Nanocarrier System Research Articles

Transforming Medicine with Nanobiotechnology: Nanocarriers and Their Biomedical Applications.

Nanobiotechnology, at the intersection of nanotechnology and biology, represents a burgeoning field poised to revolutionize medicine through the use of advanced nanocarriers. These nanocarriers, endowed with distinctive physiobiological attributes, are instrumental in diverse therapeutic domains including drug delivery for microbial infections, cancer treatment, tissue engineering, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. Despite the transformative potential, several challenges hinder their efficacy, such as limited drug capacity, suboptimal targeting, and poor solubility. This review delves into the latest advancements in nanocarrier technologies, examining their properties, associated limitations, and the innovative solutions developed to address these issues. It highlights promising nanocarrier systems like nanocomposites, micelles, hydrogels, microneedles, and artificial cells that employ advanced conjugation techniques, sustained and stimulus-responsive release mechanisms, and enhanced solubility. By exploring these novel structures and their contributions to overcoming existing barriers, the article emphasizes the vital role of interdisciplinary research in advancing nanobiotechnology. This field offers unparalleled opportunities for precise and effective therapeutic delivery, underscoring its potential to reshape healthcare through personalized, targeted treatments and improved drug performance.

Adsorption of dinotefuran using TpBDMe COF nanoparticles for soil leaching reduction and bee safety

Dinotefuran (DIN) contaminates groundwater and is toxic to bees, so designing a novel pesticide loading system for dinotefuran is of great significance. In this paper, dinotefuran was loaded into TpBDMe COF with a mesoporous hollow structure, and the TpBDMe COF loaded with dinotefuran exhibited initial burst and subsequent sustained release behavior. The results showed that the product effectively suppresses wheat aphid development, with virtually no infestation occurring for 7–14 days, whereas other commercially available formulation had lost their usefulness. Our TpBDMe COF carrier effectively immobilizes dinotefuran, reducing pesticide leaching in soil by 70 % and enhancing the application efficiency of neonicotinoid insecticides. The LD50 of this product for acute exposure of honey bees doubled the LD50 of the original furosemide at 24 h and was equally effective at 48 h, reducing the toxicity to bees and promoting ecological safety. The results of this work show that this nanocarrier system is highly stable, loadable, insecticidal active, and environmentally friendly, showing great potential in the development of new nanocarriers for use.

Additive application for modulating physicochemical properties and antitumor effects of CaCO3 nanodelivery systems

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles are highly regarded for their excellent biocompatibility and distinctive pH responsiveness, making them an ideal nanocarrier system for anti-tumor therapy. The incorporation of additives during the preparation of CaCO3 can significantly influence its morphology, particle size, and tumor inhibitory effects, necessitating a systematic study of these impacts. This study utilized the gas diffusion method to prepare CaCO3 nanoparticles, introducing various additives such as hyaluronic acid, polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, fucoidan, and polyethyleneimine. Different additives were found to have diverse effects on the morphology, particle size, zeta potential, and pH responsiveness of CaCO3. Methotrexate was employed as a model drug to evaluate the cytotoxicity of CaCO3 nanoparticles with different additives. Among them, hyaluronic acid-modified CaCO3 nanoparticles exhibited ideal morphology, particle size, significant pH responsiveness, and tumor-targeting capabilities. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated their remarkable antitumor effects.

Macrophage membrane-based biomimetic nanocarrier system for enhanced immune activation and combination therapy in liver cancer.

Previous studies have demonstrated that the combination of photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy and chemotherapy is highly effective in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the clinical application of this approach has been hindered by the lack of efficient and low-toxicity drug delivery platforms. To address this issue, we developed a novel biomimetic nanocarrier platform named ZID@RM, which utilizes ZIF8 functional nanoparticles encapsulated with macrophage membrane and loaded with indocyanine green and doxorubicin. The bionic nanocarrier platform has good biocompatibility, reducing the risk of rapid clearance by macrophages and improving the targeting ability for HCC cells. Under the dual regulation of acidity and infrared light, ZID@RM stimulated the generation of abundant reactive oxygen species within HCC cells, induced tumor cell pyroptosis and promoted the release of damage-associated molecular patterns to induce immune responses. In the future, this technology platform has the potential to provide personalized and improved healthcare by using patients' own macrophage membranes to create an efficient drug delivery system for tumor therapy.Graphical abstract Scheme 1 Schematic representation of the synthesis of a biomimetic nanomedicine delivery platform (ZID@RM) and its application in tumor imaging-guided combination therapy.

Revitalizing Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer: Nanotechnology and Bioengineering Approaches.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy has been a cornerstone treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer for decades and still faces challenges, such as severe immune adverse reactions, which reduce its use as a first-line treatment. This review examines BCG therapy's history, mechanisms, and current status, highlighting how nanotechnology and bioengineering are revitalizing its application. We discuss novel nanocarrier systems aimed at enhancing BCG's efficacy while mitigating specific side effects. These approaches promise improved tumor targeting, better drug loading, and an enhanced stimulation of anti-tumor immune responses. Key strategies involve using materials such as liposomes, polymers, and magnetic particles to encapsulate BCG or functional BCG cell wall components. Additionally, co-delivering BCG with chemotherapeutics enhances drug targeting and tumor-killing effects while reducing drug toxicity, with some studies even achieving synergistic effects. While most studies remain experimental, this research direction offers hope for overcoming BCG's limitations and advancing bladder cancer immunotherapy. Further elucidation of BCG's mechanisms and rigorous safety evaluations of new delivery systems will be crucial for translating these innovations into clinical practice.

Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive Nanoparticle Delivery of Small Interfering Ribonucleic Acid Targeting Olfactory Receptor 2 for Atherosclerosis Theranostics.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by arterial intimal lipid plaques. Small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA)-based therapies, with their ability to suppress specific genes with high targeting precision and minimal side effects, have shown great potential for AS treatment. However, targets of siRNA therapies based on macrophages for AS treatment are still limited. Olfactory receptor 2 (Olfr2), a potential target for plaque formation, was discovered recently. Herein, anti-Olfr2 siRNA (si-Olfr2) targeting macrophages was designed, and the theranostic platform encapsulating si-Olfr2 to target macrophages within atherosclerotic lesions was also developed, with the aim of downregulating Olfr2, as well as diagnosing AS through photoacoustic imaging (PAI) in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window with high resolution. By utilization of a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanocarrier system, the expression of Olfr2 on macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques was effectively downregulated, leading to the inhibition of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) secretion, thereby reducing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. As manifested by decreased Olfr2 expression, the lesions exhibited a significantly alleviated inflammatory response that led to reduced lipid deposition, macrophage apoptosis, and a noticeable decrease in the necrotic areas. This study provides a proof of concept for evaluating the theranostic nanoplatform to specifically deliver si-Olfr2 to lesional macrophages for AS diagnosis and treatment.

Novel biocompatible pH-fluorescence responsive MOF nanocarriers for lung cancer treatment

In this study, we synthesized two novel metal–organic frameworks [Cd(C4H4N2)(C12H19P3O9)]n (1) and {Ca[Cd(H2O)3]2(C24H15N6O6)2}n (2) distinguished by exceptional fluorescence properties. Focusing on 1, we innovatively combined it with hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) to create a pH-responsive, fluorescence-guided nanocarrier system (HPC-1@DOX) for targeted delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) in cancer treatment. We thoroughly evaluated the loading and release efficiency of DOX under varied pH conditions, demonstrating sustained and controlled drug release characteristics in vitro, along with substantial drug-loading capacity. Notably, HPC-1@DOX exhibited pH-responsive behavior, releasing DOX preferentially at pH 6.8, indicative of targeted delivery to tumor and inflammatory sites while minimizing release at higher pH values. Moreover, we explored its biological impact, confirming HPC-1@DOX’s ability to up-regulate miR-493-3p expression in lung carcinoma cells, thereby inhibiting proliferation, reducing invasiveness, and inducing apoptosis. This multifunctional nanocarrier system represents a significant advancement towards targeted and effective cancer therapy.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Liposomal-Based Nanocarriers for Treating Skin and Soft Tissue Infection.

Bacterial skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are widespread microbic invasions of the skin and deeper tissues. Topical drug delivery systems are the most favored administration pathway when treating SSTIs. This is down to their minimal risk of inducing systemic adverse events, reduced development of bacterial resistance, and ease of application. However, they have several drawbacks, including the lack of control over the drug release profile, skin irritations, and the limited permeability of certain compounds through the skin. To address these limitations, several nanocarrier systems were developed, with nanoliposomes standing out as the leading delivery system for the topical management of SSTIs. Despite considerable research into liposomes over the past decade, there remains a gap in detailed knowledge about designing these carriers specifically for SSTIs. Consequently, there is a pressing need for comprehensive research that focuses on the use of nanoliposomes for SSTIs and offers an extensive understanding of both SSTIs and liposomal formulations. This review explores bacterial SSTIs, covering their epidemiology, classification, microbiology, and management. It emphasizes the contribution of liposome-based nanovesicles in enhancing the local administration of antibiotics and natural antibacterial compounds for SSTI management. It also delves into the effects of liposomal formulation changes on the disease therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, it provides a guide for aligning the characteristics of the liposomes with the infection types, depths, properties, and causative agents. This signifies a substantial leap forward in the domains of drug design, development, and delivery.

Advancements in Cancer Therapeutics: Current Paradigms in Applying Biodegradable Polymer Nanoparticles for Enhanced Management

Abstract: The development of novel colloidal formulations that can regulate the pharmacological and biological properties of medications has been made possible by the developments of nanotechnology. Biodegradable nanoparticles were exploited as drug delivery methods because of their high bioavailability, improved encapsulation, controlled release, and less toxic characteristics. Over the past few decades, a variety of synthetic polymers have been investigated for application in nanomedicine, particularly in drug delivery systems. Drug delivery polymers need to be environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and biocompatible. As they have the ability to provide targeted delivery to a specified site, polymeric nanoparticles have the potential to increase the effectiveness of cancer therapies significantly. It is possible to modify the physical and chemical characteristics of polymers to provide delivery across the many biological barriers needed to reach different cell subsets. The use of biodegradable polymers as nanocarriers is particularly appealing since these materials can be developed to show triggered functionality at certain locations or activated by an external source in addition to degrading under physiological circumstances. Biodegradable polymers can be developed as easy drug-delivery systems that specifically target the tumour microenvironment. This is because these nanomedicines can directly target cancer cells, as well as blood vessels that supply the nutrition and oxygen required for tumour growth and immune cells that support anti-cancer immunotherapy. With the advancements in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for pharmaceutical applications, it is exciting to examine and highlight the significance of polymeric nanocarrier systems for drug delivery in chemotherapy.

Advancements and Challenges of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Wound Healing Applications.

The current treatments for wound healing still exhibit drawbacks due to limited availability at the action sites, susceptibility to degradation, and immediate drug release, all of which are detrimental in chronic conditions. Nano-modification strategies, offering various advantages that can enhance the physicochemical properties of drugs, have been employed in efforts to maximize the efficacy of wound healing medications. Nowadays, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) provide drug delivery capabilities that can safeguard active compounds from environmental influences and enable controlled release profiles. Consequently, NLCs are considered an alternative therapy to address the challenges encountered in wound treatment. This review delves into the application of NLCs in drug delivery for wound healing, encompassing discussions on their composition, preparation methods, and their impact on treatment effectiveness. The modification of drugs into the NLC model can be facilitated using relatively straightforward technologies such as pressure-based processes, emulsification techniques, solvent utilization methods, or phase inversion. Moreover, NLC production with minimal material compositions can accommodate both single and combination drug delivery. Through in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, it has been substantiated that NLCs can enhance the therapeutic potential of various drug types in wound healing treatments. NLCs enhance efficacy by reducing the active substance particle size, increasing solubility and bioavailability, and prolonging drug release, ensuring sustained dosage at the wound site for chronic wounds. In summary, NLCs represent an effective nanocarrier system for optimizing the bioavailability of active pharmacological ingredients in the context of wound healing.

Immunocyte membrane-derived biomimetic nano-drug delivery system: a pioneering platform for tumour immunotherapy.

Tumor immunotherapy characterized by its high specificity and minimal side effects has achieved revolutionary progress in the field of cancer treatment. However, the complex mechanisms of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the individual variability of patients' immune system still present significant challenges to its clinical application. Immunocyte membrane-coated nanocarrier systems, as an innovative biomimetic drug delivery platform, exhibit remarkable advantages in tumor immunotherapy due to their high targeting capability, good biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. In this review we summarize the latest research advances in biomimetic delivery systems based on immune cells for tumor immunotherapy. We outline the existing methods of tumor immunotherapy including immune checkpoint therapy, adoptive cell transfer therapy and cancer vaccines etc. with a focus on the application of various immunocyte membranes in tumor immunotherapy and their prospects and challenges in drug delivery and immune modulation. We look forward to further exploring the application of biomimetic delivery systems based on immunocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles, aiming to provide a new framework for the clinical treatment of tumor immunity.

Advanced Application of Polymer Nanocarriers in Delivery of Active Ingredients from Traditional Chinese Medicines.

Active ingredients from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have been a cornerstone of healthcare for millennia, offering a rich source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. However, the clinical application of TCMs is often limited by challenges such as poor solubility, low bioavailability, and variable pharmacokinetics. To address these issues, the development of advanced polymer nanocarriers has emerged as a promising strategy for the delivery of TCMs. This review focuses on the introduction of common active ingredients from TCMs and the recent advancements in the design and application of polymer nanocarriers for enhancing the efficacy and safety of TCMs. We begin by discussing the unique properties of TCMs and the inherent challenges associated with their delivery. We then delve into the types of polymeric nanocarriers, including polymer micelles, polymer vesicles, polymer hydrogels, and polymer drug conjugates, highlighting their application in the delivery of active ingredients from TCMs. The main body of the review presents a comprehensive analysis of the state-of-the-art nanocarrier systems and introduces the impact of these nanocarriers on the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of TCM components. On the basis of this, we provide an outlook on the future directions of polymer nanocarriers in TCM delivery. This review underscores the transformative potential of polymer nanocarriers in revolutionizing TCM delivery, offering a pathway to harness the full therapeutic potential of TCMs while ensuring safety and efficacy in a modern medical context.

Cutting-edge Advances in Nanocarrier-Facilitated Topical Drug Delivery Systems for Targeted Skin Cancer Therapy: A Comprehensive Review.

Skin cancer is one of the most common and complex types of the disease, resulting in a high mortality rate worldwide. Skin cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, etc. In most cases, a patient's condition and the type of skin cancer determine the recommended treatment options. As a result of poor penetration of the drug into stratum corneum or lesions, low efficacy, and higher concentrations of active pharmaceutical ingredients required to achieve a therapeutic effect, the efficacy of skin cancer therapy has been limited. The high dose requirement, as well as poor bioavailability at the site of action, causes skin inflammation, which greatly hinders drug absorption. This review mainly focuses on research on nanocarriers for sitespecific and controlled delivery of therapeutics for skin cancer treatment. The information related to various nanocarriers systems for skin cancer will be illustrated. This also focused on patents, clinical trials, and research carried out in the field of liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, nanoparticles, microemulsion, nanoemulsions, gels, nanogels, hydrogels, dendrimers, and nanofibers for treating skin cancer. Nanotechnology-based therapy has shown great promise in controlling skin cancer and can be used to deliver drugs more effectively.

Poly (hydroxyethylmethacrylate-co-methacryloyl glutamic acid) nanocarrier system for controlled release of levothyroxine

The deterioration in the structure of thyroid hormones causes many thyroid-related disorders, which leads to a negative effect on the quality of life, as well as the change in metabolic rate. For the treatment of thyroid disorders, daily use of levothyroxine-based medication is essential. In the study, it is aimed to develop a polymeric nanocarrier that can provide controlled drug release of levothyroxine. In this respect, the p(HEMA-MAGA) nanopolymer was synthesized and then characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Zeta size analysis. The specific surface area of the nanopolymer was calculated as 587.68 m2/g. The pH, temperature, concentration, and time parameters were determined for levothyroxine binding to p(HEMA-MAGA) and optimum binding was determined as pH 7.4, 25 °C, 25 µg/mL concentration, and 30 min adsorption time. As a result of the release performed at pH 7.4, a release profile was observed which increased for the first 3 days and continued for 14 days. According to the results of MTT cell viability analysis, it was determined that the p(HEMA-MAGA) nanopolymeric carrier system had no cytotoxic effect. This developed polymer-based nanocarrier system is suitable for long-term and controlled release of levothyroxine. This is a unique and novel study in terms of developing poly hydroxyethylmethacrylate-co-methacryloyl glutamic acid-based polymeric nanoparticles for levothyroxine release.

High-Tech Sustainable Beauty: Exploring Nanotechnology for the Development of Cosmetics Using Plant and Animal By-Products

In a world increasingly focused on eco-conscious living, the cosmetic industry is actively adopting nanotechnology to transform plant and animal by-products into high-value beauty products. This comprehensive review explores the innovative and sustainable approaches for extracting and utilizing bioactive compounds from these by-products. The application of nanocarrier systems is highlighted for their role in enhancing the delivery efficacy and safety of these ingredients in skincare and beauty products. Consumer demand and environmental concerns drive the shift towards natural and sustainable cosmetic products. Traditional cosmetic production often involves significant ecological impacts, prompting the industry to seek greener alternatives. This review addresses the critical need for sustainable beauty solutions that align with global sustainability goals, particularly those outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The review provides valuable insights into current trends and future directions in sustainable cosmetics by focusing on nanotechnology and by-products. The review uniquely integrates nanotechnology with sustainability practices in the cosmetic industry. It details the benefits of using nanocarriers to improve the stability, bioavailability, and efficacy of bioactive compounds derived from natural waste. This intersection of high-tech methodologies and sustainability offers a novel perspective on cosmetic innovation. Future research should focus on overcoming the technical, regulatory, and economic challenges of scaling up nanotechnology applications. Investigations should include the development of transparent supply chains, standardization methods for characterizing nanoparticles, and comprehensive lifecycle assessments to ensure environmental safety. Additionally, fostering collaboration between scientific research, industry practices, and consumer education is vital for advancing sustainable practices. This review contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable beauty by presenting a clear pathway for integrating these innovative approaches. It ensures that future cosmetic products meet consumer expectations for efficacy and safety and promote environmental stewardship and a circular economy, ultimately benefiting both the skin and the planet.

Immunological Activity of Vaccine Systems Containing Liposomal Nanocarriers against Protozoan-Induced Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Neglected parasitic diseases constitute a broad spectrum of clinical conditions that, in the chronic phase, lack effective therapies for the target population. The utilization of vaccines based on liposomal nanocarrier systems is emerging, thereby enhancing clinical outcomes in various comorbidities. Consequently, this study aims to assess the immunological activity induced by liposomal nanocarriers against neglected parasitic diseases. For the review, the Pubmed, Embase, and Lilacs databases were used using the descriptors vaccine, parasite, and liposome. The following inclusion criteria were adopted: in vivo and in vitro experimental articles. As exclusion criteria: book chapters, editorials, literature reviews and duplicate articles found during the database search. A total of 226 articles were identified, from which 34 were selected for review. The primary diseases identified included Babesia bovis, Entamoeba histolytica, Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania donovani, Leishmania major, Leishmania infantum, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium chabaudi, Plasmodium chabaudi, Plasmodium yoelii, Toxoplasma gondii and Trypanosoma cruzi. An elevation in cytokines such as GM-CSF, MCP-1, INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-17 was observed in the studies evaluated regarding the parasitic diseases. Furthermore, cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β were diminished with the administration of the vaccine systems in those studies. Therefore, the administration of liposomal nanovaccine systems can effectively ameliorate the clinical condition of patients by modulating their immunological profile.

Receptor-Targeted Nanomedicine for Cancer Therapy

Receptor-targeted drug delivery has been extensively explored for active targeting of therapeutic moiety in cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the receptors that are overexpressed on tumor cells and have the potential to be targeted by nanocarrier systems for cancer treatment. We also highlight the different types of nanocarrier systems and targeting ligands that researchers have explored. Our discussion covers various therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, aptamers, peptides, antibodies, and cell-based targeting strategies, and focuses on clinical developments. Additionally, this article highlights the challenges that arise during the clinical translation of nanocarrier-based targeting strategies. It also provides future directions for improving research in the area of clinically translatable cancer-targeted therapy to improve treatment efficacy while minimizing toxicity.

An eco friendly approach for the development of a dipeptide based anti-TB drug nanocomposites: A greener approach in drug delivery system for pulmonary delivery

The conventional anti tubercular (anti-TB) treatment strategies constitute challenges in terms of patient compliance and treatment outcomes. Nano-therapeutics is an emerging field with increasing demand for the therapeutic management of tuberculosis (TB) and the challenges over acquired drug toxicity and poor availability. Nevertheless, studies based on nanopeptide drug carrier for the delivery of anti-TB drugs are scanty. The present work emphasizes on the development of a nanocarrier system through hydrothermal process for encapsulating anti-TB drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol) using carnosine dipeptide for the potential therapeutic application. The carnosine-anti-TB drug nanocomposites were synthesized by treating native carnosine and anti-TB drugs at an equal ratio (1:1) incubated at 65°C for 30 min (pH 5.3). The hybrid clusters were freeze dried and used further for characterization (physiochemical, biological, morphology and in silico methods). The structural and functional annotations of carnosine and anti-TB drug nanocomposites were confirmed from its terminal amine absorption stretching’s and its amino group fingerprinting regions. The homogenous nature of carnosine-anti-TB drug complexes in solutions was demonstrated with the particle size (>1 μm), that is suitable for macrophage uptake. SEM analysis demonstrated the interactions and functional group orientation between carnosine and anti-TB drugs during the self-assembly process. The drug release profile indicated that the carnosine-drug conjugation promoted the sustained release compared to free drugs. The quantum mechanical calculations define the structural modelling of drugs with carnosine to obtain a stable energy-minimized conformation. To conclude, the developed carnosine- anti-TB drug nanoclusters with enhanced stability and uniformity in size makes them suitable for macrophage uptake and targeted delivery approaches during TB treatment.

Therapeutic potential of boron-based nanoparticles for enhanced glioblastoma treatment

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of brain tumor and its treatment is difficult due to its infiltrative nature into normal brain tissue, heterogeneity, and presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which restricts the penetration of chemotherapy drugs into the brain tissue and also the tumor site. Nanoparticles have emerged as a potential solution to improve the stability and delivery of the therapeutic agents directly to the tumor site. In this paper, we developed boron-based nanocarrier systems for providing the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) to T98G human glioblastoma cells. Three types of nanoparticles, calcium tetraborate (CBO), magnesium tetraborate (MBO), and strontium tetraborate (SBO) were prepared with sizes ranging approximately from 200 to 350 nm. DOX was effectively incorporated into the nanoparticles with ∼95 % loading capacity. As a result of cytotoxicity studies, the IC50 of free DOX was determined as ∼25 μg/mL (0.046 mM) for the glioblastoma cells. In contrast to blank borate nanoparticles, which had no harmful effect on the cells except SBO at high concentrations, DOX-containing borate nanoparticles increased toxicity in a way that was dependent on both time and concentration. Also, the nanoparticles were successively taken by the glioblastoma cells and therefore exhibited more cytotoxic effect than free DOX. As a result, these DOX-loaded boron-based nanoparticles are promising carrier systems for further research in glioblastoma treatment such as combined therapy with boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).

Construction of an intranasal drug delivery system with hypothalamus‐targeting nanoparticles

AbstractDysfunction of the hypothalamus is associated with endocrine imbalances, growth abnormalities, and reproductive disorders. However, there is a lack of targeted treatment strategies focused on the hypothalamus. In this study, we constructed a multifunctional nanocarrier system (S@ANP) to directly target the hypothalamic neurokinin receptor 3 (NK3R) via an intranasal delivery strategy. This system could overcome the primary obstacles in drug delivery for hypothalamus‐related diseases. Under the guidance of a modified (Trp7, β‐Ala8)‐neurokinin A (4‐10) peptide with cysteine, nanoparticles encapsulated with SB222200, an NK3R inhibitor, were found to readily penetrate hypothalamic cells with substantial loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, and sustained release in vitro. Moreover, intranasal delivery represents an optimal delivery strategy that allows for a significant reduction in oral dosage and enables nanoparticles to bypass the blood‒brain barrier and target relevant parts of the brain. The mucolytic agent N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) was loaded into the nanoparticles (S@ANP + NAC) to increase mucosal solubility and intranasal delivery efficiency. In vivo evaluations showed that S@ANP + NAC could effectively target the hypothalamus and modulate NK3R‐regulated hypothalamic functions in mice. Due to its high hypothalamic targeting efficiency and low toxicity, this intranasal nanoparticle drug delivery system may serve as a potential strategy for precision therapy of hypothalamic disorders.