaths worldwide. Despite remarkable advances in conventional therapies, these treatments are not effective to completely eradicate cancer. Nanotechnology offers potential cancer treatment based on formulations of several nanoparticles (NPs). Liposomes and polymeric nanoparticle are the most investigated and effective drug delivery systems (DDS) for cancer treatment. Liposomes represent potential DDS due to their distinct properties, including high-drug entrapment efficacy, biocompatibility, low cost, and scalability. However, their use is restricted by susceptibility to lipid peroxidation, instability, burst release of drugs, and the limited surface modification. Similarly, polymeric nanoparticles show several chemical modifications with polymers, good stability, and controlled release, but their drawbacks for biological applications include limited drug loading, polymer toxicity, and difficulties in scaling up. Therefore, polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes are combined to form polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PLHNPs), with the positive attributes of both components such as high biocompatibility and stability, improved drug payload, controlled drug release, longer circulation time, and superior in vivo efficacy. In this review, we have focused on the prominent strategies used to develop tumor targeting PLHNPs and discuss their advantages and unique properties contributing to an ideal DDS.

Polymeric Nanoscale Drug Carriers Mediate the Delivery of Methotrexate for Developing Therapeutic Interventions Against Cancer and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used as an anticancer and anti-inflammtory drug for treating various types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. The optimal dose of MTX is known to inhibit the dihydrofolatereductase that hinders the replication of purines. The nanobiomedicine has been extensively explored in the past decade to develop myriad functional nanostructures to facilitate the delivery of therapeutic agents for various medical applications. This review is focused on understanding the design and development of MTX-loaded nanoparticles alongside the inclusion of recent findings for the treatment of cancers. In this paper, we have made a coordinated effort to show the potential of novel drug delivery systems by achieving effective and target-specific delivery of methotrexate.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy and Its Role in Overcoming Drug Resistance

Nanotechnology has been extensively studied and exploited for cancer treatment as nanoparticles can play a significant role as a drug delivery system. Compared to conventional drugs, nanoparticle-based drug delivery has specific advantages, such as improved stability and biocompatibility, enhanced permeability and retention effect, and precise targeting. The application and development of hybrid nanoparticles, which incorporates the combined properties of different nanoparticles, has led this type of drug-carrier system to the next level. In addition, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have been shown to play a role in overcoming cancer-related drug resistance. The mechanisms of cancer drug resistance include overexpression of drug efflux transporters, defective apoptotic pathways, and hypoxic environment. Nanoparticles targeting these mechanisms can lead to an improvement in the reversal of multidrug resistance. Furthermore, as more tumor drug resistance mechanisms are revealed, nanoparticles are increasingly being developed to target these mechanisms. Moreover, scientists have recently started to investigate the role of nanoparticles in immunotherapy, which plays a more important role in cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the roles of nanoparticles and hybrid nanoparticles for drug delivery in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy and describe the targeting mechanism of nanoparticle-based drug delivery as well as its function on reversing drug resistance.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy and Its Role in Overcoming Drug Resistance

Nanotechnology has been extensively studied and exploited for cancer treatment as nanoparticles can play a significant role as a drug delivery system. Compared to conventional drugs, nanoparticle-based drug delivery has specific advantages, such as improved stability and biocompatibility, enhanced permeability and retention effect, and precise targeting. The application and development of hybrid nanoparticles, which incorporates the combined properties of different nanoparticles, has led this type of drug-carrier system to the next level. In addition, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have been shown to play a role in overcoming cancer-related drug resistance. The mechanisms of cancer drug resistance include overexpression of drug efflux transporters, defective apoptotic pathways, and hypoxic environment. Nanoparticles targeting these mechanisms can lead to an improvement in the reversal of multidrug resistance. Furthermore, as more tumor drug resistance mechanisms are revealed, nanoparticles are increasingly being developed to target these mechanisms. Moreover, scientists have recently started to investigate the role of nanoparticles in immunotherapy, which plays a more important role in cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the roles of nanoparticles and hybrid nanoparticles for drug delivery in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy and describe the targeting mechanism of nanoparticle-based drug delivery as well as its function on reversing drug resistance.

Nanotechnology as a Platform for the Development of Injectable Parenteral Formulations: A Comprehensive Review of the Know-Hows and State of the Art

Within recent decades, the development of nanotechnology has made a significant contribution to the progress of various fields of study, including the domains of medical and pharmaceutical sciences. A substantially transformed arena within the context of the latter is the development and production of various injectable parenteral formulations. Indeed, recent decades have witnessed a rapid growth of the marketed and pipeline nanotechnology-based injectable products, which is a testimony to the remarkability of the aforementioned contribution. Adjunct to the ability of nanomaterials to deliver the incorporated payloads to many different targets of interest, nanotechnology has substantially assisted to the development of many further facets of the art. Such contributions include the enhancement of the drug solubility, development of long-acting locally and systemically injectable formulations, tuning the onset of the drug’s release through the endowment of sensitivity to various internal or external stimuli, as well as adjuvancy and immune activation, which is a desirable component for injectable vaccines and immunotherapeutic formulations. The current work seeks to provide a comprehensive review of all the abovementioned contributions, along with the most recent advances made within each domain. Furthermore, recent developments within the domains of passive and active targeting will be briefly debated.

Nanoparticles in Gastrooncology

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal malignancies have the greatest incidence and cancer-associated death rates worldwide. Routine therapeutic modalities include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation but they often fail to reach the goal of cancer-free survival.

SUMMARY

In the light of this urgent medical need for the treatment of GI tumors, nanotech-nology-based approaches, i.e. nanomedicine, promise new therapeutic options. Using nanoparticles instead of classically designed drugs, targeting anticancer agents directly to the tumor site may revolutionize both diagnostic and therapeutic tools thereby facilitating the identification and elimination of malignant cells. Importantly, diagnostic insight and therapeutic effects can be achieved simultaneously through the same nanoparticle. Additionally, a nanoparticle may be loaded with more than one agent, thereby further increasing the value and power of the nanotechnology approach in oncologic therapeutic concepts. Although most insight into mechanisms of nanomedicine has been gained from in vitro and preclinical in vivo models, few clinical trials have been conducted, and nanomedicine-based concepts are already part of standard treatment algorithms. However, despite substantial progress it remains a challenge to design nanoparticles that feature all desirable characteristics at the same time.

KEY MESSAGES

This review seeks to provide substantial insight into the current status of nanomedicine-based approaches employed for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes in the field of gastrointestinal cancers by highlighting achievements and pointing out unresolved issues that need to be further addressed by future research attempts.

Hyaluronic Acid Capped, Irinotecan and Gene Co-Loaded Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanocarrier-Based Combination Therapy Platform for Colorectal Cancer

Background

The current approach for treating colorectal cancer favors the use of drug and gene combination therapy, and targeted nano-systems are gaining considerable attention for minimizing toxicity and improving the efficacy of anticancer treatment. The aim of this study was to develop ligand-modified, irinotecan and gene co-loaded lipid-polymer hybrid nanocarriers for targeted colorectal cancer combination therapy.

Methods

Hyaluronic acid modified, irinotecan and gene co-loaded LPNs (HA-I/D-LPNs) were prepared using a solvent-evaporation method. Their average size, zeta potential, drug and gene loading capacity were characterized. The in vitro and in vivo gene transfection and anti-tumor ability of this nano-system were evaluated on colorectal cancer cells and mice bearing colorectal cancer model.

Results

HA-I/D-LPNs had a size of 182.3 ± 5.1, over 80% drug encapsulation efficiency and over 90% of gene loading capacity. The peak plasma concentration (C_max) and half-life (T_1/2) achieved from HA-I/D-LPNs were 41.31 ± 1.58 μg/mL and 12.56 ± 0.67 h. HA-I/D-LPNs achieved the highest tumor growth inhibition efficacy and the most prominent transfection efficiency in vivo.

Conclusion

HA-I/D-LPNs exhibited the most remarkable tumor inhibition efficacy and best gene transfection efficiency in the tumor, which could prove the effects of the drug and gene combination therapy.

Functionalizing nanoparticles with cancer-targeting antibodies: A comparison of strategies

Standard cancer therapies sometimes fail to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to tumor cells in a safe and effective manner. Nanotechnology takes the lead in providing new therapeutic options for cancer due to major potential for selective targeting and controlled drug release. Antibodies and antibody fragments are attracting much attention as a source of targeting ligands to bind specific receptors that are overexpressed on cancer cells. Therefore, researchers are devoting time and effort to develop targeting strategies based on nanoparticles functionalized with antibodies, which hold great promise to enhance therapeutic efficacy and circumvent severe side effects. Several methods have been described to immobilize antibodies on the surface of nanoparticles. However, selecting the most appropriate for each application is challenging but also imperative to preserve antigen binding ability and yield stable antibody-conjugated nanoparticles. From this perspective, we aim to provide considerable knowledge on the most widely used methods of functionalization that can be helpful for decision-making and design of conjugation protocols as well. This review summarizes adsorption, covalent conjugation (carbodiimide, maleimide and "click" chemistries) and biotin-avidin interaction, while discussing the advantages, limitations and relevant therapeutic approaches currently under investigation.

Nanohybrid carriers: the yin–yang equilibrium between natural and synthetic in biomedicine

Nanocarriers are key players in biomedicine applications. The development of hybrid nanoparticles stems from the need to enhance their quality by lowering disadvantages and fusing the positive qualities of both natural and synthetic materials.

A bioconjugated MoS2 based nanoplatform with increased binding efficiency to cancer cells

Preparation and study of a MoS₂ nanosheet based nanoplatform for a cancer detection and treatment system equipped with an antibody–antigen based recognition element.

Bioinspired Polymeric-based Core-shell Smart Nano-systems

Smart nanosystems (SNs) have the potential to revolutionize drug delivery. Conventional drug delivery systems have poor drug-loading, early burst release, limited therapeutic effects, etc. Thus, to overcome these problems, researchers have taken advantage of the host-guest interactions as bioinspired nanosystems which can deliver nanocarriers more efficiently with the maximum drug loading capacity and improved therapeutic efficacy as well as bioavailability. SNs employ nanomaterials to form cage molecules by entrapping new nanocarriers called smart nanosystems in their cargo and design. The activities of SNs are based on responsive materials that interact with the stimuli either by changing their properties or conformational structures. The aptitude of living systems to respond to stimuli and process information has encouraged researchers to build up integrated nanosystems exhibiting similar function and therapeutic response. Various smart materials, including polymers, have been exhaustively employed in fabricating different stimuli-responsive nanosystems which can deliver bioactive molecules to a specific site for a certain period with minimal side effects. SNs have been widely explored to deliver diverse kinds of therapeutic agents ranging from bioactive compounds, genes, and biopharmaceuticals like proteins and peptides, to diagnostic imaging agents for biomedical applications. Nanotechnology-based different nanosystems are promising for health care issues. The advancement of SNs with physical science and engineering technology in synthesizing nanostructures and their physicochemical characterization should be exploited in medicine and healthcare for reducing mortality rate, morbidity, disease prevalence and general societal burden.

Surface engineering of nanomaterials with phospholipid-polyethylene glycol-derived functional conjugates for molecular imaging and targeted therapy

In recent years, phospholipid-polyethylene glycol-derived functional conjugates have been widely employed to decorate different nanomaterials, due to their excellent biocompatibility, long blood circulation characteristics, and specific targeting capability. Numerous in vivo studies have demonstrated that nanomedicines peripherally engineered with phospholipid-polyethylene glycol-derived functional conjugates show significantly increased selective and efficient internalization by target cells/tissues. Targeting moieties including small-molecule ligands, peptides, proteins, and antibodies are generally conjugated onto PEGylated phospholipids to decorate liposomes, micelles, hybrid nanoparticles, nanocomplexes, and nanoemulsions for targeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents to diseased sites. In this review, the synthesis methods of phospholipid-polyethylene glycol-derived functional conjugates, biophysicochemical properties of nanomedicines decorated with these conjugates, factors dominating their targeting efficiency, as well as their applications for in vivo molecular imaging and targeted therapy were summarized and discussed.

Impact of CEA-targeting Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in the world, mainly owing to distant metastasis events. Developing targeted strategies to treat and follow individuals in more developed stages is needed. The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a cell surface-overexpressed glycoprotein in most CRC patients, and the evaluation of its serum levels is recommended in the clinic. These reasons motivated the production of CEA-targeted nanotechnologies for monitorization of CRC progression, but only a few centers have reported their use for drug delivery. The cellular internalization of CEA-linked nanosystems occurs by the natural recycling of the CEA itself, enabling longer retention and sustained release of the cargo. The functionalization of nanoparticles with lower affinity ligands for CEA is possibly the best choice to avoid their binding to the soluble CEA. Here, we also highlight the use of nanoparticles made of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymer, a well known material, owing to its biocompatibility and low toxicity. This work offers support to the contribution of antibody fragment-functionalized nanoparticles as promising high affinity molecules to decorate nanosystems. The linkers and conjugation chemistries chosen for ligand-nanoparticle coupling will be addressed herein as an elements essential to the modulation of nanosystem features. This review, to our knowledge, is the first that focuses on CEA-targeted nanotechnologies to serve colorectal cancer therapy and monitorization.

Synthesis and characterization of acetyl curcumin-loaded core/shell liposome nanoparticles via an electrospray process for drug delivery, and theranostic applications

Despite substantial advancements in divergent drug delivery systems (DDS), there is still room for novel and innovative nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery methodologies such as core/shell liposomes to deliver drugs in a kinetically controlled manner into the active site without any side effects. Herein, ((1E,6E)-3,5-dioxohepta-1,6-diene-1,7-diyl) bis (2-methoxy-4,1-phenylene) diacetate acetyl curcumin (AC)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) core/shell liposome nanoparticles (ACPCSLNPs) were prepared using an electron spray method under an applied electric field, which facilitated the uniform formation of nano-sized liposome nanoparticles (LNPs). Then, kinetically controlled and sustained drug release profiles were investigated using the as-prepared ACPCSLNPs. Moreover, the inner polymeric core could not only induce the generation of electrostatic interactions between the polymer and drug molecules but could also affect the prominent repulsions between the polar head groups of lipids and the nonpolar drug molecules. As a result, the sustained maximum release of the drug molecules (~48.5%) into the system was observed over a long period (~4 days). Furthermore, cell cytotoxicity studies were conducted in a human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and a healthy human dermal fibroblast cell line (HDFa) by employing all AC loaded LNPs along with free drugs. Multicolor cell imaging was also observed in HeLa cells using ACPCSLNPs. Notably, more curcumin was released from the ACPCSLNPs than AC due to the presence of polar group attractions and polar-polar interactions between the lipid head groups and curcumin since curcumin is more soluble than AC in aqueous medium. In addition, the predictions of the release kinetic patterns were also investigated thoroughly using the exponential-based Korsmeyer-Peppas (K-P) and Higuchi models for drug-loaded LNPs and PLGA NPs, respectively.

Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for controlled delivery of hydrophilic and lipophilic doxorubicin for breast cancer therapy

Background: Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) for the controlled delivery of hydrophilic doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX.HCl) and lipophilic DOX base have been fabricated by the single step modified nanoprecipitation method.

Materials and methods: Poly (D, L-lactide-co-glicolide) (PLGA), lecithin, and 1,2-distearoyl-Sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy (polyethylene glycol)-2000 (DSPE-PEG 2000) were selected as structural components.

Results: The mean particle size was 173–208 nm, with an encapsulation efficiency of 17.8±1.9 to 43.8±4.4% and 40.3±0.6 to 59. 8±1.4% for DOX.HCl and DOX base, respectively. The drug release profile was in the range 33–57% in 24 hours and followed the Higuchi model (R²=0.9867–0.9450) and Fickian diffusion (n<0.5). However, the release of DOX base was slower than DOX.HCl. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies and confocal imaging showed safety, good biocompatibility, and a higher degree of particle internalization. The higher internalization of DOX base was attributed to higher permeability of lipophilic component and better hydrophobic interaction of particles with cell membranes. Compared to the free DOX, the DOX.HCl and DOX base loaded LPHNPs showed higher antiproliferation effects in MDA-MB231 and PC3 cells.

Conclusion: Therefore, LPHNPs have provided a potential drug delivery strategy for safe, controlled delivery of both hydrophilic and lipophilic form of DOX in cancer cells.

Effect of Pegylation and Targeting Moieties on the Ultrasound-Mediated Drug Release from Liposomes

The use of targeted liposomes encapsulating chemotherapy drugs enhances the specific targeting of cancer cells, thus reducing the side effects of these drugs and providing patient-friendly chemotherapy treatment. Targeted pegylated (stealth) liposomes have the ability to safely deliver their loaded drugs to the cancer cells by targeting specific receptors overly expressed on the surface of these cells. Applying ultrasound as an external stimulus will safely trigger drug release from these liposomes in a controlled manner. In this study, we investigated the release kinetics of the model drug "calcein" from targeted liposomes sonicated with low-frequency ultrasound (20 kHz). Our results showed that pegylated liposomes were more sonosensitive compared to nonpegylated liposomes. A comparison of the effect of three targeting moieties conjugated to the surface of pegylated liposomes, namely human serum albumin (HSA), transferrin (Tf) and arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD), on calcein release kinetics was conducted. The fluorescent results showed that HSA-PEG and Tf-PEG liposomes were more sonosensitive (showing higher calcein release following the exposure to pulsed LFUS) compared to the control pegylated liposomes, thus adding more acoustic benefits to their targeting efficacy.

Red blood cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles: a novel drug delivery system for antitumor application

Erythrocytes (red blood cells, RBCs) are the most abundant circulating cells in the blood and have been widely used in drug delivery systems (DDS) because of their features of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and long circulating half-life. Accordingly, a "camouflage" comprised of erythrocyte membranes renders nanoparticles as a platform that combines the advantages of native erythrocyte membranes with those of nanomaterials. Following injection into the blood of animal models, the coated nanoparticles imitate RBCs and interact with the surroundings to achieve long-term circulation. In this review, the biomimetic platform of erythrocyte membrane-coated nano-cores is described with regard to various aspects, with particular focus placed on the coating mechanism, preparation methods, verification methods, and the latest anti-tumor applications. Finally, further functional modifications of the erythrocyte membranes and attempts to fuse the surface properties of multiple cell membranes are discussed, providing a foundation to stimulate extensive research into multifunctional nano-biomimetic systems.

Selective cell death of latently HIV-infected CD4+ T cells mediated by autosis inducing nanopeptides

Despite significant advances in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV) infection, antiretroviral therapy only suppresses viral replication but is unable to eliminate infection. Thus, discontinuation of antiretrovirals results in viral reactivation and disease progression. A major reservoir of HIV latent infection resides in resting central memory CD4+ T cells (TCM) that escape clearance by current therapeutic regimens and will require novel strategies for elimination. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of autophagy-inducing peptides, Tat-Beclin 1 and Tat-vFLIP-α2, which can induce a novel Na+/K+-ATPase dependent form of cell death (autosis), to kill latently HIV-infected TCM while preventing virologic rebound. In this study, we encapsulated autophagy inducing peptides into biodegradable lipid-coated hybrid PLGA (poly lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles for controlled intracellular delivery. A single dose of nanopeptides was found to eliminate latent HIV infection in an in vitro primary model of HIV latency and ex vivo using resting CD4+ T cells obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral with fully suppressed virus for greater than 12 months. Notably, increased LC3B lipidation, SQSTM1/p62 degradation and Na+/K+-ATPase activity characteristic of autosis, were detected in nanopeptide treated latently HIV-infected cells compared to untreated uninfected or infected cells. Nanopeptide-induced cell death could be reversed by knockdown of autophagy proteins, ATG5 and ATG7, and inhibition or knockdown of Na+/K+-ATPase. Importantly, viral rebound was not detected following the induction of the Na+/K+-ATPase dependent form of cell death induced by the Tat-Beclin 1 and Tat-vFLIP-α2 nanopeptides. These findings provide a novel strategy to eradicate HIV latently infected resting memory CD4+ T cells, the major reservoir of HIV latency, through the induction of Na+/K+-ATPase dependent autophagy, while preventing reactivation of virus and new infection of uninfected bystander cells.

Nanotechnology approaches to eradicating HIV reservoirs

The advent of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has transformed HIV-1 infection into a controllable chronic disease, but these therapies are incapable of eradicating the virus to bring about an HIV cure. Multiple strategies have been proposed and investigated to eradicate latent viral reservoirs from various biological sanctuaries. However, due to the complexity of HIV infection and latency maintenance, a single drug is unlikely to eliminate all HIV reservoirs and novel strategies may be needed to achieve better efficacy while limiting systemic toxicity. In this review, we describe HIV latency in cellular and anatomical reservoirs, and present an overview of current strategies for HIV cure with a focus on their challenges for clinical translation. Then we provide a summary of nanotechnology solutions that have been used to address challenges in HIV cure by delivering physicochemically diverse agents for combination therapy or targeting HIV reservoir sites. We also review nanocarrier-based gene delivery and immunotherapy used in cancer treatment but may have potential applications in HIV cure.