"Targeting Design" of Nanoparticles in Tumor Therapy

"Development, optimization, and characterization of Eudragit-based nanoparticles for Dasatinib delivery"

This study focused on developing and evaluating dasatinib-loaded nanoparticles (DST-NPs) using Eudragit L100 as a polymer matrix for enhanced breast cancer treatment. The optimized formulation exhibited a particle size of 202.1 ± 5.7 nm, a zeta potential of -18 ± 1.01 mV, and an entrapment efficiency of 93.11 ± 0.2%. In-vitro release studies demonstrated sustained drug release from DST-NPs, following Fickian diffusion. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats revealed higher Cmax and AUC0-t for DST-NPs compared to pure DST, indicating improved bioavailability. Tissue distribution studies showed enhanced targeting of DST-NPs, with higher concentrations in the liver and spleen. In vivo efficacy in a DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma model demonstrated that DST-NPs significantly reduced tumor volume, maintained stable body weight, and improved survival rates compared to pure DST. Hematologic analysis indicated a favorable blood profile with DST-NPs, and histopathological examinations confirmed the restoration of normal mammary gland and liver architecture. MTT assays showed higher cytotoxicity of DST-NPs against MCF-7, MDA-MB231, and 4T1 cell lines, with lower IC50 values than pure DST. Stability studies indicated that DST-NPs maintained their properties over six months at various storage conditions. These findings highlight the potential of DST-NPs as an effective nanocarrier system for cancer therapy.

Optimized mucus adhesion and penetration of lipid-polymer nanoparticles enables effective nose-to-brain delivery of perillyl alcohol for glioblastoma therapy

The delivery of drugs directly from the nose to the brain has been explored for the treatment of neurological diseases, such as glioblastoma, by overcoming the blood-brain barrier. Nanocarriers have demonstrated outstanding ability to enhance drug bioavailability in the brain, following intranasal administration. However, the performance of these nanosystems may be hindered by inadequate interactions with the nasal mucosa, limiting their effectiveness in reaching the olfactory region, and consequently, the translocation of particles to the brain. Here, we designed hybrid lipid-polymer nanoparticles (LPNP), containing the cationic lipid DOTAP and the triblock copolymer Pluronic® F127 to combine the mucoadhesiveness and mucus-penetrating properties. Perillyl alcohol (POH), a molecule currently under clinical trials against glioblastoma, via intranasal route, was entrapped in the nanoparticles. LPNP-POH exhibited a balanced profile of mucus adhesion and penetration, suggesting that the formulation may enhance mucosal retention while maintaining effective mucus diffusivity. In vivo evaluations displayed higher translocation of LPNP-POH from the nasal cavity to the brain. LPNP-POH resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in the concentration of perillyl acid (a primary metabolite of POH) in the cerebral tissue compared to the free drug. In vitro assays demonstrated that LPNP-POH increased the cytotoxicity and reduced the tumor growth of U87MG glioma cells. These results highlighted that the engineered formulation, with optimized mucoadhesiveness and mucus penetration properties, improved nose-to-brain delivery of POH, offering a promising potential for glioblastoma therapy.

Interrogation of the tumor microenvironment by nanoparticles

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in cancer progression by fostering intricate multicellular crosstalk among cancer cells, stromal cells, and immune cells. This review explores the emerging paradigm of utilizing nanoparticles to disrupt this crosstalk within the TME as a therapeutic strategy. Nanoparticles are engineered with precise physicochemical properties to target specific cell types and deliver therapeutic payloads, thereby inhibiting critical signaling pathways involved in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. The mechanisms involved include modulation of the immune response, interference with growth factor signaling, and induction of programmed cell death in cancer cells. Challenges such as biocompatibility, efficient delivery, and potential development of resistance are discussed alongside promising advancements in nanoparticle design. Moving forward, integration of nanoparticle-based therapies with existing treatment modalities holds great potential for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and personalized medicine in cancer therapy.

Advances in Materials Science for Precision Melanoma Therapy: Nanotechnology-Enhanced Drug Delivery Systems

Melanoma, a highly aggressive form of skin cancer, poses a major therapeutic challenge due to its metastatic potential, resistance to conventional therapies, and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Materials science and nanotechnology advances have led to using nanocarriers such as liposomes, dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles as transformative solutions for precision melanoma therapy. This review summarizes findings from Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar and highlights the role of nanotechnology in overcoming melanoma treatment barriers. Nanoparticles facilitate passive and active targeting through mechanisms such as the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and functionalization with tumor-specific ligands, thereby improving the accuracy of drug delivery and reducing systemic toxicity. Stimuli-responsive systems and multi-stage targeting further improve therapeutic precision and overcome challenges such as poor tumor penetration and drug resistance. Emerging therapeutic platforms combine diagnostic imaging with therapeutic delivery, paving the way for personalized medicine. However, there are still issues with scalability, biocompatibility, and regulatory compliance. This comprehensive review highlights the potential of integrating nanotechnology with advances in genetics and proteomics, scalable, and patient-specific therapies. These interdisciplinary innovations promise to redefine the treatment of melanoma and provide safer, more effective, and more accessible treatments. Continued research is essential to bridge the gap between evidence-based scientific advances and clinical applications.

Recent advances in poly(amino acids), polypeptides, and their derivatives in drug delivery

Poly(amino acids), polypeptides, and their derivatives have demonstrated significant potential as biodegradable biomaterials in the field of drug delivery. As degradable drug carriers, they can effectively load or conjugate drug molecules including small molecule drugs, nucleic acids, peptides, and protein-based drugs, enhancing the stability and targeting of the drugs in vivo. This strategy ultimately facilitates precise drug delivery and controlled release, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects within the body. This review systematically describes the structural characteristics and preparation methods of poly(amino acids) and polypeptides, summarizes the advantages of poly(amino acids), polypeptides, and their derivatives in drug delivery, and detailedly introduces the latest advancements in this area. The review also discusses current challenges and opportunities associated with poly(amino acids), peptides, and their derivatives, and offers insights into the future directions for these biodegradable materials. This review aims to provide valuable references for scientific research and clinical translation of biodegradable biomaterials based on poly(amino acids) and peptides.

Melanoma extracellular vesicles membrane coated nanoparticles as targeted delivery carriers for tumor and lungs

Targeting is the most challenging problem to solve for drug delivery systems. Despite the use of targeting units such as antibodies, peptides and proteins to increase their penetration in tumors the amount of therapeutics that reach the target is very small, even with the use of nanoparticles (NPs). Nature has solved the selectivity problem using a combination of proteins and lipids that are exposed on the cell membranes and are able to recognize specific tissues as demonstrated by cancer metastasis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have a similar ability in target only certain organs or to return to their original cells, showing home behavior. Here we report a strategy inspired by nature, using a combination of NPs and the targeting cell membranes of EVs. We implement the EV membranes, extracted by the EVs produced by melanoma B16-BL6 cells, as a coating of organosilica porous particles with the aim of targeting tumors and lung metastasis, while avoiding systemic effects and accumulation of the NPs in undesired organs. The tissue-specific fingerprint provided by the EVs-derived membranes from melanoma cells provides preferential uptake into the tumor and selective targeting of lungs. The ability of the EVs hybrid systems to behave as the natural EVs was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo in two different tumor models. As a proof of concept, the loading and release of doxorubicin, was investigated and its accumulation demonstrated in the expected tissues.

Nanoparticle-Based Approaches in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Tumors

Glioblastomas are highly invasive brain tumors among perilous diseases. They are characterized by their fast proliferation and delayed detection that render them a significant focal point for medical research endeavors within the realm of cancer. Among glioblastomas, Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and prevalent malignant brain tumor. For this, nanomaterials such as metallic and lipid nanoparticles and quantum dots have been acknowledged as efficient carriers. These nano-materials traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and integrate and reach the necessary regions for neuro-oncology imaging and treatment purposes. This paper provides a thorough analysis on nanoparticles used in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors, especially for GBM.

Innovative Nanomedicine Delivery: Targeting Tumor Microenvironment to Defeat Drug Resistance

Nanodrug delivery systems have revolutionized tumor therapy like never before. By overcoming the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and bypassing drug resistance mechanisms, nanotechnology has shown great potential to improve drug efficacy and reduce toxic side effects. This review examines the impact of the TME on drug resistance and recent advances in nanomedicine delivery systems to overcome this challenge. Characteristics of the TME such as hypoxia, acidity, and high interstitial pressure significantly reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, leading to increased drug resistance in tumor cells. Then, this review summarizes innovative nanocarrier designs for these microenvironmental features, including hypoxia-sensitive nanoparticles, pH-responsive carriers, and multifunctional nanosystems that enable targeted drug release and improved drug penetration and accumulation in tumors. By combining nanotechnology with therapeutic strategies, this review offers a novel perspective by focusing on the innovative design of nanocarriers that interact with the TME, a dimension often overlooked in similar reviews. We highlight the dual role of these nanocarriers in therapeutic delivery and TME modulation, emphasize their potential to overcome drug resistance, and look at future research directions.

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization, and Biomedical Applications - A Review

Over the last decade, biomedical nanomaterials have garnered significant attention due to their remarkable biological properties and diverse applications in biomedicine. Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are particularly notable for their wide range of medicinal uses, including antibacterial, anticancer, biosensing, cell imaging, and drug/gene delivery. Among these, zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs stand out for their versatility and effectiveness. Recently, ZnO NPs have become a primary material in various sectors, such as pharmaceutical, cosmetic, antimicrobials, construction, textile, and automotive industries. ZnO NPs can generate reactive oxygen species and induce cellular apoptosis, thus underpinning their potent anticancer and antibacterial properties. To meet the growing demand, numerous synthetic approaches have been developed to produce ZnO NPs. However, traditional manufacturing processes often involve significant economic and environmental costs, prompting a search for more sustainable alternatives. Intriguingly, biological synthesis methods utilizing plants, plant extracts, or microorganisms have emerged as ideal for producing ZnO NPs. These green production techniques offer numerous medicinal, economic, environmental, and health benefits. This review highlights the latest advancements in the green synthesis of ZnO NPs and their biomedical applications, showcasing their potential to revolutionize the field with eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions.

Lysosome-Targeted Bifunctional Therapeutics Induce Autodynamic Cancer Therapy

Autodynamic cancer therapy possesses tremendous potential for enhancing therapeutic efficacy by initiating the treatment process autonomously within targeted cells. However, challenges related to biocompatibility and targeted delivery have hindered its clinical translation owing to the induction of adverse effects and cytotoxicity in healthy cells. In this study, a novel approach for auto-initiated dynamic therapy by conjugating zwitterionic near-infrared fluorophores to a cell-penetrating peptide is proposed. This enables efficient cellular uptake and specific targeting of therapy to desired cells while avoiding off-target uptake. The zwitterionic bioconjugate causes cancer-specific toxicity following its internalization into the targeted cells, triggered by specific intracellular conditions in lysosomes. This innovative approach enables selective targeting of lysosomes in malignant cells while minimizing cytotoxic effects on normal cells. By targeting lysosomes, the method overcomes inherent risks and side effects associated with conventional cancer treatments, offering a selective and effective approach to cancer therapy.

Advancements in tantalum based nanoparticles for integrated imaging and photothermal therapy in cancer management

Tantalum-based nanoparticles (TaNPs) have emerged as promising tools in cancer management, owing to their unique properties that facilitate innovative imaging and photothermal therapy applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in TaNPs, emphasizing their potential in oncology. Key features include excellent biocompatibility, efficient photothermal conversion, and the ability to integrate multifunctional capabilities, such as targeted drug delivery and enhanced imaging. Despite these advantages, challenges remain in establishing long-term biocompatibility, optimizing therapeutic efficacy through surface modifications, and advancing imaging techniques for real-time monitoring. Strategic approaches to address these challenges include surface modifications like PEGylation to improve biocompatibility, precise control over size and shape for effective photothermal therapy, and the development of biodegradable TaNPs for safe elimination from the body. Furthermore, integrating advanced imaging modalities-such as photoacoustic imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT)-enable real-time tracking of TaNPs in vivo, which is crucial for clinical applications. Personalized medicine strategies that leverage biomarkers and genetic profiling also hold promise for tailoring TaNP-based therapies to individual patient profiles, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and minimizing side effects. In conclusion, TaNPs represent a significant advancement in nanomedicine, poised to transform cancer treatment paradigms while expanding into various biomedical applications.

Cetuximab-conjugated sodium selenite nanoparticles for doxorubicin targeted delivery against MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Aim: To develop and characterize doxorubicin-loaded sodium selenite nanoparticles (SSNP-DOX) and their surface attachment with cetuximab (mAb-SSNP-DOX).Methods: SSNP-DOX was formulated by gelation and then conjugated with cetuximab to form mAb-SSNP-DOX. Characterization included DLS, SEM, TEM, DSC, Raman spectroscopy and XRD. In vitro, the kinetics of doxorubicin release and cytotoxicity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells were investigated.Results: The zeta potential for SSNP-DOX and mAb-SSNP-DOX was -14.4 ± 10.1 mV and -27.5 ± 7.28 mV, with particle sizes of 181.3 nm and 227.5 nm, respectively. The formulation intensity was 89.7% for SSNP-DOX and 100% for mAb-SSNP-DOX, with PDI values of 0.419 and 0.251, respectively. SEM and TEM showed that mAb-SSNP-DOX was smooth and spherical. The DSC analysis revealed exothermic peaks at 102.44°C for SSNP-DOX and 144.21°C for mAb-SSNP-DOX, along with endothermic peaks at 269.19°C and 241.6°C, respectively. Raman spectroscopy showed a higher intensity for mAb-SSNP-DOX. The XRD study showed different peaks for each formulation. Both followed zero order kinetics for doxorubicin release. Cytotoxicity studies showed significant effects and high apoptosis in MCF-7 cells for both formulations.Conclusion: The mAb-SSNP-DOX showed promising properties, more effective doxorubicin release and higher cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells compared with SSNP-DOX.

Natural compounds-based nanomedicines for cancer treatment: Future directions and challenges

Several efforts have been extensively accomplished for the amelioration of the cancer treatments using different types of new drugs and less invasives therapies in comparison with the traditional therapeutic modalities, which are widely associated with numerous drawbacks, such as drug resistance, non-selectivity and high costs, restraining their clinical response. The application of natural compounds for the prevention and treatment of different cancer cells has attracted significant attention from the pharmaceuticals and scientific communities over the past decades. Although the use of nanotechnology in cancer therapy is still in the preliminary stages, the application of nanotherapeutics has demonstrated to decrease the various limitations related to the use of natural compounds, such as physical/chemical instability, poor aqueous solubility, and low bioavailability. Despite the nanotechnology has emerged as a promise to improve the bioavailability of the natural compounds, there are still limited clinical trials performed for their application with various challenges required for the pre-clinical and clinical trials, such as production at an industrial level, assurance of nanotherapeutics long-term stability, physiological barriers and safety and regulatory issues. This review highlights the most recent advances in the nanocarriers for natural compounds secreted from plants, bacteria, fungi, and marine organisms, as well as their role on cell signaling pathways for anticancer treatments. Additionally, the clinical status and the main challenges regarding the natural compounds loaded in nanocarriers for clinical applications were also discussed.

Biophysical translational paradigm of polymeric nanoparticle: Embarked advancement to brain tumor therapy

Polymeric nanoparticles have emerged as promising contenders for addressing the intricate challenges encountered in brain tumor therapy due to their distinctive attributes, including adjustable size, biocompatibility, and controlled drug release kinetics. This review comprehensively delves into the latest developments in synthesizing, characterizing, and applying polymeric nanoparticles explicitly tailored for brain tumor therapy. Various synthesis methodologies, such as emulsion polymerization, nanoprecipitation, and template-assisted fabrication, are scrutinized within the context of brain tumor targeting, elucidating their advantages and limitations concerning traversing the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, strategies pertaining to surface modification and functionalization are expounded upon to augment the stability, biocompatibility, and targeting prowess of polymeric nanoparticles amidst the intricate milieu of the brain microenvironment. Characterization techniques encompassing dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and spectroscopic methods are scrutinized to evaluate the physicochemical attributes of polymeric nanoparticles engineered for brain tumor therapy. Moreover, a comprehensive exploration of the manifold applications of polymeric nanoparticles encompassing drug delivery, gene therapy, imaging, and combination therapies for brain tumours is undertaken. Special emphasis is placed on the encapsulation of diverse therapeutics within polymeric nanoparticles, thereby shielding them from degradation and enabling precise targeting within the brain. Additionally, recent advancements in stimuli-responsive and multifunctional polymeric nanoparticles are probed for their potential in personalized medicine and theranostics tailored for brain tumours. In essence, this review furnishes an all-encompassing overview of the recent strides made in tailoring polymeric nanoparticles for brain tumor therapy, illuminating their synthesis, characterization, and multifaceted application.

Alternative Strategies for Delivering Immunotherapeutics Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint in Cancer

The programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immune checkpoint constitutes an inhibitory pathway best known for its regulation of cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8)+ T cell-mediated immune responses. Engagement of PD-L1 with PD-1 expressed on CD8+ T cells activates downstream signaling pathways that culminate in T cell exhaustion and/or apoptosis. Physiologically, these immunosuppressive effects exist to prevent autoimmunity, but cancer cells exploit this pathway by overexpressing PD-L1 to facilitate immune escape. Intravenously (IV) administered immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that block the interaction between PD-1/PD-L1 have achieved great success in reversing T cell exhaustion and promoting tumor regression in various malignancies. However, these ICIs can cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) due to off-tumor toxicities which limits their therapeutic potential. Therefore, considerable effort has been channeled into exploring alternative delivery strategies that enhance tumor-directed delivery of PD-1/PD-L1 ICIs and reduce irAEs. Here, we briefly describe PD-1/PD-L1-targeted cancer immunotherapy and associated irAEs. We then provide a detailed review of alternative delivery approaches, including locoregional (LDD)-, oncolytic virus (OV)-, nanoparticle (NP)-, and ultrasound and microbubble (USMB)-mediated delivery that are currently under investigation for enhancing tumor-specific delivery to minimize toxic off-tumor effects. We conclude with a commentary on key challenges associated with these delivery methods and potential strategies to mitigate them.

Research progress in tumor therapy of carrier-free nanodrug

Carrier-free nanodrugs are a novel type of drug constructed by the self-assembly of drug molecules without carrier involvement. They have the characteristics of small particle size, easy penetration of various barriers, targeting tumors, and efficient release. In recent years, carrier-free nanodrugs have become a hot topic in tumor therapy as they solve the problems of low drug loading, poor biocompatibility, and low uptake efficiency of carrier nanodrugs. A series of recent studies have shown that carrier-free nanodrugs play a vital role in the treatment of various tumors, with similar or better effects than carrier nanodrugs. Based on the literature published in the past decades, this paper first summarizes the recent progress in the assembly modes of carrier-free nanodrugs, then describes common therapeutic modalities of carrier-free nanodrugs in tumor therapy, and finally depicts the existing challenges along with future trends of carrier-free nanodrugs. We hope that this review can guide the design and application of carrier-free nanodrugs in the future.

Recent Advances in Photodynamic Therapy: Metal-Based Nanoparticles as Tools to Improve Cancer Therapy

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with traditional therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation often accompanied by systemic toxicity and damage to healthy tissues. Despite progress in treatment, these approaches have limitations such as non-specific targeting, systemic toxicity, and resistance development in cancer cells. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a revolutionary frontier in cancer therapy, offering potential solutions to these challenges. Nanoparticles, due to their unique physical and chemical properties, can carry therapeutic payloads, navigate biological barriers, and selectively target cancer cells. Metal-based nanoparticles, in particular, offer unique properties suitable for various therapeutic applications. Recent advancements have focused on the integration of metal-based nanoparticles to enhance the efficacy and precision of photodynamic therapy. Integrating nanotechnology into cancer therapy represents a paradigm shift, enabling the development of strategies with enhanced specificity and reduced off-target effects. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role of metal-based nanoparticles in photodynamic therapy. We explore the mechanisms, biocompatibility, and applications of metal-based nanoparticles in photodynamic therapy, highlighting the challenges and the limitations in their use, as well as the combining of metal-based nanoparticles/photodynamic therapy with other strategies as a synergistic therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.

Emerging Applications of Nanoparticles in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, driving the urgent need for innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment. This review highlights the pivotal role of nanoparticles in revolutionizing breast cancer management through advancements of interconnected approaches including targeted therapy, imaging, and personalized medicine. Nanoparticles, with their unique physicochemical properties, have shown significant promise in addressing current treatment limitations such as drug resistance and nonspecific systemic distribution. Applications range from enhancing drug delivery systems for targeted and sustained release to developing innovative diagnostic tools for early and precise detection of metastases. Moreover, the integration of nanoparticles into photothermal therapy and their synergistic use with existing treatments, such as immunotherapy, illustrate their transformative potential in cancer care. However, the journey towards clinical adoption is fraught with challenges, including the chemical feasibility, biodistribution, efficacy, safety concerns, scalability, and regulatory hurdles. This review delves into the current state of nanoparticle research, their applications in breast cancer therapy and diagnosis, and the obstacles that must be overcome for clinical integration.

Bibliometric and visual analysis in the field of two-dimensions nano black phosphorus in cancer from 2015 to 2023

This study aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the status and trends of Two-Dimensional Nano Black Phosphorus (2D nano BP) in cancer research from 2015 to 2023, offering insights for future studies. To achieve this, articles from the Web of Science database published between 2015 and 2023 were analyzed using R and VOSviewer software. The analysis included 446 articles, revealing a consistent increase in publication rates, especially between 2017 and 2019. China emerged as a leader in both publication volume and international collaborations. Prominent journals in this field included ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces and Advanced Materials, while key researchers were identified as Zhang Han, Tao Wei, and Yu Xuefeng. The analysis highlighted common keywords such as drug delivery, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy, indicating the major research focuses. The findings suggest that 2D nano BP holds significant promise in cancer treatment research, with a growing global interest. This study thus serves as a valuable reference for future investigations, providing a detailed analysis of the current state and emerging trends in this promising field.

Recent advances in hepatocellular carcinoma-targeted nanoparticles

In the field of medicine, we often brave the unknown like interstellar explorers, especially when confronting the formidable opponent of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The global burden of HCC remains significant, with suboptimal treatment outcomes necessitating the urgent development of novel drugs and treatments. While various treatments for liver cancer, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, have emerged in recent years, improving their transport and therapeutic efficiency, controlling their targeting and release, and mitigating their adverse effects remains challenging. However, just as we grope through the darkness, a glimmer of light emerges-nanotechnology. Recently, nanotechnology has attracted attention because it can increase the local drug concentration in tumors, reduce systemic toxicity, and has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of precision therapy for HCC. However, there are also some challenges hindering the clinical translation of drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs). Just as interstellar explorers must overcome interstellar dust, we too must overcome various obstacles. In future researches, the design and development of nanodelivery systems for novel drugs treating HCC should be the first attention. Moreover, researchers should focus on the active targeting design of various NPs. The combination of the interventional therapies and drug-loaded NPs will greatly advance the process of precision HCC therapy.

Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Bone Metastasis in Breast Cancer: Recent Advances and Challenges

Although the frequency of bone metastases from breast cancer has increased, effective treatment is lacking, prompting the development of nanomedicine, which involves the use of nanotechnology for disease diagnosis and treatment. Nanocarrier drug delivery systems offer several advantages over traditional drug delivery methods, such as higher reliability and biological activity, improved penetration and retention, and precise targeting and delivery. Various nanoparticles that can selectively target tumor cells without causing harm to healthy cells or organs have been synthesized. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled the diagnosis and prevention of metastatic diseases as well as the ability to deliver complex molecular "cargo" particles to metastatic regions. Nanoparticles can modulate systemic biodistribution and enable the targeted accumulation of therapeutic agents. Several delivery strategies are used to treat bone metastases, including untargeted delivery, bone-targeted delivery, and cancer cell-targeted delivery. Combining targeted agents with nanoparticles enhances the selective delivery of payloads to breast cancer bone metastatic lesions, providing multiple delivery advantages for treatment. In this review, we describe recent advances in nanoparticle development for treating breast cancer bone metastases.

Recent Progress in Phage-Based Nanoplatforms for Tumor Therapy

Nanodrug delivery systems have demonstrated a great potential for tumor therapy with the development of nanotechnology. Nonetheless, traditional drug delivery systems are faced with issues such as complex synthetic procedures, low reproducibility, nonspecific distribution, impenetrability of biological barrier, systemic toxicity, etc. In recent years, phage-based nanoplatforms have attracted increasing attention in tumor treatment for their regular structure, fantastic carrying property, high transduction efficiency and biosafety. Notably, therapeutic or targeting peptides can be expressed on the surface of the phages through phage display technology, enabling the phage vectors to possess multifunctions. As a result, the drug delivery efficiency on tumor will be vastly improved, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficacy while reducing the side effects on normal tissues. Moreover, phages can overcome the hindrance of biofilm barrier to elicit antitumor effects, which exhibit great advantages compared with traditional synthetic drug delivery systems. Herein, this review not only summarizes the structure and biology of the phages, but also presents their potential as prominent nanoplatforms against tumor in different pathways to inspire the development of effective nanomedicine.

Recent Developments in Nanoparticle Formulations for Resveratrol Encapsulation as an Anticancer Agent

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound that has gained considerable attention in the past decade due to its multifaceted therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, its anticancer efficacy is impeded by low water solubility, dose-limiting toxicity, low bioavailability, and rapid hepatic metabolism. To overcome these hurdles, various nanoparticles such as organic and inorganic nanoparticles, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, solid lipid nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, carbon nanotubes, bioactive glass nanoparticles, and mesoporous nanoparticles were employed to deliver resveratrol, enhancing its water solubility, bioavailability, and efficacy against various types of cancer. Resveratrol-loaded nanoparticle or resveratrol-conjugated nanoparticle administration exhibits excellent anticancer potency compared to free resveratrol. This review highlights the latest developments in nanoparticle-based delivery systems for resveratrol, focusing on the potential to overcome limitations associated with the compound's bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness.

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.

The Application of Nanotechnological Therapeutic Platforms against Gynecological Cancers

Gynecological cancers (GCs), ovarian, cervical, and endometrial/uterine cancers, are often associated with poor outcomes. Despite the development of several therapeutic modalities against GCs, the effectiveness of the current therapeutic approaches is limited due to their side effects, low therapeutic index, short halflife, and resistance to therapy. To overcome these limitations, nano delivery-based approaches have been introduced with the potential of targeted delivery, reduced toxicity, controlled release, and improved bioavailability of various cargos. This review summarizes the application of different nanoplatforms, such as lipid-based, metal- based, and polymeric nanoparticles, to improve the chemo/radio treatments of GC. In the following work, the use of nanoformulated agents to fight GCs has been mentioned in various clinical trials. Although nanosystems have their own challenges, the knowledge highlighted in this article could provide deep insight into translations of NPs approaches to overcome GCs.

Synergized photothermal therapy and magnetic field induced hyperthermia via bismuthene for lung cancer combinatorial treatment

Thanks to its intrinsic properties, two-dimensional (2D) bismuth (bismuthene) can serve as a multimodal nanotherapeutic agent for lung cancer acting through multiple mechanisms, including photothermal therapy (PTT), magnetic field-induced hyperthermia (MH), immunogenic cell death (ICD), and ferroptosis. To investigate this possibility, we synthesized bismuthene from the exfoliation of 3D layered bismuth, prepared through a facile method that we developed involving surfactant-assisted chemical reduction, with a specific focus on improving its magnetic properties. The bismuthene nanosheets showed high in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer activity after simultaneous light and magnetic field exposure in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Only when light and magnetic field are applied together, we can achieve the highest anti-cancer activity compared to the single treatment groups. We have further shown that ICD-dependent mechanisms were involved during this combinatorial treatment strategy. Beyond ICD, bismuthene-based PTT and MH also resulted in an increase in ferroptosis mechanisms both in vitro and in vivo, in addition to apoptotic pathways. Finally, hemolysis in human whole blood and a wide variety of assays in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells indicated that the bismuthene nanosheets were biocompatible and did not alter immune function. These results showed that bismuthene has the potential to serve as a biocompatible platform that can arm multiple therapeutic approaches against lung cancer.

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems targeting cancer cell surfaces

Traditional cancer chemotherapy easily produces serious toxic and side effects due to the lack of specific selection of tumor cells, which restricts its curative effect. Targeted delivery can increase the concentration of drugs in the target site and reduce their toxic and side effects on normal tissues and cells. Biocompatible and surface-modifiable nanocarriers are novel drug delivery systems, which are used to specifically target tumor sites in a controllable way. One of the effective ways to design effective targeting nanocarriers is to decorate with functional ligands, which can bind to specific receptors overexpressed on the surfaces of cancer cells. Various functional ligands, including transferrin, folic acid, polypeptide and hyaluronic acid, have been widely explored to develop tumor-selective drug delivery systems. This review focuses on the research progress of various receptors overexpressed on the surfaces of cancer cells and different nano-delivery systems of anticancer drugs targeted on the surfaces of cancer cells. We believe that through continuous research and development, actively targeted cancer nano-drugs will make a breakthrough and become an indispensable platform for accurate cancer treatment.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Limitations: Future Outlook

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a negative expression of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptors (HER2). The survival rate for TNBC is generally worse than other breast cancer subtypes. TNBC treatment has made significant advances, but certain limitations remain. Treatment for TNBC can be challenging since the disease has various molecular subtypes. A variety of treatment options are available, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Chemotherapy is the most common of these options. TNBC is generally treated with systemic chemotherapy using drugs such as anthracyclines and taxanes in neoadjuvant or adjuvant settings. Developing resistance to anticancer drugs and off-target toxicity are the primary hindrances to chemotherapeutic solutions for cancer. It is imperative that researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies work together to develop effective treatment options for TNBC. Several studies have suggested nanotechnology as a potential solution to the problem of suboptimal TNBC treatment. In this review, we summarized possible treatment options for TNBC, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, combination therapy, and nanoparticle-based therapy, and some solutions for the treatment of TNBC in the future. Moreover, we gave general information about TNBC in terms of its characteristics and aggressiveness.

Recent advancements in immunotherapy of melanoma using nanotechnology-based strategies

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that accounts for the deadliest form of skin cancers. Despite the significant efforts made recently for development of immunotherapeutic strategies including using immune checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccines, the clinical outcomes are unsatisfying. Different factors affect efficient cancer immunotherapy such as side-effects, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and tumor heterogeneity. In the past decades, various nanotechnology-based approaches have been developed to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, in addition to diminishing the toxicity associated with it. Several studies have shown that proper application of nanomaterials can revolutionize the outcome of immunotherapy in diverse melanoma models. This review summarizes the recent advancement in the integration of nanotechnology and cancer immunotherapy in melanoma treatment. The importance of nanomaterials and their therapeutic advantages for patients with melanoma are also discussed.

Hyaluronic Acid-Coated Chitosan Nanoparticles as an Active Targeted Carrier of Alpha Mangostin for Breast Cancer Cells

Alpha mangostin (AM) has potential anticancer properties for breast cancer. This study aims to assess the potential of chitosan nanoparticles coated with hyaluronic acid for the targeted delivery of AM (AM-CS/HA) against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. AM-CS/HA showed a spherical shape with an average diameter of 304 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.3, and a negative charge of 24.43 mV. High encapsulation efficiency (90%) and drug loading (8.5%) were achieved. AM released from AM-CS/HA at an acidic pH of 5.5 was higher than the physiological pH of 7.4 and showed sustained release. The cytotoxic effect of AM-CS/HA (IC₅₀ 4.37 µg/mL) on MCF-7 was significantly higher than AM nanoparticles without HA coating (AM-CS) (IC₅₀ 4.48 µg/mL) and AM (IC₅₀ 5.27 µg/mL). These findings suggest that AM-CS/HA enhances AM cytotoxicity and has potential applications for breast cancer therapy.

Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPION): From Fundamentals to State-of-the-Art Innovative Applications for Cancer Therapy

Despite significant advances in cancer therapy over the years, its complex pathological process still represents a major health challenge when seeking effective treatment and improved healthcare. With the advent of nanotechnologies, nanomedicine-based cancer therapy has been widely explored as a promising technology able to handle the requirements of the clinical sector. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) have been at the forefront of nanotechnology development since the mid-1990s, thanks to their former role as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. Though their use as MRI probes has been discontinued due to an unfavorable cost/benefit ratio, several innovative applications as therapeutic tools have prompted a renewal of interest. The unique characteristics of SPION, i.e., their magnetic properties enabling specific response when submitted to high frequency (magnetic hyperthermia) or low frequency (magneto-mechanical therapy) alternating magnetic field, and their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (either intrinsically or when activated using various stimuli), make them particularly adapted for cancer therapy. This review provides a comprehensive description of the fundamental aspects of SPION formulation and highlights various recent approaches regarding in vivo applications in the field of cancer therapy.

Insights into Lipid-Based Delivery Nanosystems of Protein-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy

According to the WHO, cancer caused almost 10 million deaths worldwide in 2020, i.e., almost one in six deaths. Among the most common are breast, lung, colon and rectal and prostate cancers. Although the diagnosis is more perfect and spectrum of available drugs is large, there is a clear trend of an increase in cancer that ends fatally. A major advance in treatment was the introduction of gentler antineoplastics for targeted therapy-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Although they have undoubtedly revolutionized oncology and hematology, they have significant side effects and limited efficacy. In addition to the design of new TKIs with improved pharmacokinetic and safety profiles, and being more resistant to the development of drug resistance, high expectations are placed on the reformulation of TKIs into various drug delivery lipid-based nanosystems. This review provides an insight into the history of chemotherapy, a brief overview of the development of TKIs for the treatment of cancer and their mechanism of action and summarizes the results of the applications of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems, nanoemulsions, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers used as drug delivery systems of TKIs obtained in vitro and in vivo.