Recent Advances in Nanoparticle-Based Co-Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

Cancer therapies have advanced tremendously throughout the last decade, yet multiple factors still hinder the success of the different cancer therapeutics. The traditional therapeutic approach has been proven insufficient and lacking in the suppression of tumor growth. The simultaneous delivery of multiple small-molecule chemotherapeutic drugs and genes improves the effectiveness of each treatment, thus optimizing efficacy and improving synergistic effects. Nanomedicines integrating inorganic, lipid, and polymeric-based nanoparticles have been designed to regulate the spatiotemporal release of the encapsulated drugs. Multidrug-loaded nanocarriers are a potential strategy to fight cancer and the incorporation of co-delivery systems as a feasible treatment method has projected synergistic benefits and limited undesirable effects. Moreover, the development of co-delivery systems for maximum therapeutic impact necessitates better knowledge of the appropriate therapeutic agent ratio as well as the inherent heterogeneity of the cancer cells. Co-delivery systems can simplify clinical processes and increase patient quality of life, even though such systems are more difficult to prepare than single drug delivery systems. This review highlights the progress attained in the development and design of nano carrier-based co-delivery systems and discusses the limitations, challenges, and future perspectives in the design and fabrication of co-delivery systems.

Remote control of magnetic nanocomplexes for delivery and destruction of cancer cells

Although nanotechnology advances have been exploited for a myriad of purposes, including cancer diagnostics and treatment, still there is little discussion about the mechanisms of remote control. Our main aim here is to explain the possibility of a magnetic field control over magnetic nanocomplexes to improve their delivery, controlled release and antitumor activity. In doing so we considered the nonlinear dynamics of magnetomechanical and magnetochemical effects based on free radical mechanisms in cancer development for future pre-clinical studies.

A new pH/NIR responsive theranostic agent for magnetic resonance imaging guided synergistic therapy

New nano-reagents with diagnostic imaging and therapeutic functions are very important for precision medicine against cancer. In this work, a new nanotheraontic agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided combined photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy was constructed based on polydopamine (PDA) functionalized copper ferrite nanospheres (PDA@CFNs). The high relaxivity makes it possible for PDA@CFNs to become a promising MRI contrast agent, providing necessary and exhaustive information for tumor diagnosis. In addition, because both CFNs and PDA have strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption, PDA@CFNs exhibit excellent photothermal performance. Highly effective tumor ablation is achieved in a mouse model through PTT and pH/NIR triggered on-demand chemotherapy. These findings reveal that constructing smart pH/NIR responsive multifunctional theranostic agents is a feasible strategy for precision cancer therapy.

In situ formation, structural, mechanical and in vitro analysis of ZrO2/ZnFe2O4 composite with assorted composition ratios

The investigation underline the in situ formation of ZrO₂/ZnFe₂O₄ composites and the resultant structural, morphological, mechanical and magnetic properties. The characterization results ensured the crystallization of tetragonal ZrO₂ (t-ZrO₂) and ZnFe₂O₄ phases at 900 °C. Depending on Zn²⁺/Fe³⁺ content, the composite system revealed a gradual increment in the phase yield of ZnFe₂O₄. The significance of monoclinic ZrO₂ (m-ZrO₂) is also evident in all the systems at 900 °C; however, the incremental heat treatment to 1300 °C indicated its corresponding loss, thus indicating the reverse m- → t-ZrO₂ transition. The crystallization of ZnFe₂O₄ as a secondary phase in the t-ZrO₂ matrix is also affirmed from the morphological analysis. Mechanical studies accomplished good uniformity in all the investigated compositions despite the variation in the phase content of ZnFe₂O₄ in composite system. All the t-ZrO₂/ZnFe₂O₄ composites ensured strong ferrimagnetic features and moreover better biocompatibility and non-toxicity characteristics were displayed from in vitro tests.

Thermosensitive Nanosystems Associated with Hyperthermia for Cancer Treatment

Conventional chemotherapy regimens have limitations due to serious adverse effects. Targeted drug delivery systems to reduce systemic toxicity are a powerful drug development platform. Encapsulation of antitumor drug(s) in thermosensitive nanocarriers is an emerging approach with a promise to improve uptake and increase therapeutic efficacy, as they can be activated by hyperthermia selectively at the tumor site. In this review, we focus on thermosensitive nanosystems associated with hyperthermia for the treatment of cancer, in preclinical and clinical use.

A novel approach to low-temperature synthesis of cubic HfO2 nanostructures and their cytotoxicity

The development of a strategy to stabilise the cubic phase of HfO₂ at lower temperatures is necessary for the emergence of unique properties that are not realised in the thermodynamically stable monoclinic phase. A very high temperature (>2600 °C) is required to produce the cubic phase of HfO₂, whereas the monoclinic phase is stable at low temperature. Here, a novel rapid synthesis strategy was designed to develop highly crystalline, pure cubic-phase HfO₂ nanoparticles (size <10 nm) using microwave irradiation. Furthermore, the as-prepared nanoparticles were converted to different morphologies (spherical nanoparticles and nanoplates) without compromising the cubic phase by employing a post-hydrothermal treatment in the presence of surface modifiers. The cytotoxicities and proliferative profiles of the synthesised cubic HfO₂ nanostructures were investigated over the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, along with caspase-3/7 activities. The low-temperature phase stabilisation was significantly attributed to surface imperfections (defects and deformations) induced in the crystal lattice by the desirable presence of Na₂S·xH₂O and NaOH. Our work provides unprecedented insight into the stabilisation of nanoscale cubic-phase HfO₂ in ambient environments; the method could be extended to other challenging phases of nanomaterials.

Multifunctional triple-porous Fe3O4@SiO2 superparamagnetic microspheres for potential hyperthermia and controlled drug release

Magnetic porous particles with high magnetization and large surface area hold great potential for multimodal therapies.

Smart Multifunctional Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery System for Cancer Thermo-Chemotherapy and Intracellular Imaging

In this research, a thermoresponsive drug release system was synthesized, which encapsulated the magnetic nanoparticles Fe3O4 and the drug model 5-fluorouracil with thermosensitive polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). Mesoporous SiO2 was used as the channel of drug release, which could enhance the rate of drug loading and reduce drug loss. Chitosan (CHI) is a natural cationic linear polymer. The results showed successful coating of chitosan and rhodamine 6G (R6G) on the surface of the SiO2 sphere. The intermolecular interactions of the nanocomposites were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. R6G is a typical fluorochrome which could be applied for cell imaging. Fluorescent imaging studies by confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that the prepared nanocomposites Fe3O4/PNIPAM/5-Fu@mSiO2-CHI/R6G could specifically target tumor cells. Therefore, our work shows great potential in drug delivery and cancer therapy.