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Preclinical studies suggest that most of statins or 3‑hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors possess pleiotropic anticancer activity. The aim of the present work was to investigate the conjugation of the statin fluvastatin (FLV) with scorpion venom (SV), a natural peptide with proven anticancer properties, to enhance FLV cytotoxic activity and prepare colon targeted FLV-SV nanoconjugate beads for management of colon cancer. Response surface design was applied for the optimization of FLV-SV nanoconjugates. FLV-SV particle size and zeta potential were selected as responses. Cytotoxicity of optimized FLV-SV nanoconjugates was carried out on Caco2 cell line. Colon targeted alginate coated Eudragit S100 (ES100) beads for the optimized formula were prepared with the utilization of barium sulfate (BaSO4) as radiopaque contrast substance. Results revealed that optimized FLV-SV nanoconjugates showed a size of 71.21 nm, while the zeta potential was equal to 29.13 mV. Caco2 cells were considerably more sensitive to the FLV-SV formula (half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 11.91 µg/mL) compared to SV and FLV used individually, as shown by values of IC50 equal to 30.23 µg/mL and 47.68 µg/mL, respectively. In vivo imaging of colon targeted beads, carried out by employing real-time X-ray radiography, confirmed the efficiency of colon targeted beads. Overall our results indicate that the optimized FLV-SV nanoconjugate loaded alginate coated ES100 beads could represent a promising approach for colon cancer with efficient colon targeting ability.

Effects of the Adenosine A1 blockade using 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-diprophyxanthine (DPCPX) nanoconjugate on inducing recovery of the hemidiaphragm paralyzed by hemisection have been thoroughly examined previously; however, the toxicology of DPCPX nanoconjugate remains unknown. This research study investigates the therapeutic efficacy and toxicology of the nanoconjugate DPCPX in the cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) rat model. We hypothesized that a single injection of nanoconjugate DPCPX in the paralyzed left hemidiaphragm (LDH) of hemisected rats at the 2nd cervical segment (C2Hx) would lead to the long-term recovery of LDH while showing minimal toxicity. Adult male rats underwent left C2Hx surgery and the diaphragms' baseline electromyography (EMG). Subsequently, rats were randomized into a control group and four treated subgroups. Three subgroups received a single intradiaphragmatic dose of either 0.09, 0.15, or 0.27 µg/kg, and one subgroup received 0.1 mg/kg of native DPCPX two times per day intravenously (i.v.) for 3 days (total 0.6 mg/kg). Rats were monitored for a total of 56 days. Compared with control, the treatment with nanoconjugate DPCPX at 0.09 µg/kg, 0.15 µg/kg, and 0.27 µg/kg doses elicited significant recovery of paralyzed LDH (i.e., 67% recovery at 8 wk) (

Nanodiamonds (NDs) are increasingly being assessed as potential candidates for drug delivery in cancer cells and they hold great promise in overcoming the side effects of traditional chemotherapeutics. In the current work, carboxylic acid functionalized nanodiamonds (ND-COOH) were covalently modified with poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM) to form amine-terminated nanodiamonds (NP). Unlike ND-COOH, the chemically modified nanodiamond platform NP revealed a pH-independent aqueous dispersion stability, enhancing its potential as an effective carrier. Physical encapsulation of poorly water soluble cabazitaxel (CTX) drug on NP formed ND-PAMAM-CTX (NPC) nanoconjugates and substantially reduced the size of CTX from micrometer to nanometer. CTX was localized within the pores of nanoparticle aggregates and the cavities of the PAMAM dendrimer, thus facilitating the loaded drug's controlled and sustained release. NPC's cumulative CTX release efficiency was determined to be ∼95% at pH 4 after 96 h. A high cellular uptake of NPC both within the cytoplasm and nucleus of U87 cells is confirmed, accounting for a reduced IC

Among the most lethal forms of cancer, malignant brain tumors persist as one of the greatest challenges faced by oncologists, where nanotechnology-driven theranostics can play a critical role in developing novel polymer-based supramolecular nanoarchitectures with multifunctional and multi-modal characteristics to fight cancer. However, it is virtually a consensus that, besides the complexity of active delivering anticancer drugs by the nanocarriers to the tumor site, the current evaluation methods primarily relying on in vitro assays and in vivo animal models have been accounted for the low translational effectiveness to clinical applications. In this view, the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay has been increasingly recognized as one of the best preclinical models to study the effects of anticancer drugs on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Thus, in this study, we designed, characterized, and developed novel hybrid nanostructures encompassing chemically functionalized carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) with mitochondria-targeting pro-apoptotic peptide (KLA) and cell-penetrating moiety (cysteine, CYS) with fluorescent inorganic semiconductor (Ag-In-S, AIS) for simultaneously bioimaging and inducing glioblastoma cancer cell (U-87 MG, GBM) death. The results demonstrated that the CMC-peptide macromolecules produced supramolecular vesicle-like nanostructures with aqueous colloidal stability suitable as nanocarriers for passive and active targeting of cancer tumors. The optical properties and physicochemical features of the nanoconjugates confirmed their suitability as photoluminescent nanoprobes for cell bioimaging and intracellular tracking. Moreover, the results in vitro demonstrated a notable killing activity towards GBM cells of cysteine-bearing CMC conjugates coupled with pro-apoptotic KLA peptides. More importantly, compared to doxorubicin (DOX), a model anticancer drug in chemotherapy that is highly toxic, these innovative nanohybrids nanoconjugates displayed higher lethality against U-87 MG cancer cells. In vivo CAM assays validated these findings where the nanohybrids demonstrated a significant reduction of GBM tumor progression (41% area) and evidenced an antiangiogenic activity. These results pave the way for developing polymer-based hybrid nanoarchitectonics applied as targeted multifunctional theranostics for simultaneous imaging and therapy against glioblastoma while possibly reducing the systemic toxicity and side-effects of conventional anticancer chemotherapeutic agents.

The current work aims to design thioctic acid (TA) and glatiramer acetate (GA) nanoconjugate (thioctamer) loaded hydrogel formula as well as evaluation of thioctamer preclinical efficacy in expediting wound healing in a rat model of the diabetic wound. Thioctamer was prepared by conjugation of GA and TA in a 1:1 molar ratio. Particle size, zeta potential, and thermodynamic stability of the prepared thioctamer were assessed. Thioctamer was loaded in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based hydrogel and

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) remain well-developed inorganic nanocarriers of small molecules for a plethora of biomedical and therapeutic applications. However, the delivery of therapeutic proteins using AuNRs with high protein loading capacity (LC), serum stability, excellent target specificity, and minimal off-target protein release is not known. Herein, we report two bi-functional AuNR-protein nanoconjugates, AuNR@EGFP-BSA

Plant-derived phytoglycogen nanoparticles (PhG NPs) have the advantages of size uniformity, dispersibility in water, excellent lubrication properties, and lack of cytotoxicity; however, their chemical functionalization may lead to loss of NP structural integrity. Here, we report a straightforward approach to the generation of PhG NP conjugates with biologically active molecules. Hydrogen bonding of bovine serum albumin with electroneutral PhG NPs endows them with additional ligand binding affinity and enables the electrostatically governed attachment of methotrexate (MTX), a therapeutic agent commonly used in the treatment of cancer and arthritis diseases, to the protein-capped NPs. We showed stimuli-responsive release of MTX from the PhG-based nanoconjugates under physiological cues such as temperature and ionic strength. The results of this study stimulate future exploration of biomedical applications of nanoconjugates of PhG NPs.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology has become one of the powerful tools for real-time bioassay of various targets without needing labels. However, SPR biosensing faces great challenge with the extension of application fields due to the limited sensitivity. Herein, we report an ultrasensitive SPR biosensing strategy for detecting carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) with the introduction of amino-functionalized Ti3C2-MXene (N-Ti3C2-MXene) nanosheets. The ultrathin Ti3C2-MXene nanosheets were prepared by hydrochloric acid (HF) etching and further modified by (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) to obtain amino terminals for conjugating polyclonal anti-CEA antibody (Ab2) via covalent bonding. Staphylococcal protein A (SPA) decorated Au film was utilized as sensing platform to orientedly immobilize monoclonal anti-CEA antibody (Ab1) via its Fc region. The N-Ti3C2-MXene-Ab2 nanoconjugates were introduced to the sensing system after capture of CEA, forming sandwiched immunocomplexes on the SPR chip. A signal amplification strategy of Ti3C2-MXene-induced spontaneous gold reductive deposition on Ti3C2-MXene nanosheets was employed to further enhance sensitivity. The proposed biosensor exhibits a wide linear range for CEA determination of 10−11 to 10−6 g mL−1 with a detection limit of 1.7 pg mL−1 (S/N=3). Moreover, good reproducibility and high specificity were demonstrated by serum samples analysis, which indicates the present method holds potential in evaluating CEA in human serum for early diagnosis and monitoring of cancer.

The global burden of liver damage and renal failure necessitates technology-aided evolution towards point-of-care (POC) testing of metabolic markers. Hence in the prevalence of current health conditions, achieving on-site detection and quantifying serum albumin (SA) can contribute significantly to halting the increased mortality and morbidity rate. Herein, we have rationally designed and synthesized far-red emitting, solvatofluorochromic styryl chromone (SC) derivatives SC1 and SC2, and SC2-conjugated fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles (SCNPs) for sensing SA with a fluorogenic response

Recent data suggest that there is a continuous need to develop safer and less toxic nanomaterials (NMs). For this, the surface chemistry of commonly used NMs may be modified using several biomolecules/conjugates. The current study has been designed to develop silver nanoconjugates (AgNCs) capped with different amino acids. Characterization of the same was performed using different techniques. During in vitro analysis, l-tyrosine and l-cystine capped AgNCs exhibited antioxidant activity, while l-glycine capped AgNCs showed prooxidant activity. l-cystine and l-tyrosine capped AgNCs also demonstrated good in vivo results. The level of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and metallothioneins (MTs) in different organs was evaluated. It is assumed that newly developed nanoconjugates can be utilized as nano-tools for different applications. However, more detailed studies with resolution techniques for safety, the risk associated, and their accuracy are needed for the utilization of these nanoconjugates for specific biomedical uses.

Microbial technology offers a green alternative for the synthesis of value-added nanomaterials. In particular, fungal compounds can improve silver nanoparticle production, stabilizing colloidal nanoparticles. Based on a previous study by our group, silver nanoparticles obtained using the extracellular cell-free extracts of Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PchNPs) have shown antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, nisin—a bacteriocin widely used as a natural food preservative—has recently gained much attention due its antimicrobial action against Gram-positive bacteria in biomedical applications. Therefore, the aim of this work was to conjugate biogenic silver nanoparticles (PchNPs) with nisin to obtain nanoconjugates (PchNPs@nis) with enhanced antimicrobial properties. Characterization assays were conducted to determine physicochemical properties of PchNPs@nis, and also their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were studied. The formation of PchNPs@nis was confirmed by UV-Vis, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy analysis. Different PchNPs@nis nanobioconjugates showed diameter values in the range of 60–130 nm by DLS and surface charge values between −20 and −13 mV. Nisin showed an excellent affinity to PchNPs, with binding efficiencies higher than 75%. Stable synthesized PchNPs@nis nanobioconjugates were not only able to inhibit biofilm formation by S. aureus, but also showed inhibition of the planktonic cell growth of Staphyloccocus aureus and Escherichia coli, broadening the spectrum of action of the unconjugated antimicrobials against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In conclusion, these results show the promising application of PchNPs@nis, prepared via green technology, as potential antimicrobial nanomaterials.

The construction of highly sensitive and specific immunosensing nanolabels have attracted tremendous attention in the development of reliable point-of-care disease diagnostics. However, there are still challenges with traditional immunoassays, such as complicated and time-consuming procedure, the use of enzyme label, non-specificity, and require readers for detection. Therefore, we have designed and developed site-directed antibody-immobilized calix[4]arene-gold nanoconjugate based colorimetric immunosensing nanolabel to offer high sensitivity. The prepared nanolabel enabled oriented binding of the antibodies by providing full accessibility of Fab domain for antigen binding. The improved sensitivity of the developed nanolabel was evaluated using vertical flow immunoassay (VFIA) for detecting C-reactive protein (CRP) with a lower detection limit up to 1 ng/ml. Our developed nanolabel was found to be highly specific, easy, quick, and appropriate for onsite detection. The nanolabel is validated with spiked blood samples which exhibited ~90% recovery having a relative error of ~2%. Furthermore, the nanolabel was also used for screening of human blood real samples which showed relative error of ~0.6%. The developed nanolabel can be utilized as a potential nanolabel for the quantitative detection of various biomolecules in clinical samples.

Solid tumours display limited response to immunotherapies. By contrast, hematological malignancies exhibit significantly higher response rates to immunotherapies as compared to solid tumors. Among several microenvironmental and biological disparities, the differential expression of unique immune regulatory molecules significantly contributes to the blood cancer’s interaction with immune cells. The self-ligand receptor of the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 7 (SLAMF7), a molecule that is critical in promoting the body’s innate immune cell to detect and engulf cancer cells, is expressed nearly exclusively on the cell surface of hematologic tumours, but not on solid ones. Here, we show that a bispecific nanobioconjugate that decorates SLAMF7 onto the surface of solid tumours induces robust phagocytosis and activates phagocytes cyclic GMP-AMP synthase–stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway, sensitising the tumours to immune checkpoint blockade. Our findings support an immunological conversion strategy that employs nano-adjuvants to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapies for solid tumours.

Respiratory dysfunction is a major cause of death in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). A remaining unsolved problem in treating SCI is the intolerable side effects of the drugs to patients. In a significant departure from conventional targeted nanotherapeutics to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB), this work pursues a drug-delivery approach that uses neural tracing retrograde transport proteins to bypass the BBB and deliver an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist drug, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentyl xanthine, exclusively to the respiratory motoneurons in the spinal cord and the brainstem. A single intradiaphragmatic injection at one thousandth of the native drug dosage induces prolonged respiratory recovery in a hemisection animal model. To translate the discovery into new treatments for respiratory dysfunction, we carry out this study to characterize the purity and quality of synthesis, stability, and drug-release properties of the neural tracing protein (wheat germ agglutinin chemically conjugated to horseradish peroxidase)-coupled nanoconjugate. We show that the batch-to-batch particle size and drug dosage variations are less than 10%. We evaluate the nanoconjugate size against the spatial constraints imposed by transsynaptic transport from pre to postsynaptic neurons. We determine that the nanoconjugate formulation is capable of sustained drug release lasting for days at physiologic pH, a prerequisite for long-distance transport of the drug from the diaphragm muscle to the brainstem. We model the drug-release profiles using a first-order reaction model and the Noyes-Whitney diffusion model. We confirm via biological electron microscopy that the nanoconjugate particles do not accumulate in the tissues at the injection site. We define the nanoconjugate storage conditions after monitoring the solution dispersion stability under various conditions for 4 months. This study supports further development of neural tracing protein-enabled nanotherapeutics for treating respiratory problems associated with SCI.

Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs) are a novel T1 contrast agent with good biocompatibility and switchable imaging signal that have not been widely applied for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because it is difficult to induce their relatively close ideal agglomeration. Here, by combining the microemulsion method with the biomineralization principle, a pH-responsive T2-T1 switchable MRI nanoprobe was constructed via the microemulsion-confined biomineralization of PEGylated USPIONs (PEG-USPIONs). The size of the formed CaCO3-coated PEG-USPION conjugates (PEG-USPIONs@CaCO3 nanoprobe) was uniform and controllable, and the preparation method was simple. The PEG-USPIONs inside the nanoconjugates agglomerate more tightly, and the T1-MRI signal of the nanoprobe is converted to the T2-MRI signal. When exposed to the acidic environment of the tumor tissue or internal organelles, the CaCO3-coating of the nanoprobes is dissolved, and free PEG-USPIONs are released, thus realizing the T1-weighted imaging of the tumors. The suitability of the PEG-USPIONs@CaCO3 nanoprobe for tumor MRI detection was successfully demonstrated using a mouse model bearing a subcutaneous 4T1 xenograft.

Background: Discovering new chemotherapy drugs and techniques with the least side effects is one of the most important and challenging issues in recent years worldwide. Chlorambucil is an anticancer drug that is still commonly used as a primary treatment in treating some cancers, but it can cause side effects. Objective: In this study, we decided to use chitosan as a carrier for enhance the uptake of chlorambucil and reduce the toxicity of this drug. Methods: After producing this nanoconjugate compound and analysing its structure by FTIR, DLS and AFM analysis, we investigated the therapeutic and biological effects of this nanoconjugate compound on the MCF-7 cell line (breast cancer). Results: The results of the MTT assay showed that this nanoconjugate compound not only retained its anticancer effect against chlorambucil but also showed less abnormal toxicity. In addition, in vitro cellular uptake by flow cytometry indicated the better uptake final product into the MCF-7 cells. The detection of apoptosis induced cell death was confirmed by RT-PCR. Conclusion: This study has created a prospective pathway for targeting cancer cells using chitosan.

Objectives The first goal of this study was to synthesize the silver nanoparticles Alcaligenes xylosoxidans exopolysaccharide (Ag-AXEPS). The second objective was to analyse the role of Ag-AXEPS nanoparticles (NPS) in treating bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis. Methods Intratracheal bleomycin (2.5 U/kg) was administered to prompt pulmonary fibrosis in rats, and pulmonary fibrosis was treated with Ag-AXEPS nanoparticles (100 ppm/twice a week for four weeks). Key findings Ag-AXEPS nanoparticles significantly decreased the diversity of pulmonary inflammatory agents in rats with BLM-induced fibrosis. Reduced levels of respiratory tumor necrosis factor-alpha, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) were observed on treatment with synthesized Ag-AXEPS. Similarly, the treatment decreased IL-12, mRNA levels of BAX and plasma fibrosis markers like N-terminal procollagen III propeptide and transforming growth factor-β1. On the other hand, the treatment increased mRNA BCL2 and total antioxidant capacity. It also lowered the level of fibrosis, as was shown by a quantified pathologic study of hematoxylin–eosin-stained lung parts. The treatment, however, ensured that lung collagen was restored, as assessed by Masson’s trichrome stain, and that overall survival was increased and enhanced. Conclusions Our work showed that nanoparticles could be obtained at 37°C and may be a possible pulmonary fibrosis therapeutic agent.

As a potent nonviral system for biomolecular delivery to neurons via their axons, we have studied molecular characteristics of lysinated fluorescent dextran nanoconjugates with degrees of conjugation of 0.54–15.2 mol lysine and 0.25–7.27 mol tetramethyl rhodamine isothiocyanate (TRITC) per mol dextran. We studied the influence of conjugation with lysine and TRITC on the size and structure of different molecular weight dextrans and their mobility within axons. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments revealed significant differences in the size and structure of unmodified and modified dextrans. Unexpectedly, lower-molecular-weight conjugated dextrans exhibited higher molecular volumes, which we propose is due to fewer intramolecular interactions than in higher-molecular-weight conjugated dextrans. Assessment of retrograde and anterograde movement of lysine- and TRITC-conjugated dextrans in axons in the lumbar spinal cord of chicken embryos showed that lower-molecular-weight dextrans translocate more efficiently than higher-molecular-weight dextrans, despite having larger molecular volumes. This comparative characterization of different molecular weight dextrans will help define optimal features for intracellular delivery.

Graphene oxide-based nanodrug delivery systems are considered one of the most promising platforms to deliver therapeutic drugs at the target site. In this study, Ru(II)(

The ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is critical for targeted therapy of the central nerve system (CNS). Six peptide vectors were covalently attached to a 50 kDa poly(β-l-malic acid)-trileucine polymer forming P/LLL(40%)/vector conjugates. The vectors were Angiopep-2 (AP2), B6, Miniap-4 (M4), and d-configurated peptides D1, D3, and ACI-89, with specificity for transcytosis receptors low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1), transferrin receptor (TfR), bee venom-derived ion channel, and Aβ/LRP-1 related transcytosis complex, respectively. The BBB-permeation efficacies were substantially increased ("boosted") in vector conjugates of P/LLL(40%). We have found that the copolymer group binds at the endothelial membrane and, by an allosterically membrane rearrangement, exposes the sites for vector-receptor complex formation. The specificity of vectors is indicated by competition experiments with nonconjugated vectors. P/LLL(40%) does not function as an inhibitor, suggesting that the copolymer binding site is eliminated after binding of the vector-nanoconjugate. The two-step mechanism, binding to endothelial membrane and allosteric exposure of transcytosis receptors, is supposed to be an integral feature of nanoconjugate-transcytosis pathways.

A new lithocholic acid/IR 780 conjugate (LIC) was designed and synthesized for theranostic applications in triple-negative breast cancer. Lithocholic acid is an antitumor biomacromolecule and acts via multiple molecular targets. IR 780 iodide is a fluorescent NIR organic dye researched as a photothermal agent in cancer therapy. A combined conjugate, LIC can have wide applications as a Photothermal/chemotherapeutic and imaging agent in cancer therapy. LIC was characterized and evaluated for its photothermal cytotoxic effect in breast cancer cell lines. Further, to improve the bioavailability of the LIC, a polymeric (PLGA) nanosystem was developed and characterized. The resultant lithocholic acid/IR 780 polymeric nanoconjugates (LIPNCs) were well taken up by the cells and are evident by the inherent red fluorescence of LIC. The LIPNCs also exhibited commendable heat generation when exposed to NIR light (808 nm). The in-vitro anti-cancer studies of LIPNCs also revealed a significant NIR light-based photothermal efficacy (cytotoxic dose 0.75 μM) when compared to the free conjugate (LIC) or the parent moieties. Further cell-based fluorescent and molecular assays showed that LIPNCs induced ROS-mediated apoptotic cell death concurrently being physiologically biocompatible. In-vitro photoacoustic imaging of the LICs exhibited signals comparable to free IR780 dye. Future in vivo studies with LIPNCs or LIC may prove beneficial for developing a promising translational system for its wide application in image-guided cancer theranostics.

This study presents a novel, economical, and environmentally technique for synthesizing magnetic palladium complex conjugated to activated calcium lignosulfonate with triethylenetetramine (Fe3O4@lignosulfonate@triethylenetetramine@Pd complex (FLT-Pd complex)) as a practical and air-stable catalyst. FLT-Pd complex is used as a catalyst for the fabrication of 4-methyl-N-phenyl-benzenesulfonamide derivatives via N-arylation of 4-methylbenzenesulfonamide in good yields. Furthermore, because of the complex magnetic reparability and high stability, it could be removed easily from the reaction media using a magnet and reused 5 cycles without a remarkable loss of catalytic prowess.

In this study, a high molecular weight arabinoxylan (AX, Mw: 694 kDa) from wheat bran was alkaline extracted and covalently linked with Catechin (CA) by free radical catalytic reaction. Comparing to AX, arabinoxylan-catechin (AX-CA) conjugates demonstrated an extra UV–vis absorption peak at 274 nm, a new FT-IR absorption band at 1516 cm−1 and new proton signals at 6.5–7.5 ppm, which all confirmed the covalently linked structure. Grafting CA onto AX not only decreased the molecular weight, thermal stability and apparent viscosity of AX, but also enhanced its inhibition effects on starch digestibility in vitro. The in vitro fermentation test with pig feces showed that the degradation & utilization rate of AX, the total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and acetic acid levels produced all were significantly delayed after grafting. This study provided a novel approach to synthesize AX-CA conjugates that could be a novel dietary fiber of enhanced functional/bioactive properties using in the fields of functional foods and medicine.

The Ibuprofen-Cellulose nanofibril (IBU-CNF) drug delivery system was prepared by esterification of Ibuprofen (IBU) and cellulose nanofibril (CNF) with isopropyl acetate as the solvent and sulfuric acid as the catalyst. The results showed that IBU was successfully grafted on to the CNF molecular chain and the crystal structure of CNF did not change. Moreover, the natural three-dimensional network structure was maintained to a large extent. The maximum drug loading of IBU-CNF was 151.38 mg/g. In vitro drug release showed that IBU-CNF was pH-responsive and could be released continuously over 24 h. The cumulative release rate was approximately 90% under alkaline conditions but was low under acidic conditions. UV-visible spectra revealed that IBU retained its chemical activity after in vitro release.

Green synthesis of AuNPs that have potential anticancer properties is relatively simple, cheap and eco-friendly compared to the conventional chemical/physical approaches. Quercetin is known for its antioxidant and anticancer properties, i.e., induction of apoptosis, tumour suppression, etc. This study aims to characterize and compare between two differentially synthesized Quercetin-Au-Nanoconjugates, Q-Au-NCTSC and Q-AU-NCLE using a pure biochemical reductant, trisodium citrate and its natural alternative, citrus lemon extract respectively. Antibacterial and anticancer effects of both the nanoconjugates would also be checked and compared to analyze whether the use of a lemon extract has any impact on its structure and functional properties. A series of physicochemical characterizations viz. UV-Vis spectrophotometry, DLS, Zeta Potential, FT-IR, and SEM of the nanoconjugates were done. Further, evaluation of in vitro antibacterial activity was done against two Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus; Bacillus Subtilis; and two Gram-negative bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Klebsiella pneumonia and cytotoxicity efficacy were checked on breast cancer (MCF7) cell line. Effective reduction of Au+3 to Au0 with quantum confinement in nano-regime was confirmed by a change of bulk colour of the HAu+3Cl4 solution, whereas conjugation of Quercetin to AuNPs was confirmed by FTIR. DLS showed the average size of the Q-Au-NCTSC and Q-Au-NCLE are 30 nm and 35.6 nm, respectively. The Q-Au-NCLE has shown comparatively better stability and antibacterial activity. In the case of cytotoxicity study on MCF7 cell line, the Q-Au-NCLE showed better efficacy (cell death ~ 75%) with respect to Q-Au-NCTSC (cell death ~66%). Natural sources rich in citric acid would serve as the best alternative to tri-sodium citrate in the synthesis of Au-NPs and different nanoconjugates for biomedical applications.

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is an effective tumor treatment strategy in which FeII reacts with hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) in tumor cells to produce highly toxic hydroxyl radical (. OH) through the Fenton reaction. However, the content of endogenous H2 O2 in cells is limited, and the reaction between FeIII and H2 O2 is inefficient, greatly limiting the efficiency of the Fenton reaction and reducing the effectiveness of tumor treatment. Therefore, in this work, we designed and synthesized a new type of nano-system (CaO2 @TA-FeIII ) for the enhanced CDT of tumors, in which the polyphenolic compound- tannic acid (TA) and FeIII formed a TA-Fe nano-coating on the surface of calcium peroxide (CaO2 ) nanospherical aggregates. When the CaO2 @TA-FeIII nanoconjugates reach the tumor site, the CaO2 contained in the nanoconjugates produces H2 O2 after disintegration in tumor cells, and the carried TA rapidly reduces FeIII to FeII , solving the two major shortcomings in CDT of (1) insufficient content of H2 O2 in cancer cells, and (2) low catalytic efficiency of the Fenton reaction. Additionally, the . OH produced in the Fenton reaction induces oxidative stress for the tumor cells, promoting the occurrence of the "calcium overload" process, and thereby accelerating the death of tumor cells. Experimental results in vitro and in vivo showed that CaO2 @TA-FeIII nanoconjugates can effectively kill cancer cells and display an excellent tumor therapeutic effect. We believe that the CaO2 @TA-FeIII nanoconjugates are a promising new nano-platform for highly effective tumor treatment.

A modular approach was applied for the synthesis of bienzyme-polymer nanoconjugates (nano-BECs) (50–70 nm) consisting of two enzymes (carbonyl reductase and glucose dehydrogenase) conjugated within a single universal polymer scaffold. The amount of the product ethyl (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyrate (R-HPBE) with nano-BECs as the catalyst was 533 mM in a dibutyl phthalate-phosphate buffer (dibutyl phthalate-PB) biphasic system, while the amount of R-HPBE was 349 mM using carbonyl reductase-poly(acrylic acid) as the catalyst, indicating that the nano-BECs have an advantage for coenzyme regeneration. Compared with a single aqueous phase, the substrate treatment capacity was improved at the interface of the dibutyl phthalate-PB biphasic system. Under the optimal reaction conditions (35 °C, 40 h, dibutyl phthalate-PB 1: 1), nano-BECs can completely convert substrate into optically pure R-HPBE (enantiomeric excess (e.e.) >99.9%) in the organic-aqueous system.

The recent coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has increased at an alarming rate, representing a substantial cause of mortality worldwide. Respiratory injuries are major COVID-19 related complications, leading to poor lung circulation, tissue scarring, and airway obstruction. Despite an in-depth investigation of respiratory injury’s molecular pathogenesis, effective treatments have yet to be developed. Moreover, early detection of viral infection is required to halt the disease-related long-term complications, including respiratory injuries. The currently employed detection technique (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or qRT-PCR) failed to meet this need at some point because it is costly, time-consuming, and requires higher expertise and technical skills. Polymer-based nanobiosensing techniques can be employed to overcome these limitations. Polymeric nanomaterials have the potential for clinical applications due to their versatile features like low cytotoxicity, biodegradability, bioavailability, biocompatibility, and specific delivery at the targeted site of action. In recent years, innovative polymeric nanomedicine approaches have been developed to deliver therapeutic agents and support tissue growth for the inflamed organs, including the lung. This review highlights the most recent advances of polymer-based nanomedicine approaches in infectious disease diagnosis and treatments. This paper also focuses on the potential of novel nanomedicine techniques that may prove to be therapeutically efficient in fighting against COVID-19 related respiratory injuries., Graphical Abstract Schematic illustration of potential polymer-based nanomedicine strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 related respiratory injury.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) emerged as a promising cancer therapeutic technique due to the prospect of triggering and controlling the drug action with light, which will reduce the detrimental side e...

New treatments are needed to address persistent unmet clinical needs for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Overexpression of transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) is common across cancer and permits cell-surface targeting of specific therapies in preclinical and clinical studies of various solid tumors. Here, we developed novel nanocarrier delivery of chemotherapy via TFR1-mediated endocytosis, assessing this target for the first time in DLBCL. Analysis of published datasets showed novel association of increased TFR1 expression with high-risk DLBCL cases. Carbon–nitride dots (CND) are emerging nanoparticles with excellent in vivo stability and distribution and are adaptable to covalent conjugation with multiple substrates. In vitro, linking doxorubicin (Dox) and transferrin (TF) to CND (CND–Dox–TF, CDT) was 10–100 times more potent than Dox against DLBCL cell lines. Gain- and loss-of-function studies and fluorescent confocal microscopy confirmed dependence of these effects on TFR1-mediated endocytosis. In contrast with previous therapeutics directly linking Dox and TF, cytotoxicity of CDT resulted from nuclear entry by Dox, promoting double-stranded DNA breaks and apoptosis. CDT proved safe to administer in vivo, and when incorporated into standard frontline chemoimmunotherapy in place of Dox, it improved overall survival by controlling patient-derived xenograft tumors with greatly reduced host toxicities. Nanocarrier-mediated Dox delivery to cell-surface TFR1, therefore, warrants optimization as a potential new therapeutic option in DLBCL. Significance: Targeted nanoparticle delivery of doxorubicin chemotherapy via the TRF1 receptor presents a new opportunity against high-risk DLBCL tumors using potency and precision.

The present study aimed to design and optimize, a nanoconjugate of gabapentin (GPN)-melittin (MLT) and to evaluate its healing activity in rat diabetic wounds. To explore the wound healing potency of GPN-MLT nanoconjugate, an in vivo study was carried out. Diabetic rats were subjected to excision wounds and received daily topical treatment with conventional formulations of GPN, MLT, GPN-MLT nanoconjugate and a marketed formula. The outcome of the in vivo study showed an expedited wound contraction in GPN-MLT-treated animals. This was confirmed histologically. The nanoconjugate formula exhibited antioxidant activities as evidenced by preventing malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymatic exhaustion. Further, the nanoconjugate showed superior anti-inflammatory activity as it inhibited the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). This is in addition to enhancement of proliferation as indicated by increased expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF- β), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFRB). Also, nanoconjugate enhanced hydroxyproline concentration and mRNA expression of collagen type 1 alpha 1 (Col 1A1). In conclusion, a GPN-MLT nanoconjugate was optimized with respect to particle size. Analysis of pharmacokinetic attributes showed the mean particle size of optimized nanoconjugate as 156.9 nm. The nanoconjugate exhibited potent wound healing activities in diabetic rats. This, at least partly, involve enhanced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, proliferative and pro-collagen activities. This may help to develop novel formulae that could accelerate wound healing in diabetes.

This study aims to characterize the rheological behavior of a novel phenylboronic acid (PBA)-based closomer nanoconjugate (Closogel) with potential application in pharmaceutical formulation. PBA was used as a cross-linking agent and model (antiviral) drug. The PBA loaded Closogel chemical structure was analyzed by boron (

Paclitaxel (PTX) is an essential anticancer drug from the biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) class IV. Unfortunately, PTX has some drawbacks including low solubility, cell toxicity, adverse cell reaction, etc. Therefore, folic acid (FA) tailored carboxymethyl-dextran (CMD), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) mediated nanoconjugates of paclitaxel (PTX) (FA-CMD-BSA-PTX) were designed. At first, esterification reaction between FA and CMD resulted in FA-CMD conjugate whereas FA-CMD-BSA conjugate was synthesized via the Maillard reaction. Finally, FA-CMD-BSA conjugates of PTX were achieved via hydrophobic interaction and gelation of BSA. Herein, heating offers the gelation of BSA that furnishes the cross-linking wherein PTX gets fixed inside BSA. Thermogram of FA-CMD-BSA-PTX showed the absence of PTX peak that concluding PTX has been molecularly dispersed in polymer matrix and entrapment inside polymeric conjugate. As an effect, surface decorated FA-CMD-BSA-PTX showed low hemolytic toxicity over free PTX. Cytotoxicity assay on A549 human lung cancer cells shows cell viability decreased from 60 % to 10 % with increasing concentration from 1 to 5 μg/mL. In conclusion, CMD facilitates the circulation time of PTX and BSA acts as a carrier to target tumor locations effectively. The nano-conjugate formulation significantly reduces toxicity and can be used for the treatment of lung cancer.

Glutathione (GSH) plays important roles in various physiological processes, thus highly sensitive assay of GSH and timely warning of its variation at trace level in complex biological matrixes is of great significance. However, this is challenging due to the coexisting reductive biomolecules and dynamic change of GSH levels in responding to various stimuli which remain largely unexploited. Herein, we report a dual mode protocol for the assay of GSH based on nanoconjugate g-C

Targeting the control of pathogenic Candida spp., especially the fungicides resistant strains from C. albicans and C. glabrata, nanoconjugates from the biopolymer (chitosan) and costus root extract (Saussurea costus) was synthesized and characterized. Chitosan was extracted from the grown mycelia of Aspergillus niger and characterized with high deacetylation degree of 91.2% and moderate molecular weight of 106.8 kDa. Synthesis of nanoconjugates from fungal chitosan/costus extract (NCt/CE) was conducted using ionic gelation technique; the resulted NCt/CE particles were characterized with mean diameter of 48 nm, positive zeta potentiality (+3.28 mV) and high stability. The infra-red spectra of synthesized nanoconjugates indicated their strong biochemical cross-linkage. The antimycotic activities, of the synthesized NCt, CE and their nanocomposite, were evaluated against standard and antibiotic-resistant strains from C. albicans and C. glabrata and revealed that the entire agents had notable antimycotic potentiality against all examined strains; the NCt/CE nanoconjugates had significantly stronger antimicrobial action. The scanning microscope imaging, of exposed resistant strains to NCt/CE, indicated their vigorous structural and morphological alterations and confirmed the antimycotic activity of the nanocomposite. NCt/CE nanoconjugates' synthesis could be exceedingly recommended as a natural, biodegradable and effectual antimycotic agent to control resistant pathogenic yeast strains.

Chemotherapy with low-molecular weight compounds, despite elimination of cancer cells, entails adverse effects. To overcome this disadvantage, innovative drug delivery systems are being developed, including conjugation of macromolecular carriers with therapeutics, e.g. a nanoconjugate of hydroxyethyl starch and methotrexate (HES-MTX). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether HES-MTX, applied as a chemotherapeutic, is able to modulate the immune response and support the antitumor response generated by dendritic cells (DCs) used subsequently as immunotherapeutic vaccines. Therefore, MTX or HES-MTX was administered, as sole treatment or combined with DC-based vaccines, to MC38 colon carcinoma tumor-bearing mice. Alterations in antitumor immune response were evaluated by multiparameter flow cytometry analyses and functional assays. The results demonstrated that the nanoconjugate possesses greater immunomodulatory potential than MTX as reflected by changes in the landscape of immune cells infiltrating the tumor and increased cytotoxicity of splenic lymphocytes. In contrast to MTX, therapy with HES-MTX as sole treatment or combined with DC-based vaccines, contributed to significant tumor growth inhibition. However, only treatment with HES-MTX and DC-based vaccines activated the systemic specific antitumor response. In conclusion, due to its immunomodulatory properties, the HES-MTX nanoconjugate could become a potent anticancer agent used in both chemo- and chemoimmunotherapeutic treatment schemes.

Resistance to antibiotics is an ongoing problem in the biomedical industry. Developing active, alternative drug therapies would reduce our reliance on antibiotics that induce resistance in micro-organisms. To date, bacteriocins and antimicrobial peptides have shown a positive outcome as antibiotic substitutes and synergists apart from phage therapy, antibodies and probiotics. Bacteriocins are proteinaceous antimicrobial peptides synthesized by lactic acid bacteria extensively used as bio-preservatives and alternative to traditional antibiotics to overcome the problem of drug-resistant pathogens. Nonetheless, the use of bacteriocins has several limitations such as limited antimicrobial spectrum, requiring high dose, sensitivity to proteolytic enzymes, etc. Nanoparticles are one of the promising area of research explored to improve antimicrobial spectrum of bacteriocins. This review therefore highlights the recent developments and research pertaining to use of nanoparticles and bacteriocin conjugates to tackle the resistance crisis as well as its applications in food industry.

Magnetite nanoparticles are one of the most promising ferrofluids for hyperthermia applications due to the combination of unique physicochemical and magnetic properties. In this study, we designed and produced superparamagnetic ferrofluids composed of magnetite (Fe3O4, MION) and cobalt-doped magnetite (Cox-MION, x = 3, 5, and 10% mol of cobalt) nanoconjugates through an eco-friendly aqueous method using carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as the biocompatible macromolecular ligand. The effect of the gradual increase of cobalt content in Fe3O4 nanocolloids was investigated in-depth using XRD, XRF, XPS, FTIR, DLS, zeta potential, EMR, and VSM analyses. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of these nanoconjugates and their ability to cause cancer cell death through heat induction were evaluated by MTT assays in vitro. The results demonstrated that the progressive substitution of Co in the magnetite host material significantly affected the magnetic anisotropy properties of the ferrofluids. Therefore, Co-doped ferrite (CoxFe(3−x)O4) nanoconjugates enhanced the cell-killing activities in magnetic hyperthermia experiments under alternating magnetic field performed with human brain cancer cells (U87). On the other hand, the Co-doping process retained the pristine inverse spinel crystalline structure of MIONs, and it has not significantly altered the average nanoparticle size (ca.∼7.1 ± 1.6 nm). Thus, the incorporation of cobalt into magnetite-polymer nanostructures may constitute a smart strategy for tuning their magnetothermal capability towards cancer therapy by heat generation.

A novel nanobody-drug conjugate (NDC) was constructed by incorporating an amphipathic peptide, GALA, which improved the cytotoxicity by one to two orders of magnitude. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that tethering to lipids induces GALA to form a helix, which dramatically enhances endocytosis. Our work provides a general strategy not only for improving the anti-cancer efficacy of protein-drug conjugates but also for increasing the efficiency of other types of endocytosis-dependent cell delivery.

Tumors are complex and highly variable, making it difficult for a single treatment strategy to be significantly effective for cancer therapy. Herein, we report a robust cascade biomimetic nanoplatform that integrates chemiluminescence-induced photodynamic therapy (CL-PDT), Fenton reaction-based chemodynamic therapy (CDT), and glucose oxidase (GOD)-mediated starvation therapy to synergistically enhance cancer treatment. For the nanoplatform of CPPO@porphyrin-MOF@Cancer cell membrane-GOD (C1@M@C2G), the ferric ion-linked porphyrin-MOF can trigger a Fenton reaction to reach CDT, the carried CPPO as an energy donor is used to excite a photo-sensitive porphyrin-MOF in situ to generate singlet oxygen (1O2) for PDT, GOD catalyzes glucose into H2O2 and gluconic acid to realize starvation therapy, and the cancer cell membrane wrapped onto the nanoparticle plays a key role in homologous targeting, which is conducive to achieving better therapeutic effects. Significantly, the porphyrin-MOF with catalase-like activity can generate O2 to effectively relieve tumor hypoxia, thereby enhancing the catalytic effect of GOD and the efficacy of PDT. Additionally, the produced H2O2 and gluconic acid can further improve the CPPO-H2O2-triggered CL-PDT and promote the low pH-dependence Fenton reaction-based CDT, respectively. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the constructed nanoplatform displays an excellent cooperative anti-tumor performance, so we firmly believe that this simple nanoplatform broadens the pathway to fight against cancer through effective cascade catalysis.

Clinical investigations have shown that a nonimmunogenic "cold" tumor is usually accompanied by few immunopositive cells and more immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is still the bottleneck of immune activation. Here, a fluorine assembly nanocluster was explored to break the shackles of immunosuppression, reawaken the immune system, and turn the cold tumor "hot." Once under laser irradiation, FS@PMPt produces sufficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) to fracture the ROS-sensitive linker, thus releasing the cisplatin conjugated PMPt to penetrate into the tumors and kill the regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Meanwhile, ROS will induce potent immunogenic cell death (ICD) and further promote the accumulation of dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells, therefore not only increasing the infiltration of immunopositive cells from the outside but also reducing the immunosuppressive cells from the inside to break through the bottleneck of immune activation. The FS@PMPt nanocluster regulates the immune process in TME from negative to positive, from shallow to deep, to turn the cold tumor into a hot tumor and provoke a robust antitumor immune response.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most popular imaging techniques, which offers an ionization-free noninvasive means for imaging deep tissues with high resolution. Conventional 1H MRI is well versed in providing detailed anatomical information but suffers from low contrast for tracking biomarkers because of the abundance of water in living bodies. 19F MRI with negligible endogenous background interference enables highly sensitive detection of biomolecular targets and has drawn extensive attention from the biomedical research community recently. However, this imaging technique only acquires the "hot spot" signals of exogenous 19F nucleus-containing imaging probes. 1H/19F MRI dual-modal imaging is expected to compensate for the limitations of either single-modal imaging and accomplish synergistic morphological and physiological imaging. Herein, we report a highly biocompatible nanoconjugate composed of pH-responsive 19F nucleus-bearing Gd3+ chelates, which enables significant contrast enhancement for T1-weighted 1H MRI and permits pH-responsive activation of 19F signals for 19F MRI, providing both clear anatomical details of living bodies and the biorelevant molecular information with low background interference. This nanoconjugate facilitates sensitive and accurate detection of tumors with contrast-enhanced T1-weighted 1H and pH-activatable 19F dual-modal imaging on a single MRI scanner.

In this paper, we developed and validated a new analytical method to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of hordenine in plasma samples of human volunteers after oral administration of hordenine-rich dietary supplements. For this purpose, a magnetic molecularly imprinted sorbent was fabricated and characterized. The application of a magnetic susceptible material facilitates pretreatment step while working with a highly complex sample, reducing time and costs. An optimized, fast, and reliable separation step was combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, providing an analytical method for analysis of hordenine in human plasma after dietary supplement intake. The method was validated (lower limit of quantification of 0.05 μg/L), enabling the pharmacokinetic profile of hordenine to be determined. The highest concentration of hordenine was noted after 65 ± 14 min, reaching the value of 16.4 ± 7.8 μg/L. The average t1/2 was 54 ± 19 min. The apparent volume of distribution was 6000 ± 2600 L (66 ± 24 L/kg when adjusted for weight).

Efficient therapies for breast cancer remain elusive because of the lack of strategies for targeted transport and receptor-mediated uptake of synthetic drug molecules by cancer cells. Conjugation of nanoparticles (NPs) with active targeting ligands enabling selective molecular recognition of antigens expressed on the surface of cancer cells is promising for localization and treatment of malignant cells. In this study, covalent attachment of synthetic estrogen 17α-ethynylestradiol on the silica (SiO2) shell of silica-gold NPs (SiO2@Au) was undertaken to improve the cancer-targeting ability of the nano-biotags. Chemical and structural analysis of the bioconjugates examined in solution (UV-vis and ξ-potential) and solid state (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and transmission electron microscopy) confirmed the identity of the carrier particles and surface-bound ligands. The mesoporous silica shell served as a reservoir for anticancer drugs (doxorubicin and quercetin) and to facilitate covalent attachment of receptor molecules by click chemistry protocols. The chemoselective recognition between the nanoconjugates and cell membranes was successfully demonstrated by the accumulation of nanoprobes in the tumor tissue of mice with subcutaneous breast cancer, whereas healthy cells were unaffected. The drug release studies showed sustained release kinetics over several weeks. These findings elaborate the exceptional selectivity and potential of estrogen-coated nano-biolabels in efficient diagnosis and detection of breast cancer cells.

Nonaqueous Pickering emulsions (PEs) are a powerful platform for catalysis design, offering both a large interface contact and a preferable environment for water-sensitive synthesis. However, up to now, little progress has been made to incorporate insoluble enzymes into the nonaqueous system for biotransformation. Herein, we present biocatalytically active nonaqueous PEs, stabilized by particle-enzyme nanoconjugates, for the fast transesterification and esterification, and eventually for biodiesel synthesis. Our nanoconjugates are the hybrid biocatalysts tailor-made by loading hydrophilic Candida antarctica lipase B onto hydrophobic silica nanoparticles, resulting in not only catalytically active but highly amphiphilic particles for stabilization of a methanol-decane emulsion. The enzyme activity in these PEs is significantly enhanced, ca. 375-time higher than in the nonaqueous biphasic control. Moreover, the PEs can be multiply reused without significant loss of enzyme performance. With this proof‐of‐concept, we reasonably expect that our system can be expanded for many advanced syntheses using different enzymes in the future.

The present work reports on the synthesis and characterization of novel zinc (2) and indium (3) 2-amino-4-bromophenoxy substituted phthalocyanines (Pcs) along with the self-assembled nanoconjugates formed via π–π stacking interaction onto detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) to form 2@DNDs and 3@DNDs. 2@DNDs and 3@DNDs were covalently linked to chitosan–silver mediated nanoparticles (CSAg) to form 2@DNDs-CSAg and 3@DNDs-CSAg nanoconjugates. High singlet oxygen quantum yields in DMSO of 0.69 and 0.72 for Pcs alone and 0.90 and 0.92 for 2@DNDs-CSAg and 3@DNDs-CSAg, respectively, were obtained. The photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) activity of both phthalocyanines and nanoconjugates was tested against planktonic cells and biofilms of S. aureus. 2@DNDs-CSAg and 3@DNDs-CSAg caused effective killing with a log reduction of 9.74. In addition, PACT studies on single-species S. aureus biofilms were carried out with log reduction values of 5.12 and 5.27 at 200 μg mL−1 for 2@DNDs-CSAg and 3@DNDs-CSAg, respectively.

Human beings have been bearing great medical, social, and economic losses due to the ever-increasing rate of microbial infections and the development of resistance; hence, there is a dire need to develop novel strategic alternate tools to circumvent these infections. In this regard, metallic nanomaterials (NMs) have been reported to exhibit promising bactericidal properties. In the present study, two different shaped silver NMs, i.e. silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nanoprisms (AgNPrs) and their conjugates with azithromycin were synthesised, characterised, and tested for their bactericidal activity. The average particle sizes analysed for spherical nanoparticles were 30–47.5 nm, and for prismatic-nanoparticles was 35–60 nm, respectively. The distinct ultraviolet–visible peaks were obtained for NMs and their nanoconjugates. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the interaction of various functional groups from Azy with metallic NMs. The nanoprisms and their conjugates showed enhanced bactericidal potential as compared to AgNPs and their corresponding control. The efficiency of Azy–AgNPrs was statistically higher (P

Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to human health and is evidently not restricted to any one part of the globe. Over the last few decades, no new antibiotics have been discovered, and many antibiotics currently available are failing against several critical pathogenic strains due to emerging drug resistance. We have designed a strategy to combat deadly drug-resistant bacteria by using nanocargos that consist of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated to ε-polylysine (PLL) and octadecanethiol (C18) either alone or in combination. These nanocargos when tested against reference strains of carbapenem-resistant