ABSTRACTAimTo evaluate the structural stability and biological activity of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) after 2 years of storage.Materials and methodsCPMV was stored at room temperature (RT), 4°C, and −20°C for 2 years. Structural stability was assayed using dynamic light scattering (DLS), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), native and denaturing gel electrophoresis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Biological activity was assessed by anti-tumor efficacy studies using a B16F10 dermal mouse melanoma model and by a cowpea plant infection challenge.ResultsStorage at −20°C preserved CPMV’s structural properties and biological activity. Storage at 4°C caused aggregation, S-protein cleavage, and RNA degradation – samples stored at 4°C had decreased anti-tumor efficacy yet retained plant infectivity. CPMV stored at RT was degraded and lost biological activity.ConclusionFrozen storage allows CPMV to maintain structural and biological stability for at least 2 years.

ABSTRACTIn the field of nanomedicine, there is considerable familiarity with both the various applications of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and the related topic of anti-PEG antibodies (anti-PEG Abs). The worldwide spread of mRNA-LNP vaccines has focused much attention on the sometimes problematic relationship between immune responses and the various possible pharmacological uses of PEG. In this paper, which is a perspective review, I summarize the properties of PEG, the properties of anti-PEG Abs, and the various methods for evaluating the relationship between these two factors. I then offer suggestions for addressing the adverse effects that anti-PEG Abs have on the medicinal power of PEGylated nanomedicines. Ultimately, by exploring important developments in the above areas, this review offers an organized, synthesized presentation of information that should prove useful for the development of nanomedicines.

ABSTRACTAimTo investigate the effect of acute (daily) inhalation of nanoparticles (NPs) on the transcriptomic profile of male nanocomposite research workers with a history of long-term exposure (years).Materials & methodsWhole genome mRNA and miRNA expression changes were analyzed from blood samples collected before and after machining or welding. Exposure in the work environment was assessed using stationary and personal monitoring.ResultsFollowing PM0.1 exposure, a significant decrease in the expression of DDIT4 and FKBP5, genes involved in the stress response, was detected in exposed workers. In the Machining group, the DDIT4 expression correlated with the exposure dose. Increased levels of miR30-d-5p and miR-3613-5p (both involved in carcinogenesis) in welders were associated with the NP exposure dose, highlighting their potential suitability as inhalation exposure markers.ConclusionThe results from this pilot transcriptomic analysis (mRNA and miRNA) indicate that exposure to NPs contributes to immune system deregulation and alters the pathways related to cancer. Therefore, the use of protective equipment, as well as obtaining more data by additional research, is highly recommended.

ABSTRACTNanozymes, engineered nanomaterials that mimic natural enzyme activity, have emerged as powerful tools in precision cancer therapy due to their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME), and facilitate cascade catalytic reactions. This review presents a comprehensive evaluation of recent innovations in nanozyme structural engineering aimed at improving catalytic performance, substrate specificity, and biocompatibility. Key design strategies, including dimensional tailoring, valence state tuning, and surface functionalisation, are discussed in the context of tumor-targeted therapies. Special focus is given to multifunctional and stimuli-responsive nanozymes that adapt to TME conditions or external triggers like light and pH. Despite significant progress, barriers such as biosafety, delivery efficiency, and lack of standardized catalytic performance metrics remain. This review critically addresses these challenges and highlights state-of-the-art nanozyme platforms, such as single-atom catalysts and cascade systems, which are leading the field toward clinical translation. Finally, it proposes strategic directions to bridge current knowledge gaps and advance nanozymes from bench to bedside, positioning them as next-generation catalytic platforms for personalized oncology.

ABSTRACTAimExosome-like nanoparticles mediate intercellular communication and regulate gene expression. In this study, we isolated and purified exosome-like nanoparticles from Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM-ELNs), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, and investigated their therapeutic effects on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM).Materials & methodsTo investigate the effect of SM-ELNs on DCM, we established a mouse model via HFD/STZ treatment. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. Cardiac hypertrophy was assessed by measuring the heart weight/body weight ratio and HE staining, while myocardial fibrosis was evaluated using Masson’s trichrome staining. The role of SM-ELNs on NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition and macrophage pyroptosis were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. The interaction between NEDD4 and SGK1 was analyzed by Co-IP and ubiquitination assays.ResultsSM-ELNs treatment alleviated cardiac function and histopathological changes in DCM mice. Moreover, SM-ELNs suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent macrophage pyroptosis in both in vivo and in vitro models. Mechanistically, NEDD4 facilitated the ubiquitination and degradation of SGK1 in macrophages. Both NEDD4 depletion and SGK1 addition could counteract the SM-ELNs-induced suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome-triggered macrophage pyroptosis in LPS/ATP-treated RAW264.7 cells.ConclusionOur study provides the first evidence that SM-ELNs inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated macrophage pyroptosis in DCM by modulating the NEDD4/SGK1 axis.

ABSTRACTPhotoacoustic (PA) imaging integrates ultrasound with the molecular contrast afforded by optical imaging, enabling noninvasive, real-time visualization of tissue structures and contrasts. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been extensively studied as contrast agents for PA imaging due to their strong optical absorption derived from localized surface plasmon resonance, particularly when engineered to absorb in the near-infrared (NIR) region to enhance tissue penetration. However, the use of conventional anisotropic nanoparticles that absorb the NIR wavelengths is limited by their poor photostability under pulsed lasing conditions, which restricts their applicability in longitudinal in vivo imaging studies. This review first outlines the fundamental principles of PA imaging and introduces conventional GNP-based contrast agents, emphasizing their applications and inherent limitations. Subsequently, recent advances in GNP engineering are discussed, with particular focus on strategies to improve photostability, and a future perspective on the development of GNP-based PA contrast agents is provided.

ABSTRACTAimGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), posing significant challenges for efficient therapy’s outcomes. Nanomedicine combined with immunotherapy holds the potential to modulate the TME and reactivate immune responses. This study proposes a polymeric nanosystem (NPs) encapsulating diaminocyclohexane-platinum II (DACHPt), an oxaliplatin derivative, to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in GBM cells.Materials & methodsAn ionic-gelation technique was employed to generate polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) with an approximate size of 200 nm. NPs internalization was analyzed in GBM cell lines, invitro-derived macrophages, and in leukocytes and tumor cells from GBM patient via flow cytometry and confocal imaging. ICD was assessed by measuring two of its main markers: adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1).ResultsNPs were efficiently incorporated by myeloid and tumor cells, but not by lymphocytes. DACHPt-loaded NPs demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity compared to free drug, with increased ATP and HMGB1 release from GBM cells, confirming ICD induction.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that DACHPt-loaded NPs represent a promising therapeutic strategy capable of targeting both tumor cells and tumor-promoting immune cells while inducing ICD.

Aim: Fluorescence detection of breast and prostate cancer cells expressing Tn-antigen, a tumor marker, with Vicia villosa lectin (VVL)-labeled nanoparticles.Materials & methods: Breast and prostate cancer cells engineered to express high levels of Tn-antigen and non-engineered controls were incubated with VVL-labeled or unlabeled red dye-doped silica-coated polystyrene nanoparticles. The binding to cells was studied with flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and electron microscopy.Results: Flow cytometry showed that the binding of VVL-labeled nanoparticles was significantly higher to Tn-antigen-expressing cancer cells than controls. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that particles bound to the cell surface. According to the correlative light and electron microscopy the particles bound mostly as aggregates.Conclusion: VVL-labeled nanoparticles could provide a new tool for the detection of Tn-antigen-expressing breast and prostate cancer cells.