Magnetic Nanoparticles: From Design and Synthesis to Real World Applications

The increasing number of scientific publications focusing on magnetic materials indicates growing interest in the broader scientific community. Substantial progress was made in the synthesis of magnetic materials of desired size, morphology, chemical composition, and surface chemistry. Physical and chemical stability of magnetic materials is acquired by the coating. Moreover, surface layers of polymers, silica, biomolecules, etc. can be designed to obtain affinity to target molecules. The combination of the ability to respond to the external magnetic field and the rich possibilities of coatings makes magnetic materials universal tool for magnetic separations of small molecules, biomolecules and cells. In the biomedical field, magnetic particles and magnetic composites are utilized as the drug carriers, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in magnetic hyperthermia. However, the multifunctional magnetic particles enabling the diagnosis and therapy at the same time are emerging. The presented review article summarizes the findings regarding the design and synthesis of magnetic materials focused on biomedical applications. We highlight the utilization of magnetic materials in separation/preconcentration of various molecules and cells, and their use in diagnosis and therapy.

Current antiangiogenic agents in oncology and ophthalmology

Antiangiogenic drugs are approved for many cancer types for longer than a decade. Furthermore, several antiangiogenic agents are approved for local application in ophthalmology for treatment of macular degeneration, venous retinal occlusion and diabetic retinopathy. Knowing that antiangiogenic agents are active in ocular system, we reviewed the current literature, whether antiangiogenic drugs may cause ocular side effects in cancer patients by systemic application. Furthermore, we searched in published papers, if systemic application of antiangiogenic agents in cancer patients may simultaneously treat their ocular disorders, if they have such. Finally, we emphasized cooperation between an oncologist and ophthalmologist when treating patients with antiangiogenic drugs.

KEYWORDS

angiogenesis inhibitors, vascular diseases, eye, drug-related side effects and adverse reactions.

Minireview on current antiangiogenic agents in oncology and ophthalmology

Antiangiogenic drugs are approved for many cancer types for longer than a decade. Furthermore, several antiangiogenic agents are approved for local application in ophthalmology for treatment of macular degeneration, venous retinal occlusion and diabetic retinopathy. Knowing that antiangiogenic agents are active in ocular system, we reviewed the current literature, whether antiangiogenic drugs may cause ocular side effects in cancer patients by systemic application.   Furthermore, we searched in published papers, if systemic application of antiangiogenic agents in cancer patients may simultaneously treat their ocular disorders, if they have such.  Finally, we emphasized cooperation between an oncologist and ophthalmologist when treating patients with antiangiogenic drugs.

Deposition of Zn-containing films using atmospheric pressure plasma jet

The purpose of this work was to deposit Zn-containing films on Si substrates using the commercial atmospheric pressure plasma jet “kINPen’09.” In preliminary experiments Zn-containing films were deposited on the silicon substrates immersed in water solutions of Zn(NO3)2•6H2O salt. The surface composition of deposited films was analyzed by the XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) technique while the bulk composition was studied by means of XRD (X-ray diffraction) mesurements. The film thickness was measured by a profilometer. We have determined that the concentration of the zinc nitrate solution as well as changes in the deposition time resulted in a large fluctuation of the deposited film thickness. However, the successful deposition of the Zn-containing films on the Si substrate was definitely confirmed.

Fundus autofluorescence in age-related macular disease imaged with a laser scanning ophthalmoscope

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) as the most common cause of legal blindness in industrialized countries remains an incompletely understood, complex retinal disease. Prophylactic and therapeutic options are still limited. Sensitive diagnostic tools and prognostic markers to evaluate disease stage and progression in the individual patient are needed. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a key role in the disease process both in early and late variants of AMD. An excessive accumulation of lipofuscin granules in the lysosomal compartment of RPE cells represents a common downstream pathogenetic pathway in various retinal diseases including AMD. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging allows the visualization of the topographic distribution of lipofuscin over large retinal areas (Fig. 3, Ref. 13).

Current therapy for retinal vein occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion is a common retinal vascular disorder causing visual deterioration in the elderly. Vision-threatening complications include macular ischemia, neovascularisations, and vitreous hemorrhages. There are central and branch retinal vein occlusions as well as their ischemic and nonischemic subtypes. Branch occlusion and nonischemic cases are associated with better prognosis, often with good recovery of visual acuity. There have been various modes of therapy used for this disease but with little or poor effect. Due to the lack of effective monotherapy for retinal vein occlusions, there is probably a need to combine the therapy approaches (Fig. 4, Ref. 24). Full Text in PDF www.elis.sk.