Review
Oncology
Liping Pan, Juan Han, Ming Lin
Summary: For patients with refractory breast cancer, integrative immunotherapies are becoming crucial in treatment. However, many patients do not respond to treatment or relapse. The tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells play important roles in the progression of breast cancer. Modulating the immune system and targeting breast cancer stem cells directly are essential strategies for improving therapeutic efficacy.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Amirreza Mansoori-Kermani, Sadaf Khalighi, Iman Akbarzadeh, Fazeleh Ranjbar Niavol, Hamidreza Motasadizadeh, Athar Mahdieh, Vahid Jahed, Masoud Abdinezhad, Nikoo Rahbariasr, Mahshid Hosseini, Nima Ahmadkhani, Behnam Panahi, Yousef Fatahi, Masoud Mozafari, Alan Prem Kumar, Ebrahim Mostafavi
Summary: An optimized system of HA-coated nanocarriers has been developed for targeted breast cancer treatment. The system showed reduced drug release, increased cytotoxicity and apoptosis in vitro, and CD44-mediated cellular uptake mechanism. In vivo experiments demonstrated significant tumor volume reduction without side effects.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Na-Yoen Kwon, Soo-Hyun Sung, Hyun-Kyung Sung, Jang-Kyung Park
Summary: Bee venom and its components have been found to have anticancer effects on breast cancer cells by reducing cell numbers and improving survival rates. The various mechanisms of action suggest the potential for reducing side effects and the future prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martina Di Francesco, Christian Celia, Maria Chiara Cristiano, Nicola d'Avanzo, Barbara Ruozi, Constantin Mircioiu, Donato Cosco, Luisa Di Marzio, Massimo Fresta
Summary: This study developed nonionic surfactant vesicles (NSVs) loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) to improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects. NSVs showed stable sustained drug release, better internalization and anticancer effect on breast cancer cells. The data suggested that DOX-loaded NSVs could be a promising nanocarrier for the potential treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
Article
Oncology
Yingnan Si, Ya Zhang, Hanh Giai Ngo, Jia-Shiung Guan, Kai Chen, Qing Wang, Ajeet Pal Singh, Yuanxin Xu, Lufang Zhou, Eddy S. Yang, Xiaoguang (Margaret) Liu
Summary: This study focused on developing a new formulation of combined chemotherapies facilitated with a targeted delivery vehicle for treating TNBC. In vivo evaluations confirmed the anti-tumor efficacy of the treatment, and the targeted liposomes effectively delivered therapeutic drugs to TNBC tumors, reducing side effects. The study demonstrated the potential of the targeted liposomal drug formulation for future clinical trials in TNBC treatment.
Article
Biophysics
Anuja S. Kulkarni, Savita R. Tapase, Kisan M. Kodam, Vaishali S. Shinde
Summary: Stimuli responsive curcumin loaded microgels based on Pluronic F-127 were developed, showing affinity for hydrophobic drug release, pH and temperature-dependent properties, and dose-dependent inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cell growth with effective IC50 value of 3.8 +/- 0.2 mu g mL(-1) after 24 hours. These microgels offer additional advantages over conventional drug therapies for cancer treatment.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fatemeh Etemadi Baloch, Daryoush Afzali, Fariba Fathirad
Summary: Acrylic-bonded starch nanocomposite hydrogels were synthesized using montmorillonite nanoclay as crosslinker and initiator, showing excellent water absorption and controlled release of chlorpyrifos for potential agricultural applications.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karolina Daniluk, Agata Lange, Barbara Wojcik, Katarzyna Zawadzka, Jasmina Balaban, Marta Kutwin, Slawomir Jaworski
Summary: This research explores the use of graphene nanomaterials as carriers for bee venom component melittin (M) to target breast cancer cells. The results indicate that M complexes with nanomaterials can effectively reduce oxidative stress levels compared to M alone, but using graphene as the carrier causes more severe DNA damage. Moreover, the use of M and graphene complex shows a greater inhibitory effect on tumor progression than a complex with graphene oxide.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Grilli, Parisa Hajimohammadi Gohari, Shan Zou
Summary: Functionalized graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles play an important role in drug delivery systems by enabling intelligent release and targeted delivery to tumor sites. However, the toxicity and biocompatibility of GO-based formulations need to be evaluated and methods to reduce accumulation in non-specific tissues should be explored.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Instruments & Instrumentation
Kenny Tjo, Pegah Varamini
Summary: Breast cancer remains a common and deadly cancer type among women globally. Nanodiamonds show promising potential in breast cancer therapy by overcoming limitations of conventional treatment methods, such as chemoresistance and lack of selectivity in aggressive cancer subtypes.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Karolina Daniluk, Agata Lange, Michal Pruchniewski, Artur Malolepszy, Ewa Sawosz, Slawomir Jaworski
Summary: The study found that graphene and graphene oxide can serve as carriers to deliver melittin to breast cancer cells. Different cell lines showed varying responses to melittin and its complexes, and the complexes can reach cells through different types of transport. Additionally, changes in protein expression were observed in tumor cell lines after treatment with melittin and complexes.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Marianna Abate, Angela Lombardi, Amalia Luce, Manuela Porru, Carlo Leonetti, Marco Bocchetti, Virginia Campani, Giuseppe De Rosa, Sossio Fabio Graziano, Valeria Nele, Francesco Cardile, Federica Zito Marino, Renato Franco, Andrea Ronchi, Marianna Scrima, Rossella Sperlongano, Roberto Alfano, Gabriella Misso, Evzen Amler, Michele Caraglia, Silvia Zappavigna
Summary: This study demonstrates that nanodiamonds can effectively deliver miRNA to inhibit tumor development and progression. The nanodiamonds have excellent biocompatibility, and the miR-34a conjugated with nanodiamonds can effectively inhibit cancer cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, the miR-34a-conjugated nanodiamonds exhibit remarkable anti-tumor effects in mouse models.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Archana Tanwar, Pranjali Date, Divya Ottoor
Summary: A new gelatin-based hydrogel nanocomposite was developed with embedded zinc oxide nanoparticles for controlled release of ciprofloxacin. The nanocomposite showed improved swelling characteristics and thermal stability of the hydrogel matrix, as well as more controlled and pH-dependent drug release. The drug release kinetics followed zero order kinetics and the Super case II transport mechanism for ciprofloxacin release.
COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xiufeng Ju, Haiyan Chen, Tongtong Miao, Jiang Ni, Liang Han
Summary: Brain metastases from breast cancer are difficult to surgically remove and have limited drug treatment options due to their growth patterns and the blood-brain barrier. By assembling prodrug-loaded nanoparticles that target both the BBB and metastatic breast cancer, researchers were able to significantly extend the survival time of mice with intracranial metastatic breast cancer, suggesting a potential important direction for drug therapy against brain metastases.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Monika Matiyani, Anita Rana, Mintu Pal, Sravendra Rana, Anand B. Melkani, Nanda Gopal Sahoo
Summary: In this study, a polymer grafted magnetic graphene oxide nanohybrid was successfully synthesized for efficient delivery of anticancer drug. The drug-loaded nanohybrid exhibited higher cytotoxicity towards breast cancer cells and biocompatibility towards normal cells. This smart drug delivery system, controlled by an external magnetic field, could be a beneficial approach for targeted drug delivery.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
You Dan Xu, Linqing Tian, Rebecca Yong Lai, Zihao Li, Eliska Prochazkova, Junming Ho, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: In this study, the noncovalent interaction of two polymers was compared and a superior binder was selected for testing with serum albumin. The research successfully achieved an albumin-polymer bioconjugate equipped with polymers via both covalent and supramolecular interactions.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Lisa-Cathrin Leitner, Rika Schneider, Thomas Steiner, Martina H. Stenzel, Ruth Freitag, Andreas Greiner
Summary: This study proposes a concept of microbial remediation for the contamination of wastewater by microplastic particles (MPs). Degradable block copolymers are synthesized to adhere to the surfaces of MPs and attract degrading microbes for accelerated biofilm formation. The properties of the block copolymers, including thermal analysis, colloidal properties, adhesion behavior on MP surfaces, and their potential for supporting microbial growth, are investigated.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Russul Mamdooh Al-Nakashli, Cheng Cao, Radhika Raveendran, Hongxu Lu, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: Polymeric micelles with different drug loading contents were studied to investigate their cellular uptake, penetration, and effects on biological activities. The results showed that micelles with high drug loading content exhibited higher cellular uptake and toxicity.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mingxia Lu, Sen Wang, Yee Yee Khine, Yanchen Hong, Jiayu Zheng, Hongxu Lu, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: Ruthenium complexes have potential as alternative anticancer drugs, but their non-specific biodistribution and weak lethality to cancer cells limit their medical use. Drug delivery systems can integrate multiple drugs to enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy and potentially achieve a synergistic effect.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yiling Liu, Stephanie Nemec, Chantal Kopecky, Martina H. Stenzel, Kristopher A. Kilian
Summary: Nanoparticle drug formulations have advantages in cancer therapy, but the assessment of new drugs is limited by preclinical models. This study demonstrates a new approach to test nanomedicine using a microtumor array formed through hydrogel micropatterning. It allows simultaneous evaluation of drug uptake and efficacy in different cancer cell fractions with high reproducibility. The findings suggest that nanoparticle drug formulations are well suited for targeting the stem cell-like population in cancer therapy due to their relationship with drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mitchell D. Nothling, John E. Daniels, Yen Vo, Ivan Johan, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: Piezocatalysis is capable of converting mechanical energy into chemical potential, driving redox reactions using physical force. In this study, we demonstrate that piezoelectric BaTiO3 nanoparticles in the solid state can generate reactive hydroxyl radicals (·OH) by transducing mechanical load, leading to the initiation of solid state free radical polymerization. Chemisorbed water on the surface of BaTiO3 nanoparticles plays a crucial role by being oxidized to (·OH) via mechanoredox catalysis. This force-induced radical production in dry piezoelectric materials offers a promising new approach for harnessing mechanical energy in solid state radical synthesis.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lin Zhang, Cheng Cao, Szun S. Tay, Chaohao Chen, Alexander Macmillan, Shihui Wen, Dayong Jin, Joshua McCarroll, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: Polymer-coated inorganic nanoparticles have unique magnetic, optical, and thermal properties that make them promising drug delivery systems. However, the biological behavior of these nanoparticles is affected by various factors such as size, shape, and protein corona. This study focuses on the effect of drug loading amount on the biological activity of inorganic nanoparticles and highlights the importance of optimizing drug loading amounts in order to achieve optimal drug delivery.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ilona Wagner, Simon Spiegel, Julian Brueckel, Matthias Schwotzer, Alexander Welle, Martina H. H. Stenzel, Stefan Braese, Salma Begum, Manuel Tsotsalas
Summary: Surface engineering of MOF NPs using dynamic modification strategies enables the tailoring of PEG-grafted MOF NPs with improved colloidal stability and high dispersity, while maintaining their morphology and lattice crystallinity. The PEG-grafted MOF NPs show reduced adsorption of HSA protein compared to uncoated ones, indicating the potential for reducing nonspecific interactions and introducing targeting moieties for specific interactions. This approach expands the applications of colloidal MOF NPs in biologically relevant fields.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jordan T. Lovegrove, Ben A. Humphreys, Chin Ken Wong, Liliana de Campo, Anna Wang, Christopher J. Garvey, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: This article investigates a synthetic pathway to produce biologically compatible, crosslinked, multicompartment worms (MCWs) in aqueous solution by incorporating thermoresponsive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) to direct assembly above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The self-assembly process and mechanism of MCWs starting from primary micelles were observed and controlled by adjusting the temperature.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Russul Al-Nakashli, Radhika Raveendran, Yee Yee Khine, Cheng Cao, Sophie McKay, Hongxu Lu, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: This study found that drug loading has an impact on cellular uptake of nanoparticles, which has been overlooked in previous studies focusing on properties such as shape and size. With increasing drug loading content, there was greater dehydration of the polymer shell, leading to increased protein adsorption and particle aggregation. The nanoparticle with the highest drug loading content showed reduced cellular uptake and toxicity in various cell lines. It was concluded that an intermediate drug loading content allows for sufficient cellular uptake and toxic drug concentration.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jordan Thomas Lovegrove, Radhika Raveendran, Patrick Spicer, Stephan Foerster, Christopher J. Garvey, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: Margination refers to the movement of particles towards the endothelial wall within blood vessels. This study focused on 2D platelet particles as a potential drug delivery system and quantified their margination propensity. The results showed that 2D platelet particles exhibited increased margination compared to spherical particles, with higher margination observed at higher shear rates.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zifei Han, Zihao Li, Radhika Raveendran, Shegufta Farazi, Cheng Cao, Robert Chapman, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells, but its clinical development is hindered by its short circulation half-life. Researchers have developed core-cross-linked micelles that successfully induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells, offering a potential alternative to TRAIL.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chin Ken Wong, Rebecca Y. Lai, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: Polymersomes, as polymeric analogues of liposomes, have unique physical and chemical properties. However, their translation into clinical or industrial applications has been limited. This study presents a continuous flow methodology for the production of near-monodisperse polymersomes at scale, allowing for downstream polymersome manipulation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sandy Wong, Cheng Cao, Martina Lessio, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: This study presents a simple sugar-based strategy for high-loading nanomedicine by forming supramolecular nanocapsules through the interaction between curcumin and fructose. The concept is widely applicable for a variety of drugs, and the key to success is the interaction between the drug and curcumin.
Article
Polymer Science
Malgorzata Milewska, Andrzej Milewski, Ilona Wandzik, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: Trehalose glycopolymers have been extensively studied recently and have shown some unique properties. In order to compare their properties, researchers synthesized structurally similar glycopolymers composed of trehalose and sucrose. These glycopolymers have very low content of non-saccharide structural fragments, making their properties strongly influenced by the saccharide moieties. The study comprehensively characterized the glycopolymers, including their tendency to self-assemble, hydrolytic stabilities at different pH, and susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis.
