Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Naroa Serna, Aida Falgas, Annabel Garcia-Leon, Ugutz Unzueta, Yaiza Nunez, Alejandro Sanchez-Chardi, Carlos Martinez-Torro, Ramon Mangues, Esther Vazquez, Isolda Casanova, Antonio Villaverde
Summary: Researchers have developed a novel protein-drug nanoconjugate concept that can sustain the release of tumor-targeted cytotoxic drugs, leading to effective anti-tumor effects. This new technology has the potential for clinical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sourav Barman, Asmita Chakraborty, Sujata Saha, Kunal Sikder, Sayoni Maitra Roy, Barkha Modi, Sabarnee Bahadur, Ali Hossain Khan, Dipak Manna, Pousali Bag, Ankan Kumar Sarkar, Rishi Bhattacharya, Arnab Basu, Amit Ranjan Maity
Summary: The application of antimicrobial peptides, such as alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), has been effective in eradicating different pathogenic organisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, the chemical stability and efficient delivery of these peptides remain a major challenge. To address this issue, a chitosan-cholesterol alpha-MSH polymer-drug nanoconjugate was developed, which showed significant inhibition of bacterial growth and extensive cell lysis. The nanoparticle-conjugated alpha-MSH demonstrated novel antimicrobial activity and could be a potential therapeutic for multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abdullah Abdelkawi, Aliyah Slim, Zaineb Zinoune, Yashwant Pathak
Summary: This review focuses on the surface modification of metallic nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. Various strategies, such as polymer coating, functionalization with specific groups, and bioconjugation with targeting ligands, have been explored to enhance their therapeutic potential. The challenges in clinical translation include scalable fabrication and functionalization of nanoparticles, toxicity concerns, and regulatory hurdles. However, continuous advancements in nanoparticle synthesis and surface modification techniques offer a positive outlook for the future.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Rubiya Khursheed, Kamal Dua, Sukriti Vishwas, Monica Gulati, Niraj Kumar Jha, Ghalib Mohammed Aldhafeeri, Fayez Ghadeer Alanazi, Bey Hing Goh, Gaurav Gupta, Keshav Raj Paudel, Philip M. Hansbro, Dinesh Kumar Chellappan, Sachin Kumar Singh
Summary: The advancements in nanotechnology have led to extensive exploration of metallic nanoparticles for biomedical applications. These nanoparticles possess inert nature and nanoscale structures similar to biological molecules, and their characteristics can be altered by changing certain particle properties. They have found applications in targeted drug delivery, sensing, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, imaging, and modulation of multiple applications in biomedicine.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yomna M. Elmorshedy, Mohamed Teleb, Marwa A. Sallam, Kadria A. Elkhodairy, Mohammed Bahey-El-Din, Doaa A. Ghareeb, Shaymaa A. Abdulmalek, Shimaa A. H. Abdel Monaim, Adnan A. Bekhit, Ahmed O. Elzoghby, Fernando Albericio, Sherine N. Khattab
Summary: Despite progress in targeted therapies, there is a need for convenient therapeutics for colorectal cancer (CRC). Lactoferrin nanoparticles (Lf NPs) show promise in cancer therapy, but their oral delivery is hindered by obstacles such as instability and premature uptake. Microencapsulation of Lf NPs provides a solution by protecting them and improving drug release in the colon.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zied Ferjaoui, Sara Nahle, Raphael Schneider, Halima Kerdjoudj, Damien Mertz, Fabienne Quiles, Khalid Ferji, Eric Gaffet, Halima Alem
Summary: A versatile strategy for engineering smart theranostic nanocarriers is reported in this study. The nanosystem consists of a superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3-delta O4) nanoparticle core and a biocompatible thermo-responsive copolymer shell. Folic acid is end-conjugated to the copolymer to enable active targeting of the nanocarriers to cancer cells. The incorporation of the hydrophobic anticancer drug doxorubicin in the thermo-responsive polymer brushes increases its solubility and therapeutic potential.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yingshan Ma, Vahid Adibnia, Monica Mitrache, Ilias Halimi, Gilbert C. Walker, Eugenia Kumacheva
Summary: In this study, a straightforward approach to generate PhG NP conjugates with biologically active molecules was reported, providing a new type of nanomaterial for biomedical applications.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hamed Nosrati, Farzad Seidi, Ali Hosseinmirzaei, Navid Mousazadeh, Ali Mohammadi, Mohammadreza Ghaffarlou, Hossein Danafar, Joao Conde, Ali Sharafi
Summary: Utilizing all-in-one nanoparticles for synchronous chemoradiotherapy significantly enhances cancer therapy efficacy, as demonstrated by studies on cell viability, proliferation, and ROS production. In vivo anticancer experiments show that the mPEG-CUR@Au system improves radiation sensitivity in 4T1 mammary carcinoma and completely eradicates breast cancer.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Md Abdus Subhan, Mohammed Muzibur Rahman
Summary: Metal-based nanoparticles have great potential in the applications of cancer diagnosis, drug delivery, and therapy, especially for the detection and protection of highly metastatic breast cancer.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elham Zarenezhad, Manal Hadi Ghaffoori Kanaan, Sura Saad Abdollah, Mohammad Kazem Vakil, Mahrokh Marzi, Abdulbaset Mazarzaei, Abdolmajid Ghasemian
Summary: Due to drawbacks in current cancer therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, developing more reliable, low toxic, cost-effective, and specific approaches like immunotherapy is crucial. Breast cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality with developed anticancer resistance. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs)-based breast cancer immunotherapy, focusing on trained immunity provocation or innate immunity adaptation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carolini Mendes, Anand Thirupathi, Maria E. A. B. Correa, Yaodong Gu, Paulo C. L. Silveira
Summary: This paper explores the application of metallic nanoparticles in the treatment of chronic wounds, highlighting their advantages in drug delivery, antimicrobial activity, and healing acceleration, as well as the safety and applicability of metallic nanoparticles produced through green synthesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ramesh Chaudhari, Pal Patel, Nikita Meghani, Simran Nasra, Ashutosh Kumar
Summary: This study investigates the anti-cancer effects of methotrexate gold nanoparticles (MTX-GNPs) on breast cancer cells, demonstrating significant induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. MTX-GNPs showed significant cellular uptake in cancer cells and led to down-regulation of anti-apoptotic gene expression, while up-regulating pro-apoptotic gene expression. These results suggest an enhanced anti-cancer effect of MTX-GNPs in breast cancer cells.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yun Kim, Jun Keun Chae, Jong-Hwan Lee, Eunpyo Choi, Yoon Koo Lee, Jihwan Song
Summary: This study presents a simple method to manipulate nanorobot clusters with high degrees of freedom by controlling the magnetic field gradient, which enhances the efficiency of nanoscale drug delivery.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tobias Achu Muluh, Zhuo Chen, Yi Li, Kang Xiong, Jing Jin, ShaoZhi Fu, JingBo Wu
Summary: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in research on abnormal cell growth, particularly focusing on the management, treatment, and prevention of tumor recurrence. Cancer immunotherapy aims to educate the body's defensive system to prevent, control, and eliminate tumor cells, with the use of nanoparticles enhancing its effectiveness. By utilizing nanoparticles for precise delivery of immunotherapies to targeted neoplasms, immunotherapy can be a promising approach for cancer treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Janarthanan Pushpamalar, Puviarasi Meganathan, Hui Li Tan, Nuraina Anisa Dahlan, Li-Ting Ooi, Bibi Noorheen Haleema Mooneerah Neerooa, Raahilah Zahir Essa, Kamyar Shameli, Sin-Yeang Teow
Summary: Delivering drugs to target sites with minimal off-target cytotoxicity is crucial for successful disease therapy. Polysaccharides have high biocompatibility and are extensively studied as biomaterials for drug delivery systems. By crosslinking polysaccharides with various molecules to form hydrogel DDS, the physical and chemical properties of carrier drugs can be improved, leading to enhanced functionalities in nanotechnology.
Article
Microscopy
Silvia Castro Coelho, Philomene Benaut, Sebastien Laget, Berta N. Estevinho, Fernando Rocha
Summary: Electrohydrodynamic techniques were used to optimize zein microstructures for encapsulation purposes, resulting in compact electrosprayed microbeads and uniform smooth electrospun fibers. The study investigated the effects of zein polymer properties, flow rate, applied voltage, and distance tip-collector on the morphology of the structures. These zein microstructures have the potential to encapsulate bioactive ingredients for various applications in functional food, nutraceutical, and medical fields.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria Joao Ramalho, Joana Angelica Loureiro, Manuel A. N. Coelho, Maria Carmo Pereira
Summary: This review provides an overview and discussion on the recent advances concerning the strategies to target the transferrin receptor in the treatment of GBM, as well as their benefits and limitations.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Adriana Pereira, Maria Joao Ramalho, Renata Silva, Vera Silva, Rita Marques-Oliveira, Ana Catarina Silva, Maria Carmo Pereira, Joana A. Loureiro
Summary: The study developed solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for encapsulating lipophilic natural compounds to delay skin aging. The loaded-SLNs showed stability and maintained their physicochemical characteristics for 30 days. The formulations exhibited high encapsulation efficiencies and loading capacities, as well as high intracellular antioxidant activity. Encapsulating antioxidants in SLNs seems to be a suitable strategy for delivering them to the skin and improving their bioavailability.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lidia Cunha, Silvia Castro Coelho, Maria do Carmo Pereira, Manuel A. N. Coelho
Summary: Gold nanoparticles were used to enhance the antioxidant efficacy of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in cancer treatment. The conjugation of EGCG with gold nanoparticles showed better inhibition of cell growth and enhanced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Silvia Castro Coelho, Berta Nogueiro Estevinho, Fernando Rocha
Summary: Water-soluble vitamins are essential for human body physiology and have a preventive role against diseases. However, their sensitivity against external conditions can lead to degradation. Microencapsulation technique, particularly electrohydrodynamic and spray-drying techniques, can protect the bioavailability and effectiveness of these vitamins. Recent studies and encapsulating agents used for these micronutrients in functional food and nutraceutical areas are highlighted.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Luis Moreira, Nuno M. Guimara, Sara Pereira, Rita S. Santos, Joana A. . Loureiro, Maria C. Pereira, Nuno F. Azevedo
Summary: This study evaluates the possibility of using liposomes loaded with fluorescently labeled nucleic acid mimics (LipoNAMs) to image Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. It shows that lipid concentration plays a significant role in the efficiency of liposome fusion and that liposomes increase the permeability of the bacterial cell envelope. The study suggests selecting an appropriate lipid concentration to maximize bacteria detection while maintaining the integrity of bacterial cellular structure.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Stephanie Andrade, Joana A. Loureiro, Santiago Ramirez, Celso S. G. Catumbela, Claudio Soto, Rodrigo Morales, Maria Carmo Pereira
Summary: This study evaluated the toxicity of prolonged administration of liposomes composed of neutral or cationic phospholipids. The results showed that cationic liposomes were toxic, leading to higher mortality and negative effects on motor function and inflammation, whereas neutral liposomes did not exhibit toxicity.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ines David Torres, Joana Angelica Loureiro, Manuel A. N. Coelho, Maria Carmo Pereira, Maria Joao Ramalho
Summary: To overcome the resistance mechanism in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), novel drug delivery systems (DDS) have been developed to improve drug accumulation in brain tumor tissue and minimize systemic toxicity. This review article discusses the current progress in DDS development and the potential risks of using MGMT inhibitors for GBM treatment.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DELIVERY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Silvia Castro Coelho, Fernando Rocha, Berta N. Estevinho
Summary: This study developed and optimized starch microstructures for encapsulating vitamin B3 using the electrospinning process. The addition of plasticizers such as poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and glycerol improved the plasticity and stability of the starch solution during electrospinning. The microstructures with 12% w/w starch exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency and antioxidant activity.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Silvia Castro Coelho, Fernando Rocha, Berta Nogueiro Estevinho
Summary: In this study, two approaches were developed to encapsulate vitamin B9 and microstructures were fabricated to improve stability and antioxidant capacity. The results showed that specific encapsulation structures can be used to enhance the antioxidant activity of vitamin B9 in food and nutraceutical fields.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Stephanie Andrade, Debora Nunes, Meghna Dabur, Maria J. Ramalho, Maria C. Pereira, Joana A. Loureiro
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases are incurable and current medicines only alleviate symptoms. Natural compounds are gaining popularity as alternatives to synthetic drugs for neurodegenerative disease treatment. This article provides a systematic review of clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of natural compounds for the five most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephanie Andrade, Maria J. Ramalho, Silvio B. Santos, Luis D. R. Melo, Rita S. Santos, Nuno Guimaraes, Nuno F. Azevedo, Joana A. Loureiro, Maria C. Pereira
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health, with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) being a major concern. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a promising approach for treating MRSA infections, acting as antibacterial agents or drug delivery systems. The targeted delivery of NPs to the infection site is crucial for effective treatment, allowing for high concentrations of therapeutics while minimizing toxicity to healthy cells and reducing AMR emergence and disruption of the healthy microbiota.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silvia Castro Coelho, Berta Nogueiro Estevinho
Summary: Plant extracts, particularly polyphenols, are important sources of antioxidants. However, their application is limited by factors such as environmental instability, poor bioavailability, and activity loss. Electrohydrodynamic processes offer a promising solution by creating microstructures that can encapsulate active compounds and control their release. These electrospun/electrosprayed structures have advantages like high surface-area-to-volume ratio, porosity, excellent materials handling, and scalable production, making them suitable for various fields, including the food industry. This review provides an overview of electrohydrodynamic processes, key studies, and their applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Debora Nunes, Stephanie Andrade, Maria Joao Ramalho, Joana A. Loureiro, Maria Carmo Pereira
Summary: Drug delivery systems (DDS), such as nanoparticles (NPs) and hydrogels, have been widely used to overcome limitations of clinically available medications. Integration of NPs into hydrogels enhances the performance of DDS, allowing localized and targeted drug release, leading to improved therapeutic effectiveness.
