Nano-based Drug Delivery Systems Research Articles

A holistic review of recent advances in nano-based drug delivery systems for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

A holistic review of recent advances in nano-based drug delivery systems for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

Self-assembled nanoparticle-mediated cascade chemotherapy and chemodynamic therapy for enhanced tumor therapy

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is a non-invasive treatment strategy that aims to combat tumor growth by efficiently generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the effectiveness of CDT can be limited by factors such as the availability of endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Here, we established an intelligent nano-based drug delivery system responsive to the tumor microenvironment by self-assembling Cu2+, cisplatin, and L-histidine to form nanoparticles (Pt/CuH NPs), which can achieve the therapeutic effect of specific tumor killing by cascading chemotherapy with CDT. The Pt/CuH NPs are triggered by the acidic conditions and high glutathione (GSH) levels present in the tumor microenvironment, leading to the release of cisplatin and Cu2+. Cisplatin facilitates the production of H2O2 through a two-step enzymatic reaction, subsequently triggering ROS cascade that is amplified by CDT. Concurrently, Cu2+ consumes GSH and is reduced to Cu+, which reacts with H2O2 in an efficient Fenton-like reaction, amplifying oxidative stress and ultimately enhancing the anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy. Pt/CuH NPs demonstrated a significant cytotoxic effect on tumor cells in vitro. In vivo studies in mice indicated minimal toxic side effects at the tested dosages. The Pt/CuH NPs effectively combine chemotherapy and CDT strategies, showcasing the potential of a chemotherapy-cascading CDT approach for anti-tumor treatment.

Polydopamine-Mediated Metal-Organic Frameworks Modification for Improved Biocompatibility.

Engineered nanomaterials are promising in biomedical application. However, insufficient understanding of their biocompatibility at the cellular and organic levels prevents their widely biomedical applications. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted increasing attention in recent years. In this work, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and polydopamine (PDA)-modified ZIF-8 are chosen as model nanomaterials due to its emergent role in nanomedicine. In vitro, the results demonstrate that the PDA coating greatly alleviates the cytotoxicity of ZIF-8 to RAW264.7, LO2, and HST6, which represent three different cell types in liver organs. Mechanistically, ZIF-8 entering into the cells can greatly induce the reactive oxygen species generation, which subsequently induces cell cycle delay and autophagy, ultimately leads to enhanced cytotoxicity. Further, human umbilical vein endothelial cells model and zebrafish embryos assay also confirm that PDA can compromise the ZIF-8 toxicity significantly. This study reveals that PDA-coated MOFs nanomaterials show great potential in nano-based drug delivery systems .

Cationic anticancer peptide L-K6-modified and doxorubicin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles reverse multidrug resistance of breast cancer

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is the major challenge for chemotherapy of cancer and makes the treatment benefits unsustainable. To overcome this issue, nanotechnology has been introduced and various nanocarriers have been constructed to reverse MDR in drug resistant cancer cells. Here, mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN-COOH) were modified with cationic anticancer peptide L-K6 (MSN@L-K6), and further loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) to construct an anticancer nano-system, MSN@L-K6@DOX. Our results showed that MSN@L-K6@DOX released DOX in pH-sensitive manner, which enable to be highly efficient in delivering drugs to tumors, counterbalancing the MDR. In addition, MSN@L-K6@DOX treatment decreased the expression level of P-glycoprotein in MCF-7/ADR cells, enhanced the intracellular accumulation of DOX, and thereafter reversed the MDR of MCF-7/ADR cells to DOX. Moreover, the MDR reversal activity of MSN@L-K6@DOX was further confirmed in xenograft mouse model, as evidenced by the decreased tumor volume and weight. These results indicate the MDR reversal activity of MSN@L-K6@DOX and may provide a novel strategy for the development of nano-based drug delivery system to overcome cancer MDR.

Benefits and Pitfalls of a Glycosylation Inhibitor Tunicamycin in the Therapeutic Implication of Cancers.

The aberrant glycosylation is a hallmark of cancer progression and chemoresistance. It is also an immune therapeutic target for various cancers. Tunicamycin (TM) is one of the potent nucleoside antibiotics and an inhibitor of aberrant glycosylation in various cancer cells, including breast cancer, gastric cancer, and pancreatic cancer, parallel with the inhibition of cancer cell growth and progression of tumors. Like chemotherapies such as doxorubicin (DOX), 5'fluorouracil, etoposide, and cisplatin, TM induces the unfolded protein response (UPR) by blocking aberrant glycosylation. Consequently, stress is induced in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that promotes apoptosis. TM can thus be considered a potent antitumor drug in various cancers and may promote chemosensitivity. However, its lack of cell-type-specific cytotoxicity impedes its anticancer efficacy. In this review, we focus on recent advances in our understanding of the benefits and pitfalls of TM therapies in various cancers, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers, and discuss the mechanisms identified by which TM functions. Finally, we discuss the potential use of nano-based drug delivery systems to overcome non-specific toxicity and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of TM as a targeted therapy.

Key processes in tumor metastasis and therapeutic strategies with nanocarriers: a review.

Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Metastasis occurs at all stages of tumor development, with unexplored changes occurring at the primary site and distant colonization sites. The growing understanding of the metastatic process of tumor cells has contributed to the emergence of better treatment options and strategies. This review summarizes a range of features related to tumor cell metastasis and nanobased drug delivery systems for inhibiting tumor metastasis. The mechanisms of tumor metastasis in the ideal order of metastatic progression were summarized. We focus on the prominent role of nanocarriers in the treatment of tumor metastasis, summarizing the latest applications of nanocarriers in combination with drugs to target important components and processes of tumor metastasis and providing ideas for more effective nanodrug delivery systems.

Recent Development and Future Aspects: Nano-Based Drug Delivery System in Cancer Therapy

Recent Development and Future Aspects: Nano-Based Drug Delivery System in Cancer Therapy

Pathophysiological aspects of transferrin-A potential nano-based drug delivery signaling molecule in therapeutic target for varied diseases.

Transferrin (Tf), widely known for its role as an iron-binding protein, exemplifies multitasking in biological processes. The role of Tf in iron metabolism involves both the uptake of iron from Tf by various cells, as well as the endocytosis mediated by the complex of Tf and the transferrin receptor (TfR). The direct conjugation of the therapeutic compound and immunotoxin studies using Tf peptide or anti-Tf receptor antibodies as targeting moieties aims to prolong drug circulation time and augment efficient cellular drug uptake, diminish systemic toxicity, traverse the blood-brain barrier, restrict systemic exposure, overcome multidrug resistance, and enhance therapeutic efficacy with disease specificity. This review primarily discusses the various biological actions of Tf, as well as the development of Tf-targeted nano-based drug delivery systems. The goal is to establish the use of Tf as a disease-targeting component, accentuating the potential therapeutic applications of this protein.

Unveiling the optimal path: High-pressure homogenization and D-phase emulsification methods for borage oil nanoemulsion design

Borage oil contains high levels of essential omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for skin structure and function. For this reason, this oil can be used for the treatment of cutaneous diseases including atopic dermatitis. This disease is associated with an abnormality in essential fatty acids (EFAs) metabolism, particularly in the production of gamma-linolenic acid, leading to impaired incorporation of EFAs into the phospholipid membrane. EFAs bioavailability can be enhanced by using a borage oil nano-based drug delivery system. In this study a borage oil nanoemulsion was prepared using high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and D-phase emulsification (DPE), respectively, high and low energy methods. A design space approach was performed to optimize the formulations. The optimized HPH nanoemulsion (HPH-NE) presented a particle size and zeta potential (ZP) of 425.3 ± 5.6 nm, and − 19.4 ± 3.7 mV, respectively. For the DPE nanoemulsion (DPE-NE) the particle size was 334.4 ± 5.2 nm, and the zeta potential was − 34.6 ± 1.0 mV. Furthermore, DPE-NE presented higher toxicity compared to HPH-NE, possibly related to the presence of the polyol. These nanoemulsions may improve the borage oil bioavailability for oral administration. Thus, they can be used as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Simultaneous Light-Triggered Release of Nitric Oxide and Carbon Monoxide from a Lipid-Coated Upconversion Nanosystem Inhibits Colon Tumor Growth.

Gas therapy has gained noteworthy attention in biomedical research, with the rise of gas-releasing molecules enhancing their therapeutic potential, especially when integrated into nano-based drug delivery systems. Herein, we present a lipid-coated gas delivery system to simultaneously shuttle two gas-releasing molecules carrying nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), respectively. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are designed to generate photons at 360 nm upon 808 nm of near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. These in situ-generated UV photons trigger simultaneous NO and CO release from S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and the CO-releasing molecule (CORM), respectively, which are coloaded into lipid-coated UCNP/GSNO/CORM/FA nanoparticles (LUGCF). LUGCF with a GSNO/CORM mass ratio of 2:1 is determined to be optimal in terms of synergistically instigating apoptosis in HCT116 and CT26 colon cancer cells, where both NO/CO are released and subsequent production of ROS are detected. This CO/NO combination nanoplatform exhibits a very effective inhibition of colon tumor growth in vivo at relatively low doses upon a mild 808 nm irradiation. Overall, we effectively integrated two therapeutic gas-releasing molecules in one NIR-responsive nanosystem, presenting a promising therapeutic strategy for future biomedical applications in dual-gas cancer therapy.

Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Potential Developments in the Therapy of Metastatic Osteosarcoma-A Narrative Review.

Osteosarcoma, a predominant malignant bone tumor, poses significant challenges due to its high metastatic and recurrent nature. Although various therapeutic strategies are currently in use, they often inadequately target osteosarcoma metastasis. This review focuses on the potential of nanoscale drug delivery systems to bridge this clinical gap. It begins with an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying metastatic osteosarcoma, highlighting the limitations of existing treatments. The review then transitions to an in-depth examination of nanoscale drug delivery technologies, emphasizing their potential to enhance drug bioavailability and reduce systemic toxicity. Central to this review is a discussion of recent advancements in utilizing nanotechnology for the potential intervention of metastatic osteosarcoma, with a critical analysis of several preclinical studies. This review aims to provide insights into the potential applications of nanotechnology in metastatic osteosarcoma therapy, setting the stage for future clinical breakthroughs and innovative cancer treatments.

In Silico Investigation on the Molecular Behavior and Structural Stability of the Rosette Nanotubes as the Drug Vehicles for Paclitaxel, an Anti-Cancer Drug

Most anticancer drugs affect healthy cells in addition to cancer cells, causing severe side effects. Targeted delivery by nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDS) can reduce these severe side effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This work introduced rosette nanotube (RNT) as a potential drug vehicle for paclitaxel (PTX) due to its self-assembling property, biocompatibility, amphiphilicity, and low toxicity. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations aided with molecular mechanics Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) analysis are used here to investigate the molecular behavior and the loading energetics of each type of RNT (K1, xK1, and iEt-xK1) with PTX. Analysis showed that the most probable configuration of PTX is on either end of each RNT. The binding free energies (−117.74 to −69.29 kJ/mol) when PTX is closer to one end were stronger than when it is in the inner channel (−53.51 to −40.88 kJ/mol). The latter alludes to the encapsulation of the PTX by each RNT. Thus, loading is possible by encapsulation during the self-assembly process given the favorable estimated binding free energies. Based on the results, RNT has potential as a drug vehicle for PTX, which warrants further investigation.

Nanoparticle-Based Approaches for Treatment of Hematological Malignancies: a Comprehensive Review.

Blood cancer, also known as hematological malignancy, is one of the devastating types of cancer that has significantly paved its mortality mark globally. It persists as an extremely deadly cancer type and needs utmost attention owing to its negligible overall survival rate. Major challenges in the treatment of blood cancer include difficulties in early diagnosis, as well as severe side effects resulting from chemotherapy. In addition, immunotherapies and targeted therapies can be prohibitively expensive. Over the past two decades, scientists have devised a few nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems aimed at overcoming this challenge. These therapeutic strategies are engineered to augment the cellular uptake, pharmacokinetics, and effectiveness of anticancer drugs. However, there are still numerous types of nanoparticles that could potentially improve the efficacy of blood cancer treatment, while also reducing treatment costs and mitigating drug-related side effects. To the best of our knowledge, there has been limited reviews published on the use of nano-based drug delivery systems for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Therefore, we have made a concerted effort to provide a comprehensive review that draws upon recent literature and patents, with a focus on the most promising results regarding the use of nanoparticle-based approaches for the treatment of hematological malignancies. All these crucial points covered under a common title would significantly help researchers and scientists working in the area.

Biomimetic nanomedicines for precise atherosclerosis theranostics.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a leading cause of the life-threatening cardiovascular disease (CVD), creating an urgent need for efficient, biocompatible therapeutics for diagnosis and treatment. Biomimetic nanomedicines (bNMs) are moving closer to fulfilling this need, pushing back the frontier of nano-based drug delivery systems design. This review seeks to outline how these nanomedicines (NMs) might work to diagnose and treat atherosclerosis, to trace the trajectory of their development to date and in the coming years, and to provide a foundation for further discussion about atherosclerotic theranostics.

Engineered small extracellular vesicles as a novel platform to suppress human oncovirus-associated cancers

Abstract Background Cancer, as a complex, heterogeneous disease, is currently affecting millions of people worldwide. Even if the most common traditional treatments, namely, chemotherapy (CTx) and radiotherapy (RTx), have been so far effective in some conditions, there is still a dire need for novel, innovative approaches to treat types of cancer. In this context, oncoviruses are responsible for 12% of all malignancies, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), as well as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the poorest in the world also account for 80% of all human cancer cases. Against this background, nanomedicine has developed nano-based drug delivery systems (DDS) to meet the demand for drug delivery vectors, e.g., extracellular vesicles (EVs). This review article aimed to explore the potential of engineered small EVs (sEVs) in suppressing human oncovirus-associated cancers. Methods Our search was conducted for published research between 2000 and 2022 using several international databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We also reviewed additional evidence from relevant published articles. Results In this line, the findings revealed that EV engineering as a new field is witnessing the development of novel sEV-based structures, and it is expected to be advanced in the future. EVs may be further exploited in specialized applications as therapeutic or diagnostic tools. The techniques of biotechnology have been additionally utilized to create synthetic bilayers based on the physical and chemical properties of parent molecules via a top-down strategy for downsizing complicated, big particles into nano-sized sEVs. Conclusion As the final point, EV-mediated treatments are less toxic to the body than the most conventional ones, making them a safer and even more effective option. Although many in vitro studies have so far tested the efficacy of sEVs, further research is still needed to develop their potential in animal and clinical trials to reap the therapeutic benefits of this promising platform.

Overview of Recent Advances in Nano-Based Ocular Drug Delivery.

Ocular diseases profoundly impact patients' vision and overall quality of life globally. However, effective ocular drug delivery presents formidable challenges within clinical pharmacology and biomaterial science, primarily due to the intricate anatomical and physiological barriers unique to the eye. In this comprehensive review, we aim to shed light on the anatomical and physiological features of the eye, emphasizing the natural barriers it presents to drug administration. Our goal is to provide a thorough overview of various characteristics inherent to each nano-based drug delivery system. These encompass nanomicelles, nanoparticles, nanosuspensions, nanoemulsions, microemulsions, nanofibers, dendrimers, liposomes, niosomes, nanowafers, contact lenses, hydrogels, microneedles, and innovative gene therapy approaches employing nano-based ocular delivery techniques. We delve into the biology and methodology of these systems, introducing their clinical applications over the past decade. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages and challenges illuminated by recent studies. While nano-based drug delivery systems for ophthalmic formulations are gaining increasing attention, further research is imperative to address potential safety and toxicity concerns.

Recent Advances and Future Challenges of Nano-based Drug Delivery System

Nano drug delivery systems play a crucial role in addressing key challenges encountered in conventional drug delivery methodologies, making them of significant importance in the field of medicine. These systems offer enhanced drug bioavailability by improving drug solubility and stability, thereby maximizing therapeutic efficacy. Their ability to achieve targeted drug delivery to specific tissues, cells, or subcellular compartments minimizes off-target effects and reduces systemic toxicity. Additionally, nano drug delivery systems present opportunities for combination therapy, where multiple drugs or therapeutic agents can be encapsulated within a single nanoparticle, promoting synergistic effects and personalized treatment strategies. Overall, the utilization of nano drug delivery systems holds great promise in enhancing therapeutic outcomes, mitigating adverse effects, and advancing the field of precision medicine. Nano drug delivery systems have demonstrated remarkable potential through various examples, mesoporous nanoparticles, nanomaterials, polymeric nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, liposomes, metallic nanoparticles, and nanomedicine etc.

Investigation and Evaluation of the Transdermal Delivery of Ibuprofen in Various Characterized Nano-Drug Delivery Systems.

The aim was to assess the suitability of three nano-based transdermal drug delivery systems containing ibuprofen: a nano-emulsion, a nano-emulgel, and a colloidal suspension with ibuprofen-loaded nanoparticles. Understanding the transdermal delivery of ibuprofen using nano-based drug delivery systems can lead to more effective pain relief and improved patient compliance. Characterization tests assessed the suitability of the developed drug delivery systems. Membrane release and skin diffusion studies, along with tape stripping, were performed to determine drug release and skin permeation of ibuprofen. In vitro cytotoxicity studies on HaCaT cells were conducted using MTT and neutral red assays to evaluate the safety of the developed drug delivery systems. Characterization studies confirmed stable drug delivery systems with ideal properties for transdermal delivery. Membrane release studies demonstrated the successful release of ibuprofen. In vitro skin diffusion experiments and tape stripping, detecting ibuprofen in the receptor phase, stratum corneum-epidermis, and epidermis-dermis, indicating successful transdermal and topical delivery. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies observed only minor cytotoxic effects on HaCaT cells, indicating the safety of the developed drug delivery systems. The investigation demonstrated promising results for the transdermal delivery of ibuprofen using the developed drug delivery systems, which contributes to valuable insights that may lead to improved pain management strategies.

Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment by Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems.

Pancreatic cancer represents one of the most lethal cancer types worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Due to the inability to diagnose it promptly and the lack of efficacy of existing treatments, research and development of innovative therapies and new diagnostics are crucial to increase the survival rate and decrease mortality. Nanomedicine has been gaining importance as an innovative approach for drug delivery and diagnosis, opening new horizons through the implementation of smart nanocarrier systems, which can deliver drugs to the specific tissue or organ at an optimal concentration, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity. Varied materials such as lipids, polymers, and inorganic materials have been used to obtain nanoparticles and develop innovative drug delivery systems for pancreatic cancer treatment. In this review, it is discussed the main scientific advances in pancreatic cancer treatment by nano-based drug delivery systems. The advantages and disadvantages of such delivery systems in pancreatic cancer treatment are also addressed. More importantly, the different types of nanocarriers and therapeutic strategies developed so far are scrutinized.

Advancement of regulating cellular signaling pathways in NSCLC target therapy via nanodrug.

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of high cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of LC. The mechanisms of NSCLC evolution involve the alterations of multiple complex signaling pathways. Even with advances in biological understanding, early diagnosis, therapy, and mechanisms of drug resistance, many dilemmas still need to face in NSCLC treatments. However, many efforts have been made to explore the pathological changes of tumor cells based on specific molecular signals for drug therapy and targeted delivery. Nano-delivery has great potential in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors. In recent years, many studies have focused on different combinations of drugs and nanoparticles (NPs) to constitute nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDS), which deliver drugs regulating specific molecular signaling pathways in tumor cells, and most of them have positive implications. This review summarized the recent advances of therapeutic targets discovered in signaling pathways in NSCLC as well as the related NDDS, and presented the future prospects and challenges.