Potential Nanomedicine Research Articles

Biofunctional core-shell polypyrrole-polyethylenimine nanocomplex for a locally sustained photothermal with reactive oxygen species enhanced therapeutic effect against lung cancer.

BackgroundPolymeric delivery systems have been elucidated over the last few years as an approach of achieving high therapeutic effect to the local site of malignant disease patients who have cancer. Polypyrrole (Ppy) is a potential organic conducting polymer which has long been recognized as a versatile material due to its excellent stability, conductive properties, and great absorbance in the range of near-infrared (NIR). It is tremendously versatile for use in various biomedical fields such as cancer therapy. NIR irradiation-activated treatment platform technologies are now being considered to be novel and exciting options in potential nanomedicine. However, the realistic photothermal use of Ppy-applied nanomaterials is yet in its early phase, and there are a few disadvantages of Ppy, such as its water insolubility. In the clinic, the common approach for treatment of lung cancer is the delivery of therapeutic active substances through intratumoral administration. Nevertheless, the tumor uptake, regional retention, mechanism of treatment, and tissue organ penetration regarding the developed strategy of this nanomaterial with photothermal hyperthermia are important issues for exerting effective cancer therapy.Materials and methodsIn this study, we developed a cationic Ppy–polyethylenimine nanocomplex (NC) with photothermal hyperthermia to study its physicochemical characteristics, including size distribution, zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared morphology. We also examined the cellular uptake effect on lung cancer cells, the photothermal properties, intracellularly generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cytotoxicity.ResultsThe results suggested that this nanocarrier system was able to effectively attach onto lung cancer cells for subsequent endocytosis. The NCs taken up were able to absorb NIR and then converted the NIR light into local hyperthermia with its intracellular photothermal performance to provide local hyperthermic treatment. This regionally generated hyperthermia also induced ROS formation and improved the killing of lung cancer cells as a promising local photothermal therapy.ConclusionThis development of a nanocarrier would bring a novel therapeutic strategy for lung cancer in the future.

Merging metal organic framework with hollow organosilica nanoparticles as a versatile nanoplatform for cancer theranostics

With great potential in nanomedicine, the integration of a metal organic framework (MOF) with a nanocarrier for smart and versatile cancer theranostics still seeks to expand. In this study, MOF was successfully merged with hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (HMONs) with a polydopamine (PDA) interlayer to form molecularly organic/inorganic hybridized nanocomposites (HMONs-PMOF). The well-defined nanostructure and favorable biocompatibility of HMONs-PMOF were demonstrated first. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and indocyanine green (ICG) were separately loaded into the interior cavity of HMONs and the outer porous shell of MOF with high loading efficacy, respectively. The obtained dual drug-loaded nanocomposites (DI@HMONs-PMOF) displayed favorable photothermal properties and pH/NIR-triggered DOX release manner. Furthermore, in vitro cell experiments validated that HMONs-PMOF can efficiently deliver DOX into cancer cells. Upon entry into cancer cells, the photothermal effect of DI@HMONs-PMOF can induce the lysosome rupture, thereby facilitating the “lysosome escape” process and accelerating the DOX diffusion in the cytoplasm. Benefiting from the iron ion coordinated on PDA and ICG confined in MOF, magnetic resonance (MR) and photoacoustic (PA) dual-modality imaging were performed to verify the effective accumulation of DI@HMONs-PMOF at the tumor site. Interestingly, the results also suggested that the existence of ICG can cooperatively enhance the MR imaging capability of prepared nanocomposites. In addition, the significantly improved synergistic therapeutic efficacy was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, our results indicated that the merged nanostructure of HMONs and MOF is promising for versatile cancer theranostics. Statement of SignificanceMetal organic framework (MOF) has recently emerged as a class of fascinating nanocarriers. The integration of MOF with other nanostructures can endow the new nanoformulation with collective functionality and synergistic performance that are not accessed from single-component nanostructure. Herein, we reported the successful merging of MOF and hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (HMONs) to form a hollow nanocontainer with a well-defined nanostructure. The large cavity of HMONs and highly porous network of MOF enable high drug loading efficacy. Moreover, the dual-modality magnetic resonance and photoacoustic imaging can be realized, which is also benefited from the merged nanostructure. Overall, we expected this paradigm could pave way for integrating MOF with other nanocarriers to achieve more diverse applications.

Sulforaphane-decorated gold nanoparticle for anti-cancer activity: in vitro and in vivo studies

This study aims to develop sulforaphane-loaded gold nanoparticles (SFN-GNPs) as a potential nanomedicine against the solid tumors. Citrate-mediated electrolysis optimized by four-factor three-level Box-Behnken experimental design was used to get nanoparticles of size <200 nm. The formulation was characterized and evaluated for cytotoxicity B16-F10, MCF-7, SW-620 and Caco-2 cell line. Single dose oral pharmacokinetics, gamma scintigraphy-based bio-distribution and tumor regression studies were conducted to evaluate the in vivo performance. Optimized SFN-GNPs showed spherical morphology with a particle size of 147.23 ± 5.321 nm, the zeta potential of −12.7 ± 1.73 mV, entrapment efficiency of 83.17 ± 3.14% and percentage drug loading of 37.26 ± 2.33%. With SFN-GNPs, both SFN (75.99 ± 2.36%) and gold (58.11 ± 2.48%) were able to permeate through the intestinal wall in 48 h. SFN-GNPs were able to bring LC50 of <100 µg/ml in all the cytotoxicity assays, more than 5-fold increase in AUC0−t, enhanced retention at tumor site as well as significant pre-induction tumor growth inhibition and post-induction tumor reduction as compared to plain SFN solution.

2D MoS2 -Based Nanomaterials for Therapeutic, Bioimaging, and Biosensing Applications.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2 ), a typical layered 2D transition metal dichalcogenide, has received colossal interest in the past few years due to its unique structural, physicochemical, optical, and biological properties. While MoS2 is mostly applied in traditional industries such as dry lubricants, intercalation agents, and negative electrode material in lithium-ion batteries, its 2D and 0D forms have led to diverse applications in sensing, catalysis, therapy, and imaging. Herein, a systematic overview of the progress that is made in the field of MoS2 research with an emphasis on its different biomedical applications is presented. This article provides a general discussion on the basic structure and property of MoS2 and gives a detailed description of its different morphologies that are synthesized so far, namely, nanosheets, nanotubes, and quantum dots along with synthesis strategies. The biomedical applications of MoS2 -based nanocomposites are also described in detail and categorically, such as in varied therapeutic and diagnostic modalities like drug delivery, gene delivery, phototherapy, combined therapy, bioimaging, theranostics, and biosensing. Finally, a brief commentary on the current challenges and limitations being faced is provided, along with a discussion of some future perspectives for the overall improvement of MoS2 -based nanocomposites as a potential nanomedicine.

Development and Evaluation of a Water Soluble Fluorometholone Eye Drop Formulation Employing Polymeric Micelle.

Low aqueous solubility of drug causes difficulties in preparation and inconvenience of administration. Polymeric micelles of fluorometholone (FML) using solid dispersion technique were prepared to develop an eye drop formulation with enhanced water solubility. Solid dispersions of FML were prepared at various FML:Soluplus® w/w ratios using solvent evaporation method. A physical mixture was also prepared. Physicochemical characterization was performed with various methods. Ex vivo porcine corneal permeation of polymeric micelle, physical mixture, and commercial product were compared. FML solid dispersion (1:15) showed the highest solubility, which was c.a. 169.6- and 15.3-fold higher than that of pure FML and physical mixture. Characterization showed that the crystalline form of FML changed to amorphous state and polymeric micelles were formed in round micelle. Flucon®, a commercial product of FML, showed significantly large particle size and high poly dispersity index. In contrast, FML polymeric micelle showed submicron size with uniform size distribution. Ex vivo porcine corneal permeation study showed that permeation by polymeric micelles was significantly higher than that by the commercial product and physical mixture. In addition, confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis supported the enhanced porcine corneal tissue permeation property of polymeric micelle. In conclusion, polymeric micelle prepared with solid dispersion using Soluplus® can be a potential nanomedicine for ocular delivery of poorly water-soluble FML.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and structure-activity relationships of self-assembled and solubilization properties of amphiphilic quaternary ammonium derivatives of quinuclidine

This work deals with development of polyfunctional biocompatible cationic surfactant systems based on bioactive saturated bicyclic alkaloid quinuclidine. It is focused on the effect of the chemical structure of surfactants on their aggregation behavior, their physicochemical estimation of solubility of model water insoluble dye Orange OT and drugs, quercetin and rutin, microbiology and cytotoxicity. Quaternary ammonium derivatives of quinuclidine (Q-Nuc-n) with different hydrophobicity (R = CnH2n+1, where n = 14, 16, 18) were synthesized. Self-assembly of Q-Nuc-n was investigated by tensiometry, conductometry, spectrophotometry, fluorimetry and dynamic light scattering. The critical micelle concentration, thermodynamic and adsorption parameters at water-air interface, size and aggregation numbers of Q-Nuc-n micelles were determined. The looser packing of surfactant molecules in Q-Nuc-n micelles compared to its analogues, quaternized derivatives of 1,4‑diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO-n), was established. The hydrophobic dye Orange OT and drugs quercetin and rutin were solubilized in micellar Q-Nuc-n solutions better than in solutions of classical surfactant CTAB and its analogue DABCO-n. Solubilization capacity of Q-Nuc-18 is 5 times higher than that of classical surfactant CTAB. Q-Nuc-18 1.95 μg·mL−1 has also bactericidal and fungicidal activity 2 times (against S. aureus 209P) and 8 times (against B. cereus 8035) higher than antibiotics Norfloxacin and antifungal Ketoconazole. Q-Nuc-16 has the highest bactericidal activity. It is 6 times (against S. aureus 209P) and 15 times (against B. cereus 8035) higher than the bactericidal activity value of Norfloxacin. Synthesized cationic surfactants based on quinuclidine are new multifunctional biocompatible compounds with high potential in nanomedicine and biotechnology.

Deep Insight into PEGylation of Bioadhesive Chitosan Nanoparticles: Sensitivity Study for the Key Parameters Through Artificial Neural Network Model.

Ionically cross-linked chitosan nanoparticles have great potential in nanomedicine due to their tunable properties and cationic nature. However, low solubility of chitosan severely limits their potential clinical translation. PEGylation is a well-known method to increase solubility of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles in neutral media; however, effect of PEG chain length and chitosan/PEG ratio on particle size and zeta potential of nanoparticles are not known. This study presents a systematic analysis of the effect of PEG chain length and chitosan/PEG ratio on size and zeta potential of nanoparticles. We prepared PEGylated chitosan chains prior to the nanoparticle synthesis with different PEG chain lengths and chitosan/PEG ratios. To precisely estimate the influence of critical parameters on size and zeta potential of nanoparticles, we both developed an artificial neural network (ANN) model and performed experimental characterization using the three independent input variables: (i) PEG chain length, (ii) chitosan/PEG ratio, and (iii) pH of solution. We studied the influence of PEG chain lengths of 2, 5, and 10 kDa and three different chitosan/PEG ratios (25 mg chitosan to 4, 12, and 20 μmoles of PEG) for the synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles within the pH range of 6.0-7.4. Artificial neural networks is a modeling tool used in nanomedicine to optimize and estimate inherent properties of the system. Inherent properties of a nanoparticle system such as size and zeta potential can be estimated based on previous experiment results, thus, nanoparticles with desired properties can be obtained using an ANN. With the ANN model, we were able to predict the size and zeta potential of nanoparticles under different experimental conditions and further confirmed the cell-nanoparticle adhesion behavior through experiments. Nanoparticle groups that had higher zeta potentials promoted adhesion of HEK293-T cells to nanoparticle-coated surfaces in cell culture medium, which was predicted through ANN model prior to experiments. Overall, this study comprehensively presents the PEGylation of chitosan, synthesis of PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles, utilizes ANN model as a tool to predict important properties such as size and zeta potential, and further captures the adhesion behavior of cells on surfaces prepared with these engineered nanoparticles.

Inhibition of retinal angiogenesis by gold nanoparticles via inducing autophagy.

To investigate the effect of gold nanoparticles on retinal angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, and to reveal the possible mechanism. Seed growth method was used to synthesize gold nanoparticles (GNPs). The size, zeta potential, absorption spectrum and morphology of GNPs were identified using Malvern Nano-ZS, multimode reader (BioTek synergy2) and transmission electron microscope. Cell viability was analyzed using cell counting kit-8 method and cell growth was assessed with EdU kit. Transwell chamber was used to investigate cell migration. Tube formation method was used to assess the angiogenic property in vitro. Oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR) model was used to investigate the effect of GNPs on retinal angiogenesis. Confocal microscope and Western blot were used to study the possible mechanism of GNPs inhibited angiogenesis. The GNPs synthesized were uniform and well dispersed. GNPs of 10 µg/mL and 20 µg/mL were able to inhibit human umbilical vein endothelial cells proliferation (50% and 72% separately, P<0.001), migration (54% and 83% separately, P<0.001) and tube formation (52% and 90% separately, P<0.001). Further data showed that GNPs were able to improve the retinopathy in an OIR model. The possible mechanism might be that GNPs were able to induce autophagy significantly (P<0.05). The present study suggests that GNPs are able to inhibit retinal neovascularization in vitro and in vivo. GNPs might be a potential nanomedicine for the treatment of retinal angiogenesis.

Synthesis and Characterization of Antibacterial Activity of Spinel Chromium-Substituted Copper Ferrite Nanoparticles for Biomedical Application

Metal ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) attracted much attention due to their superparamagnetic, catalytic properties and surface area to volume ratio. Among these spinel ferrite NPs have shown immense potential in nanomedicine. The objective of present research work was the synthesis of chromium-substituted spinel copper ferrite NPs [(CuCrxFe2−xO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0)] by coprecipitation method and characterization of their antibacterial activity against E. coli. The synthesized ferrite NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, UV- Vis diffuse reflectance, SEM, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) techniques. XRD analysis confirmed that the all the samples were cubic spinel in structure with crystal size of 43.3–20.2 nm. It has been found that as the amount of dopant (Cr) increases, size of the NPs decreased. The Eg values were found in the range of 1.20–1.80 eV for CuCrxFe2 − xO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) NPs as analyzed by UV–Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The BET surface area of Cr-substituted ferrite NPs decreases as Cr content increased while the pore diameter increases when moved from CuFe2O4 to CuCrFeO2 analyzed by BJH. The antibacterial activity increases as the concentration of dopant (Cr) increased. It has been found that CuCrxFe2−xO4 NPs inhibit bacterial growth in a size dependent manner i.e., small size NPs (CuCrxFe2−xO4; 20.2 nm; x = 1.0) exhibit strong antibacterial activity (MIC; 2.5 mg/ml), whereas large size NPs (CuCrxFe2−xO4; 43.3 nm; x = 0.0) inhibit bacterial growth at concentration of more 16 mg/ml. SEM micrograph shows that CuCrxFe2−xO4 NPs get adhered to bacterial cell surfaces and damaged the cell membrane due to interaction between NPs and cell membrane. Cells treated with CuCrxFe2−xO4 NPs were irregular and abnormal in shape with distorted cell membrane. CuCrxFe2−xO4 NPs severely damaged E. coli cells might be because of formation of pits, indentation, deformation and distortion of cell wall and membrane, indicating significant loss of membrane integrity that may lead to cell death.

Glutathione detonated and pH responsive nano-clusters of Au nanorods with a high dose of DOX for treatment of multidrug resistant cancer

Effects of nanosized drug delivery systems on cancer are often compromised due to their low drug loadings, premature drug release and multi-drug resistance (MDR). Herein, we reported a glutathione detonated and pH responsive nano-cluster of Au nanorods (AuNRs) with chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (DOX) and pre-chemosensitizer polycurcumin to treat MCF-7/ADR cells. The nano-cluster was prepared by self-assembling of AuNRs conjugated with DOX and amphiphilic poly(curcumin-co-dithiodipropionic acid)-b-biotinylated poly(ethylene glycol) via an emulsion/solvent evaporation technique, termed AuNR Cluster. The AuNR Cluster had a high drug loading (31.5% DOX), presenting much better aqueous solubility and stability at physiological pH than their individual AuNRs. The AuNR Cluster could be detonated to be their individual AuNRs at an intracellular concentration level of glutathione (GSH) (5 mM) and triggered to release DOX at an acidic pH (pH 6.8 or 5.0), which effectively facilitated cellular uptake of DOX (607 vs 356 a.u. for AuNRs at 12 h) and inhibited DOX efflux (471.33 vs 39.17 a.u. for free DOX at 24 h). The IC50 value of DOX against MCF-7/ADR cells for AuNR Cluster was 4.15 µg/mL, much lower than that for free DOX (90.97 µg/mL). The AuNR Cluster took much more photothermal effects than their corresponding AuNRs and presented enhanced anti-tumor effect (IC50: 2.61 µg/mL) under 808 nm laser irradiation. Statement of SignificanceNano-sized drug delivery systems for anti-MDR cancer is still a challenging task. Herein, AuNR Cluster was self-assembled by individual AuNRs via emulsion/solvent evaporation technique, having a structure consisting of hydrophobic DOX/PCDA-AuNR core and hydrophilic biotin-PEG chain shell. AuNR Cluster is detonated to disintegrate and yield its individual AuNRs at an intracellular concentration level of glutathione (5 mM) and triggered to release DOX at an acidic pH (6.8 or 5.0). In comparison with its individual AuNRs, AuNR Cluster has better water solubility and stability, greater photothermal effects under NIR irradiation, bigger cytotoxicity against MCF-7/ADR cells. AuNR Cluster is expected to be a potential nanomedicine for treatment of MDR cancer.

Flavonoid dihydromyricetin-mediated silver nanoparticles as potential nanomedicine for biomedical treatment of infections caused by opportunistic fungal pathogens

Dihydromyricetin-mediated silver nanoparticles (DMY-AgNPs) were synthesized and their efficacy against fungal pathogens tested in vitro. The shape of DMY-AgNPs appeared to be spherical with size of ~34 nm. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis indicated that –OH and C=O groups were involved in nanoparticle formation. The XRD pattern of DMY-AgNPs showed strong peaks at 38°, 44°, and 64°, corresponding to reflection from (111), (200), and (220) planes. Five opportunistic fungal pathogens, namely Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Paecilomyces formosus, Candida albicans, and Candida parapsilosis, were isolated from patients suffering from respiratory tract infections. Growth of each fungal strain was inhibited by DMY-AgNPs. The zone of inhibition of DMY-AgNPs against A. fumigatus, A. niger, P. formosus, C. albicans, and C. parapsilosis was 17.6, 19.2, 22.2, 15.8, and 18.5 mm. The minimal inhibitory concentration was found to be 0.83, 0.73, 0.67, 0.95, and 0.89 µg mL−1, respectively. This is the first report on DMY-AgNPs as an effective antifungal agent. DMY-AgNPs are a potential alternative to commercially available antifungal fungicidals.

Cyclodextrin-Based Magnetic Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy.

Polydopamine (PDA)-coated magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with mono-6-thio-β-cyclodextrin (SH-βCD) were obtained and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Nuclear and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NMR and MRI), and doxorubicin (DOXO)-loading experiments. The liver cancer cellular internalization of DOXO-loaded nanoparticles was investigated by confocal imaging microscopy. Synthesized nanomaterials bearing a chemotherapeutic drug and a layer of polydopamine capable of absorbing near-infrared light show high performance in the combined chemo- and photothermal therapy (CT-PTT) of liver cancer due to the synergistic effect of both modalities as demonstrated in vitro. Moreover, our material exhibits improved T2 contrast properties, which have been verified using Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill pulse sequence and MRI Spin-Echo imaging of the nanoparticles dispersed in the agarose gel phantoms. Therefore, the presented results cast new light on the preparation of polydopamine-based magnetic theranostic nanomaterials, as well as on the proper methodology for investigation of magnetic nanoparticles in high field MRI experiments. The prepared material is a robust theranostic nanoasystem with great potential in nanomedicine.

Correction: Aptamer: A potential oligonucleotide nanomedicine in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23359.].

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of biogenic silver nanoparticles synthesized from Streptomyces xinghaiensis OF1 strain

We report synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Streptomyces xinghaiensis OF1 strain, which were characterised by UV–Vis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Zeta sizer, Nano tracking analyser, and Transmission electron microscopy. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs alone, and in combination with antibiotics was evaluated against bacteria, namely Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, and yeasts viz., Candida albicans and Malassezia furfur by using micro-dilution method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum biocidal concentration of AgNPs against bacterial and yeast strains were determined. Synergistic effect of AgNPs in combination with antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics was determined by FIC index. In addition, MTT assay was performed to study cytotoxicity of AgNPs alone and in combination with antibiotics against mouse fibroblasts and HeLa cell line. Biogenic AgNPs were stable, spherical, small, polydispersed and capped with organic compounds. The variable antimicrobial activity of AgNPs was observed against tested bacteria and yeasts. The lowest MIC (16 µg ml−1) of AgNPs was found against P. aeruginosa, followed by C. albicans and M. furfur (both 32 µg ml−1), B. subtilis and E. coli (both 64 µg ml−1), and then S. aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae (256 µg ml−1). The high synergistic effect of antibiotics in combination with AgNPs against tested strains was found. The in vitro cytotoxicity of AgNPs against mouse fibroblasts and cancer HeLa cell lines revealed a dose dependent potential. The IC50 value of AgNPs was found in concentrations of 4 and 3.8 µg ml−1, respectively. Combination of AgNPs and antibiotics significantly decreased concentrations of both antimicrobials used and retained their high antibacterial and antifungal activity. The synthesis of AgNPs using S. xinghaiensis OF1 strain is an eco-friendly, cheap and nontoxic method. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs could result from their small size. Remarkable synergistic effect of antibiotics and AgNPs offer their valuable potential in nanomedicine for clinical application as a combined therapy in the future.

Propensity of a single-walled carbon nanotube-peptide to mimic a KK10 peptide in an HLA-TCR complex.

The application of nanotechnology to improve disease diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prevention is the goal of nanomedicine. We report here a theoretical study of a functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) mimic binding to a human leukocyte antigen-T cell receptor (HLA-TCR) immune complex as a first attempt of a potential nanomedicine for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine development. The carbon nanotube was coated with three arginine residues to imitate the HIV type 1 immunodominant viral peptide KK10 (gag 263-272: KRWIILGLNK), named CNT-peptide hereafter. Through molecular dynamics simulations, we explore the CNT-peptide and KK10 binding to an important HLA-TCR complex. Our results suggest that the CNT-peptide and KK10 bind comparably to the HLA-TCR complex, but the CNT-peptide forms stronger interactions with the TCR. Desorption simulations highlight the innate flexibility of KK10 over the CNT-peptide, resulting in a slightly higher desorption energy required for KK10 over the CNT-peptide. Our findings indicate that the designed CNT-peptide mimic has favorable propensity to activate TCR pathways and should be further explored to understand therapeutic potential.

Nanostructured chitosan–gelatin hybrid aerogels produced by supercritical gel drying

In this work, chitosan/gelatin (Ch/G) aerogels with a network organization were produced by supercritical gel drying. Ch structure was characterized by a cellular morphology with smooth pore walls, with a mean pore size of about 20 µm. The morphology of G aerogel was, instead, nanofibrous with a mean fiber size lower than 100 nm. The mixture between Ch and G favored Ch gelification, due to the chemical interaction among the cationic Ch and negatively charged molecules of G. Ch/G hybrid aerogels formed an interpenetrated polymer network, with enhanced mechanical properties with respect to the starting single biopolymers, achieving a Young modulus up to 181 kPa, suitable for bone tissue engineering. Moreover, high surface area (≈250 m2 g−1) and negligible glutaraldehyde (GTA) residues were found after supercritical processing; in particular, the GTA residues in the aerogels were lower than 3 ppm, also in the worst case (i.e., 2.3 ppm of released GTA for the Ch/G 4/1 aerogel), making them useful for potential nanomedicine applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1494–1499, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers

Bionanomedicine: A “Panacea” In Medicine?

Recent advances in nanotechnology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, and materials science have prompted novel developments in the field of nanomedicine. Enhancements in the theranostics, computational information, and management of diseases/disorders are desperately required. It may now be conceivable to accomplish checked improvements in both of these areas utilising nanomedicine. This scientific and concise review concentrates on the fundamentals and potential of nanomedicine, particularly nanoparticles and their advantages, nanoparticles for siRNA conveyance, nanopores, nanodots, nanotheragnostics, nanodrugs and targeting mechanisms, and aptamer nanomedicine. The combination of various scientific fields is quickening these improvements, and these interdisciplinary endeavours to have significant progressively outstretching influences on different fields of research. The capacities of nanomedicine are immense, and nanotechnology could give medicine a completely new standpoint.

Biocompatibility assessment of silk nanoparticles: hemocompatibility and internalization by human blood cells

Many nanoparticles are designed for use as potential nanomedicines for parenteral administration. However, emerging evidence suggests that hemocompatibility is important, but is highly particle- and test-bed dependent. Thus, knowledge of bulk material properties does not predict the hemocompatibility of uncharacterized nanoparticles, including silk nanoparticles. This study compares the hemocompatibility of silk versus silica nanoparticles, using whole human blood under quasi-static and flow conditions. Substantial hemocompatibility differences are noted for some nanoparticles in quasi-static versus dynamic studies; i.e., the inflammatory response to silk nanoparticles is significantly lower under flow versus quasi-static conditions. Silk nanoparticles also have very low coagulant properties - an observation that scales from the macro- to the nano-level. These nanoparticle hemocompatibility studies are complemented by preliminary live cell measurements to evaluate the endocytosis and trafficking of nanoparticles in human blood cells. Overall, this study demonstrates that nanoparticle hemocompatibility is affected by several factors, including the test bed design.

Lipid-insertion to enable targeting functionalization of paclitaxel loaded erythrocyte membrane nanoparticle by tumor-penetrating bispecific recombinant protein.

e14047 Background: There is a great interest in targeting and penetrating of cancer cells for research or therapeutic purposes. Red blood cells (RBCs) are readily available and fully biocompatible long-circulating intravascular carriers that are amenable to chemical modifications, drug loading and reinjection. The purpose of this study was to design a tumor-targeting biocompatible drug delivery system for delivery of antitumor drugs. Methods: DSPE-PEG-MAL, phospholipid derivatives was used to insert into erythrocyte membrane nanoparticles. To make nanoparticles active targeting to the tumor site, a tumor-penetrating bispecific recombinant protein named anti-EGFR-iRGD was used. The characterization, bio-distribution, tumor targeting ability and antitumor activity of paclitaxel loaded anti-EGFR-iRGD modified erythrocyte membrane nanoparticle were evaluated. Results: In this study, anti-EGFR-iRGD-RBC-PTX nanoparticles was successfully constructed with a size of around 100 nm. A lipid-insertion method is employed to functionalize these nanoparticles without the need for direct chemical conjugation. It showed signifcantly targeted skill and increased cytotoxic effect toward both nontargeted RBC-PTX and combination of anti-EGFR-iRGD and RBC-PTX. The tissue distribution and antitumor assays in mice bearing gastric cancer xenograft confrmed the superior penetration tumor effcacy and antitumor activity of anti-EGFR-iRGD-RBC-PTX. Conclusions: We designed and successfully prepared a novel anti-EGFR-iRGD decorated, erythrocyte membrane sourced nanoparticle for targeted drug delivery, with enhanced tumor targeting and anti-tumor effect. Anti-EGFR-iRGD-RBC-PTX represents a potential effective nanomedicine against gastric cancer.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles: a 'radical' approach to neurodegenerative disease treatment.

Despite advances in understanding the factors that cause many neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), no current therapies have yielded significant results. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) have recently emerged as therapeutics for the treatment of NDs due to their antioxidant properties. This report summarizes the recent findings regarding CeONPs in treatment of various NDs, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, ischemic stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Interest in CeONPs as a potential nanomedicine for NDs has increased due to: their ability to alter signaling pathways, small diameter allowing passage through the blood-brain barrier and scavenging of reactive oxygen species. Due to these properties, CeONPs could eventually revolutionize existing treatments for NDs.