Nanoparticle-based Drug Delivery Systems Research Articles

A Panoramic Review on the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis through Herbalism.

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. The conventional treatment options for arthritis often come with limitations and potential side effects, leading to increased interest in herbal plants as alternative therapies. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the use of herbal plants in arthritis treatment, focusing on their traditional remedies, active components, mechanisms of action, and pharmaceutical approaches for enhancing their delivery. Various herbal plants, including turmeric, ginger, Boswellia, and willow bark, have shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making them valuable options for managing arthritis symptoms. The active components of these herbal plants, such as curcumin, gingerols, and boswellic acids, contribute to their therapeutic effects. To enhance the delivery of herbal medicines, pharmaceutical approaches like nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, microneedles, and inhalation systems have been explored. These approaches aim to improve bioavailability, targeted delivery, and controlled release of herbal compounds. Safety considerations, including potential interactions with medications and the risk of allergic reactions, are also discussed. Future perspectives for this field involve conducting well-designed clinical studies, enhancing standardization and quality control measures, exploring novel drug delivery systems, and fostering collaborations between traditional medicine practitioners and healthcare professionals. Continued research and development in these areas will help unlock the full potential of herbal plants in arthritis treatment, offering personalized and effective care for affected individuals.

Porphyrin-based covalent organic frameworks as doxorubicin delivery system for chemo-photodynamic synergistic therapy of tumors

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive treatment method that has garnered significant attention in recent years. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems can achieve targeted drug release, thereby significantly reducing side effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. In this study, a covalent organic framework (COF) with an approximately spherical structure connected by azo bonds was synthesized. The synthesized COF was utilized as a hypoxia-responsive carrier for doxorubicin (DOX) drug delivery and was modified with hyaluronic acid (HA). DOX@COF@HA exhibited a reactive release under hypoxic conditions. Under normal oxygen conditions, the release of DOX was 16.9 %, increasing to 60.2 % with the addition of sodium hydrosulfite. In vitro experiments revealed that the group combining photodynamic therapy with chemotherapy exhibited the lowest survival rates for 4T1 and MHCC97-L cells. In vivo experiments further validated the effectiveness of combination therapy, resulting in a tumor volume of only 33 mm3 after treatment, with no significant change in mouse weight during the treatment period. DOX@COF@HA nanoplatforms exhibit substantial potential in tumor treatment.

Abstract 5817: pH responsive delivery of gemcitabine/pirarubicin co-loaded biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles for synergistic anti-cancer therapy

Abstract Gemcitabine, a nucleoside antimetabolite, is a widely known chemotherapeutic agent being used as a first line treatment alone or in combination with other chemo drugs for different types of cancer. However, due to its extremely short half-life in the body caused by enzymatic degradation and poor pharmacokinetics, the I.V. dosage of administration is quite high i.e., >1000 mg/m2 for metastatic breast cancer treatment. Moreover, gemcitabine in combination with anthracyclines imparts synergy but free anthracyclines are reported to be associated with long term cardiac toxicity. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have provided a befitted solution for improving the poor pharmacokinetic properties and systemic toxicity caused by the chemo drugs because of their ability to improve bioavailability of the drugs at the desired site as well as overcoming multi-drug resistance (MDR).In the present work, PLA-based biodegradable block copolymeric nanoparticles have been employed to co-load Gemcitabine and Pirarubicin for improved anti-cancer activity. Gemcitabine and Pirarubicin have been chemically conjugated to the amphiphilic block copolymer mPEG PLA via a pH responsive Schiff’s Base linkage using a linker molecule Levulinic acid. The prepared PIRA/GEM co-loaded nanoparticles exhibited an optimum size, zeta potential and polydispersity index i.e., 187 ± 3.5 nm, -10 ± 2.0 and < 0.1 PDI respectively. Further, in the drug release experiments, these Nps displayed sustained and higher drug release in lysosomal pH (pH 5.0) than in the physiological buffer environment (pH 7.4) attributed to the pH sensitive bonding. The co-loaded Nps were prepared in multiple ratios (Pira: Gem - 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1) and investigated for in-vitro cellular inhibition studies in comparison to singly loaded drug Nps and corresponding free drug formulations in various breast cancer cell lines. Additionally, apoptotic studies revealed significant enhancement in synergistic activity in the case of PIRA/GEM co-loaded Nps in comparison to conventional free drug formulations. In conclusion, this nano-formulation demonstrated excellent anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cells therefore it may be used as a potential candidate for therapeutic use. Citation Format: Priya Gupta, Surender M. Kharbanda, Harpal Singh. pH responsive delivery of gemcitabine/pirarubicin co-loaded biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles for synergistic anti-cancer therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5817.

Application of Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia for Cancer Treatment-The Current State of Knowledge.

Hyperthermia (HT) is an anti-cancer therapy commonly used with radio and chemotherapies based on applying heat (39-45 °C) to inhibit tumor growth. However, controlling heat towards tumors and not normal tissues is challenging. Therefore, nanoparticles (NPs) are used in HT to apply heat only to tumor tissues to induce DNA damage and the expression of heat shock proteins, which eventually result in apoptosis. The aim of this review article is to summarize recent advancements in HT with the use of magnetic NPs to locally increase temperature and promote cell death. In addition, the recent development of nanocarriers as NP-based drug delivery systems is discussed. Finally, the efficacy of HT combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, gene therapy, photothermal therapy, and immunotherapy is explored.

Recent Trends in Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery System for Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer remains a significant global health concern, requiring innovative approaches for improved therapeutic outcomes. In recent years, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have emerged as promising strategies to address the limitations of conventional cancer chemotherapy. The key trends include utilizing nanoparticles for enhancing drug delivery to prostate cancer cells. Nanoparticles have some advantages such as improved drug solubility, prolonged circulation time, and targeted delivery of drugs. Encapsulation of chemotherapeutic agents within nanoparticles allows for controlled release kinetics, reducing systemic toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, site-specific accumulation within the prostate tumor microenvironment is made possible by the functionalization of nanocarrier with targeted ligands, improving therapeutic effectiveness. This article highlights the basics of prostate cancer, statistics of prostate cancer, mechanism of multidrug resistance, targeting approach, and different types of nanocarrier used for the treatment of prostate cancer. It also includes the applications of nanocarriers for the treatment of prostate cancer and clinical trial studies to validate the safety and efficacy of the innovative drug delivery systems. The article focused on developing nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, with the goal of translating these advancements into clinical applications in the future.

Integrating natural compounds and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems: A novel strategy for enhanced efficacy and selectivity in cancer therapy.

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, necessitating the development of innovative and more effective treatment strategies. Conventional cancer treatments often suffer from limitations such as systemic toxicity, poor pharmacokinetics, and drug resistance. Recently, there has been growing attention to utilizing natural compounds derived from various sources as possible cancer therapeutics. Natural compounds have demonstrated diverse bioactive properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects, making them attractive candidates for cancer treatment. However, their limited solubility and bioavailability present challenges for effective delivery to cancer cells. To overcome these limitations, researchers have turned to nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. Nanoparticles, with their small size and unique properties, can encapsulate therapeutic agents and offer benefits such as improved solubility, prolonged drug release, enhanced cellular uptake, and targeted delivery. Functionalizing nanoparticles with specific ligands further enhances their precision in recognizing and binding to cancer cells. Combining natural compounds with nanotechnology holds great promise in achieving efficient and safe cancer treatments by enhancing bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and selectivity toward cancer cells. This review article provides an overview of the advancements in utilizing natural substances and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. It discusses the benefits and drawbacks of various types of nanoparticles, as well as the characteristics of natural compounds that make them appealing for cancer therapy. Additionally, current research on natural substances and nanoparticles in preclinical and clinical settings is highlighted. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives in developing natural compound-nanoparticle-based cancer therapies are discussed.

A multiscale modeling study of nanoparticle-based targeting therapy against atherosclerosis

Although researches on nanoparticle-based (NP-based) drug delivery system for atherosclerosis treatment have grown rapidly in recent years, there are limited studies in quantifying the effects of targeting drugs on plaque components and microenvironment. The purpose of the present study was to quantitatively assess the targeting therapeutic effects against atherosclerosis by establishing a multiscale mathematical model.The multiscale model involved subcellular, cellular and microenvironmental scales to simulate lipid catabolism, macrophage behaviors and dynamics of microenvironmental components, respectively. In vitro and in vivo experimental data were integrated into the mathematical model according to Bayesian statistics, in order to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a proposed NP-based platform for macrophage-specific delivery to simultaneously deliver SR-A siRNA (to reduce LDL uptake) and LXR-L (to stimulate cholesterol efflux). Dosage variation analysis was then performed to investigate the drug efficacy under varied dosage combinations of SR-A siRNA and LXR-L.The simulation results demonstrated that the dynamics of the microenvironmental components presented different developments in Untreated and Treated groups. We also found that the balance of lipid metabolism between uptake and efflux resulted in the improvement of lipid and inflammatory microenvironment, consequently in the plaque regression. In addition, the model predicted optimized dosage combinations according to the co-effect analysis of the two drugs on the lipid microenvironment.This study suggests that multiscale modeling can be a powerful quantitative tool for estimating the therapeutic effects of targeting drugs for plaque regression and designing the enhanced treatment strategies against atherosclerosis.

Nanoparticle drug delivery systems responsive to tumor microenvironment: Promising alternatives in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.

The conventional therapeutic treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is negatively influenced by the development of tumor cell drug resistant, and systemic toxicity of therapeutic agents due to off-target activity. In accordance with research findings, nanoparticles (NPs) responsive to the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been discovered for providing opportunities to selectively target tumor cells via active targeting or Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect. The combination of the TME control and therapeutic NPs offers promising solutions for improving the prognosis of the TNBC because the TME actively participates in tumor growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. The NP-based systems leverage stimulus-responsive mechanisms, such as low pH value, hypoxic, excessive secretion enzyme, concentration of glutathione (GSH)/reactive oxygen species (ROS), and high concentration of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to combat TNBC progression. Concurrently, NP-based stimulus-responsive introduces a novel approach for drug dosage design, administration, and modification of the pharmacokinetics of conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the strengths, limitations, applications, perspectives, and future expectations of both novel and traditional stimulus-responsive NP-based drug delivery systems for improving outcomes in the medical practice of TNBC. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

Preparation of glycyrrhizic acid-modified BSA-nanoparticles and evaluation of their hepatic cellular distribution.

Orientation to specific cells is an important topic in active targeting strategy for nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. While these administered nanoparticles will be sequestrated within the liver, their cellular distribution behaviors in the liver are not clear. The aim of this study was to fabricate glycyrrhizic acid (GL) modified BSA nanoparticles and evaluate their hepatic cellular distribution. GL-modified BSA (GL-BSA) was tailored according to the periodate oxidation method, then GL-BSA nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX@GL-BSA NPs) were prepared through self-assembly approach. In vitro cellular uptake was assessed by FITC-labeled BSA nanoparticles and immunofluorescent analysis was performed to track their relative distribution in the liver. The fabricated PTX@GL-BSA NPs were spherical structure with the particle size of 179 nm and a negative potential (-17.3 mV). Flow cytometry (FCM) studies exhibited that the accumulation of GL-BSA nanoparticles was 5.3-fold compared with BSA nanoparticles in HepG2 cells. The Nanoparticles were preferentially accumulated in the sinusoidal endothelial cells rather than the Kupffer cells. This study provides useful information to understand the distribution of hepatic targeting nanoparticles when using GL-modified BSA nanoparticles, which helps to further use for effective treatment of liver disease.

Green synthesis of anti-cancer drug-loaded gold nanoparticles for low-intensity pulsed ultrasound targeted drug release.

In the present work, we have designed a one-pot green protocol in which anti-cancer drugs (curcumin and doxorubicin) can be directly loaded on the surface of gold nanoparticles during their formation. We have further demonstrated that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can be used to effectively induce the release of anti-cancer drugs from the surface of gold nanoparticles in an ex vivo tissue model. With this protocol, gold nanoparticles can be easily loaded with different types of anticancer drugs, irrespective of their affinity towards water, and even hydrophobic molecules, like curcumin, can be attached onto the gold nanoparticles in an aqueous medium. The method is very simple and straightforward and does not require stirring or mechanical shaking. The drug molecules interact with the gold seeds formed during the reduction and growth process and modulate the final morphology into a spherical shape. A black-colored colloidal solution of gold nanowire networks is formed in the absence of these anti-cancer drug molecules in the reaction mixture. We used hyperspectral-enhanced dark field microscopy to examine the uptake of gold nanoparticles by breast cancer cells. Upon exposure to LIPUS, the release of the anti-cancer drug from the particle surface can be quantified by fluorescence measurements. This release of drug molecules along with trisodium citrate from the surface of gold nanoparticles by ultrasound resulted in their destabilization and subsequent aggregation, which could be visually observed through the change in the color of colloidal sol. Cancer cell viability was studied by MTT assay to examine the efficacy of this nanoparticle-based drug delivery system. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis were used to characterize the nanoparticles and quantify anti-cancer drug release.

Harnessing Nanotechnology: Emerging Strategies for Multiple Myeloma Therapy.

Advances in nanotechnology have provided novel avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), a hematological malignancy characterized by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. This review elucidates the potential of nanotechnology to revolutionize myeloma therapy, focusing on nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, nanoscale imaging techniques, and nano-immunotherapy. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems offer enhanced drug targeting, reduced systemic toxicity, and improved therapeutic efficacy. We discuss the latest developments in nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and inorganic nanoparticles, used for the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents, siRNA, and miRNA in MM treatment. We delve into nanoscale imaging techniques which provide spatial multi-omic data, offering a holistic view of the tumor microenvironment. This spatial resolution can help decipher the complex interplay between cancer cells and their surrounding environment, facilitating the development of highly targeted therapies. Lastly, we explore the burgeoning field of nano-immunotherapy, which employs nanoparticles to modulate the immune system for myeloma treatment. Specifically, we consider how nanoparticles can be used to deliver tumor antigens to antigen-presenting cells, thus enhancing the body's immune response against myeloma cells. In conclusion, nanotechnology holds great promise for improving the prognosis and quality of life of MM patients. However, several challenges remain, including the need for further preclinical and clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of these emerging strategies. Future research should also focus on developing personalized nanomedicine approaches, which could tailor treatments to individual patients based on their genetic and molecular profiles.

Molecular Design and Controlled Self-Assembly of Copolymers as Core-Shell-Corona Nanoparticles for Smarter Tumor Treatment.

Copolymer-based core-shell-corona nanoparticles have attracted more interest for tumor chemotherapy, owing to their unique multifunctionality benefiting from their unique multilevel topological structure in comparison with the conventional core-shell ones. Here, the recent progress in such core-shell-corona nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) in tumor chemotherapy was reviewed, focusing on additive functionality of the shell layer for controlled drug release performance from the viewpoints of the molecular design and controlled self-assembly, such as stimuli-responsive gatekeepers, independent loading of active substances, and so on. Moreover, future perspectives have been prospected for smarter tumor treatment.

Tumor microenvironment targeting for glioblastoma multiforme treatment via hybrid cell membrane coating supramolecular micelles

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common primary intracranial tumors in the central nervous system with poor prognosis, high invasiveness, risk of recurrence and low survival rate. Thus, it is urgent and vital to develop drug effective delivery systems that efficiently to traverse the blood–brain barrier and targeted transport therapeutic agents into the GBM tumor site for the treatment of brain tumors. Recently, amphiphilic cucurbit[7]uril-polyethylene glycol-hydrophobic Chlorin e6 (CB[7]-PEG-Ce6) polymer was designed, prepared, and self-assembled into micells (CPC) in an aqueous solution, and chemo drug methyl-triazeno-imidazole-carboxamide (MTIC), loaded into the cavity of CB[7] was subsequently coated with hybrid membrane mUMH (HMC3 membrane: macrophage membrane: U87MG membrane = 1:1:2) to afford mUMH@CPC@MTIC. The surface hybrid membrane mUMH potentially enhance the targeted delivery of CPC@MTIC to GBM tissue. Bioactive MTIC was released from the cavity of CB[7] in response to the high spermine level in GBM tumor microenvironments for effective tumor chemotherapy. The biomimetic mUMH@CPC@MTIC exhibited superior antitumor efficacy against GBM in mice. These findings provide new strategies for the design of biomimetic nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and promising therapy of GBM.

REVOLUTIONIZING DRUG DELIVERY: CUBOSOMES NANOPARTICLES AT THE FOREFRONT

Cubosomes nanoparticles represent an innovative approach in drug delivery systems, offering unique advantages over traditional delivery methods. This paper explores recent advancements in cubosomes nanoparticles technology and their potential applications in pharmaceutical formulations. We discuss the structural characteristics, fabrication methods, and key properties of cubosomes nanoparticles, highlighting their ability to encapsulate hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, enhance drug stability, and facilitate controlled release. Furthermore, we examine the promising applications of cubosomes nanoparticles in targeted drug delivery, vaccine delivery, and theranostics. The review concludes with insights into future directions and challenges in the development and translation of cubosomes nanoparticles-based drug delivery systems.

Modeling the Drug delivery Lifecycle of PLG Nanoparticles Using Intravital Microscopy.

Polylactide-co-glycolide (PLG) nanoparticles hold immense promise for cancer therapy due to their enhanced efficacy and biodegradable matrix structure. Understanding their interactions with blood cells and subsequent biodistribution kinetics is crucial for optimizing their therapeutic potential. In this study, three doxorubicin-loaded PLG nanoparticle systems are synthesized and characterized, analyzing their size, zeta potential, morphology, and in vitro release behavior. Employing intravital microscopy in 4T1-tumor-bearing mice, real-time blood and tumor distribution kinetics are investigated. A mechanistic pharmacokinetic model is used to analyze biodistribution kinetics. Additionally, flow cytometry is utilized to identify cells involved in nanoparticle hitchhiking. Following intravenous injection, PLG nanoparticles exhibit an initial burst release (<1min) and rapidly adsorb to blood cells (<5min), hindering extravasation. Agglomeration leads to the clearance of one carrier species within 3min. In stable dispersions, drug release rather than extravasation remains the dominant pathway for drug elimination from circulation. This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the interplay between competing kinetics that influence the lifecycle of PLG nanoparticles post-injection. The findings advance the understanding of nanoparticle behavior and lay the foundation for improved cancer therapy strategies using nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.

Advances in Nanotechnology for Enhanced Leukemia Therapy: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies

Abstract Background/Objective: Leukemia, a heterogeneous group of blood cancers, can present a significant clinical challenge due to its varying subtypes and complexity. The application of nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of leukemia. Based on in vivo studies, this systematic review provides an accurate and current assessment of nanotechnology therapeutic advances in leukemia treatment. Methods: The present systematic review focused on in vivo studies investigating nanotechnology's therapeutic potential for leukemia treatment. Comprehensive searches were conducted across leading databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, to identify relevant publications. Selection criteria encompassed studies that employed animal models to assess nanotechnology effects on leukemia progression. Data extracted from selected articles were rigorously analyzed. This review included studies published between 2010 and 2022. Results: Based on the inclusion criteria, 24 relevant studies were identified. According to the findings of this review, nanotechnology has made substantial progress in the treatment of leukemia, as demonstrated by in vivo studies. Advanced nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, precision gene therapies, and targeted therapeutic approaches have consistently exhibited superior outcomes in treating various leukemia subtypes in animal models. These compelling results emphasize the transformative potential of nanotechnology for leukemia therapy. Conclusion: In conclusion, the meticulous analyses of the in vivo studies underscore the role that nanotechnology plays in the advancement of the treatment of leukemia. Nanotechnology has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models, indicating that it can be translated into clinical applications, offering new avenues for treating leukemia and reinforcing its position as an innovative therapeutic approach.

Evaluation of anticancer effect of micelle-encapsulated doxorubicin using gamma-distributed delay model

In clinical trials of nanoparticle-based anticancer drug delivery systems, an inexplicable lack of correlation between the function imparted to the nanoparticles and their therapeutic effects is noted. To elucidate the cause of this lack of correlation, we developed a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model of tumor growth kinetics in a tumor-bearing rat model injected with polymeric micelle-encapsulated doxorubicin (DOX) using parameters related to tumor accumulation and anticancer activity. DOX was loaded onto a polyethylene glycol-peptide block polymer (PEG-poly(D/F)n: PPDF) via an amide bond to prepare sustained-release polymeric micelles (PPDF-DOX) and folic acid receptor-targeting polymeric micelles (FA-PPDF-DOX). Plasma concentration–time profiles and pharmacokinetic parameters of DOX released from PPDF-DOX into the tumors were examined using microdialysis analysis on the tumors in Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats after PPDF-DOX administration. PPDF-DOX and FA-PPDF-DOX showed delayed tumor accumulation for up to 4 h after injection. Therefore, the analysis was performed using a three-compartment model, incorporating a gamma-distributed delay model between the central and tumor compartments. The PK model was used to simulate eight repeated doses administered every other day. The cumulative area under the curve of FA-PPDF-DOX was 4.2-fold higher than that of PPDF-DOX. The PK-PD model analysis was performed based on intratumoral DOX concentration profiles and changes in tumor diameter. The time efficacy index—a measure of drug efficacy—indicated a 45k-fold higher antitumor effect of FA-PPDF-DOX over that of PPDF-DOX. These results suggest that the active-targeting function versus the effect of sustained-release polymeric micelles may depend on the delayed tumor retention of anticancer drugs.

Nano-encapsulated Cu(II) complex as a promising insecticidal for Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Nanoparticle (NP) research is an area of scientific interest with high potential for application in biomedical, optical, and electronic fields. Due to their relatively large surface area compared to their mass, NPs can be more chemically reactive and change their reactive strength or other properties. NP-based drug delivery systems provide transport and an effective and controlled way to release the drugs. This work aimed to study the solubility and biological activity of nano-encapsulated copper metal complexes for the induction of toxicity and mortality in larvae of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. After the nano-encapsulated metal complexes were prepared, the efficiency of this incorporation was determined by electron paramagnetic resonance, and toxicity bioassays were performed. The polymeric-based PLGA NPs encapsulating metal complexes exhibited high toxicity and specificity for target organisms (insect vectors, i.e., A. aegypti), with relatively less environmental impact and long-term control of their breeding.

Natural Chalcones and Derivatives in Colon Cancer: Pre-Clinical Challenges and the Promise of Chalcone-Based Nanoparticles.

Colon cancer poses a complex and substantial global health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. Chalcones, a versatile class of compounds with diverse pharmacological properties, have emerged as promising candidates for addressing colon cancer. Their ability to modulate pivotal signaling pathways in the development and progression of colon cancer makes them invaluable as targeted therapeutics. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that although chalcones exhibit promise, further pre-clinical studies are required to validate their efficacy and safety. The journey toward effective colon cancer treatment is multifaceted, involving considerations such as optimizing the sequencing of therapeutic agents, comprehending the resistance mechanisms, and exploring combination therapies incorporating chalcones. Furthermore, the integration of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems presents a novel avenue for enhancing the effectiveness of chalcones in colon cancer treatment. This review delves into the mechanisms of action of natural chalcones and some derivatives. It highlights the challenges associated with their use in pre-clinical studies, while also underscoring the advantages of employing chalcone-based nanoparticles for the treatment of colon cancer.

Lentinan-functionalized PBAE-G-nanodiamonds as an adjuvant to induce cGAS-STING pathway-mediated macrophage activation and immune enhancement

A series of biodegradable nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have been designed utilizing poly(β-amino ester)-guanidine-phenylboronic acid (PBAE-G) polymers. In this study, a novel Lentinan-Functionalized PBAE-G-nanodiamond system was developed to carry ovalbumin (LNT-PBAE-G-ND@OVA). The impact of this drug delivery system on the activation and maturation of macrophages was then assessed. Furthermore, LNT-PBAE-G-ND@OVA induced potent antibody response and showed no obvious toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, treatment with LNT-PBAE-G-ND@OVA was sufficient to alter the expression of genes associated with the cGAS-STING pathway, and the LNT-PBAE-G-ND@OVA induced upregulation of costimulatory molecules. LNT-PBAE-G-ND@OVA treatment was sufficient to induce macrophage activation through a complex mechanism in which cGAS-STING signaling plays an integral role.