Nano-drug Delivery Research Articles

Combination Nanodrug Delivery Systems Facilitate the Syncretism of Chemotherapy with Immunotherapy to Promote Cancer Treatment.

Cancer has emerged as a significant threat that gravely endanger human health. Anti-tumor immunotherapy has now emerged as an important treatment for cancer. However, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment limits the antitumor immunity. The importance of the immune system in the cancer treatment process must be emphasized. Herein, two precision-targeted nanoparticles PD-L1@Cur-NPs and PD-1@AS-NPs are constructed for cancer treatment. PD-L1@Cur-NPs can precisely target tumor cells in vivo to eradicate tumor cells or induce them apoptosis. PD-1@AS-NPs can precisely target T cells in vivo to activate the T cell-mediated immune system and induce antitumor immune responses. Furthermore, these two nanoparticles have good synergistic effect and show stronger antitumor effect after combination. After treatment with the combination of two nanoparticles, the tumor volumes of C57BL/6 tumor-bearing mice are significantly reduced. Moreover, the percentage of CD8+T cells and CD4+T cells in the tumor significantly increased, and the percentage of regulatory T cells significantly decreased. The percentage of memory T cells and memory effector T cells in the spleen also significantly increased after treatment, suggesting that the antitumor immunity is activated after treatment. This study provides a new antitumor treatment strategy combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which has good application prospect.

Preparation of Glutathione-Regulated Sorafenib Targeted Nanodrug Delivery System and Its Antihepatocellular Carcinoma Activity.

To enhance the therapeutic effect of sorafenib (SOR) on liver cancer, we have developed a targeted nanodrug delivery system with glutathione (GSH) downregulation functionality. The preparation process comprises the synthesis of amino-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-NH2), surface modification with ethacrynic acid (EA), loading of SOR into the pores, and final surface coating with hyaluronic acid (HA) to obtain SOR@MSN-EA@HA (SMEH) nanoparticles. SMEH nanoparticles specifically enter tumor cells via CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis. EA binds to GSH to consume it, while SOR is slowly released from the pores to exert antitumor effects while inhibiting GSH production. This results in sustained oxidative stress in the cells, thus enhancing the antitumor efficacy. Both in vitro and in vivo antitumor experiments as well as hemolysis tests have demonstrated that SMEH nanoparticles can accurately target liver cancer cells, effectively downregulate GSH concentration, exhibit good antitumor effects, and possess excellent safety, showing great potential in tumor treatment.

DNAR-01. THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL LOADED WITH GOLD NANOPARTICLES FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Abstract In the present study, the various concentrations of AuNP (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 ppm) were prepared to investigate the biocompatibility, biological performances and cell uptake efficiency via Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells and rat model. The pure AuNP, AuNP combined with Col (AuNP-Col) and FITC conjugated AuNP-Col (AuNP-Col-FITC) were characterized by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) assays. For in vitro examinations, we explored whether the Wharton’s jelly MSCs had better viability, higher CXCR4 expression, greater migration distance and lower apoptotic-related proteins expression with AuNP 1.25 and 2.5 ppm treatments. Furthermore, we considered whether the treatments of 1.25 and 2.5 ppm AuNP could induce the CXCR4 knocked down Wharton’s jelly MSCs to express CXCR4 and reduce the expression level of apoptotic proteins. We also treated the Wharton’s jelly MSCs with AuNP-Col to investigate the intracellular uptake mechanisms. The evidence demonstrated the cells uptake AuNP-Col through clathrin-mediated endocytosis and the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase pathway with good stability inside the cells to avoid lysosomal degradation as well as better uptake efficiency. Additionally, the results from in vivo examinations elucidated the 2.5 ppm of AuNP attenuated foreign body responses and had better retention efficacy with tissue integrity in animal model. In conclusion, the evidence demonstrates that AuNP shows promise as a biosafe nanodrug delivery system for development of regenerative medicine coupled with Wharton’s jelly MSCs.

Self-supply of hydrogen peroxide by a bimetal-based nanocatalytic platform to enhance chemodynamic therapy for tumor treatment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by low pH, hypoxia, and overexpression of glutathione (GSH). Owing to the complexity of tumor pathogenesis and the heterogeneity of the TME, achieving satisfactory efficacy with a single treatment method is difficult, which significantly impedes tumor treatment. In this study, composite nanoparticles of calcium-copper/alginate-hyaluronic acid (HA) (CaO2-CuO2@SA/HA NC) with pH and GSH responsiveness were prepared for the first time through a one-step synthesis using HA as a targeting ligand. Nanoparticles loaded with H2O2can enhance the chemodynamic therapy effects. Simultaneously, Cu2+can generate oxygen in the TME and alleviate hypoxia in tumor tissue. Cu2+and H2O2undergo the Fenton reaction to produce cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals and Ca2+ions, which enhance the localization and clearance of nanoparticles in tumor cells. Additionally, HA and sodium alginate (SA) were utilized to improve the targeting and biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared, x-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, SEM, transmission electron microscope, and other analytical methods were used to investigate their physical and chemical properties. The results indicate that the CaO2-CuO2@SA/HA NC prepared using a one-step method had a particle size of 220 nm, a narrow particle size distribution, and a uniform morphology. The hydrogen peroxide self-supplied nanodrug delivery system exhibited excellent pH-responsive release performance and glutathione-responsive •OH release ability while also reducing the level of reactive oxide species quenching.In vitrocell experiments, no obvious side effects on normal tissues were observed; however, the inhibition rate of malignant tumors HepG2 and DU145 exceeded 50%. The preparation of CaO2-CuO2@SA/HA NC nanoparticles, which can achieve both chemokinetic therapy and ion interference therapy, has demonstrated significant potential for clinical applications in cancer therapy.

Enhancing Chemoimmunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer with Paclitaxel and Alantolactone via CD44-Targeted Nanoparticles: A STAT3 Signaling Pathway Modulation Approach

Chemoimmunotherapy has the potential to enhance chemotherapy and modulate the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by activating immunogenic cell death (ICD), making it a promising strategy for clinical application. Alantolactone (A) was found to augment the anticancer efficacy of paclitaxel (P) at a molar ratio of 1:0.5 (P:A) through induction of more potent ICD via modulation of STAT3 signaling pathways. Nano drug delivery systems can synergistically combine natural drugs with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, thereby enhancing multi-drug chemoimmunotherapy. To improve tumor targeting ability and bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs, an amphiphilic prodrug conjugate (HA-PTX) was chemically modified with paclitaxel (PTX) and hyaluronic acid (HA) as a backbone. Based on this concept, CD44-targeted nanodrugs (A@HAP NPs) were developed for co-delivery of A and P in colorectal cancer treatment, aiming to achieve synergistic toxicity-based chemo-immunotherapy. The uniform size and high drug loading capacity of A@HAP NPs facilitated their accumulation within tumors through enhanced permeability and retention effect as well as HA-mediated targeting, providing a solid foundation for subsequent synergistic therapy and immunoregulation. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that A@HAP NPs exhibited potent cytotoxicity against tumor cells while also remodeling the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment by promoting antigen presentation and inducing dendritic cell maturation, thus offering a novel approach for colorectal cancer chemoimmunotherapy.

Sonodynamic and Acoustically Responsive Nanodrug Delivery System: Cancer Application

Sonodynamic and Acoustically Responsive Nanodrug Delivery System: Cancer Application

Recent Progress in Microenvironment-Responsive Nanodrug Delivery Systems for the Targeted Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that often causes joint pain, swelling, and functional impairments. Drug therapy is the main strategy used to alleviate the symptoms of RA; however, drug therapy may have several adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gastric ulcers, intestinal bleeding, hypertension, hyperglycemia, infection, fatigue, and indigestion. Moreover, long-term excessive use of drugs may cause liver and kidney dysfunction, as well as thrombocytopenia. Nanodrug delivery systems (NDDSs) can deliver therapeutics to diseased sites with the controlled release of the payload in an abnormal microenvironment, which helps to reduce the side effects of the therapeutics. Abnormalities in the microenvironment, such as a decreased pH, increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and increased concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS), are associated with the progression of RA but also provide an opportunity to achieve microenvironment-responsive therapeutic release at the RA site. Microenvironment-responsive NDDSs may overcome the abovementioned disadvantages of RA therapy. Herein, we comprehensively review recent progress in the development of microenvironment-responsive NDDSs for RA treatment, including pH-, ROS-, MMP-, and multiresponsive NDDSs. Furthermore, the pathological microenvironment is highlighted in detail.

Tumor therapy utilizing dual-responsive nanoparticles: A multifaceted approach integrating calcium-overload and PTT/CDT/chemotherapy

The advancement of rational nano drug delivery systems offers robust tools for achieving synergistic therapeutic outcomes in tumor treatment. In this study, we present the development of pH and near-infrared laser dual-responsive nanoparticles (DOX-CuS@CaCO3@PL-PEG, DCCP NPs) based on calcium carbonate, utilizing a one-pot gas diffusion reaction. These nanoparticles enable combined photothermal therapy (PTT), chemodynamic therapy (CDT), chemotherapy, and Ca2+-overloading synergistic therapy. Doxorubicin (DOX) and copper sulfide (CuS) NPs were co-loaded in CaCO3, followed by PEG surface functionalization. The presence of PEG enhanced the stability of DCCP NPs in aqueous environments. Controlled release of DOX, CuS NPs, and Ca2+ occurs specifically in the acidic tumor microenvironment. Released DOX enhances chemotherapy efficiency, while CuS NPs, upon laser irradiation, induce thermal damage, promoting further drug release and cellular uptake. Additionally, CuS NPs in our system consume excess GSH and generate toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH) through a Fenton-like reaction, contributing to CDT. These radicals not only directly eliminate tumor cells but also disrupt mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering capacity. Furthermore, Ca2+ released from CaCO3 induces Ca2+-overloading, intensifying mitochondrial disruption and oxidative damage. The synergistic combination of PTT, CDT, chemotherapy, and Ca2+-overloading showcases significant therapeutic potential, indicating broad applications in tumor therapy. This multifaceted approach holds promise for advancing the field of tumor therapeutics.

Virus-mimicking nanodrug active crossing of the blood-brain barrier via transcytosis against central nervous system leukemia

The poor central nervous system leukemia (CNSL) clinical efficacy of conventional doses of chemotherapy is mainly attributed to the limited permeability of chemotherapy agents caused by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Effectively enhancing the accumulation of drugs across the BBB in the central nervous system is one of the key challenges in improving patient compliance and clinical efficacy of CNSL. Here, we find that the VP1 protein, the functional module of the John Cunningham (JC) virus, can safely penetrate the BBB through a sialic acid receptor-mediated transcytosis mechanism. Based on this, we develop a JC virus-mimicking nanodrug delivery platform based on VP1 protein-conjugated self-assembled nanoparticles (MFHV), which can active target and cross the BBB via a receptor-mediated transcytosis for safe and effective low-dose chemotherapy against CNSL after systemic administration. The results demonstrate that such a platform can penetrate the BBB through the dual mechanism of clathrin-mediated endocytosis and micropinocytosis pathway. When further synergistic with ferroptosis and histamine metabolism, the long-term survivors of low-dose MTX are significantly enhanced by 83.3 % and 56.7 % in two CNSL mice models. Collectively, this study takes a new perspective on natural living materials and molecule targeting of the BBB to present a promising strategy for low-dose chemotherapy against CNSL with safety and efficacy, which might provide a clinically translatable option for the prevention and treatment of CNSL.

Enhanced docetaxel therapeutic effect using dual targeted SRL-2 and TA1 aptamer conjugated micelles in inhibition Balb/c mice breast cancer model

Effective targeting and delivery of large amounts of medications into the cancer cells enhance their therapeutic efficacy through saturation of cellular defensive mechanisms, which is the most privilege of nano drug delivery systems (NDDS) compared to traditional approaches. Herein, we designed dual-pH/redox responsive DTX-loaded poly (β-amino ester) (PBAS) micelles decorated with a chimeric peptide and TA1 aptamer. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that the designed nanoplatform possessed an undetectable nature in the blood circulation, but after exposure to the tumor microenvironment (TME) of 4T1 breast cancer, it suddenly changed into dual targeting nanoparticles (NPs) (containing two ligands, SRL-2 and TA1 aptamer). The dual targeting NPs destruction in the high GSH and low pH conditions of the cancer cells led to amplified DTX release (around 70% at 24 h). The IC50 value of DTX-loaded MMP-9 sensitive heptapeptide/TA1 aptamer-modified poly (β-amino ester) (MST@PBAS) micelles and free DTX after 48 h of exposure was determined to be 1.5 µg/ml and 7.5 µg/ml, respectively. The nano-formulated DTX exhibited cytotoxicity that was 5-fold stronger than free DTX (Pvalue˂0.001). Cell cycle assay test results showed that following exposure to MST@PBAS micelles, a considerable rise in the sub G1 population (48%) suggested that apoptosis by cell cycle arrest had occurred. DTX-loaded MST@PBAS micelles revealed significantly higher (Pvalue ˂ 0.001) levels of early apoptosis (59.8%) than free DTX (44.7%). Interestingly, in vitro uptake studies showed a significantly higher TME accumulation of dual targeted NPs (6-fold) compared to single targeted NPs (Pvalue < 0.001) which further confirmed by in vivo biodistribution and fluorescent TUNEL assay experiments. NPs treated groups demonstrated notable tumor growth inhibition in 4T1 tumor bearing Balb/c mice by only 1/10th of the DTX therapeutic dose (TD) as a drug model. In conclusion, cleverly designed nanostructures here demonstrated improved anticancer effects by enhancing tumor targeting, delivering chemotherapeutic agents more accurately, promoting drug release, reducing the therapeutic dosage, and lowering side effects of anticancer drugs.

Co-biopolymer of zein/starch hydrogel incorporated montmorillonite for efficient quercetin delivery in lung cancer treatment

Today, cancer treatment is an important issue in the medical world due to the challenges and side effects of ongoing treatment procedures. Targeted nanodrug delivery systems can replace current methods to mitigate such side effects. In this study, a novel nanocomposite of starch, zein, and MMT with the drug quercetin (QC) was synthesised with the aim of effectively killing A549 cancer cells despite reducing any harmful effects on normal cells, and then the effect of the nanosystem to evaluate the damages on L929 cell lines (healthy) and A549 (cancerous) were investigated. For this purpose, the drug release test from the nanosystem was conducted at two pH levels of 5.4 and 7.4, and it was observed that the nanosystem successfully released 29 % of the QC drug in the first 12 h. The prepared nanocomposites were analysed by XRD, FT-IR, FESEM, DLS, Zeta potential, and MTT techniques. It was found that the nanoparticles exhibited a consistent and even morphology, with an average particle size ranging from 50 to 100 nm. The DLS study provided evidence of the precise range of size and outstanding durability of the nanoparticles. The nanosystem exhibited a notable enhancement in the rate of cell death in malignant tumours, as evidenced by the MTT tests. The synthesised nanosystem showed a precise and pH-dependent release of the drug, which indicates the biocompatibility of the nanocarrier for the QC drug. According to this, it has the capacity to function as an acceptable substitute for the therapeutic techniques that are now being used.

Nanoplatelets modified with RVG for targeted delivery of miR-375 and temozolomide to enhance gliomas therapy

Gliomas are one of the most frequent primary brain tumors and pose a serious threat to people’s lives and health. Platelets, a crucial component of blood, have been applied as drug delivery carriers for disease diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we designed engineered nanoplatelets for targeted delivery of therapeutic miR-375 and temozolomide (TMZ, a first-line glioma treatment agent) to enhance glioma therapy. Nanoplatelets were prepared through mild ultrasound, TMZ and miR-375 were co-loaded through ultrasound and electrostatic interactions, respectively, to combine chemotherapy with gene therapy against glioma. To improve the blood brain barrier (BBB) crossing efficiency and glioma targeting ability, the nanoplatelets were modified with central nervous system-specific rabies viral glycoprotein peptide (RVG) through thiol-maleimide click reaction. The RVG modified nanoplatelets co-loaded TMZ and miR-375 (NR/TMZ/miR-375) not only inherited the good stability and remarkable biocompatibility of platelets, but also promoted the cellular uptake and penetration of glioma tissues, and effectively induced cell apoptosis to enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs. In vivo studies showed that NR/TMZ/miR-375 significantly increased the circulation time of TMZ, and exhibited superior combined antitumor effects. In summary, this multifunctional ‘natural’ nanodrug delivery system provides a potent, scalable, and safety approach for platelet-based combined cancer chemotherapy and gene therapy.

Multifaceted Heparin: Diverse Applications beyond Anticoagulant Therapy

Heparin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, has fascinated researchers and clinicians for nearly a century due to its versatile biological properties and has been used for various therapeutic purposes. Discovered in the early 20th century, heparin has been a key therapeutic anticoagulant ever since, and its use is now implemented as a life-saving pharmacological intervention in the management of thrombotic disorders and beyond. In addition to its known anticoagulant properties, heparin has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-tumorigenic activities, which may lead to its widespread use in the future as an essential drug against infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and in various medical treatments. Furthermore, recent advancements in nanotechnology, including nano-drug delivery systems and nanomaterials, have significantly enhanced the intrinsic biofunctionalities of heparin. These breakthroughs have paved the way for innovative applications in medicine and therapy, expanding the potential of heparin research. Therefore, this review aims to provide a creation profile of heparin, space for its utilities in therapeutic complications, and future characteristics such as bioengineering and nanotechnology. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities in realizing the full potential of heparin to improve patient outcomes and elevate therapeutic interventions.

Design and Antimalarial Evaluation of Polydopamine-Modified Methyl Artelinate Nanoparticles.

Targeted nanodrug delivery systems are highly anticipated for the treatment of malaria. It is known that Plasmodium can induce new permeability pathways (NPPs) on the membrane of infected red blood cells (iRBCs) for their nutrient uptake. The NPPs also enable the uptake of nanoparticles (NPs) smaller than 80 nm. Additionally, Plasmodium maintains a stable, slightly acidic, and reductive internal environment with higher glutathione (GSH) levels. Based on this knowledge, methyl artelinate (MA, a prodrug-like derivative of dihydroartemisinin) nanoparticles (MA-PCL-NPs) were developed using poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) (mPEG-PCL) by a thin-film dispersion method and were further coated with polydopamine (PDA) to obtain MA-PCL@PDA-NPs with a particle size of ∼30 nm. The biomaterial PDA can be degraded in slightly acidic and reductive environments, thereby serving as triggers for drug release. MA could generate reactive oxygen species and decrease GSH levels, consequently causing parasite damage. The in vitro release experiment results indicated that the cumulative release percentage of MA from MA-PCL@PDA-NPs was considerably higher in phosphate buffer with 10 mM GSH at pH 5.5 (88.10%) than in phosphate buffer without GSH at pH 7.4 (16.98%). The green fluorescence within iRBCs of coumarin 6, the probe of NPs (C6-PCL@PDA-NPs), could be reduced significantly after adding the NPP inhibitor furosemide (p < 0.001), which demonstrated that MA-PCL@PDA-NPs could be ingested into iRBCs through NPPs. In vivo antimalarial pharmacodynamics in Plasmodium berghei K173-bearing mice showed that the inhibition ratio of MA-PCL@PDA-NPs (93.96%) was significantly higher than that of commercial artesunate injection (AS-Inj, 63.33%). The above results showed that the developed MA-PCL@PDA-NPs possessed pH-GSH dual-responsive drug release characteristics and targeting efficacy for iRBCs, leading to higher antimalarial efficacy against Plasmodium.

Stiff-Soft Hybrid Biomimetic Nano-Emulsion for Targeted Liver Delivery and Treatment of Early Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses a risk for numerous metabolic diseases. To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved any medications for the treatment of NAFLD, for which developing therapeutic drugs is urgent. Dihydromyricetin (DMY), the most abundant flavonoid in vine tea, has been shown to be hepatoprotective. Its application was limited by low bioavailability in vivo; Methods: In order to improve the bioavailability of DMY and achieve liver-targeted delivery, we designed a DMY-loaded stiff-soft hybrid biomimetic nano drug delivery system (DMY-hNE). The in vivo absorption, distribution, pharmacokinetic profiles, and anti-NAFLD efficacy of DMY-hNE were studied; Results: DMY-hNE was composed of a stiff core and soft shell, which led to enhanced uptake by gastrointestinal epithelial cells and increased penetration of the mucus barrier, thus improving the in vivo absorption, plasma DMY concentration, and liver distribution versus free DMY. In an early NAFLD mouse model, DMY-hNE effectively ameliorated fatty lesions accompanied with reduced lipid levels and liver tissue inflammation; Conclusions: These findings suggested that DMY-hNE is a promising platform for liver drug delivery and treatment of hepatopathy.

Hyaluronic Acid-Modified Luteolin-Copper Complex Nanodelivery System for Bacterial Prostatitis.

Bacterial prostatitis is a common disease of the male genitourinary system, which seriously affects the normal life and health of male patients. Antibiotics are commonly used in the clinical treatment of bacterial prostatitis, but the efficacy of fluoroquinolones is gradually declining due to the increasing drug resistance of bacteria. Hence, it is necessary to find new antibacterial drugs to treat bacterial prostatitis. Luteolin is a natural flavonoid compound with many pharmacological activities such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, but its poor water solubility and low structural stability seriously limit its clinical application. In this study, we designed a targeting drug delivery system via a luteolin-copper complex grafted with hyaluronic acid. The results of the characterization proved the successful synthesis of the system. The results of the in vitro performance test show that the system has a good antibacterial effect and excellent blood compatibility and can be effectively released under different pH conditions. The prepared nanodrug delivery system not only provides a new idea for the treatment of bacterial prostatitis but also lays a theoretical and practical foundation for the wide application of luteolin in clinical practice.

Carbon dots-cisplatin nano drug delivery system induces the death of oral tongue squamous cell under self-targeting chemical/photodynamic combined therapy

HypothesisChemotherapy is effective against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but its utility is hindered by significant side effects and drug resistance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a less invasive alternative, but challenges remain due to the hydrophobic nature of most photosensitizers (PS), limiting their effectiveness. A novel nano-composite, combining hyaluronic acid-carbon dots (HA-CDs) with cisplatin (DDP), may overcome these limitations by improving drug hydrophobicity and enabling dual-function therapy. ExperimentsHyaluronic acid-carbon dots (HA-CDs) were synthesized via a hydrothermal method using hyaluronic acid as the primary precursor. The resulting HA-CDs were then combined with cisplatin (DDP) to form the HA-CDs-DDP composite, designed to enhance DDP hydrophobicity and serve as both a chemotherapy agent and a PS. FindingsThe HA-CDs-DDP composite facilitates self-targeting chemotherapy while acting as an intrinsic photosensitizer, eliminating the need for additional PS. The composite generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), effectively inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. This study demonstrates the potential of HA-CDs-DDP to induce cell death in OSCC via a combined chemotherapy/photodynamic therapy pathway, providing a promising new approach for clinical OSCC treatment.

Role of silver nanoparticle in thermal energy process regulated by peristalsis

Electroosmosis regulated model of peristalsis with nanoparticles is significant for heat transfer efficiency regarding optimization of thermal energy process. Such investigation is useful for processes in nano-drug delivery systems, pharmacology, renewable energy, energy saving, drying, biochip fabrication, Sensing and imagining, hyperthermia, cryosurgery, oil mobility improvement, filtration and purification, drilling, cell separation and microelectro-mechanical Systems (MEMS). Therefore, mixed convective peristaltic flow of nanomaterial filling porous medium is addressed. Asymmetric flow configuration is taken. Nanomaterial comprising silver and water is considered. Thermal radiation and dissipation are invoked. Peristaltic pumping is studied under the process of electroosmosis. Electroosmosis process is modeled by Nernst-Planck and Poisson equations. Debye-Huckel assumption is used for electric potential distribution along electron double layer. Velocity slip and convective boundary constraints are considered in this analysis. Dimensionless equations are presented employing lubrication approach. Related problems have been computed numerically. Behaviors of temperature, velocity, pressure gradient and streamlines are examined graphically. Heat transfer coefficient is also studied. Result shows that temperature decreases by volume fraction of nanoparticle. Pressure gradient decays for larger porosity. Temperature reduces for larger radiation. Rate of heat transfer enhances by Grashof number whereas it reduces by volume fraction of nanoparticles.

Application of drug delivery microspheres in cancer therapy

Microspheres are a novel drug delivery system, which provides a new approach for cancer therapy. Anti-cancer agents loaded in microspheres can be released in a controlled and sustained pattern, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and reducing the side effects and toxicity. The preparation methods for drug delivery microspheres include solvent evaporation, phase separation, spray drying, and microfluidic technology, each of these have advantages and limitations. Based on the preparation materials, drug delivery microspheres can be categorized into natural polymer microspheres, synthetic polymer microspheres and bioceramic microspheres. Natural polymer micro-spheres have good biocompatibility and degradability; synthetic polymer microspheres exhibit superior mechanical properties; bioceramic microspheres have good biocompatibility and specific biological functions, which are widely used in bone tissue engineering. Drug delivery microspheres are used for cancer treatment in various modalities, including photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, radioembolization, and immunotherapy, as well as chemotherapy. This article reviews the recent progress of microspheres as nano drug delivery system in cancer treatment to provide a reference for further clinical and translation research.

Mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA)-based drug delivery system for oral chemo-photothermal combinational therapy of orthotopic colon cancer

Oral nano-drug delivery systems offering combination therapy have garnered significant interest in colon cancer treatment due to their precision in targeting tumors and minimizing peripheral tissue exposure. However, challenges such as the complex gastrointestinal environment and effective retention of nanoparticles in the colon have impeded further advancement. We developed a novel oral drug delivery system designed for localized treatment of colon cancer via chemotherapy and photothermal therapy (PTT). This system utilized mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) as a photothermal carrier for doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), with surface modification using folic acid (FA) to enhance systemic tumor targeting. Additionally, to ensure gastrointestinal retention and precise colon localization, the nanoparticles were coated with an enteric-soluble material, ES100, resulting in the formulation MPDA-FA-DOX/ES100. This formulation exhibited high photothermal conversion efficiency, robust photothermal stability, and responsive drug release under near-infrared (NIR) laser stimulation. FA modification significantly enhanced the cellular uptake of nanoparticles by CT26 cells, promoting greater cytotoxic effects through combined chemotherapy and PTT. In vivo, MPDA-FA-DOX/ES100 demonstrated superior accumulation in colon tumor tissues and substantial photothermal effects, and notably, the CT/PTT group demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition along with excellent biocompatibility. Collectively, these findings highlight the clinical potential of MPDA-FA-DOX/ES100 as an effective platform for localized and synergistic CT/PTT of colon cancer.