Multifunctional Gold Nanoparticles in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Tackling breast cancer with gold nanoparticles: twinning synthesis and particle engineering with efficacy

The World Health Organization identifies breast cancer as the most prevalent cancer despite predominantly affecting women. Surgery, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are the current treatment modalities. Site-directed nanotherapeutics, engineered with multidimensional functionality are now the frontrunners in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Gold nanoparticles with their unique colloidal, optical, quantum, magnetic, mechanical, and electrical properties have become the most valuable weapon in this arsenal. Their advantages include facile modulation of shape and size, a high degree of reproducibility and stability, biocompatibility, and ease of particle engineering to induce multifunctionality. Additionally, the surface plasmon oscillation and high atomic number of gold provide distinct advantages for tailor-made diagnosis, therapy or theranostic applications in breast cancer such as photothermal therapy, radiotherapy, molecular labeling, imaging, and sensing. Although pre-clinical and clinical data are promising for nano-dimensional gold, their clinical translation is hampered by toxicity signs in major organs like the liver, kidneys and spleen. This has instigated global scientific brainstorming to explore feasible particle synthesis and engineering techniques to simultaneously improve the efficacy and versatility and widen the safety window of gold nanoparticles. The present work marks the first study on gold nanoparticle design and maneuvering techniques, elucidating their impact on the pharmacodynamics character and providing a clear-cut scientific roadmap for their fast-track entry into clinical practice.

Assessing the toxicity of one-step-synthesized PEG-coated gold nanoparticles: in vitro and in vivo studies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo toxicities of polyethylene glycol-coated gold nanoparticles synthesized using a one-step process.

METHODS

Gold nanoparticles were prepared via a co-precipitation method using polyethylene glycol, and the synthesis product was characterized. For the in vitro evaluation, a flow cytometry analysis with Annexin V and iodide propidium staining was used to assess cytotoxicity in MG-63 cells labeled with 10, 50, and 100µg/mL of nanoparticle concentration. For the in vivo evaluation, nanoparticles were administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 10mg/kg dose in 10-week-old mice. Toxicity was assessed 24 hours and 7 days after administration via histopathological analysis of various tissues, as well as through renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic evaluations.

RESULTS

Synthesized nanoparticles exhibited different hydrodynamic sizes depending on the medium: 51.27±1.62nm in water and 268.12±28.45nm (0 hour) in culture medium. They demonstrated a maximum absorbance at 520nm and a zeta potential of -8.419mV. Cellular viability exceeded 90%, with less than 3% early apoptosis, 6% late apoptosis, and 1% necrosis across all labeling conditions, indicating minimal cytotoxicity differences. Histopathological analysis highlighted the accumulation of nanoparticles in the mesentery; however, no lesions or visible agglomeration was observed in the remaining tissues. Renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic analyses showed no significant differences at any time point.

CONCLUSION

Polyethylene glycol-coated gold nanoparticles exhibit extremely low toxicity and high biocompatibility, showing promise for future studies.

Third-Generation Anticancer Photodynamic Therapy Systems Based on Star-like Anionic Polyacrylamide Polymer, Gold Nanoparticles, and Temoporfin Photosensitizer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive anticancer treatment that uses special photosensitizer molecules (PS) to generate singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a tissue under excitation with red or infrared light. Though the method has been known for decades, it has become more popular recently with the development of new efficient organic dyes and LED light sources. Here we introduce a ternary nanocomposite: water-soluble star-like polymer/gold nanoparticles (AuNP)/temoporfin PS, which can be considered as a third-generation PDT system. AuNPs were synthesized in situ inside the polymer molecules, and the latter were then loaded with PS molecules in an aqueous solution. The applied method of synthesis allows precise control of the size and architecture of polymer nanoparticles as well as the concentration of the components. Dynamic light scattering confirmed the formation of isolated particles (120 nm diameter) with AuNPs and PS molecules incorporated inside the polymer shell. Absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopies revealed optimal concentrations of the components that can simultaneously reduce the side effects of dark toxicity and enhance singlet oxygen generation to increase cancer cell mortality. Here, we report on the optical properties of the system and detailed mechanisms of the observed enhancement of the phototherapeutic effect. Combinations of organic dyes with gold nanoparticles allow significant enhancement of the effect of ROS generation due to surface plasmonic resonance in the latter, while the application of a biocompatible star-like polymer vehicle with a dextran core and anionic polyacrylamide arms allows better local integration of the components and targeted delivery of the PS molecules to cancer cells. In this study, we demonstrate, as proof of concept, a successful application of the developed PDT system for in vitro treatment of triple-negative breast cancer cells under irradiation with a low-power LED lamp (660 nm). We consider the developed nanocomposite to be a promising PDT system for application to other types of cancer.

Long-Term Accumulation, Biological Effects and Toxicity of BSA-Coated Gold Nanoparticles in the Mouse Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys

Introduction

Gold nanoparticles are promising candidates as vehicles for drug delivery systems and could be developed into effective anticancer treatments. However, concerns about their safety need to be identified, addressed, and satisfactorily answered. Although gold nanoparticles are considered biocompatible and nontoxic, most of the toxicology evidence originates from in vitro studies, which may not reflect the responses in complex living organisms.

Methods

We used an animal model to study the long-term effects of 20 nm spherical AuNPs coated with bovine serum albumin. Mice received a 1 mg/kg single intravenous dose of nanoparticles, and the biodistribution and accumulation, as well as the organ changes caused by the nanoparticles, were characterized in the liver, spleen, and kidneys during 120 days.

Results

The amount of nanoparticles in the organs remained high at 120 days compared with day 1, showing a 39% reduction in the liver, a 53% increase in the spleen, and a 150% increase in the kidneys. The biological effects of chronic nanoparticle exposure were associated with early inflammatory and fibrotic responses in the organs and were more pronounced in the kidneys, despite a negligible amount of nanoparticles found in renal tissues.

Conclusion

Our data suggest, that although AuNPs belong to the safest nanomaterial platforms nowadays, due to their slow tissue elimination leading to long-term accumulation in the biological systems, they may induce toxic responses in the vital organs, and so understanding of their long-term biological impact is important to consider their potential therapeutic applications.

Enhancing cancer immunotherapy with photodynamic therapy and nanoparticle: making tumor microenvironment hotter to make immunotherapeutic work better

Cancer immunotherapy has made tremendous advancements in treating various malignancies. The biggest hurdle to successful immunotherapy would be the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and low immunogenicity of cancer cells. To make immunotherapy successful, the 'cold' TME must be converted to 'hot' immunostimulatory status to activate residual host immune responses. To this end, the immunosuppressive equilibrium in TME should be broken, and immunogenic cancer cell death ought to be induced to stimulate tumor-killing immune cells appropriately. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an efficient way of inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) of cancer cells and disrupting immune-restrictive tumor tissues. PDT would trigger a chain reaction that would make the TME 'hot' and have ICD-induced tumor antigens presented to immune cells. In principle, the strategic combination of PDT and immunotherapy would synergize to enhance therapeutic outcomes in many intractable tumors. Novel technologies employing nanocarriers were developed to deliver photosensitizers and immunotherapeutic to TME efficiently. New-generation nanomedicines have been developed for PDT immunotherapy in recent years, which will accelerate clinical applications.

Spectroscopic Assessment of Doxorubicin (DOX)-Gemcitabine (GEM) Gold Complex Nanovector as Diagnostic Tool of Galectin-1 Biomarker

Introduction

The aim of this study is focused on the development of theranostic hybrid nanovectors based on gold-doxorubicin (DOX)-gemcitabine (GEM) complexes and their active targeting with Galectin-1 (Gal-1) as a promising therapeutic and prognostic marker in cancer.

Methods

For this purpose, a gold salt (HAuCl4) interacts with antitumor drugs (DOX; GEM) by chelation and then stabilizes with dicarboxylic acid-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a biocompatible surfactant. The proposed methodology is fast and reproducible, and leads to the formation of a hybrid nanovector named GEM@DOX IN PEG-AuNPs, in which the chemo-biological stability was improved. All synthetic chemical products were evaluated using various spectroscopic techniques (Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopy) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Results

To conceive a therapeutic application, our hybrid nanovector (GEM@DOX IN PEG-AuNPs) was conjugated with the Galectin-1 protein (Gal-1) at different concentrations to predict and specifically recognize cancer cells. Gal-1 interacts with GEM@DOX in PEG-AuNPs, as shown by SPR and Raman measurements. We observed both dynamic variation in the plasmon position (SPR) and Raman band with Gal-1 concentration.

Discussion

We identified that GEM grafted electrostatically onto DOX IN PEG-AuNPs assumes a better chemical conformation, in which the amino group (NH3+) reacts with the carboxylic (COO-) group of PEG diacide, whereas the ciclopenthanol group at position C-5' reacts with NH3+ of DOX.

Conclusion

This study opens further way in order to built "smart nanomedical devices" that could have a dual application as therapeutic and diagnostic in the field of nanomedicine and preclinical studies associated.

A Nanoplatform Based on Pillar[5]arene Nanovalves for Combined Drug Delivery and Enhanced Antitumor Activity

Modern nanodrug delivery technologies offer new approaches in the fight against cancer. However, due to the heterogeneity of tumors and side effects of anticancer drugs, monotherapies are less effective. Herein, we report a novel pH and light dual-responsive nanodrug delivery platform. The platform was formed by sulfonate-modified gold nanoparticles loaded with the anticancer drugs doxorubicin (DOX) and glucose oxidase (GOx) and then covered by water-soluble pillar[5]arene as a nanovalve. The nanovalve formed by the host-guest interaction between pillar[5]arene and the sulfonic acid group grafted onto the gold nanoparticle increased the drug loading capacity of the nanoplatform and enabled sustained release of the drug in a simulated weakly acidic tumor environment. The released GOx can consume intracellular glucose, namely, starvation therapy, while the generated hydrogen peroxide can further kill tumor cells, complementing DOX chemotherapy. Gold nanoparticles have good photothermal conversion ability and can enhance the drugs release rate under specific wavelengths of light irradiation. The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that this novel nanodrug delivery platform has good biocompatibility and better therapeutic efficacy relative to monotherapy. This study successfully developed a combined chemo/starvation therapy strategy with good tumor suppression, providing a new approach for cancer treatment.

Radiotherapy Metastatic Prostate Cancer Cell Lines Treated with Gold Nanorods Modulate miRNA Signatures

MicroRNA (miRNA) modulation has been identified as a promising strategy for improving the response of human prostate cancer (PCa) to radiotherapy (RT). Studies have shown that mimics or inhibitors of miRNAs could modulate the sensitivity of PCa cells to RT. In addition, pegylated gold nanoparticles have been studied as a therapeutic approach to treat PCa cells and/or vehicles for carrying miRNAs to the inside of cells. Therefore, we evaluated the capacity of hypofractionated RT and pegylated gold nanorods (AuNPr-PEG) to modulate the miRNA signature on PCa cells. Thus, RT-qPCR was used to analyze miRNA-95, miRNA-106-5p, miRNA-145-5p, and miRNA-541-3p on three human metastatic prostate cell lines (PC3, DU145, and LNCaP) and one human prostate epithelial cell line (HprEpiC, a non-tumor cell line) with and without treatment. Our results showed that miRNA expression levels depend on cell type and the treatment combination applied using RT and AuNPr-PEG. In addition, cells pre-treated with AuNPr-PEG and submitted to 2.5 Gy per day for 3 days decreased the expression levels of miRNA-95, miRNA-106, miRNA-145, and miRNA-541-3p. In conclusion, PCa patients submitted to hypofractionated RT could receive personalized treatment based on their metastatic cellular miRNA signature, and AuNPr-PEG could be used to increase metastatic cell radiosensitivity.

Electron-Induced Damage by UV Photolysis of DNA Attached to Gold Nanoparticles

Photolysis of DNA attached to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with ultraviolet (UV) photons induces DNA damage. The release of nucleobases (Cyt, Gua, Ade, and Thy) from DNA was the major reaction (99%) with an approximately equal release of pyrimidines and purines. This reaction contributes to the formation of abasic sites in DNA. In addition, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/MS (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed the formation of reduction products of pyrimidines (5,6-dihydrothymidine and 5,6-dihydro-2'-deoxyuridine) and eight 2',3'- and 2',5'-dideoxynucleosides. In contrast, there was no evidence of the formation of 5-hydroxymethyluracil and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine, which are common oxidation products of thymine and guanine, respectively. Using appropriate filters, the main photochemical reactions were found to involve photoelectrons ejected from AuNPs by UV photons. The contribution of "hot" conduction band electrons with energies below the photoemission threshold was minor. The mechanism for the release of free nucleobases by photoelectrons is proposed to take place by the initial formation of transient molecular anions of the nucleobases, followed by dissociative electron attachment at the C1'-N glycosidic bond connecting the nucleobase to the sugar-phosphate backbone. This mechanism is consistent with the reactivity of secondary electrons ejected by X-ray irradiation of AuNPs attached to DNA, as well as the reactions of various nucleic acid derivatives irradiated with monoenergetic very-low-energy electrons (∼2 eV). These studies should help us to understand the chemistry of nanoparticles that are exposed to UV light and that are used as scaffolds and catalysts in molecular biology, curative agents in photodynamic therapy, and components of sunscreens and cosmetics.

A critical review on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based nanomaterials for biomedical applications: Designing, recent trends, challenges, and prospects

Nanomaterials (NMs) have garnered significant attention in recent decades due to their versatile applications in a wide range of fields. Thanks to their tiny size, enhanced surface modifications, impressive volume-to-surface area ratio, magnetic properties, and customized optical dispersion. NMs experienced an incredible upsurge in biomedical applications including diagnostics, therapeutics, and drug delivery. This minireview will focus on notable examples of NMs that tackle important issues, demonstrating various aspects such as their design, synthesis, morphology, classification, and use in cutting-edge applications. Furthermore, we have classified and outlined the distinctive characteristics of the advanced NMs as nanoscale particles and hybrid NMs. Meanwhile, we emphasize the incredible potential of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a highly versatile group of NMs. These MOFs have gained recognition as promising candidates for a wide range of bio-applications, including bioimaging, biosensing, antiviral therapy, anticancer therapy, nanomedicines, theranostics, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, gene therapy, and drug delivery. Although advanced NMs have shown great potential in the biomedical field, their use in clinical applications is still limited by issues such as stability, cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and health concerns. This review article provides a thorough analysis offering valuable insights for researchers investigating to explore new design, development, and expansion opportunities. Remarkably, we ponder the prospects of NMs and nanocomposites in conjunction with current technology.

Effects of Spherical and Rod-like Gold Nanoparticles on the Reactivity of Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are widely used in the technological and biomedical industries, which is a major driver of research on these nanoparticles. The main goal of this study was to determine the influence of GNPs (at 20, 100, and 200 μg/mL concentrations) on the reactivity of human peripheral blood leukocytes. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the respiratory burst activity and pyroptosis in monocytes and granulocytes following incubation with GNPs for 30 and 60 min. Furthermore, the concentration of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in human blood samples was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after their incubation with GNPs for 24 h. Under the conditions tested in the study, the GNPs did not significantly affect the production of reactive oxygen species in the granulocytes and monocytes that were not stimulated using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) in comparison to the samples exposed to PMA (p < 0.05). Compared to the control sample, the greatest significant increase in the mean fluorescence intensity of the granulocytes occurred in the samples incubated with CGNPs = 100 and 200 µg/mL for tinc = 30 and 60 min (p < 0.05). From our results, we conclude that the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles, chemical composition, and the type of nanoparticles used in the unit, along with the unit and incubation time, influence the induced toxicity.

Overcoming challenges in cancer treatment: Nano-enabled photodynamic therapy as a viable solution

Cancer presents a formidable challenge, necessitating innovative therapies that maximize effectiveness while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in cancer treatment, particularly through nano-enabled photodynamic therapy (NE-PDT), which leverages precise and targeted interventions. NE-PDT capitalizes on photosensitizers activated by light to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that initiate apoptotic pathways in cancer cells. Nanoparticle enhancements optimize this process, improving drug delivery, selectivity, and ROS production within tumors. This review dissects NE-PDT's mechanistic framework, showcasing its potential to harness apoptosis as a potent tool in cancer therapy. Furthermore, the review explores the synergy between NE-PDT and complementary treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, highlighting the potential to amplify apoptotic responses, enhance immune recognition of cancer cells, and inhibit resistance mechanisms. Preclinical and clinical advancements in NE-PDT demonstrate its efficacy across various cancer types. Challenges in translating NE-PDT into clinical practice are also addressed, emphasizing the need for optimizing nanoparticle design, refining dosimetry, and ensuring long-term safety. Ultimately, NE-PDT represents a promising approach in cancer therapy, utilizing the intricate mechanisms of apoptosis to address therapeutic hurdles. The review underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between nanoparticles, ROS generation, and apoptotic pathways, contributing to a deeper comprehension of cancer biology and novel therapeutic strategies. As interdisciplinary collaborations continue to thrive, NE-PDT offers hope for effective and targeted cancer interventions, where apoptosis manipulation becomes central to conquering cancer. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

Selective Targeting of Nanobody-Modified Gold Nanoparticles to Distinct Cell Types

Nanobody-modified gold nanoparticles were used to explore their ability to achieve selective targeting in vitro and in vivo to distinct cell type(s), based on the specificity of the nanobody that was installed. We developed conjugation methods that exploit click chemistry for octahedral ∼50 nm gold nanoparticles and chiral ∼180 nm gold nanoparticles. We determined that each of these particles could be modified with ∼75 and ∼330 nanobodies, respectively. Particle-bound nanobodies retain their antigen binding capacity. After conjugation of the mouse Class II MHC-specific nanobody VHH7 to chiral gold nanoparticles, selective targeting of Class II MHC-positive cell types was observed in vitro by fluorometric assays and by dark-field microscopy. Upon installation of the positron emission tomography (PET) isotopes 89Zr or 64Cu on nanobody-modified gold nanoparticles and retro-orbital injection of the radiolabeled particles, we observed accumulation predominantly in the liver and to a far lesser extent in the spleen, regardless of the size of the gold nanoparticles and the identity of the attached nanobody. We observed a striking difference in the distribution of radioisotope-labeled gold nanoparticles by changing the route of administration to intraperitoneal delivery. Significantly reduced accumulation in the liver and spleen was observed by intraperitoneal injection of nanoparticles. In the case of nanobody-modified gold nanoparticles injected intraperitoneally, prominent and persistent signals from the parathymic lymph nodes were observed in the PET/computed tomography images.

Nanotechnology development in surgical applications: recent trends and developments

This paper gives a detailed analysis of nanotechnology's rising involvement in numerous surgical fields. We investigate the use of nanotechnology in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, surgical oncology, heart surgery, vascular surgery, ophthalmic surgery, thoracic surgery, and minimally invasive surgery. The paper details how nanotechnology helps with arthroplasty, chondrogenesis, tissue regeneration, wound healing, and more. It also discusses the employment of nanomaterials in implant surfaces, bone grafting, and breast implants, among other things. The article also explores various nanotechnology uses, including stem cell-incorporated nano scaffolds, nano-surgery, hemostasis, nerve healing, nanorobots, and diagnostic applications. The ethical and safety implications of using nanotechnology in surgery are also addressed. The future possibilities of nanotechnology are investigated, pointing to a possible route for improved patient outcomes. The essay finishes with a comment on nanotechnology's transformational influence in surgical applications and its promise for future breakthroughs.

Targeting Glucose Metabolism in Cancer Cells as an Approach to Overcoming Drug Resistance

The "Warburg effect" consists of a metabolic shift in energy production from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. The continuous activation of glycolysis in cancer cells causes rapid energy production and an increase in lactate, leading to the acidification of the tumour microenvironment, chemo- and radioresistance, as well as poor patient survival. Nevertheless, the mitochondrial metabolism can be also involved in aggressive cancer characteristics. The metabolic differences between cancer and normal tissues can be considered the Achilles heel of cancer, offering a strategy for new therapies. One of the main causes of treatment resistance consists of the increased expression of efflux pumps, and multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins, which are able to export chemotherapeutics out of the cell. Cells expressing MDR proteins require ATP to mediate the efflux of their drug substrates. Thus, inhibition of the main energy-producing pathways in cancer cells, not only induces cancer cell death per se, but also overcomes multidrug resistance. Given that most anticancer drugs do not have the ability to distinguish normal cells from cancer cells, a number of drug delivery systems have been developed. These nanodrug delivery systems provide flexible and effective methods to overcome MDR by facilitating cellular uptake, increasing drug accumulation, reducing drug efflux, improving targeted drug delivery, co-administering synergistic agents, and increasing the half-life of drugs in circulation.

Interactions between gold nanoparticles with different morphologies and human serum albumin

Introduction: Three different shapes of gold nanoparticles were synthesized in this experiment. At the same time, studies compared their effects with human serum albumin (HSA). Methods: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with three different morphologies, such as, nanospheres (AuNSs), nanorods (AuNRs), and nanoflowers (AuNFs) were synthesized via a seeding method and their characteristic absorption peaks were detected using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy, Telectron microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential measurements, circular dichroism (CD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to study the interactions between them and HSA. By comparing the thermodynamic parameters and quenching mechanism of the three materials, similarities and differences were determined in their interactions with HSA. Results: The results showed that with an increase in the concentration of the AuNPs with the three different morphologies, the UV-vis absorption peak intensity of the mixed solution increased, but its fluorescence intensity was quenched. This indicates that the three types of AuNPs interact with HSA, and that the interactions between them represent a static quenching process, which is consistent with the conclusions derived from three-dimensional fluorescence experiments. Through variable-temperature fluorescence experiments, the binding constants, number of binding sites, and thermodynamic parameters of the interactions between the three types of AuNPs and HSA were determined. The Gibbs free energy changes were <0, indicating that the reactions of the three types of AuNPs with HSA are spontaneous, resulting in associated matter. Binding constant measurements indicated that the strongest binding took place between the AuNFs and HSA. In addition, the results of fluorescence, CD spectroscopy, and FTIR showed that three different shapes of AuNPs can induce conformational changes in HSA and reduce the α-helix content. Among them, AuNFs have the smallest ability to induce conformational changes. Discussion: According to studies, AuNFs interact more favorably with HSA. This can be used as a reference for the administration of drugs containing AuNPs.

New insights into nanosystems for non-small-cell lung cancer: diagnosis and treatment

Lung cancer is caused by a malignant tumor that shows the fastest growth in both incidence and mortality and is also the greatest threat to human health and life. At present, both in terms of incidence and mortality, lung cancer is the first in male malignant tumors, and the second in female malignant tumors. In the past two decades, research and development of antitumor drugs worldwide have been booming, and a large number of innovative drugs have entered clinical trials and practice. In the era of precision medicine, the concept and strategy of cancer from diagnosis to treatment are experiencing unprecedented changes. The ability of tumor diagnosis and treatment has rapidly improved, the discovery rate and cure rate of early tumors have greatly improved, and the overall survival of patients has benefited significantly, with a tendency to transform to a chronic disease with tumor. The emergence of nanotechnology brings new horizons for tumor diagnosis and treatment. Nanomaterials with good biocompatibility have played an important role in tumor imaging, diagnosis, drug delivery, controlled drug release, etc. This article mainly reviews the advancements in lipid-based nanosystems, polymer-based nanosystems, and inorganic nanosystems in the diagnosis and treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Recent advances in nanomedicine preparative methods and their therapeutic potential for colorectal cancer: a critical review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy that affects a large percentage of the global population. The conventional treatments for CRC have a number of limitations. Nanoparticles have emerged as a promising cancer treatment method due to their ability to directly target cancer cells and regulate drug release, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. This compilation examines the use of nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for CRC treatment. Different nanomaterials can be used to administer anticancer drugs, including polymeric nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles. In addition, we discuss recent developments in nanoparticle preparation techniques, such as solvent evaporation, salting-out, ion gelation, and nanoprecipitation. These methods have demonstrated high efficacy in penetrating epithelial cells, a prerequisite for effective drug delivery. This article focuses on the various targeting mechanisms utilized by CRC-targeted nanoparticles and their recent advancements in this field. In addition, the review offers descriptive information regarding numerous nano-preparative procedures for colorectal cancer treatments. We also discuss the outlook for innovative therapeutic techniques in the management of CRC, including the potential application of nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. The review concludes with a discussion of current nanotechnology patents and clinical studies used to target and diagnose CRC. The results of this investigation suggest that nanoparticles have great potential as a method of drug delivery for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with 2-Thiouracil for Antiproliferative and Photothermal Therapies in Breast Cancer Cells

Nanoparticles have been used to transport drugs to various body parts to treat cancer. Our interest is in gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) since they have the capacity to absorb light and convert it to heat, inducing cellular damage. This property is known as photothermal therapy (PTT) and has been studied in cancer treatment. In the present study, biocompatible citrate-reduced AuNPs were functionalized with a biologically active compound, 2-thiouracil (2-TU), of potential anticancer activity. Both the unfunctionalized (AuNPs) and functionalized (2-TU-AuNPs) were purified and characterized by UV-Vis absorption spectrophotometry, Zeta potential, and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Results showed monodispersed, spherical AuNPs with a mean core diameter of 20 ± 2 nm, a surface charge of -38 ± 5 mV, and a localized surface plasmon resonance peak at 520 nm. As a result of functionalization, the mean core diameter of 2-TU-AuNPs increased to 24 ± 4 nm, and the surface charge increased to -14 ± 1 mV. The functionalization of AuNPs and the load efficiency were further established through Raman spectroscopy and UV-Vis absorption spectrophotometry. The antiproliferative activities of AuNPs, 2-TU and 2-TU-AuNPs were examined by a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. It was established that AuNPs significantly enhanced the antiproliferative activity of 2-TU. Furthermore, the irradiation of the samples with visible light at 520 nm decreased the half-maximal inhibitory concentration by a factor of 2. Thus, the 2-TU drug concentration and its side effect during treatments could be significantly reduced by synergistically exploiting the antiproliferative activity of 2-TU loaded onto AuNPs and the PTT effect of AuNPs.

Gold Nanoparticles Inhibit PMA-Induced MMP-9 Expression via microRNA-204-5p Upregulation and Deactivation of NF-κBp65 in Breast Cancer Cells

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in females globally. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is crucial to the invasion, progression and spread of BC. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have an anti-tumorigenic role, but their therapeutic role in microRNAs (miRNAs) regulation has not been explored. This study determined the potential of AuNPs against MMP-9 overexpression/production and miRNA-204-5p regulation in BC cells.

METHODS

AuNPs were newly engineered, and their stability was analyzed using the zeta potential, polydispersity index, surface-plasmon-resonance peak and transmission electron microscopy. A bioinformatics algorithm was used to predict the pairing of miRNA in the 3'untranslated-region (3'UTR) of MMP-9 mRNA. TaqMan assays were carried out to quantify miRNA and mRNA, whereas MMP-9-specific immunoassays and gelatin zymography were used to determine protein secretion and activity. The binding of miRNA in MMP-9 mRNA 3'UTR was verified by luciferase reporter clone assays and transfection with anti-miRNAs. In addition, NF-κBp65 activity was determined and confirmed with parthenolide treatment.

RESULTS

Engineered AuNPs were highly stable and spherical in shape, with a mean size of 28.3 nm. Tested in MCF-7 BC cells, microRNA-204-5p directly regulates MMP-9. AuNPs inhibit PMA-induced MMP-9 mRNA and protein via hsa-miR-204-5p upregulation. Anti-miR-204 transfected MCF-7 cells demonstrated enhanced MMP-9 expression (p < 0.001), while AuNPs treatment attenuated MMP-9 expression in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Moreover, AuNPs also inhibit PMA-induced NF-κBp65 activation in anti-hsa-miR-204 transfected MCF-7 cells.

CONCLUSION

Engineered AuNPs were stable and non-toxic to BC cells. AuNPs inhibit PMA-induced MMP-9 expression, production and activation via NF-κBp65 deactivation and hsa-miR-204-5p upregulation. These novel therapeutic potentials of AuNPs on stimulated BC cells provide novel suggestions that AuNPs inhibit carcinogenic activity via inverse regulation of microRNAs.

Image-guided cancer surgery: a narrative review on imaging modalities and emerging nanotechnology strategies

Surgical resection is the cornerstone of solid tumour treatment. Current techniques for evaluating margin statuses, such as frozen section, imprint cytology, and intraoperative ultrasound, are helpful. However, an intraoperative assessment of tumour margins that is accurate and safe is clinically necessary. Positive surgical margins (PSM) have a well-documented negative effect on treatment outcomes and survival. As a result, surgical tumour imaging methods are now a practical method for reducing PSM rates and improving the efficiency of debulking surgery. Because of their unique characteristics, nanoparticles can function as contrast agents in image-guided surgery. While most image-guided surgical applications utilizing nanotechnology are now in the preclinical stage, some are beginning to reach the clinical phase. Here, we list the various imaging techniques used in image-guided surgery, such as optical imaging, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine imaging, and the most current developments in the potential of nanotechnology to detect surgical malignancies. In the coming years, we will see the evolution of nanoparticles tailored to specific tumour types and the introduction of surgical equipment to improve resection accuracy. Although the promise of nanotechnology for producing exogenous molecular contrast agents has been clearly demonstrated, much work remains to be done to put it into practice.

Exploring RAB11A Pathway to Hinder Chronic Myeloid Leukemia-Induced Angiogenesis In Vivo

Neoangiogenesis is generally correlated with poor prognosis, due to the promotion of cancer cell growth, invasion and metastasis. The progression of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is frequently associated with an increased vascular density in bone marrow. From a molecular point of view, the small GTP-binding protein Rab11a, involved in the endosomal slow recycling pathway, has been shown to play a crucial role for the neoangiogenic process at the bone marrow of CML patients, by controlling the secretion of exosomes by CML cells, and by regulating the recycling of vascular endothelial factor receptors. The angiogenic potential of exosomes secreted by the CML cell line K562 has been previously observed using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Herein, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were functionalized with an anti-RAB11A oligonucleotide (AuNP@RAB11A) to downregulate RAB11A mRNA in K562 cell line which showed a 40% silencing of the mRNA after 6 h and 14% silencing of the protein after 12 h. Then, using the in vivo CAM model, these exosomes secreted by AuNP@RAB11A incubated K562 did not present the angiogenic potential of those secreted from untreated K562 cells. These results demonstrate the relevance of Rab11 for the neoangiogenesis mediated by tumor exosomes, whose deleterious effect may be counteracted via targeted silencing of these crucial genes; thus, decreasing the number of pro-tumoral exosomes at the tumor microenvironment.

Application of Gold Nanoparticles as Radiosensitizer for Metastatic Prostate Cancer Cell Lines

More than 50% of all prostate cancer (PCa) patients are treated by radiotherapy (RT). Radioresistance and cancer recurrence are two consequences of the therapy and are related to dose heterogeneity and non-selectivity between normal and tumoral cells. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) could be used as potential radiosensitizers to overcome these therapeutic limitations of RT. This study assessed the biological interaction of different morphologies of AuNPs with ionizing radiation (IR) in PCa cells. To achieve that aim, three different amine-pegylated AuNPs were synthesized with distinct sizes and shapes (spherical, AuNP_sp-PEG, star, AuNP_st-PEG, and rods, AuNP_r-PEG) and viability, injury and colony assays were used to analyze their biological effect on PCa cells (PC3, DU145, and LNCaP) when submitted to the accumulative fraction of RT. The combinatory effect of AuNPs with IR decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis compared to cells treated only with IR or untreated cells. Additionally, our results showed an increase in the sensitization enhancement ratio by cells treated with AuNPs and IR, and this effect is cell line dependent. Our findings support that the design of AuNPs modulated their cellular behavior and suggested that AuNPs could improve the RT efficacy in PCa cells.

Surface-engineered nanoparticles in cancer immune response and immunotherapy: Current status and future prospects

Cancer immunotherapy is a therapeutic strategy to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis by intervening in the immune response process. Strategies applied to cancer immunotherapy mainly include blocking immune checkpoints, adoptive transfer of engineered immune cells, cytokine therapy, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic virus infection. However, many factors, such as off-target side effects, immunosuppressive cell infiltration and/or upregulation of immune checkpoint expression, cancer cell heterogeneity, and lack of antigen presentation, affect the therapeutic effect of immunotherapy on cancer. To improve the efficacy of targeted immunotherapy and reduce off-target effects, over the past two decades, nanoparticle delivery platforms have been increasingly used in tumor immunotherapy. However, nanoparticles are still subject to biological barriers and biodistribution challenges, which limit their overall clinical potential. This has prompted a series of engineered nanoparticles to overcome specific obstacles and transfer the accumulation of payloads to tumor-infiltrating immune cells. In recent years, new techniques and chemical methods have been employed to modify or functionalize the surfaces of nanoparticles. This review discusses the recent progress of surface-engineered nanoparticles in inducing tumor immune responses and immunotherapy, as well as future directions for the development of next-generation nanomedicines.

A Review on the Use of Gold Nanoparticles in Cancer Treatment

According to a 2020 WHO study, cancer is responsible for one in every six fatalities. One in four patients die due to side effects and intolerance to chemotherapy, making it a leading cause of patient death. Compared to traditional tumor therapy, emerging treatment methods, including immunotherapy, gene therapy, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy, have proven to be more effective. The aim of this review is to highlight the role of gold nanoparticles in advanced cancer treatment. A systematic and extensive literature review was conducted using the Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, NCBI, and various websites. Highly relevant literature from 141 references was chosen for inclusion in this review. Recently, the synergistic benefits of nano therapy and cancer immunotherapy have been shown, which could allow earlier diagnosis, more focused cancer treatment, and improved disease control. Compared to other nanoparticles, the physical and optical characteristics of gold nanoparticles appear to have significantly greater effects on the target. It has a crucial role in acting as a drug carrier, biomarker, anti-angiogenesis agent, diagnostic agent, radiosensitizer, cancer immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy. Gold nanoparticle-based cancer treatments can greatly reduce current drug and chemotherapy dosages.

Current advances in the application of nanomedicine in bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the urinary system, however there are several shortcomings in current diagnostic and therapeutic measures. In terms of diagnosis, the diagnostic tools currently available are not sufficiently sensitive and specific, and imaging is poor, leading to misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses, which can delay treatment. In terms of treatment, current treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and other emerging treatments, as well as combination therapies. However, the main reasons for poor efficacy and side effects during treatment are the lack of specificity and targeting, improper dose control of drugs and photosensitizers, damage to normal cells while attacking cancer cells, and difficulty in delivering siRNA to cancer cells. Nanomedicine is an emerging approach. Among the many nanotechnologies applied in the medical field, nanocarrier-assisted drug delivery systems have attracted extensive research interest due to their great translational value. Well-designed nanoparticles can deliver agents or drugs to specific cell types within target organs through active targeting or passive targeting (enhanced permeability and retention), which allows for imaging, diagnosis, as well as treatment of cancer. This paper reviews advances in the application of various nanocarriers and their advantages and drawbacks, with a focus on their use in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.

Antibody-modified Gold Nanobiostructures: Advancing Targeted Photodynamic Therapy for Improved Cancer Treatment

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative, non-invasive method of treating cancer that uses light-activated photosensitizers to create reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, challenges associated with the limited penetration depth of light and the need for precise control over photosensitizer activation have hindered its clinical translation. Nanomedicine, particularly gold nanobiostructures, offers promising solutions to overcome these limitations. This paper reviews the advancements in PDT and nanomedicine, focusing on applying antibody-modified gold nanobiostructures as multifunctional platforms for enhanced PDT efficacy and improved cancer treatment outcomes. The size, shape, and composition of gold nanobiostructures can significantly influence their PDT efficacy, making synthetic procedures crucial. Functionalizing the surface of gold nanobiostructures with various molecules, such as antibodies or targeting agents, bonding agents, PDT agents, photothermal therapy (PTT) agents, chemo-agents, immunotherapy agents, and imaging agents, allows composition modification. Integrating gold nanobiostructures with PDT holds immense potential for targeted cancer therapy. Antibody-modified gold nanobiostructures, in particular, have gained significant attention due to their tunable plasmonic characteristics, biocompatibility, and surface functionalization capabilities. These multifunctional nanosystems possess unique properties that enhance the efficacy of PDT, including improved light absorption, targeted delivery, and enhanced ROS generation. Passive and active targeting of gold nanobiostructures can enhance their localization near cancer cells, leading to efficient eradication of tumor tissues upon light irradiation. Future research and clinical studies will continue to explore the potential of gold nanobiostructures in PDT for personalized and effective cancer therapy. The synthesis, functionalization, and characterization of gold nanobiostructures, their interaction with light, and their impact on photosensitizers' photophysical and photochemical properties, are important areas of investigation. Strategies to enhance targeting efficiency and the evaluation of gold nanobiostructures in vitro and in vivo studies will further advance their application in PDT. The integrating antibody-modified gold nanobiostructures in PDT represents a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy. These multifunctional nanosystems possess unique properties that enhance PDT efficacy, including improved light absorption, targeted delivery, and enhanced ROS generation. Continued research and development in this field will contribute to the advancement of personalized and effective cancer treatment approaches.

Biological Response of Human Cancer Cells to Ionizing Radiation in Combination with Gold Nanoparticles

Simple Summary

Various types of metallic nanoparticles and especially gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been utilized in radiation studies to enhance the radiosensitization of cancer cells while minimizing detrimental effects in normal tissue. The aim of our study was to investigate the biological responses of various human cancer cells to gold-nanoparticle-induced radiosensitization. This was accomplished by using different AuNPs and several techniques in order to provide valuable insights regarding the multiple adverse biological effects, following ionizing radiation (IR) in combination with AuNPs. Insightful methodologies such as transmission electron microscopy were employed to identify comprehensively the complexity of the biological damage occurrence. Our findings confirm that AuNP radiosensitization may occur due to extensive and/or complex DNA damage, cell death, or cellular senescence. This multiparameter study aims to further elucidate the biological mechanisms and at the same time provide new information regarding the use of AuNPs as radiosensitizers in cancer treatment.

Abstract

In the context of improving radiation therapy, high-atomic number (Z) metallic nanoparticles and, more importantly, gold-based nanostructures are developed as radiation enhancers/radiosensitizers. Due to the diversity of cell lines, nanoparticles, as well as radiation types or doses, the resulting biological effects may differ and remain obscure. In this multiparameter study, we aim to shed light on these effects and investigate them further by employing X-irradiation and three human cancer cell lines (PC3, A549, and U2OS cells) treated by multiple techniques. TEM experiments on PC3 cells showed that citrate-capped AuNPs were found to be located mostly in membranous structures/vesicles or autophagosomes, but also, in the case of PEG-capped AuNPs, inside the nucleus as well. The colony-forming capability of cancer cells radiosensitized by AuNPs decreased significantly and the DNA damage detected by cytogenetics, γH2AX immunostaining, and by single (γH2AX) or double (γH2AX and OGG1) immunolocalization via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was in many cases higher and/or persistent after combination with AuNPs than upon individual exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). Moreover, different cell cycle distribution was evident in PC3 but not A549 cells after treatment with AuNPs and/or irradiation. Finally, cellular senescence was investigated by using a newly established staining procedure for lipofuscin, based on a Sudan Black-B analogue (GL13) which showed that based on the AuNPs’ concentration, an increased number of senescent cells might be observed after exposure to IR. Even though different cell lines or different types and concentrations of AuNPs may alter the levels of radiosensitization, our results imply that the complexity of damage might also be an important factor of AuNP-induced radiosensitization.

Monte Carlo simulation of physical dose enhancement in core-shell magnetic gold nanoparticles with TOPAS

The application of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) as sensitization materials is a common strategy that is used to study dose enhancement in radiotherapy. Recent in vitro tests have revealed that magnetic gold nanoparticles (NPs) can be used in cancer therapy under a magnetic field to enhance the synergistic efficiency in radiotherapy and photothermal therapy. However, magnetic gold NPs have rarely been studied as sensitization materials. In this study, we obtained further results of the sensitization properties of the magnetic gold NPs (Fe3O4@AuNPs) with or without magnetic field using the TOPAS-nBio Monte Carlo (MC) toolkit. We analyzed the properties of Fe3O4@AuNP in a single NP model and in a cell model under monoenergetic photons and brachytherapy, and we investigated whether the magnetic field contributes to the physical sensitization process. Our results revealed that the dose enhancement factor (DEF) of Fe3O4@AuNPs was lower than that of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in a single NP and in a cell irradiated by monoenergetic photons. But it’s worth mentioning that under a magnetic field, the DEF of targeted Fe3O4@AuNPs in a cell model with a clinical brachytherapy source was 22.17% (cytoplasm) and 6.89% (nucleus) higher than those of AuNPs (50 mg/mL). The Fe3O4@AuNPs were proved as an effective sensitization materials when combined with the magnetic field in MC simulation for the first time, which contributes to the research on in vitro tests on radiosensitization as well as clinical research in future.

Anti-Cancer Activity of the Combinational Treatment of Noozone Cold Plasma with p-FAK Antibody-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles in OSCC Xenograft Mice

Oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer (about 80–90% of cases) and various research is being done to cure the disease. This paper aims to verify whether treatment with no-ozone cold plasma (NCP), which is designed for safe usage of the plasma on oral cavities, in combination with gold nanoparticles conjugated with p-FAK antibody (p-FAK/GNP) can trigger the selective and instant killing of SCC-25 cells both in vitro and in vivo. When SCC25 and HaCaT cells are exposed to p-FAK/GNP+NCP, the instant cell death was observed only in SCC25 cells. Such p-FAK/GNP+NCP-mediated cell death was observed only when NCP was directly treated on SCC25 harboring p-FAK/GNP. During NCP treatment, the removal of charged particles from NCP using grounded electric mesh radically decreased the p-FAK/GNP+NCP-mediated cell death. This p-FAK/GNP+NCP-mediated selective cell death of OSCC was also observed in mice xenograft models using SCC25 cells. The mere treatment of p-FAK/GNP and NCP on the xenograft tumor slowly decreased the size of the tumor, and only about 50% of the tumor remained at the end of the experiment. On the other hand, 1 week of p-FAK/GNP+NCP treatment was enough to reduce half of the tumor size, and most of tumor tissue had vanished at the end. An analysis of isolated tissues showed that in the case of individual treatment with p-FAK/GNP or NCP, the cancer cell population was reduced due to apoptotic cell death. However, in the case of p-FAK/GNP+NCP, apoptotic cell death was unobserved, and most tissues were composed of collagen. Thus, this paper suggests the possibility of p-FAK/GNP+NCP as a new method for treating OSCC.

Gold Nanocage-Based Photothermal Ablation Facilitates In Situ Vaccination for Melanoma Therapy

Cancer immunotherapy represents a medical breakthrough, but there are still many patients unable to benefit from it because of the low response rate. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) is the main barrier to immunotherapy. Alleviating intratumoral immunosuppression is critical for improving the immune therapeutic efficacy. This work developed an in situ vaccination strategy by using gold nanocage (AuNC)-based photothermal effect in combination with an adjuvant and PD-L1 suppressor. In specific, this therapeutic strategy included three components: AuNCs as an inducer for tumor antigen production via photothermal ablation, CpG oligodeoxynucleotides as an adjuvant to amplify immune responses, and JQ1 as a PD-L1 suppressor to inhibit an immune checkpoint. The results showed that the in situ vaccination efficiently activated dendritic cells and primed T cells and exhibited a high therapeutic efficacy in the melanoma-bearing mice. This therapeutic strategy can increase the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, suppress the PD-L1 expression in the tumor, and repolarize tumor-associated macrophages from pro-tumor M2 to the anti-tumor M1 phenotype, thereby remodeling the TME via regulating the innate immune and adaptive immune responses.

Gold Nanoparticles Contact with Cancer Cell: A Brief Update

The fine-tuning of the physicochemical properties of gold nanoparticles has facilitated the rapid development of multifunctional gold-based nanomaterials with diagnostic, therapeutic, and therapeutic applications. Work on gold nanoparticles is increasingly focusing on their cancer application. This review provides a summary of the main biological effects exerted by gold nanoparticles on cancer cells and highlights some critical factors involved in the interaction process (protein corona, tumor microenvironment, surface functionalization). The review also contains a brief discussion of the application of gold nanoparticles in target discovery.