Electrochemical aptasensor based on the engineered core-shell MOF nanostructures for the detection of tumor antigens

It is essential to develop ultrasensitive biosensors for cancer detection and treatment monitoring. In the development of sensing platforms, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received considerable attention as potential porous crystalline nanostructures. Core-shell MOF nanoparticles (NPs) have shown different diversities, complexities, and biological functionalities, as well as significant electrochemical (EC) properties and potential bio-affinity to aptamers. As a result, the developed core-shell MOF-based aptasensors serve as highly sensitive platforms for sensing cancer biomarkers with an extremely low limit of detection (LOD). This paper aimed to provide an overview of different strategies for improving selectivity, sensitivity, and signal strength of MOF nanostructures. Then, aptamers and aptamers-modified core-shell MOFs were reviewed to address their functionalization and application in biosensing platforms. Additionally, the application of core-shell MOF-assisted EC aptasensors for detection of several tumor antigens such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA15-3), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1), and other tumor markers were discussed. In conclusion, the present article reviews the advancement of potential biosensing platforms toward the detection of specific cancer biomarkers through the development of core-shell MOFs-based EC aptasensors.

The interaction mechanism of plasma iron transport protein transferrin with nanoparticles

In the biological systems, exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) can cause complicated interactions with proteins, the formation of protein corona and structural changes to proteins. These changes depend not only on NP physicochemical properties, but also on the intrinsic stability of protein molecules. Although, the formation of protein corona on the surface of NPs and the underlying mechanisms have been fully explored in various studies, no comprehensive review has discussed the direct biochemical and biophysical interactions between NPs and blood proteins, particularly transferrin. In this review, we first discussed the interaction of NPs with proteins to comprehend the effects of physicochemical properties of NPs on protein structure. We then overviewed the transferrin structure and its direct interaction with NPs to explore transferrin stability and its iron ion (Fe³⁺) release behavior. Afterwards, we surveyed the various biological functions of transferrin, such as Fe³⁺ binding, receptor binding, antibacterial activity, growth, differentiation, and coagulation, followed by the application of transferrin-modified NPs in the development of drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. We believe that this study can provide useful insight into the design and development of bioconjugates containing NP-transferrin for potential biomedical applications.

Artificial engineering of the protein corona at bio-nano interfaces for improved cancer-targeted nanotherapy

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been demonstrated in numerous applications as anticancer, antibacterial and antioxidant agents. Artificial engineering of protein interactions with NPs in biological systems is crucial to develop potential NPs for drug delivery and cancer nanotherapy. The protein corona (PC) on the NP surface, displays an interface between biomacromolecules and NPs, governing their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Upon interaction of proteins with the NP surface, their surface features are modified and they can easily be removed from the circulation by the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS). PC properties heavily depend on the biological microenvironment and NP surface physicochemical parameters. Based on this context, we have surveyed different approaches that have been used for artificial engineering of the PC composition on NP surfaces. We discuss the effects of NP size, shape, surface modifications (PEGylation, self-peptide, other polymers), and protein pre-coating on the PC properties. Additionally, other factors including protein source and structure, intravenous injection and the subsequent shear flow, plasma protein gradients, temperature and local heat transfer, and washing media are considered in the context of their effects on the PC properties and overall target cellular effects. Moreover, the effects of NP-PC complexes on cancer cells based on cellular interactions, organization of intracellular PC (IPC), targeted drug delivery (TDD) and regulation of burst drug release profile of nanoplatforms, enhanced biocompatibility, and clinical applications were discussed followed by challenges and future perspective of the field. In conclusion, this paper can provide useful information to manipulate PC properties on the NP surface, thus trying to provide a literature survey to shorten their shipping from preclinical to clinical trials and to lay the basis for a personalized PC.

Enzyme-polymeric/inorganic metal oxide/hybrid nanoparticle bio-conjugates in the development of therapeutic and biosensing platforms

Background

Because enzymes can control several metabolic pathways and regulate the production of free radicals, their simultaneous use with nanoplatforms showing protective and combinational properties is of great interest in the development of therapeutic nano-based platforms. However, enzyme immobilization on nanomaterials is not straightforward due to the toxic and unpredictable properties of nanoparticles in medical practice.

Aim of review

In fact, because of the ability to load enzymes on nano-based supports and increase their renewability, scientific groups have been tempted to create potential therapeutic enzymes in this field. Therefore, this study not only pays attention to the therapeutic and diagnostic applications of diseases by enzyme-nanoparticle (NP) bio-conjugate (abbreviated as: ENB), but also considers the importance of nanoplatforms used based on their toxicity, ease of application and lack of significant adverse effects on loaded enzymes. In the following, based on the published reports, we explained that the immobilization of enzymes on polymers, inorganic metal oxide and hybrid compounds provide hopes for potential use of ENBs in medical activities. Then, the use of ENBs in bioassay activities such as paper-based or wearing biosensors and lab-on-chip/microfluidic biosensors were evaluated. Finally, this review addresses the current challenges and future perspective of ENBs in biomedical applications.

Key scientific concepts of review

This literature may provide useful information regarding the application of ENBs in biosensing and therapeutic platforms.

Exploring the interaction of quercetin-3-O-sophoroside with SARS-CoV-2 main proteins by theoretical studies: A probable prelude to control some variants of coronavirus including Delta

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of interaction between quercetin-3-O-sophoroside and different SARS-CoV-2's proteins which can bring some useful details about the control of different variants of coronavirus including the recent case, Delta. The chemical structure of the quercetin-3-O-sophoroside was first optimized. Docking studies were performed by CoV disease-2019 (COVID-19) Docking Server. Afterwards, the molecular dynamic study was done using High Throughput Molecular Dynamics (HTMD) tool. The results showed a remarkable stability of the quercetin-3-O-sophoroside based on the calculated parameters. Docking outcomes revealed that the highest affinity of quercetin-3-O-sophoroside was related to the RdRp with RNA. Molecular dynamic studies showed that the target E protein tends to be destabilized in the presence of quercetin-3-O-sophoroside. Based on these results, quercetin-3-O-sophoroside can show promising inhibitory effects on the binding site of the different receptors and may be considered as effective inhibitor of the entry and proliferation of the SARS-CoV-2 and its different variants. Finally, it should be noted, although this paper does not directly deal with the exploring the interaction of main proteins of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant with quercetin-3-O-sophoroside, at the time of writing, no direct theoretical investigation was reported on the interaction of ligands with the main proteins of Delta variant. Therefore, the present data may provide useful information for designing some theoretical studies in the future for studying the control of SARS-CoV-2 variants due to possible structural similarity between proteins of different variants.

The expression level of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 determines the severity of COVID-19: lung and heart tissue as targets

Researchers have reported some useful information about the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) leading to CoV disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several studies have been performed in order to develop antiviral drugs, from which a few have been prescribed to patients. Also, several diagnostic tests have been designed to accelerate the process of identifying and treating COVID-19. It has been well-documented that the surface of host cells is covered by some receptors, known as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which mediates the binding and entry of CoV. After entering, the viral RNA interrupts the cell proliferation system to activate self-proliferation. However, having all the information about the outbreakof the SARS-COV-2, it is not still clear which factors determine the severity of lung and heart function impairment induced by COVID-19. A major step in exploring SARS-COV-2 pathogenesis is to determine the distribution of ACE2 in different tissues . In this review, the structure and origin of CoV, the role of ACE2 as a receptor of SARS-COV-2 on the surface of host cells, and the ACE2 distribution in different tissues with a focus on lung and cardiovascular system have been discussed. It was also revealed that acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) may result in the clinical severity of COVID-19. In conclusion, this review may provide useful information in developing some promising strategies to end up with a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Development of remdesivir repositioning as a nucleotide analog against COVID-19 RNA dependent RNA polymerase

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative representative of a severe respiratory illness resulted in widespread human infections and deaths in nearly all of the countries since late 2019. There is no therapeutic FDA-approved drug against SARS-CoV-2 infection, although a combination of anti-viral drugs is directly being practiced in some countries. A broad-spectrum of antiviral agents are being currently evaluated in clinical trials, and in this review, we specifically focus on the application of Remdesivir (RVD) as a potential anti-viral compound against Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) -CoV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. First, we overview the general information about SARS-CoV-2, followed by application of RDV as a nucleotide analogue which can potentially inhibits RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of COVs. Afterwards, we discussed the kinetics of SARS- or MERS-CoV proliferation in animal models which is significantly different compared to that in humans. Finally, some ongoing challenges and future perspective on the application of RDV either alone or in combination with other anti-viral agents against CoVs infection were surveyed to determine the efficiency of RDV in preclinical trials. As a result, this paper provides crucial evidence of the potency of RDV to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

3D bioprinting of engineered breast cancer constructs for personalized and targeted cancer therapy

The bioprinting technique with specialized tissue production allows the study of biological, physiological, and behavioral changes of cancerous and non-cancerous tissues in response to pharmacological compounds in personalized medicine. To this end, to evaluate the efficacy of anticancer drugs before entering the clinical setting, tissue engineered 3D scaffolds containing breast cancer and derived from the especially patient, similar to the original tissue architecture, can potentially be used. Despite recent advances in the manufacturing of 3D bioprinted breast cancer tissue (BCT), many studies still suffer from reproducibility primarily because of the uncertainty of the materials used in the scaffolds and lack of printing methods. In this review, we present an overview of the breast cancer environment to optimize personalized treatment by examining and identifying the physiological and biological factors that mimic BCT. We also surveyed the materials and techniques related to 3D bioprinting, i.e, 3D bioprinting systems, current strategies for fabrication of 3D bioprinting tissues, cell adhesion and migration in 3D bioprinted BCT, and 3D bioprinted breast cancer metastasis models. Finally, we emphasized on the prospective future applications of 3D bioprinted cancer models for rapid and accurate drug screening in breast cancer.

Polymeric-based microneedle arrays as potential platforms in the development of drugs delivery systems

BACKGROUND

Microscopic patches as quite promising platforms in transdermal drug delivery suffer from conventional injections. In other hand, a wide range of pharmacokinetics, ranging from fast oral administration to sustained drug delivery, can be implemented with the help of microneedle arrays (MNAs).

AIM OF REVIEW

Hence, in this paper, we overviewed different kinds of MNAs such as solid/coated, hollow, porous, hydrogel/swellable, and merged-tip geometry followed by introducing different types of material (silicon, glass, ceramics, dissolving and biodegradable polymers, and hydrogel) used for fabrication of MNAs. Afterwards, some conventional and brand-new simple and customizable MN mold fabrication techniques were surveyed. Polymeric MNAs have received a great deal of attention due to their potential biocompatibility and biodegradability in comparison to other materials. Therefore, we also covered different kinds of polymers such as hydrogel/swellable, dissolving and biodegradable analogues used for the development of MNAs as potential candidates in drug delivery systems (DDSs). Finally, we discussed different challenges and future perspectives in the aspect of MNAs-based drug delivery platforms.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

This review may provide guidelines for the rational design of polymeric MNAs-based DDSs for promising programmable drug release and enhanced therapeutic effect.

Hydrothermal method-based synthesized tin oxide nanoparticles: Albumin binding and antiproliferative activity against K562 cells

The interaction of nanoparticles with protein and cells may provide important information regarding their biomedical implementations. Herein, after synthesis of tin oxide (SnO₂) nanoparticles by hydrothermal method, their interaction with human serum albumin (HSA) was evaluated by multispectroscopic and molecular docking (MD) approaches. Furthermore, the selective antiproliferative impact of SnO₂ nanoparticles against leukemia K562 cells was assessed by different cellular assays, whereas lymphocytes were used as control cells. TEM, DLS, zeta potential and XRD techniques showed that crystalline SnO₂ nanoparticles have a size of less than 50 nm with a good colloidal stability. Fluorescence and CD spectroscopy analysis indicated that the HSA undergoes some slight conformational changes after interaction with SnO₂ nanoparticles, whereas the secondary structure of HSA remains intact. Moreover, MD outcomes revealed that the charged residues of HSA preferentially bind to SnO₂ nanoclusters in the binding pocket. Antiproliferative examinations displayed that SnO₂ nanoparticles can selectively cause the mortality of K562 cells through induction of cell membrane leakage, activation of caspase-9, -8, -3, down regulation of Bcl-2 mRNA, the elevation of ROS level, S phase arrest, and apoptosis. In conclusion, this data may indicate that SnO₂ nanoparticles can be used as promising particles to be integrated into therapeutic platforms.

Targeting SARS-CoV2 Spike Protein Receptor Binding Domain by Therapeutic Antibodies

As the number of people infected with the newly identified 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) is continuously increasing every day, development of potential therapeutic platforms is vital. Based on the comparatively high similarity of receptor-binding domain (RBD) in SARS-CoV2 and SARS-CoV, it seems crucial to assay the cross-reactivity of anti-SARS-CoV monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with SARS-CoV2 spike (S)-protein. Indeed, developing mAbs targeting SARS-CoV2 S-protein RBD could show novel applications for rapid and sensitive development of potential epitope-specific vaccines (ESV). Herein, we present an overview on the discovery of new CoV followed by some explanation on the SARS-CoV2 S-protein RBD site. Furthermore, we surveyed the novel therapeutic mAbs for targeting S-protein RBD such as S230, 80R, F26G18, F26G19, CR3014, CR3022, M396, and S230.15. Afterwards, the mechanism of interaction of RBD and different mAbs were explained and it was suggested that one of the SARS-CoV-specific human mAbs, namely CR3022, could show the highest binding affinity with SARS-CoV2 S-protein RBD. Finally, some ongoing challenges and future prospects for rapid and sensitive advancement of therapeutic mAbs targeting S-protein RBD were discussed. In conclusion, it may be proposed that this review may pave the way for recognition of RBD and different mAbs to develop potential therapeutic ESV.

Biophysical, bioinformatical, cellular, and molecular investigations on the effects of graphene oxide nanosheets on the hemoglobin structure and lymphocyte cell cytotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Implementations of nanoparticles have been receiving great interest in medicine and technology due to their unique characteristics. However, their toxic impacts on the biological system are not well explored.

AIM

This study aims to investigate the influence of fabricated nano graphene oxide (NGO) sheets on the secondary and quaternary structural alterations of human hemoglobin (Hb) and cytotoxicity against lymphocyte cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Different spectroscopic methods, such as extrinsic and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy and far circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, molecular docking investigation, cellular assays (trypan blue exclusion, cellular uptake, ROS, cell cycle, and apoptosis), and molecular assay (fold changes in anti/proapoptotic genes [B-cell lymphoma-2 {BCL2}/BAX] expression levels) were used in this study.

RESULTS

Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential investigations revealed the nano-sized nature of NGOs with good colloidal stability. Extrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy by using 8-anilinonaphthalene-1 -sulfonic acid and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy showed that NGOs can unfold the quaternary structure of Hb in the vicinity of Tyr residues. The CD investigation demonstrated that the α-helicity of Hb experienced substantial alteration upon interaction with increasing concentrations of NGOs. The molecular docking study showed that NGOs interacted with polar residues of Hb. Cellular and molecular assays revealed that NGOs lead to ROS formation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis through the BAX and BCL2 pathway.

CONCLUSION

These data reveal that NGOs can induce some protein structural changes and stimulate cytotoxicity against normal cell targets. Therefore, their applications in healthy systems should be limited.

Biophysical, docking, and cellular studies on the effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on blood components: in vitro

Introduction

The application of nanoparticles (NPs) in medicine and biology has received great interest due to their novel features. However, their adverse effects on the biological system are not well understood.

Materials and methods

This study aims to evaluate the effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) on conformational changes of human hemoglobin (HHb) and lymphocytes by different spectroscopic (intrinsic and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy and far and near circular dichroism [CD] spectroscopy), docking and cellular (MTT and flow cytometry) investigations.

Results and discussion

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that CNP diameter is ~30 nm. The infrared spectrum demonstrated a strong band around 783 cm⁻¹ corresponding to the CNP stretching bond. Fluorescence data revealed that the CNP is able to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HHb through both dynamic and static quenching mechanisms. The binding constant (K_b), number of binding sites (n), and thermodynamic parameters over three different temperatures indicated that hydrophobic interactions might play a considerable role in the interaction of CNPs with HHb. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that microenvironmental changes around Trp and Tyr residues remain almost unchanged. CD studies displayed that the regular secondary structure of HHb had no significant changes; however, the quaternary structure of protein is subjected to marginal structural changes. Docking studies showed the larger CNP cluster is more oriented toward experimental data, compared with smaller counterparts. Cellular assays revealed that CNP, at high concentrations (>50 µg/mL), initiated an antiproliferative response through apoptosis induction on lymphocytes.

Conclusion

The findings may exhibit that, although CNPs did not significantly perturb the native conformation of HHb, they can stimulate some cellular adverse effects at high concentrations that may limit the medicinal and biological application of CNPs. In other words, CNP application in biological systems should be done at low concentrations.