Delivery Of Therapeutic Agents Research Articles

Polyphenol-Nanoengineered Monocyte Biohybrids for Targeted Cardiac Repair and Immunomodulation.

Myocardial infarction is one of the leading cause of cardiovascular death worldwide. Invasive interventional procedures and medications are applied to attenuate the attacks associated with ischemic heart disease by reestablishing blood flow and restoring oxygen supply. However, the overactivation of inflammatory responses and unsatisfactory drug delivery efficiency in the infarcted regions prohibit functional improvement. Here, a nanoengineered monocyte (MO)-based biohybrid system, referred to as CTAs @MOs, for the heart-targeted delivery of combinational therapeutic agents (CTAs) containing anti-inflammatory IL-10 and cardiomyogenic miR-19a to overcome the limitation of malperfusion within the infarcted myocardium through a polyphenol-mediated interfacial assembly, is reported. Systemic administration of CTAs@MOs bypasses extensive thoracotomy and intramyocardial administration risks, leading to infarcted heart-specific accumulation and sustained release of therapeutic agents, enabling immunomodulation of the proinflammatory microenvironment and promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation in sequence. Moreover, CTAs@MOs, which serve as a cellular biohybrid-based therapy, significantly improve cardiac function as evidenced by enhanced ejection fractions, increased fractional shortening, and diminished infarct sizes. This polyphenol nanoengineered biohybrid system represents a general and potent platform for the efficient treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

Hydrogel for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents

In recent years, hydrogels have emerged as a highly promising platform for the sustained delivery of therapeutic agents, addressing critical challenges in drug delivery systems, from controlled release to biocompatibility [...]

Chitosan-coated nanoemulsion for intranasal administration increases temozolomide mucosal permeation, cellular uptake, and In vitro cytotoxicity in glioblastoma multiforme cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive type of brain cancer in adults. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the chemotherapeutic agent used to treat primary central nervous system tumors. However, TMZ's clinical effectiveness faces several challenges due to its physical-chemical properties and biological features of GBM, such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Mucoadhesive nanosystems such as those coated with chitosan represent a promising alternative for optimizing the delivery of therapeutic agents to the central nervous system, as they possess ideal characteristics that enhance their interaction with the intranasal mucosa. We aimed to develop a chitosan-coated nanoemulsion containing temozolomide (CS-NE-TMZ) for nose-to-brain delivery and characterize its physical-chemical and in vitro biological properties. CS-NE-TMZ were obtained by emulsification followed by sonication. The optimized CS-NE-TMZ presented droplet size of 123,4 ± 2,3 nm, polydispersity index of 0.273 ± 0.028, zeta potential of +21,5 ± 0,81 mV, entrapment efficiency of 100 ± 1,91 % and drug loading of 2 ± 0,007 %. An in vitro release study of CS-NE-TMZ showed sustained release for up to 24 h following the Korsmeyer-Peppas model with Fickian diffusion. CS-NE-TMZ demonstrated significantly enhanced ex vivo mucosal permeation, compared to free TMZ, and showed enhanced in vitro cellular uptake, selectively increasing cytotoxicity in U-87MG glioma cells but not in healthy L929 fibroblasts, reinforcing the potential of mucoadhesive nanoemulsions as effective intranasal drug delivery systems for future brain cancer therapies.

Cell death in glioblastoma and the central nervous system.

Glioblastoma is the commonest and deadliest primary brain tumor. Glioblastoma is characterized by significant intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity, resistance to treatment and dismal prognoses despite decades of research in understanding its biological underpinnings. Encompassed within this heterogeneity and therapy resistance are severely dysregulated programmed cell death pathways. Glioblastomas recapitulate many neurodevelopmental and neural injury responses; in addition, glioblastoma cells are composed of multiple different transformed versions of CNS cell types. To obtain a greater understanding of the features underlying cell death regulation in glioblastoma, it is important to understand the control of cell death within the healthy CNS during homeostatic and neurodegenerative conditions. Herein, we review apoptotic control within neural stem cells, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and neurons and compare them to glioblastoma apoptotic control. Specific focus is paid to the Inhibitor of Apoptosis proteins, which play key roles in neuroinflammation, CNS cell survival and gliomagenesis. This review will help in understanding glioblastoma as a transformed version of a heterogeneous organ composed of multiple varied cell types performing different functions and possessing different means of apoptotic control. Further, this review will help in developing more glioblastoma-specific treatment approaches and will better inform treatments looking at more direct brain delivery of therapeutic agents.

Pulmonary-delivered Anticalin Jagged-1 antagonists reduce experimental airway mucus hyperproduction and obstruction.

Mucus hypersecretion and mucus obstruction are pathogenic features in many chronic lung diseases directly linked to disease severity, exacerbation, progression, and mortality. The Jagged-1/Notch pathway is a promising therapeutic target that regulates secretory and ciliated cell trans-differentiation in the lung. However, the Notch pathway is also required in various other organs. Hence, pulmonary delivery of therapeutic agents is a promising approach to target this pathway while minimizing systemic exposure. Using Anticalin® technology, Jagged-1 Anticalin binding proteins were generated and engineered to potent and selective inhalable Jagged-1 antagonists. Their therapeutic potential to reduce airway mucus hyperproduction and obstruction was investigated ex vivo and in vivo. In primary airway cell cultures grown at air-liquid interface and stimulated with inflammatory cytokines, Jagged-1 Anticalin binding proteins reduced both mucin gene expression and mucous cell metaplasia. In vivo, prophylactic and therapeutic treatment with a pulmonary-delivered Jagged-1 Anticalin binding protein reduced mucous cell metaplasia, epithelial thickening and airway mucus hyperproduction in IL-13 and house dust mite allergen-challenged mice, respectively. Further, in a transgenic mouse model with pathophysiologic features of cystic fibrosis and COPD, pulmonary-delivered Jagged-1 Anticalin binding protein reduced hallmarks of airway mucus obstruction. In all in vivo models a reduction of mucous cells with a concomitant increase of ciliated cells was observed. Collectively, these findings support Jagged-1 antagonists' therapeutic potential for patients with muco-obstructive lung diseases, and the feasibility of targeting the Jagged-1/Notch pathway by inhalation.

A novel therapeutic pathway to the human cochlear nerve.

Traditional approaches to the human cochlear nerve have been impeded by its bony encasement deep inside the skull base. We present an innovative, minimally invasive, therapeutic pathway for direct access to the nerve to deliver novel regenerative therapies. Neuroanatomical studies on 10 cadaveric human temporal bones were undertaken to identify a potentially safe therapeutic pathway to the cochlear nerve. Simulations based on three-dimensional delineation of anatomical structures obtained from synchrotron phase-contrast imaging were analyzed. This enabled the identification of an approach to the nerve in the fundus of the internal auditory meatus by trephining the medial modiolar wall of the cochlea via the round window for a median depth of 1.48mm (range 1.21-1.91mm). The anatomical access was validated on 9 additional human temporal bones using radio-opaque markers and contrast injection with micro-computed tomography surveillance. We thus created an effective conduit for the delivery of therapeutic agents to the cochlear nerve.

Trimethyl Lock Based Tools for Drug Delivery and Cell Imaging - Synthesis and Properties.

Trimethyl lock (TML) systems have become increasingly important in medicinal and bioorganic chemistry, particularly for their roles in the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents and as integral components in fluorogenic probes for cellular imaging. The simplicity and efficiency of their synthesis have established TML systems as versatile platforms for the controlled release of active molecules under particular physiological conditions. This review consolidates recent advancements in the application of TML systems, with a focus on their use in drug delivery, cellular imaging, and other areas where precise molecular release is crucial. Additionally, we discuss the synthetic strategies employed to construct TML-based conjugates, underscoring their potential to enhance the specificity and efficacy of bioactive compounds in various biomedical applications.

Polymer nanotherapeutics: A promising approach toward microglial inhibition in neurodegenerative diseases.

Nanoparticles (NPs) that target multiple transport mechanisms facilitate targeted delivery of active therapeutic agents to the central nervous system (CNS) and improve therapeutic transport and efficacy across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). CNS nanotherapeutics mostly target neurons and endothelial cells, however, microglial immune cells are the first line of defense against neuronal damage and brain infections. Through triggering release of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and proteases, microglia can however precipitate neurological damage-a significant factor in neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, microglial inhibitory agents are attracting much attention among those researching and developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. The most established inhibitors of microglia investigated to date are resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, and minocycline. Thus, there is great interest in developing novel agents that can bypass or easily cross the BBB. One such approach is the use of modified-nanocarriers as, or for, delivery of, therapeutic agents to the brain and wider CNS. For microglial inhibition, polymeric NPs are the preferred vehicles for choice. Here, we summarize the immunologic and neuroinflammatory role of microglia, established microglia inhibitor agents, challenges of CNS drug delivery, and the nanotherapeutics explored for microglia inhibition to date. We also discuss applications of the currently considered "most useful" polymeric NPs for microglial-inhibitor drug delivery in CNS-related diseases.

Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Potential Drug Delivery System in the Skin: A Systematic Review Based on In Vivo Studies

AbstractChitosan nanoparticles (ChNP) represent an interesting technological platform for drug delivery to the skin due to their mucoadhesive, nontoxic, and biodegradable characteristics, offering advantages in bypassing the stratum corneum and improving drug delivery in dermal administration. This systematic review analyzed the in vivo applicability of ChNP as a substance delivery system to the skin. A literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed, SciELO, and Lilacs using the keywords “nanoparticle,” “chitosan,” and “skin.” Inclusion criteria involved in vivo studies investigating the effects of topical use of these nanoparticles, published between 2013 and 2023, and comparing the nanoparticulate formulation with the free drug. The prevalence of studies conducted on animal models was 94.1%, while only 5.9% were performed on humans. The results suggest that ChNP formulations improved the delivery of therapeutic agents and demonstrated superior efficacy compared to formulations containing the free drug; they exhibited good permeability and tolerability, gradual release of the active molecule, and faster results with minimal adverse effects. Therefore, ChNP containing active substances for topical application emerges as a safe and effective platform with significant potential for drug delivery to the skin, opening new perspectives for their use in innovative formulations.

Advances in Aerogels Formulations for Pulmonary Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Agents: Safety, Efficacy and Regulatory Aspects.

Aerogels are the 3D network of organic, inorganic, composite, layered, or hybrid-type materials that are used to increase the solubility of Class 1 (low solubility and high permeability) and Class 4 (poor solubility and low permeability) molecules. This approach improves systemic drug absorption due to the alveoli's broad surface area, thin epithelial layer, and high vascularization. Local therapies are more effective and have fewer side effects than systemic distribution because inhalation treatment targets the specific location and raises drug concentration in the lungs. The present manuscript aims to explore various aspects of aerogel formulations for pulmonary targeted delivery of active pharmaceutical agents. The manuscript also discusses the safety, efficacy, and regulatory aspects of aerogel formulations. According to projections, the global respiratory drug market is growing 4-6% annually, with short-term development potential. The proliferation of literature on pulmonary medicine delivery, especially in recent years, shows increased interest. Aerogels come in various technologies and compositions, but any aerogel used in a biological system must be constructed of a material that is biocompatible and, ideally, biodegradable. Aerogels are made via "supercritical processing". After many liquid phase iterations using organic solvents, supercritical extraction, and drying are performed. Moreover, the sol-gel polymerization process makes inorganic aerogels from TMOS or TEOS, the less hazardous silane. The resulting aerogels were shown to be mostly loaded with pharmaceutically active chemicals, such as furosemide-sodium, penbutolol-hemisulfate, and methylprednisolone. For biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, biosensors, and diagnostics, these aerogels have mostly been researched. Although aerogels are made of many different materials and methods, any aerogel utilized in a biological system needs to be made of a substance that is both biocompatible and, preferably, biodegradable. In conclusion, aerogel-based pulmonary drug delivery systems can be used in biomedicine and non-biomedicine applications for improved sustainability, mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. This covers scaffolds, aerogels, and nanoparticles. Furthermore, biopolymers have been described, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and MXenes. A safety regulatory database is necessary to offer direction on the commercialization potential of aerogelbased formulations. After that, enormous efforts are discovered to be performed to synthesize an effective aerogel, particularly to shorten the drying period, which ultimately modifies the efficacy. As a result, there is an urgent need to enhance the performance going forward.

Current basic research in normothermic machine perfusion.

Background Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is gradually being introduced into clinical transplantation to improve the quality of organs and increase utilisation. This review details current understanding of the underlying mechanistic effects of NMP in the heart, lung, liver and kidney. It also considers recent advancements to extend the perfusion interval in these organs and the use of NMP to introduce novel therapeutic interventions, with a focus on organ modulation. Summary The re-establishment of circulation during NMP leads to the upregulation of inflammatory and immune mediators, similar to an ischaemia reperfusion injury (IRI) response. The level of injury is determined by the condition of the organ, but inflammation may also be exacerbated by the passenger leucocytes that emerge from the organ during perfusion. There is evidence that damaged organs can recover and that prolonged NMP may be advantageous. In the liver, successful 7 day NMP has been achieved. The delivery of therapeutic agents to an organ can aid repair and be used to modify the organ to reduce immunogenicity or change the structure of the blood group antigens to create a universal donor blood group organ. Key messages The application of NMP in organ transplantation is a growing area of research and is increasingly being used in the clinic. In the future NMP may offer the opportunity to change practice. If organs can be preserved for days on an NMP system, transplantation may become an elective rather than an emergency procedure. The ability to introduce therapies during NMP is an effective way to treat an organ and avoid the complexity of treating the recipient.

Advancing Osteoarthritis Treatment: The Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes and Biomaterial Integration

Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and debilitating joint disorder characterized by progressive cartilage degradation and inflammation, for which traditional treatments offer only symptomatic relief without halting disease progression. Exosomes, cell-free vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells, have emerged as a promising alternative therapy owing to their regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: This review synthesizes findings from recent studies (2017–2023) on the therapeutic potential of exosomes in OA treatment, highlighting their ability to modulate the joint microenvironment, reduce inflammation, and promote cartilage repair by delivering bioactive molecules such as cytokines, growth factors, and regulatory ribonucleic acids. Results: We explore the integration of exosomes with biomaterials, such as hydrogels and scaffolds, to enhance their delivery and therapeutic efficacy, and we address the critical challenges associated with their clinical application, including standardization of isolation and characterization methods, scalability of production, mechanistic understanding, and long-term safety. Despite these challenges, exosome-based therapies offer several advantages over traditional and cell-based treatments, including lower immunogenicity, ease of handling, and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to damaged tissues. Conclusions: We provide an analytical perspective on the current state of exosome research in OA, emphasizing the need for standardized production methods, deeper mechanistic insights, and rigorous long-term safety assessments. Future directions should focus on optimizing delivery systems, exploring personalized medicine approaches, and conducting comparative effectiveness studies to fully realize the potential of exosome therapies for OA treatment. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for translating exosome therapies from bench to bedside and achieving a transformative impact on OA management.

Lipid-Based Nanoformulations for Drug Delivery: An Ongoing Perspective

Oils and lipids help make water-insoluble drugs soluble by dispersing them in an aqueous medium with the help of a surfactant and enabling their absorption across the gut barrier. The emergence of microemulsions (thermodynamically stable), nanoemulsions (kinetically stable), and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems added unique characteristics that make them suitable for prolonged storage and controlled release. In the 1990s, solid-phase lipids were introduced to reduce drug leakage from nanoparticles and prolong drug release. Manipulating the structure of emulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles has enabled multifunctional nanoparticles and the loading of therapeutic macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acid, vaccines, etc. Phospholipids and surfactants with a well-defined polar head and carbon chain have been used to prepare bilayer vesicles known as liposomes and niosomes, respectively. The increasing knowledge of targeting ligands and external factors to gain control over pharmacokinetics and the ever-increasing number of synthetic lipids are expected to make lipid nanoparticles and vesicular systems a preferred choice for the encapsulation and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. This review discusses different lipids and oil-based nanoparticulate systems for the delivery of water-insoluble drugs. The salient features of each system are highlighted, and special emphasis is given to studies that compare them.

Nuclear-Targeting Peptides for Cancer Therapy.

Nucleus is the central regulator of cells that controls cell proliferation, metabolism, and cell cycle, and is considered the most important organelle in cells. The precision medicine that can achieve nuclear targeting has achieved good therapeutic effects in anti-tumor therapy. However, the presence of biological barriers such as cell membranes and nuclear membranes in cells limit the delivery of therapeutic agents to the nucleus. Therefore, developing effective nuclear-targeting drug delivery strategies is particularly important. Nuclear-targeting peptides are a class of functional peptides that can penetrate cell membranes and target the nucleus. They mainly recognize and bind to the nuclear transport molecules (such as Importin-α/β) and transport the therapeutic agents to the nucleus through nuclear pore complexes (NPC). This review summarizes the most recent developments of strategies for anti-tumor therapy utilizing nuclear-targeting peptides, which will ultimately contribute to the development of more effective nuclear-targeting strategies to achieve better anti-tumor outcomes.

Recent Patents and Applications of Nanoemulsion and Nanoemulgel for Topical Drug Delivery

Nanocarriers like nanoemulsions and nanoemulgels have emerged as revolutionary platforms in the realm of topical drug delivery, addressing many limitations of traditional dosage forms. Conventional methods often struggle with challenges such as poor skin penetration, inconsistent drug targeting, and potential local toxicity, which can undermine therapeutic outcomes and patient adherence. Nanoemulsions, with their submicron-sized droplets, offer a promising solution by enhancing the delivery and bioavailability of therapeutic agents, especially those that are poorly soluble. Nanoemulgels further elevate this potential by providing a versatile vehicle for lipophilic drugs, overcoming the limitations of traditional formulations. These advanced formulations not only improve drug penetration through the skin but also expand the range of active compounds viable for clinical use. Their ability to target specific skin regions more effectively reduces adverse reactions and increases therapeutic efficacy. This article delves into the physicochemical properties, preparation techniques, and latest advancements in nanoemulsions and nanoemulgels. By exploring recent clinical trials and patents, the review provides valuable insights into the development and optimization of these cutting-edge topical drug delivery systems, offering a promising avenue for enhancing dermatological treatments and patient outcomes.

Alleviating rheumatoid arthritis with a photo-pharmacotherapeutic glycan-integrated nanogel complex for advanced percutaneous delivery

The prospective of percutaneous drug delivery (PDD) mechanisms to address the limitations of oral and injectable treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is increasing. These limitations encompass inadequate compliance among patients and acute gastrointestinal side effects. However, the skin’s intrinsic layer can frequently hinder the percutaneous dispersion of RA medications, thus mitigating the efficiency of drug delivery. To circumvent this constraint, we developed a strontium ranelate (SrR)-loaded alginate (ALG) phototherapeutic hydrogel to assess its effectiveness in combating RA. Our studies revealed that this SrR-loaded ALG hydrogel incorporating photoelectrically responsive molybdenum disulfide nanoflowers (MoS2 NFs) and photothermally responsive polypyrrole nanoparticles (Ppy NPs) to form ALG@SrR-MoS2 NFs-Ppy NPs demonstrated substantial mechanical strength, potentially enabling delivery of hydrophilic therapeutic agents into the skin and significantly impeding the progression of RA. Comprehensive biochemical, histological, behavioral, and radiographic analyses in an animal model of zymosan-induced RA demonstrated that the application of these phototherapeutic ALG@SrR-MoS2 NFs-Ppy NPs effectively reduced inflammation, increased the presence of heat shock proteins, regulatory cluster of differentiation M2 macrophages, and alleviated joint degeneration associated with RA. As demonstrated by our findings, treating RA and possibly other autoimmune disorders with this phototherapeutic hydrogel system offers a distinctive, highly compliant, and therapeutically efficient method.

Revolutionizing Influenza Treatment: A Deep Dive into Targeted Drug Delivery Systems.

Influenza, a highly transmissible respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses A and B, poses a persistent threat to global public health due to its high mutation rate, ability to develop resistance to existing antiviral drugs, and capacity for rapid spread. Current treatment options, including four main classes of antiviral agents-adamantanes, neuraminidase inhibitors, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors, and polymerase acidic endonuclease inhibitors- are limited by the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains, non-specific drug distribution, and adverse side effects. Moreover, the effectiveness of traditional vaccines is often compromised by antigenic drift and shift, necessitating the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. This review comprehensively explores the potential of novel targeted drug delivery systems to address these limitations and improve influenza management. Nanotechnology-based platforms, including lipid-based, polymer-based, inorganic, and hybrid nanoparticles, offer enhanced drug delivery through improved bioavailability, targeted action, and controlled release, thus minimizing systemic toxicity and optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Inhalation delivery systems such as dry powder inhalers (DPIs), nebulizers, and nanotechnology-based inhalation formulations provide direct delivery of antiviral agents to the respiratory tract, ensuring rapid onset of action with reduced systemic side effects. Transdermal delivery methods, including microneedle patches and hydrogel-based systems, offer non-invasive alternatives that enhance patient compliance and allow for sustained drug release. Furthermore, this review discusses recent innovations, such as responsive drug delivery systems and multifunctional nanoparticles capable of simultaneous delivery of multiple therapeutic agents, representing a significant advancement in the fight against influenza. These novel approaches promise improved targeting and efficacy and enable personalized treatment strategies, enhancing patient outcomes in both seasonal flu and pandemic scenarios. Integrating these advanced drug delivery systems into clinical practice could revolutionize the management of influenza, offering a promising pathway toward more effective and safer therapies.

Nanostructured Lipid Carrier-based Topical Gels as Novel Drug Delivery System: A Comprehensive Overview.

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are lipidic nanocarriers that recover the permanency and capacity of drug payloads. NLCs are well-known as second-generation lipid nanocarriers with an unstructured matrix, presenting potentially advantageous nanocarrier systems with marketable opportunities because of reproducible production methodologies and biocompatible lipidic excipients. These (NLCs) are now recognized as a very promising nanocarrier structure for the efficient delivery of drugs via different administration routes. In recent years, several NLC-based gels have been developed and evaluated for topical delivery of many drugs and other therapeutic agents. This review article presents an overview of NLC-based topical gels investigated to deliver drugs via ocular, dermal, and transdermal routes. In addition, the classification, manufacturing, characterizations, advantages, and disadvantages of NLCs are addressed in this article. We also discussed different evaluations of NLC-based topical gels.

Oncolytic Viruses as Reliable Adjuvants in CAR-T Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors

Although impactful scientific advancements have recently been made in cancer therapy, there remains an opportunity for future improvements. Immunotherapy is perhaps one of the most cutting-edge categories of therapies demonstrating potential in the clinical setting. Genetically engineered T cells express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which can detect signals expressed by the molecules present on the surface of cancer cells, also called tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). Their effectiveness has been extensively demonstrated in hematological cancers; therefore, these results can establish the groundwork for their applications on a wide range of requirements. However, the application of CAR-T cell technology for solid tumors has several challenges, such as the existence of an immune-suppressing tumor microenvironment and/or inadequate tumor infiltration. Consequently, combining therapies such as CAR-T cell technology with other approaches has been proposed. The effectiveness of combining CAR-T cell with oncolytic virus therapy, with either genetically altered or naturally occurring viruses, to target tumor cells is currently under investigation, with several clinical trials being conducted. This narrative review summarizes the current advancements, opportunities, benefits, and limitations in using each therapy alone and their combination. The use of oncolytic viruses offers an opportunity to address the existing challenges of CAR-T cell therapy, which appear in the process of trying to overcome solid tumors, through the combination of their strengths. Additionally, utilizing oncolytic viruses allows researchers to modify the virus, thus enabling the targeted delivery of specific therapeutic agents within the tumor environment. This, in turn, can potentially enhance the cytotoxic effect and therapeutic potential of CAR-T cell technology on solid malignancies, with impactful results in the clinical setting.

Applications of radionuclide-carrying liposomes for diagnosis and treatment of cancer

Using nanocapsules to deliver diagnostic and therapeutic agents to targeted biological sites enhances the safety and effectiveness of healthcare by decreasing toxicity and increasing the accumulation of medicinal agents at targeted sites. Liposomes, nanocapsules made of naturally occurring lipids, boast many advantages for the delivery of therapeutic agents. This article reviews both the advantages and challenges associated with liposomal drug delivery for the treatment of cancerous tumors and infectious diseases. These minute spherical sacs of phospholipid molecules are flexible carriers that can be modified in various ways to optimize their use. Examples of this include alteration of the size of liposomes to selectively accumulate in tumor microenvironments and “PEGylation” of their surface to reduce uptake of liposomes by the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS). While one of the main challenges of liposomal drug delivery is the heightened uptake of liposomes by the MPS, this unique property can be used to target diseased areas with a significant MPS presence. Furthermore, the liposomal structure can be manipulated to allow for the triggered release of internal contents with externally controlled factors. Liposomes carrying therapeutic radionuclides can be injected directly into solid tumors and dispersed throughout the tumor by convection-enhanced delivery. The flexibility and pliability of liposomes allow them to move through tight spaces within a tumor with much greater dispersion and penetration when compared to more rigid nanoparticles. Due to the benefits of radionuclide-carrying liposomes in disease diagnosis and delivery of chemotherapeutic agents, their utilization is expected to be expanded.