Advanced Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems and Their Cellular Evaluation for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

One-Pot Synthesis and Characterization of Naringenin-Capped Silver Nanoparticles with Enhanced Biological Activities

Flavonoids are known to possess biological effects like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties. Similarly, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used in the biomedical industry for therapy and diagnostics for a long time. This study investigates the potential of naringenin functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgN NPs) as a potential wound healing agent. The synthesis of AgN NPs was carried out using the one-pot synthesis method in the alkaline pH. Naringenin is used as the capping and the reducing agent. The naringenin-capped AgNPs were synthesized in six different concentrations. The structural, morphological, and spectroscopic characterization for each sample was conducted. The size of the nanoparticles was studied using the dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiment and further confirmed using TEM. The crystalline structure was investigated using X-ray diffraction, and AgN NPs exhibited a fcc crystal structure. The FTIR confirmed the capping of naringenin on AgNPs. All samples were tested for antibacterial activity, and the results demonstrated zones of inhibition against both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Also, AgN NPs exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties. The wound healing potential of AgN NPs was evaluated using a scratch wound assay in L929 cell lines. After 24 h, the scratch area was significantly reduced in the AgN NPs-treated sample, indicating enhanced cell migration compared to naringenin. Hence, these findings suggest that AgN NPs may serve as a more promising wound-healing agent than naringenin.

Global research trends and emerging hotspots in nano-drug delivery systems for lung cancer: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis (1998-2024)

PURPOSE

Nano-drug delivery systems (NDDS) have become a promising alternative and adjunctive strategy for lung cancer (LC) treatment. However, comprehensive bibliometric analyses examining global research efforts on NDDS in LC are scarce. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying key research trends, emerging hotspots, and collaboration networks within the field of NDDS and LC.

METHODS

A total of 2452 publications, spanning from 1998 to 2024, were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection. The data were analyzed using tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package 'bibliometrix'.

RESULTS

The analysis covered contributions from 12,539 researchers affiliated with 2689 institutions across 55 countries, with their work published in 551 different journals. Research output has increased steadily, with China and the United States leading in both publication volume and impact. Major contributors include the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The International Journal of Nanomedicine published the most articles, while Journal of Controlled Release ranked highest in co-citations. Kamal Dua authored the most papers, and Maeda, H. was the most frequently co-cited author. Key research areas encompass "active targeting", "drug delivery optimization", "overcoming drug resistance", "nanocarriers", and "pulmonary drug delivery". Emerging hotspots include "epithelial mesenchymal transition", "mucus penetration", "lipid nanoparticles", "hydrogels", and "immune checkpoint inhibitors".

CONCLUSION

This bibliometric analysis, the first comprehensive study on NDDS in LC, identifies China and the United States as leading contributors in publication volume and impact. Key research areas include "active targeting" and "drug delivery optimization", with emerging hotspots such as "lipid nanoparticles" and "immune checkpoint inhibitors". These findings provide essential insights to guide future research and optimize treatment strategies.

Biological Scaffolds in 3D Cell Models: Driving Innovation in Drug Discovery

The discipline of 3D cell modeling is currently undergoing a surge of captivating developments that are enhancing the realism and utility of tissue simulations. Using bioinks which represent cells, scaffolds, and growth factors scientists can construct intricate tissue architectures layer by layer using innovations like 3D bioprinting. Drug testing can be accelerated and organ functions more precisely replicated owing to the precise control that microfluidic technologies and organ-on-chip devices offer over the cellular environment. Tissue engineering is becoming more dynamic with materials that can modify their surroundings with the advent of hydrogels and smart biomaterials. Advances in spheroids and organoids are not only bringing us towards more effective and customized therapies, but they are also improving their ability to resemble actual human tissues. Confocal and two-photon microscopy are examples of advanced imaging methods that provide precise images of the functioning and interaction of cells. Artificial Intelligence models have applications for enhanced scaffold designs and for predicting the response of tissues to medications. Furthermore, via strengthening predictive models, optimizing data analysis, and simplifying 3D cell culture design, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing this field. When combined, these technologies are improving our ability to conduct research and moving us toward more individualized and effective medical interventions.

From Preformulative Design to in Vivo Tests: A Complex Path of Requisites and Studies for Nanoparticle Ocular Application. Part 2: In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and In Vivo Studies

The incidence of ocular pathologies is constantly increasing, as is the interest of the researchers in developing new strategies to ameliorate the treatment of these conditions. Nowadays, drug delivery systems are considered among the most relevant approaches due to their applicability in the treatment of a great variety of inner and outer eye pathologies through painless topical administrations. The design of such nanocarriers requires a deep study of many aspects related to the administration route but also a consideration of the authorities and pharmacopeial requirements, in order to achieve a clinical outcome. On such bases, the scope of this review is to describe the path of the analyses that could be performed on nanoparticles, along with the assessment of their applicability for ophthalmic treatments. Preformulation studies, physicochemical and technological characterization, and preliminary noncellular in vitro studies have been described in part 1 of this review. Herein, first the in vitro cellular assays are described; subsequently, nonocular organotypic tests and ex vivo studies are reported, as to present the various analyses to which the formulations can be subjected before in vivo studies, described in the last part. In each step, the models that could be used are presented and compared, highlighting the pros and cons. Moreover, their reliability and eventual acceptance by regulatory agencies are discussed. Hence, this review provides an overview of the most relevant assays applicable for nanocarriers intended for ophthalmic administration to guide researchers in the experimental decision process.

Nonsmall-cell lung cancer treatment: current status of drug repurposing and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems

Drug repurposing is the strategy of drug utilization for a treatment option other than the intended indications. This strategy has witnessed increased adoption over the past decades, especially within cancer nanomedicine. Cancer nanomedicine has been facilitated through nanoparticle-based (NP-based) delivery systems which can combat nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via recent advances in nanotechnology and apply its benefits to existing drugs. The repurposing of drugs, coupled with NP-based drug delivery systems, presents a promising avenue for achieving effective therapeutic solutions with accelerated outcomes. This review aims to present an overview of NSCLC treatments, with a specific focus on drug repurposing. It seeks to elucidate the latest advances in clinical studies and the utilization of NP-based drug delivery systems tailored for NSCLC treatment. First, the molecular mechanisms of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for NSCLC, including ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) like repotrectinib, approved in November 2023, are detailed. Further, in vitro studies employing a combination strategy of drug repurposing and NP-based drug delivery systems as a treatment approach against NSCLC are listed. It includes the latest study on nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems loaded with repurposed drugs.

Antibiotics and nano-antibiotics in treatment of lung infection: In management of COVID-19

The world has witnessed the cruelty of COVID-19 disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The association of COVID-19 with other secondary and bacterial co-infections has tremendously contributed to lung infections. An increased probability of having a secondary lung infection was observed among the post-COVID patients. The treatment of antibiotics has ameliorated the mortality rate. However, the stewardship of antibiotic treatment was linked to increased organ failure. Therefore, the paper discusses the interactions between the virus and host through the ACE2 receptors that contribute to COVID-19 development. Furthermore, the paper provides an invaluable compendium history of SARS-CoV-2 genomic composition. It revolves around most classes of antibiotics used to treat COVID-19 disease and post-COVID lung infections with the complete mechanism. This binds with the exertion of the antibiotics for bacterial infection associated with COVID-19 patients and how beneficial and effective responses have been recorded for the treatment. The application of nanotechnology and possible approaches of nanomedicines is also discussed to its potential usage.

Anticancer and Targeting Activity of Phytopharmaceutical Structural Analogs of a Natural Peptide from Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Related Peptide-Decorated Gold Nanoparticles

In the large field of bioactive peptides, peptaibols represent a unique class of compounds. They are membrane-active peptides, produced by fungi of the genus Trichoderma and known to elicit plant defenses. Among the short-length peptaibols, trichogin GA IV is nonhemolytic, proteolysis-resistant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic. Several trichogin analogs are endowed with potent activity against phytopathogens, thus representing a sustainable alternative to copper for plant protection. In this work, we tested the activity of trichogin analogs against a breast cancer cell line and a normal cell line of the same derivation. Lys-containing trichogins showed an IC50 below 12 µM, a peptide concentration not significantly affecting the viability of normal cells. Two analogs were found to be membrane-active but noncytotoxic. They were anchored to gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and further investigated for their ability to act as targeting agents. GNP uptake by cancer cells increased with peptide decoration, while it decreased in the corresponding normal epithelial cells. This work highlights the promising biological properties of peptaibol analogs in the field of cancer therapy either as cytotoxic molecules or as active targeting agents in drug delivery.

Influence of Cell Type on the Efficacy of Plasmonic Photothermal Therapy

In plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT), illuminated gold nanoparticles are locally heated to produce selective damage in cells. While PPTT is expected to strongly depend on the cell line, available data are sparse and critical parameters remain unclear. To elucidate this pivotal aspect, we present a systematic study of diseased and nondiseased cells from different tissues to evaluate cytotoxicity, uptake of gold nanorods (AuNRs), and viability after PPTT. We identified differences in uptake and toxicity between cell types, linking AuNR concentrations to toxicity. Furthermore, the cell death mechanism is shown to depend on the intensity of the irradiated light and hence the temperature increase. Importantly, the data also underline the need to monitor cell death at different time points. Our work contributes to the definition of systematic protocols with appropriate controls to fully comprehend the effects of PPTT and build meaningful and reproducible data sets, key to translate PPTT to clinical settings.

Crizotinib loaded polydopamine-polylactide-TPGS nanoparticles in targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer

To evaluate the effect and safety of crizotinib loaded polydopamine-polylactide-TPGS nanoparticles (CZT/pD-PT NPs) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). CZT/pD-PT NPs were synthesized and characterized, and their effects on PC-9 cell viability and apoptosis were determined. In vivo experiment was further performed to evaluate the anti-NSCLC efficacy of CZT/pD-PT NPs. TUNEL assay and Western blot were respectively applied for the determination of cell apoptosis and apoptosis-related protein expression, while liver function-related index expression detection and liver histopathological detection were used to evaluate the hepatotoxicity of CZT/pD-PT NPs. Compared with free CZT, CZT/pD-PT NPs had a sustained-release effect and promoted the cellular uptake of CZT. In addition, CZT/pD-PT NPs significantly inhibited PC-9 cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo, exhibiting superior cytotoxicity. At the same time, CZT/pD-PT NPs had no significant effect on liver tissue morphology and liver function-related indicators such as ALP, ALT, AST, and DBIL. CZT/pD-PT NPs have excellent anti-NSCLC effect with low hepatotoxicity, which can be served as a novel drug delivery system to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy for NSCLC.

Radiotherapy-induced enrichment of EGF-modified doxorubicin nanoparticles enhances the therapeutic outcome of lung cancer

Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, related dose-dependent toxicity limits its clinical use. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new strategies for improving the clinical outcomes while reducing the side effects of chemotherapy in the treatment of NSCLC. In this study, we designed and synthesized epidermal growth factor (EGF)-modified doxorubicin nanoparticles (EGF@DOX-NPs) that selectively targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpressed in lung tumor cells. When administered in combination with low-dose X-ray radiotherapy (RT), the NPs preferentially accumulated at the tumor site due to radiation-induced outburst of the local intra-tumoral blood vessels. Compared with DOX alone, EGF@DOX-NPs significantly decreased the viability and migration and enhanced the apoptosis rates of tumor cells in vitro. Also, the EGF@DOX-NPs significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo, increasing the survival of the tumor-bearing mice without apparent systemic toxic effects through RT-induced aggregation. The tumor cell proliferation was greatly inhibited in the RT + EGF@DOX-NPs group. Contrarily, the apoptosis of tumor cells was significantly higher in this group. These results confirm the promising clinical application of radiotherapy in combination with EGF@DOX-NPs for lung cancer treatment.

Apoptotic effect of sulfated galactofucan from marine macroalga Turbinaria ornata on hepatocellular and ductal carcinoma cells

Tumor protein or cellular tumor antigen p53, is considered a critical transcriptional regulation factor, which can suppress the growth of tumor cells by activating other functional genes. The current study appraised the p53 activation pathways, which could be used as an alternative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hepatocellular and ductal carcinoma. Algal polysaccharides have been used as emerging sources of bioactive natural pharmacophores. A sulfated galactofucan characterized as [→1)-O-4-sulfonato-α-fucopyranose-(3 → 1)-α-fucopyranose-(3→] as the main branch with [→1)-6-O-acetyl-β-galactopyranose-(4→] as side chain isolated from marine macroalga Turbinaria ornata exhibited prospective apoptosis on HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) and MCF7 (ductal carcinoma) cells. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate-propidium iodide study displayed higher early apoptosis in MCF7 and HepG2 cell lines (56 and 24.2%, respectively) treated with TOP-3 (at IC50 concentration) than those administered with standard camptothecin. Upregulation of the p53 gene expression was perceived in TOP-3 treated HepG2 and MCF7 cells.

Synthesis of Novel Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)-Coated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) for the Delivery of Paclitaxel with Enhanced In Vitro Anti-Proliferative Activity on A549 Lung Cancer Cells

The application of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) as a nanomedicine for Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) can provide effective delivery of anticancer drugs with minimal side-effects. SPIONs have the flexibility to be modified to achieve enhanced oading of hydrophobic anticancer drugs such as paclitaxel (PTX). The purpose of this study was to synthesize novel trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-coated SPIONs loaded with PTX to enhance the anti-proliferative activity of PTX. CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs with a particle size and zeta potential of 96.5 ± 0.6 nm and −27.3 ± 1.9 mV, respectively, were synthesized. The superparamagnetism of the CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs was confirmed, with saturation magnetization of 60 emu/g and 29 Oe coercivity. CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs had a drug loading efficiency of 98.5% and demonstrated sustained site-specific in vitro release of PTX over 24 h (i.e., 94% at pH 6.8 mimicking the tumor microenvironment). Enhanced anti-proliferative activity was also observed with the CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs against a lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cell line after 72 h, with a recorded cell viability of 17.1%. The CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs demonstrated enhanced suppression of A549 cell proliferation compared to pristine PTX, thus suggesting potential application of the nanomedicine as an effective site-specific delivery system for enhanced therapeutic activity in NSCLC therapy.

Conjugated β-Cyclodextrin Enhances the Affinity of Folic Acid towards FRα: Molecular Dynamics Study

Drug targeting is a progressive area of research with folate receptor alpha (FRα) receiving significant attention as a biological marker in cancer drug delivery. The binding affinity of folic acid (FA) to the FRα active site provides a basis for recognition of FRα. In this study, FA was conjugated to beta-cyclodextrin (βCD) and subjected to in silico analysis (molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation (100 ns)) to investigate the affinity and stability for the conjugated system compared to unconjugated and apo systems (ligand free). Docking studies revealed that the conjugated FA bound into the active site of FRα with a docking score (free binding energy < -15 kcal/mol), with a similar binding pose to that of unconjugated FA. Subsequent analyses from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), and radius of gyration (Rg) demonstrated that FA and FA-βCDs created more dynamically stable systems with FRα than the apo-FRα system. All systems reached equilibrium with stable RMSD values ranging from 1.9-2.4 Å and the average residual fluctuation values of the FRα backbone atoms for all residues (except for terminal residues ARG8, THR9, THR214, and LEU215) were less than 2.1 Å with a consistent Rg value of around 16.8 Å throughout the MD simulation time (0-100 ns). The conjugation with βCD improved the stability and decreased the mobility of all the residues (except residues 149-151) compared to FA-FRα and apo-FRα systems. Further analysis of H-bonds, binding free energy (MM-PBSA), and per residue decomposition energy revealed that besides APS81, residues HIS20, TRP102, HIS135, TRP138, TRP140, and TRP171 were shown to have more favourable energy contributions in the holo systems than in the apo-FRα system, and these residues might have a direct role in increasing the stability of holo systems.