Chlorambucil-Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as a Drug Delivery System for Leukemia Cancer Cells

Advanced Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapy: Gold, Silver, and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Oncological Applications

Cancer remains one of the most challenging health issues globally, demanding innovative therapeutic approaches for effective treatment. Nanoparticles, particularly those composed of gold, silver, and iron oxide, have emerged as promising candidates for changing cancer therapy. This comprehensive review demonstrates the landscape of nanoparticle-based oncological interventions, focusing on the remarkable advancements and therapeutic potentials of gold, silver, and iron oxide nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticles have garnered significant attention for their exceptional biocompatibility, tunable surface chemistry, and distinctive optical properties, rendering them ideal candidates for various cancer diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Silver nanoparticles, renowned for their antimicrobial properties, exhibit remarkable potential in cancer therapy through multiple mechanisms, including apoptosis induction, angiogenesis inhibition, and drug delivery enhancement. With their magnetic properties and biocompatibility, iron oxide nanoparticles offer unique cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy opportunities. This review critically examines the recent advancements in the synthesis, functionalization, and biomedical applications of these nanoparticles in cancer therapy. Moreover, the challenges are discussed, including toxicity concerns, immunogenicity, and translational barriers, and ongoing efforts to overcome these hurdles are highlighted. Finally, insights into the future directions of nanoparticle-based cancer therapy and regulatory considerations, are provided aiming to accelerate the translation of these promising technologies from bench to bedside.

Liposomal Encapsulation of Chlorambucil with a Terpyridine-Based, Glutathione-Targeted Optical Probe Facilitates Cell Entry and Cancer Cell Death

The nitrogen mustard alkylating agent chlorambucil (CBL) is a critical component of chemotherapeutic regimens used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The cancer cell-killing actions of CBL are limited by glutathione (GSH) conjugation, a process catalyzed by the GSH transferase hGSTA1-1 that triggers CBL efflux from cells. In the cancer cell microenvironment, intracellular GSH levels are elevated to counterbalance oxidative stress generated due to the high glycolytic demand. As many chemotherapeutic drugs trigger cell death through mechanisms that depend on reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant capacity in cancer cells also represents a barrier to anticancer therapies. Here, we demonstrate that a heightened GSH content in cancer cells can also be exploited for cell-selective drug delivery. We successfully synthesized a malononitrile conjugate terpyridine-based derivative L1, which specifically reacts with GSH in the presence of other biologically relevant amino acids including cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy). The significant change in the electronic spectra of L1 in the presence of GSH confirmed GSH detection, which was further corroborated by density functional theory calculations. We next encapsulated CBL into L1-containing, anthracene-functionalized, and 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA)- and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC)-based liposomes (Lip-CBL-L1). We established successful CBL encapsulation and release from L1-containing liposomes in GSH-enriched cancer cells in vitro. Both Lip-CBL-L1 and the L1-lacking Lip-CBL control displayed cell-killing activity. However, human triple-negative breast cancer cells MDAMB231, human lung cancer cells A549, and murine leukemic WEHI cells were more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of Lip-CBL-L1 compared to the nonmalignant cells (AC16 and HEK293). Indeed, in these cancer cell lines, Lip-CBL-L1 induced greater ROS generation compared to that of Lip-CBL. Together, our results provide initial evidence of the feasibility of exploiting the unique oxidant environment of cancer cells for optimized drug delivery.

Activated carbon-coated iron oxide magnetic nanocomposite (IONPs@CtAC) loaded with morin hydrate for drug-delivery applications

Cancer is a major disease that affects millions of people around the world every year. It affects individuals of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Since drugs used to treat cancer cannot distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells, they cause systemic toxicity along with serious side effects. Recently, controlled drug-release systems have been developed to reduce the side effects caused by anticancer drugs used for treatment. Morin is an anticancer drug with a flavonol structure. It has been extensively researched for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, and antibacterial properties, especially found in Chinese herbs and fruits, and its multiple positive effects on different diseases. In this study, a nanocomposite with magnetic properties was synthesized by coating biocompatible activated carbon obtained using the fruits of the Celtis tournefortii plant on the surface of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles. Characterization of the synthesized activated carbon-coated iron oxide magnetic nanocomposite was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The cytotoxic effects of the drug-loaded magnetic nanocomposite were examined in HT-29 (colorectal), T98-G (glioblastoma) cancer cell lines, and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) healthy cell line. The morin loading and release behavior of the activated carbon-coated iron oxide magnetic nanocomposite were studied, and the results showed that up to 60% of the adsorbed morin was released within 4 h. In summary, activated carbon-coated iron oxide magnetic nanocomposite carriers have shown promising results for the delivery of the morin drug.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Chlorambucil-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

This study describes the synthesis and characterization of chlorambucil (CLB)-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for potential application in cancer therapy. The nanoparticles were designed with a diameter between 20 and 50 nm to optimize cellular uptake and avoid rapid clearance from the bloodstream. The synthesis method involved modifying a previously reported technique to reduce particle size. Successful functionalization with CLB was confirmed through various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and elemental analysis. The cytotoxicity of the CLB-functionalized nanoparticles (MSN@NH2-CLB) was evaluated against human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and colon carcinoma cells (CT26WT). The results suggest significantly higher cytotoxicity of MSN@NH2-CLB compared to unbound CLB, with improved selectivity towards cancer cells over normal cells. This suggests that MSN@NH2-CLB holds promise as a drug delivery system for targeted cancer therapy.

Cytoskeleton-modulating nanomaterials and their therapeutic potentials

The cytoskeleton, an intricate network of protein fibers within cells, plays a pivotal role in maintaining cell shape, enabling movement, and facilitating intracellular transport. Its involvement in various pathological states, ranging from cancer proliferation and metastasis to the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, underscores its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention. The exploration of nanotechnology in this realm, particularly the use of nanomaterials for cytoskeletal modulation, represents a cutting-edge approach with the promise of novel treatments. Inorganic nanomaterials, including those derived from gold, metal oxides, carbon, and black phosphorus, alongside organic variants such as peptides and proteins, are at the forefront of this research. These materials offer diverse mechanisms of action, either by directly interacting with cytoskeletal components or by influencing cellular signaling pathways that, in turn, modulate the cytoskeleton. Recent advancements have introduced magnetic field-responsive and light-responsive nanomaterials, which allow for targeted and controlled manipulation of the cytoskeleton. Such precision is crucial in minimizing off-target effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This review explores the importance of research into cytoskeleton-targeting nanomaterials for developing therapeutic interventions for a range of diseases. It also addresses the progress made in this field, the challenges encountered, and future directions for using nanomaterials to modulate the cytoskeleton. The continued exploration of nanomaterials for cytoskeleton modulation holds great promise for advancing therapeutic strategies against a broad spectrum of diseases, marking a significant step forward in the intersection of nanotechnology and medicine.

Impacts of designed vanillic acid-polymer-magnetic iron oxide nanocomposite on breast cancer cells

The engineered nano-vehicle was constructed using magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) and chitosan (CTS) to stabilize anticancer agent vanillic acid (VNA) which was loaded on CTS-coated MIONs nanocarrier, and more importantly, to achieve sustained VNA release and subsequent proper anticancer activity. The new thermally stable VNA-CTS- MIONs nanocomposite was spherical with a middle diameter of 6 nm and had a high drug loading of about 11.8 %. The MIONs and resulting nanocomposite were composed of pure magnetite and therefore, were superparamagnetic with saturation magnetizations of 53.3 and 45.7 emu.g-1, respectively. The release profiles of VNA from VNA-CTS-MIONs nanocomposite in different pH values were sustained and showed controlled pH-responsive delivery of the loaded VNA with 89 % and 74 % percentage release within 2354 and 4046 min at pH 5 and 7.4, respectively, as well as were in accordance with the pseudo-second-order model. The VNA-CTS-MIONs nanocomposite treatment at diverse concentrations remarkably decreased the viability and promoted ROS accumulation and apoptosis in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Hence, it can be a propitious candidate for the management of breast cancer in the future.

Chitosan in cancer therapy: a dual role as a therapeutic agent and drug delivery system

Although chemotherapy is still the most preferred treatment for cancer, most chemotherapeutic agents target both cancer cells and healthy cells and cause serious side effects due to high toxicity. Improved drug delivery systems (DDSs), which enhance the efficacy of current chemotherapeutic drugs while reducing their toxicity, offer potential solutions to these challenges. Chitosan (CS) and its derivatives are biopolymers with biodegradable, biocompatible, and low-toxicity properties, and their structure allows for convenient chemical and mechanical modifications. In its role as a therapeutic agent, CS can impede the proliferation of tumor cells through the inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis, as well as by triggering apoptosis. CS and its derivatives are also frequently preferred as DDSs due to their properties such as high drug-carrying capacity, polycationic structure, long-term circulation, and direct targeting of cancer cells. Various therapeutic agents linked to CS and its derivatives demonstrate potent anticancer effects with advantages such as reduced side effects compared to the original drugs, owing to factors like targeted distribution within cancer tissues and sustained release. This review emphasizes the utilization of CS and its derivatives, both as therapeutic agents and as carriers for established chemotherapeutic drugs.

Delivery of Chlorambucil to the Brain Using Surface Modified Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

The delivery of drugs to the brain in the therapy of diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) remains a continuing challenge because of the lack of delivery systems that can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, there is a need to develop an innovative delivery method for the treatment of CNS diseases. Thus, we have investigated the interaction of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and S-(-)-γ-amino-α-hydroxybutyric acid (GAHBA) with the GABA receptor by performing a docking study. Both GABA and GAHBA show comparable binding affinities toward the receptor. In this study, we developed surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) using GAHBA-derived lipids that can cross the BBB. CLB-loaded SLNs were characterized by a number of methods including differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, UV-vis spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The blank and CLB-loaded SLN suspensions were found to exhibit good storage stability. Also, the SLNs showed a higher encapsulation efficiency for CLB drugs. In vitro release kinetics of CLB at physiological temperature was also investigated. The results of the in vitro cell cytotoxicity assay and flow cytometry studies in the human glioma U87MG cell line and human prostate cancer PC3 cell line suggested a higher efficacy of the GAHBA-modified CLB-loaded SLNs in U87MG cells. The transcription level of GABA receptor expression in the target organ and cell line was analyzed by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction study. The in vivo biodistribution and brain uptake in C57BL6 mice and SPECT/CT imaging in Wistar rats investigated using 99mTc-labeled SLN and autoradiography suggest that the SLNs have an increasing brain uptake. We have demonstrated the delivery of the anticancer drug chlorambucil (CLB) to glioma.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Cancer Treatment: Cell Responses and the Potency to Improve Radiosensitivity

The main concept of radiosensitization is making the tumor tissue more responsive to ionizing radiation, which leads to an increase in the potency of radiation therapy and allows for decreasing radiation dose and the concomitant side effects. Radiosensitization by metal oxide nanoparticles is widely discussed, but the range of mechanisms studied is not sufficiently codified and often does not reflect the ability of nanocarriers to have a specific impact on cells. This review is focused on the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles while they occupied a special niche among the prospective radiosensitizers due to unique physicochemical characteristics and reactivity. We collected data about the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the radiosensitizing effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and the main approaches to increase their therapeutic efficacy by variable modifications.

Application of iron oxide nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia

Leukemia is a malignancy initiated by uncontrolled proliferation of hematopoietic stem cell from the B and T lineages, resulting in destruction of hematopoietic system. The conventional leukemia treatments induce severe toxic and a long series of unwanted side-effects which are caused by lack of specificity of anti-leukemic drugs. Recently, nanotechnology have shown tremendous application and clinical impact with respect to diagnosis and treatment of leukemia. According to considerable researches in the context of finding new nanotechnological platform, iron oxide nanoparticles have been gained increasing attention for the leukemia patients use. In this review, a short introduction of leukemia is described followed by the evaluation of the current approaches of iron oxide nanoparticles applied in the leukemia detection and treatment. The enormous advantages of iron oxide nanoparticles for leukemia have been discussed, which consist of the detection of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as efficient contrast agents, magnetic biosensors and targeted delivery of anti-leukemia drugs by coating different targeting moieties. In addition, this paper will briefly describe the application of iron oxide nanoparticles in the combined treatment of leukemia. Finally, the shortcomings of the current applications of iron-based nanoparticles in leukemia diagnosis and treatment will be discussed in particular.

Design of Novel Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Inhibitors for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and Density Functional Theory Studies on Gold Nanoparticles

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are a diverse collection of lymphoproliferative cancers that are much less predictable than Hodgkin's lymphomas with a far greater tendency to metastasize to extranodal sites. A quarter of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cases develop at extranodal sites and the majority of them involve nodal and extranodal sites. The most common subtypes include follicular lymphoma, chronic/small lymphocytic leukaemia, mantel cell lymphoma, and marginal zone lymphoma. Umbralisib is one of the latest PI3Kδ inhibitors in clinical trials for several hematologic cancer indications. In this study, new umbralisib analogues were designed and docked to the active site of PI3Kδ, the main target of the phosphoinositol-3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of the rapamycin pathway (PI3K/AKT/mTOR). This study resulted in eleven candidates, with strong binding to PI3Kδ with a docking score between -7.66 and -8.42 Kcal/mol. The docking analysis of ligand-receptor interactions between umbralisib analogues bound to PI3K showed that their interactions were mainly controlled by hydrophobic interactions and, to a lesser extent, by hydrogen bonding. In addition, the MM-GBSA binding free energy was calculated. Analogue 306 showed the highest free energy of binding with -52.22 Kcal/mol. To identify the structural changes and the complexes' stability of proposed ligands, molecular dynamic simulation was used. Based on this research finding, the best-designed analogue, analogue 306, formed a stable ligand-protein complex. In addition, pharmacokinetics and toxicity analysis using the QikProp tool demonstrated that analogue 306 had good absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties. Additionally, it has a promising predicted profile in immune toxicity, carcinogenicity, and cytotoxicity. In addition, analogue 306 had stable interactions with gold nanoparticles that have been studied using density functional theory calculations. The best interaction with gold was observed at the oxygen atom number 5 with -29.42 Kcal/mol. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations are recommended to be carried out to verify the anticancer activity of this analogue.

TPGS Decorated Liposomes as Multifunctional Nano-Delivery Systems

Liposomes are sphere-shaped vesicles that can capture therapeutics either in the outer phospholipid bilayer or inner aqueous core. Liposomes, especially when surface-modified with functional materials, have been used to achieve many benefits in drug delivery, including improving drug solubility, oral bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and delivery to disease target sites such as cancers. Among the functional materials used to modify the surface of liposomes, the FDA-approved non-ionic surfactant D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) is increasingly being applied due to its biocompatibility, lack of toxicity, applicability to various administration routes and ability to enhance solubilization, stability, penetration and overall pharmacokinetics. TPGS decorated liposomes are emerging as a promising drug delivery system for various diseases and are expected to enter the market in the coming years. In this review article, we focus on the multifunctional properties of TPGS-coated liposomes and their beneficial therapeutic applications, including for oral drug delivery, vaccine delivery, ocular administration, and the treatment of various cancers. We also suggest future directions to optimise the manufacture and performance of TPGS liposomes and, thus, the delivery and effect of encapsulated diagnostics and therapeutics.

Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery: From History to Therapeutic Applications

Current research into the role of engineered nanoparticles in drug delivery systems (DDSs) for medical purposes has developed numerous fascinating nanocarriers. This paper reviews the various conventionally used and current used carriage system to deliver drugs. Due to numerous drawbacks of conventional DDSs, nanocarriers have gained immense interest. Nanocarriers like polymeric nanoparticles, mesoporous nanoparticles, nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, liposomes, metallic nanoparticles, nanomedicine, and engineered nanomaterials are used as carriage systems for targeted delivery at specific sites of affected areas in the body. Nanomedicine has rapidly grown to treat certain diseases like brain cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and many others. These nanomedicines can improve drug bioavailability and drug absorption time, reduce release time, eliminate drug aggregation, and enhance drug solubility in the blood. Nanomedicine has introduced a new era for drug carriage by refining the therapeutic directories of the energetic pharmaceutical elements engineered within nanoparticles. In this context, the vital information on engineered nanoparticles was reviewed and conferred towards the role in drug carriage systems to treat many ailments. All these nanocarriers were tested in vitro and in vivo. In the coming years, nanomedicines can improve human health more effectively by adding more advanced techniques into the drug delivery system.

Iron-Based Magnetic Nanosystems for Diagnostic Imaging and Drug Delivery: Towards Transformative Biomedical Applications

The advancement of biomedicine in a socioeconomically sustainable manner while achieving efficient patient-care is imperative to the health and well-being of society. Magnetic systems consisting of iron based nanosized components have gained prominence among researchers in a multitude of biomedical applications. This review focuses on recent trends in the areas of diagnostic imaging and drug delivery that have benefited from iron-incorporated nanosystems, especially in cancer treatment, diagnosis and wound care applications. Discussion on imaging will emphasise on developments in MRI technology and hyperthermia based diagnosis, while advanced material synthesis and targeted, triggered transport will be the focus for drug delivery. Insights onto the challenges in transforming these technologies into day-to-day applications will also be explored with perceptions onto potential for patient-centred healthcare.

Toxicological effects of the mixed iron oxide nanoparticle (Fe3O4 NP) on murine fibroblasts LA-9

The increase in large-scale production of magnetic nanoparticles (NP) associated with the incomplete comprehensive knowledge regarding the potential risks of their use on environmental and human health makes it necessary to study the biological effects of these particles on organisms at the cellular level. The aim of this study to examine the cellular effects on fibroblast lineage LA-9 after exposure to mixed iron oxide NP (Fe₃O₄ NP). The following analyses were performed: field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy (SEM-FEG), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, ultraviolet/visible region spectroscopy (UV/VIS), and attenuated total reactance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy analyses for characterization of the NP. The assays included cell viability, morphology, clonogenic potential, oxidative stress as measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, cytokines quantification interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), NP uptake, and cell death. The size of Fe₃O₄ NP was 26.3 nm when evaluated in water through DLS. Fe₃O₄ NP did not reduce fibroblast cell viability until the highest concentration tested (250 µg/ml), which showed a decrease in clonogenic potential as well as small morphological changes after exposure for 48 and 72 hr. The NP concentration of 250 µg/ml induced enhanced ROS and NO production after 24 hr treatment. The uptake assay exhibited time-dependent Fe₃O₄ NP internalization at all concentrations tested with no significant cell death. Hence, exposure of fibroblasts to Fe₃O₄ NP-induced oxidative stress but not reduced cell viability or death. However, the decrease in the clonogenic potential at the highest concentration demonstrates cytotoxic effects attributed to Fe₃O₄ NP which occurred on the 7^th day after exposure.