Recent Developments in Metallic Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapy, Diagnosing and Imaging Applications

Clinical Applications of Targeted Nanomaterials

Targeted nanomaterials are at the forefront of advancements in nanomedicine due to their unique and versatile properties. These include nanoscale size, shape, surface chemistry, mechanical flexibility, fluorescence, optical behavior, magnetic and electronic characteristics, as well as biocompatibility and biodegradability. These attributes enable their application across diverse fields, including drug delivery. This review explores the fundamental characteristics of nanomaterials and emphasizes their importance in clinical applications. It further delves into methodologies for nanoparticle programming alongside discussions on clinical trials and case studies. We discussed some of the promising nanomaterials, such as polymeric nanoparticles, carbon-based nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles, and their role in biomedical applications. This review underscores significant advancements in translating nanomaterials into clinical applications and highlights the potential of these innovative approaches in revolutionizing the medical field.

Exploring the Potential of Plant-Based Nanotechnology in Cancer Immunotherapy: Benefits, Limitations, and Future Perspectives

Reconceptualizing cancer immunotherapy can be improved if combined with plant production systems and nanotechnology. This review aims to contribute to the knowledge of plant use in nanomedicine and cancer immunotherapy. In the foreground, we outlined each of these approaches; nanomedicine, green synthesis, and immunotherapy. The benefits of plant-based nanoparticles in mending the immune systems were subsequently analyzed, with reference to the literature. The combining effects of biological and therapeutic properties of some phytochemicals and their derivatives, with targeted nanoparticles and selective immunotherapy, can enhance the delivery of drugs and antibodies, and induce antitumor immune responses, via activation of functions of neutrophils, lymphocyte cells, and natural killer cells, and macrophages, resulting in induced apoptosis and phagocytosis of tumor cells, which can improve designing immunotherapeutic strategies targeting cancer, with a larger spectrum compared to the current cytotoxic anticancer drugs commonly used in clinics. This study uncovers the mechanistic drivers of cancer immunoengineering in cancer therapy using plant-based nanomaterials, enhancing therapeutic benefits while minimizing toxic and side effects.

Exploring the Potential of Gold Nanoparticles in Proton Therapy: Mechanisms, Advances, and Clinical Horizons

Proton therapy represents a groundbreaking advancement in cancer radiotherapy, leveraging the unique spatial energy distribution of protons to deliver precise, high-dose radiation to tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. Despite its clinical success, proton therapy faces challenges in optimizing its therapeutic precision and efficacy. Recent research has highlighted the potential of gold nanoparticles to enhance proton therapy outcomes. Due to their high atomic number and favorable biological properties, gold nanoparticles act as radiosensitizers by amplifying the generation of secondary electrons and reactive oxygen species upon proton irradiation. This enhances DNA damage in tumor cells while preserving healthy tissues. Additionally, functionalization of gold nanoparticles with tumor-targeting ligands offers improved precision, making proton therapy more effective against a broader range of cancers. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the mechanisms of gold nanoparticle radiosensitization, preclinical evidence, and the technological hurdles that must be addressed to integrate this promising approach into clinical practice, aiming to advance the efficacy and accessibility of proton therapy in cancer therapy.

A novel aptasensor based endogenous enzyme-powered DNA walker for ATP imaging in specific living cells

Highly sensitive and specific imaging of ATP in living cells remains a challenge. Here, a novel aptasensor based endogenous enzyme-powered DNA walker for imaging ATP was proposed. The strategy leverages the highly expressed APE1 in tumor cells as the driving force of the DNA walker, achieving high sensitivity and superior imaging contrast. The method can detect ATP as low as 3.43 μM within 1 h. The approach can also effectively monitor intracellular ATP expression fluctuations and successfully differentiate between normal and cancer cells with high contrast.

Platinum Group Metals Nanoparticles in Breast Cancer Therapy

Despite various methods currently used in cancer therapy, breast cancer remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current therapeutics face limitations such as multidrug resistance, drug toxicity and off-target effects, poor drug bioavailability and biocompatibility, and inefficient drug delivery. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to cancer diagnosis, imaging, and therapy. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that compounds and nanoparticles formulated from platinum group metals (PGMs) effectively treat breast cancer. PGMs are chemically stable, easy to functionalise, versatile, and tunable. They can target hypoxic microenvironments, catalyse the production of reactive oxygen species, and offer the potential for combination therapy. PGM nanoparticles can be incorporated with anticancer drugs to improve efficacy and can be attached to targeting moieties to enhance tumour-targeting efficiency. This review focuses on the therapeutic outcomes of platinum group metal nanoparticles (PGMNs) against various breast cancer cells and briefly discusses clinical trials of these nanoparticles in breast cancer treatment. It further illustrates the potential applications of PGMNs in breast cancer and presents opportunities for future PGM-based nanomaterial applications in combatting breast cancer.

Combined Liposome-Gold Nanoparticles from Honey: The Catalytic Effect of Cassyopea® Gold on the Thermal Isomerization of a Resonance-Activated Azobenzene

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been synthesized directly inside liposomes using honey as a reducing agent. The obtained aggregates, named Cassyopea® Gold due to the method used for their preparation, show remarkable properties as reactors and carriers of the investigated AuNPs. A mean size of about 150 nm and negative surface charge of -46 mV were measured for Cassyopea® Gold through dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements, respectively. The formation of the investigated gold nanoparticles into Cassyopea® liposomes was spectroscopically confirmed by the presence of their typical absorption band at 516 nm. The catalytic activity of the combined liposome-AuNP nanocomposites was tested via the thermal cis-trans isomerization of resonance-activated 4-methoxyazobenzene (MeO-AB). The kinetic rate constants (kobs) determined at 25 °C in the AuNP aqueous solution and in the Cassyopea® Gold samples were one thousand times higher than the values obtained when performing MeO-AB cis-trans conversion in the presence of pure Cassyopea®. The results reported herein are unprecedented and point to the high versatility of Cassyopea® as a reactor and carrier of metal nanoparticles in chemical, biological, and technological applications.

Metal-based approaches to fight cervical cancer

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide. The current treatments for this cancer consist of invasive methods such as chemotherapeutic drugs, radiation, immunotherapy and surgery, which could lead to severe side effects and hinder the patient's life quality. Although metal-based therapies, including cisplatin and ruthenium-based compounds, offer promising alternatives, they lack specificity and harm healthy cells. Combining metal nanoparticles with standard approaches has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and safety in the fight against CC. Overall, this review is intended to show the latest advancements and insights into metal-based strategies, creating a promising path for more effective and safer treatments in the battle against CC.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticle prepared with Ocimum species and assessment of anticancer potential

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained much attention due to their unique physical, and chemical properties. Integration of phytochemicals in nanoformulation might have higher applicability in healthcare. Current work demonstrates the synthesis of green AgNPs with O. gratissimum (gr-AgNPs) O. tenuiflorum (te-AgNPs) and O. americanum (am-AgNPs) followed by an evaluation of their antimicrobial and anticancer properties. SEM analysis revealed spherical-shaped particles with average particle sizes of 69.0 ± 5 nm for te-AgNPs, 46.9 ± 9 nm for gr-AgNPs, and 58.5 ± 18.7 nm for am-AgNPs with a polydispersity index below 0.4. The synthesized am-AgNPs effectively inhibited Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans with 23 ± 1.58 mm, 20 ± 1.68 mm, 22 ± 1.80 mm, 26 ± 1.85 mm, and 22 ± 1.40 nm of zone of inhibition respectively. Synthesized AgNPs also induced apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 in concentration-dependent manner. IC50 values for am-AgNPs, te-AgNPs, and gr-AgNPs were 14.78 ± 0.89 µg, 18.04 ± 0.63 and 15.41 ± 0.37 µg respectively which suggested that am-AgNPs were the most effective against cancer. At higher dose size (20 µg) AgNPs were equally effective to commercial standard Doxorubicin (DOX). In comparison to te-AgNPs and gr-AgNPs, am-AgNPs have higher in vitro anticancer and antimicrobial effects. The work reported Ocimum americanum for its anticancer properties with chemical profile (GCMS) and compared it with earlier reported species. The activity against microbial pathogens and selected cancer cells clearly depicted that these species have distinct variations in activity. The results have also emphasized on higher potential of biogenic silver nanoparticles in healthcare but before formulation of commercial products, detailed analysis is required with human and animal models.

Lectins as the prominent potential to deliver bioactive metal nanoparticles by recognizing cell surface glycans

Lectins are renowned for recognizing specific carbohydrates, but there is evidence that they can bind to other endogenous ligands. Therefore, lectin can be used as a carrier to recognize glycoconjugates on the cell surface. The anticancer, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory properties of some lectins are established. Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have been used in various fields recently, but their documented toxicity has raised questions about their suitability for biomedical uses. The advantages of MNPs can be realized if we deliver the NPs to the site of action; as a result, NPs may achieve greater therapeutic efficiency at lower doses with less toxicity. The use of carbohydrate specificity by lectin MNPs conjugates for diagnostics and therapeutics was addressed. The review summarised the multidimensional application of lectins and described their potential for delivery of MNPs in future drug development.

Biosynthesis of palladium, platinum, and their bimetallic nanoparticles using rosemary and ginseng herbal plants: evaluation of anticancer activity

In this research, palladium (II) and platinum (II), as well as their bimetallic nanoparticles were synthesized using medicinal plants in an eco-friendly manner. Rosemary and Ginseng extracts were chosen due to their promising anticancer potential. The synthesized nanoparticles underwent characterization through FT-IR spectroscopy, DLS, XRD, EDX, SEM, and TEM techniques. Once the expected structures were confirmed, the performance of these nanoparticles, which exhibited an optimal size, was evaluated as potential anticancer agents through in vitro method on colon cancer cell lines (Ls180, SW480). MTT assay studies showed that the synthesized nanoparticles induced cell death. Moreover, real-time PCR was employed to investigate autophagy markers and the effect of nanoparticles on the apoptosis process, demonstrating a significant effect of the synthesized compounds in this regard.

Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Cardiovascular Diseases

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability. While there are many therapeutic alternatives available for the management of CVDs, the majority of classic therapeutic strategies were found to be ineffective at stopping or significantly/additionally slowing the progression of these diseases, or they had unfavorable side effects. Numerous metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) have been created to overcome these limitations, demonstrating encouraging possibilities in the treatment of CVDs due to advancements in nanotechnology. Metallic nanomaterials, including gold, silver, and iron, come in various shapes, sizes, and geometries. Metallic NPs are generally smaller and have more specialized physical, chemical, and biological properties. Metal-based NPs may come in various forms, such as nanoshells, nanorods, and nanospheres, and they have been studied the most. Massive potential applications for these metal nanomaterial structures include supporting molecular imaging, serving as drug delivery systems, enhancing radiation-based anticancer therapy, supplying photothermal transforming effects for thermal therapy, and being compounds with bactericidal, fungicidal, and antiviral qualities that may be helpful for cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the present paper aims to review the applications of relevant metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in CVDs, creating an up-to-date framework that aids researchers in developing more efficient treatment strategies.

Cervical Cancer Therapeutics: An In-depth Significance of Herbal and Chemical Approaches of Nanoparticles

Cervical cancer emerges as a prominent health issue, demanding attention on a global level for women's well-being, which frequently calls for more specialized and efficient treatment alternatives. Traditional therapies may have limited tumour targeting and adverse side effects. Recent breakthroughs have induced a transformative shift in the strategies employed against cervical cancer. biocompatible herbal nanoparticles and metallic particles made of gold, silver, and iron have become promising friends in the effort to fight against this serious disease and understand the possibility of these nanoparticles for targeted medication administration. this review article delves into the latest advancements in cervical cancer research. The safety and fabrication of these nanomaterials and their remarkable efficacy against cervical tumour spots are addressed. This review study, in short, provides an extensive introduction to the fascinating field of metallic and herbal nanoparticles in cervical cancer treatment. The information that has been examined points to a bright future in which women with cervical cancer may experience fewer side effects, more effective therapy, and an improved quality of life. This review holds promise and has the potential to fundamentally reshape the future of cervical cancer treatment by addressing urgent issues and unmet needs in the field.

Therapeutic Management of Malignant Wounds: An Update

OPINION STATEMENT

Malignant fungating wounds (MFW) are severe skin conditions generating tremendous distress in oncological patients with advanced cancer stages because of pain, malodor, exudation, pruritus, inflammation, edema, and bleeding. The classical therapeutic approaches such as surgery, opioids, antimicrobials, and application of different wound dressings are failing in handling pain, odor, and infection control, thus urgently requiring the development of alternative strategies. The aim of this review was to provide an update on the current therapeutic strategies and the perspectives on developing novel alternatives for better malignant wound management. The last decade screened literature evidenced an increasing interest in developing natural treatment alternatives based on beehive, plant extracts, pure vegetal compounds, and bacteriocins. Promising therapeutics can also be envisaged by involving nanotechnology due to either intrinsic biological activities or drug delivery properties of nanomaterials. Despite recent progress in the field of malignant wound care, the literature is still mainly based on in vitro and in vivo studies on small animal models, while the case reports and clinical trials (less than 10 and only one providing public results) remain scarce. Some innovative treatment approaches are used in clinical practice without prior extensive testing in fungating wound patients. Extensive research is urgently needed to fill this knowledge gap and translate the identified promising therapeutic approaches to more advanced testing stages toward creating multidimensional wound care strategies.

From nature to nanotechnology: The interplay of traditional medicine, green chemistry, and biogenic metallic phytonanoparticles in modern healthcare innovation and sustainability

As we navigate the modern era, the intersection of time-honoured natural remedies and contemporary scientific approaches forms a burgeoning frontier in global healthcare. For generations, natural products have been foundational to health solutions, serving as the primary healthcare choice for 80% to 85% of the world's population. These herbal-based, nature-derived substances, significant across diverse geographies, necessitate a renewed emphasis on enhancing their quality, efficacy, and safety. In the current century, the advent of biogenic phytonanoparticles has emerged as an innovative therapeutic conduit, perfectly aligning with principles of environmental safety and scientific ingenuity. Utilizing green chemistry techniques, a spectrum of metallic nanoparticles including elements such as copper, silver, iron, zinc, and titanium oxide can be produced with attributes of non-toxicity, sustainability, and economic efficiency. Sophisticated herb-mediated processes yield an array of plant-originated nanomaterials, each demonstrating unique physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. These attributes herald new therapeutic potentials, encompassing antioxidants, anti-aging applications, and more. Modern technology further accelerates the synthesis of natural products within laboratory settings, providing an efficient alternative to conventional isolation methods. The collaboration between traditional wisdom and advanced methodologies now signals a new epoch in healthcare. Here, the augmentation of traditional medicine is realized through rigorous scientific examination. By intertwining ethical considerations, cutting-edge technology, and natural philosophy, the realms of biogenic phytonanoparticles and traditional medicine forge promising pathways for research, development, and healing. The narrative of this seamless integration marks an exciting evolution in healthcare, where the fusion of sustainability and innovation crafts a future filled with endless possibilities for human well-being. The research in the development of metallic nanoparticles is crucial for unlocking their potential in revolutionizing fields such as medicine, catalysis, and electronics, promising groundbreaking applications with enhanced efficiency and tailored functionalities in future technologies. This exploration is essential for harnessing the unique properties of metallic nanoparticles to address pressing challenges and advance innovations across diverse scientific and industrial domains.

Ligand-based active targeting strategies for cancer theranostics

In the past decades, for the intermediate or advanced cancerous stages, preclinical and clinical applications of nanomedicines in cancer theranostics have been extensively studied. Nevertheless, decreased specificity and poor targeting efficiency with low target concentration of theranostic are the major drawbacks of nanomedicine in employing clinical substitution over conventional systemic therapy. Consequently, ligand decorated nanocarrier-mediated targeted drug delivery system can transcend the obstructions through their enhanced retention activity and increased permeability with effective targeting. The highly efficient and specific nanocarrier-mediated ligand-based active therapy is one of the novel and promising approaches for delivery of the therapeutics for different cancers in recent years to restrict various cancer growth in vivo without harming healthy cells. The article encapsulates the features of nanocarrier-mediated ligands in augmentation of active targeting approaches of various cancers and summarizes ligand-based targeted delivery systems in treatment of cancer as plausible theranostics.

Nanoparticle-Based Approaches for Treatment of Hematological Malignancies: a Comprehensive Review

Blood cancer, also known as hematological malignancy, is one of the devastating types of cancer that has significantly paved its mortality mark globally. It persists as an extremely deadly cancer type and needs utmost attention owing to its negligible overall survival rate. Major challenges in the treatment of blood cancer include difficulties in early diagnosis, as well as severe side effects resulting from chemotherapy. In addition, immunotherapies and targeted therapies can be prohibitively expensive. Over the past two decades, scientists have devised a few nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems aimed at overcoming this challenge. These therapeutic strategies are engineered to augment the cellular uptake, pharmacokinetics, and effectiveness of anticancer drugs. However, there are still numerous types of nanoparticles that could potentially improve the efficacy of blood cancer treatment, while also reducing treatment costs and mitigating drug-related side effects. To the best of our knowledge, there has been limited reviews published on the use of nano-based drug delivery systems for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Therefore, we have made a concerted effort to provide a comprehensive review that draws upon recent literature and patents, with a focus on the most promising results regarding the use of nanoparticle-based approaches for the treatment of hematological malignancies. All these crucial points covered under a common title would significantly help researchers and scientists working in the area.

Microwave-Assisted Silanization of Magnetite Nanoparticles Pre-Synthesized by a 3D Microfluidic Platform

Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) are among the most investigated nanomaterials, being recognized for their biocompatibility, versatility, and strong magnetic properties. Given that their applicability depends on their dimensions, crystal morphology, and surface chemistry, Fe3O4 NPs must be synthesized in a controlled, simple, and reproducible manner. Since conventional methods often lack tight control over reaction parameters and produce materials with unreliable characteristics, increased scientific interest has been directed to microfluidic techniques. In this context, the present paper describes the development of an innovative 3D microfluidic platform suitable for synthesizing uniform Fe3O4 NPs with fine-tuned properties. On-chip co-precipitation was performed, followed by microwave-assisted silanization. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized from the compositional and microstructural perspectives by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, supplementary physicochemical investigations, such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Kaiser Test, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectrophotometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Thermogravimetry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG-DSC) analyses, demonstrated the successful surface modification. Considering the positive results, the presented synthesis and functionalization method represents a fast, reliable, and effective alternative for producing tailored magnetic nanoparticles.

Current Overview of Metal Nanoparticles' Synthesis, Characterization, and Biomedical Applications, with a Focus on Silver and Gold Nanoparticles

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered considerable attention, due to their unique physicochemical properties, that render them promising candidates for various applications in medicine and industry. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the most recent advancements in the manufacturing, characterization, and biomedical utilization of metal NPs, with a primary focus on silver and gold NPs. Their potential as effective anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents, drug delivery systems, and imaging agents in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of disorders is reviewed. Moreover, their translation to therapeutic settings, and the issue of their inclusion in clinical trials, are assessed in light of over 30 clinical investigations that concentrate on administering either silver or gold NPs in conditions ranging from nosocomial infections to different types of cancers. This paper aims not only to examine the biocompatibility of nanomaterials but also to emphasize potential challenges that may limit their safe integration into healthcare practices. More than 100 nanomedicines are currently on the market, which justifies ongoing study into the use of nanomaterials in medicine. Overall, the present review aims to highlight the potential of silver and gold NPs as innovative and effective therapeutics in the field of biomedicine, citing some of their most relevant current applications.

In vitro and in vivo toxicity of carbon dots with different chemical compositions

Carbon dots (CDs) are easy-obtained nanoparticles with wide range of biological activity; however, their toxicity after prolonged exposure is poorly investigated. So, in vitro and in vivo toxicity of CDs with the surfaces enriched with hydroxylated hydrocarbon chains and methylene groups (CD_GE), carboxyl and phenol groups accompanied with nitrogen (CD_3011), trifluoromethyl (CDF19) or toluidine and aniline groups (CDN19) were aimed to be discovered. CDs' in vitro toxicity was assessed on A549 cells (real-time cell analysis of impedance, fluorescence microscopy) after 24 h of incubation, and we observed no changes in cell viability and morphology. CDs' in vivo toxicity was assessed on C57Bl6 mice after multiple dosages (5 mg/kg subcutaneously) for 14 days. Lethality (up to 50%) was observed in CDN19 and CD_3011 groups on different days of dosing, accompanied by toxicity signs in case of CD_3011. There were no changes in serum biochemical parameters except Urea (increased in CDF19 and CD_3011 groups), nor substantial kidney, liver, and spleen injuries. The most impactful for all organs were also CD_3011 and CDF19, causing renal tubule injury and liver blood supply violation. Thus, CDs with a surface enriched with oxygen- and nitrogen-containing functional groups might be toxic after multiple everyday dosing, without, however, significant damages of internal organs in survived animals.

Morin Hydrate Encapsulation and Release from Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Melanoma Therapy

Melanoma incidence, a type of skin cancer, has been increasing worldwide. There is a strong need to develop new therapeutic strategies to improve melanoma treatment. Morin is a bioflavonoid with the potential for use in the treatment of cancer, including melanoma. However, therapeutic applications of morin are restrained owing to its low aqueous solubility and limited bioavailability. This work investigates morin hydrate (MH) encapsulation in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) to enhance morin bioavailability and consequently increase the antitumor effects in melanoma cells. Spheroidal MSNs with a mean size of 56.3 ± 6.5 nm and a specific surface area of 816 m²/g were synthesized. MH was successfully loaded (MH-MSN) using the evaporation method, with a loading capacity of 28.3% and loading efficiency of 99.1%. In vitro release studies showed that morin release from MH-MSNs was enhanced at pH 5.2, indicating increased flavonoid solubility. The in vitro cytotoxicity of MH and MH-MSNs on human A375, MNT-1 and SK-MEL-28 melanoma cell lines was investigated. Exposure to MSNs did not affect the cell viability of any of the cell lines tested, suggesting that the nanoparticles are biocompatible. The effect of MH and MH-MSNs on reducing cell viability was time- and concentration-dependent in all melanoma cell lines. The A375 and SK-MEL-28 cell lines were slightly more sensitive than MNT-1 cells in both the MH and MH-MSN treatments. Our findings suggest that MH-MSNs are a promising delivery system for the treatment of melanoma.

Hyaluronic Acid Modified Metal Nanoparticles and Their Derived Substituents for Cancer Therapy: A Review

The use of metal nanoparticles (M-NPs) in cancer therapy has gained significant consideration owing to their exceptional physical and chemical features. However, due to the limitations, such as specificity and toxicity towards healthy cells, their application in clinical translations has been restricted. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide, has been extensively used as a targeting moiety, due to its ability to selectively bind to the CD44 receptors overexpressed on cancer cells. The HA-modified M-NPs have demonstrated promising results in improving specificity and efficacy in cancer therapy. This review discusses the significance of nanotechnology, the state of cancers, and the functions of HA-modified M-NPs, and other substituents in cancer therapy applications. Additionally, the role of various types of selected noble and non-noble M-NPs used in cancer therapy are described, along with the mechanisms involved in cancer targeting. Additionally, the purpose of HA, its sources and production processes, as well as its chemical and biological properties are described. In-depth explanations are provided about the contemporary applications of HA-modified noble and non-noble M-NPs and other substituents in cancer therapy. Furthermore, potential obstacles in optimizing HA-modified M-NPs, in terms of clinical translations, are discussed, followed by a conclusion and future prospects.

Development of New Targeted Nanotherapy Combined with Magneto-Fluorescent Nanoparticles against Colorectal Cancer

The need for non-invasive therapies capable of conserving drug efficiency and stability while having specific targetability against colorectal cancer (CRC), has made nanoparticles preferable vehicles and principal building blocks for the development of complex and multi-action anti-tumoral approaches. For that purpose, we herein report the production of a combinatory anti-tumoral nanotherapy using the production of a new targeting towards CRC lines. To do so, Magneto-fluorescent NANO3 nanoparticles were used as nanocarriers for a combination of the drugs doxorubicin (DOX) and ofloxacin (OFLO). NANO3 nanoparticles’ surface was modified with two different targeting agents, a newly synthesized (anti-CA IX acetazolamide derivative (AZM-SH)) and a commercially available (anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Cetuximab). The cytotoxicity revealed that only DOX-containing nanosystems showed significant and even competitive cytotoxicity when compared to that of free DOX. Interestingly, surface modification with AZM-SH promoted an increased cellular uptake in the HCT116 cell line, surpassing even those functionalized with Cetuximab. The results show that the new target has high potential to be used as a nanotherapy agent for CRC cells, surpassing commercial targets. As a proof-of-concept, an oral administration form of NANO3 systems was successfully combined with Eudragit® enteric coating and studied under extreme conditions.

Delivery of siRNA using hyaluronic acid‐guided nanoparticles for downregulation of CXCR4

In this study, effective transport of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) via hyaluronic acid (HA) receptor was carried out with biodegradable HA and low-molecular weight polyethyleneimine (PEI)-based transport systems. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capable of giving photothermal response, and their conjugates with PEI and HA, were also added to the structure. Thus, a combination of gene silencing, photothermal therapy and chemotherapy, has been accomplished. The synthesized transport systems ranged in size, between 25 and 690 nm. When the particles were applied at a concentration of 100 μg mL^-1 (except AuPEI NPs) in vitro, cell viability was above 50%. Applying radiation after the conjugate/siRNA complex (especially those containing AuNP) treatment, increased the cytotoxic effect (decrease in cell viability of 37%, 54%, 13%, and 15% for AuNP, AuPEI NP, AuPEI-HA, and AuPEI-HA-DOX, respectively) on the MDA-MB-231 cell line. CXCR4 gene silencing via the synthesized complexes, especially AuPEI-HA-DOX/siRNA was more efficient in MDA-MB-231 cells (25-fold decrease in gene expression) than in CAPAN-1 cells. All these results demonstrated that the synthesized PEI-HA and AuPEI-HA-DOX conjugates can be used as siRNA carriers that are particularly effective, especially in the treatment of breast cancer.

Biophysical study of cisplatin loaded albumin-gold nanoparticle and its interaction with glycans of gp60 receptor

The biophysical study provides a quantitative understanding of biomolecular interaction. The interaction of protein-nanoparticle has been critically examined using various biophysical and biochemical tools. The present investigation focussed on the biophysical characterization of anticancer drug cisplatin (CPT) with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) - Gold nanoparticles (GNP) conjugate; and BSA-CPT-GNP interaction with glycan sugars of glycoprotein receptor. Spectroscopic study (UV visible and fluorescence) showed strong binding of CPT loaded BSA with GNP. The binding between BSA-CPT-GNP and glycan sugars of gp60 receptor was estimated. Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy study revealed weak alteration in the secondary structure of BSA upon CPT and GNP binding. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) data indicated the changes in the size of conjugates; zeta potential data showed the stability of conjugates. Biocompatible studies showed no toxicity to RBCs and chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The mechanisms of interaction have been explored at the molecular and cellular levels. This investigation can be effectively extrapolated for in-vivo and in-vitro targeted drug delivery studies for cancer therapy.

Codelivery of Phytochemicals with Conventional Anticancer Drugs in Form of Nanocarriers

Anticancer drugs in monotherapy are ineffective to treat various kinds of cancer due to the heterogeneous nature of cancer. Moreover, available anticancer drugs possessed various hurdles, such as drug resistance, insensitivity of cancer cells to drugs, adverse effects and patient inconveniences. Hence, plant-based phytochemicals could be a better substitute for conventional chemotherapy for treatment of cancer due to various properties: lesser adverse effects, action via multiple pathways, economical, etc. Various preclinical studies have demonstrated that a combination of phytochemicals with conventional anticancer drugs is more efficacious than phytochemicals individually to treat cancer because plant-derived compounds have lower anticancer efficacy than conventional anticancer drugs. Moreover, phytochemicals suffer from poor aqueous solubility and reduced bioavailability, which must be resolved for efficacious treatment of cancer. Therefore, nanotechnology-based novel carriers are employed for codelivery of phytochemicals and conventional anticancer drugs for better treatment of cancer. These novel carriers include nanoemulsion, nanosuspension, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes that provide various benefits of improved solubility, reduced adverse effects, higher efficacy, reduced dose, improved dosing frequency, reduced drug resistance, improved bioavailability and higher patient compliance. This review summarizes various phytochemicals employed in treatment of cancer, combination therapy of phytochemicals with anticancer drugs and various nanotechnology-based carriers to deliver the combination therapy in treatment of cancer.

Cancer-targeted fucoidan‑iron oxide nanoparticles for synergistic chemotherapy/chemodynamic theranostics through amplification of P-selectin and oxidative stress

A combination of chemotherapy and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is being developed to improve the theranostic efficacy and biological safety of current therapies. However, most CDT agents are restricted due to complex issues such as multiple components, low colloidal stability, carrier-associated toxicity, insufficient reactive oxygen species generation, and poor targeting efficacy. To overcome these problems, a novel nanoplatform composed of fucoidan (Fu) and iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles (NPs) was developed to achieve chemotherapy combined with CDT synergistic treatment with a facile self-assembling manner, and the NPs were made up of Fu and IO, in which the Fu was not only used as a potential chemotherapeutic but was also designed to stabilize the IO and target P-selectin-overexpressing lung cancer cells, thereby producing oxidative stress and thus synergizing the CDT efficacy. The Fu-IO NPs exhibited a suitable diameter below 300 nm, which favored their cellular uptake by cancer cells. Microscopic and MRI data confirmed the lung cancer cellular uptake of the NPs due to active Fu targeting. Moreover, Fu-IO NPs induced efficient apoptosis of lung cancer cells, and thus offer significant anti-cancer functions by potential chemotherapeutic-CDT.

The Use of Medicinal Plant-Derived Metallic Nanoparticles in Theranostics

In the quest to effectively diagnose and treat the diseases that afflict mankind, the development of a tool capable of simultaneous detection and treatment would provide a significant cornerstone for the survival and control of these diseases. Theranostics denotes a portmanteau of therapeutics and diagnostics which simultaneously detect and treat ailments. Research advances have initiated the advent of theranostics in modern medicine. Overall, theranostics are drug delivery systems with molecular or targeted imaging agents integrated into their structure. The application of theranostics is rising exponentially due to the urgent need for treatments that can be utilized for diagnostic imaging as an aid in precision and personalised medicine. Subsequently, the emergence of nanobiotechnology and the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) has provided one such avenue for nanoscale development and research. Of interest is the drastic rise in the use of medicinal plants in the synthesis of MNPs which have been reported to be potentially effective in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. At present, medicinal plant-derived MNPs have been cited to have broad pharmacological applications and have been studied for their potential use in the treatment and management of cancer, malaria, microbial and cardiovascular diseases. The subject of this article regards the role of medicinal plants in the synthesis of MNPs and the potential role of MNPs in the field of theranostics.

CuZn Complex Used in Electrical Biosensors for Drug Delivery Systems

This paper is to discuss the potential of using CuZn in an electrical biosensor drug carrier for drug delivery systems. CuZn is the main semiconductor ingredient that has great promise as an electrochemical detector to trigger releases of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). This CuZn biosensor is produced with a green metal of frameworks, which is an anion node in conductive polymers linked by bioactive ligands using metal-polymerisation technology. The studies of Cu, Zn, and their oxides are highlighted by their electrochemical performance as electrical biosensors to electrically trigger API. The three main problems, which are glucose oxidisation, binding affinity, and toxicity, are highlighted, and their solutions are given. Moreover, their biocompatibilities, therapeutic efficacies, and drug delivery efficiencies are discussed with details given. Our three previous investigations of CuZn found results similar to those of other authors' in terms of multiphases, polymerisation, and structure. This affirms that our research is on the right track, especially that related to green synthesis using plant extract, CuZn as a nanochip electric biosensor, and bioactive ligands to bind API, which are limited to the innermost circle of the non-enzymatic glucose sensor category.

Drug Delivery Systems and Flavonoids: Current Knowledge in Melanoma Treatment and Future Perspectives

Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer with a high prevalence in the population. An early diagnosis is crucial to cure this disease. Still, when this is not possible, combining potent pharmacological agents and effective drug delivery systems is essential to achieve optimal treatment and improve patients' quality of life. Nanotechnology application in biomedical sciences to encapsulate anticancer drugs, including flavonoids, in order to enhance therapeutic efficacy has attracted particular interest. Flavonoids have shown effectiveness against various types of cancers including in melanoma, but they show low aqueous solubility, low stability and very poor oral bioavailability. The utilization of novel drug delivery systems could increase flavonoid bioavailability, thereby potentiating its antitumor effects in melanoma. This review summarizes the potential of different flavonoids in melanoma treatment and the several nanosystems used to improve their biological activity, considering published information that reported improved biological and pharmacological properties of encapsulated flavonoids.

A New Class of Tunable Acid-Sensitive Linkers for Native Drug Release Based on the Trityl Protecting Group

Core-cross-linked polymeric micelles (CCPMs) are a promising nanoparticle platform due to favorable properties such as their long circulation and tumor disposition exploiting the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Sustained release of covalently linked drugs from the hydrophobic core of the CCPM can be achieved by a biodegradable linker that connects the drug and the core. This study investigates the suitability of trityl-based linkers for the design of acid-triggered native active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) release from CCPMs. Trityl linker derivatives with different substituent patterns were synthesized and conjugated to model API compounds such as DMXAA-amine, doxorubicin, and gemcitabine, and their release kinetics were studied. Hereafter, API release from CCPMs based on mPEG-b-pHPMAmLac block copolymers was investigated. Variation of the trityl substitution pattern showed tunability of the API release rate from the trityl-based linker with t1/2 varying from <1.0 to 5.0 h at pH 5.0 and t1/2 from 6.5 to >24 h at pH 7.4, all at 37 °C. A clear difference in release kinetics was found between gemcitabine and doxorubicin, with gemcitabine showing no detectable release for 72 h at pH 5.0 and doxorubicin showing a t1/2 of less than 1 h. Based on these findings, we show that the reaction mechanism of trityl deprotection plays an important role in the API release kinetics. The first step in this mechanism, which is protonation of the trityl-bound amine, is pKa-dependent, which explains the difference in release rate. In conclusion, acid-sensitive and tunable trityl linkers are highly promising for the design of linker-API conjugates and for their use in CCPMs.

Synthesis of Silver Nanocomposite Based on Carboxymethyl Cellulose: Antibacterial, Antifungal and Anticancer Activities

Traditional cancer treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. According to medical sources, chemotherapy is still the primary method for curing or treating cancer today and has been a major contributor to the recent decline in cancer mortality. Nanocomposites based on polymers and metal nanoparticles have recently received the attention of researchers. In the current study, a nanocomposite was fabricated based on carboxymethyl cellulose and silver nanoparticles (CMC-AgNPs) and their antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities were evaluated. The antibacterial results revealed that CMC-AgNPs have promising antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (Klebsiella oxytoca and Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus). Moreover, CMC-AgNPs exhibited antifungal activity against filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger, and A. terreus. Concerning the HepG2 hepatocellular cancer cell line, the lowest IC₅₀ values (7.9 ± 0.41 µg/mL) were recorded for CMC-AgNPs, suggesting a strong cytotoxic effect on liver cancer cells. As a result, our findings suggest that the antitumor effect of these CMC-Ag nanoparticles is due to the induction of apoptosis and necrosis in hepatic cancer cells via increased caspase-8 and -9 activities and diminished levels of VEGFR-2. In conclusion, CMC-AgNPs exhibited antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities, which can be used in the pharmaceutical and medical fields.

Novel Tumor-Targeting Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment-A Review

Being one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, cancer represents an ongoing interdisciplinary challenge for the scientific community. As currently used treatments may face limitations in terms of both efficiency and adverse effects, continuous research has been directed towards overcoming existing challenges and finding safer specific alternatives. In particular, increasing interest has been gathered around integrating nanotechnology in cancer management and subsequentially developing various tumor-targeting nanoparticles for cancer applications. In this respect, the present paper briefly describes the most used cancer treatments in clinical practice to set a reference framework for recent research findings, further focusing on the novel developments in the field. More specifically, this review elaborates on the top recent studies concerning various nanomaterials (i.e., carbon-based, metal-based, liposomes, cubosomes, lipid-based, polymer-based, micelles, virus-based, exosomes, and cell membrane-coated nanomaterials) that show promising potential in different cancer applications.

Advances with metal oxide-based nanoparticles as MDR metastatic breast cancer therapeutics and diagnostics

Metal oxide nanoparticles have attracted increased attention due to their emerging applications in cancer detection and therapy. This study envisioned to highlight the great potential of metal oxide NPs due to their interesting properties including high payload, response to magnetic field, affluence of surface modification to overcome biological barriers, and biocompatibility. Mammogram, ultrasound, X-ray computed tomography (CT), MRI, positron emission tomography (PET), optical or fluorescence imaging are used for breast imaging. Drug-loaded metal oxide nanoparticle delivered to the breast cancer cells leads to higher drug uptake. Thus, enhanced the cytotoxicity to target cells compared to free drug. The drug loaded metal oxide nanoparticle formulations hold great promise to enhance efficacy of breast cancer therapy including multidrug resistant (MDR) and metastatic breast cancers. Various metal oxides including magnetic metal oxides and magnetosomes are of current interests to explore cancer drug delivery and diagnostic efficacy especially for metastatic breast cancer. Metal oxide-based nanocarrier formulations are promising for their usage in drug delivery and release to breast cancer cells, cancer diagnosis and their clinical translations.

Biomarker targeted therapy approaches for TNBC using metal oxide-based NPs are highly effective and promising.