Showing papers on "Nanomedicine published in 2021"

Graphene Quantum Dots and Their Applications in Bioimaging, Biosensing, and Therapy.

Abstract: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are carbon-based, nanoscale particles that exhibit excellent chemical, physical, and biological properties that allow them to excel in a wide range of applications in nanomedicine. The unique electronic structure of GQDs confers functional attributes onto these nanomaterials such as strong and tunable photoluminescence for use in fluorescence bioimaging and biosensing, a high loading capacity of aromatic compounds for small-molecule drug delivery, and the ability to absorb incident radiation for use in the cancer-killing techniques of photothermal and photodynamic therapy. Recent advances in the development of GQDs as novel, multifunctional biomaterials are presented with a focus on their physicochemical, electronic, magnetic, and biological properties, along with a discussion of technical progress in the synthesis of GQDs. Progress toward the application of GQDs in bioimaging, biosensing, and therapy is reviewed, along with a discussion of the current limitations and future directions of this exciting material.

Understanding nanoparticle endocytosis to improve targeting strategies in nanomedicine

Abstract: Nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable attention in various fields, such as cosmetics, the food industry, material design, and nanomedicine. In particular, the fast-moving field of nanomedicine takes advantage of features of NPs for the detection and treatment of different types of cancer, fibrosis, inflammation, arthritis as well as neurodegenerative and gastrointestinal diseases. To this end, a detailed understanding of the NP uptake mechanisms by cells and intracellular localization is essential for safe and efficient therapeutic applications. In the first part of this review, we describe the several endocytic pathways involved in the internalization of NPs and we discuss the impact of the physicochemical properties of NPs on this process. In addition, the potential challenges of using various inhibitors, endocytic markers and genetic approaches to study endocytosis are addressed along with the principal (semi) quantification methods of NP uptake. The second part focuses on synthetic and bio-inspired substances, which can stimulate or decrease the cellular uptake of NPs. This approach could be interesting in nanomedicine where a high accumulation of drugs in the target cells is desirable and clearance by immune cells is to be avoided. This review contributes to an improved understanding of NP endocytic pathways and reveals potential substances, which can be used in nanomedicine to improve NP delivery.

Applications of Surface Modification Technologies in Nanomedicine for Deep Tumor Penetration

Abstract: The impermeable barrier of solid tumors due to the complexity of their components limits the treatment effect of nanomedicine and hinders its clinical translation. Several methods are available to increase the penetrability of nanomedicine, yet they are too complex to be effective, operational, or practical. Surface modification employs the characteristics of direct contact between multiphase surfaces to achieve the most direct and efficient penetration of solid tumors. Furthermore, their simple operation makes their use feasible. In this review, the latest surface modification strategies for the penetration of nanomedicine into solid tumors are summarized and classified into "bulldozer strategies" and "mouse strategies." Additionally, the evaluation methods, existing problems, and the development prospects of these technologies are discussed.

Chitosan nanoparticles as a promising tool in nanomedicine with particular emphasis on oncological treatment.

Abstract: The study describes the current state of knowledge on nanotechnology and its utilization in medicine. The focus in this manuscript was on the properties, usage safety, and potentially valuable applications of chitosan-based nanomaterials. Chitosan nanoparticles have high importance in nanomedicine, biomedical engineering, discovery and development of new drugs. The manuscript reviewed the new studies regarding the use of chitosan-based nanoparticles for creating new release systems with improved bioavailability, increased specificity and sensitivity, and reduced pharmacological toxicity of drugs. Nowadays, effective cancer treatment is a global problem, and recent advances in nanomedicine are of great importance. Special attention was put on the application of chitosan nanoparticles in developing new system for anticancer drug delivery. Pre-clinical and clinical studies support the use of chitosan-based nanoparticles in nanomedicine. This manuscript overviews the last progresses regarding the utilization, stability, and bioavailability of drug nanoencapsulation with chitosan and their safety.

Protein nanoparticles in drug delivery: animal protein, plant proteins and protein cages, albumin nanoparticles

Abstract: In this article, we will describe the properties of albumin and its biological functions, types of sources that can be used to produce albumin nanoparticles, methods of producing albumin nanoparticles, its therapeutic applications and the importance of albumin nanoparticles in the production of pharmaceutical formulations. In view of the increasing use of Abraxane and its approval for use in the treatment of several types of cancer and during the final stages of clinical trials for other cancers, to evaluate it and compare its effectiveness with conventional non formulations of chemotherapy Paclitaxel is paid. In this article, we will examine the role and importance of animal proteins in Nano medicine and the various benefits of these biomolecules for the preparation of drug delivery carriers and the characteristics of plant protein Nano carriers and protein Nano cages and their potentials in diagnosis and treatment. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of protein nanoparticles are mentioned, as well as the methods of production of albumin nanoparticles, its therapeutic applications and the importance of albumin nanoparticles in the production of pharmaceutical formulations.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes: A Promising Biological Tool in Nanomedicine.

Abstract: As nano-scale biological vesicles, extracellular vesicles (EVs)/exosomes, in particular, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-exosomes), have been studied in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of many diseases. In addition, through the combination of nanotechnology and biotechnology, exosomes have emerged as innovative tools for the development of nanomedicine. This review focuses on a profound summarization of MSC-exosomes as a powerful tool in bionanomedicine. It systemically summarizes the role of MSC-exosomes as a nanocarrier, drug loading and tissue engineering, and their potential contribution in a series of diseases as well as the advantages of exosomes over stem cells and synthetic nanoparticles and potential disadvantages. The in-depth understanding of the functions and mechanisms of exosomes provides insights into the basic research and clinical transformation in the field of nanomedicine.

Nano-Bio Interactions in Cancer: From Therapeutics Delivery to Early Detection.

Abstract: ConspectusUnderstanding the interactions between nanomaterials and biological systems plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficacy of nanomedicine and advancing the disease diagnosis. The nanopar...

Polysaccharide nanoparticles: From fabrication to applications

Abstract: Polysaccharides have attracted considerable attention in a broad range of applications in recent years, which is due to their remarkable features such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewable origin, and facile modification. Considerable research efforts have been focused on developing polysaccharide nanoparticles and to promote their applications in various areas and biomedicine in particular. The present review highlights the properties of common polysaccharides used in nanoparticle formation as well as strategies to fabricate polysaccharide nanoparticles. Furthermore, the combination of polysaccharide nanoparticles and polymers is presented and brought into the context of applications. Finally, applications of polysaccharide nanoparticles as nano-delivery system, Pickering emulsion stabilisers, and material reinforcing agent in the fields of nanomedicine, cosmetics, and food system are highlighted. Moreover, this review describes and critically discusses present limitations and drawbacks in the preparation and use of polysaccharide nanoparticles, revealing directions to develop polysaccharide nanoparticles for further utilisation in various applications in the future.

Nanotechnology and its use in imaging and drug delivery (Review)

Abstract: Nanotechnology is the exploitation of the unique properties of materials at the nanoscale. Nanotechnology has gained popularity in several industries, as it offers better built and smarter products. The application of nanotechnology in medicine and healthcare is referred to as nanomedicine, and it has been used to combat some of the most common diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The present review provides an overview of the recent advances of nanotechnology in the aspects of imaging and drug delivery.

Nanomedicine for COVID-19: the role of nanotechnology in the treatment and diagnosis of COVID-19.

Abstract: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the recent outbreak of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Although nearly two decades have passed since the emergence of pandemics such as SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), no effective drug against the CoV family has yet been approved, so there is a need to find newer therapeutic targets. Currently, simultaneous research across the globe is being performed to discover efficient vaccines or drugs, including both conventional therapies used to treat previous similar diseases and emerging therapies like nanomedicine. Nanomedicine has already proven its value through its application drug delivery and nanosensors in other diseases. Nanomedicine and its components can play an important role in various stages of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, and research related to COVID-19. Nano-based antimicrobial technology can be integrated into personal equipment for the greater safety of healthcare workers and people. Various nanomaterials such as quantum dots can be used as biosensors to diagnose COVID-19. Nanotechnology offers benefits from the use of nanosystems, such as liposomes, polymeric and lipid nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, and micelles, for drug encapsulation, and facilitates the improvement of pharmacological drug properties. Antiviral functions for nanoparticles can target the binding, entry, replication, and budding of COVID-19. The toxicity-related inorganic nanoparticles are one of the limiting factors of its use that should be further investigated and modified. In this review, we are going to discuss nanomedicine options for COVID-19 management, similar applications for related viral diseases, and their gap of knowledge.

Diatoms with Invaluable Applications in Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and Biomedicine: Recent Advances.

Abstract: Diatoms are unicellular microalga found in soil and almost every aquatic environment (marine and fresh water). Biogenic silica and diatoms are attractive for biotechnological and industrial applications, especially in the field of biomedicine, industrial/synthetic manufacturing processes, and biomedical/pharmaceutical sciences. Deposition of silica by diatoms allows them to create micro- or nanoscale structures which may be utilized in nanomedicine and especially in drug/gene delivery. Diatoms with their unique architectures, good thermal stability, suitable surface area, simple chemical functionalization/modification procedures, ease of genetic manipulations, optical/photonic characteristics, mechanical resistance, and eco-friendliness, can be utilized as smart delivery platforms. The micro- to nanoscale properties of the diatom frustules have garnered a great deal of attention for their application in diverse areas of nanotechnology and biotechnology, such as bioimaging/biosensing, biosensors, drug/gene delivery, photodynamic therapy, microfluidics, biophotonics, solar cells, and molecular filtrations. Additionally, the genetically engineered diatom microalgae-derived nanoporous biosilica have enabled the targeted anticancer drug delivery to neuroblastoma and B-lymphoma cells as well as the mouse xenograft model of neuroblastoma. In this perspective, current trends and recent advances related to the applications of diatoms for the synthesis of nanoparticles, gene/drug delivery, biosensing determinations, biofuel production, and remediation of heavy metals are deliberated, including the underlying significant challenges and future perspectives.

Recent Advances in Cell Membrane-Derived Biomimetic Nanotechnology for Cancer Immunotherapy.

Abstract: Immunotherapy will significantly impact the standard of care in cancer treatment. Recent advances in nanotechnology can improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. However, concerns regarding efficiency of cancer nanomedicine, complex tumor microenvironment, patient heterogeneity, and systemic immunotoxicity drive interest in more novel approaches to be developed. For this purpose, biomimetic nanoparticles are developed to make innovative changes in the delivery and biodistribution of immunotherapeutics. Biomimetic nanoparticles have several advantages that can advance the clinical efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Thus there is a greater push toward the utilization of biomimetic nanotechnology for developing effective cancer immunotherapeutics that demonstrate increased specificity and potency. The recent works and state-of-the-art strategies for anti-tumor immunotherapeutics are highlighted here, and particular emphasis has been given to the applications of cell-derived biomimetic nanotechnology for cancer immunotherapy.

The ancillary effects of nanoparticles and their implications for nanomedicine.

Abstract: Nanoparticles are often engineered as a scaffolding system to combine targeting, imaging and/or therapeutic moieties into a unitary agent. However, mostly overlooked, the nanomaterial itself interacts with biological systems exclusive of application-specific particle functionalization. This nanoparticle biointerface has been found to elicit specific biological effects, which we term ‘ancillary effects’. In this Review, we describe the current state of knowledge of nanobiology gleaned from existing studies of ancillary effects with the objectives to describe the potential of nanoparticles to modulate biological effects independently of any engineered function; evaluate how these effects might be relevant for nanomedicine design and functional considerations, particularly how they might be useful to inform clinical decision-making; identify potential clinical harm that arises from adverse nanoparticle interactions with biology; and, finally, highlight the current lack of knowledge in this area as both a barrier and an incentive to the further development of nanomedicine. Nanoparticles used for biomedical applications might elicit unexpected adverse or beneficial biological effects unrelated to the function for which they were designed. In this Review, the authors describe some of these ‘yin and yang’ ancillary effects, and discuss their implications for nanomedicine development.

Targeted Drug Delivery - From Magic Bullet to Nanomedicine: Principles, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.

Abstract: Nanomedicine is an advanced version of Paul Ehrlich's "magic bullet" concept. Targeted drug delivery is a system of specifying the drug moiety directly into its targeted body area (organ, cellular, and subcellular level of specific tissue) to overcome the aspecific toxic effect of conventional drug delivery, thereby reducing the amount of drug required for therapeutic efficacy. To achieve this objective, the magic bullet concept was developed and pushed scientists to investigate for more than a century, leading to the envisioning of different nanometer-sized devices - today's nanomedicine. Different carrier systems are being used and investigated, which include colloidal (vesicular and multiparticulate) carriers, polymers, and cellular/subcellular systems. This review addresses the need for and advantages of targeting, with its basic principles, strategies, and carrier systems. Recent advances, challenges, and future perspectives are also highlighted.

Bacteriogenic Platinum Nanoparticles for Application in Nanomedicine.

Abstract: Nanoscale materials have recently gained wide attention due to their potential to revolutionize many technologies and industrial sectors, including information technology, homeland security, transportation, energy, food safety, environmental science, catalysis, photonics and medicine. Among various nanoparticles, platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) are widely used for biomedical applications, including imaging, implants, photothermal therapy and drug delivery. Indeed, PtNPs possesses intrinsic antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Also, due to their remarkable catalytic activity, they are able to reduce the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and impair the downstream pathways leading to inflammation. Various approaches, including both physical and chemical methods, are currently employed for synthesis of PtNPs. However, the use of hazardous reaction conditions and toxic chemicals in these processes poses a potential threat to the environment and severely compromise the biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. Hereby, increasing need for exploitation of novel routes for synthesis of PtNPs has led to development of biological fabrication using microbes, specifically bacteria. Herein, we present a most comprehensive report on biogenesis of PtNPs by several bacteria like Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Desulfovibrio alaskensis, Escherichia coli, Shewanella algae, Plectonema boryanum, etc. An overview of the underlying mechanisms of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic methods of synthesis is included. Moreover, this review highlights the scope of developing optimized process to control the physicochemical properties, such as the nanoparticle surface chemistry, charge, size and shape, which, in turn, may affect their nanotoxicity and response at the biointerface for nanomedicine applications.

A Critical Review of the Use of Surfactant-Coated Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine and Food Nanotechnology

Abstract: Surfactants, whose existence has been recognized as early as 2800 BC, have had a long history with the development of human civilization. With the rapid development of nanotechnology in the latter half of the 20th century, breakthroughs in nanomedicine and food nanotechnology using nanoparticles have been remarkable, and new applications have been developed. The technology of surfactant-coated nanoparticles, which provides new functions to nanoparticles for use in the fields of nanomedicine and food nanotechnology, is attracting a lot of attention in the fields of basic research and industry. This review systematically describes these "surfactant-coated nanoparticles" through various sections in order: 1) surfactants, 2) surfactant-coated nanoparticles, application of surfactant-coated nanoparticles to 3) nanomedicine, and 4) food nanotechnology. Furthermore, current progress and problems of the technology using surfactant-coated nanoparticles through recent research reports have been discussed.