Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhaoming Chen, Yang Tian, Jieyu Yang, Fapu Wu, Senyao Liu, Wenwen Cao, Weijia Xu, Tao Hu, Daniel J. Siegwart, Hu Xiong
Summary: A library of linker-degradable ionizable lipids (LDILs) was synthesized by introducing a disulfide bond-bridged ester linker, aiming to improve mRNA delivery in vivo. The optimized LDILs demonstrated superior endosomal escape and rapid mRNA release abilities, significantly enhancing mRNA delivery in the liver and enabling efficient gene editing and cancer metastasis delineation.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Md. Mominur Rahman, Md. Rezaul Islam, Shopnil Akash, Md. Harun-Or-Rashid, Tanmay Kumar Ray, Md. Saidur Rahaman, Mahfuzul Islam, Fazilatunnesa Anika, Md. Kawser Hosain, Farjana Islam Aovi, Hassan A. Hemeg, Abdur Rauf, Polrat Wilairatana
Summary: Nanoscale engineering is an innovative approach for treating various diseases, such as cancers, neurological problems, and infectious illnesses. Nanomaterials have shown significant potential in medical transportation and drug delivery, offering advantages like precise targeting and improved effectiveness in overcoming drug resistance. In addition, nanoparticles are also being explored in immunotherapy and neurodegenerative diseases, showing promising applications in these fields.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mkhuseli Zenze, Aliscia Daniels, Moganavelli Singh
Summary: The formulation of nanoscale systems with well-defined sizes and shapes is important for various applications, including drug and gene delivery. Dendrimers have unique characteristics that make them suitable for modifying nanoparticles for biomedical purposes. They can incorporate multiple drugs or genes and can be easily modified for targeted delivery. In this review, the properties of dendrimers and their use as modifiers of inorganic nanoparticles for enhanced therapeutic delivery are discussed.
Article
Oncology
Sibi Raj, Sartaj Khurana, Ramesh Choudhari, Kavindra Kumar Kesari, Mohammad Amjad Kamal, Neha Garg, Janne Ruokolainen, Bhudev C. Das, Dhruv Kumar
Summary: Nanotechnology offers a promising approach for cancer diagnosis and treatment, providing specific and efficient drug delivery to target tissues while minimizing side effects. Various types of nanocarriers are being studied for potential use in cancer therapy.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Zong, Yi Lin, Tuo Wei, Qiang Cheng
Summary: This review summarizes the development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) for mRNA delivery in anticancer therapy, including strategies, therapeutic approaches, and future directions.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Huiqun Huang, Ronghui Liu, Jie Yang, Jing Dai, Shuhao Fan, Jiang Pi, Yubo Wei, Xinrong Guo
Summary: Cancer immunotherapy is a novel approach to enhance the immune system's ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been explored as drug carriers in immunotherapy due to their stability, surface versatility, and optical properties. This review summarizes the synthesis routes and utilization of AuNPs as drug carriers, focusing on drug loading, targeting strategies, and drug release mechanisms in AuNP-based immunotherapy. The application and therapeutic efficacy of AuNPs in combination with cancer immunotherapy are also briefly discussed.
Review
Oncology
Jessica E. Holder, Christopher Ferguson, Elisabete Oliveira, Carlos Lodeiro, Carol M. Trim, Lee J. Byrne, Emilia Bertolo, Cornelia M. Wilson
Summary: Lung cancer is a global health problem, and non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form with conventional treatments often resulting in high rates of recurrence and adverse effects. Nanotechnology offers a potential solution by using nanoparticles to improve drug delivery and targeting to tumors, allowing for increased efficacy and reduced toxicity.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qian Shen, Lei Xu, Rong Li, Guang Wu, Senlin Li, Phei Er Saw, Yusheng Zhou, Xiaoding Xu
Summary: Developed a robust nanoplatform for in vivo delivery of cytotoxic saporin and breast cancer therapy, which could significantly improve the uptake of cytosolic saporin by tumor cells and inhibit tumor growth effectively.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Wei Yang, Jianwei Cao, Hui Cheng, Liang Chen, Meihua Yu, Yu Chen, Xingang Cui
Summary: The approved use of two mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) worldwide in late 2020 has demonstrated the success of mRNA therapeutics and lipid nanoformulation technology in protecting against coronaviruses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This innovative approach with nanoformulations and mRNA therapeutics is believed to hold promise in targeted cancer immunotherapy.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Luis Alberto Bravo-Vazquez, Andrea Mendez-Garcia, Alma L. L. Rodriguez, Padmavati Sahare, Surajit Pathak, Antara Banerjee, Asim K. K. Duttaroy, Sujay Paul
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and their dysregulation is associated with cancer. Artificial miRNAs have shown promising results against cancer, but their targeted delivery is challenging. This review evaluates nanotechnology-based miRNA drug delivery systems for cancer therapeutics and discusses potential challenges and future directions.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chuan Hu, Xueqin He, Yuxiu Chen, Xiaotong Yang, Lin Qin, Ting Lei, Yang Zhou, Tao Gong, Yuan Huang, Huile Gao
Summary: The study introduces a novel self-delivery nanoparticle system for immunotherapy with unique design features. These nanoparticles exhibit drug release and strong anti-tumor immune effects in the tumor microenvironment, leading to significant improvements in therapeutic outcomes.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adil Ali Sayyed, Piyush Gondaliya, Irene K. Yan, James Carrington, Julia Driscoll, Anuradha Moirangthem, Tushar Patel
Summary: Cell-derived nanovesicles (CDNVs), generated by reconstituting cell membranes, are promising substitutes for extracellular vesicles (EVs) in targeted drug delivery. CDNVs have higher yields and a broader range of proteins compared to EVs, and they do not have detrimental effects on cell proliferation, DNA damage, or developmental toxicity. CDNVs can efficiently load RNA and be engineered to modify surface proteins, demonstrating potential for enhanced immunomodulation.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Palaniyandi Muthukutty, Hyun Young Woo, Murali Ragothaman, So Young Yoo
Summary: Immunotherapy is crucial in fighting cancer and achieving successful remission. Recent advances in cancer immunotherapy delivery techniques have been discussed, along with their future prospects. Meticulously designed delivery methods are necessary to effectively attack cancer cells and expose immune cells to the immune system, while maintaining high therapeutic efficacy and minimizing adverse events.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Saji Uthaman, Gabriel Cutshaw, Saman Ghazvini, Rizia Bardhan
Summary: This tutorial review summarizes the recent advances in using nanoparticles to label NK cells for immunoimaging or deliver treatment to activate NK cells and induce long-term immunity against tumors. The key properties of nanoparticles for overcoming challenges in NK cell-based diagnostics and therapeutics are discussed. The review concludes with an outlook on future directions in NP-NK cell hybrid interfaces and the need to address their overall clinical impact and patient response.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanjuan Huang, Zilin Guan, Xiuling Dai, Yifeng Shen, Qin Wei, Lingling Ren, Jingwen Jiang, Zhanghong Xiao, Yali Jiang, Di Liu, Zeqian Huang, Xiaoyu Xu, Yong Luo, Chunshun Zhao
Summary: Engineered macrophages carrying nanomedicine were designed for enhanced chemo/photo/immunotherapy of primary and bone metastatic tumors. This approach showed efficient tumor targeting and therapeutic release triggered by near-infrared light, leading to improved overall survival with limited systemic toxicity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tomas Bauleth-Ramos, Nesma El-Sayed, Flavia Fontana, Maria Lobita, Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi, Helder A. Santos
Summary: Dissolving microneedles (dMNs) are water-soluble polymer drug delivery systems that have become popular for transdermal drug delivery. They offer advantages such as fast dissolution, short application time, and no biohazard risk, making them suitable for various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. The formulation of successful dMNs requires careful consideration of patch design, needles geometry, polymer composition, method of formation, and payloads, as these factors directly affect the mechanical properties and efficacy of the microneedles. This review serves as a guide for dMN formulation, discussing the challenges at each step and strategies to optimize their administration and drug release.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Helder A. Santos, Irina N. N. Savina
Summary: Professor Helder A. Santos and Dr. Irina N. Savina introduce the themed collection on Nanomaterials in drug delivery in RSC Advances.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chiara Tramontano, Joao Pedro Martins, Luca De Stefano, Marianna Kemell, Alexandra Correia, Monica Terracciano, Nicola Borbone, Ilaria Rea, Helder A. Santos
Summary: A nanoparticle-based drug delivery system has been developed for oral administration, which targets colorectal cancer cells and enhances drug efficacy.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Giuseppina Molinaro, Flavia Fontana, Ruben Pareja Tello, Shiqi Wang, Sandra Lopez Cerda, Giulia Torrieri, Alexandra Correia, Eero Waris, Jouni T. Hirvonen, Goncalo Barreto, Helder A. Santos
Summary: This study developed acetalated-dextran nanoparticles (AcDEX NPs) loaded with curcumin and coated with tannic acid (TA) for the treatment of tendinitis. The nanoparticles showed good stability and interaction with human tenocytes and macrophages due to the TA coating. The curcumin-loaded particles exhibited anti-inflammatory properties, while the TA-coated particles showed anti-fibrotic effects. Overall, the nanosystem has promising properties for future application in tendinitis.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pei Zhang, Yingxin Liu, Guobing Feng, Cong Li, Jun Zhou, Chunyang Du, Yuancheng Bai, Shuai Hu, Tianhe Huang, Guan Wang, Peng Quan, Jouni Hirvonen, Jin Fan, Helder A. Santos, Dongfei Liu
Summary: Microparticles with ultrahigh drug loading and zero-order release of protein payloads are successfully engineered through controlled interfacial self-assembly of polymers. Protein molecules are transformed into nanoparticles covered with a polymer layer to improve their miscibility with carrier materials. The resulting microparticles achieve superior encapsulation efficiency and controlled payload release, enabling efficient glycemic control in type 1 diabetes.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Voitto Kankanen, Micaela Fernandes, Zehua Liu, Jani Seitsonen, Sami-Pekka Hirvonen, Janne Ruokolainen, Joao F. Pinto, Jouni Hirvonen, Vimalkumar Balasubramanian, Helder A. Santos
Summary: This study reports the development of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-(e-caprolactone) (PEG-b-PCL) nanoparticles using a microfluidic technique for intravenous drug delivery. The optimized formulation achieved spherical morphology, small particle size (dH < 80 nm), uniform size distribution (PDI < 0.2), high drug loading degree (16%), and encapsulation efficiency of 54%. Furthermore, the nanoparticles exhibited stability and sustained release of sorafenib in vitro over several days. Overall, this research demonstrates the use of microfluidic approach in optimizing drug delivery systems.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Jiachen Li, Shiqi Wang, Flavia Fontana, Christos Tapeinos, Mohammad -Ali Shahbazi, Huijie Han, Helder A. Santos
Summary: Remarkable progress has been made in phototherapy in recent decades, thanks to its non-invasiveness and immediate therapeutic effectiveness. Moreover, the development of nanoparticle-based phototherapy systems has emerged as a hot topic in nanomedicine research, especially in cancer. This review briefly introduces the history and mechanisms of phototherapy, summarizes the recent development in nanoparticle-based phototherapy, highlights the innovative design of nanoparticles, and discusses the potential of these systems in clinical anticancer therapy.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Samin Abbaszadeh, Mohammad Reza Eskandari, Vahideh Nosrati-Siahmazgi, Kiyan Musaie, Soraya Mehrabi, Ruikang Tang, Mohammad Reza Jafari, Bo Xiao, Vahid Hosseinpour Sarmadi, Fakhri Haghi, Bo Zhi Chen, Xin Dong Guo, Helder A. Santos, Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi
Summary: To improve the efficiency of intravenously administered nanocarriers in tumor eradication, researchers have developed an injectable hydrogel that can enhance viscosity and self-heal at the tumor site. The hydrogel contains cancer cell membrane and sorafenib to elicit immune responses and induce cancer cell apoptosis, as well as hyaluronic acid coated Bi2S3 nanorods for prolonged local photothermal therapy. The hydrogel promotes immunostimulatory responses and can completely ablate breast tumors in animal models. Additionally, the hydrogel exhibits strong antibacterial activity, reducing the risk of infection in post-cancer lesions formed by photothermal therapy.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carmine D'Amico, Flavia Fontana, Nesma El-Sayed, Khalil Elbadri, Alexandra Correia, Antti Rahikkala, Jukka Saarinen, Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi, Helder A. Santos
Summary: This study focuses on the use of polymeric microneedles (MNs) for transdermal drug delivery, which is a noninvasive and convenient method. A double-layered MN formulation comprising a dissolvable layer and a hydrogel-forming layer is developed. The formulation exhibits faster drug release followed by a slower release, leading to extended bioavailability. Preliminary results show that the MN formulation is effective in pain relief and inflammation reduction. The study confirms the short-term stability of the MN formulation, including its mechanical properties and drug distribution within MNs using CARS microscopy. Overall, the double-layered MN formulation holds significant potential for transdermal drug delivery.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sandra Lopez Cerda, Flavia Fontana, Shiqi Wang, Alexandra Correia, Giuseppina Molinaro, Ruben Pareja Tello, Jouni Hirvonen, Christian Celia, Goncalo Barreto, Helder A. Santos
Summary: Macrophages play a critical role in various diseases, and single-drug loaded nanoparticles have been developed to target them. However, macrophage dysfunction can lead to multiple conditions, such as inflammation and fibrosis. This study developed hybrid lipid-polymer nanoparticles (LPNs) loaded with both budesonide and enhanced green fluorescence protein siRNA (eGFP-siRNA) to modulate macrophage dysfunction. The LPNs showed efficient loading, controlled release, non-toxicity, and high transfection efficiency, making them a suitable nanoplatform for the dual drug delivery to macrophages.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingqing Huo, Yue Gao, Wenbo Wu, Shuai Hu, Enpeng Dong, Yiyang Zhang, Yuling Tian, Yang Huang, Peng Quan, Dongfei Liu
Summary: Encapsulation is a promising technology to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of proteins and peptides. This study explores the use of amphiphilic polymers to achieve efficient encapsulation. The findings show that these polymers enhance solvation and form a barrier to prevent protein and peptide escape during encapsulation, resulting in high encapsulation efficiency and therapeutic efficacy.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Ruben Pareja Tello, Shiqi Wang, Flavia Fontana, Alexandra Correia, Giuseppina Molinaro, Sandra Lopez Cerda, Sami Hietala, Jouni Hirvonen, Goncalo Barreto, Helder A. Santos
Summary: Microfluidic on-chip production of iEDDA-crosslinked polymeric hydrogel microspheres is developed via water-in-oil emulsification (W/O) glass microfluidics. The microspheres are composed of two polyethylene glycol precursors modified with either tetrazine or norbornene. Using a single co-flow glass microfluidic platform, homogenous MPs of sizes 200-600 μm are developed and crosslinked within 2 minutes. The iEDDA-crosslinked hydrogels exhibit maintained rheological properties, low swelling degree, and slow degradation under physiological conditions, making them potential drug vehicles and cell encapsulation systems in the biomedical field.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)