Targeted delivery of anti-osteoporosis therapy: Bisphosphonate-modified nanosystems and composites

Osteoporosis (OP) constitutes a significant health concern that profoundly affects individuals' quality of life. Bisphosphonates, conventional pharmaceuticals widely employed in OP treatment, encounter limitations related to inadequate drug targeting and a short effective duration, thereby compromising their clinical efficacy. The burgeoning field of nanotechnology has witnessed the development and application of diverse functional nanosystems designed for OP treatment. Owing to the bone tissue affinity of bisphosphonates, these nanosystems are modified to address shortcomings associated with traditional drug delivery. In this review, we explore the potential of bisphosphonate-modified nanosystems as a promising strategy for addressing osteoporotic conditions. With functional modification, these nanosystems exhibit a targeted and reversible effect on osteoporotic remodeling, presenting a promising solution to enhance precision in drug delivery. The synthesis methods, physicochemical properties, and in vitro/in vivo performance of bisphosphonate-modified nanosystems are comprehensively examined in this review. Through a thorough analysis of recent advances and accomplishments in this field, we aim to provide insights into the potential applications and future directions of bisphosphonate-modified nanosystems for targeted and reversible osteoporotic remodeling.

Applications of peptides in nanosystems for diagnosing and managing bacterial sepsis

Sepsis represents a critical medical condition stemming from an imbalanced host immune response to infections, which is linked to a significant burden of disease. Despite substantial efforts in laboratory and clinical research, sepsis remains a prominent contributor to mortality worldwide. Nanotechnology presents innovative opportunities for the advancement of sepsis diagnosis and treatment. Due to their unique properties, including diversity, ease of synthesis, biocompatibility, high specificity, and excellent pharmacological efficacy, peptides hold great potential as part of nanotechnology approaches against sepsis. Herein, we present a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the applications of peptides in nanosystems for combating sepsis, with the potential to expedite diagnosis and enhance management outcomes. Firstly, sepsis pathophysiology, antisepsis drug targets, current modalities in management and diagnosis with their limitations, and the potential of peptides to advance the diagnosis and management of sepsis have been adequately addressed. The applications have been organized into diagnostic or managing applications, with the last one being further sub-organized into nano-delivered bioactive peptides with antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory activity, peptides as targeting moieties on the surface of nanosystems against sepsis, and peptides as nanocarriers for antisepsis agents. The studies have been grouped thematically and discussed, emphasizing the constructed nanosystem, physicochemical properties, and peptide-imparted enhancement in diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy. The strengths, limitations, and research gaps in each section have been elaborated. Finally, current challenges and potential future paths to enhance the use of peptides in nanosystems for combating sepsis have been deliberately spotlighted. This review reaffirms peptides' potential as promising biomaterials within nanotechnology strategies aimed at improving sepsis diagnosis and management.

The mitochondria-targeted Kaempferol nanoparticle ameliorates severe acute pancreatitis

Kaempferol (KA), an natural antioxidant of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is extensively used as the primary treatment for inflammatory digestive diseases with impaired redox homeostasis. Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) was exacerbated by mitochondrial dysfunction and abundant ROS, which highlights the role of antioxidants in targeting mitochondrial function. However, low bioavailability and high dosage of KA leading to unavoidable side effects limits clinical transformation. The mechanisms of KA with poor bioavailability largely unexplored, hindering development of the efficient strategies to maximizing the medicinal effects of KA. Here, we engineered a novel thioketals (TK)-modified based on DSPE-PEG2000 liposomal codelivery system for improving bioavailability and avoiding side effects (denotes as DSPE-TK-PEG2000-KA, DTM@KA NPs). We demonstrated that the liposome exerts profound impacts on damaging intracellular redox homeostasis by reducing GSH depletion and activating Nrf2, which synergizes with KA to reinforce the inhibition of inadequate fission, excessive mitochondrial fusion and impaired mitophagy resulting in inflammation and apoptosis; and then, the restored mitochondrial homeostasis strengthens ATP supply for PAC renovation and homeostasis. Interestingly, TK bond was proved as the main functional structure to improve the above efficacy of KA compared with the absence of TK bond. Most importantly, DTM@KA NPs obviously suppresses PAC death with negligible side effects in vitro and vivo. Mechanismly, DTM@KA NPs facilitated STAT6-regulated mitochondrial precursor proteins transport via interacting with TOM20 to further promote Drp1-dependent fission and Pink1/Parkin-regulated mitophagy with enhanced lysosomal degradation for removing damaged mitochondria in PAC and then reduce inflammation and apoptosis. Generally, DTM@KA NPs synergistically improved mitochondrial homeostasis, redox homeostasis, energy metabolism and inflammation response via regulating TOM20-STAT6-Drp1 signaling and promoting mitophagy in SAP. Consequently, such a TCM's active ingredients-based nanomedicine strategy is be expected to be an innovative approach for SAP therapy.

Synthesis and evaluation of nanosystem containing chondroitinase ABCI based on hydroxyapatite

The bacterial enzyme chondroitinase ABCI (chABCI), which has been isolated from Proteus Vulgaris, is crucial in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. However, due to its short lifespan, the maintenance and clinical application of this enzyme are very constrained. In this study, the immobilization of this enzyme on hydroxyapatite has been carried out and assessed with the aim of enhancing the characteristics and efficiency of chABCI. Hydroxyapatite particles (HAPs) are a potential candidate for drug-delivery carriers because of their excellent biocompatibility, shape controllability, and high adsorption. The use of the nanometer scale allows efficient access to the enzyme's substrate. It demonstrates important biological application capabilities in this way. Field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), in vitro release study, and cytotoxicity test were used to characterize the drug nanosystem's properties. According to the findings, electrostatic bindings was formed between charged groups of the enzyme and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. The results also demonstrated that immobilized chABCI on hydroxyapatite has beneficial properties, such as more manageable drug release, minimal toxicity and side effects, and a high potential to enhance the efficacy of drug delivery and decrease the need for repeated injections.

Therapeutic application of manganese-based nanosystems in cancer radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is an important therapeutic modality in the treatment of cancers. Nevertheless, the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as hypoxia and high glutathione (GSH), limit the efficacy of radiotherapy. Manganese-based (Mn-based) nanomaterials offer a promising prospect for sensitizing radiotherapy due to their good responsiveness to the TME. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of radiosensitization of Mn-based nanosystems, including alleviating tumor hypoxia, increasing reactive oxygen species production, increasing GSH conversion, and promoting antitumor immunity. We further illustrate the applications of these mechanisms in cancer radiotherapy, including the development and delivery of radiosensitizers, as well as their combination with other therapeutic modalities. Finally, we summarize the application of Mn-based nanosystems as contrast agents in realizing precision therapy. Hopefully, the present review will provide new insights into the biological mechanisms of Mn-based nanosystems, as well as their applications in radiotherapy, in order to address the difficulties and challenges that remain in their clinical application in the future.

An iron oxyhydroxide-based nanosystem sensitizes ferroptosis by a "Three-Pronged" strategy in breast cancer stem cells

The anti-apoptotic mechanism of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) makes it an obstacle to traditional apoptosis as the primary way of death. Ferroptosis is a recently reported mode of programmed cell death caused by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation (LPO) in cells. High dependence on iron makes BCSCs more sensitive to ferroptosis. However, the high level of the Prominin2 protein and high concentration of GSH in BCSCs make BCSCs able to efflux excess iron ions and clear LPO, which limits the therapeutic efficacy of ferroptosis in BCSCs. To overcome this obstacle, we designed a hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated siProminin2-loaded FeOOH nanoparticle (FeOOH/siPROM2@HA) to amplify ferroptosis. The FeOOH/siPROM2@HA is stable under physiologically neutral conditions but generates Fe³⁺ in an acidic microenvironment; meanwhile, the released siProminin2 inhibits its efflux, and then Fe³⁺ undergoes a redox reaction with endogenous GSH to produce Fe²⁺, which initiates the Fenton reaction-based ferroptosis by LPO elevation. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that these pH-sensitive NPs significantly inhibited tumor growth by downregulating glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Overall, this work demonstrates a "three-pronged" strategy for amplified ferroptotic therapy by simultaneously promoting intracellular iron, inhibiting iron efflux, and depleting GSH, which presents a potential strategy for CSC-targeted cancer therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: As the root of recurrence and metastasis, breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are resistant to traditional apoptotic death, so it is urgent to explore a new death mode for BCSCs. It has been reported that BCSCs are highly iron-dependent and, therefore, more sensitive to ferroptosis; however, the therapeutic efficacy is greatly limited by the overexpression of Prominin2 in BCSCs, which is correlated with resistance to ferroptosis by exocytosis of iron ions. In this work, we designed a hyaluronic acid-coated siProminin2-loaded FeOOH nano-drug (FeOOH/siPROM2@HA) to accelerate ferroptosis of BCSCs by simultaneously increasing iron ion content, inhibiting iron efflux, and scavenging GSH. This "three-pronged" strategy has significant implications for BCSC-targeted cancer therapy.

Opportunities and challenges for co-delivery nanomedicines based on combination of phytochemicals with chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer treatment

The therapeutic limitations such as insufficient efficacy, drug resistance, metastasis, and undesirable side effects are frequently caused by the long duration monotherapy based on chemotherapeutic drugs. multiple combinational anticancer strategies such as nucleic acids combined with chemotherapeutic agents, chemotherapeutic combinations, chemotherapy and tumor immunotherapy combinations have been embraced, holding great promise to counter these limitations, while still taking including some potential risks. Nowadays, an increasing number of research has manifested the anticancer effects of phytochemicals mediated by modulating cancer cellular events directly as well as the tumor microenvironment. Specifically, these natural compounds exhibited suppression of cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of cancer cells, P-glycoprotein inhibition, decreasing vascularization and activation of tumor immunosuppression. Due to the low toxicity and multiple modulation pathways of these phytochemicals, the combination of chemotherapeutic agents with natural compounds acts as a novel approach to cancer therapy to increase the efficiency of cancer treatments as well as reduce the adverse consequences. In order to achieve the maximized combination advantages of small-molecule chemotherapeutic drugs and natural compounds, a variety of functional nano-scaled drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, host-guest supramolecules, supramolecules, dendrimers, micelles and inorganic systems have been developed for dual/multiple drug co-delivery. These co-delivery nanomedicines can improve pharmacokinetic behavior, tumor accumulation capacity, and achieve tumor site-targeting delivery. In that way, the improved antitumor effects through multiple-target therapy and reduced side effects by decreasing dose can be implemented. Here, we present the synergistic anticancer outcomes and the related mechanisms of the combination of phytochemicals with small-molecule anticancer drugs. We also focus on illustrating the design concept, and action mechanisms of nanosystems with co-delivery of drugs to synergistically improve anticancer efficacy. In addition, the challenges and prospects of how these insights can be translated into clinical benefits are discussed.

Nanoengineering a metal-organic framework for osteosarcoma chemo-immunotherapy by modulating indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase and myeloid-derived suppressor cells

Background

The high postoperative recurrence rate and refractoriness of relapsed tumors are still a conundrum for the clinical management of osteosarcoma (OS). New therapeutic options are urgently needed. Depriving the nourishment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells is a novel strategy to improve the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment for enhanced OS therapy.

Methods

We synthesized a hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified metal–organic framework for combinational chemotherapy and immunotherapy of OS. Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) was prepared by a one-pot synthetic method, Gemcitabine (Gem) and D-1-Methyltryptophan (D-1-MT) were loaded into the ZIF-8 during the synthesis process to make ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT nanoparticles (NPs). The end product (HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs) was obtained by HA modification on the surface of ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs. The obtained HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs have excellent potential as a drug delivery vector for chemotherapy and immunotherapy in vitro and vivo.

Results

The results indicate that HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs were readily taken up by OS cells, and that the Gem and D-1-MT were effectively released into the acidic environment. The HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs could efficiently decrease OS cell viability (proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration and invasion). And HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs could reactivate antitumor immunity by inhibiting indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Furthermore, animal experiments confirmed that HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs could induce intratumoral immune responses and inhibit tumor growth. Additionally, HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs have a good safety profile.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the combination of Gem with D-1-MT brings new hope for the improved treatment of OS, while the generation of the nanosystem has increased the application potential and flexibility of this strategy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02372-8.

Biomimetic nanoparticles: U937 cell membranes based core-shell nanosystems for targeted atherosclerosis therapy

Atherosclerosis (AS), with its intricate pathogenesis, is primarily responsible for the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Although drug development has made some achievements in AS therapy, limited targeting ability and rapid blood clearance remain great challenges for achieving superior clinical outcomes. Herein, ginsenoside (Re)- and catalase (CAT)-coloaded porous poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and then surface modified with U937 cell membranes (UCMs) to yield a dual targeted model and multimechanism treatment biomimetic nanosystem (Cat/Re@PLGA@UCM). The nanoparticles consisted of a core-shell spherical morphology with a favorable size of 112.7 ± 0.4 nm. Furthermore, UCM assisted the nanosystem in escaping macrophage phagocytosis and targeting atherosclerotic plaques. Meanwhile, loading with catalase might not only exhibit favorable antioxidant effects but also enable H₂O₂-responsive drug release ability. The Cat/Re@PLGA@UCM NPs also exhibited outstanding ROS scavenging properties, downregulating ICAM-1, TNF-α and IL-1β, while preventing angiogenesis to attenuate the progression of AS. Moreover, the nanodrugs displayed 2.7-fold greater efficiency in reducing the atherosclerotic area in ApoE^-/- mouse models compared to free Re. Our nanoformulation also displayed excellent biosafety in response to long-term administration. Overall, our study demonstrated the superiority of UCM-coated stimuli-responsive nanodrugs for effective and safe AS therapy.

Hyaluronic acid wreathed, trio-stimuli receptive and on-demand triggerable nanoconstruct for anchored combinatorial cancer therapy

Hyaluronic acid (HA) assisted effective internalization into CD44 receptor-overexpressing cancer cells, which could offer an excellent cytotoxic profile and tumor alterations. In this study, duo-photothermal agents (copper sulfide (CuS) and graphene oxide (GO)), chemotherapeutic drug (doxorubicin (DOX)), and targeting moiety (HA) were incorporated into a complexed nanoconstruct for trio-responsive chemo-phototherapy. The nanosystem (CuS(DOX)-GO-HA) was demonstrating its responsive drug release and escalated photothermal behavior. The hyperthermia and photodynamic effect were observed along with efficient ROS generation in the presence of dual photosensitizers. The in vivo biodistribution and photothermal profile reflected a high accumulation and retention of the nanoconstruct in the tumor. Importantly, nanoconstructs effectively inhibit tumor growth based on tumor volume analysis and the altered expression of apoptosis, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis markers. Collectively, these findings suggest that this nanoconstruct has excellent antitumor effects in CD44 overexpressed cells showing the potential for clinical translation in the future.

Redox induced dual-signal optical sensor of carbon dots/MnO2 nanosheets based on fluorescence and second-order scattering for the detection of ascorbic acid

In order to detect ascorbic acid (AA) sensitively, a dual-signal optical sensor of a nanosystem with carbon dots (CDs)/MnO₂ nanosheets based on fluorescence and second-order scattering (SOS) has been constructed. Here, MnO₂ nanosheets, both as a fluorescence quencher and signal transducer of SOS, quench the blue fluorescence of CDs by an inner filter effect. Under the excitation of 300 nm, the nanosystem shows a fluorescence emission peak at 405 nm and a SOS peak at 610 nm, respectively. With the increase of AA , the lamellar structure of MnO₂ nanosheets is etched into a smaller nanostructure, causing a decrease of the fluorescence recovery of CDs (405 nm) and decrease of the SOS signal of the MnO₂ nanosheets (610 nm). According to the simultaneous changes of fluorescence and SOS signals, a dual-signal optical sensor toward AA is successfully constructed. Satisfactorily, the optical sensor for AA detection shows a detection limit of 88 and 105 nM for fluorescence and SOS, respectively. The practical application of the designed sensor is verified through the detection of AA content in vitamin C tablets, and satisfactory results are obtained Graphical Abstract A dual-signal sensor of fluorescence (FL) and second-order scattering (SOS) based on the carbon dot (CD) and MnO₂ nanosheet system for ascorbic acid (AA) detection is constructed, in which CDs are used for the FL mode and MnO₂ nanosheets are used for the SOS mode.

Preparation and characterization of lamotrigine containing nanocapsules for nasal administration

Nanocapsules (NCs) have become one of the most researched nanostructured drug delivery systems due to their advantageous properties and versatility. NCs can enhance the bioavailabiliy of hydrophobic drugs by impoving their solubility and permeability. Also, they can protect these active pharmaceutical agents (APIs) from the physiological environment with preventing e.g. the enzymatic degradation. NCs can be used for many administration routes: e.g. oral, dermal, nasal and ocular formulations are exisiting in liquid and solid forms. The nose is one of the most interesting alternative drug administration route, because local, systemic and direct central nervous system (CNS) delivery can be achived; this could be utilized in the therapy of CNS diseases. Therefore, the goal of this study was to design, prepare and investigate a novel, lamotrigin containing NC formulation for nasal administration. The determination of micrometric parameters (particle size, polydispersity index, surface charge), in vitro (drug loading capacity, release and permeability investigations) and in vivo characterization of the formulations were performed in the study. The results indicate that the formulation could be a promising alternative of lamotrigine (LAM) as the NCs were around 305 nm size with high encapsulation efficiency (58.44%). Moreover, the LAM showed rapid and high release from the NCs in vitro and considerable penetration to the brain tissues was observed during the in vivo study.

Dual stimuli-responsive ursolic acid-embedded nanophytoliposome for targeted antitumor therapy

The hindrances in achieving clinically translatable anticancer platforms are being tackled through nanotechnology-based formulations. In this study, stimuli-responsive, phytoactive constituent-loaded nanophytoliposomes were fabricated for designing a specific antitumor platform. Ursolic acid (UA)-loaded nanophytoliposomes (UA-PLL-HA.P) enwrapped in a poly-L-lysine (PLL) coat and hyaluronic acid (HA) were nanosized; these nanophytoliposomes had spherical morphology, slightly negative charge, and an in-range polydispersity index (~0.25). Successful fabrication of the nanosystem was proven through several characterization methods and the pH- and enzyme-responsiveness of the nanosystem was assessed through a release study. The cellular internalization in CD44 receptor-expressing cell lines was amplified by enhanced permeation and retention as well as by active targeting. In vitro antitumor behavior was confirmed through in vitro cytotoxic and apoptotic activity of the nanosystem. Similarly, in vivo imaging showed exceptional biodistribution in the tumor in agreement with the in vitro findings. Moreover, the tumor inhibitory rate of UA-PLL-HA.P was significantly higher, and was ascribed to the targeting potential and stimuli-responsiveness. In summary, UA-PLL-HA.P exhibited pronounced anticancer effect and could open a number of possibilities for discovering novel phytoconstituent-incorporated nanoformulations.

Evaluation of the lubricating effect of magnesium stearate and glyceryl behenate solid lipid nanoparticles in a direct compression process

The aim of this study was to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and introduce them into a direct compression process to evaluate their lubricant properties. The study consisted of preparing glyceryl behenate SLN (Compritol® 888 ATO) by hot dispersion, and magnesium stearate SLN by a novel nanoprecipitation/ion exchange method. The ejection force was measured for nanosystems and raw materials in a formulation typically used for direct compression. The smallest particle sizes obtained were 456 nm for Compritol® 888 ATO and 330 nm for magnesium stearate. Results show that the NPs used as lubricants in a direct compression model formulation provided efficient lubrication by maintaining the lubricating properties of the system, thereby decreasing the amount of lubricant used compared to the raw material. The lubricating effect showed an increase of 15-30% for magnesium stearate and Compritol® 888 ATO, compared to the raw material at concentrations above 2%.

Designing Multicomponent Nanosystems for Rapid Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells

Detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood circulation holds immense promise as it predicts the overall probability of patient survival. Therefore, CTC-based technologies are gaining prominence as a "liquid biopsy" for cancer diagnostics and prognostics. Here, we describe the design and synthesis of two distinct multicomponent magnetic nanosystems for rapid capture and detection of CTCs. The multifunctional Magneto-Dendrimeric Nano System (MDNS) composed of an anchoring dendrimer that is conjugated to multiple agents such as near infrared (NIR) fluorescent cyanine 5 NHS (Cy5), glutathione (GSH), transferrin (Tf), and iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) for simultaneous tumor cell-specific affinity, multimodal high resolution confocal imaging, and cell isolation. The second nanosystem is a self-propelled microrocket that is composed of carbon nanotube (CNT), chemically conjugated with targeting ligand such as transferrin on the outer surface and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in the inner surface. The multicomponent nanosystems described here are highly efficient in targeting and isolating cancer cells thus benefiting early diagnosis and therapy of cancer.

Nanosystems in nose-to-brain drug delivery: A review of non-clinical brain targeting studies

The treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders remains a challenge in medical research. Several strategies have been developed over the years, either to overcome the blood-brain barrier or to achieve a safer or faster brain delivery, one of them being intranasal (IN) administration. The possibility of direct nose-to-brain transport offers enhanced targeting and reduced systemic side effects. Nevertheless, labile, low soluble, low permeant and/or less potent drugs might need a formulation other than the common solutions or suspensions. For that, the formulation of nanosystems is considered to be a promising approach, since it can protect drugs from chemical and/or metabolic degradation, enhance their solubility, or offer transport through biological membranes. However, the understanding of the factors promoting efficient brain targeting when using nanosystems through the nasal route is currently patchy and incomplete. The main purpose of the present review was to evaluate the association between brain delivery efficacy (in terms of brain targeting, brain bioavailability and time to reach the brain) and nanosystem type. For that, we performed a systematic bibliographic search and analysis. Furthermore, study designs, nanosystem properties, and reporting quality were also analyzed and discussed. It was found a high heterogeneity in how pre-clinical brain targeting studies have been conducted, analyzed and reported in scientific literature, which surely originates a significant degree of bias and data dispersion. This review attempts to provide some systematization recommendations, which may be useful for researchers entering the field, and assist in increasing the uniformity of future reports. The analysis of literature data confirmed that there is evidence of the advantage of the IN route (when compared to the intravenous route) and in using carrier nanosystems (when compared to IN solutions) for brain delivery of a large set of drugs. Among the most represented nanosystem classes, microemulsions had some of the lowest pharmacokinetic ratios values, while polymeric micelles had some of the best. Nevertheless, brain targeting efficacy comparisons between nanosystem groups had little statistical significance, and the superiority of the polymeric micelles group disappeared when nanosystems were compared to the respective IN drug solutions. In fact, some drugs reached the brain so efficiently, even as drug solutions, that further benefit from formulating them into nanosystems became less evident.