Nanoparticle Carriers Research Articles

Influence of molecular structure on the coupling strength to a plasmonic nanoparticle and hot carrier generation.

Strong coupling between metal nanoparticles and molecules mixes their excitations, creating new eigenstates with modified properties such as altered chemical reactivity, different relaxation pathways or modified phase transitions. Here, we explore excited state plasmon-molecule coupling and discuss how strong coupling together with a changed orientation and number of an asymmetric molecule affects the generation of hot carriers in the system. We used a promising plasmonic material, magnesium, for the nanoparticle and coupled it with CPDT molecules, which are used in organic optoelectronic materials for organic electronic applications due to their facile modification, electron-rich structure, low band gap, high electrical conductivity and good charge transport properties. By employing computational quantum electronic tools we demonstrate the existence of a strong coupling mediated charge transfer plasmon whose direction, magnitude, and spectral position can be tuned. We find that the orientation of CPDT changes the nanoparticle-molecule gap for which maximum charge separation occurs, while larger gaps result in trapping hot carriers within the moieties due to weaker interactions. This research highlights the potential for tuning hot carrier generation in strongly coupled plasmon-molecule systems for enhanced energy generation or excited state chemistry.

Evaluation of Nanomedicine Tissue Distribution and Stability by Alexa Fluor 488 and PEG Immunohistochemistry.

A primary issue with nanomedicine biological evaluation is determination of nanoparticle carrier tissue distribution and stability. Here we present a method to evaluate nanomedicine distribution in tissues that is applicable to most nanomedicine constructs. This method utilizes immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of an Alexa Fluor 488-tag and/or polyethylene glycol (PEG), a very common nanomedicine component, for tissue localization. Using specific Alexa Fluor 488- and/or PEG antibody-based IHC staining procedures allows evaluation of high-resolution nanoparticle tissue distribution, nanoparticle tissue stability, and also allows correlation of distribution with morphological changes. This protocol outlines the methods to follow to ensure proper tissue collection and optimized immunohistochemical staining of Alexa Fluor 488-tag and PEG in tissues.

Evaluating Cationic Nanoparticles as Carriers of Antiviral Nucleic Acids.

Nanoparticle carriers enable the multivalent delivery of nucleic acids to cells and protect them from degradation. In this chapter, we present a comprehensive overview of four methodologies: electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), alamarBlue/CFDA-AM cell viability dyes, fluorescence microscopy, and antiviral assays, which collectively are tools to explore interactions between nucleic acids and nanoparticles, and their biological efficacy. These assays provide insights into binding potential, cytotoxicity, and antiviral efficacy of nucleic acid-based nanoparticle treatments furthering the development of effective antiviral therapeutics.

Nano formulation of Berberine (Brb): Transforming a natural alkaloid into advanced therapeutics

A naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid “Berberine” (Brb) is found in various plant species of the genus Berberis, such as Berberis vulgaris, Berberis aristata, Berberis microphylla, and so on. This component has been studied extensively by various researchers and scientists for its diverse therapeutic properties, including anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial antidiarrheal, and anti-inflammatory effects. One of the most remarkable applications of berberine is its efficacy in managing type-II diabetes, which is attributed to its capability to initiate adenosine monophosphate, glycolysis stimulation, protein kinases activation, inhibit mitochondrial function and thus collectively enhance the lipid and glucose metabolism. Also, Berberine has shown promising outcomes in addressing other health conditions, such as hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. In spite of its numerous benefits, extensive usage of berberine has been hindered by some challenges such as low bioavailability, limited absorption, and poor water solubility. Nano formulation has emerged as an auspicious approach to overcome these obstacles. This review highlights the advancements of using nano technology to overcome the limitations of berberine (Brb) associated with its absorption, dissolution, and bio-distribution, which are critical for its active application of pharmacology. While previous studies have explored the use of nano-carriers for transfer of drug, this review uniquely underlines an inclusive evaluation of several nanocarrier, together with lipid-based nanoparticles (SLNs, NLCs, micelles, and liposomes), polymeric-based nanoparticles (chitosan, alginate, dextran, and PLGA) and advanced materials (graphene, dendrimers, gold (Au), and silver (Ag) nanoparticles). It emphasizes their specific applications in treating conditions like diabetes, osteoarthritis, microbial infections, and melanoma, with special attention on innovative applications such as thermal therapy with AuNP-Brb and bio-imaging with Brb-based carbon dots. In conclusion, nanotechnology has shown an outstanding result in improving the therapeutic strength and delivery of berberine, more investigation is necessary to interpret these nanoparticle carriers into clinical applications. The detailing of specific therapeutic effects and this breadth of comparison highlight the novelty of this review, which sets a foundation for future research to translate these findings into clinical applications.

Varying the hydrophobic core composition of polymeric nanoparticles affects NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Understanding the interactions of nanoparticle carriers with innate immune cells is crucial for informing the design and efficacy of future nano-immunotherapies. An intriguing aspect of their interaction with the immune system has recently emerged, i.e., their ability to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key component of the innate immune response. While the effect of the surface properties of nanoparticles has been extensively investigated in the context of nanoparticle-immune cell interactions, the influence of core composition remains largely unexplored, particularly regarding its impact on inflammasome activation. To shed light on these interactions, we developed a library of supramolecular polymer nanoparticles (SNPs) with different core compositions, varying their hydrophobic quotient by virtue of the side chain length and the repeating units in the polymer construct. The impact of modulating SNP core hydrophobic properties was investigated in macrophages by evaluating their cellular internalization, cytokine release, lysosomal rupture-calcium signaling, calcium flux-mitochondrial ROS production and their ability to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, providing mechanistic insights into inflammasome activation. We established a direct correlation between increasing the side chain length of the polymer construct, thereby increasing the core hydrophobicity of SNPs and enhanced NLRP3 complex formation, as indicated by ASC speck imaging analysis and the elevated 1L-1β expression. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the inflammasome signaling cascades and kinetics varied based on the SNP's hydrophobic side chain length and repeating units. Specifically, the nanoparticle with the longest alkyl side chain effectuated NLRP3 activation preferentially through the mitochondrial damage pathway. In vivo evaluation of SNPs in C57BL/6 mice confirmed elevated proinflammatory cytokines, notably with the SNP having the longest C12-alkyl side chain. This confirms that the higher core hydrophobicity composition of the SNP results in inflammasome activation in vivo. In summary, this study established SNP core composition as a novel nanoparticle-associated molecular pattern (NAMP) responsible for NLRP3 inflammasome activation, shedding light on intricate cellular pathways for informed nanoparticle design in immunotherapy and vaccine applications.

Engineered exosomes: a potential therapeutic strategy for septic cardiomyopathy.

Septic cardiomyopathy, a life-threatening complication of sepsis, can cause acute heart failure and carry a high mortality risk. Current treatments have limitations. Fortunately, engineered exosomes, created through bioengineering technology, may represent a potential new treatment method. These exosomes can both diagnose and treat septic cardiomyopathy, playing a crucial role in its development and progression. This article examines the strategies for using engineered exosomes to protect cardiac function and treat septic cardiomyopathy. It covers three innovative aspects: exosome surface modification technology, the use of exosomes as a multifunctional drug delivery platform, and plant exosome-like nanoparticle carriers. The article highlights the ability of exosomes to deliver small molecules, proteins, and drugs, summarizing several RNA molecules, proteins, and drugs beneficial for treating septic cardiomyopathy. Although engineered exosomes are a promising biotherapeutic carrier, they face challenges in clinical application, such as understanding the interaction mechanism with host cells, distribution within the body, metabolism, and long-term safety. Further research is essential, but engineered exosomes hold promise as an effective treatment for septic cardiomyopathy.

Effects of three tebuconazole nanopesticides on the survival of Daphnia magna

The growing pressure to reduce excessive pesticide use has led to exploring novel formulation methods, including nanoparticle carriers for active substances.

Choice of Nanoparticles for Theranostics Engineering: Surface Coating to Nanovalves Approach.

Surface engineered nanoparticles (metallic and nonmetallic) have gained tremendous attention for precise imaging and therapeutics of cell/tumors at molecular and anatomic levels. These tiny agents have shown their specific physicochemical properties for early-stage disease diagnosis and cancer theranostics applications (imaging and therapeutics by a single system). For example, gold nanorods (AuNRs) demonstrate better photothermal response and radiodensity for theranostics applications. However, upon near infrared light exposure these AuNRs lose their optical property which is characteristic of phototherapy of cancer. To overcome this issue, silica coating is a safe choice for nanorods which not only stabilizes them but also provides extra space for cargo loading and makes them multifunctional in cancer theranostics applications. On the other hand, various small molecules have been coated on the surface of nanoparticles (organic, inorganic, and biological) which improve their biocompatibility, blood circulation time, specific biodistribution and tumor binding ability. A few of them have been reached in clinical trials, but, struggling with FDA approval due to engineering and biological barriers. Moreover, nanoparticles also face various challenges of reliability, reproducibility, degradation, tumor entry and exit in translational research. On the other hand, cargo carrier nanoparticles have been facing critical issues of premature leakage of loaded cargo either anticancer drug or imaging probes. Hence, various gate keepers (quantum dots to supramolecules) known nanovalves have been engineered on the pore opening of the cargo systems. Here, a review on the evolution of nanoparticles and their choice for diagnostics and therapeutics applications has been discussed. In this context, basic requirements of multifunctional theranostics design for targeted imaging and therapy have been highlighted and with several challenges. Major hurdles experienced in the surface engineering routes (coating to nanovalves approach) and limitations of the designed theranostics such as poor biocompatibility, low photostability, non-specific targeting, low cargo capacity, poor biodegradation and lower theranostics efficiency are discussed in-depth. The current scenario of theranostics systems and their multifunctional applications have been presented in this article.

Design of nanoparticle-based systems for the systemic delivery of chemotherapeutics: Alternative potential routes via sublingual and buccal administration for systemic drug delivery.

Conventional therapeutic approaches for cancer generally involve chemo- and radiation therapies that often exhibit low efficacy and induce toxic side effects. Recent years have seen significant advancements in the use of protein biologics as a promising alternative treatment option. Nanotechnology-based systems have shown great potential in providing more specific and targeted cancer treatments, thus improving upon many of the limitations associated with current treatments. The unique properties of biomaterial carriers at the nanoscale have been proven to enhance both the performance of the incorporated therapeutic agent and tumor targeting; however, many of these systems are delivered intravenously, which can cause hazardous side effects. Buccal and sublingual delivery systems offer an alternative route for more efficient delivery of nanotechnologies and drug absorption into systemic circulation. This review concentrates on emerging buccal and sublingual nanoparticle delivery systems for chemo- and protein therapeutics, their development, efficacy, and potential areas of improvement in the field. Several factors contribute to the development of effective buccal or sublingual nanoparticle delivery systems, including targeting efficiency of the nanoparticulate carriers, drug release, and carrier biocompatibility. Furthermore, the potential utilization of buccal and sublingual multilayer films combined with nanoparticle chemotherapeutic systems is outlined as a future avenue for in vitro and in vivo research.

Uptake Quantification of Antigen Carried by Nanoparticles and Its Impact on Carrier Adjuvanticity Evaluation.

Nanoparticles have been identified in numerous studies as effective antigen delivery systems that enhance immune responses. However, it remains unclear whether this enhancement is a result of increased antigen uptake when carried by nanoparticles or the adjuvanticity of the nanoparticle carriers. Consequently, it is important to quantify antigen uptake by dendritic cells in a manner that is free from artifacts in order to analyze the immune response when antigens are carried by nanoparticles. In this study, we demonstrated several scenarios (antigens on nanoparticles or inside cells) that are likely to contribute to the generation of artifacts in conventional fluorescence-based quantification. Furthermore, we developed the necessary assay for accurate uptake quantification. PLGA NPs were selected as the model carrier system to deliver EsxB protein (a Staphylococcus aureus antigen) in order to testify to the feasibility of the established method. The results showed that for the same antigen uptake amount, the antigen delivered by PLGA nanoparticles could elicit 3.6 times IL-2 secretion (representative of cellular immune response activation) and 1.5 times IL-12 secretion (representative of DC maturation level) compared with pure antigen feeding. The findings above give direct evidence of the extra adjuvanticity of PLGA nanoparticles, except for their delivery functions. The developed methodology allows for the evaluation of immune cell responses on an antigen uptake basis, thus providing a better understanding of the origin of the adjuvanticity of nanoparticle carriers. Ultimately, this research provides general guidelines for the formulation of nano-vaccines.

Nano Lipid Carriers: A Novel Approach for Nose to Brain Drug Delivery

Background:: A nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) is a nanoparticulate carrier system consisting of solid lipids, liquid lipids, surfactants, and water. NLCs are second-generation lipid nanocarriers, gained continuous significance in recent times, and possess better physical stability, increased drug loading, improved permeability, and bioavailability. They are considered superior to many other traditional lipid-based nanocarriers such as nanoemulsion, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and have emerged as an alternative to first-generation nanoparticles (SLN). NLCs have significant potential in the pharmaceutical industry due to their extensive beneficial effects, like drug targeting, enhanced bioavailability, and their wide positive benefits. Objective:: The primary aim of this review was to study and explore the Nano lipid carrier, its advantages, patent preferences, and advancement of NLCs use in nose-to-brain drug delivery Methods:: The objective of this study was to conduct a literature review on the development of NLC for nose-to-brain drug delivery. The review focused on NLC, its significant role in nose-to-brain delivery, and relevant patents. To achieve this goal, different review articles searched, were studied, and summarized from various sources such as research articles, review articles, books, scientific reports, and patents. Conclusion:: This review article discusses the potential benefits of NLCs in brain-targeting drug delivery through the intranasal route and key aspects of NLCs, including their structure composition, formulation technique, and characterization, which are crucial for developing a reliable drug delivery.

Engineering carrier nanoparticles with biomimetic moieties for improved intracellular targeted delivery of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines.

Biological membrane-engineered lipid nanoparticles (LNP) have shown enormous potential as vehicles for drug delivery due to their outstanding biomimetic properties. To make these nanoparticles more adaptable to complex biological systems, several methods and cellular sources have been adopted to introduce biomembrane-derived moieties onto LNP and provide the latter with more functions while preserving their intrinsic nature. In this review, we focus on LNP decoration with specific regard to mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. The bio-engineering approach exploits a variety of biomembranes for functionalization, such as those derived from red blood cells, white blood cells, cancer cells, platelets, exosomes, and others. Biomembrane engineering could greatly enhance efficiency in targeted drug delivery, treatment, and diagnosis of cancer, inflammation, immunological diseases, and a variety of pathologic conditions. These membrane-modification techniques are expected to advance biomembrane-derived LNP into wider applications in the future.

A Multifunctional Co-Based Metal-Organic Framework as a Platform for Proton Conduction and Ni trophenols Reduction.

The design and development of proton conduction materials for clean energy-related applications is obviously important and highly desired but challenging. An ultrastable cobalt-based metal-organic framework Co-MOF, formulated as [Co2(btzip)2(μ2-OH2)] (namely, LCUH-103, H2btzip = 4, 6-bis(triazol-1-yl)-isophthalic acid) had been successfully synthesized via the hydrothermal method. LCUH-103 exhibits a three-dimensional framework and a one-dimensional microporous channel structure with scu topology based on the binuclear metallic cluster {Co2}. LCUH-103 indicated excellent chemical and thermal stability; peculiarly, it can retain its entire framework in acid and alkali solutions with different pH values for 24 h. The excellent stability is a prerequisite for studying its proton conductivity, and its proton conductivity σ can reach up to 1.25 × 10-3 S·cm-1 at 80 °C and 100% relative humidity (RH). In order to enhance its proton conductivity, the proton-conducting material Im@LCUH-103 had been prepared by encapsulating imidazole molecules into the channels of LCUH-103. Im@LCUH-103 indicated an excellent proton conductivity of 3.18 × 10-2 S·cm-1 at 80 °C and 100% RH, which is 1 order of magnitude higher than that of original LCUH-103. The proton conduction mechanism was systematically studied by various detection means and theoretical calculations. Meanwhile, LCUH-103 is also an excellent carrier for palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) via a wetness impregnation strategy, and the nitrophenols (4/3/2-NP) reduction in aqueous solution by Pd@LCUH-103 indicated an outstanding conversion efficiency, high rate constant (k), and exceptional cycling stability. Specifically, the k value of 4-NP reduction by Pd@LCUH-103 is superior to many other reported catalysts, and its k value is as high as 1.34 min-1 and the cycling stability can reach up to 6 cycles. Notably, its turnover frequency (TOF) value is nearly 196.88 times more than that of Pd/C (wt 5%) in the reaction, indicating its excellent stability and catalytic activity.

Restoration of Mir-185 in Combination with BCR-ABL Downregulation By Therapeutic Delivery of siRNA with Lipid Nanoparticle Carriers Targets Drug Resistant Leukemic Stem/Progenitor Cells

Background: Despite development of effective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), TKI therapy is not curative as some patients develop drug resistance or are at risk of disease relapse. Importantly, CML leukemic stem cells (LSCs) remain largely unresponsive and represent a key population for sustaining disease and relapse. We previously demonstrated that miR-185 levels were significantly reduced in CD34 + stem/progenitor cells from TKI-nonresponders compared to TKI responders. Further, restoration of miR-185 levels in CML LSCs and their progenitors impaired their survival and sensitized them to TKI in vitro and in vivo. However, the therapeutic potential of downregulating BCR-ABL using siRNA in combination with miR-185 mimic treatment to target CML LSCs have yet to be elucidated. Objective: Downregulation of BCR-ABL using siRNA represents a promising therapeutic approach to inhibit its kinase and non-kinase functions to combat drug-resistant CML and overcome limitations of current therapy. Additionally, previous work suggests that restoring miR-185 levels may improve therapeutic outcomes from complimentary therapies in CML, particularly in combination with BCR-ABL inhibition. Therefore, we aim to investigate the therapeutic outcomes and mechanism of action of inhibiting BCR-ABL using siRNA in combination with miR-185 mimic treatment in drug-resistant CML. Methods: To assess the effects of BCR-ABL downregulation in combination with miR-185 restoration, we encapsulated siRNA targeting BCR-ABL and a miR-185 mimic using an optimized lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation. Biological effects and mechanistic changes of this novel RNA combination was evaluated using various CML cell lines expressing b2a2, b3a2, T315I mutated BCR-ABL and CD34 + stem/progenitor cells from non-responder patients. Results: A total of 7 siRNA sequences targeting various fusion regions of BCR-ABL were designed and tested to effectively target primitive CML cells. The highest performing BCR-ABL siRNA encapsulated showed significant knockdown in various CML models expressing b2a2, b3a2 and T315I mutated BCR-ABL (65-99% knockdown). After 48 hours of 0.5 μg/mL BCR-ABL siRNA LNP treatment, BCR-ABL protein levels and its direct downstream target p-CrkL are undetectable by immunoblotting. The robust downregulation of BCR-ABL results in a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability (down to 28% and 9.4% viable cells at a dose of 1 μg/mL) and increase in apoptotic cells (70% and 78% Annexin-V positive) in imatinib resistant K562 and T315I mutated cells, respectively after 72 hours. Similarly, encapsulated miR-185 mimic downregulates its main downstream target PAK6 transcript levels down to 50% in drug sensitive and drug-resistant cell lines and in TKI nonresponder CD34 + stem/progenitor cells. More importantly, our RNA LNP formulation demonstrated significant uptake (> 80% Cy5 positive) of fluorescent-labelled siRNA in TKI nonresponder CD34 + stem/progenitor cells and decreased BCR-ABL mRNA transcript levels by 60%. The combined BCR-ABL inhibition and miR-185 mimic treatment were determined to be highly synergistic when analysed using the Chou-Talalay (combination index less than 1), ZIP, Bliss and HSA methods (synergy scores larger than 10) in both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant CML cells. Furthermore, treatment of BCR-ABL siRNA and miR-185 using LNPs decreased the colony forming units of nonresponder patient cells by 50%. Interestingly, this effect was further enhanced when combined with TKIs, decreasing colony forming units to 20% compared to control after 14 days. Conclusion: We have uncovered a LNP formulation that is able to effectively deliver therapeutic BCR-ABL siRNA and miR-185 mimic into primitive CML cells. This combination treatment significantly reduces the levels of oncogenic BCR-ABL and PAK6, decreasing the viability clonogenic potential and increases apoptosis in CML cell line models and primary patient cells. Importantly, this combination strategy overcomes TKI resistance in CD34 + stem/progenitor cells suggesting a feasible and effective model for patients suffering from clinical resistance and relapse.

Porous Polymersomes as Carriers for Silver Nanoparticles and Nanoclusters: Advantages of Compartmentalization for Antimicrobial Usage

Porous Polymersomes as Carriers for Silver Nanoparticles and Nanoclusters: Advantages of Compartmentalization for Antimicrobial Usage

Silica nanoparticles containing nano-silver and chlorhexidine respond to pH to suppress biofilm acids and modulate biofilms toward a non-cariogenic composition

ObjectivesDental caries is caused by acids from biofilms. pH-sensitive nanoparticle carriers could achieve improved targeted effectiveness. The objectives of this study were to develop novel mesoporous silica nanoparticles carrying nanosilver and chlorhexidine (nMS-nAg-Chx), and investigate the inhibition of biofilms as well as the modulation of biofilm to suppress acidogenic and promote benign species for the first time. MethodsnMS-nAg was synthesized via a modified sol-gel method. Carboxylate group functionalized nMS-nAg (COOH-nMS-nAg) was prepared and Chx was added via electrostatic interaction. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), inhibition zone, and growth curves were evaluated. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii), and Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis) formed multispecies biofilms. Metabolic activity, biofilm lactic acid, exopolysaccharides (EPS), and TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were tested. Biofilm structures and biomass were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and live/dead bacteria staining. ResultsnMS-nAg-Chx possessed pH-responsive properties, where Chx release increased at lower pH. nMS-nAg-Chx showed good biocompatibility. nMS-nAg-Chx exhibited a strong antibacterial function, reducing biofilm metabolic activity and lactic acid as compared to control (p < 0.05, n = 6). Moreso, biofilm biomass was dramatically suppressed in nMS-nAg-Chx groups. In control group, there was an increasing trend of S. mutans proportion in the multispecies biofilm, with S. mutans reaching 89.1% at 72 h. In sharp contrast, in nMS-nAg-Chx group of 25 μg/mL, the ratio of S. mutans dropped to 43.7% and the proportion of S. gordonii and S. sanguinis increased from 19.8% and 10.9 to 69.8% and 56.3%, correspondingly. ConclusionpH-sensitive nMS-nAg-Chx had potent antibacterial effects and modulated biofilm toward a non-cariogenic tendency, decreasing the cariogenic species nearly halved and increasing the benign species approximately twofold. nMS-nAg-Chx is promising for applications in mouth rinse and endodontic irrigants, and as fillers in resins to prevent caries.

Synthesis of bioactive hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier nanoparticles via metal-phenolic complexation

The transfusion of donor red blood cells (RBCs) is seriously hampered by important drawbacks that include limited availability and portability, the requirement of being stored in refrigerated conditions, a short shelf life or the need for RBC group typing and crossmatching. Thus, hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen (O2) carriers (HBOCs) which make use of the main component of RBCs and the responsible protein for O2 transport, hold a lot of promise in modern transfusion and emergency medicine. Despite the great progress achieved, it is still difficult to create HBOCs with a high Hb content to attain the high O2 demands of our body. Herein a metal–phenolic self-assembly approach that can be conducted in water and in one step to prepare nanoparticles (NPs) fully made of Hb (Hb-NPs) is presented. In particular, by combining Hb with polyethylene glycol, tannic acid (TA) and manganese ions, spherical Hb-NPs with a uniform size around 350–525 nm are obtained. The functionality of the Hb-NPs is preserved as shown by their ability to bind and release O2 over multiple rounds. The binding mechanism of TA and Hb is thoroughly investigated by UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The binding site number, apparent binding constant at two different temperatures and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters are identified. The results demonstrate that the TA-Hb interaction takes place through a static mechanism in a spontaneous process as shown by the decrease in Gibbs free energy. The associated increase in entropy suggests that the TA-Hb binding is dominated by hydrophobic interactions.

Potential applications of Folate-conjugated Chitosan Nanoparticles for Targeted delivery of Anticancer drugs

Folate-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles represent a promising nanoplatform for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs. The nanoparticle carrier can protect the therapeutic agents from degradation and offer the ability to target cancer cells overexpressing folate receptors. This review summarizes recent research progress in synthesizing folate-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles as well as evaluating their potential as targeted drug delivery systems. The chemical conjugation of folic acid to chitosan is first discussed followed by an overview of different techniques for preparation of stable folate-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles less than 200 nm in size. Recent studies loading various anticancer drugs into these nanoparticles and investigating their in vitro cytotoxicity against multiple cancer cell lines are then summarized. The results indicate that folate-conjugated nanoparticles exhibit higher cytotoxicity and targeting efficiency compared to non-conjugated nanoparticles due to receptor-mediated endocytosis. Lastly, future challenges and opportunities are outlined including in vivo investigations to determine the effectiveness, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics of folate-conjugated chitosan nanoparticle systems as well as their potential clinical translation as targeted drug carriers for cancer chemotherapy.

In-situ synthesis of Au/carbonized botanical leaf functionalized-electroactive polyimide nanocomposites and their application in enhanced catalytic activity for reduction 4-nitrophenol

This work presents the successful synthesis of an Au/carbonized botanical leaf functionalized-electroactive polyimide nanocomposite as a catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP). The organic functional groups from the carbonized botanical leaves not only wrapped in EPI via π-π interaction to form carbonized botanical leaf functionalized-electroactive polyimide (CX-EPI and CN-EPI) but also increase the surface area of the nanocomposite and provide active sites as reducing agent and carrier for Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) to obtain the final product, Au/CX-EPI and Au/CN-EPI nanocomposites. The successful incorporation of organic functional groups and AuNPs was characterized by FT-IR, BET, XRD, SEM, and HR-TEM. The in-situ reduction reaction that mediated between the electroactive segment, polyphenolics, and HAuCl4 solution were confirmed by XPS spectroscopy. Furthermore, the Au/CX-EPI and Au/CN-EPI nanocomposites show excellent catalytic activity and recyclability for the reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP. The reaction rate constants for Au/CX-EPI and Au/CN-EPI were calculated as 2.0 × 10−3 and 3.1 × 10−3 s−1, respectively. Moreover, both catalysts exhibited a conversion of higher than 95% after ten cycles of catalytic reduction reactions. These nanocomposites from carbonized plants and electroactive polyimide as promising potential heterogeneous catalysts for various catalytic reactions.

Study on Saccharide-Glucose Receptor Interactions with the Use of Surface Plasmon Resonance.

The aim of this study was to investigate the process of attachment of saccharide particles differing in degree of complexity to cell receptors responsible for transport of glucose across the cell membrane (GLUT proteins). This phenomenon is currently considered when designing modern medicines, e.g., peptide drugs to which glucose residues are attached, enabling drugs to cross the barrier of cell membranes and act inside cells. This study aims to help us understand the process of assimilation of polysaccharide nanoparticles by tumour cells. In this study, the interactions between simple saccharides (glucose and sucrose) and dextran nanoparticles with two species of GLUT proteins (GLUT1 and GLUT4) were measured using the surface plasmon resonance technique. We managed to observe the interactions of glucose and sucrose with both applied proteins. The lowest concentration that resulted in the detection of interaction was 4 mM of glucose on GLUT1. Nanoparticles were measured using the same proteins with a detection limit of 40 mM. These results indicate that polysaccharide nanoparticles interact with GLUT proteins. The measured strengths of interactions differ between proteins; thus, this study can suggest which protein is preferable when considering it as a mean of nanoparticle carrier transport.