A Valid Bisphosphonate Modified Calcium Phosphate-Based Gene Delivery System: Increased Stability and Enhanced Transfection Efficiency In Vitro and In Vivo

Sodium alginate hydrogel loaded with upconversion nanoparticles and magnesium ions enhances bone regeneration and photodynamic tumor therapy

Introduction

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) usually invades the jawbone over the course of the disease. Hence, it is necessary to consider the treatment of the tumor and repair of the jawbone, and the treatment process is very complicated. However, conventional therapy for OSCC mainly emphasizes tumor removal, which often fails to address the repair of jawbone defects and destroys residual tumor cells after treatment.

Methods

In this study, we designed a composite hydrogel platform (SUMg) of sodium alginate loaded upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) and magnesium particles (MPs), in which UCNP was coated with folic acid and chlorin e6 to prepare UFC. The physicochemical and biological properties of the prepared SUMg, including swelling test, element mapping, cell behaviors, in vivo osteogenic bioactivity and antitumor effect, were comprehensively evaluated.

Results

In vitro, SUMg exhibited high cytocompatibility and promoted cell viability, proliferation, spreading, and osteogenesis owing to the incorporation of MPs, with SU10 Mg having the most significant effect. Under 980 nm laser irradiation, UFC induced a photodynamic therapy effect and destroyed surviving tumor cells. In vivo experiments further confirmed that SU10 Mg could promote bone regeneration, and under 980 nm near-infrared irradiation, the UFC produced local reactive oxygen species in the tumor within 5 min.

Discussion

This work demonstrated the potential of SUMg in bone regeneration and inhibition of tumor growth, providing valuable insight for OSCC treatment.

Plasmid encoding miRNA-200c delivered by CaCO3-based nanoparticles enhances rat alveolar bone formation

Aim: miRNAs have been shown to improve the restoration of craniofacial bone defects. This work aimed to enhance transfection efficiency and miR-200c-induced bone formation in alveolar bone defects via plasmid DNA encoding miR-200c delivery from CaCO₃ nanoparticles. Materials & methods: The CaCO₃/miR-200c delivery system was evaluated in vitro (microscopy, transfection efficiency, biocompatibility) and miR-200c-induced in vivo alveolar bone formation was assessed via micro-computed tomography and histology. Results: CaCO₃ nanoparticles significantly enhanced the transfection of plasmid DNA encoding miR-200c without inflammatory effects and sustained miR-200c expression. CaCO₃/miR-200c treatment in vivo significantly increased bone formation in rat alveolar bone defects. Conclusion: CaCO₃ nanoparticles enhance miR-200c delivery to accelerate alveolar bone formation, thereby demonstrating the application of CaCO₃/miR-200c to craniofacial bone defects.

Nano-hydroxyapatite as a delivery system: overview and advancements

Nano-hydroxyapatite is being investigated as vital components of implants and dental and tissue engineering devices. It is found as a bone replacement due to its non-toxicity and cytocompatibility with dental tissues and bone. The reality that nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite can be made of porous granules and scaffolds. Additionally, it has a massive loading potential indicating its use as a transporter for drugs or a regulated drug release mechanism in pharmaceutical research. This review aims to present existing nano-hydroxyapatite research developments as a drug carrier employed in bone tissue disorders locally and deliver poorly soluble drugs with reduced bioavailability. We have discussed the nano-hydroxyapatite role in the delivery of drugs (i.e. anti-resorptive, anti-cancer, and antibiotics), proteins, genetic material, and radionuclides.

Application and Importance of Theranostics in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer

The number of cancer cases worldwide in terms of morbidity and mortality is a serious concern, despite the presence of therapeutic interventions and supportive care. Limitations in the current available diagnosis methods and treatments methods may contribute to the increase in cancer mortality. Theranostics, is a novel approach that has opened avenues for the simultaneous precise diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients. Although still in the early development stage, theranostic agents such as quantum dots, radioisotopes, liposomes and plasmonic nanobubbles can be bound to anticancer drugs, cancer cell markers and imaging agents, with the support of available imaging techniques, provide the potential to facilitate diagnosis, treatment and management of cancer patients. Herein, we discuss the potential benefits of several theranostic tools for the management of cancer. Specifically, quantum dots, radio-labelled isotopes, liposomes and plasmonic nanobubbles coupled with targeting agents and/or anticancer molecules and imaging agents as theranostic agents are deliberated upon in this review. Overall, the use of theranostic agents shows promise in cancer management. Nevertheless, intensive research is required to realize these expectations.