Nanomedicine (London, England)最新文献

Aims: This study aims to develop biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with tryptophan (Trp) and isatin (Isa), two biologically active molecules with known blood-brain barrier permeability and anticancer activity. The primary objective was to evaluate the potential of these functionalized MNPs for glioblastoma therapy.

Methods: Trp and Isa were conjugated onto MNPs, and the resulting nanomaterials were characterized using SEM-EDS, FTIR, XPS, and DLS. The U-87 human glioblastoma cell line was used to investigate cellular uptake, cytotoxicity (MTT assay), and radiosensitizing effects. Additional molecular insights were obtained through STRING-based network analysis.

Results: The synthesized MNPs exhibited spherical morphology with a uniform size of approximately 100-110 nm. No significant cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations up to 10 µg/mL under standard culture conditions. However, a 70% reduction in cell viability was achieved following radiotherapy when cells were pretreated with Trp-Isa functionalized MNPs. STRING analysis revealed that Trp and Isa are involved in molecular pathways associated with glioblastoma.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that Trp and Isa functionalized MNPs hold promise as a targeted and radiosensitizing nanoplatform for glioblastoma treatment. The approach also highlights broader potential for such engineered nanoparticles in the field of nanomedicine.

The field of nanoultrasonics technology has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer, a disease characterized by high mortality rates and complex management challenges. Recent studies highlight the potential of this innovative technology in improving early detection rates and enabling precision therapies, which are crucial for better patient outcomes. Despite these advancements, several issues persist within the realm of clinical application, particularly concerning medical ethics and hospital management practices. This review aims to synthesize the latest research developments in nanoultrasonics technology, focusing on its benefits in liver cancer diagnostics and treatment. Additionally, it will explore the ethical considerations and administrative challenges that arise during its implementation in clinical settings. By addressing these aspects, the review seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and offer guidance for the standardized application of this technology in the future, ultimately contributing to improved patient care in liver cancer management.

Background: Systemically administered nanoparticles (NPs) designed for biomedical applications are retained in liver and spleen where they become rapidly phagocyted by tissue macrophages leading to inflammation.

Methods: To gain insight into the NP-immune cell interaction in liver spleen and lungs, we followed the distribution of molybdenum nanoparticles (MoNPs) in vivo by X-Ray Fluorescence Imaging (XRF) and examined the NP-macrophage interaction and physiological response in these organs.

Results: XRF imaging showed that intravenously administered MoNPs transiently accumulate in lungs, liver, and spleen. This leads to increments in the number of Kupffer cells (KC), natural killer (NK) cells, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Macrophage phenotype switched from pro- to an anti-inflammatory. In parallel genes with immunoregulatory and cytoprotective functions were expressed to maintain homeostasis. Nanoparticle uptake in spleen was operated by CD169/Siglec1 splenic macrophages indicating initiation of a secondary immune response. Silica coating reduced nanoparticle toxicity.

Conclusion: The innate immunoresponse to NP uptake in liver and spleen is similar to viral or bacterial infections in these organs. A possible secondary immunoresponse to NPs can be primed in spleen aided by CD169/Siglec1 splenic macrophages. Silica coating of metal NPs tunes down this response.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with limited curative options, particularly in advanced stages. Lipid-based nanocarriers, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and lipid nanocapsules (LNCs), have emerged as promising drug delivery platforms owing to their biocompatibility, versatility, and potential for pulmonary administration. This review highlights recent advances in lipid nanocarriers for lung cancer therapy, with a particular focus on NLCs and LNCs. We discuss key formulation strategies, including solvent-free processes and the use of FDA-approved excipients, as well as advances in drug encapsulation, combination therapies, and surface engineering. We also examine the integration of reverse micelle architectures, which enables the co-encapsulation of hydrophilic and lipophilic agents within a single nanocarrier. Despite encouraging preclinical data, clinical translation of lipid-based nanocarriers, particularly NLCs and LNCs, remains limited due to challenges in large-scale manufacturing, biodistribution variability, rapid clearance, and lack of analytical standardization. We critically examine these barriers and discuss promising solutions such as Quality-by-Design approaches, lung-on-chip models, and advanced characterization tools. Finally, we outline future directions to bridge laboratory innovation and clinical translation, emphasizing the potential of lipid nanocarriers to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient safety in lung cancer treatment.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates and limited treatment options. Recent advances in nanotechnology offer transformative potential for AKI therapy by enabling targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic bioavailability, and minimizing off-target effects. This review highlights the emerging applications of nanomedicine in AKI, focusing on 1) passive and active targeting strategies to optimize renal nanoparticle (NP) accumulation, including size-, charge-, and ligand-dependent approaches, 2) mechanism-based therapeutic innovations, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-ferroptotic nanotherapeutics, and 3) critical challenges in biocompatibility, biodistribution, scalability, and regulatory translation. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on studies published between 2015 and 2025. While preclinical studies demonstrate remarkable efficacy in mitigating AKI pathogenesis, significant hurdles still exist, including risks of NP toxicity, limited and variable filtration across the glomerular barrier, manufacturing reproducibility, and lack of standardized regulatory frameworks. We highlight cutting-edge solutions, such as dynamic targeting ligands, green synthesis methods, and organ-on-a-chip models, to bridge these gaps. By addressing these challenges, nanotechnology could revolutionize AKI management, offering precision therapies tailored to the molecular and cellular underpinnings of renal injury.

Neurological disorders including gliomas and neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by dysregulation of the central nerve system (CNS). Despite recent advances in disease-modifying treatments, pharmacological approaches for neurological disorders still face limitations due to the complexity of these diseases and the challenges in targeting the underlying mechanisms. Magnetic hyperthermia, an approach that utilizes magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to generate localized heat in target cells and tissues by responding to an alternating magnetic field (AMF), has been developed as a non-pharmacological treatment approach for targeting tumor cells or pathogens, primarily through thermal inactivation. Recently, beyond its traditional application in thermal therapies, magnetic hyperthermia has been increasingly explored for neurological diseases. Importantly, recent studies demonstrate the ability of magnetic hyperthermia in eliciting various biological effects by means of triggering heat shock protein (HSP) signaling, enhancing immune responses, and activating heat-sensitive ion channels in neurons. This review highlights the current understanding of magnetic hyperthermia in stimulating molecular and cellular effects on brain tissue and further discusses its potential in the treatment of neurological disorders including Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD). The studies discussed in this review were selected by using the search tool on PubMed with the suggested key words.

Schistosomiasis is the most impactful Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affecting over 240 million people in impoverished tropical and subtropical regions across 78 countries. Despite significant advances in research, praziquantel (PZQ) remains the only available treatment, raising concerns about the emergence of tolerant or resistant Schistosoma strains due to its prolonged and exclusive use. This highlights the urgent need for alternative drugs and therapies. In this context, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising strategy to address the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic limitations of conventional drugs, offering improved solubility, controlled release, enhanced bioavailability, and targeted delivery. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipid nanocapsules, and chitosan nanoparticles with demonstrated antischistosomal activity. It explores the application of both natural and synthetic compounds in various nanoformulations tested in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, it discusses current challenges and future perspectives in the development of nanotechnology-driven therapies for schistosomiasis, reinforcing their potential as innovative alternatives to conventional treatment.

Aims: The development of multifunctional nanoplatforms capable of simultaneous therapeutic and diagnostic applications is a growing focus in biomedical research.

Methods/materials: In this study, silver sulfide - silver nanoparticles coated with bovine serum albumin (Ag₂S-Ag@BSA) were synthesized via a one-step biomineralization method at room temperature. Methotrexate (MTX), a chemotherapeutic agent, was chemically conjugated to the nanoparticles to enhance targeted anticancer activity. Comprehensive characterization using FTIR, UV-Vis, XRD, TEM, and DLS confirmed successful synthesis.

Results: TEM analysis revealed spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 12.02 nm, while DLS indicated a hydrodynamic size of 40 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.20, and a zeta potential of -24 mV, reflecting good stability. Drug release studies demonstrated enzyme-responsive behavior, with significantly increased MTX release in the presence of proteinase K, simulating intracellular protease activity. In vitro and in vivo assessments revealed that the combined treatment strategy - including MTX delivery, X-ray exposure, and radiosensitization - achieved superior therapeutic outcomes compared to monotherapies. Histopathological analysis confirmed the biocompatibility of the nanoplatform, with no observable tissue damage. Furthermore, the nanoparticles exhibited potential as computed tomography (CT) contrast agents.

Conclusion: These results suggest that Ag₂S-Ag@BSA-MTX nanoparticles offer a promising multifunctional approach for cancer theranostics.