Nanocarriers Research Articles

Nano-biohybrids with cell-penetrating peptides: A molecular trojans for glioblastoma precision medicine.

Actively targeted delivery of nanocarriers (NC) modified with targeting structures (TS) binding to cell surface receptors, specific to target cells, enables enhanced selectivity and efficacy of cellular uptake. This is influenced by the ligand density on the NC surface. Herein, the impact of type, valency, and surface density of high-mannan derived TS on the C-type lectin receptor (CLR)-mediated uptake of human serum albumin (HSA)-based NCs in immune cell populations was investigated. Monovalent and trivalent TSs were prepared via efficient synthesis protocols and investigated regarding their affinity versus isolated carbohydrate recognition domains (CRD) of CD206 and CD209 within a NanoDSF study. Conjugation to HSA resulted in low valency and saturated NCs with a well-defined mannose epitope count. An in vitro study with bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells and splenic immune cells revealed the impact of the NC surface modification on cellular uptake and cell selectivity, allowing insights into the design of TSs and NCs.

Next-generation Nanocarrier material prescreening: Unlocking silicon-doped graphdiyne through DFT insights.

Due to the intricate nature of the tumor microenvironment and the impairment of the anti-tumor responses of the immune system, finding a novel approach in the field of immunology-based therapy might influence the prognosis and survival of patients suffering from cancer. T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (Tim-3) is a regulatory element of immune surveillance that exerts a pivotal function in the microenvironment of tumors. Although the precise functions of the Tim-3 remain incompletely understood, it has been established that it not only contributes to T cell exhaustion but also participates in the STAT-3/NF-κB (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 / nuclear factor-κB) pathway, which plays a major role in the progression of tumors. In this research, we assessed the efficacy of co-blocking the Tim-3 and STAT-3 factors in inhibiting cancer cell growth. Therefore, we suppressed the expression of these factors in murine-derived malignant cell lines (4T1 and CT26), using siRNA (small interfering RNA) molecules encapsulated in chitosan lactate-based nano carriers we previously developed. Transfecting the siRNAs into cancer cells with nanocarriers significantly downregulated the expression of Tim-3 and STAT-3 in both 4T1 and CT26 cells. Downregulation of Tim-3 and STAT-3 was correlated with diminished viability, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastatic characteristics of cancerous cells, in vitro. Furthermore, co-silencing of Tim-3 and STAT-3 led to tumor regression, in ovo. These results revealed that the concurrent silencing of Tim-3 and STAT-3 can significantly suppresses the tumor growth by reducing cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis in vitro and in ovo. However, future investigations-particularly in vivo models-are necessary to validate the current strategy as a potential anti-tumor therapeutic approach.

Nanotechnology-based approaches to tackle bacterial infections.

Corrigendum to “Clay-based magnetite nano carriers for breast cancer treatment: Apoptosis induction and physicochemical properties” [Heliyon (2025) e42569

Interactions of lipid nanocarriers with a bacterial model membrane.

Expanding arsenal against colorectal cancer using guar gum-based nanocarriers: A review.

Cancer remains a significant cause of illness and death globally, and it is therefore crucialto find new ways to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. Chemotherapy hasthe potential to act effectively on cancer cells but also impacts normal cells, leading toserious side effects. In this review, we discuss how nanotechnology is overcoming thesechallenges through novel concepts aimed at improving the specificity and efficiency ofchemotherapy delivery. Through the utilization of nanocarriers (NCs), including lipid-based, polymer-based, protein-based, carbon-based, and inorganic nanosystems (suchas metallic nanoparticles, quantum dots, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and metal-organic frameworks), as well as hybrid and responsive nanosystems, nanotechnologyenables more specific and sensitive targeted drug delivery. All of these approaches canreduce undesired side effects and enhance treatment outcomes by facilitating the potentialfor earlier treatment and diagnosis. Our review article presents an overview of ongoingclinical trials and FDA-approved NC-based anticancer therapies, unveiling progress inthe field. Utilizing nanotechnology for cancer treatment represents a significant paradigmshift, with the potential to revolutionize drug delivery, minimize side effects, andultimately improve the lives of cancer patients. We also highlight the challenges inherentin utilizing NCs for targeted drug delivery, alongside potential strategies to tackle theseobstacles, with the ultimate goal of advancing cancer therapy and improving overallsurvival rates for patients.

Global crop production is significantly affected by biotic stress, typically managed with conventional chemical agents. However, these methods can have detrimental effects such as the development of resistance, pest resurgence, unwanted effects on human health and environment. Nanotechnology offers an alternative approach to crop pest management that can help alleviate these issues. It is a multidisciplinary strategy for plant protection that includes nano-based pesticide formulations and nano carrier based biopesticides. Nanoparticles have distinct physical and chemical characteristics due to their tiny size, measured in nanometers. Various nanoparticles, including polymeric, metal, metal oxides and silica nanoparticles have been synthesized and utilized to combat various insect pests and aid in pest control. Nano silica (SiO2) and other metal oxide nanoparticles like silver (Ag), copper (CuO), titanium (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), gold (Au) and aluminum (Al2O3) have been found to be effective against stored pests and crop pests, as well. However, more studies are needed in the future to understand how these particles affect non-target species that coexist in the same habitat as the target species. While nanoparticles offer promising solutions for pest management, their potential risks such as toxicity to beneficial organisms, environmental persistence, regulatory challenges and high production costs must be addressed in the future by developing eco-friendly, biodegradable formulations and establishing regulatory frameworks to ensure their safe and sustainable application. This review explores the effectiveness of nanoparticles and nano-based formulations in managing insect pests and also outlines future research directions on the impact of nanoparticles on beneficial fauna.

Extracellular vesicles as nature's nano carriers in cancer therapy: Insights toward preclinical studies and clinical applications.

In recent years, mucosal drug delivery systems have drawn a lot of attention because of their potential to increase patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy. These systems provide a non-invasive substitute for traditional oral and parenteral techniques by administering medications through mucosal membranes, including the buccal, sublingual, nasal, pulmonary, vaginal, rectal, and ocular channels. The ability to avoid first-pass hepatic metabolism, which increases bioavailability and permits a quick commencement of action, is one of the main benefits. Mucoadhesive gels, nanoparticles, films, liposomes, and in situ gelling systems are some of the novel mucosal drug delivery platforms made possible by recent developments in polymer science, nanotechnology, and drug formulation techniques. These methods facilitate targeted therapy, regulate drug release, and improve mucosal retention. To further maximize drug absorption and reduce systemic side effects, intelligent delivery methods that react to physiological cues like pH, temperature, and enzymes are also developing. Despite their potential, mucosal drug delivery methods encounter a number of difficulties, such as restricted permeability for macromolecules, enzymatic degradation, and variations in mucosal physiology. Novel approaches include the use of Nano carriers, Bioadhesive polymers, and permeation enhancers are being used in ongoing research to solve these problems. Mucosal drug delivery has the potential to transform gene delivery, peptide and protein therapies, and chronic illness treatment approaches in the future. Future developments are anticipated to be fuelled by integration with 3D printing, AI, and personalised medicine, which will make these systems more effective and patient-focused.

A cancer stem cell (CSC) is an immortal cell that is capable of self-renewal, continuous proliferation, differentiation into various cancer cell lineages, metastatic dissemination, tumorigenesis, maintaining tumor heterogeneity, and resistance to conventional treatments. Targeted therapies have made huge advances in the past few years, but resistance is still a major roadblock to their success, in addition to their life-threatening side effects. Progressive treatments are now available, including immunotherapies, CRISPR-Cas 9, sonodynamic therapy, chemodynamic therapy, antibody-drug nanoconjugates, cell-based therapies, gene therapy, and ferroptosis-based therapy, which have replaced surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy for cancer treatment. The challenge is to develop targeted treatment strategies that are effective in eradicating CSCs, as they are resistant to anticancer drugs, causing treatment failure, relapse, and recurrence of cancer. An overview of the fundamental characteristics of CSCs, drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and signaling pathways as well as biomarkers associated with their metastatic potential of CSC is elucidated in this review. The regulatory frameworks for manufacturing and conducting clinical trials on cancer therapy are explicated. Furthermore, we summarize a variety of promising nanocarriers (NCs) that have been used directly and/or synergistic therapies coupled with the therapeutic drug of choice for the detection, targeting, and imaging of CSCs to surmount therapeutic resistance and stemness-related signaling pathways and eradicate CSCs, hence alleviating the limitation of conventional therapies. Nanoparticle-mediated ablation therapies (NMATs) are also being argued as a method for burning or freezing cancer cells without undergoing open surgery. Additionally, we discuss the recent clinical trials testing exosomes, CRISPR/Cas9, and nanodrugs, which have already received approval for several new technologies, while others are still in the early stages of testing. The objective of this review is to elucidate the advantages of nanocarriers in conquering cancer drug resistance and to discuss the most recent developments in this field.

Bone marrow (BM) has roles in health and disease, so systemically administered nanocarriers (NCs) targeting or avoiding BM are desirable. While the hydrodynamic diameter of NCs can be tuned to target or avoid various organs, the size dependence of extravasation from BM vessels is unknown. To clarify the size dependence of passive transvascular transport in the BM, we performed vessel permeability measurements in murine calvaria using confocal fluorescent microscopy with fluorescently labeled dextrans, albumin, and polymeric micelles as model probes. Unexpectedly, we found the permeability of BM vessels to macromolecules decreases with increasing hydrodynamic diameter between 4 nm and 32 nm. We modeled this permeability data with mathematical models to predict an effective pore size for sinusoids of 47 nm and non-sinusoids of 37 nm, with estimated maximum pore sizes of 61 nm and 53 nm, respectively. Finally, we tested these model predictions by demonstrating that the extravasation of 70 nm polymeric micelles, which are larger than the estimated maximum pore size, is hindered relative to 30 nm polymeric micelles. These results establish design criteria for controlling NC hydrodynamic diameter towards modulating delivery to BM.

Nano-carriers mediate reciprocally chained promotion between ROS and mitochondrial calcium overload for enhanced antitumor therapy.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) has a major role in malignancy and its complex nature can mediate tumor survival, metastasis, immune evasion, and drug resistance. Thus, reprogramming or regulating the immunosuppressive TME has a significant contribution to make in cancer therapy. Targeting TME with nanocarriers (NCs) has been widely used to directly deliver anticancer drugs to control TME, which has revealed auspicious outcomes. TME can be reprogrammed by using a range of NCs to regulate immunosuppressive factors and activate immunostimulatory cells. Moreover, TME can be ameliorated via regulating the redox environment, oxygen content, and pH value of the tumor site. NCs have the capacity to provide site-specific delivery of therapeutic agents, controlled release, enhanced solubility and stability, decreased toxicities, and enhanced pharmacokinetics as well as biodistribution. Numerous NCs have demonstrated their potential by inducing distinct anticancer mechanisms by delivering a range of anticancer drugs in various preclinical studies, including metal NCs, liposomal NCs, solid lipid NCs, micelles, nanoemulsions, polymer-based NCs, dendrimers, nanoclays, nanocrystals, and many more. Some of them have already received US Food and Drug Administration approval, and some have entered different clinical phases. However, there are several challenges in NC-mediated TME targeting, including scale-up of NC-based cancer therapy, rapid clearance of NCs by the mononuclear phagocyte system, and TME heterogeneity. In order to harness the full potential of NCs in tumor treatment, there are several factors that need to be carefully studied, including optimization of drug loading into NCs, NC-associated immunogenicity, and biocompatibility for the successful translation of NC-based anticancer therapies into clinical practice. In this review, a range of NCs and their applications in drug delivery to remodel TME for cancer therapy are extensively discussed. Moreover, findings from numerous preclinical and clinical studies with these NCs are also highlighted.

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting men worldwide, presenting significant challenges in treatment due to its heterogeneous nature and the development of resistance to conventional therapies. This review explores the emerging field of nano therapy as a promising approach to enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize side effects in prostate cancer treatment. By leveraging the unique properties of nanoparticles, such as targeted delivery and controlled release, nano therapy addresses critical issues associated with traditional modalities, including tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. The mechanisms underlying nano therapy include passive and active targeting strategies, which improve drug accumulation at tumor sites while reducing systemic toxicity. Current applications of nano therapy in prostate cancer encompass innovative approaches such as hormone therapy, PARP inhibitors, immunotherapy, and PSMA-targeted therapies, alongside novel nanoparticle formulations that enhance drug delivery. Despite its potential, several challenges remain, including biocompatibility issues, regulatory hurdles, manufacturing complexities, and the need for comprehensive clinical evaluations. Looking ahead, the future of nano therapy in prostate cancer treatment is promising, driven by emerging technologies such as theranostic nanoparticles and smart nano carriers. Continued research into combination therapies and patient-centric approaches will further enhance the effectiveness of nano medicine. By addressing existing challenges and fostering collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and regulatory bodies, nano therapy has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and revolutionize the landscape of prostate cancer care.

Reactive oxygen species responsive dextran-thioketal conjugate nanocarriers for the delivery of hydrophilic payloads.

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and conventional therapies often face limitations such as nonspecificity, systemic toxicity, and multidrug resistance. Lipid-based nanocarriers have emerged as a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy due to their biocompatibility, ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, and potential for surface modification to enhance targeting. This review highlights various types of lipid-based nanocarriers, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers, focusing on their design, mechanisms of targeting, and therapeutic applications. Emphasis is placed on advances in active and passive targeting approaches, current clinical status, and the challenges that need to be addressed for successful translation into clinical practice. The integration of lipid-based nanocarriers with emerging technologies such as stimuli-responsive systems and personalized medicine holds great potential to revolutionize cancer treatment.

In present study we enclosed on the formulation of a cubosomes a new nano carrier system, cubosomes, including with silver nitrate for increasing its therapeutic effectiveness. Silver nitrate in concentration of 0.5% solution in those ancient solutions, which can be used topically to treat burns healing. The nanocubosome were loaded-drug prepared by rotary evaporation technique and then freeze dried. The various technique were used for evaluation of prepared cubosomes such as light scattering, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was used. The parameters size, morphology, thermal behaviour as well crystallography respectively was evaluated. Further drug loading and encapsulation efficiency was evaluated using UV spectrophotometry. Silver nitrate loaded cubosomes were prepared and characterized results showing mean diameters of 86-106 nm with DLS. The TEM, PXRD data represent characteristic peaks of cubic nature which further confirmed that the freeze dried nanoformulations was in cubical form. DSC and PXRD analysis for drug loaded into cubosomes shows the lodeing upto 0.06 or 0.28% w/w. Thus, obtained physicochemical properties play vital role in the improvement of shelf life, therapeutic and toxicological profiles of nano formulations.