Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Roya Karimi Alavijeh, Kamran Akhbari, Jonathan M. White
Summary: A new nano bio-coordination polymer was synthesized using ultrasonic irradiation in water, which exhibited reversible structure changes under wet conditions. This polymer, named bio-CP 2, was thermodynamically stable and capable of improving the solubility of curcumin. Experimental results showed that loading curcumin onto bio-CP 2 enhanced its cytotoxicity, leading to increased apoptosis in cancer cells.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rafaela Garcia-Alvarez, Maria Vallet-Regi
Summary: Bio-hybrid systems, which combine bacteria and cells with nanomaterials, have shown potential as alternative nanocarriers for biomedical applications. The potential and limitations of these systems are evaluated, and several examples are presented to demonstrate their performance.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DELIVERY
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Aleena Mustafai, Muhammad Zubair, Ajaz Hussain, Aman Ullah
Summary: Proteins-derived polymeric micelles are attracting attention and revolutionizing the biomedical field. They have the potential for controlled loading, distribution, and function of drugs for targeted drug delivery. This review focuses on recent advances in protein-based polymeric micelles for drug delivery and discusses the applications of commonly studied protein-based micelles such as soy, gelatin, casein, and collagen. The future perspectives and challenges of protein-based polymeric micelles are also reviewed.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Julia German-Cortes, Mireia Vilar-Hernandez, Diana Rafael, Ibane Abasolo, Fernanda Andrade
Summary: Nanotechnology has made significant contributions to cancer treatment by improving the effectiveness and specificity of chemotherapy through the use of nanoparticles, particularly solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). SLNs offer higher stability, active targeting, sustained and controlled release, and multifunctional therapy, making them an ideal drug delivery system.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sunil Kumar Dubey, Maithili Kali, Siddhanth Hejmady, Ranendra Narayan Saha, Amit Alexander, Prashant Kesharwani
Summary: Breast Cancer is a highly heterogeneous malignant carcinoma that affects women, and conventional therapies include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiation, and nanotechnology. Dendrimers play a significant role in addressing the toxicity and resistance of chemotherapeutic agents in BC, with high loading capacity and targeted drug delivery capabilities.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dayoung Lee, Seungki Baek, Young-Youb Kim, Yongbin Bang, Han Na Jung, Hyung-Jun Im, Yoon-Kyu Song
Summary: In this study, hybrid nanospheres composed of DNA and proteins were developed for cancer targeting. The nanospheres showed excellent biocompatibility, high drug payload capacity, and in vivo imaging ability. The feasibility of cancer targeting and drug-loading capacity were tested, and the nanospheres were proven to have selective internalization in cancer cells.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tingrui Zhang, Zongguang Tai, Zhen Cui, Rongrong Chai, Quangang Zhu, Zhongjian Chen
Summary: Immune cells, with their good biocompatibility and safety, are promising candidates for drug delivery systems, especially in anti-tumor therapy. The methods of loading nanoparticles on immune cells can be divided into backpacks and Trojan horses. However, challenges such as off-target problems and effective release strategies still need to be addressed when using immune cells as cell carriers.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Didier Gigmes, Thomas Trimaille
Summary: Amphiphilic copolymer micelles are key candidates in drug delivery, with PLA-based micelles and controlled radical polymerizations offering new opportunities for advanced drug delivery systems. Key properties such as stealth character, cell targeting and stimuli-responsiveness have been advanced in the past decade for PLA/vinyl polymer based nano-carriers.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jingwen Jiang, Yanjuan Huang, Zishan Zeng, Chunshun Zhao
Summary: Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising option for cancer treatment by modulating the immune system, but its effectiveness is limited by poor delivery efficiency, off-target toxicity, and nonimmunogenic tumors. Biomaterial-based carriers, including immune cells and bacteria, have the potential to overcome these limitations due to their intrinsic tumor tropism and immunomodulatory activity. In this article, we discuss the latest advances in biomaterial-based delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy, focusing on immune cells, bacteria, and their derivatives. We also discuss the opportunities and challenges of using immune cells and bacteria as carriers, providing insights for their future application in cancer immunotherapy.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad Javed Ansari, Mohammed F. Aldawsari, Ameeduzzafar Zafar, Alireza Soltani, Mohd Yasir, Mohammed Asadullah Jahangir, Mohamad Taleuzzaman, Vahid Erfani-Moghadam, Leila Daneshmandi, Nosrat O. Mahmoodi, Asieh Yahyazadeh, Md Lutfor Rahman, Mohd Sani Sarjadi
Summary: Two different nanoformulations, LTSP micellar/liposomal and TSP micellar/niosomal, were prepared using the thin-film hydration method. These nanoformulations showed potential for delivering SSZ, improving its bioavailability, and exhibited increased cell toxicity.
ALEXANDRIA ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Menghan Gao, Hong Deng, Weiqi Zhang
Summary: Hyaluronan (HA) is a versatile polymer for constructing drug-loading nanoparticles with targeting ligands, offering a simplified and biocompatible platform for combination cancer therapy. The use of HA-based multidrug nano-carriers presents a highly effective strategy for combating cancers with CD44 overexpression.
CURRENT TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Preeti Goyal, Mahak Singh, Pradeep Kumar, Alka Gupta
Summary: Core-shell structures formed by amphiphilic molecules in a medium are important in biomedical sciences. Cholesteryl-dextran amphiphiles were synthesized with high yields and different concentrations, forming nanomicelles with sustained drug release behavior for colon specific diseases.
CARBOHYDRATE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jong Dae Jang, Moongi Bae, Changwoo Do, Soo-Hyung Choi, Joona Bang, Young Soo Han, Tae-Hwan Kim
Summary: This study demonstrates the formation of a highly ordered superlattice of gold nanoparticles in a 2D confined geometry using hydrophobic interactions in a polymer vesicle layer. The use of block copolymers as templates allows for control over the degree of freedom of the gold nanoparticles, resulting in a centered rectangular structure formation.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Lan Chen, Li Wang, Lingling Zhu, Zihan Xu, Yanyang Liu, Zhixi Li, Jin Zhou, Feng Luo
Summary: Exosomes as potential drug carriers in cancer therapy have attracted a high demand, but their development still faces challenges. This article summarizes the current applications of exosomes derived from different cells as drug carriers in anti-cancer therapy in vitro and in vivo, and discusses the challenges and prospects of exosome-based drug delivery systems in cancer therapy.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Kenta Morita, Yuya Nishimura, Satoko Nakamura, Yuki Arai, Chiya Numako, Kazuyoshi Sato, Masao Nakayama, Hiroaki Akasaka, Ryohei Sasaki, Chiaki Ogino, Akihiko Kondo
Summary: Polyacrylic acid-modified titanium peroxide nanoparticles (PAA-TiOx NPs) act as efficient carriers of H2O2 into cancer cells, enhancing their radiosensitivity.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fabiana Russo, Francesco Tolomeo, Maria Angela Vandelli, Giuseppe Biagini, Roberta Paris, Flavia Fulvio, Aldo Lagana, Anna Laura Capriotti, Luigi Carbone, Giuseppe Gigli, Giuseppe Cannazza, Cinzia Citti
Summary: L-Kynurenine (KYN) and kynurenic acid (KYNA), products of L-tryptophan (TRP) metabolism, were found in high concentrations in the leaves of Cannabis sativa L. and their levels changed over time. The unprecedentedly high levels of KYNA in Cannabis sativa L. suggest it could be a potential alternative source of this metabolite.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Nunzia Gallo, Maria Lucia Natali, Alessandra Quarta, Antonio Gaballo, Alberta Terzi, Teresa Sibillano, Cinzia Giannini, Giuseppe Egidio De Benedetto, Paola Lunetti, Loredana Capobianco, Federica Stella Blasi, Alessandro Sicuro, Angelo Corallo, Alessandro Sannino, Luca Salvatore
Summary: Collagen is a widely used biomaterial in the health-related sectors. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in using marine organisms as a safe and abundant source for collagen extraction, particularly fish byproducts. This study focuses on the extraction and characterization of type I collagen from Tilapia skin raised in aquaponics systems, and the results confirm its potential as a biomaterial for healthcare applications.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alessio Adamiano, Stefania Scialla, Francesca Carella, Marialuisa Casella, Serena Camerini, Alessandra Quarta, Alexandra Muntiu, Francesca Ferrari, Alberto Vitali, Michele Iafisco, Clara Piccirillo
Summary: By-products of the fish industry, such as fish bones, contain valuable organic and inorganic compounds. A new extraction method was developed to simultaneously extract proteins and calcium phosphates from fish bones. The extracted proteins were mainly collagen, with some differences observed between different fish species and extraction methods. The mineral phase yielded either single phase hydroxyapatite or biphasic beta-tricalcium phosphate and beta-calcium pyrophosphate, depending on the extraction solution used. Bio-compatibility tests showed that the extracted compounds were non-toxic and could be suitable for cosmetics or biomedical applications.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giovanni Morello, Stefania Milanese, Maria Luisa De Giorgi, Nicola Calisi, Stefano Caporali, Francesco Biccari, Naomi Falsini, Anna Vinattieri, Marco Anni
Summary: Halide perovskites are recognized as real contenders for the next generation of optoelectronic devices due to their high optical efficiency, low-cost fabrication, and wide variety in composition and bandgap. This study reports the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) properties of CsPbBr3 films obtained through RF-magnetron sputtering. The films exhibited ASE over a broad temperature range, with the best performance occurring at around 50 K. The results indicate the potential for large-area, high-quality perovskite thin films for optoelectronic applications.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Simona Tarantino, Anna Paola Caricato, Rosaria Rinaldi, Caterina Capomolla, Valeria De Matteis
Summary: Conventional methods of cancer treatment and diagnosis have limitations in terms of effectiveness and potential side effects. In recent years, nanoscale materials, particularly gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), have been studied to develop more efficient methods for disease treatment. AuNPs possess unique physical and optical properties, such as biocompatibility and the ability to be modified. This review analyzes the properties of AuNPs, focusing on star-shaped AuNPs, and reviews the main methods of tumor treatment and diagnosis involving AuNPs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nemany A. N. Hanafy, Eman Ali Bakr Eltonouby, Elsayed I. Salim, Magdy E. Mahfouz, Stefano Leporatti, Ezar H. Hafez
Summary: Polyphenolic compounds from bee pollen encapsulated in peptide-protein hydrogel nanoparticles targeted with folic acid showed significant apoptotic effects and synergistic improvement when combined with Bev. This finding may contribute to the use of EPCIBP with chemotherapy to enhance efficacy and minimize dosage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Andrea Cerrato, Sara Elsa Aita, Giuseppe Cannazza, Anna Laura Capriotti, Chiara Cavaliere, Cinzia Citti, Chiara Dal Bosco, Alessandra Gentili, Carmela Maria Montone, Roberta Paris, Aldo Lagana
Summary: Industrial hemp is being widely used for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes, but the detailed composition of hemp remains poorly understood. In this study, the carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins in the inflorescences of seven Italian industrial hemp varieties were analyzed. The most abundant carotenoids were found to be phytoene, phytofluene, and all-trans -a-carotene. In addition, several other carotenoids were tentatively identified using liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode-array detection.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Giulia Siciliano, Antonio Turco, Anna Grazia Monteduro, Elisabetta Fanizza, Alessandra Quarta, Roberto Comparelli, Elisabetta Primiceri, M. Lucia Curri, Nicoletta Depalo, Giuseppe Maruccio
Summary: The removal of pollutants from water remains a challenge. Adsorption-based techniques, specifically polydopamine-coated magnetic nanoparticles, have shown promise for the removal of heavy metals. In this study, polydopamine-coated Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (PDA@SPIONs) were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to bind and remove Cu2+ ions from water by applying a magnetic field. The results indicate that these nanostructures hold great potential for future bioremediation applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Luisa De Giorgi, Muhammad Rizwan Aziz, Alexandra Manousaki, Alessio Perrone, Argyro Klini
Summary: Boron films have gained significant research interest for their special properties in high-quality thermal neutron detectors. This study focuses on the deposition of boron films on silicon substrates using sub-picosecond pulsed laser deposition at room temperature. The investigation explores the impact of laser energy density on the ablation process and morphological properties of the resulting films. The study of ablation/deposition mechanisms based on fluence reveals that the pulsed laser deposition technique is reliable and reproducible for fabricating thick boron coatings suitable for neutron detection technology.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrea Tateo, Vincenzo Campanaro, Nicola Amoroso, Loredana Bellantuono, Alfonso Monaco, Ester Pantaleo, Rosaria Rinaldi, Tommaso Maggipinto
Summary: This study investigates how meteorological conditions can affect particulate matter (PM) concentrations. The findings show that air pollution levels are significantly associated with meteorological conditions and can be predicted using either ground weather observations or weather forecasts.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nunzia Gallo, Giorgia Natalia Iaconisi, Mauro Pollini, Federica Paladini, Sudipto Pal, Concetta Nobile, Loredana Capobianco, Antonio Licciulli, Giovanna Giuliana Buonocore, Antonella Mansi, Luca Salvatore, Alessandro Sannino
Summary: Filter masks are disposable devices worn to reduce exposure to harmful foreign agents. However, billions of non-biodegradable masks are discarded monthly due to their limited usage. This highlights the urgent need to find a solution to this ecological problem. One potential solution is to add antibacterial materials such as silver, copper, zinc, and graphene to masks to inhibit pathogen proliferation. In this study, antibacterial treatments using silver and copper were performed on masks, demonstrating good distribution and almost 100% antibacterial capabilities, even after washing cycles.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Cinzia Citti, Aldo Lagana, Anna Laura Capriotti, Carmela Maria Montone, Giuseppe Cannazza
Summary: Mitragyna speciosa, or kratom, is a legal herbal drug of abuse that is gaining popularity globally. This review focuses on the analytical aspects of kratom, including the extraction techniques used to isolate alkaloids, qualitative and quantitative analytical methods, and strategies for distinguishing naturally occurring isomers. The analysis of alkaloids in biological specimens is also important for forensic and toxicological laboratories due to the increasing concern about the safety of this recreational drug.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica De Castro, Erika Stefano, Francesco Paolo Fanizzi, Riccardo Di Corato, Pasant Abdalla, Francesca Luchetti, Maria Gemma Nasoni, Rosaria Rinaldi, Mauro Magnani, Michele Benedetti, Antonella Antonelli
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of loading platinum-based nucleoside derivatives into human red blood cells and found that these complexes are stable and suitable for incorporation. This opens up new possibilities for incorporating other metalated nucleobase analogues with potential antitumor and/or antiviral activity into red blood cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Flavia Fulvio, Giuseppe Mandolino, Cinzia Citti, Nicola Pecchioni, Giuseppe Cannazza, Roberta Paris
Summary: Cannabis sativa is a plant with high genetic and phenotypic diversity, resulting in the synthesis of various bioactive compounds. We studied the transcription levels of cannabinoid pathway genes during early stages of plant development and compared them with the chemical characterization of the samples. The results showed that cannabinoid synthase genes are already expressed in the seed, indicating the significance of this metabolism for the plant.
