Comparative acute intravenous toxicity study of triple polymer-layered magnetic nanoparticles with bare magnetic nanoparticles in Swiss albino mice

Progress in the Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases Based on Nanosized Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely used in clinical practice to treat diseases related to central nervous system (CNS) damage. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) constitutes a significant impediment to the effective delivery of TCM, thus substantially diminishing its efficacy. Advances in nanotechnology and its applications in TCM (also known as nano-TCM) can deliver active ingredients or components of TCM across the BBB to the targeted brain region. This review provides an overview of the physiological and pathological mechanisms of the BBB and systematically classifies the common TCM used to treat CNS diseases and types of nanocarriers that effectively deliver TCM to the brain. Additionally, drug delivery strategies for nano-TCMs that utilize in vivo physiological properties or in vitro devices to bypass or cross the BBB are discussed. This review further focuses on the application of nano-TCMs in the treatment of various CNS diseases. Finally, this article anticipates a design strategy for nano-TCMs with higher delivery efficiency and probes their application potential in treating a wider range of CNS diseases.

Biocompatibility of magnetic nanoparticles synthesized through green routed with a focus on hematological and histological analysis

The interaction of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) with blood cells and tissues is essential from the perspectives of biocompatibility and the production of novel drug delivery systems. In the present study, biosynthesized-Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (bio-Fe₃O₄ NPs) were prepared and bio-modified using Daphne mucronata Royle leaf extracts. The physicochemical properties of bio-Fe₃O₄ NPs were determined using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analyses. According to the SEM analysis, the bio-Fe₃O₄ NPs are spherical-shaped with a size range of 10-30 nm. Antibacterial effects of bio-Fe₃O₄ NPs against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 bacteria were measured by minimum inhibition/bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC tests). Result showed that the bio-Fe₃O₄ NPs (300 ppm) revealed highest antibacterial effect on S. aureus ATCC 43300. Also, bio-Fe₃O₄ NPs have different cell viability in the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF). The interaction of bio-Fe₃O₄ NPs with blood cells and the complete blood count (CBC) factor illustrated that the morphology of blood cells and platelet clumping did not influence by nanoparticles. Furthermore, histological analysis of the liver, spleen, and kidney did not show any abnormality upon exposure to 100 mg kg^-1 bio-Fe₃O₄ NPs treated samples. Hence, the biosynthesized Fe₃O₄ NPs are a good candidate for applications in medical fields.

Targeted delivery of paclitaxel drug using polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles for fibrosarcoma therapy: in vitro and in vivo studies

Fibrosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects cells known as fibroblasts that are malignant, locally recurring, and spreading tumor in fibrous tissue. In this work, an iron plate immersed in an aqueous solution of double added deionized water, supplemented with potassium permanganate solution (KMnO₄) was carried out by the pulsed laser ablation in liquid method (PLAIL). Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were synthesized using different laser wavelengths (1064, 532, and 266 nm) at a fluence of 28 J/cm² with 100 shots of the iron plate to control the concentration, shape and size of the prepared high-stability SPIONs. The drug nanocarrier was synthesized by coating SPION with paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded chitosan (Cs) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). This nanosystem was functionalized by receptors that target folate (FA). The physiochemical characteristics of SPION@Cs-PTX-PEG-FA nanoparticles were evaluated and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods. Cell internalization, cytotoxicity assay (MTT), apoptosis induction, and gene expression of SPION@Cs-PTX-PEG-FA were estimated in fibrosarcoma cell lines, respectively. In vivo studies used BALB/c tumor-bearing mice. The results showed that SPION@Cs-PTX-PEG-FA exhibited suitable physical stability, spherical shape, desirable size, and charge. SPION@Cs-PTX-PEG-FA inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of cancer cells (P < 0.01). The results of the in vivo study showed that SPION@Cs-PTX-PEG-FA significantly decreased tumor size compared to free PTX and control samples (P < 0.05), leading to longer survival, significantly increased splenocyte proliferation and IFN-γ level, and significantly decreased the level of IL-4. All of these findings indicated the potential of SPION@Cs-PTX-PEG-FA as an antitumor therapeutic agent.

Magnetic nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have solved numerous problems related to the repair and regeneration of damaged organs and tissues arising from aging, illnesses, and injuries. Nanotechnology has further aided tissue regeneration science and has provided outstanding opportunities to help disease diagnosis as well as treat damaged tissues. Based on the most recent findings, magnetic nanostructures (MNSs), in particular, have emerged as promising materials for detecting, directing, and supporting tissue regeneration. There have been many reports concerning the role of these nano-building blocks in the regeneration of both soft and hard tissues, but the subject has not been extensively reviewed. Here, we review, classify, and discuss various synthesis strategies for novel MNSs used in medicine. Advanced applications of magnetic nanocomposites (MG-NCs), specifically magnetic nanostructures, are further systematically reviewed. In addition, the scientific and technical aspects of MG-NC used in medicine are discussed considering the requirements for the field. In summary, this review highlights the numerous opportunities and challenges associated with the use of MG-NCs as smart nanocomposites (NCs) in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Nanomaterials-induced toxicity on cardiac myocytes and tissues, and emerging toxicity assessment techniques

The extensive production and use of nanomaterials have resulted in the continuous release of nano-sized particles into the environment, and the health risks caused by exposure to these nanomaterials in the occupational population and the general population cannot be ignored. Studies have found that particle exposure is closely related to cardiovascular disease. In addition, there have been many reports that nanomaterials can enter the heart tissue, accumulate and then cause damage. Therefore, in the present article, literature related to nanomaterials-induced cardiotoxicity in recent years was collected from the PubMed database, and then organized and summarized to form a review. This article mainly discusses heart damage caused by nanomaterials from the following three aspects: Firstly, we summarize the research 8 carbon nanotubes, etc. Secondly, we discuss in depth the possible underlying mechanism of the damage to the heart caused by nanoparticles. Oxidative stress damage, mitochondrial damage, inflammation and apoptosis have been found to be key factors. Finally, we summarize the current research models used to evaluate the cardiotoxicity of nanomaterials, highlight reliable emerging technologies and in vitro models that have been used for toxicity evaluation of environmental pollutants in recent years, and indicate their application prospects.

Aspects of high-performance and bio-acceptable magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical application

This review covers extensively the synthesis & surface modification, characterization, and application of magnetic nanoparticles. For biomedical applications, consideration should be given to factors such as design strategies, the synthesis process, coating, and surface passivation. The synthesis method regulates post-synthetic change and specific applications in vitro and in vivo imaging/diagnosis and pharmacotherapy/administration. Special insights have been provided on biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity in a living system, which is imperative for their wider application in biology. These nanoparticles can be decorated with multiple contrast agents and thus can also be used as a probe for multi-mode imaging or double/triple imaging, for example, MRI-CT, MRI-PET. Similarly loading with different drug molecules/dye/fluorescent molecules and integration with other carriers have found application not only in locating these particles in vivo but simultaneously target drug delivery/hyperthermia inside the body. Studies are underway to collect the potential of these magnetically driven nanoparticles in various scientific fields such as particle interaction, heat conduction, imaging, and magnetism. Surely, this comprehensive data will help in the further development of advanced techniques for theranostics based on high-performance magnetic nanoparticles and will lead this research area in a new sustainable direction.

Evaluation of the in vivo acute toxicity of poly(thioether-ester) and superparamagnetic poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene miniemulsion polymerization

Poly(thioether-ester) (PTEe) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization have received attention of many researchers due to several advantages, including, biocompatibility and biodegradability. The search for new nanomaterials requires toxicity studies to assess potential toxic effects of their administration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo acute toxicity of PTEe and poly(thioether-ester)-coated magnetic nanoparticles prepared by thiol-ene polymerization in miniemulsion. These nanoparticles presented a mean size of approximately 120 nm, spherical morphology, and negative surface charge. Doses of 40 mg/kg were administered intraperitoneally to Swiss mice and nociceptive, behavioral and biochemical parameters were investigated in five different organs. None of the nanoparticles led to any alterations in the nociceptive and behavioral responses. Biochemical alterations were observed in liver, decreasing the sulfhydryl and glutathione (GSH) levels, suggesting the dependence of the GSH metabolism in the elimination of the nanoparticles. In general, both nanoparticle types did not cause disturbances in biochemical parameters analyzed in others organs. These results suggest that both nanoparticle types did not induce acute toxicity to the different organs evaluated, reinforcing the biocompatibility of PTEe nanoparticles synthetized by thiol-ene polymerization.

Enema based therapy using liposomal formulation of low molecular weight heparin for treatment of active ulcerative colitis: New adjunct therapeutic opportunity

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic bowel disease involving chronic inflammation and ulcers in colon and implicates severe epithelial damage with disruption in colon homeostasis. Presently existing treatments possess serious concerns like off target effects and adverse reactions, drug inactivation, poor absorption and other complications resulting in poor bioavailability. In context of high risk of thrombotic events in UC patients, heparin can offer appreciable benefits in UC management due to its remarkable anti-coagulating properties, its ability to intervene inflammatory pathways and acceleration of wound healing process. However, oral administration of heparin being impractical due to harsh gastric acidic environment and heparin degradation, conventional heparin administration is done via intravenous route. Present study was designed to formulate, characterize and evaluate sustained release heparin formulation in mice model of experimental colitis. Heparin liposomes (HLp) were formulated by solvent evaporation and extrusion process and possessed hydrodynamic diameter of 242 ± 4.3 nm. Size, shape and surface morphology was confirmed by TEM, SEM and AFM micrographs while encapsulation efficiency and loading of heparin in optimized HLp were 59.61% and 12.27%, respectively. HLp enema administration ameliorated gross disease indices like body weight, colon length, stool consistency, fecal occult blood. Further, anti-inflammatory efficacy of HLp was established in histopathological analysis where HLp appreciably restored protective mucin layer, colon epithelial mucosal histoarchitecture and considerably attenuated mast cell infiltration in colon epithelia. Overall, results of this study indicate that HLp demonstrated an appreciable therapeutic efficacy in experimental colitis and these results are attributed to their ability to suppress inflammation.

Biological effects of formation of protein corona onto nanoparticles

Administration of nanomaterials based medicinal and drug carrier systems into systemic circulation brings about interaction of blood components e.g. albumin and globulin proteins with these nanosystems. These blood or serum proteins either get loosely attached over these nanocarriers and form soft protein corona or are tightly adsorbed over nanoparticles and hard protein corona formation occurs. Formation of protein corona has significant implications over a wide array of physicochemical and medicinal attributes. Almost all pharmacological, toxicological and carrier characteristics of nanoparticles get prominently touched by the protein corona formation. It is this interaction of nanoparticle protein corona that decides and influences fate of nanomaterials-based systems. In this article, authors reviewed several diverse aspects of protein corona formation and its implications on various possible outcomes in vivo and in vitro. A brief description regarding formation and types of protein corona has been included along with mechanisms and pharmacokinetic, pharmacological behavior and toxicological profiles of nanoparticles has been described. Finally, significance of protein corona in context of its in vivo and in vitro behavior, involvement of biomolecules at nanoparticle plasma interface and other interfaces and effects of protein corona on biocompatibility characteristics have also been touched upon.