International Journal of Nanomedicine最新文献

Introduction: Eprinomectin offers promise against parasitic infections. This study develops Eprinomectin (EPR) mixed micelles for transdermal delivery, aiming to enhance efficacy and convenience against endoparasites and ectoparasites. Physicochemical characterization and pharmacokinetic studies were conducted to assess its potential as an effective treatment for parasitic infections.

Methods: Blank and EPR mixed micelles were prepared using PEG-40 Hydrogenated castor oil (RH-40) and Nonyl phenol polyoxyethylene ether 40 (NP-40). Critical micelle concentrations (CMC) determined using the pyrene fluorescence probe method. Particle size, EE, DL, in vitro release, permeation, and skin irritation were evaluated. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Results: Results show that EPR mixed micelles present suitable stability, physicochemical properties, and safety. Moreover, the rapid release and high bioavailability of EPR mixed micelles have also been verified in the study. Pharmacokinetic experiments in vivo showed that an improvement in the transdermal absorption and bioavailability of EPR after encapsulation in mixed micelles formulations.

Conclusion: The results proved that the novel mixed micelles are safe and effective and are expected to become a promising veterinary nano-delivery system.

Purpose: The study was intended to compare the surface properties and the bacterial and biofilm adhesion resistance of two potential antibacterial nanometer titanium dioxide (nano-TiO₂) coatings on dental titanium (Ti) abutments prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and the anodic oxidation (AO) techniques.

Methods: Nano-TiO₂ coatings were developed using ALD and AO techniques and applied to Ti surfaces. The surface properties and the bacterial and biofilm adhesion resistance of these coatings were evaluated against commonly used Ti and Zirconia (ZrO₂) surfaces. The chemical compositions, crystalline forms, surface topography, roughness and hydrophilicity were characterized. The antibacterial performance was assessed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM), the Colony-forming unit (CFU) assay and the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay using in vitro models of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) in both single- and mixed-species bacterial compositions.

Results: ALD-prepared nano-TiO₂ coatings resulted in a dense, smooth, and less hydrophilic surface with an anatase phase, significantly reducing the adhesion of the three bacteria by over 50%, comparable to ZrO₂. In contrast, AO-prepared coatings led to a less hydrophilic surface, characterized by various nano-sized pores within the oxide film. This alteration, however, had no impact on the adhesion of the three bacteria. The adhesion patterns for mixed-species bacteria were generally consistent with single-species results.

Conclusion: ALD-prepared nano-TiO₂ coatings on Ti abutments demonstrated promising antibacterial properties comparable to ZrO₂ surfaces, suggesting potential in preventing peri-implantitis. However, the bacterial and biofilm adhesion resistance of AO-produced nano-TiO₂ coatings was limited.

Introduction: Phyto-nanotechnology offers a sustainable method for synthesizing biocompatible metal nanoparticles (NPs) with therapeutic potential. The diverse medicinal flora in the UAE, particularly Leptadenia pyrotechnica (LP), provides a vital resource for advancing this research area. This plant is historically valued in the region for its wide medicinal applications due to its abundance of bioactive compounds.

Methods: In this study, eco-friendly, straightforward, and low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis methods were applied to synthesize potentially therapeutic Zn and Fe NPs using LP extracts. The generated NPs were characterized using UV-VIS, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, XRD and DLS. Moreover, they were investigated for their total phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with their antioxidant and skin anticancer effects.

Results: The UV-Vis spectra disclosed absorption band at about 275 nm, and the FT-IR confirmed the successful coating of the NPs with the plants' phytochemicals, thus ensuring the successful bio-fabrication of the proposed NPs. SEM/EDX outcomes suggest a more potent reducing effect of the aqueous extract, while a more effective coating of the alcoholic extract. DLS revealed monodispersed NPs, with average sizes ranging from 43.82 to 207.8 nm. LFeC demonstrated the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents (49.96±4.76 μg of GAE/mg of DW and 43.89±2.89 μg of Qu/mg of DW, respectively) and the greatest potency against skin cancer cell lines (IC₅₀=263.56 µg/mL). However, LZnC exhibited the strongest radical scavenging effect against DPPH and ABTS radicals (IC₅₀=139.45µg/mL and 35.1µg/mL, respectively).

Discussion: The results of this study demonstrated that both extracts of LP are effective in the green synthesis of Fe and Zn nanoparticles for biomedical applications, with alcoholic extracts providing superior coating, capping, and stabilizing properties, leading to lower agglomeration, higher carbon content, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with enhanced anticancer and antioxidant effects. This work gives a showcase of sustainable materials that are promising for therapeutic applications.

Introduction: Inhalation exposure to silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) is frequently inevitable in modern times. Although the impact of SiNPs on the ecological niche of the lungs has been extensively explored, the role and mechanism of SiNPs in the microenvironment of lung tumors remain elusive.

Methods: In this investigation, Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) was implanted into the left lung in situ after 28 days of intratracheal SiNPs injection into the lungs of mice. This study evaluates the effects of SiNPs on the tumor immune microenvironment both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings indicate that SiNPs can suppress lung cancer by modulating the immune microenvironment of tumors.

Results: SiNPs treatment promotes macrophage M1 polarization by activating both NF-κB pathway and glycolytic mechanisms. This phenomenon may be associated with lung inflammation and fluctuation in the pre-metastatic and metastatic microenvironments induced by SiNPs exposure in mice. Additionally, we have shown for the first time that SiNPs have an inhibitory effect on lung carcinogenesis and its progression.

Conclusion: This study uniquely demonstrates that SiNPs suppress lung cancer by promoting M1 polarization of macrophages in the immune microenvironment of lung tumors. Our findings are critical in exploring the interaction between SiNPs and lung cancer.

Hypocrellin-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) is developing as a viable cancer therapeutic option, especially when enhanced by nanoconjugation. This review investigates the methods by which nano-conjugated hypocrellin enhances therapeutic efficacy and precision when targeting cancer cells. These nanoconjugates encapsulate or covalently bind hypocrellin photosensitizers (PSs), allowing them to accumulate preferentially in malignancies. When activated by light, the nanoconjugates produce singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in oxidative stress that selectively destroys cancer cells while protecting healthy tissues. We look at how they can be used to treat a variety of cancers. Clinical and preclinical studies show that they have advantages such as increased water solubility, improved tumor penetration, longer circulation times, and tailored delivery, all of which contribute to fewer off-target effects and overall toxicity. Ongoing research focuses on improving these nanoconjugates for better tumor targeting, drug release kinetics, and overcoming biological obstacles. Furthermore, the incorporation of developing technologies such as stimuli-responsive nanocarriers and combination therapies opens exciting opportunities for enhancing hypocrellin-based PDT. In conclusion, the combination of hypocrellin and nanotechnology constitutes a significant approach to cancer treatment, increasing the efficacy and safety of PDT. Future research will seek to create conjugates including hypocrellin, herceptin, and gold nanoparticles to induce apoptosis in human breast cancer cells in vitro, opening possibilities for therapeutic applications.

Background: Fungal keratitis is a serious blinding eye disease. Traditional drugs used to treat fungal keratitis commonly have the disadvantages of low bioavailability, poor dispersion, and limited permeability.

Purpose: To develop a new method for the treatment of fungal keratitis with improved bioavailability, dispersion, and permeability.

Methods: Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) was formed by zinc ions and 2-methylimidazole linked by coordination bonds and characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Zeta potential. The safety of ZIF-8 on HCECs and RAW 264.7 cells was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Safety evaluation of ZIF-8 on mice corneal epithelium was conducted using the Draize corneal toxicity test. The effects of ZIF-8 on fungal growth, biofilm formation, and hyphae structure were detected by Minimal inhibit concentration (MIC), crystal violet staining, Propidium Iodide (PI) testing, and calcofluor white staining. The anti-inflammatory effects of ZIF-8 on RAW 246.7 cells were evaluated by Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (qPCR) and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical score, Colony-Forming Units (CFU), Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and immunofluorescence were conducted to verify the therapeutic effect of ZIF-8 on C57BL/6 female mice with fungal keratitis.

Results: In vitro, ZIF-8 showed outstanding antifungal effects, including inhibiting the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus over 90% at 64 μg/mL, restraining the formation of biofilm, and destroying cell membranes. In vivo, treatment with ZIF-8 reduced corneal fungal load and mitigated neutrophil infiltration in fungal keratitis, which effectively reduced the severity of keratitis in mice and alleviated the infiltration of inflammatory factors in the mouse cornea. In addition, ZIF-8 reduces the inflammatory response by downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β after Aspergillus fumigatus infection in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion: ZIF-8 has a significant anti-inflammatory and antifungal effect, which provides a new solution for the treatment of fungal keratitis.

Purpose: Radiotherapy (RT) is currently recognized as an important treatment for glioblastoma (GBM), however, it is associated with several challenges. One of these challenges is the radioresistance caused by hypoxia, whereas the other is the low conversion efficiency of the strongly oxidized hydroxyl radical (•OH), which is produced by the decomposition of water due to high-energy X-ray radiation. These factors significantly limit the clinical effectiveness of radiotherapy.

Results: To address these limitations, we developed a highly stable and efficient nanoplatform (MnO₂/Pt@BSA). Compared to MnO₂@BSA, this platform demonstrates high stability, a high yield of oxygen (O₂), enhanced production of •OH, and reduced clearance of •OH. The system exhibited increased O₂ production in vitro and significantly improved oxygen production efficiency within 100 s at the Pt loading of 38.7%. Furthermore, compared with MnO₂, the expression rate of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) in glioma cells treated with MnO₂/Pt decreased by half. Additionally, the system promotes •OH generation and consumes glutathione (GSH), thereby inhibiting the clearance of •OH and enhancing its therapeutic effect. Moreover, the degradation of the nanoplatform produces Mn²⁺, which serves as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent with a T₁-weighted enhancement effect at the tumor site. The nanoplatform exhibited excellent biocompatibility and performed multiple functions related to radiotherapy, with simpler components. In U87 tumor bearing mice model, we utilized MnO₂/Pt nanocatalysis to enhance the therapeutic effect of radiotherapy on GBM.

Conclusion: This approach represents a novel and effective strategy for enhancing radiotherapy in gliomas, thereby advancing the field of catalytic radiotherapy and glioma treatment.

Background: After cardiovascular disease, cancer is one of the leading causes of death due to uncontrolled cell growth. Breast cancer is among the most prevalent types of cancer. Zingiber officinale Roscoe. rich in phenolic compounds, which can stimulate and function as endogenous antioxidants.

Purpose: Investigation of the in vivo chemopreventive has the potential of nano Z. officinale Roscoe (Zo-NPs) in breast cancer.

Study design: Using female Mus musculus Balb/c induced with benzo[α]pyrene, the chemopreventive action of Z. officinale Roscoe. nanoencapsulated using κ-carrageenan was assessed.

Results: Z. officinale Roscoe Extract. contains 58 compounds, with the main component being [6]-gingerol with [6]-gingerol content being 697.65 ± 8.52 mg/g extract. Nanoencapsulation of Z. officinale Roscoe. has been successfully prepared with a particle size of 483.30 ± 11.23 nm. Zo-NPs are generally resistant to pH, temperature, and salt content variations. Compared to group C₁, which underwent ductular dilatation, the administration of Zo-NPs (group T₂) to female Mus musculus Balb/c, induced by benzo[α]pyrene, revealed no histological alterations in breast tissue. Moreover, administering Zo-NPs can raise blood serum levels of CAT, GSH, and SOD. In addition, it showed a greater ability to lower TNF-α levels than the T₁ group, which received Z. officinale Roscoe extract. (Zo).

Purpose: Wound patches are essential for wound healing, yet developing patches with enhanced mechanical and biological properties remains challenging. This study aimed to enhance the mechanical and biological properties of polyurethane (PU) by incorporating magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) into the patch.

Methodology: The composite patch was fabricated using the electrospinning technique, producing nanofibers from a mixture of PU and MgCl₂ solutions. The electrospun PU/MgCl₂ was then evaluated for various physico-chemical characteristics and biological properties to determine its suitability for wound healing applications.

Results: Tensile strength testing showed that the mechanical properties of the composite patch (10.98 ± 0.18) were significantly improved compared to pristine PU (6.66 ± 0.44). Field scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed that the electrospun nanofiber patch had a smooth, randomly oriented non-woven structure (PU - 830 ± 145 nm and PU/MgCl₂ - 508 ± 151 nm). Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed magnesium chloride's presence in the polyurethane matrix via strong hydrogen bond formation. Blood compatibility studies using coagulation assays, including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and hemolysis assays, demonstrated improved blood compatibility of the composite patch (APTT - 174 ± 0.5 s, PT - 91 ± 0.8s, and Hemolytic percentage - 1.78%) compared to pristine PU (APTT - 152 ± 1.2s, PT - 73 ± 1.7s, and Hemolytic percentage - 2.55%). Antimicrobial testing showed an enhanced zone of inhibition (Staphylococcus aureus - 21.5 ± 0.5 mm and Escherichia coli - 27.5 ± 2.5 mm) compared to the control, while cell viability assays confirmed the non-cytotoxic nature of the developed patches on fibroblast cells.

Conclusion: The study concludes that adding MgCl₂ to PU significantly improves the mechanical, biological, and biocompatibility properties of the patch. This composite patch shows potential for future wound healing applications, with further studies needed to validate its efficacy in-vivo.