Search

The current study is centered on the application of magnetically targeted drug delivery in a constricted vertical bifurcated artery utilizing Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. The arterial stenosis is characterized by a bell-shaped narrowing in the parent artery and overlapping narrowing in the daughter artery. The blood is regarded as exhibiting the rheological behavior of a Casson fluid. The temperature-dependent nature of blood viscosity is postulated, and Reynold's viscosity model describes it. This study examines the impact of electromagnetohydrodynamics (EMHD), body acceleration, Joule heating, and viscous dissipation. The assumption of a no-slip velocity condition is made at the walls of the artery. The governing equations are subjected to a process of non-dimensionalization and simplification, employing the mild-stenosis approximation. The resulting equations are subsequently solved in MATLAB by employing the finite-difference Crank–Nicolson technique. Entropy plays a significant role during any treatment or surgery; therefore, the present problem addresses entropy generation minimization. The results for velocity, temperature, wall shear stress, flow rate, impedance, heat transfer rate, entropy generation number, and Bejan number are represented graphically. The velocity contours illustrate that the flow velocity enhances with the Casson fluid and particle mass parameters. Furthermore, the number of trapped bolus also increases in the daughter artery. The nanofluid velocity and particle velocity decrease with an increase in the particle concentration parameter in the parent artery and the daughter artery. Entropy declines with the temperature difference parameter increment, whereas the Bejan number enhances. Magnetite (Fe 3 O 4) nanoparticles have various applications owing to their biocompatibility, elevated magnetic susceptibility, chemical stability, non-toxic nature, and cost-effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is currently the main method for treating coronary artery stenosis, but the incidence of restenosis after PCI is relatively high. Restenosis, the narrowing of blood vessels by more than 50% of the normal diameter after PCI, severely compromises the therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, preventing postinterventional restenosis is important. Vascular restenosis is mainly associated with endothelial injury, the inflammatory response, the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and intimal hyperplasia (IH) and is usually prevented by administering antiproliferative or anti-inflammatory drugs through drug-eluting stents (DESs); however, DESs can lead to uncontrolled drug release. In addition, as extracorporeal implants, they can cause inflammation and thrombosis, resulting in suboptimal treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a drug carrier with controlled drug release and high biocompatibility for in vivo drug delivery to prevent restenosis. The development of nanotechnology has enabled the preparation of nanoparticle drug carriers with low toxicity, high drug loading, high biocompatibility, precise targeting, controlled drug release and excellent intracellular delivery ability. This review summarizes the advantages of nanoparticle drug carriers for treating vascular restenosis, as well as how nanoparticles have improved targeting, slowed the release of therapeutic agents, and prolonged circulation in vivo to prevent vascular restenosis more effectively. The overall purpose of this review is to present an overview of nanoparticle therapy for vascular restenosis. We expect these findings to provide insight into nanoparticle-based therapeutic approaches for vascular restenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, nanotechnology has gained popularity as a viable solution to address gene and drug delivery challenges over conventional methods. Extensive research has been conducted on nanosystems that consist of organic/inorganic materials, drugs, and its biocompatibility become the primary goal of improving drug delivery. Various surface modification methods help focus targeted and controlled drug release, further enabling multidrug delivery also. This newer technology ensures the stability of drugs that can unravel the mechanisms involved in cellular processes of disease development and its management. Tailored medication delivery provides benefits such as therapy, controlled release, and reduced adverse effects, which are especially important for controlling illnesses like cancer. However, multifunctional nanocarriers that possess high viscoelasticity, extended circulation half-life, biocompatibility, and biodegradability face some challenges and limitations too in human bodies. To produce a consistent therapeutic platform based on complex three-dimensional nanoparticles, careful design and engineering, thorough orthogonal analysis methods, and reproducible scale-up and manufacturing processes will be required in the future. Safety and effectiveness of nano-based drug delivery should be thoroughly investigated in preclinical and clinical trials, especially when considering biodistribution, targeting specific areas, and potential immunological toxicities. Overall, the current review article explores the advancements in nanotechnology, specific to nanomaterial-enabled drug delivery systems, carrier fabrication techniques and modifications, disease management, clinical research, applications, limitations, and future challenges. The work portrays how nanomedicine distribution affects healthcare with an emphasis on the developments in drug delivery techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cysteine cathepsins are a fascinating group of proteolytic enzymes that play diverse and crucial roles in numerous biological processes, both in health and disease. Understanding these proteases is essential for uncovering novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of a wide range of disorders, such as cancer. Cysteine cathepsins influence cancer biology by participating in processes such as extracellular matrix degradation, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and apoptosis. In this comprehensive review, we explore foundational research that illuminates the diverse and intricate roles of cysteine cathepsins as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for cancer. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the clinical relevance of cysteine cathepsins and explore their capacity to advance personalised and targeted medical interventions in oncology. • Cysteine cathepsins are pivotal in many cancer processes, making them desirable therapeutic targets. • Irregular cysteine cathepsin levels can serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in various cancers. • Development of molecular probes for cysteine cathepsins enhances diagnostic imaging and image-guided surgery. • Selective inhibitors and novel drug delivery systems targeting cysteine cathepsins hold promise for innovative cancer treatments. • Advances in antibody-drug conjugates utilizing cysteine cathepsins offer major potential in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by bilateral chest infiltration and acute hypoxic respiratory failure. ARDS carries significant morbidity and mortality despite advancements in medical management, calling for the development of novel therapeutic targets. Hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) is a heterodimeric protein involved in various essential pathways, including metabolic reprogramming, immune modulation, angiogenesis and cell cycle regulation. HIF is routinely degraded in homeostasis conditions via the prolyl hydroxylase domain/von Hippel–Lindau protein pathway. However, HIF is stabilized in ARDS via various mechanisms (oxygen‐dependent and independent) as an endogenous protective pathway and plays multifaceted roles in different cell populations. This review focuses on the functional role of HIF and its target genes during ARDS, as well as how HIF has evolved as a therapeutic target in current medical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To construct a novel liposomal drug delivery system co-modified with SP94 and BR2 ligands, encapsulating both the bitter ginseng derivative B21 and doxorubicin (DOX), to achieve superior anti-tumour efficacy and reduced toxic side effects. Methods: Liposomes were prepared using an organic phase reaction method, with B21 encapsulated in the lipid phase and DOX in the aqueous phase. The liposomes were further modified with SP94 and BR2 peptides. The characterisations, cytotoxicity, and in vitro targeting effects were assessed through various methods including ultraviolet spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, nano-size analysis, ultrafiltration centrifugation, dialysis, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy, transwell assay, and tumorsphere assay. Results: SP94/BR2-B21/DOX-LP liposomes were spherical with an average diameter of 120.87 ± 1.00 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.223 ± 0.006, and a surface charge of −23.1 ± 1.27 mV. The encapsulation efficiencies for B21 and DOX were greater than 85% and 97% (mg/mg), respectively. The results indicated that SP94/BR2-B21/DOX-LP exhibited enhanced targeting and cytotoxicity compared to single-ligand modified and unmodified liposomes, with the combined encapsulation of B21 and DOX showing synergistic anti-hepatocarcinogenic effects. Conclusion: SP94/BR2-B21/DOX-LP liposomes represent a promising targeted drug delivery system for hepatocellular carcinoma, offering improved membrane penetration, enhanced therapeutic efficacy, and reduced systemic toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastatic ovarian cancer (MOC) is highly deadly, due in part to the limited efficacy of standard-of-care chemotherapies to metastatic tumors and non-adherent cancer cells. Here, we demonstrated the effectiveness of a combination therapy of GRP78-targeted (TNPGRP78pep) and non-targeted (NP) nanoparticles to deliver a novel DM1-prodrug to MOC in a syngeneic mouse model. Cell surface-GRP78 is overexpressed in MOC, making GRP78 an optimal target for selective delivery of nanoparticles to MOC. The NP + TNPGRP78pep combination treatment reduced tumor burden by 15-fold, compared to untreated control. Increased T cell and macrophage levels in treated groups also suggested antitumor immune system involvement. The NP and TNPGRP78pep components functioned synergistically through two proposed mechanisms of action. The TNPGRP78pep targeted non-adherent cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity, preventing the formation of new solid tumors, while the NP passively targeted existing solid tumor sites, providing a sustained release of the drug to the tumor microenvironment. [Display omitted] • Traditional chemotherapies show limited efficacy against metastatic ovarian cancer. • Novel DM1-prodrug loaded nanoparticles provide improved therapeutic index. • Combo of targeted and non-targeted nanoparticles treated metastatic ovarian cancer. • Two synergistic mechanisms of action for non-targeted versus targeted nanoparticles. • Antitumor immune involvement; increased T cells and macrophages in treated groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite significant progress in combining cancer immunotherapy with chemotherapy to treat triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), challenges persist due to target depletion and tumor heterogeneity, especially in metastasis. Chemotherapy lacks precise targeting abilities, and targeted therapy is inadequate in addressing the diverse heterogeneity of tumors. To address these challenges, we introduce RGDEVD-DOX as a tumor-specific immunogenic agent, namely TPD1, which targets integrin αvβ3 and gets continuously activated by apoptosis. TPD1 facilitates the caspase-3-mediated in situ amplification that results in tumor-specific accumulation of doxorubicin. This local concentration of doxorubicin induces immunogenic cell death and promotes the recruitment of immune cells to the tumor site. Notably, the tumor-targeting capabilities of TPD1 help bypass the systemic immunotoxicity of doxorubicin. Consequently, this alters the tumor microenvironment, converting it into a 'hot' tumor that is more susceptible to immune checkpoint inhibition. We demonstrated the anti-metastatic and anti-cancer efficacy of this treatment using various xenograft and metastatic models. This study underscores the high potential of caspase-3 cleavable peptide-drug conjugates to be used in conjunction with anti-cancer immunotherapies. Metastatic TNBC targeting strategy of TPD1 utilizing focused immune stimulation and caspase-3 mediated amplification cycle. [Display omitted] • Demonstrated effective induction of immunogenic cell death and enhanced immunogenicity in tumors. • Achieved effective targeted drug delivery utilizing the caspase-3 mediated activating cycle. • Successfully targets both primary tumors and metastasis in diverse mice TNBC models. • Shows synergistic anticancer efficacy when combined with anti-PD1 treatments. • Exhibits minimal immunotoxic effects compared to doxorubicin, ensuring safer combination therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study revolves around the synthesis of poly (amino acid)-based polymers, specifically designed as block copolymers incorporating poly (glutamic acid) and poly (ethylene glycol), with varying glutamic acid moieties. Extensive characterization of these block copolymers was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. The integration of the potent anti-cancer agent, doxorubicin, into these constructs was successfully achieved. The determination of nanoparticle sizes was accomplished through dynamic laser light scattering; while, zeta potential measurements provided insights into surface charges. Following the drug loading into nanomicelles, the release profiles were investigated under conditions simulating the tumor-specific acidic pH and physiological blood pH (7.4). In vitro cytotoxicity evaluations were performed, revealing dose and time-dependent reactions for both free and loaded doxorubicin against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Additionally, the mechanisms of cellular uptake were explored using confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. The findings unveiled that the cellular uptake of free doxorubicin predominantly follows a diffusion process; while, the drug loaded within nanoparticles is internalized via endocytosis. The nanoparticles were skillfully engineered to possess optimal size, shape, and surface charge, thereby showcasing their potential as proficient vehicles for targeted drug delivery. In summary, this study not only demonstrates the successful synthesis and meticulous characterization of poly (amino acid)-based nanocarriers but also underscores their biocompatibility, favorable attributes, and promising capabilities as effective platforms for precise and targeted drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanide luminescent materials have rapidly emerged as potential candidates in the fields of drug delivery and bioimaging. In this study a spherical composite material theory with uniform particle size, good biocompatibility, fluorescence emission performance and an efficient targeted drug delivery system was proposed. To achieve this, a facile ultrasonic atomization approach to synthesize sodium alginate-lanthanum (SA-La) cross-linked microspheres at room temperature was developed, and then they were loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), yielding DOX@SA-La for targeted liver cancer cell treatment. Fluorescence studies indicated that the SA-La microspheres exhibited excellent fluorescence properties with intense blue fluorescence emitted. Moreover, the ability of drug release in-vitro of the SA-La and Calcium alginate (SA-Ca) microspheres were proved by UV-visible spectrophotometry, and the drug release values of these two drug carriers were considerable. In addition, cytotoxicity tests via the CCK-8 assay revealed that the DOX@SA-La delivery system considerably inhibited hepatocellular carcinoma cells growth. Conclusively, the SA-La fluorescent microsphere drug carriers enables real-time anti-cancer efficacy observations and analyses, having promise as a potent therapeutic and diagnostic tool for liver cancer treatments and drug tracing in the tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as carriers for HIF-1α siRNA-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) for targeted therapy of experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Materials & methods: A poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-core/lipid-shell hybrid NP was designed. The transfection efficacy of MSCs with the hybrid NPs was assessed. Mice were intravenously injected with MSCs after laser photocoagulation and CNV was assessed at 7 days post-injection. Results & conclusion: The transfection efficiency of hybrid NPs into MSCs was 72.7%. HIF-1α mRNA expression in 661w cells co-cultured with MSC-hybrid-siRNA NPs was significantly lower. Intravenous delivery of MSC-hybrid-siRNA NPs greatly reduced CNV area and length. Intravenous injection of MSC-hybrid-siRNA NPs achieved therapeutic efficacy in reducing CNV area. The MSC-mediated homing enabled targeted inhibition of ocular angiogenesis. Article highlights A HIF-1α siRNA-loaded PLGA@lipid hybrid nanoparticles system was designed. An MSC-mediated biodegradable hybrid nanoparticle system for targeted delivery of HIF-1α siRNA was developed. The MSC-mediated homing enabled targeted ocular angiogenesis. MSCs can be potentially exploited as an ideal drug delivery system, a so-called Trojan horse strategy. Systemic administration of MSCs loaded with nanoparticles inhibited pathological angiogenesis. Integration of advanced nanomaterials with cell-based platforms can amplify the overall therapeutic impact. MSCs can be safely delivered without triggering a major immune reaction. The ability of MSCs to specifically migrate to CNV without accrual in other organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a red seaweed (Solieria robusta) containing ι‐carrageenan (Carr) was used for nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis using silver (Ag) ions. Initially, the ι‐Carr was extracted from S. robusta using the alkali method. The Carr extracted was fractionated into 3 fractions and > 14 kDa fraction showing high yield with maximum sulfate content characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) as ι‐Carr was used for AgNPs synthesis. The synthesized CarrAgNPs were again used for curcumin (Cur) encapsulation. The cytotoxicity of Carr, Cur, CarrAgNPs, and CurCarrAgNPs was evaluated using HeLa cell lines by MTT assay. The CarrAgNPs and CurCarrAgNPs were characterized using UV‐visible spectroscopy, as well as FT‐IR and XRD analysis. The UV‐visible spectrum confirms the CarrAgNPs showing characteristic SPR bands recorded between 344 and 490 nm with broad peak at 430 nm. The shape of the NPs is spherical, arranged in order of seven per chain. The XRD and FT‐IR characteristics confirm the orthorhombic crystal structure of these NPs. Remarkably, Cur‐loaded CarrAgNPs demonstrate potent anticancer properties by maximum reduction of HeLa cell viability after 24 h at 200 μg/mL in pH 7.4 in an MTT assay medium. A significant increase in the cancer cell viability was recorded at high concentrations of CurCarrAgNPs, confirming its less diffusion and dissolution properties and bioavailability due to lipophilic Cur encapsulation, whereas cytotoxicity was increased proportionately by increasing concentrations of Cur, Carr, and CarrAgNPs that confirm a direct relation with size, dissolution, and bioavailability recorded on the basis of cell death in 24 h of introduction at pH 7.4. The cytotoxicity results suggest the potential of Cur, Carr, CarrAgNPs, and CurCarrAgNPs for drug delivery in selective biomedical product developments. This study highlights the versatility and effectiveness of CurCarrAgNPs in cancer therapy by enhancing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions and targeted drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supramolecular assemblies of stimuli-responsive amphiphilic molecules have been of utmost interest in targeted drug delivery applications, owing to their capability of sequestering drug molecules in one set of conditions and releasing them in another. To minimize undesired disassembly and stabilize noncovalently encapsulated drug molecules, the strategy of core or shell cross-linking has become a fascinating approach to constructing cross-linked polymeric or small molecule-based nanoassemblies. In this article, we discuss the design and synthetic strategies for cross-linked nanoassemblies from small molecule-based amphiphiles, with robust stability and enhanced drug encapsulation capability. We highlight their potential biomedical applications, particularly in drug or gene delivery, and cell imaging. This feature article offers a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in the application of small molecule-based covalently cross-linked nanocarriers for materials and biomedical applications, which may inspire the use of these materials as a potential drug delivery system for future chemotherapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted immunotherapies make substantial strides in clinical cancer care due to their ability to counteract the tumor's capacity to suppress immune responses. Advances in biomimetic technology with minimally immunogenic and highly targeted, are addressing issues of targeted drug delivery and disrupting the tumor's immunosuppressive environment to trigger immune activation. Specifically, the use of dendritic cell (DC) membranes to coat nanoparticles ensures targeted delivery due to DC's unique ability to activate naive T cells, spotlighting their role in immunotherapy aimed at disrupting the tumor microenvironment. The potential of DC's biomimetic membrane to mediate immune activation and target tumors is gaining momentum, enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatments in conjunction with other immune responses. This review delves into the methodologies behind crafting DC membranes and the fusion of dendritic and tumor cell membranes for encapsulating therapeutic nanoparticles. It explores their applications and recent advancements in combating cancer, offering an all-encompassing perspective on DC biomimetic nanosystems, immunotherapy driven by antigen presentation, and the collaborative efforts of drug delivery in chemotherapy and photodynamic therapies. Current evidence shows promise in augmenting combined therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment and holds translational potential for various cancer treatments in a clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but its therapeutic options are limited. Liraglutide (LIR), a synthetic analog of GLP-1 approved as an anti-obesity drug by the FDA, has been reported as a promising drug for diabetic atherosclerosis. However, the main problem with LIR is its use that requires regular parenteral injections, which necessitates the improvement of drug delivery for increased efficiency and minimization of injection numbers. Results: The objective of our present study was to prepare and characterize nanoparticles (BSA@LIR-PMF) for targeted drug delivery using LIR-encapsulated platelet membrane fragments (PMF) coated bovine serum albumin (BSA). We used various methods to characterize the prepared nanoparticles and evaluated their efficiency on diabetes-induced atherosclerosis in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the nanoparticles were spherical and had good stability and uniform size with intact membrane protein structure. The loading and encapsulation rates (LR and ER) of BSA@LIR-PMF were respectively 8.29% and 90.39%, while the cumulative release rate was around 77.06% after 24 h. Besides, we also examined the impact of BSA@LIR-PMF on the proliferation, migration, phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, lactate and ATP levels, and lipid deposition in the aortas. The results indicated that BSA@LIR-PMF could effectively inhibit ox-LDL-stimulated abnormal cell proliferation and migration, reduce the level of ROS and lactate concentration, and enhance the level of ATP, thereby improving oxidative phosphorylation in ox-LDL-treated cells. Conclusion: BSA@LIR-PMF significantly inhibited diabetes-induced atherosclerosis. It was anticipated that the BSA@LIR-PMF nanoparticles might be used for treating diabetes-associated cardiovascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer has become the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths, surpassing all other forms of cancer. Among lung cancers, non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of cases. The use of tobacco, genetic traits, and radiation exposure are amongst the major reasons of lung cancer. The ongoing research in the medical field has considered the efficacy of nanocarriers in targeting various cancer cells. Among several biomaterials, lipid‐based nanocarriers have gained special attention due to their excellent compatibility, improved targeting efficacy, and encapsulation ability of diverse therapeutic agents. Phospholipids are naturally occurring amphiphilic moieties found in all living creatures. The presence of phospholipids in biomembrane aids the permeability of phospholipid‐based drug carrier. It can also facilitate targeting of therapeutic agents to cancer microenvironment without degrading the encapsulated drug. Phospholipids can be employed to develop conjugated nanocarriers and vesicular nanoformulation that can result in prolonged circulatory half‐life and controlled release of drugs. Phospholipids are also suitable biomaterials to attach a ligand for tissue‐specific targeting. Recent researches have reported effective targeting of chemotherapeutic agents, genes, and vaccines through phospholipid‐based nanocarriers to lung cancer cells. This review focuses on the rationality and applications of phospholipid‐based nanocarriers in lung cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the pathophysiological basis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin resistance (IR) is closely related to oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation, while nanozymes have a good therapeutic effect on inflammation and OS by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hence, AuCePt porous hollow cascade nanozymes (AuCePt PHNs) are designed by integrating the dominant enzymatic activities of three metallic materials, which exhibit superior superoxide dismutase/catalase-like activities, and high drug loading capacity. In vitro experiments proved that AuCePt PHNs can ultra-efficiently scavenge endogenous and exogenous ROS. Moreover, AuCePt PHNs modified with lactobionic acid (LA) and loaded with disulfiram (DSF), named as AuCePt PHNs-LA@DSF, can significantly improve glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in IR hepatocytes by regulating the insulin signaling pathways (IRS-1/AKT) and gluconeogenesis signaling pathways (FOXO-1/PEPCK). Intravenous administration of AuCePt PHNs-LA@DSF not only showed high liver targeting efficiency, but also reduced body weight and blood glucose and improved IR and lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and diabetic ob/ob mice. This research elucidates the intrinsic activity of AuCePt PHNs for cascade scavenging of ROS, and reveals the potential effect of AuCePt PHNs-LA@DSF in T2DM treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymatic nanomotors harvest kinetic energy through the catalysis of chemical fuels. When a drop containing nanomotors is placed in a fuel-rich environment, they assemble into ordered groups and exhibit intriguing collective behaviour akin to the bioconvection of aerobic microorganismal suspensions. This collective behaviour presents numerous advantages compared to individual nanomotors, including expanded coverage and prolonged propulsion duration. However, the physical mechanisms underlying the collective motion have yet to be fully elucidated. Our study investigates the formation of enzymatic swarms using experimental analysis and computational modelling. We show that the directional movement of enzymatic nanomotor swarms is due to their solutal buoyancy. We investigate various factors that impact the movement of nanomotor swarms, such as particle concentration, fuel concentration, fuel viscosity, and vertical confinement. We examine the effects of these factors on swarm self-organization to gain a deeper understanding. In addition, the urease catalysis reaction produces ammonia and carbon dioxide, accelerating the directional movement of active swarms in urea compared with passive ones in the same conditions. The numerical analysis agrees with the experimental findings. Our findings are crucial for the potential biomedical applications of enzymatic nanomotor swarms, ranging from enhanced diffusion in bio-fluids and targeted delivery to cancer therapy. Enzymatic nanomotors exhibit collective behaviour in fuel-rich environments, forming swarms with enhanced propulsion and coverage. This study investigates the factors affecting swarm movement, revealing that solutal buoyancy drives their motion, with potential biomedical applications like targeted drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-carrying nanoparticles can be recognized and captured by macrophages and cleared away by the immune system, resulting in reduced drug efficacy and representing the main drawbacks. Biomimetic nanoparticles, which are coated with cell membranes from natural resources, have been applied to address this problem. This type of nanoparticle maintains some specific biological activities, allowing them to carry drugs reaching designated tissues effectively and have a longer time in circulation. This review article aims to summarize recent progress on biomimetic nanoparticles based on cell membranes. In this paper, we have introduced the classification of biomimetic nanoparticles, their preparation and characterization, and their applications in inflammatory diseases and malignant tumors. We have also analyzed the shortcomings and prospects of this technology, hoping to provide some clues for basic researchers and clinicians engaged in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticulate delivery systems have been attracting attention in pharmaceutical sciences for enhanced drug bioavailability and targeted delivery. Specifically, these systems can enhance the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs, protect therapeutic agents from degradation, prolong circulation time in the body, control drug release, and facilitate the precise targeting of drugs to specific tissues or cells. However, once administered into the body, nanoparticles often encounter significant challenges that can affect their efficacy and safety, such as issues with stability, biocompatibility, and targeting. The surface properties of nanoparticles are one of the most important features as they can greatly influence the interactions between nanoparticles themselves and between nanoparticles and biological targets. Key surface characteristics, such as charge, hydrophobicity, and the presence of functional groups, determine how nanoparticles behave in biological environments, thereby influencing their stability, cellular uptake, and ability to avoid immune clearance. Modification of the nanoparticle surface has been shown to be an effective approach to modulate the physicochemical and biological properties of nanoparticles, achieving desired therapeutic efficacy in vivo. This review aims to summarize recent advances in surface decoration of nanoparticles, with an emphasis on improved colloidal and biological stability, reduced toxicity, and enhanced drug targeting. The challenges and future perspectives of nanoparticle surface modification approaches are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the deadliest gynecological malignancies in the world and is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The complexity and difficult-to-treat nature of OC pose a huge challenge to the treatment of the disease, Therefore, it is critical to find green and sustainable drug treatment options. Natural drugs have wide sources, many targets, and high safety, and are currently recognized as ideal drugs for tumor treatment, has previously been found to have a good effect on controlling tumor progression and reducing the burden of metastasis. However, its clinical transformation is often hindered by structural stability, bioavailability, and bioactivity. Emerging technologies for the treatment of OC, such as photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, gene therapy, molecular therapy, and nanotherapy, are developing rapidly, particularly, nanotechnology can play a bridging role between different therapies, synergistically drive the complementary role of differentiated treatment schemes, and has a wide range of clinical application prospects. In this review, nanoscale natural drug delivery systems (NNDDS) for targeted drug delivery against OC were extensively explored. We reviewed the mechanism of action of natural drugs against OC, reviewed the morphological composition and delivery potential of drug nanocarriers based on the application of nanotechnology in the treatment of OC, and discussed the limitations of current NNDDS research. After elucidating these problems, it will provide a theoretical basis for future exploration of novel NNDDS for anti-OC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is frequently detected in an advanced stage and has an unfavourable prognosis. Conventional therapies are ineffective for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer. While certain molecular targets have been identified as having a positive response, the absence of appropriate drug carriers prevents their effective utilization. Lung cancer cell-derived exosomes (LCCDEs) have gained attention for their involvement in the development of cancer, as well as their potential for use in diagnosing, treating, and predicting the outcome of lung cancer. This is due to their biological roles and their inherent ability to transport biomolecules from the donor cells. Lung cancer-associated cell-derived extracellular vesicles (LCCDEVs) have the ability to enhance cell proliferation and metastasis, influence angiogenesis, regulate immune responses against tumours during the development of lung cancer, control drug resistance in lung cancer treatment, and are increasingly recognised as a crucial element in liquid biopsy evaluations for the detection of lung cancer. Therapeutic exosomes, which possess inherent intercellular communication capabilities, are increasingly recognised as effective vehicles for targeted drug delivery in precision medicine for tumours. This is due to their exceptional biocompatibility, minimal immunogenicity, low toxicity, prolonged circulation in the bloodstream, biodegradability, and ability to traverse different biological barriers. Currently, multiple studies are being conducted to create new means of diagnosing and predicting outcomes using LCCDEs, as well as to develop techniques for utilizing exosomes as effective carriers for medication delivery. This paper provides an overview of the current state of lung cancer and the wide range of applications of LCCDEs. The encouraging findings and technologies suggest that the utilization of LCCDEs holds promise for the clinical treatment of lung cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery aims to target specific cells, addressing the challenge that many drugs lack the necessary properties to reach their intended targets effectively. Lipid-based nanocarriers considered as a promising drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and ability to encapsulate various drugs. Surface modifications, including the attachment of polyethylene glycol for stability and the conjugation of targeting ligands (e.g., antibodies, peptides) for specific delivery, play a crucial role in enhancing the interaction of these nanocarriers with biological environments. These modifications improve cellular uptake and targeted delivery, thereby increasing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. This review will explore various surface modification techniques and their impact on the performance of lipid nanocarriers in drug delivery. Main body: Lipid-based nanodelivery platforms have garnered significant interest due to their notable characteristics, including their ability to accommodate high drug loads, reduced toxicity, improved bioavailability, and compatibility with biological systems, stability within the gastrointestinal environment, controlled release capabilities, streamlined scaling up processes, and simplified validation procedures. Targeted lipid-based nanocarriers represent a significant advancement over non-targeted counterparts in cancer therapy. Unlike non-targeted systems, which distribute drugs indiscriminately throughout the body, targeted lipid-based nanocarriers can be engineered with ligands or antibodies to specifically recognize and bind to tumor-associated markers, enabling precise drug delivery to cancer cells. This targeted approach enhances therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissues, thereby offering a promising strategy for improving the outcomes of cancer treatment. Conclusion: The authors in this review provide an overview of preclinical research on diverse lipid-based nanocarriers, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanocarriers, and lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles. The customization of these carriers using various surface modifiers is discussed, including folic Acid, peptides, polysaccharides, transferrin, and antibodies. Surface-modified nanocarriers offer regulated discharge, improved penetration capability, and precise drug conveyance. This work compiles recent instances of emerging surface-modified lipid-based nanocarrier systems and their applications, sourced from existing literature. Novel approaches to surface engineering of these nanocarriers, aimed at enhancing their specificity and efficacy in targeted drug delivery, were discussed. Key advancements in this field, such as improved targeting mechanisms and significant therapeutic outcomes demonstrated in preclinical studies, were highlighted. Additionally, critical gaps that require attention include long-term stability, biocompatibility, scalable production methods, regulatory challenges, and the necessary steps to transition from bench to bedside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing and developing small organic molecules for use as urease inhibitors is challenging due to the need for ecosystem sustainability and the requirement to prevent health risks related to the human stomach and urinary tract. Moreover, imaging analysis is widely utilized for tracking infections in intracellular and in vivo systems, which requires drug molecules with emissive potential, specifically in the low-energy region. This study comprises the synthesis of a Schiff base ligand and its selected transition metals to evaluate their UV/fluorescence properties, inhibitory activity against urease, and molecular docking. Screening of the symmetrical cage-like ligand and its metal complexes with various eco-friendly transition metals revealed significant urease inhibition potential. The IC50 value of the ligand for urease inhibition was 21.80 ± 1.88 µM, comparable to that of thiourea. Notably, upon coordination with transition metals, the ligand–nickel and ligand–copper complexes exhibited even greater potency than the reference compound, with IC50 values of 11.8 ± 1.14 and 9.31 ± 1.31 µM, respectively. The ligand–cobalt complex exhibited an enzyme inhibitory potential comparable with thiourea, while the zinc and iron complexes demonstrated the least activity, which might be due to weaker interactions with the investigated protein. Meanwhile, all the metal complexes demonstrated a pronounced optical response, which could be utilized for fluorescence-guided targeted drug delivery applications in the future. Molecular docking analysis and IC50 values from in vitro urease inhibition screening showed a trend of increasing activity from compounds 7d to 7c to 7b. Enzyme kinetics studies using the Lineweaver–Burk plot indicated mixed-type inhibition against 7c and non-competitive inhibition against 7d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological variability poses significant challenges in the development of effective therapeutics, particularly when it comes to drug solubility and bioavailability. Poor solubility across varying physiological conditions often leads to reduced absorption and inconsistent therapeutic outcomes. This review examines how nanotechnology, especially through the use of nanomaterials and magnetic nanoparticles, offers innovative solutions to enhance drug solubility and bioavailability. This comprehensive review focuses on recent advancements and approaches in nanotechnology. We highlight both the successes and remaining challenges in this field, emphasizing the role of continued innovation. Future research should prioritize developing universal therapeutic solutions, conducting interdisciplinary research, and leveraging personalized nanomedicine to address biological variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe development of therapies followed a generalized approach for a long time, assuming that a single treatment could effectively address various patient populations. However, recent breakthroughs have revealed the limitations of this one-size-fits-all paradigm. More recently, the field of therapeutics has witnessed a shift toward other modules, including cell therapies, high molecular weight remedies, personalized medicines, and gene therapies. Such advancements in therapeutic modules have the potential to revolutionize healthcare and pave the way for medicines that are more efficient and with minimal side effects. Cell therapies have gained considerable attention in regenerative medicine. Stem cell-based therapies, for instance, hold promise for tissue repair and regeneration, with ongoing research focusing on enhancing their efficacy and safety. High molecular weight drugs like peptides and proteins emerged as promising therapeutics because of their high specificity and diverse biological functions. Engineered peptides and proteins are developed for targeted drug delivery, immunotherapy, and disease-modulation. In personalized medicine, tailored treatments to individuals based on specific genetic profiling, lifestyle, biomarkers, and disease characteristics are all implemented. Clinicians have tailored treatments to optimize outcomes and minimize adverse effects, using targeted therapies based on specific mutations, yielding remarkable results. Gene therapies have revolutionized the treatment of genetic disorders by directly targeting the underlying genetic abnormalities. Innovative techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9 have allowed precise gene editing, opening up possibilities for curing previously incurable conditions. In conclusion, advancements in therapeutic modules have the potential to revolutionize healthcare and pave the way for medicines that are more efficient and with minimal side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliomas are one of the most frequent primary brain tumors and pose a serious threat to people's lives and health. Platelets, a crucial component of blood, have been applied as drug delivery carriers for disease diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we designed engineered nanoplatelets for targeted delivery of therapeutic miR-375 and temozolomide (TMZ, a first-line glioma treatment agent) to enhance glioma therapy. Nanoplatelets were prepared through mild ultrasound, TMZ and miR-375 were co-loaded through ultrasound and electrostatic interactions, respectively, to combine chemotherapy with gene therapy against glioma. To improve the blood brain barrier (BBB) crossing efficiency and glioma targeting ability, the nanoplatelets were modified with central nervous system-specific rabies viral glycoprotein peptide (RVG) through thiol-maleimide click reaction. The RVG modified nanoplatelets co-loaded TMZ and miR-375 (NR/TMZ/miR-375) not only inherited the good stability and remarkable biocompatibility of platelets, but also promoted the cellular uptake and penetration of glioma tissues, and effectively induced cell apoptosis to enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs. In vivo studies showed that NR/TMZ/miR-375 significantly increased the circulation time of TMZ, and exhibited superior combined antitumor effects. In summary, this multifunctional 'natural' nanodrug delivery system provides a potent, scalable, and safety approach for platelet-based combined cancer chemotherapy and gene therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart electrospun hybrid nanofibers represent a cutting‐edge class of functional nanostructured materials with unique collective properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the applications of smart electrospun hybrid nanofibers in the fields of energy, catalysis, and biomedicine. Electrospinning is a powerful tool to fabricate different types of nanofibers’ morphologies with precise control over structure and compositions. Through the incorporation of various functional components, such as nanoparticles, nanomoieties, and biomolecules, into the (co)polymer matrix, nanofibers can be tailored into smart hybrid materials exhibiting responsiveness to external stimuli such as temperature, pH, or light among others. Herein recent advancements in fabrication strategies for electrospun smart hybrid nanofibers are discussed, focusing on different electrospinning tools aimed at tailoring and developing smart hybrid nanofibers. These strategies include surface functionalization, doping, and templating, which enable fine‐tuning of mechanical strength, conductivity, and biocompatibility. The review explores the challenges and recent progress in the development of smart hybrid nanofibers. Issues such as scalability, reproducibility, biocompatibility, and environmental sustainability are identified as key for improvement. Furthermore, the applications of smart nanofibers in biomedicine, environment, energy storage, and smart textiles underscore their potential to address the challenges in development of nanostructured materials for emerging technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoniazid (INH) is amongst the first-line antibiotics that have been employed for the treatment of Tuberculosis (TB). Despite its potent anti-tubercular action, susceptibility to rapid hepatic first-pass metabolism and elimination largely limits its oral bioavailability, and has been associated with the induction of drug resistance and adverse effects. This presents study aims at the development and evaluation of unique mannosylated INH loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (Mn-INH-SLNs) for the treatment of TB. The Mn-INH-SLNs demonstrated a particle size of 466 ± 11 nm, which was acceptable for macrophage targeting and had % entrapment efficiency of 80.41 ± 1.37% (n = 6). The dissolution studies depicted a dual-phase drug release profile, i.e., burst release followed by a sustained release, revealing the best fit with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The MTT assay (cytotoxicity study) performed utilizing J774A.1 cells with optimized Mn-INH-SLNs deemed them to be safe and nontoxic. Mannosylated SLNs tagged with coumarin-6 (C6 – an established fluorescent marker) showed a substantially high intracellular internalization (1.11-folds) when analyzed through flow cytometric analysis (FACS). The in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation following per-oral administration in rats demonstrated a significant rise in relative bioavailability (∼5.5-folds) with Mn-INH-SLNs compared to pure drug solution. The bio-distribution (drug disposition) studies exhibited greater lung accumulation of Mn-INH-SLNs (2.13-folds) in comparison to the unconjugated INH-SLNs (Un-INH-SLNs). The promising results of the study depict that the targeted-optimized Mn-INH-SLNs may be a propitious and potent tool to fight TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelial cells (ECs) are pivotal in maintaining vascular health, regulating hemodynamics, and modulating inflammatory responses. Nanocarriers hold transformative potential for precise drug delivery within the vascular system, particularly targeting ECs for therapeutic purposes. However, the complex interactions between vascular ECs and nanocarriers present significant challenges for the development and clinical translation of nanotherapeutics. This review assesses recent advancements and key strategies in employing nanocarriers for drug delivery to vascular ECs. It suggested that through precise physicochemical design and surface modifications, nanocarriers can enhance targeting specificity and improve drug internalization efficiency in ECs. Additionally, we elaborated on the applications of nanocarriers specifically designed for targeting ECs in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer metastasis, and inflammatory disorders. Despite these advancements, safety concerns, the complexity of in vivo processes, and the challenge of achieving subcellular drug delivery remain significant obstacles to the effective targeting of ECs with nanocarriers. A comprehensive understanding of endothelial cell biology and its interaction with nanocarriers is crucial for realizing the full potential of targeted drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) manifests as inflammation in the colon, rectum, and ileum, presenting a global health concern with increasing prevalence. Therefore, effective anti-inflammatory therapy stands as a promising strategy for the prevention and management of IBD. However, conventional nano drug delivery systems (NDDSs) for IBD face many challenges in targeting the intestine, such as physiological and pathological barriers, genetic variants, disease severity, and nutritional status, which often result in nonspecific tissue distribution and uncontrolled drug release. To address these limitations, stimulus-responsive NDDSs have received considerable attention in recent years due to their advantages in providing controlled release and enhanced targeting. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying IBD and summarizes recent advancements in microenvironmental stimulus-responsive nanocarriers for IBD therapy. These carriers utilize physicochemical stimuli such as pH, reactive oxygen species, enzymes, and redox substances to deliver drugs for IBD treatment. Additionally, pivotal challenges in the future development and clinical translation of stimulus-responsive NDDSs are emphasized. By offering insights into the development and optimization of stimulus-responsive drug delivery nanoplatforms, this review aims to facilitate their application in treating IBD. This review highlights recent advancements in stimulus-responsive nano drug delivery systems (NDDSs) for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These innovative nanoplatforms respond to specific environmental triggers, such as pH reactive oxygen species, enzymes, and redox substances, to release drugs directly at the inflammation site. By summarizing the latest research, our work underscores the potential of these technologies to improve drug targeting and efficacy, offering new directions for IBD therapy. This review is significant as it provides a comprehensive overview for researchers and clinicians, facilitating the development of more effective treatments for IBD and other chronic inflammatory diseases. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDecade-long efforts in medicinal biotechnology have enabled large-scale in-vitro production of optimised therapeutic RNA constructs for stable in-vivo delivery and modify the expression of disease-related genes. The success of lipid nanoparticle-formulated mRNA vaccines against Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-Cov2) has opened a new era of RNA therapeutics and non-viral drug delivery systems. The major limiting factor in the clinical translation of RNA-based drugs is the availability of suitable delivery vehicles that can protect RNA payloads from degradation, offer controlled release, and pose minimal inherent toxicity. Unwanted immune response, payload size constraints, genome integration, and non-specific tissue targeting limit the application of conventional viral drug-delivery vehicles. This review summarises current research on nano-sized drug carriers, including lipid nanoparticles, polymer-based formulations, cationic nanoemulsion, and cell-penetrating peptides, for targeted therapeutic RNA delivery. Further, this paper highlights the biomimetic approaches (i.e. mimicking naturally occurring bio-compositions, molecular designs, and systems), including virus-like particles (VLPs), exosomes, and selective endogenous eNcapsidation (SEND) technology being explored as safer and more efficient alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blood‐brain barrier (BBB) poses a significant challenge in delivering therapeutic agents for brain diseases due to its high selectivity against foreign substances. This limitation greatly hampers the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs in treating brain cancers. In response, lipid‐based nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a promising approach, offering opportunities for targeted drug delivery by conjugating targeting ligands onto their surface. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in utilizing LNPs to traverse the BBB for enhanced transport of bioactive compounds into the brain, specifically for cancer treatments. Beginning with an exploration of the biological structure and functions of the BBB and the blood‐brain tumor barrier (BBTB), the review highlights the advantages presented by LNPs. Subsequently, it delves into strategies for surface modification of nanoparticles to enhance BBB targeting and improve efficacy in brain cancer treatment. Finally, the review offers insights into future prospects for designing the next generation of LNPs. The review presented herein aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts in overcoming the challenges associated with BBB penetration, ultimately advancing therapeutic strategies for brain cancer and other neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional nanocomposite materials are hybrid systems combining nanoscale fillers with a matrix, resulting in enhanced properties such as mechanical strength, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity. These materials are highly versatile, finding applications across a broad range of fields, including aerospace for lightweight, strong components, electronics for flexible and high-performance devices, healthcare for targeted drug delivery and tissue engineering, and environmental sectors for water purification and pollutant sensing. Their tunable properties make them ideal for addressing emerging challenges in various industries. This special issue entitled as "Functional Nanocomposite Materials" of Journal of Materials Science is a remarkable collection of invited and contributed papers on this topic, showcasing outstanding recent research results in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology and nanorobotics have the potential to greatly enhance precision and therapeutic potential in neurosurgery. Traditional stereotactic neurosurgery uses a 3D coordinate system and imaging to target specific brain locations, but there is a risk of damaging healthy tissue. Nanorobots can autonomously or under control perform tasks such as drug delivery through the blood-brain barrier and reaching deep-seated areas of the brain. They can also be equipped with biosensors to detect specific biochemical markers and provide real-time data for diagnostics. However, there are challenges to address, including biocompatibility, precise control, regulatory frameworks, and accessibility. Close collaboration between engineers, neuroscientists, medical professionals, and regulatory bodies is necessary for successful integration of nanorobotics into neurosurgery. [Extracted from the article]

Categorised as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug targeting the COX-2 enzyme over COX-1, celecoxib (CXB) demonstrates high membrane permeability and low aqueous solubility, placing it in class II of the biopharmaceutical classification system. Therefore, comprehension of its solubility behaviour under different configurations is desirable. The current study explores CXB solubility in propylene glycol and ethanol binary mixtures by varying temperature and cosolvent concentration, using the shake-flask method followed by spectroscopy analysis. The results show increased solubility of CXB in this mixture as ethanol mass fraction and temperature increase. Several cosolvency models were used to correlate data, including van't Hoff, Jouyban-Acree, Jouyban-Acree-van't Hoff, and mixture response surface/modified Wilson models. The mathematical models' accuracy was investigated through mean relative deviation. The Gibbs and van't Hoff equations were employed to establish the thermodynamic features of CXB dissolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloidosomes, pioneering microcapsules composed of coagulated colloidal particles assembled at the interface of emulsion droplets, have garnered significant attention due to their remarkable properties and potential applications in targeted and controlled drug delivery. Their unique core-shell architecture offers unparalleled advantages, including tunable permeability, mechanical strength and encapsulation capabilities for a wide range of therapeutic agents. These versatile carriers have demonstrated remarkable potential in delivering small molecules, biomacromolecules, genetic materials and even living cells, addressing challenges associated with conventional drug delivery systems. Colloidosomes can be fabricated through various techniques, encompassing emulsion-based, nature-of-colloids-based and emerging methods such as microfluidics and 3D printing. Comprehensive characterization, employing techniques like electron microscopy, spectroscopy and rheology, is crucial for understanding their structural, physical and functional properties. Remarkable advancements have been achieved in developing stimuli-responsive, targeted and multi-functional colloidosomes, enabling precise spatiotemporal control, selective accumulation and integrated functionalities for theranostic applications. Despite their immense potential, challenges remain in scaling up production, ensuring long-term stability, navigating regulatory landscapes and facilitating clinical translation. Addressing these obstacles through collaborative efforts, advanced characterization and the integration of emerging technologies is paramount for unlocking the full potential of colloidosomes in revolutionizing drug delivery strategies and realizing personalized medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles ( EVs) are secreted by various cells and carry information such as parent cell-derived RNA, DNA, proteins, and lipids. They mediate information exchange between cells and organs, playing a crucial role in disease occurrence and development, diagnosis, treatment, and targeted drug delivery. EVs are also closely associated with traditional Chinese medicine theories and treatments. The qi-blood-fluid and visceral outward manifestation theories are the fundamental theories of traditional Chinese medicine. EVs belong to the fluid category and can reach other viscera through the blood vessels. They regulate the relationship between the viscera or cause imbalances between the viscera, resulting in disease. Chinese materia medica, which primarily includes traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations, and Chinese herbal medicine, can help regulate the quantity and content of endogenous EVs in the body to improve pathological conditions. Additionally, EV-like particles derived from herbal medicines are a major form of pharmacologically active substances that contribute to the therapeutic effects of Chinese medicine in treating diseases. Furthermore, EVs can also be used as carriers to deliver drugs for targeted therapy. Therefore, exploring the relationship between traditional Chinese medicine and EVs will elucidate the modern scientific connotation of traditional Chinese medicine theories and reveal the mechanism of Chinese materia medica. The development of engineered EVs based on Chinese materia medica will provide novel strategies for clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors are significant medical ailments that impact the brain. Administering therapeutic drugs to the brain is more challenging compared to other organs or systems. The existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses significant complexities and challenges in delivering drugs to the brain. This study explores the potential of Fullerene nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic agent for delivering drugs to the brain and their neuroprotective roles within the central nervous system. Novel drug delivery methods have been devised to surmount obstacles posed by BBB and accomplish targeted drug delivery to the brain. Carbon nanostructures are an excellent option for delivering drugs into the brain because they have favorable biocompatibility and can easily penetrate BBB. Furthermore, these nanocarriers has the potential to serve as a therapeutic agent inside the central nervous system, exhibiting neurogenerative properties in some cases. Additionally, their impact on the proliferation of neurons and their ability to counteract the formation of amyloid plaques is particularly remarkable. Carbon-based nanomaterials, including zero-dimensional fullerene (C60), one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and twodimensional graphene, have shown significant potential in the area of nanomedicine. This is attributed to their unique blend of chemical and physical characteristics, as well as their hydrophobic surfaces. Fullerene nanoparticles have the potential to greatly improve the treatment of brain illnesses by serving as both carriers and therapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted drug delivery has emerged as a transformative approach in the treatment of periorbital skin malignancies, offering the potential for enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects compared to traditional therapies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of targeted therapies in the context of periorbital malignancies, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. It explores the mechanisms of action for various targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and immunotherapies, and their applications in treating these malignancies. Additionally, this review addresses the management of ocular and periocular side effects associated with these therapies, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to minimize impact and ensure patient adherence. By integrating current findings and discussing emerging trends, this review aims to highlight the advancements in targeted drug delivery and its potential to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with periorbital skin malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid nanoparticles and play an important role in cell‐cell communications, making them potential therapeutic agents and allowing to engineer for targeted drug delivery. The expanding applications of EVs in next generation medicine is still limited by existing tools for scaling standardized EV production, single EV tracing and analytics, and thus provide only a snapshot of tissue‐specific EV cargo information. Here, we present the Snorkel‐tag, for which we have genetically fused the EV surface marker protein CD81, to a series of tags with an additional transmembrane domain to be displayed on the EV surface, resembling a snorkel. This system enables the affinity purification of EVs from complex matrices in a non‐destructive form while maintaining EV characteristics in terms of surface protein profiles, associated miRNA patterns and uptake into a model cell line. Therefore, we consider the Snorkel‐tag to be a widely applicable tool in EV research, allowing for efficient preparation of EV standards and reference materials, or dissecting EVs with different surface markers when fusing to other tetraspanins in vitro or in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Focused ultrasound (FUS) and microbubble (MB) exposure is a promising technique for targeted drug delivery to the brain; however, refinement of protocols suitable for large-volume treatments in a clinical setting remains underexplored. Methods: Here, the impacts of various sonication parameters on blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability enhancement and tissue damage were explored in rabbits using a clinical-prototype hemispherical phased array developed in-house, with real-time 3D MB cavitation imaging for exposure calibration. Initial experiments revealed that continuous manual agitation of MBs during infusion resulted in greater gadolinium (Gd) extravasation compared to gravity drip infusion. Subsequent experiments used low-dose MB infusion with continuous agitation and a low burst repetition frequency (0.2 Hz) to mimic conditions amenable to long-duration clinical treatments. Results: Key sonication parameters—target level (proportional to peak negative pressure), number of bursts, and burst length—significantly affected BBB permeability enhancement, with all parameters displaying a positive relationship with relative Gd contrast enhancement (p < 0.01). Even at high levels of BBB permeability enhancement, tissue damage was minimal, with low occurrences of hypointensities on T2*-weighted MRI. When accounting for relative Gd contrast enhancement, burst length had a significant impact on red blood cell extravasation detected in histological sections, with 1 ms bursts producing significantly greater levels compared to 10 ms bursts (p = 0.03), potentially due to the higher pressure levels required to generate equal levels of BBB permeability enhancement. Additionally, albumin and IgG extravasation correlated strongly with relative Gd contrast enhancement across sonication parameters, suggesting that protein extravasation can be predicted from non-invasive imaging. Conclusions: These findings contribute to the development of safer and more effective clinical protocols for FUS + MB exposure, potentially improving the efficacy of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted niclosamide (NIC) as a promising treatment for COVID-19. However, its clinical application is limited due to its poor water solubility, resulting in low bioavailability. Methods: To address this issue, we developed a AuNP-HA-NIC system, which combines gold nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid to enhance drug delivery. Our comprehensive characterization of the system revealed that hyaluronic acid with specific molecular weights, particularly those exposed to electron-beam irradiation between 2 and 20 kGy, produced the most stable nanoparticles for efficient drug loading and delivery. Results: Additionally, the AuNP-HA-NIC system exhibits a significant sensitivity to pH changes, which is a critical feature for targeted drug release. Under acidic conditions mimicking the stomach and small intestine, minimal drug release was observed, indicating the effective prevention of premature drug release in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the integration of a targeting aptamer established specific binding abilities towards the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, distinguishing it from other coronaviruses. Conclusions: As research progresses, and with further in vivo testing and optimization, the AuNP-HA-NIC–aptamer system holds great promise as a game-changer in the field of antiviral therapeutics, particularly in the battle against COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboplatin (Cp) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent, but its effectiveness is constrained by its associated side effects. Frankincense, an oleo-gum resin from the Boswellia sacra tree, has demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. This study explored the synergistic potential of nanoparticles formulated from Boswellia sacra methanolic extract (BME), to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of Cp at reduced doses. Nanoparticles were prepared via the nanoprecipitation method, loaded with Cp, and coated with positively charged chitosan (CS) for enhanced cell interaction, yielding Cp@CS/BME NPs with an average size of 160.2 ± 4.6 nm and a zeta potential of 12.7 ± 1.5 mV. In vitro release studies revealed a pH-sensitive release profile, with higher release rates at pH 5.4 than at pH 7.4, highlighting the potential for targeted drug delivery in acidic tumor environments. In vitro studies on HT-29 and Caco-2 colorectal cancer cell lines demonstrated the nanoformulation's ability to significantly increase Cp uptake and cytotoxic activity. Apoptosis assays further confirmed increased induction of cell death with Cp@CS/BME NPs. Cell-cycle analysis revealed that treatment with Cp@CS/BME NPs led to a significant increase in the sub-G1 phase, indicative of enhanced apoptosis, and a marked decrease in the G1-phase population coupled with an increased G2/M-phase arrest in both cell lines. Further gene expression analysis demonstrated a substantial downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and an upregulation of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax, PUMA, and BID following treatment with Cp@CS/BME NPs. Thus, this study presents a promising and innovative strategy for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents using naturally derived ingredients while limiting the side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a safe and efficient method of targeted drug delivery using pulsed electric fields (PEF), one that is based on the phenomenon of electroporation. However, the problems of electric field homogeneity within a tumor can cause a diminishing of the treatment efficacy, resulting only in partial response to the procedure. This work used gold nano-particles for electric field amplification, introducing the capability to improve available elec-trochemotherapy methods and solve problems associated with field non-homogeneity. Methods: We characterized the potential use of gold nanoparticles of 13 nm diameter (AuNPs: 13 nm) in combination with microsecond (0.6–1.5 kV/cm × 100 μs × 8 (1 Hz)) and nanosecond (6 kV/cm × 300–700 ns × 100 (1, 10, 100 kHz and 1 MHz)) electric field pulses. Finally, we tested the most prominent protocols (microsecond and nanosecond) in the context of bleomycin-based electrochemotherapy (4T1 mammary cancer cell line). Results: In the nano-pulse range, the synergistic effects (improved permeabilization and electrotransfer) were profound, with increased pulse burst frequency. Addi-tionally, AuNPs not only reduced the permeabilization thresholds but also affected pore resealing. It was shown that a saturated cytotoxic response with AuNPs can be triggered at significantly lower electric fields and that the AuNPs themselves are non-toxic for the cells either separately or in combination with bleomycin. Conclusions: The used electric fields are considered sub-threshold and/or not applicable for electrochemotherapy, however, when combined with AuNPs results in successful ECT, indicating the methodology's prospective applicability as an anticancer treatment method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanoparticles that are self-assembled from one or more structural proteins, which can be arranged in several layers or contain a lipid outer membrane. Due to the lack of genetic material, VLPs cannot infect host cells, but are highly immunogenic and can induce immune responses different from conventional inactivated vaccines. VLPs can be produced using a variety of systems including bacterial, yeast, plant, insect and mammalian cells. Compared with traditional vaccines, VLPs have incomparable advantages, so they are becoming more and more popular in the biomedical field. To date, a series of vaccine candidates based on VLPs have been developed for immunization and prevention of various infectious diseases. At the same time, the recent successful application of VLPs in targeted drug delivery and gene therapy has attracted attention. This paper mainly reviews the commonly used expression systems of VLPs and the research progress of their applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a severe condition primarily affecting premature infants with a gestational age (GA) of 30 weeks or less and a birth weight (BW) of 1500 g or less. The objective of this review is to examine the risk factors, pathogenesis, and current treatments for ROP, such as cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation, and anti-VEGF therapy, while exploring the limitations of these approaches. Additionally, this review evaluates emerging nanotherapeutic strategies to address these challenges, aiming to improve ROP management. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather data on the pathogenesis, traditional treatment methods, and novel nanotherapeutic approaches for ROP. This included assessing the efficacy and safety profiles of cryotherapy, laser treatment, anti-VEGF therapy, and nanotherapies currently under investigation. Results: Traditional treatments, while effective in reducing disease progression, exhibit limitations, including long-term complications, tissue damage, and systemic side effects. Nanotherapeutic approaches, on the other hand, have shown potential in offering targeted drug delivery with reduced systemic toxicity, improved ocular drug penetration, and sustained release, which could decrease the frequency of treatments and enhance therapeutic outcomes. Conclusions: Nanotherapies represent a promising advancement in ROP treatment, offering safer and more effective management strategies. These innovations could address the limitations of traditional therapies, reducing complications and improving outcomes for premature infants affected by ROP. Further research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This review examines the evolution of lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) in ocular drug delivery, focusing on their ability to address the challenges associated with traditional ophthalmic formulations. This study aims to underscore the enhanced bioavailability, prolonged retention, and controlled release properties of LLCs that significantly improve therapeutic outcomes. Methods: This review synthesizes data from various studies on both bulk-forming LLCs and liquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNPs). It also considers advanced analytical techniques, including the use of machine learning and AI-driven predictive modeling, to forecast the phase behavior and molecular structuring of LLC systems. Emerging technologies in biosensing and real-time diagnostics are discussed to illustrate the broader applicability of LLCs in ocular health. Results: LLCs are identified as pivotal in promoting targeted drug delivery across different regions of the eye, with specific emphasis on the tailored optimization of LCNPs. This review highlights principal categories of LLCs used in ocular applications, each facilitating unique interactions with physiological systems to enhance drug efficacy and safety. Additionally, novel applications in biosensing demonstrate LLCs' capacity to improve diagnostic processes. Conclusions: Lyotropic liquid crystals offer transformative potential in ocular drug delivery by overcoming significant limitations of conventional delivery methods. The integration of predictive technologies and biosensing applications further enriches the utility of LLCs, indicating a promising future for their use in clinical settings. This review points to continued advancements and encourages further research in LLC technology to maximize its therapeutic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulatory RNA elements fulfill functions such as translational regulation, control of transcript levels, and regulation of viral genome replication. Trans-acting factors (i.e., RNA-binding proteins) bind the so-called cis elements and confer functionality to the complex. The specificity during protein-RNA complex (RNP) formation often exploits the structural plasticity of RNA. Functional integrity of cis-trans pairs depends on the availability of properly folded RNA elements, and RNA conformational transitions can cause diseases. Knowledge of RNA structure and the conformational space is needed for understanding complex formation and deducing functional effects. However, structure determination of RNAs under in vivo conditions remains challenging. This review provides an overview of structured eukaryotic and viral RNA cis elements and discusses the effect of RNA structural equilibria on RNP formation. We showcase implications of RNA structural changes for diseases, outline strategies for RNA structure-based drug targeting, and summarize the methodological toolbox for deciphering RNA structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that can actively participate in post‐transcriptional regulation of genes. A number of studies have shown that miRNAs can serve as important regulators of cancer cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. They can also act as markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of certain cancers. To explore the potential prognosis‐related miRNAs in liver cancer patients, to provide theoretical basis for early diagnosis and prognosis of liver cancer, as well as to provide a new direction for the targeted therapy of liver cancer. The miRNA expression profiles of liver cancer patients in the the Cancer Genome Atlas database were comprehensively analyzed and various prognostic‐related miRNAs of liver cancer were screened out. The data was further subjected to survival analysis, prognostic analysis, gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis, microenvironment analysis, and drug sensitivity analysis by R Language version 4.2.0. Finally, the screened miRNAs were further validated by different experiments. Thus, miNRAs involved in liver cancer diagnosis and prognosis were identified. MiRNA‐3680‐3p was found to be significantly different in 10 different cancers, including liver cancer, and was significantly associated with the microenvironment, survival, and prognosis of liver cancer patients. In addition, drug sensitivity analysis revealed that miRNA‐3680‐3p can provide a useful reference for drug selection in targeted therapy for liver cancer. MiRNA‐3680‐3p can serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of liver cancer patients and down‐regulation of miRNA‐3680‐3p could significantly inhibit both the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]