Nanomedicine

About: Nanomedicine is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 4287 publications have been published within this topic receiving 200647 citations.

Therapeutic Remodeling of the Tumor Microenvironment Enhances Nanoparticle Delivery

Abstract: A major challenge in the development of cancer nanomedicine is the inability for nanomaterials to efficiently penetrate and deliver therapeutic agents into solid tumors. Previous studies have shown that tumor vasculature and extracellular matrix regulate the transvascular and interstitial transport of nanoparticles, both critical for successfully delivering nanomedicine into solid tumors. Within the malignant tumor microenvironment, blood vessels are morphologically abnormal and functionally exhibit substantial permeability. Furthermore, the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM), unlike that of the normal tissue parenchyma, is densely packed with collagen. These pathophysiological properties greatly impede intratumoral delivery of nanomaterials. By using an antivascular endothelial growth factor receptor antibody, DC101, and an antitransforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) antibody, normalization of the tumor vasculature and ECM is achieved, respectively, in a syngeneic murine glioma model. This normalization effect results in a more organized vascular network, improves tissue perfusion, and reduces collagen density, all of which contribute to enhanced nanoparticle delivery and distribution within tumors. These findings suggest that combined vascular and ECM normalization strategies can be used to remodel the tumor microenvironment and improve nanomedicine delivery into solid tumors, which has significant implications for developing more effective combinational therapeutic strategies using cancer nanomedicine.

Silver nanoparticles: synthesis, characterisation and biomedical applications

Abstract: Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field due to its unique functionality and a wide range of applications. Nanomedicine explores the possibilities of applying the knowledge and tools of nanotechnology for the prevention, treatment, diagnosis and control of disease. In this regard, silver nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 1 to 100 nm are considered most important due to their unique properties, ability to form diverse nanostructures, their extraordinary range of bactericidal and anticancer properties, wound healing and other therapeutic abilities and their cost-effectiveness in production. The current paper reviews various types of physical, chemical and biological methods used in the production of silver nanoparticles. It also describes approaches employing silver nanoparticles as antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents, as antitumour agents, in dentistry and dental implants, as promoters of bone healing, in cardiovascular implants and as promoters of wound healing. The paper also explores the mechanism of action, synthesis methods and morphological characterisation of silver nanoparticles to examine their role in medical treatments and disease management.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles: A greener approach for a cleaner future

Abstract: Nanotechnology, the study of matter at the nanoscale (i.e., between 1–100 nm), has opened up novel dimensions in the field of biotechnology and nanomedicine, along with various other important applications such as drug delivery, electronics, cosmetics, and biosensors. Nanoparticles of varied shapes and sizes can be synthesized by using physical, chemical, or biological pathways. However, exploiting physical and chemical routes lead to high energy consumption, low yield, high cost, and environmental damage by employing harsh reducing agents. The biological pathways involve the use of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, etc.) or plants, and using microorganisms is riskier because of the pathogenicity issue; it also requires maintenance of large cultures. Therefore, synthesis of nanoparticles with greener methods is preferred. In this chapter, we present a generalized view of green synthesis for the generation of nanoparticles involving plants or their parts as a cost-effective, simpler, and eco-friendly approach. The various factors affecting the green synthesis of nanoparticles are also considered and explained.