Biocompatible Nanoparticles Research Articles

Sustained Nitric Oxide Release Using Hybrid Magnetic Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy: An Investigation via Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

This research describes the development and thorough characterization of a novel, versatile, and biocompatible hybrid nanocarrier of the NO-releasing agent NOC-18, with a specific focus on optimizing the purification process. In this study, we focused on the sustained release of NO using biocompatible and diagnostic hybrid magnetic nanoparticles (hMNPs) containing cerium-doped maghemite (CM) NPs, embedded within human serum albumin (HSA) protein. A comprehensive study was conducted using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) alongside the Griess assay to evaluate NO release from the chosen NO donor, NOC-18, and to assess the limitations of the molecule under various reaction conditions, identifying the optimal conditions for binding NOC-18 with minimal NO loss. Two types of particles were designed: In-hMNPs, where NOC-18 is encapsulated within the particles, and Out-hMNPs, where NOC-18 is attached onto the surface. Our results demonstrated that In-hMNPs provided a sustained and prolonged release of NO (half-life, 50 h) compared to the rapid release for the Out-hMNPs, likely due to the strong bonds formed with cerium, which helped to stabilize the NO molecules. These results represent a promising approach to designing a dual-function agent that combines contrast properties for tumor MRI with the possibility of increasing the permeability of tumor vasculature. The employment of this dual-function agent in combination with nanotherapeutics could improve the latter’s efficacy by facilitating their access to the tumor.

Shark chondroitin sulfate gold nanoparticles: A biocompatible apoptotic agent for osteosarcoma.

Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive tumor that originates in the bone and often infiltrates nearby bone cells. It is the most prevalent type of primary bone cancer among the various bone malignancies. Traditional cancer treatment methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy have had restricted success. However, the integration of nanotechnology into cancer research has led to notable progress. One promising area is the use of marine-derived polysaccharide-based nano formulations for treating various human diseases, including cancer. This study presents a straightforward method for synthesizing biocompatible gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), utilizing sodium borohydride as a reducing agent and a cost-effective, water-soluble chondroitin sulfate (CS) derived from shark cartilage as a stabilizing agent. The synthesized CS-Au NPs appeared purple and were mainly spherical, with 40.768nm of average size. Cytotoxicity assays (MTT) indicated that CS-Au NPs significantly reduced the viability of human osteosarcoma cells (MG63) at 100μg/mL, while it showed no cytotoxic effects on mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (NIH3T3) at the same concentration. The observed toxicity of the CS-Au NPs was linked to a rise in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within damaged mitochondria. ROS generation and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were detected in MG63 cells treated with CS-Au NPs. Furthermore, apoptotic analysis through ethidium bromide dual staining and flow cytometry demonstrated that CS-Au NPs at higher concentrations significantly increased the amount of apoptotic cells, as demonstrated by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Flow cytometry also confirmed that CS-Au NPs activated the apoptotic pathway in MG63 cells.

Synthesis and characterization of boron-containing biocompatible polymer-coated Gd2O3 nanoparticles for neutron capture therapy-based theranostics

Synthesis and characterization of boron-containing biocompatible polymer-coated Gd2O3 nanoparticles for neutron capture therapy-based theranostics

Overcoming breast cancer cell treatment resistance by optimizing sonodynamic therapy and radiation sensitizers on lncRNA PVT1 and miR-1204 expression.

Acoustic cavitation is a foundational mechanism in ultrasound therapy, primarily through inertial cavitation resulting from microbubble collapse. Sonodynamic therapy, with inertial acoustic cavitation threshold and low-dose radiation in the presence of sensitizers, may provide significant effects for cancer treatment, potentially overcoming resistance encountered with single therapies. MCF7 breast cancer cells were subjected to sonodynamic therapy either alone or combined with ionizing radiation, gold nanoparticles coated with apigenin, and methylene blue. Several parameters were evaluated, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and colonization. Additionally, the investigation included assessing the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PTV1 with miRNA1204 and related genes using Real-Time PCR. Sonodynamic therapy at a mechanical index of 0.31 as acoustic cavitation threshold increased intracellular ROS. Combining sonodynamic therapy and 2 Gy X-ray radiation with methylene blue and gold nanoparticles coated with apigenin significantly decreased plating efficiency (4.44±1.69), and survival fraction (2.75±1.98) compared with control (Ctrl.) (98.77±4.49) and (97.59± 2.94), respectively. This was associated with a marked increase in ROS with a mean fluorescence intensity of 20,576.2 ± 4.6 (>4.5 times). The combined treatment also increased p53 expression and decreased the expression of PVT1, miR-1204, and related genes. Sonodynamic therapy in inertial acoustic cavitation threshold, combined with ionizing radiation in the presence of biocompatible nanoparticles, could enhance the therapeutic effects on the miR-1204, derived from lncRNA PVT1, that functions as an oncogenic microRNA in breast cancer. This approach has the potential to overcome treatment resistance encountered with single therapies.

Nanotechnology in Cancer Therapy: A Paradigm Shift in Oncology

The application of nanotechnology in cancer therapy has revolutionized oncology by enabling precise, targeted, and minimally invasive treatment modalities. Nanoparticles, with their unique physicochemical properties, have emerged as versatile tools for improving drug delivery, imaging, and therapeutic efficacy. This review explores the role of nanotechnology in overcoming traditional challenges in cancer treatment, such as systemic toxicity, poor bioavailability, and resistance to chemotherapy. Key advancements include the development of multifunctional nanoparticles capable of simultaneous drug delivery and diagnostic imaging, as well as nanoscale systems designed to bypass biological barriers and deliver therapeutics directly to tumor sites. Additionally, nanotechnology has paved the way for innovative approaches like photothermal and photodynamic therapies, which harness light-mediated mechanisms to eradicate cancer cells with minimal damage to healthy tissues. Despite these advancements, challenges such as nanoparticle biocompatibility, scalability, and regulatory approval remain critical hurdles to widespread clinical adoption. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of nanotechnology in cancer therapy, highlights its transformative potential, and discusses future directions for research and clinical translation. By bridging the gap between engineering and medicine, nanotechnology promises to redefine cancer care and improve patient outcomes

Green synthesis of silica-coated gold nanoparticles employing femtosecond laser, solid targets, and water

Gold nanoparticles are widely used in biomedical applications due to their unique properties. However, traditional synthesis methods generate contaminants that cause cytotoxicity and compromise the biocompatibility of the nanomaterials. Therefore, green synthesis methods are essential to produce pure and biocompatible nanoparticles, ensuring their effectiveness in biomedical applications. This study introduces a novel approach for synthesizing silica-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNP@SiO₂) using femtosecond laser ablation in water, eliminating the need for chemical reagents. The process involves three key laser-based steps: Si ablation, SiNP@SiO₂ fragmentation, and Au ablation, all conducted in a liquid environment. The resulting AuNP@SiO₂ were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and zeta potential measurements. The results demonstrated that the AuNP@SiO₂ nanoparticles exhibit high colloidal stability, with a notably negative zeta potential of (-72.0 ± 0.3) mV, effectively preventing particle aggregation. TEM analysis confirmed predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of (15.87 ± 0.70) nm, encapsulated by a SiO₂ layer ranging from 1 to 3 nm in thickness. The synthesis approach produced nanoparticles with an average size distribution below 35 nm. This green synthesis method not only produces stable and well-characterized AuNP@SiO₂ nanoparticles but also represents a significant step towards more sustainable nanomaterial production, with promising implications for biomedical applications.

Octa-Cationic Porphyrin-Functionalized Biocompatible Nanocomposite: A Promising Candidate for Enhanced Combinatorial Photodynamic and Photothermal Tumor Therapy.

The integration of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) offers a promising strategy for enhancing phototherapy efficiency. Herein, we present a dual-functional, biocompatible nanocomposite system for combination PDT/PTT therapy. The system utilizes a highly biocompatible nanoparticle assembled by an amphiphilic short peptide with the assistance of Zn2+ as a carrier. The photothermal convertor is loaded within the nanoparticle, while a cationic porphyrin photosensitizer is assembled on the surface. The water-soluble cationic porphyrin (M8PzEOPP), designed with eight positive charges, provides a strong electrostatic interaction for stable assembly on the nanocomposite surface. This location-independent assembly effectively maintains the optical characteristics of both the photosensitizer and the photothermal convertor, endowing the nanocomposite with effective photodynamic and photothermal properties. The nanocomposite exhibits excellent tumor-targeting accumulation behavior, low dark toxicity, robust extracellular biostability, and high cell internalization efficiency. Its enhanced performance in combinatorial therapy is demonstrated through both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Alchemy in Nature: The Role of Lawsonia inermis Extract Choice in Crafting Potent Anticancer Metal Nanoparticles.

Phyto-nanotechnology provides an eco-friendly approach for synthesizing biocompatible metal nanoparticles (NPs) with therapeutic potential. Lawsonia inermis (LI) has been historically valued for its diverse medicinal applications, especially its exceptional biological potency against various skin diseases, attributed to its rich abundance of bioactive compounds. Therefore, herein, plant-based iron and zinc NPs were biofabricated via sustainable and simple methods, using crude extracts of the aerial parts of LI as reducing, coating, and stabilizing agents. Since the extraction method affects the type of extracted phytocompounds, two extraction approaches─aqueous and hydro-alcoholic─were applied to determine the influence of the extraction route on the physicochemical and biological properties of the formed NPs. These properties were characterized via various analytical techniques and assays. The UV-Vis spectra revealed absorption bands ranging from 265 to 270 nm, while FT-IR confirmed the successful coating of the NPs with the extracts' phytochemicals, validating the biofabrication of the proposed NPs. The alcoholic-based NPs displayed higher total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant effect compared to their aqueous-based counterparts, reaching up to 55.13 μg of GAE/1 mg of dry weight (DW), 30.48 μg of QU/1 mg of DW, and IC50 of 46.02 μg/mL, respectively. All tested samples, except for Fe NPs, displayed significant cytotoxic effects against skin cancer, resulting in a cell viability as low as 1% at 1000 μg/mL. QTOF-LC/MS/MS analyses of LI extracts revealed tentative identification of more than 100 metabolites with phenolic compounds representing the largest share. Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant Analysis modeling revealed a clear separation between both extracts, with more than 40 marker compounds. The results indicated that both extracts were effective for the green synthesis of Fe and Zn NPs for biomedical applications, with the alcoholic extract of LI as a superior coating candidate and the aqueous extract as a stronger reducing agent. This work showcases the influence of extraction protocols on physicochemical and biological characteristics of the resulting nanoparticles.

A REVIEW ON NANOTECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING NIGELLA SATIVA

Background: Nanotechnology has revolutionized modern science by enabling the synthesis of nanoparticles with unique physicochemical properties. Among these advancements, green synthesis using plant-based resources has gained significant attention for being eco-friendly and cost-effective. Nigella sativa (black seed), known for its rich bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolics, has traditionally been used for treating various ailments. Body: This review focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Nigella sativa as a nanotechnology-driven resource. The process leverages plant extracts to produce AgNPs, showcasing reduced toxicity and environmental impact compared to conventional physical and chemical methods. Key topics include the historical evolution of nanotechnology, top-down and bottom-up synthesis approaches, and the superior antimicrobial and biomedical applications of AgNPs due to their high surface area to volume ratio. The potential of N. sativa in producing nanomaterials highlights its importance in sustainable nanotechnology for diagnostics, antimicrobial therapies, and other applications. Conclusion: The incorporation of nanotechnology and green synthesis has positioned Nigella sativa as a promising resource for environmentally safe and biocompatible nanoparticle synthesis. Its role in modern science underscores its potential in addressing global challenges in medicine and environmental management.

Thymoquinone-PLGA-PF68 Nanoparticles Induce S Phase Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis, Leading to the Inhibition of Migration and Colony Formation in Tamoxifen-Resistant Breast Cancer Cells.

A biocompatible polymeric nanoparticle, TQ-PLGA-PF68, was developed through the interaction of the phytochemical thymoquinone (TQ) encapsulated in poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG) with Pluronics F68. So far, this combination has not been assessed on breast cancer cells resistant to anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the cell death caused by TQ-PLGA-PF68 nanoparticles, particularly in resistant breast cancer cell lines expressing estrogen receptor (ER) positivity, such as TamR MCF-7. The antiproliferative activity of TQ-PLGA-PF68 nanoparticles was measured using the MTS assay. The cytotoxic effects were further evaluated through colony formation assay and scratch-wound healing assay. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to determine the characteristics of the apoptosis as well as cell cycle arrest induced by TQ-PLGA-PF68 nanoparticles. The localization of these nanoparticles in the cells was examined using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). With a TQ concentration of 58.5 μM encapsulated within the nanoparticles, cytotoxicity analysis revealed a significant inhibition of cell proliferation (p<0.05). This finding was corroborated by the results of the colony formation assay. Treatment with TQ-PLGA-PF68 nanoparticles significantly decreased the number of surviving TamR MCF-7 cells by 35% (p<0.001) compared to untreated TamR MCF-7 cells. Concurrently, the scratch-wound healing assay indicated a closure rate of 50% versus >80% (p<0.05) in untreated TamR MCF-7 cells at 12 hours post-wounding. The TUNEL assay successfully confirmed the apoptosis characteristics associated with cell cycle arrest. TEM observation confirmed the cellular internalization of these nanoparticles, suggesting the in vitro therapeutic potential of the formulation. In this study, a significant functional change in TamR MCF-7 cells induced by the TQ nanoparticles was observed. The unique incorporation of TQ into the PLGA-PEG and Pluronics F68 formulation preserved its bioactivity, thereby reducing the migratory and proliferative traits of drug-resistant cells. This discovery may pave the way for exploring the application of biocompatible polymeric TQ nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic approach in future studies pertaining to resistant breast cancer.

Monosaccharide coatings on nanoparticles affect protein corona formation but not the interaction with their binding receptor

Surface coatings with polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers have often been employed to improve nanoparticles (NPs) biocompatibility and extend circulation time by reducing protein adsorption. PEGylated NPs benefit from steric hindrance and repulsion effects, which are influenced by PEG molecular weight, density, and chain conformation. However, repetitive exposure to PEG can trigger acute and chronic immunological responses as a result of the development of Immunoglobulin G anti-PEG antibodies. NPs functionalisation with glycans has become an emerging approach to increase their biocompatibility as these biomolecules are highly hydrophilic, biocompatible interact with biological receptors expressed in the body, and can be conjugated, controlling their orientation. In this study, we developed a series of gold NPs (AuNPs) coated with PEG linkers of different lengths and conjugated with mannose (Man) or sialic acid (Sia) glycans, and we carried out a detailed characterisation prior to and after exposure to biological fluids to study their behaviour and protein corona formation. Our findings show that the glycan-coated NPs exhibit stabilisation after protein interaction, with Man coatings showing the lowest protein affinity and that the glycans are biologically active and capable of binding to glycan receptors (such as Concanavalin A) despite the presence of a complex protein environment. Results indicate that glycan modification of PEGylated NPs reduces nonspecific interactions while preserving active targeting properties, underscoring their potential for therapeutic applications.

Hydration and Biodistribution of Zwitterionic Dendrimers Conjugating a Sulfobetaine Monomer and Polymers.

Zwitterionic polymers exhibit strong hydration, high biocompatibility, and antifouling properties. Dendrimers are regularly branched polymers, which are used in the drug delivery system (DDS). In this study, we synthesized zwitterionic monomer- and polymer-conjugated dendrimers as a biocompatible nanoparticle to investigate the relation between the hydration property and biodistribution. A sulfobetaine monomer (SBM) was conjugated at the termini of the polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer. Polysulfobetaines (PSBs) were produced by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and were also conjugated at the termini. Intermediate water, that is, water molecules loosely bound to the material, can be estimated from the melting peaks at less than 0 °C in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement. Our DSC results showed that the PSB-conjugated dendrimers (PSM-dens) contained more intermediate water than the SBM-conjugated dendrimer (SBM-den). PSB-dens accumulated in the tumor after intravenous administration, but SBM-den did not. These suggested that the amount of intermediate water, that is, the hydration property, was related to the biodistribution of the zwitterionic dendrimers. This relation is a possible design criterion for drug carriers. PSB-dens accumulated in the tumor even after the second injection, possibly overcoming the accelerated blood clearance observed with poly(ethylene glycol)-modified nanoparticles. Thus, this kind of zwitterionic polymer-conjugated dendrimer is useful for the DDS in cancer treatment.

Carbon Nanoparticle-Loaded PLA Nanofibers via Electrospinning for Food Packaging

The development of nanocomposite materials for food packaging applications requires a precise balance of material functionality, safety, and regulatory compliance. In this work, the design, manufacturing, optimization, feasibility, and safety profile of polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers filled with biocompatible carbon nanoparticles (CNP) and copper-loaded (CNP-Cu) nanoparticles by electrospinning are presented. To ensure nanoparticle compatibility with the PLA solvent system and achieve a uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles within nanofibers, dynamic light scattering analysis was employed, while the incorporation efficiency was demonstrated by building a novel UV–vis spectroscopy analytical method. Morphological analysis, performed through FE-SEM and TEM, confirmed the homogeneous distribution of CNP and CNP-Cu nanoparticles without aggregation. Migration studies in aqueous food simulants were also carried out to assess the material’s safety profile. The results showed minimal nanoparticle release, and the calculated copper migration was well within the limits set by European Commission Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 for food contact materials.

Mesoporous Prussian blue nanoparticle neuroconduit for the biological therapy targeting oxidative stress reduction, inflammation inhibition, and nerve regeneration

The applications of nanomaterials in regenerative medicine encompass a broad spectrum. The functional nanomaterials, such as Prussian blue and its derivative nanoparticles, exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. By combining it with the corresponding scaffold carrier, the fusion of nanomaterials and biotherapy can be achieved, thereby providing a potential avenue for clinical treatment. The present study demonstrates the fabrication of a Mesoporous Prussian blue nanoparticles (MPBN) functionalized Inverse Opal Film (IOF) neuroconduit for peripheral nerve repair through reverse replication and freeze-drying techniques. The binding of MPBN to the neuroconduit can effectively decreasing reactive oxygen species and inflammatory factors in the vicinity of the residual nerve, thereby providing protective effects on the damaged nerve. Furthermore, comprehensive behavioral, electrophysiological, and pathological analyses unequivocally substantiate the efficacy of MPBN in increasing nerve structure regeneration and ameliorating denervation-induced myopathy. Moreover, MPBN enhances the antioxidant capacity of Schwann cells by activating the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1 pathway. The findings suggest that MPBN, a biocompatible nanoparticle, can safeguard damaged nerves by optimizing the microenvironment surrounding nerve cells and augmenting the antioxidant capacity of nerve cells, thereby facilitating nerve regeneration and repair. This also establishes a theoretical foundation for exploring the integration and clinical translation between nanomaterials and biotherapy.

PEGylated Platinum Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Study of Their Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects.

Pain and inflammation are common symptoms of a majority of the diseases. Chronic pain and inflammation, as well as related dreadful disorders, remain difficult to control due to a lack of safe and effective medications. In this work, biocompatible platinum nanoparticles with significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory action were synthesized through a wet chemical method using polyethylene glycol-400 as a capping agent and sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. The average particle size of these Pt nanospheres was determined to be 3.26 nm using TEM analysis, and X-ray diffraction confirmed their face-centered cubic crystalline structure. Fourier transform infrared and UV-visible spectroscopy confirm that Pt-NPs are coated with the PEG-400 molecule. The significantly negative zeta potential value (-26.8 mV) indicates the stability of the produced nanoparticles. In vitro cytotoxicity studies on normal cell lines show nontoxic behavior with over 96% cell viability at 100 μg/mL of the test sample. In vitro assays of inhibition of protein denaturation and DPPH free radical scavenging elucidated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of PEGylated Pt NPs with promising EC50 values 57.99 and 9.324 μg/mL, respectively. In vivo animal trials confirmed that PEG-capped Pt-NPs are more effective than conventional medicines. The in vivo hot plate assay for the analgesic study shows a maximum response time of 14.5 ± 1.22 s (92.54% analgesia) at a dosage of 50 mg/kg and 13.8 ± 0.71 s (86.05% analgesia) at a dosage of 25 mg/kg after 180 and 240 min of administration, respectively. In the rat paw edema model for anti-inflammatory activity, the PEG-capped Pt NPs exhibit significant inhibitory action, with the maximum percentage of edema inhibition at a dosage of 50 mg/kg identical to that of the aspirin-based standard medication administered at a higher dosage of 100 mg/kg, resulting in 42% inhibition, suggesting a versatile solution for inflammation and persistent pain.

Advanced photoluminescent nanomaterials for targeted bioimaging of cancer cells.

The investigation of changes in the membrane of cancer cells holds great potential for biomedical applications. Malignant cells exhibit overexpression of receptors, which can be used for targeted drug delivery, therapy, and bioimaging. Targeted bioimaging is one the most accurate imaging methods with a non-invasive nature, allowing for localization of the malignant cell without disrupting cellular integrity. Also, bioimaging has the potential to enhance the quality of established imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The utilization of nanoparticles in targeted bioimaging enhances the imaging quality and efficiency. Biocompatible nanoparticles can easily penetrate cell membranes, while they can be readily functionalized on their surfaces toward cell receptors. This study reviews reports on the application of new advanced photoluminescent materials for targeted bioimaging using the cell membrane receptors. Also, the limitations and advantages of the application of nanoparticles have been reviewed along with the clinical consideration of their uses in bioimaging.

Polynorepinephrine nanoparticles activate vascular smooth muscle alpha-1 adrenergic receptors.

Biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers for therapeutic agents with multifunctional activities have received unprecedented attention for a variety of bio-pharmaceutical applications. We describe the synthesis, the fluorescence properties, the bio-compatible nature and the alpha-1 adrenergic receptor bio-activity of engineered quantum dot-like polynorepinephrine (PNE) NPs. The spherical PNE NPs, which are internalized in smooth muscle cells via a receptor-selective mechanism, activate alpha-1-adrenoceptors in intact mouse aorta and aorta-derived cultured smooth muscle cells, leading to the activation of calcium signaling/contraction and stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), thereby displaying receptor-triggering biological activity, possibly acting both extracellularly and intracellularly. Our data indicate that NPs generated by the polymerization of pharmacologically active compounds like norepinephrine can retain receptor-selective biological activity coupled to inherent fluorescence.

Development of Biocompatible, UV and NIR Excitable Nanoparticles with Multiwavelength Emission and Enhanced Colloidal Stability

Development of Biocompatible, UV and NIR Excitable Nanoparticles with Multiwavelength Emission and Enhanced Colloidal Stability

Environment friendly synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles using moringa oleifera seed/pulp extract and their application for dye wastewater treatment

Abstract A simple, eco-friendly, green synthesis protocol for producing biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles using the Moringa oleifera (MO) seed/pulp extracts (MSE/MPE) is reported. The crystallite phase formation of magnetite nanoparticles is confirmed using a powder x-ray diffractometer. The morphology, surface properties, and magnetic properties are investigated using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The particles with optimized properties from MSE and MPE synthesis are used for investigating their photocatalytic activity on methylene blue dye. Results of dye degradation show that the particles synthesized using MSE showed 53.46% degradation, whereas MPE showed 37.87% degradation of methylene blue dye under UV light. The photodegradation process follows pseudo-second-order kinetic model indicating that the dye is degraded to its intermediate compounds, which are chemically adsorbed on the particle surface, as confirmed through FTIR. The results show promising potential of synthesizing such nanoparticles for treatment of wastewater using a greener approach.

Biocompatible nanoparticles self-assembled by PEGylated polyphosphoesters for combination of photodynamic therapy and hypoxia-activated chemotherapy against breast cancer

IntroductionAlthough photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows considerable potential for cancer treatment due to its precise spatial control and reduced toxicity, effectively eliminating residual cells under hypoxic conditions remains challenging because of the resistance conferred by these cells.MethodsHerein, we synthesize an amphiphilic PEGylated polyphosphoester and present a nanocarrier (NPCT) specifically designed for the codelivery of hydrophobic photosensitizer (chlorin e6, Ce6) and hypoxia-activated prodrugs (tirapazamine, TPZ). We investigate the antitumor effect of NPCT on both cellular and animal level.ResultsThe efficient encapsulation of Ce6 and TPZ by NPCT enables the prolonged blood circulation and improved tumor distribution of both agents. Upon internalization by tumoral cells, 660 nm laser irradiation activates Ce6, leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that effectively kill murine 4T1 breast cancer cells. Meanwhile, the PDT process consumes a large amount of oxygen to generate the hypoxic microenvironment that activates the liberated TPZ from NPCT. The resulting highly cytotoxic radicals specifically target and induce cytotoxicity in remaining hypoxic cancer cells. Compared to other groups, the combination of NPCT and 660 nm laser irradiation resulted in the most substantial tumor growth inhibition.DiscussionThis innovative approach provides new avenues for the development of advanced delivery systems based on polyphosphoesters and combination therapeutic strategies.