Preparation of high drug-loading celastrol nanosuspensions and their anti-breast cancer activities in vitro and in vivo

Daidzein nanosuspension in combination with cisplatin to enhance therapeutic efficacy against A549 non-small lung cancer cells: an in vitro evaluation

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality, chemo-resistance, and toxicity limit treatment. The focus is on innovative combined phytotherapy to improve treatment outcomes. Our aim was to investigate the potential effects of daidzein nanosuspension (DZ-NS) and its combination with cisplatin (CIS) on A549 non-small lung cancer cells. Cytotoxicity was investigated using MTT and Chou-Talalay methods. Oxidative, apoptotic, and inflammatory markers were analyzed by ELISA and qRT-PCR. The IC50 value for DZ-NS was 25.23 µM for 24 h and was lower than pure DZ (IC50 = 835 µM for pure DZ). DZ-NS (at IC50x2 and IC50 values) showed synergistic cytotoxicity with CIS. The cells treated with DZ-NS had low TOS and OSI levels. However, DZ-NS failed to regulate Cas3 and TGF-β1 activation in A549 cells. MMP-9 gene expression was significantly suppressed in DZ-NS-treated cells, especially in combination therapy. DZ represents a potential combination option for the treatment of lung cancer, and its poor toxicokinetic properties limit its clinical use. To overcome these limitations, the effects of the nanosuspension formulation were tested. DZ-NS showed a cytotoxic effect on A549 cells and optimized the therapeutic effect of CIS. This in vitro synergistic effect was mediated by suppression of MMP-9 and not by oxidative stress or Cas3-activated apoptosis. This study provides the basis for an in vivo and clinical trial of DZ-NS with concurrent chemotherapy.

Herbal Medicine Nanocrystals: A Potential Novel Therapeutic Strategy

Herbal medicines have gained recognition among physicians and patients due to their lower adverse effects compared to modern medicines. They are extensively used to treat various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular issues, chronic inflammation, microbial contamination, diabetes, obesity, and hepatic disorders, among others. Unfortunately, the clinical application of herbal medicines is limited by their low solubility and inadequate bioavailability. Utilizing herbal medicines in the form of nanocrystals (herbal medicine nanocrystals) has shown potential in enhancing solubility and bioavailability by reducing the particle size, increasing the specific surface area, and modifying the absorption mechanisms. Multiple studies have demonstrated that these nanocrystals significantly improve drug efficacy by reducing toxicity and increasing bioavailability. This review comprehensively examines therapeutic approaches based on herbal medicine nanocrystals. It covers the preparation principles, key factors influencing nucleation and polymorphism control, applications, and limitations. The review underscores the importance of optimizing delivery systems for successful herbal medicine nanocrystal therapeutics. Furthermore, it discusses the main challenges and opportunities in developing herbal medicine nanocrystals for the purpose of treating conditions such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, mental and nervous diseases, and antimicrobial infections. In conclusion, we have deliberated regarding the hurdles and forthcoming outlook in the realm of nanotoxicity, in vivo kinetics, herbal ingredients as stabilizers of nanocrystals, and the potential for surmounting drug resistance through the utilization of nanocrystalline formulations in herbal medicine. We anticipate that this review will offer innovative insights into the development of herbal medicine nanocrystals as a promising and novel therapeutic strategy.

Intravenous nanocrystals: fabrication, solidification, in vivo fate, and applications for cancer therapy

INTRODUCTION

Intravenous nanocrystals (INCs) have shown intrinsic advantages in antitumor applications, particularly their properties of high drug loading, low toxicity, and controllable size. Therefore, it has a very bright application prospect as a drug delivery system.

AREAS COVERED

The ideal formulation design principles, fabrication, solidification, in vivo fate of INCs, the applications in drug delivery system (DDS) and the novel applications are covered in this review.

EXPERT OPINION

It is vital to select a suitable formulation and fabrication method to produce a stable and sterile INCs. Besides, the type of stabilizers and physical characteristics can also influence the in vivo fate of INCs, which is worthy of further studying. Based on wide researches about applications of INCs in cancer, biomimetic INCs are concerned increasingly for its favorable compatibility. The output of these studies suggested that INCs-based drug delivery could be a novel strategy for addressing the delivery of the drug that faces solubility, bioavailability, and toxicity problems.

Development of Phytochemical Delivery Systems by Nano-Suspension and Nano-Emulsion Techniques

The awareness of the existence of plant bioactive compounds, namely, phytochemicals (PHYs), with health properties is progressively expanding. Therefore, their massive introduction in the normal diet and in food supplements and their use as natural therapeutics to treat several diseases are increasingly emphasized by several sectors. In particular, most PHYs possessing antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiulcer, anti-cholesterol, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties have been isolated from plants. Additionally, their secondary modification with new functionalities to further improve their intrinsic beneficial effects has been extensively investigated. Unfortunately, although the idea of exploiting PHYs as therapeutics is amazing, its realization is far from simple, and the possibility of employing them as efficient clinically administrable drugs is almost utopic. Most PHYs are insoluble in water, and, especially when introduced orally, they hardly manage to pass through physiological barriers and scarcely reach the site of action in therapeutic concentrations. Their degradation by enzymatic and microbial digestion, as well as their rapid metabolism and excretion, strongly limits their in vivo activity. To overcome these drawbacks, several nanotechnological approaches have been used, and many nanosized PHY-loaded delivery systems have been developed. This paper, by reporting various case studies, reviews the foremost nanosuspension- and nanoemulsion-based techniques developed for formulating the most relevant PHYs into more bioavailable nanoparticles (NPs) that are suitable or promising for clinical application, mainly by oral administration. In addition, the acute and chronic toxic effects due to exposure to NPs reported so far, the possible nanotoxicity that could result from their massive employment, and ongoing actions to improve knowledge in this field are discussed. The state of the art concerning the actual clinical application of both PHYs and the nanotechnologically engineered PHYs is also reviewed.

Nanocrystals in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals by topical delivery

The main issues with local delivery of cosmetics are their high sensitivity and limited drug loading of active pharmaceutical ingredient. Nanocrystal technology offers consumers cutting-edge and effective products and exhibits enormous development potential in the beauty business as a new delivery method to address the issue of low solubility and low permeability of sensitive chemicals. In this review, we described the processes for making NCs, along with the impacts of loading and the uses of different carriers. Among them, nanocrystalline loaded gel and emulsion are widely used and may further improve the stability of the system. Then, we introduced the beauty efficacy of drug NCs from five aspects: anti-inflammation and acne, anti-bacterial, lightening and freckle removal, anti-aging as well as UV protection. Following that, we presented the current scenario about stability and safety. Finally, the challenges and vacancy were discussed along with the potential uses of NCs in the cosmetics industry. This review serves as a resource for the advancement of nanocrystal technology in the cosmetics sector.

A Celastrol Drug Delivery System Based on PEG Derivatives: The Structural Effects of Nanocarriers

The therapeutic efficacy of nanoscale drug delivery systems is related to particle size, zeta potential, morphology, and other physicochemical properties. The structure and composition of nanocarriers may affect their physicochemical properties. To systematically evaluate these characteristics, three analogues, namely polyethylene glycol (PEG), PEG-conjugated octadecylamine (PEG-C18), and tri(ethylene glycol) (TEG), were explored as nanocarriers to entrap celastrol (CSL) via the injection-combined dialysis method. CSL nanoparticles were successfully prepared as orange milky solutions, which revealed a similar particle size of approximately 120 nm, with narrow distribution and a negative zeta potential of -20 mV. All these CSL nanoparticles exhibited good storage stability and media stability but presented different drug-loading capacities (DLCs), release profiles, cytotoxicity, and hemolytic activity. For DLCs, PEG-C18/CSL exhibited better CSL entrapment capacity. Regarding the release profiles, TEG/CSL showed the lowest release rate, PEG-C18/CSL presented a moderate release rate, and PEG/CSL exhibited a relatively fast release rate. Based on the different release rates, PEG-C18/CSL and TEG/CSL showed higher degrees of cytotoxicity than PEG/CSL. Furthermore, TEG/CSL showed the lowest membrane toxicity, and its hemolytic rate was below 20%. These results suggest that the structural effects of nanocarriers can affect the interactions between nanocarriers and drugs, resulting in different release profiles and antitumor activity.

Effect of Lipophilic Chains on the Antitumor Effect of a Dendritic Nano Drug Delivery System

Oligoethylene glycol dendron (G2) has been used in drug delivery due to its unique dendritic structure and excellent properties. In order to investigate the effects of lipophilic chains on drug delivery, the amphiphilic hybrid compound G2-C18 is synthesized, and celastrol (CSL) is selected to prepare "core-shell" structured CSL-G2-C18 nanoparticles (NPs) via the antisolvent precipitation method. Meanwhile, CSL-G2 NPs are prepared as the control. The two NPs show similar particle sizes and polydispersity indexes, while their morphologies exhibit dramatic differences. CSL-G2 NPs are solid spherical particles, while G2-C18 NPs are vesicles. The two NPs present ideal stability and similar release tendencies. The in vitro toxicity results show that the cell inhibition effect of CSL-loaded NPs is significantly enhanced when compared with free CSL, and the antitumor effect of CSL-G2-C18 NPs is stronger than that of CSL-G2 NPs. The IC₅₀ value of CSL-G2 NPs and CSL-G2-C18 NPs is enhanced about 2.8-fold and 5-fold when compared with free CSL, respectively. The above results show that lipophilic chain-linking dendritic hybrid nanocarriers promote antitumor activity by affecting the morphology of NPs, which may aid in the selection of carrier designs.

Exploiting directed self-assembly and disassembly for off-to-on fluorescence responsive live cell imaging

A bio-responsive nanoparticle was formed by the directed self-assembly (DSA) of a hydrophobic NIR-fluorophore with poloxamer P₁₈₈. Fluorophore emission was switched off when part of the nanoparticle, however upon stimulus induced nanoparticle dis-assembly the emission switched on. The emission quenching was shown to be due to fluorophore hydration and aggregation within the nanoparticle and the turn on response attributable to nanoparticle disassembly with embedding of the fluorophore within lipophilic environments. This was exploited for temporal and spatial live cell imaging with a measurable fluorescence response seen upon intracellular delivery of the fluorophore. The first dynamic response, seen within minutes, was from lipid droplets with other lipophilic regions such as the endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear membranes and secretory vacuoles imageable after hours. The high degree of fluorophore photostability facilitated continuous imaging for extended periods and the off to on switching facilitated the real-time observation of lipid droplet biogenesis as they emerged from the endoplasmic reticulum. With an in-depth understanding of the principles involved, further assembly controlling functional responses could be anticipated.

A spotlight on alkaloid nanoformulations for the treatment of lung cancer

Numerous naturally available phytochemicals have potential anti-cancer activities due to their vast structural diversity. Alkaloids have been extensively used in cancer treatment, especially lung cancers, among the plant-based compounds. However, their utilization is limited by their poor solubility, low bioavailability, and inadequacies such as lack of specificity to cancer cells and indiscriminate distribution in the tissues. Incorporating the alkaloids into nanoformulations can overcome the said limitations paving the way for effective delivery of the alkaloids to the site of action in sufficient concentrations, which is crucial in tumor targeting. Our review attempts to assess whether alkaloid nanoformulation can be an effective tool in lung cancer therapy. The mechanism of action of each alkaloid having potential is explored in great detail in the review. In general, Alkaloids suppress oncogenesis by modulating several signaling pathways involved in multiplication, cell cycle, and metastasis, making them significant component of many clinical anti-cancerous agents. The review also explores the future prospects of alkaloid nanoformulation in lung cancer. So, in conclusion, alkaloid based nanoformulation will emerge as a potential gamechanger in treating lung cancer in the near future.

Antimalarial and antitumour activities of the steroidal quinone-methide celastrol and its combinations with artemiside, artemisone and methylene blue

Artemisinin, isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant qīng hāo 青蒿 (Artemisia annua) and its derivatives are used for treatment of malaria. With treatment failures now being recorded for the derivatives and companion drugs used in artemisinin combination therapies new drug combinations are urgently required. The amino-artemisinins artemiside and artemisone display optimal efficacies in vitro against asexual and sexual blood stages of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and are active against tumour cell lines. In continuing the evolution of combinations of the amino-artemisinins with new drugs, we examine the triterpenoid quinone methide celastrol isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant léi gōng téng 雷公藤 (Tripterygium wilfordii). This compound is redox active, and has attracted considerable attention because of potent biological activities against manifold targets. We report that celastrol displays good IC₅₀ activities ranging from 0.50–0.82 µM against drug-sensitive and resistant asexual blood stage Pf, and 1.16 and 0.28 µM respectively against immature and late stage Pf NF54 gametocytes. The combinations of celastrol with each of artemisone and methylene blue against asexual blood stage Pf are additive. Given that celastrol displays promising antitumour properties, we examined its activities alone and in combinations with amino-artemisinins against human liver HepG2 and other cell lines. IC₅₀ values of the amino-artemisinins and celastrol against HepG2 cancer cells ranged from 0.55–0.94 µM. Whereas the amino-artemisinins displayed notable selectivities (SI > 171) with respect to normal human hepatocytes, in contrast, celastrol displayed no selectivity (SI < 1). The combinations of celastrol with artemiside or artemisone against HepG2 cells are synergistic. Given the promise of celastrol, judiciously designed formulations or structural modifications are recommended for mitigating its toxicity.

Induction of the ER stress response in NRVMs is linked to cardiotoxicity caused by celastrol

Celastrol is a quinone methide triterpenoid extracted from the root bark of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, and it exhibits extensive biological activities such as anti-cancer effects. However, narrow therapeutic window together with undesired side effects limit its clinical application. In this study, we explore celastrol's cardiotoxicity using the methods of histology and cell biology. The results show that celastrol administration dose-dependently induces cardiac dysfunction in mice as manifested by left ventricular dilation, myocardial interstitial fibrosis, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Exposure to celastrol greatly decreases neonatal rat ventricular myocyte (NRVM) viability and promotes its apoptosis. More importantly, we demonstrate that celastrol exerts its pro-apoptotic effects through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response. Furthermore, siRNA targeting C/EBP homologous protein, a pivotal component of ER stress-mediated apoptosis, effectively prevents the pro-apoptotic effect of celastrol. Taken together, our results demonstrate the potential cardiotoxicity of celastrol and a direct involvement of ER stress in the celastrol-induced apoptosis of NRVMs. Thus, we recommend careful evaluation of celastrol's cardiovascular effects when using it in the clinic.

Preparation of Naringenin Nanosuspension and Its Antitussive and Expectorant Effects

Naringenin (NRG) is a natural flavonoid compound abundantly present in citrus fruits and has the potential to treat respiratory disorders. However, the clinical therapeutic effect of NRG is limited by its low bioavailability due to poor solubility. To enhance the solubility, naringenin nanosuspensions (NRG-NSps) were prepared by applying tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) as the nanocarrier via the media-milling method. The particle size, morphology, and drug-loading content of NRG-NSps were examined, and the stability was evaluated by detecting particle size changes in different physiological media. NRG-NSps exhibited a flaky appearance with a mean diameter of 216.9 nm, and the drug-loading content was 66.7%. NRG-NSps exhibited good storage stability and media stability. NRG-NSps presented a sustainable release profile, and the cumulative drug-release rate approached approximately 95% within 7 d. NRG-NSps improved the antitussive effect significantly compared with the original NRG, the cough frequency was decreased from 22 to 15 times, and the cough incubation period was prolonged from 85.3 to 121.6 s. Besides, NRG-NSps also enhanced expectorant effects significantly, and phenol red secretion was increased from 1.02 to 1.45 μg/mL. These results indicate that NRG-NSps could enhance the bioavailability of NRG significantly and possess a potential clinical application.

High-Payload Nanosuspension of Centella asiatica Extract for Improved Skin Delivery with No Irritation

Background

The titrated extract of Centella asiatica (CA) has received much attention as a cosmeceutical ingredient owing to its anti-wrinkle effect. However, due to the low solubility and high molecular weight of pharmacologically active constituents, including asiatic acid (AA), madecassic acid (MA), and asiaticoside (AS), it is challenging to fabricate high-payload topical preparations of CA with satisfactory skin absorption profiles.

Purpose

This study aimed to design a high-payload topical preparation of CA using nanocrystallization technique and to evaluate its skin absorption profile and local tolerability.

Methods

High-payload nanocrystal suspensions (NSs) were prepared using lab-scale bead-milling technology, by adjusting the type and amount of suspending agent, CA content, type of vehicle, and milling speed. CA-loaded NSs were characterized in terms of morphology, particle size, crystallinity, and in vitro dissolution pattern. Skin absorption of CA nanocrystals was evaluated using a vertical Franz diffusion cell mounted with porcine skin. In vivo skin irritation following topical application of high-payload NS was assessed in normal rats.

Results

The optimized NS system, composed of 10% (w/v) CA, 0.5% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K30 as steric stabilizer, and 89.5% of distilled water, was characterized as follows: spherical or elliptical in shape, 200 nm in size, with low crystallinity. The in vitro dissolution of AA or MA from NSs was markedly faster compared to raw material, under sink condition. Penetration of AA, MA, and AS in the porcine skin was markedly elevated using the high-payload NS formula, providing 5-, 4-, and 4.5-fold higher accumulation in skin layer, compared to that of the marketed cream formula (CA 1%, Madeca cream). Moreover, topical application of high-payload NS was tolerable, showing neither erythema nor oedema in normal rats.

Conclusion

The novel NS system is expected to be a virtuous approach for offering a better skin absorption of CA, without using an excess quantity of solubilizers.

Microbial transglutaminase nanoflowers as an alternative nanomedicine for breast cancer theranostics

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women. With the aim of decreasing the toxicity of conventional breast cancer treatments, an alternative that could provide appropriate and effective drug utilization was envisioned. Thus, we contemplated and compared the in vitro effects of microbial transglutaminase nanoflowers (MTGase NFs) on breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Transglutaminase is an important regulatory enzyme acting as a site-specific cross-linker for proteins. With the versatility of MTGase facilitating the nanoflower formation by acting as molecular glue, it was demonstrated to have anti-cancer properties. The rational drug design based on a transglutaminase enzyme-assisted approach led to the uniform shape of petals in these nanoflowers, which had the capacity to act directly as an anti-cancer drug. Herein, we report the anti-cancer characteristics portrayed by enzymatic MTGase NFs, which are biocompatible in nature. This study demonstrated the prognostic and therapeutic significance of MTGase NFs as a nano-drug in breast cancer treatment. The results on MCF-7 cells showed a significantly improved in vitro therapeutic efficacy. MTGase NFs were able to exhibit inhibitory effects on cell viability (IC₅₀-8.23 μg ml⁻¹) within 24 h of dosage. To further substantiate its superior anti-proliferative role, the clonogenic potential was measured to be 62.8%, along with migratory inhibition of cells (3.76-fold change). Drastic perturbations were induced (4.61-fold increase in G0/G1 phase arrest), pointed towards apoptotic induction with a 58.9% effect. These results validated the role of MTGase NFs possessing a cytotoxic nature in mitigating breast cancer. Thus, MTGase bestows distinct functionality towards therapeutic nano-modality, i.e., nanoflowers, which shows promise in cancer treatment.

Development of a novel therapeutic nano-modality in the form of enzymatic transglutaminase nanoflowers; endowed with anti-cancerous action against breast cancers.

Celastrol in cancer therapy: Recent developments, challenges and prospects

Cancer is one of the world's biggest healthcare burdens and despite the current advancements made in treatment plans, the outcomes for oncology patients have yet to reach their full potential. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop novel anti-cancer drugs. A popular drug class for research are natural compounds, due to their multi-targeting potential and enhanced safety profile. One such promising natural bioactive compound derived from a vine, Tripterygium wilfordii is celastrol. Pre-clinical studies revolving around the use of celastrol have revealed positive pharmacological activities in various types of cancers, thus suggesting the chemical's potential anti-cancerous effects. However, despite the numerous preclinical studies carried out over the past few decades, celastrol has not reached human trials for cancer. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms and therapeutic potentials of celastrol in treatment for different types of cancer. Subsequently, we also explore the possible reasons hindering its development for human use as cancer therapy, like its narrow therapeutic window and poor pharmacokinetic properties. Additionally, after critically analysing both in vitro and in vivo evidence, we discuss about the key pathways effected by celastrol and the suitable types of cancer that can be targeted by the natural drug, thus giving insight into future directions that can be taken, such as in-depth analysis and research of the druggability of celastrol derivatives, to aid the clinical translation of this promising anti-cancer lead compound.

Nanotechnology-Based Celastrol Formulations and Their Therapeutic Applications

Celastrol (also called tripterine) is a quinone methide triterpene isolated from the root extract of Tripterygium wilfordii (thunder god vine in traditional Chinese medicine). Over the past two decades, celastrol has gained wide attention as a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-autoimmune, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective agent. However, its clinical translation is very challenging due to its lower aqueous solubility, poor oral bioavailability, and high organ toxicity. To deal with these issues, various formulation strategies have been investigated to augment the overall celastrol efficacy in vivo by attempting to increase the bioavailability and/or reduce the toxicity. Among these, nanotechnology-based celastrol formulations are most widely explored by pharmaceutical scientists worldwide. Based on the survey of literature over the past 15 years, this mini-review is aimed at summarizing a multitude of celastrol nanoformulations that have been developed and tested for various therapeutic applications. In addition, the review highlights the unmet need in the clinical translation of celastrol nanoformulations and the path forward.

Evaluation of Antitumor Efficacy of Chitosan-Tamarind Gum Polysaccharide Polyelectrolyte Complex Stabilized Nanoparticles of Simvastatin

PURPOSE

The present study was intended to fabricate chitosan (Ch)-tamarind gum polysaccharide (TGP) polyelectrolyte complex stabilized cubic nanoparticles of simvastatin and evaluate their potential against human breast cancer cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antisolvent precipitation method was used for formulation of nanoparticles. Factorial design (32) was utilized as a tool to analyze the effect of Ch and TGP concentration on particle size and entrapment efficiency of nanoparticles.

RESULTS

Formulated nanoparticles showed high entrapment efficiency (67.19±0.42-83.36±0.23%) and small size (53.3-383.1 nm). The present investigation involved utilization of two biological membranes (egg and tomato) as biological barriers for drug release. The study revealed that drug release from tomato membranes was retarded (as compared to egg membranes) but the release pattern matched that of egg membranes. All formulations followed the Baker-Lansdale model of drug release irrespective of the two different biological barriers. Stability studies were carried out for 45 days and exhibited less variation in particle size as well as a reduction in entrapment efficiency. Simvastatin loaded PEC stabilized nanoparticles exhibited better control on growth of human breast cancer cell lines than simple simvastatin. An unusual anticancer effect of simvastatin nanoparticles is also supported by several other research studies.

CONCLUSION

The present study involves first-time synthesis of Ch-TGP polyelectrolyte complex stabilized nanoparticles of simvastatin against MCF-7 cells. It recommends that, in future, theoretical modeling and IVIVC should be carried out for perfect designing of delivery systems.

Silk Particles as Carriers of Therapeutic Molecules for Cancer Treatment

Although progress is observed in cancer treatment, this disease continues to be the second leading cause of death worldwide. The current understanding of cancer indicates that treating cancer should not be limited to killing cancer cells alone, but that the target is the complex tumor microenvironment (TME). The application of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (DDS) can not only target cancer cells and TME, but also simultaneously resolve the severe side effects of various cancer treatment approaches, leading to more effective, precise, and less invasive therapy. Nanoparticles based on proteins derived from silkworms' cocoons (like silk fibroin and sericins) and silk proteins from spiders (spidroins) are intensively explored not only in the oncology field. This natural-derived material offer biocompatibility, biodegradability, and simplicity of preparation methods. The protein-based material can be tailored for size, stability, drug loading/release kinetics, and functionalized with targeting ligands. This review summarizes the current status of drug delivery systems' development based on proteins derived from silk fibroin, sericins, and spidroins, which application is focused on systemic cancer treatment. The nanoparticles that deliver chemotherapeutics, nucleic acid-based therapeutics, natural-derived agents, therapeutic proteins or peptides, inorganic compounds, as well as photosensitive molecules, are introduced.

Emerging Nanopharmaceuticals and Nanonutraceuticals in Cancer Management

Nanotechnology is the science of nanoscale, which is the scale of nanometers or one billionth of a meter. Nanotechnology encompasses a broad range of technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes that are used to design and/or enhance many products, including medicinal products. This technology has achieved considerable progress in the oncology field in recent years. Most chemotherapeutic agents are not specific to the cancer cells they are intended to treat, and they can harm healthy cells, leading to numerous adverse effects. Due to this non-specific targeting, it is not feasible to administer high doses that may harm healthy cells. Moreover, low doses can cause cancer cells to acquire resistance, thus making them hard to kill. A solution that could potentially enhance drug targeting and delivery lies in understanding the complexity of nanotechnology. Engineering pharmaceutical and natural products into nano-products can enhance the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Novel nano-formulations such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, quantum dots, nano-suspensions, and gold nanoparticles have been shown to enhance the delivery of drugs. Improved delivery of chemotherapeutic agents targets cancer cells rather than healthy cells, thereby preventing undesirable side effects and decreasing chemotherapeutic drug resistance. Nanotechnology has also revolutionized cancer diagnosis by using nanotechnology-based imaging contrast agents that can specifically target and therefore enhance tumor detection. In addition to the delivery of drugs, nanotechnology can be used to deliver nutraceuticals like phytochemicals that have multiple properties, such as antioxidant activity, that protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of cancer. There have been multiple advancements and implications for the use of nanotechnology to enhance the delivery of both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.