Polymeric Nanoparticles Research Articles

Exploring anti-cancer activities of epidermal growth factor-immobilized polymeric nanoparticles

ABSTRACT Cytotoxic agents targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exhibit significant potential for cancer therapy as EGFR is overexpressed in various cancers. As alternatives to conventional EGFR inhibitors (EGFRi), which exert side effects on non-cancer cells, EGF-immobilized gold nanoparticles exhibit selective cytotoxicity in EGFR-overexpressing cancer cells by locally enhancing EGFR activation and modulating signal transduction through a signal condensation mechanism. However, considering real therapeutic applications, it is important to confirm that the same principle can be applied to polymeric nanoparticles, which are more suitable carriers owing to their biodegradability and biocompatibility, remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-cancer activities of EGF-conjugates with two kinds of polymeric nanoparticles: polystyrene nanoparticles and polymeric micelles. Initial mechanistic studies on phosphorylation signaling and cholesterol depletion revealed that EGF-polystyrene nanoparticles exhibited cytotoxicity against human cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells via local enhancement of EGFR activity in membrane rafts. Moreover, EGF-polymeric micelles exerted selective anti-cancer effects against EGFRi-resistant MDA-MB468 refractory triple-negative breast cancer cells after optimization of particle size. These results suggest that the unique anti-cancer effects of EGF nanoparticles are not dependent on the carrier platform. Furthermore, EGF nanoparticles exhibited high cytotoxicity against cancer cells responding poorly to conventional EGFR-targeted anti-cancer drugs, showing potential for future medical applications.

Pharmacogenomics influence on MDR1-associated cancer resistance and innovative drug delivery approaches: advancing precision oncology.

Currently, there is a growing concern surrounding the treatment of cancer, a formidable disease. Pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine have emerged as significant areas of interest in cancer management. The efficacy of many cancer drugs is hindered by resistance mechanisms, particularly P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux, leading to reduced therapeutic outcomes. Efforts have intensified to inhibit P-gp efflux, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of resistant drugs. P-gp, a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily, specifically the multidrug resistance (MDR)/transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) sub-family B, member 1, utilizes energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to drive efflux. This review focuses on genetic polymorphisms associated with P-gp efflux and explores various novel pharmaceutical strategies to address this challenge. These strategies encompass SEDDS/SNEDDS, liposomes, immunoliposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipid core nanocapsules, microemulsions, dendrimers, hydrogels, polymer-drug conjugates, and polymeric nanoparticles. The article aims to elucidate the interplay between pharmacogenomics, P-gp-mediated drug resistance in cancer, and formulation strategies to improve cancer therapy by tailoring formulations to genetically susceptible patients.

Photothermal Conjugated Polymer Microneedle with Biofilm Elimination and Angiogenesis for Diabetic Wound Healing.

Diabetic wounds are highly susceptible to bacterial infection, which can lead to the formation of bacterial biofilms, making diabetic wound healing a major challenge. In this study, a composited microneedle that incorporated drug-loaded conjugated polymer nanoparticles and basic fibroblast growth factor was prepared to eliminate biofilms and promote vascular regeneration. This microneedle released minocycline under near-infrared (NIR) light, effectively penetrating bacterial biofilms. The photothermal properties of the conjugated polymers, combined with the antibacterial action of minocycline, contribute to the eradication of biofilms and the elimination of drug-resistant bacteria. Moreover, it regulated the wound microenvironment by reducing the level of oxidative stress, as well as the production of inflammatory factors at the wound site. Meanwhile, it effectively boosted cell migration and promoted angiogenesis to accelerate diabetic wound healing. This composited microneedle for biofilm elimination represents a promising approach for promoting diabetic wound healing.

Formulation and characterization of CMPI nanoparticles for enhanced targeting of brain nicotinic receptors by positive allosteric modulator

3-(2-Chlorophenyl)-5-(5-methyl-1-(piperidin-4-yl)-1 H-pyrazol-4-yl)isoxazole (CMPI) is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChRs), one of the most subtype-selective a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). CMPI that preferentially potentiates the (α4)3(β2)2 nAChR, the major nAChR subtype in the cortex and as such carries potential experimental and therapeutic applications. Maximizing delivery of CMPI would enhance its interaction with brain nAChRs that are associated with the desired therapeutic effects while avoiding interactions with peripheral nAChRs that are associated with undesired side effects is critical to the development of nAChR PAM-based therapeutics. Towards this endeavor, this study aims to explore nanoformulation strategies to maximize delivery of CMPI. A biodegradable and biocompatible, the US-FDA-approved, poly(l-lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) was used to engineer nanoparticles (NPs) to solubilize CMPI in its hydrophobic core in an aqueous environment using the nanoprecipitation with the drug loading content of 10 ± 1.2% by weight of NPs. Thus, synthesized polymeric NPs were characterized for their colloidal properties and biological activities. The hydrodynamic size of these NPs was found to range from 60 to 150 nm and are stable for a prolonged period in biological media. An in-vitro drug release study was conducted to envision a sustained release of CMPI under physiological conditions, which shows distinct kinetics of CMPI under experimental conditions in which released drugs from NPs were collected using dialysis techniques. These NPs were found to be highly biocompatible when challenged against the human embryonic kidney-293 (HEK-293) cell line that stably expressed α4β2 (HEK-α4β2) nAChRs in a wide range of concentrations. In this pilot study, NPs were further labeled with Alexa fluorophore to track and study cellular uptake using fluorescence microscopy, which showed efficient uptake by HEK-α4β2 cells. Given the superiority of the nanoparticulate system in drug delivery and the unique role of CMPI, we hope this study will help in the development of nAChR PAM formulations that have superior pharmacokinetic profiles, especially their brain bioavailability.

Nanoparticle-Encapsulated Plant Polyphenols and Flavonoids as an Enhanced Delivery System for Anti-Acne Therapy

This study conducted a literature review by searching for articles related to the treatment of skin infections/wrinkles using nano-delivery systems containing natural compounds. The search was conducted in various databases for articles published in the last 10 years, with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 490 articles found, 40 were considered relevant. Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological disorder characterised by inflammation of the sebaceous glands, often resulting in the development of pimples, cysts, and scarring. Conventional treatments, including antibiotics and topical retinoids, frequently demonstrate limitations such as side effects, resistance, and insufficient skin absorption. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the creation of innovative drug-delivery systems that enhance the effectiveness and reduce the adverse effects of anti-acne medications. Polyphenols and flavonoids, natural bioactive compounds with notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, are recognised for their therapeutic effectiveness in acne treatment. However, their practical application is hindered by insufficient solubility, stability, and bioavailability. The incorporation of these compounds into nanoparticle-based delivery systems has shown promise in resolving these challenges. Various nanoparticle platforms, including lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and solid lipid nanoparticles, are evaluated for their ability to improve the stability, controlled release, and targeted delivery of polyphenols and flavonoids to the skin. The advent of polyphenol and flavonoid-loaded nanoparticles marks a new acne therapy era.

NIR‐II Emissive Oligonucleotides Grafted π‐Conjugated Polymers for Low‐Temperature Photothermal and Gene Combined Therapy

In order to address the strong hydrophobicity and function limitation of NIR‐II emissive phototheranostic π‐conjugated polymers (CPs), appropriate modifications are necessary to impart water dispersibility and functionality to CPs. This study uses DNA as the hydrophilic and functional unit to modify CPs, synthesizing CP‐g‐DNA amphiphilic copolymers and producing water‐dispersible oligonucleotide‐modified π‐conjugated polymer nanoparticles (OCPNs) by self‐assembly. In addition to DNA's gene regulation abilities that can combine with the low‐temperature photothermal therapy of CPs for enhanced tumor therapy, OCPNs display unique characteristics as novel nanomaterials. On one side, DNA changes the π‐π interactions and results in a two‐fold enhancement in NIR‐II fluorescence emission, which greatly benefits tumor imaging. On the other side, DNA varies the surface properties of OCPNs and the nano‐bio interactions. OCPNs exhibit multiple cellular internalization pathways, including caveolae/lipid raft‐mediated uptake for cytoplasm delivery, which may enhance gene transfection combined with the photothermal‐promoted lysosome escape. Moreover, OCPNs can quickly accumulate in tumors due to their higher tissue penetration capability. Taken together, a strategy of using DNA to enable and advance the phototheranostic applications of CPs has been demonstrated, and the distinct properties of OCPNs will open up new biological application opportunities in the future.

NIR-II Emissive Oligonucleotides Grafted π-Conjugated Polymers for Low-Temperature Photothermal and Gene Combined Therapy.

In order to address the strong hydrophobicity and function limitation of NIR-II emissive phototheranostic π-conjugated polymers (CPs), appropriate modifications are necessary to impart water dispersibility and functionality to CPs. This study uses DNA as the hydrophilic and functional unit to modify CPs, synthesizing CP-g-DNA amphiphilic copolymers and producing water-dispersible oligonucleotide-modified π-conjugated polymer nanoparticles (OCPNs) by self-assembly. In addition to DNA's gene regulation abilities that can combine with the low-temperature photothermal therapy of CPs for enhanced tumor therapy, OCPNs display unique characteristics as novel nanomaterials. On one side, DNA changes the π-π interactions and results in a two-fold enhancement in NIR-II fluorescence emission, which greatly benefits tumor imaging. On the other side, DNA varies the surface properties of OCPNs and the nano-bio interactions. OCPNs exhibit multiple cellular internalization pathways, including caveolae/lipid raft-mediated uptake for cytoplasm delivery, which may enhance gene transfection combined with the photothermal-promoted lysosome escape. Moreover, OCPNs can quickly accumulate in tumors due to their higher tissue penetration capability. Taken together, a strategy of using DNA to enable and advance the phototheranostic applications of CPs has been demonstrated, and the distinct properties of OCPNs will open up new biological application opportunities in the future.

Intranasal Delivery of Paclitaxel-Loaded Ligand Conjugated Polymeric Nanoparticles for Targeted Brain Delivery.

Compared to the conventional blood-brain barrier crossing over, nose-to-brain delivery provides a potentially effective substitution, particularly when large molecules of drugs need to be delivered. The majority of macromolecules degrade quickly in a physiological environment. Therefore, drug molecules can be protected against early breakdown by using nanocarrier systems. Targeting nanocarrier system with ligand potential of enhancing bioavailability due to tailored binding affinity to targeting site. In the current study, we prepared paclitaxel (PTX)loaded ascorbic acid (AA) conjugated polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) for intranasal administration. Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) were prepared using the solvent evaporation method, which was further analyzed for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), surface charge, encapsulation-efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL), surface morphology, in-vitro drug release, and in-vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation. Results showed the optimized PTX-PNPs showed particle size 114.7 ± 2.96nm, zeta potential -27.6 ± 1.63mV, with entrapment efficiency 97.3 ± 0.41%, and drug loading 35.3 ± 0.38%. In-vitro PTX release showed a biphasic release pattern, primary burst release followed by sustained release was observed. An in-vivo pharmacokinetic study showed a 5.6-fold increase in the PTX concentration reaching to the brain. Histopathological results of the nasal mucosa showed minimal alteration after 72h of administering surface-modified paclitaxel loaded polymeric nanoparticles (AA-PTX-PNPs). Thus, this study highlighted the suitability of a AA-PTX-PNPs as a promising strategy for intranasal administration therapy for various brain disorders.

Ophthalmic In Situ Nanocomposite Gel for Delivery of a Hydrophobic Antioxidant

The topical administration of in situ hydrogels for ocular pathologies is a promising application strategy for providing high effectiveness and patient compliance. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol, possesses all the prerequisites for successful therapy of ophthalmic diseases, but unfortunately its physicochemical properties hurdle the practical use. Applying a composite in situ thermoresponsive hydrogel formulation embedded with polymer nanoparticles is a potent strategy to overcome all the identified drawbacks. In the present work we prepared uniform spherical nanoparticles (296.4 ± 3.1 nm) efficiently loaded with curcumin (EE% 82.5 ± 2.3%) based on the biocompatible and biodegradable poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid). They were thoroughly physicochemically characterized in terms of FTIR, SEM, TGA, and DLS, in vitro release following Fickian diffusion (45.62 ± 2.37%), and stability over 6 months. Their lack of cytotoxicity was demonstrated in vitro on HaCaT cell lines, and the potential for antioxidant protection was also outlined, starting from concentrations as low as 0.1 µM and reaching 41% protection at 5 µM. An in situ thermoresponsive hydrogel (17% w/v poloxamer 407 and 0.1% Carbopol) with suitable properties for ophthalmic application was optimized with respect to gelation temperature (31.40 ± 0.36 °C), gelling time (8.99 ± 0.28 s) upon tears dilution, and gel erosion (90.75 ± 4.06%). Upon curcumin-loaded nanoparticle embedding, the in situ hydrogels demonstrated appropriate pseudoplastic behavior and viscosity at 35 °C (2129 ± 24 Pa∙s), 6-fold increase in the permeation, and prolonged release over 6 h.

Comparative study of polymeric nanoparticles and traditional agents in dental implant decontamination.

Peri-implant diseases, such as peri-implantitis, affect up to 47% of dental implant recipients, primarily due to biofilm formation. Current decontamination methods vary in efficacy, prompting interest in polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) for their antimicrobial and protein-specific cleaning properties. This study evaluated the efficacy of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) in decontaminating titanium dental implants by removing proteinaceous pellicle layers and resisting recontamination. Titanium discs were treated with saline water, PrefGel®, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), GUM® Paroex®, or polymeric NPs, and analysed using SEM, EDX, XPS, and contact angle measurements to assess changes in surface composition, morphology, and hydrophilicity. Polymeric NPs significantly reduced nitrogen levels compared to PrefGel® (mean reduction: 2.6%, p < 0.05), indicating effective protein removal. However, their carbon reduction efficacy was similar to that of other agents. SEM images revealed that polymeric NPs disaggregated larger protein aggregates but did not fully decontaminate the surface. Contact angle analysis showed changes in hydrophilicity consistent with other treatments. Hydrogen peroxide performed best overall, achieving the lowest carbon levels post-recontamination (mean reduction: 13%, p < 0.01). While polymeric NPs exhibited unique protein-specific cleaning potential, their overall performance was comparable to traditional agents. Residual contaminants, including carbon and oxygen, persisted on all treated surfaces, indicating enhanced cleaning strategies were needed. These findings highlight the potential of polymeric NPs as an innovative approach to implant decontamination, particularly for protein-specific biofilm control. However, their efficacy in broader applications remains like that of conventional methods. This research contributes to developing targeted decontamination protocols to manage peri-implant diseases and improve long-term implant outcomes.

New insights into Notch signaling as a crucial pathway of pancreatic cancer stem cell behavior by chrysin-polylactic acid-based nanocomposite.

Pancreatic cancer is an extremely deadly illness for which there are few reliable treatments. Recent research indicates that malignant tumors are highly variable and consist of a tiny subset of unique cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for the beginning and spread of tumors. These cells are typically identified by the expression of specific cell surface markers. A population of pancreatic cancer stem cells with aberrantly active developmental signaling pathways has been identified in recent studies of human pancreatic tumors. Among these Notch signaling pathway has been identified as a key regulator of CSCs self-renewal, making it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Chrysin-loaded polylactic acid (PLA) as polymeric nanoparticles systems have been growing interest in using as platforms for improved drug delivery. This review aims to explore innovative strategies for targeted therapy and optimized drug delivery in pancreatic CSCs by manipulating the Notch pathway and leveraging PLA-based drug delivery systems. Furthermore, we will assess the capability of PLA nanoparticles to enhance the bioavailability and effectiveness of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells. The insights gained from this review have the potential to contribute to the development of novel treatment approaches that combine targeted therapy with advanced drug delivery utilizing biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles.

Recent trends in the treatment of vitiligo using novel drug delivery system.

Vitiligo is a complex dermatological disorder involving the loss of melanocytes, with resultant patches of depigmentation. It affects 1% of the world population, affecting patients' mental health and quality of life. With all the improvement seen, conventional treatment methods-steroids, phototherapy, and immunomodulators-come with the limitations of being less effective, having more side effects, and low compliance. Advances in novel drug delivery systems now provide promising alternatives for better therapy. The general view of the pathophysiology of vitiligo is provided in this manuscript, mainly on oxidative stress, autoimmune mechanisms, and melanocyte apoptosis as chief factors. New approaches towards treatment, especially drug delivery systems based on nanotechnology, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and hydrogels are discussed. These systems can facilitate the improvement of stability, penetration, and targeted delivery of drugs, thus reducing systemic exposure to adverse effects. There is also a potential improvement in microneedles, transdermal patches, and gene therapy like CRISPR-Cas9 to correct pigmentation by correcting the underlying factors at the cellular and molecular level. Other novel therapies include Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors and cell-based approaches, among them melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation, which may have the potential to give sustained repigmentation. The article also deals with the role of phytoconstituents, like curcumin, quercetin, and ginkgo biloba, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, thus it can be a natural adjuvant to conventional treatment. The multidisciplinary approach may be necessary in the incorporation of pharmacological advances along with new delivery systems into an enhancement strategy of treatments of vitiligo. This approach corrects some of the traditional weaknesses and taps emerging technologies for an even better treatment approach, patient oriented. Follow-up studies should then be directed toward clinical trials for the substantiation of such observations and treatment regimens for more universal applications.

Preparation of molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles for the extraction and purification of progesterone combined with UPLC-ESI-MS mass spectrometry detection in royal jelly.

This study aimed to develop molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles specifically for the selective extraction and enrichment of progesterone (P) from royal jelly (RJ), and quantitatively analyzed them by ultra-performance-liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS). Gaussian software-based theoretical calculations identified methacrylic acid (MAA) as the optimal functional monomer for its strong binding affinity to P. MIP was synthesized by precipitation polymerization, and the preparation process of MIP was optimized by one-way variance design and response surface methodology. The optimal formulation was determined to be 0.26mmol of P, 0.77mmol of MAA, and 3.0mmol of trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TRIM). The synthesized MIPs demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity of 34.41mg/g. The detection limit of P by mass spectrometry was 1ng/ml. In RJ samples, P content ranged from 0.02mg/g to 1.53mg/g, with an average content of 0.266mg/g. The study successfully developed a stable and reliable MIP, providing an effective method for the selective enrichment and detection of P in complex samples.

Nose-to-brain Drug Delivery System: An Emerging Approach to Chemotherapy-induced Cognitive Impairment.

The rise in global cancer burden, notably breast cancer, emphasizes the need to address chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, also known as chemobrain. Although chemotherapy drugs are effective against cancer, they can trigger cognitive deficits. This has triggered the exploration of preventive strategies and novel therapeutic approaches. Nanomedicine is evolving as a promising tool to be used for the mitigation of chemobrain by overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with innovative drug delivery systems. Polymer and lipid-based nanoparticles enable targeted drug release, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. Utilizing the intranasal route of administration may facilitate drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) by circumventing first-pass metabolism. Therefore, knowledge of nasal anatomy is critical for optimizing drug delivery via various pathways. Despite challenges, nanoformulations exhibit the potential in enhancing brain drug delivery. Continuous research into formulation techniques and chemobrain mechanisms is vital for developing effective treatments. The intranasal administration of nanoformulations holds promise for improving therapeutic outcomes in chemobrain management. This review offers insights into potential future research directions, such as exploring novel drug combinations, investigating alternative delivery routes, or integrating emerging technologies to enhance the efficacy and safety of nanoformulations for chemobrain management.

Nanoparticle-mediated enhancement of DNA Vaccines: Revolutionizing immunization strategies.

DNA vaccines are a novel form of vaccination that aims to harness genetic material to produce targeted immune responses. Nevertheless, their therapeutic application is hampered by low transfection efficacy, immunogenicity, and instability. Nanoparticle (NP) - based delivery systems are beneficial in enhancing DNA stability, increasing DNA uptake by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and controlling antigen release. Some key progress includes the polymeric, lipid-based, and hybrid NPs and biocompatible carriers with inherent adjuvant effects. These systems have helped to enhance the antigen cross-presentation and T-cell activation significantly. In addition, biocompatible hybrid nanocarriers, antigen cross-presentation strategies, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are speeding up the identification of new antigens, while AI and machine learning are facilitating the development of efficient delivery systems. This review aims to assess how NPs have contributed to improving the effectiveness of DNA vaccines for treating diseases, cancer, and emerging diseases, as well as advancing the next generation of DNA vaccines.

From Vision Correction to Drug Delivery: Unraveling the Potential of Therapeutic Contact Lens.

Contact lenses (CLs) have become an essential tool in ocular drug delivery, providing effective treatment options for specific eye conditions. In recent advancements, Therapeutic CLs (TCLs) have emerged as a promising approach for maintaining therapeutic drug concentrations on the eye surface. TCLs offer unique attributes, including prolonged wear and a remarkable ability to enhance the bioavailability of loaded medications by more than 50%, thus gaining widespread usage. They have proven beneficial in pain management, medication administration, corneal healing, and protection. To achieve sustained drug delivery from TCLs, researchers are exploring diverse systems, such as polymeric nanoparticulate systems, lipidic systems, and the incorporation of agents like vitamin E or rate-limiting polymers. However, despite breakthrough successes, certain challenges persist, including ensuring drug stability during processing and manufacturing, controlling release kinetics, and biomaterial interaction, reducing protein adhesion, and addressing drug release during packaging and storage etc. While TCLs have shown overall success in treating corneal and ocular surface disorders, careful consideration of potential issues and contraindications is vital. This review offers an insightful perspective on the critical aspects that need to be addressed regarding TCLs, with a specific emphasis on their advantages and limitations.

Co-delivery of vinorelbine and rutin by lipid polymer nanoparticles for enhanced liver cancer chemotherapy

The purpose of this study was to develop a lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticle (LPNs) for the codelivery of Vinorelbine (VBL) and Rutin (RUT) for the treatment of hepatic carcinoma. The VBL loaded LPNs (VBL-LPNs), and VBL and RUT loaded LPNs (VBL-RUT-LPNs) were prepared using PLGA (polymer) and dynasan 114 (lipid) by probe sonication and high pressure homogenization method. The VBL-LPNs and VBL-RUT-LPNs exhibited a particle size (260±5.40 and 298±3.51 nm), PDI (0.312±0.03 and 0.286±0.03), ZP (-18.8±2.60 and -19.8±2.70 mV), EE (73.7±1.52 and 77.9±2.19%) and LC (2.3±0.49 and 2.5±0.73%), respectively. In-vitro release studies exhibited a sustained release patter for 48 hours, with korsmayer peppas kinetics model. No significatnt changes in VBL-LPNs and VBL-RUT-LPNs was confirmed by stability studies. As compared to free VBL and VBL-LPNs, we observed increased cytotoxicity and lowered inhibitory concentration IC50 in HepG2 cells treated with VBL-RUT-LPNs, indicating the synergistic effects of VBL and RUT. The VBL-RUT-LPNs also upregulated caspase 3 and downregulated Bcl-2, indicating a successful apoptosis. When combined, VBL and RUT are delivered concurrently by VBL-RUT-LPNs, which may offer a promising treatment for hepatic carcinoma.

Study on the mechanical and thermal properties of basalt fiber-reinforced lead oxide nanoparticle polymer composite for advanced energy storage applications

Study on the mechanical and thermal properties of basalt fiber-reinforced lead oxide nanoparticle polymer composite for advanced energy storage applications

Nanoparticles based drug delivery system for cancer therapy

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (NDDS) have emerged as a transformative approach in cancer therapy, offering significant advantages over conventional treatments. This review explores the diverse applications of nanoparticles in cancer therapy, highlighting their role in enhancing drug delivery, reducing systemic toxicity, and overcoming challenges such as drug resistance and tumor heterogeneity. Nanoparticles, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, and more recently developed systems like carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, and exosomes, are engineered for targeted drug delivery. These nanoparticles improve the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of anticancer agents, enabling site-specific accumulation through mechanisms such as the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and active targeting via ligands. Additionally, nanoparticles play a critical role in combination therapies, immunotherapy, and overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) by bypassing efflux pumps and targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs). Emerging innovations in “smart” nanoparticles, capable of responding to environmental triggers like pH or temperature, as well as their integration with RNA-based therapies and artificial intelligence (AI) for personalized treatment, represent the future direction of cancer nanomedicine. Despite the progress, regulatory challenges, safety concerns, and large-scale manufacturing remain key hurdles. This review provides an overview of the current landscape, challenges, and future prospects of NDDS in cancer therapy, emphasizing their potential to improve clinical outcomes and revolutionize cancer treatment.

Surfactant-Free Stable Aqueous Shortwave Infrared Amphiphilic π-Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles.

Novel amphiphilic π-conjugated polymer nanoparticles tailored to efficiently absorb in the near-infrared II (NIR-II) region of the electromagnetic spectrum (>1000nm) are presented. To achieve this, it is statistically introduced triethylene glycol substituted bithiophene moieties in various contents into a polymer backbone consisting of alternating thiophene and [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-g]quinoxaline. Through systematic modifications of monomer ratios, four amphiphilic conjugated polymers are produced. The presence of hydrophilic side chain, like triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, enhanced the polymer's concentration in aqueous media of up to 470%, versus the D-A thiophene and [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-g]quinoxaline hydrophobic analog polymer, enabling the production of surfactant-free conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) with higher concentrations (20.3ppm maximum). Subsequently, the impact of this structural fine-tuning on the optical properties of the polymers and their corresponding CPNs are meticulous investigated. In both cases, it is identified the minimum bithiophene content that maintained the absorption spectra above 1000nm at significantly higher concentrations. So, these findings contribute to the extensive prospects of these materials in multiple fields including biomedical and optoelectronic applications.