Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are a group of short peptides that easily pass through the cell membrane and are able to carry various types of cargoes, such as drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins, into cells. Therefore, CPPs are investigated with the aim of effective drug delivery to treat diseases such as cancer, diabetes and genetic disorders. CPPs have different applications in different fields.CPPs have common functions and some structural features, such as a high content of positively charged amino acids, but their structural differences are in the high variety of elements in them. In this paper, the effect of cell penetrating peptides on the efficiency of lipid nanoparticles containing chemotherapeutics is reviewed. Various drug delivery systems such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles and exosomes were considered. Both in-vitro and in-vivo delivery routes were discussed.
Background: Liposomes are microspheres formed by phospholipids and have received attention as sophisticated drug carriers because they can retain both water-soluble and fat-soluble drugs. Their applications have made them very versatile and have resulted in their great exploration in many aspects of therapy.Objective(s):The present review sets out to provide an exhaustive overview of the nature of liposomes, their preparation tactics, measures of their efficiency, and the trending applications of liposomes in contemporary medicine, with a focus on optimization measures and the future of this technology.Materials and Methods: The mini-review of the literature was done with an emphasis on the various methods of liposome preparation, which included the Bangham method, solvent injection methods, as well as the removal methods of detergents. Efficiency was analyzed based on optimization and evaluation parameters, including vesicle size, shape, zeta potential, and in vitro release profile of the drug to evaluate their contribution to formulation efficiency.Results: Recent innovations have resulted in the creation of new generation liposomal systems, such as active targeting liposomes, stimuli-reactive liposomes, and surface-modified liposomes. These advances bring substantive benefits to drug delivery effectiveness and outcomes in the therapeutic arena and decreased systemic toxicities. Liposomal formulations find increasing use in cancer treatment, in the treatment of infectious diseases, and in gene delivery. A number of novel systems are in the clinical trial stage, indicating their translational potential.Conclusion: Liposomes are a very flexible and evolving drug delivery mechanism. The development of improved surface modification, targeting approaches, and stimuli-responsive systems still augers well with the therapeutic potential. Continuing advances in the development and clinical assessment of new liposomal preparations demonstrate the future of these agent-carrying constructs to transform the field of disease management in the domains of cancer, infectious disease, and gene therapy.
Chemotherapy is typically used to treat cancer, but it can have a number of negative side effects. Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems have gained much interest cancer treatment in recent years due to their advantages compared to conventional delivery systems. Recently, transfersomes (TFs) have been known to be the most outstanding innovative drug delivery systems that make them an attractive carriers for drug administration and cancer therapy. TFs have a bilayered structure that facilitates the encapsulation of lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs/agents with higher permeation efficiencies, offering a promising alternative to conventional liposomes as an anti-cancer drug delivery method. They are highly interesting for applications that involve controlled release. TFs are being explored as a complex system for drug delivery, with a focus on enhancing local drug penetration. This paper overview the current advancements in transfersomes-encapsulated with anti-cancer drugs for intelligent medication delivery to various cancers. In conclusion, this paper briefly discusses the prospects and problems of transfersomes-based anti-cancer drug delivery.
Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most prevalent and fatal cancers worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for the development of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.Objective(s): Quantum dots (QDs), semiconductor nanomaterials with distinctive optical properties, have emerged as promising tools in the fight against colorectal cancer (CRC).Materials and Methods: The ability of QDs to emit tunable fluorescence, combined with their small size and potential for surface functionalization, enables high sensitivity and specificity in early detection and targeted treatment. In the context of CRC, QDs can be used to identify biomarkers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and folate receptors, facilitating non-invasive imaging with high resolution.Results: Furthermore, QDs can be functionalized for targeted therapy, enhancing the selective delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to tumor sites, reducing systemic toxicity, and allowing real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy. Despite these advantages, the clinical application of QDs in CRC is limited by challenges, including toxicity, biocompatibility, long-term stability, and efficient targeting. This review examines the current state of quantum dot-based technologies in CRC diagnostics and therapy, emphasizing their potential as nanotheranostic platforms. We also address the key barriers to clinical translation and propose future research directions to improve quantum dots' safety, efficiency, and clinical utility in CRC management.Conclusion: Ultimately, quantum dots offer significant potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer, paving the way for more personalized and effective patient care.
Background: Nanoceria exhibits unique catalytic activity toward reactive oxygen species (ROS), mimicking the functions of natural enzymes-a property that underlies its biomedical applications, given the essential role of ROS in living organisms. Carnosine is a pH buffer with intrinsic antioxidant properties; it chelates metals and binds carbonyl compounds. Objective(s): Using human embryonic lung fibroblast model, this study investigates the impacts of carnosine-conjugated nanoscale CeO2 on cell survival, cellular oxidative status, ROS-induced DNA oxidation, dual-strand DNA breaks, activation of DNA repair response, and gene and protein expression of NOX4, NRF2, STAT3, as well as proliferation and autophagy markers. Results: Carnosine-conjugated nanoceria proved to be non-cytotoxic at millimolar concentrations. Its effects on cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, DNA repair, mitochondrial membrane potential, autophagy, and NOX4 and NRF2 expression were similar to those of bare nanoceria. The principal differences were observed in the expression of STAT3, PCNA, and BCL2 proteins, where carnosine-coated nanoceria induced a pronounced activating impact after 24 h of exposure, thus promoting proliferation and increasing concentration of the PCNA proliferation marker. Conclusion: We hypothesize that carnosine-coated nanoceria directly activates the STAT3/BCL2 axis. These findings may facilitate the development of new molecular models for studying signaling pathways and advance in characterization of the nanoceria's biochemical roles in regulating ROS-driven cellular pathways. Moreover, carnosine-coated nanoceria could be considered a potential agent for enhancing the survival of cell cultures-such as hematopoietic cultures intended for activation of the STAT3/BCL2 axis.
Obejctive(s): Psychosis is a prevalent psychiatric disorder. Chemicals that modulate the dopaminergic system have been the primary treatment, but these drugs have not always been effective, and some have deleterious side effects. During the last several years, a concerted effort has been made to advance the development of novel pharmaceuticals, utilizing approaches such as nanotechnology, natural compounds, and Eastern medicinal practices. Nanotechnology, including Agbased nanoparticles, is an exciting option for optimizing drug performance, including reduced side effects and improved pharmacological and clinical profiles. The impact of curcumin-Ag conjugated nanoparticles (Cur/Ag NPs) was evaluated in a rodent model of psychosis. Materials and Methods: Cur/Ag NPs were synthesized and characterized by FTIR, FE-SEM, EDX, and UV-vis spectrophotometry. The effect of Cur-Ag NPs was determined for several psychosis-related behaviors (Yawning number, rearing number, and stereotype score) and blood levels of the inflammatory factors CRP, TNF-alpha, and IL-1(3, and cortisol in an animal model of hyoscine-induced psychosis. Results: Cur/Ag NPs modulated the Yawning number, rearing number, and stereotypic score in hyoscine-induced acute psychosis and attenuated the blood levels of inflammatory parameters, including TNF-alpha, IL-1(3, C-reactive protein, and cortisol. Cur/Ag NPs demonstrated greater efficacy compared to curcumin, altering these effects at lower concentrations. Conclusion: Cur/Ag NPs and Curcumin were effective in a mouse model of psychosis, exhibiting protective effects against hyoscine-induced acute psychosis, and may be potential candidates for further clinical investigation for treating psychosisrelated behavior.
Objective(s): Integrating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with proton therapy holds significant promise for enhancing treatment efficacy. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), such as gadolinium and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), are well-known for improving tissue contrast in MRI. In this study, we investigate the potential of core-shell nanoparticles (Au@MNPs) as agents that can enhance the delivery of therapeutic doses to targeted tissues. Specifically, we examine how variations in core diameter and shell thickness, using either gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) or SPION shells, influence dose enhancement. Materials and Methods: A simulated proton beam with a weighted energy spectrum-representing both primary and secondary protons within the Spread-Out Bragg Peak (SOBP) region-was used to irradiate the nanoparticles. The energy deposited within the nanoparticles, as well as the phase space of surrounding secondary particles, was evaluated. Key parameters, including energy efficiency, total energy release, and the number of secondary electrons, were analyzed to compare the performance of various nanoparticle designs. Results: Our findings indicate that incorporating a gold core is advantageous for thin magnetic layers (<15 nm), as it enhances the dose around the nanoparticle while maintaining a size compatible with MRI applications (<20 nm). In contrast, for thicker magnetic layers (greater than 20 nm), a larger gold core diameter is required to achieve effective dose enhancement. Conclusion: These results suggest that embedding a gold core with a diameter of less than 15 nm within MRIcompatible nanoparticles is a promising strategy for enhancing dose delivery in proton therapy. Further studies are warranted to investigate the impact of core-shell nanoparticles on magnetic properties, which are critical for their theranostic potential.
Objective(s): Zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPC), a potent photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT), often suffers from poor solubility and aggregation, limiting its efficacy. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) like MIL-101 can serve as nanocarriers to overcome these issues. This experimental study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and synergistic anticancer efficacy of ZnPC incorporated within the MIL-101 framework (ZnPC@MIL-101) against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. ZnPC was chosen for its strong red-light absorption and high reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, while MIL-101 offers a stable, porous platform to enhance ZnPC delivery and photoactivity. Materials and Methods: ZnPC@MIL-101 (Cr) was synthesized via a double-solvent method. Characterization involved PXRD, BET analysis, FESEM, DLS, EDX spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The loading capacity was determined, and singlet oxygen generation was quantified. Anticancer efficacy and PDT synergy with 660 nm laser radiation were evaluated on MCF-7 cells using MTT assays. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Result: Successful synthesis of crystalline ZnPC@MIL-101 was confirmed. The loading capacity of ZnPC was found to be 8.5%. BET analysis showed reduced surface area (1709.4 m(2)/g) and pore size (1.71 nm) post-ZnPC loading, indicating effective incorporation. FESEM/DLS showed particle sizes around 368/439.7 nm, respectively. EDX confirmed uniform Zn distribution. The UV-Vis spectrum of ZnPC@MIL-101 displayed the characteristic Q-band of ZnPC, and the nanocomposite exhibited significant singlet oxygen generation upon laser irradiation. ZnPC@MIL-101 exhibited moderate dark toxicity (IC50: 25 & micro;g/mL), which was significantly enhanced upon laser irradiation (IC50: 10 & micro;g/mL, p < 0.01). Conclusion: ZnPC@MIL-101 combined with laser radiation demonstrated a significant synergistic reduction in MCF-7 cell viability. This highlights its potential as an effective PDT agent, offering a promising strategy to enhance ZnPC-based cancer treatment.
Objective(s): Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), which are widely used in food and consumer products, have been associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory toxicity. Eugenol, a naturally occurring phenolic compound with well-established anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may exert protective effects when delivered through nanocarriers. Materials and Methods: TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via a co-precipitation method and subsequently functionalized with eugenol (TiO2@eugenol). FTIR, XRD, DLS, zeta potential analysis, FE-SEM, and TEM were used to characterize the nanoparticles. Thirty-six BALB/cJ mice were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6 per group). They received intraperitoneal injections of free eugenol, TiO2 nanoparticles, or TiO2@eugenol at low (50 mg/kg) or high (200 mg/kg) doses for 14 days. Following the treatment period, serum concentrations of IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were measured using ELISA; hepatic caspase-3/7 activity was assessed; and histological examinations of the liver, kidney, and spleen were performed. Gene expression of antioxidant markers (SOD3, GR, GPx) in liver tissue was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Results: TiO2 NPs significantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and hepatic caspase-3/7 activity. They also induced necrosis and inflammatory alterations in the liver, kidney, and spleen. In contrast, TiO2@eugenol markedly suppressed cytokine release and apoptotic activity while preserving tissue architecture. qRT-PCR analysis showed that TiO2 NPs downregulated antioxidant-related genes, whereas TiO2@eugenol significantly upregulated their expression, indicating improved redox homeostasis. Conclusion: Eugenol functionalization improved the biocompatibility profile of TiO2 NPs and provided substantial protection against TiO2-induced toxicity by attenuating inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress while restoring antioxidant defenses. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of eugenolloaded TiO2 nanoparticles and support further investigation in extended exposure models and disease-specific applications.
Magnetoliposomes, which are magnetically sensitive lipid nanocarriers, have garnered increasing attention in biomedical research due to their promising potential. Their biocompatibility and ability to transport therapeutic cargos with tailored physicochemical properties make lipid-based carriers, such as liposomes, highly valued in medical applications. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in integrating magnetic nanomaterials into medical technologies, particularly in areas such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and therapeutic techniques like hyperthermic treatment, which targets and eliminates cancerous cells. This article provides an overview of the development of magnetically activated lipid nanocarriers, with a particular focus on magnetoliposomes in the medical field. The review examines the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles and liposomes, the engineering of magnetoliposomes, and their applications in healthcare. Furthermore, the article examines synthesis techniques in detail, offering insights into the complex interactions between magnetic materials and lipid carriers. The synergistic combination of magnetic elements and lipid nanocarriers is driving a paradigm shift in medicine, offering the potential to revolutionize both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Lung cancer is a serious disease with a low overall survival rate due to delayed detection and ineffective conventional therapy. Advances in material science have led to the development of unique nanoscale-based theranostic agents, providing renewed hope for lung cancer patients. Nanocarrier-based drug delivery is an emerging modality for treating lung cancer, offering enhanced bioavailability, in vivo stability, better solubility, greater safety, and sustained, controlled targeted drug delivery. Various types of nanocarriers have been investigated against lung cancer, including liposomes, polymer-drug conjugates, NPs, micelles, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, and nanofibres. This review aims to provide an overview of various receptors overexpressed in lung cancer, the various targeting approaches of NPs, and the therapeutic involvement of nanosized carriers as targeting tools for lung cancer treatment. It also highlights the progress in the development and design of nano carrier-based pulmonary as well as co-delivery systems, as well as insights into cilical trials, formulation challenges, and physicochemical characteristics of nanocarriers affecting their in vitro and in vivo performance.
Objective(s): In the present study, a cross-linking gelation method combined with ultrasound was employed to create arbutin (ARB)-incorporated chitosan (CHT) nanoparticles (NPs). This approach aims to enhance cutaneous absorption and improve anti-melanogenesis effects. Material and Methods: Environmentally-friendly preparation of NP, monitoring NP features, checking structure, animal safety application, cellular viability, and inhibitory assessment on melanin creation were performed. Results: The results showed that increasing the volume ratio of chitosan (CHT) to tripolyphosphate (TPP) from 10:1.25 to 10:5 resulted in a reduction of particle size from 1097.133 +/- 28.655 nm to 215.666 +/- 5.976 nm. Moreover, this CHT/TPP volume ratio increase from 10:1.25 to 10:5 enhanced the encapsulation efficiency, from 55.084 +/- 4.283% to 97.151 +/- 0.066%. Assessment of cutaneous absorption revealed that the ARB-CHT-NP gel delivered significantly more arbutin (ARB) to both the cutaneous layers (46.168 +/- 3.313% or 810.094 +/- 58.147 mu g/cm2) and the receiver compartment (34.155 +/- 2.699% or 599.314 +/- 47.371 mu g/cm2) compared to the ARB plain gel. In vitro cytotoxicity testing demonstrated that, in the presence of the optimal formulation, a higher percentage of cell survival was observed in the HFF cell line compared to kojic acid and ARB. Additionally, the ARB-CHT-NP gel exhibited greater cytotoxicity in the B16F10 cell line compared to the other groups. A cutaneous itching assay on Wistar rats showed no signs of sensitivity to the ARB-CHT-NP gel. Furthermore, ARB-CHT-NP inhibited melanogenesis more effectively than kojic acid and ARB. L-dopa auto-oxidation was also significantly inhibited by ARB-CHT-NP (56.971 +/- 1.265%) compared to kojic acid (46.141 +/- 1.169%) and ARB (41.308 +/- 1.967%). Conclusion: Based on the results, the ARB-CHT-NP could serve as a prospective nanocarrier for ARB cutaneous application. Therefore, it is recommended that its use for treating melasma be considered.
Objective(s): To formulate mPEG-PLGA/Thymoquinone nanoparticles for enhanced biological uptake and therapeutic effectiveness of thymoquinone in asthmatic mice induced with ovalbumin (OVA) administration. Materials and Methods: mPEG-PLGA/thymoquinone nanoparticles generated using nanoprecipitation were studied for size distribution (dynamic light scattering), in vitro release profile, drug entrapment efficiency (EE), and appearance (scanning electron microscopy). Cytotoxicity assessment via the MTT assay using L929 and RAW 264.7, (a mouse macrophagic cell line) confirmed that the formulation was biocompatible at concentrations up to 1000 mu g/m. Drug release was analyzed at 37 degrees C and 25 degrees C over 8 days. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in mice with OVA-induced asthma, measuring OVA-specific IgE and cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-13), and lung histopathology (H&E staining). Results:The nanoparticles exhibited an average size of 255 nm and EE of 68.16%. In vitro release showed early rapid discharge with a subsequent gradual course. In vivo, mPEG-PLGA/Thymoquinone significantly reduced serum OVA-specific IgE levels and Th2-type cytokines (IL-13 and IL-4) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) compared to PBS and thymoquinone treatments. Histopathological analysis (H&E staining) confirmed that mPEG-PLGA/Thymoquinone significantly reduced perivascular and peribronchial inflammation, edema, and epithelial thickness, demonstrating superior efficacy compared to Dexamethasone and free Thymoquinone in some parameters. Conclusion: mPEG-PLGA/Thymoquinone nanoparticles provide an effective strategy for enhancing thymoquinone's therapeutic potential in asthma by improving drug delivery, reducing inflammation, and modulating the immune response.
Objective(s): An effective targeted cancer therapy should maximize drug accumulation within tumors while minimizing off-target effects on healthy tissues. Folate receptors, frequently overexpressed in various malignancies, render folic acid a promising targeting ligand for nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery. Materials and Methods: For this study, folic acid (FA)-modified PLA-spermine-PEG-Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized. These multifunctional nanoparticles were employed for the co-delivery of siRNA and paclitaxel (PTX) to targeted sites. The structural and morphological properties of the fabricated nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Results: TGA and FTIR analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of the PLA-spermine-PEG-FA (FPSP) copolymer. TEM and SEM imaging revealed that the FPSPFe/siRNA-FAM/PTX micelles possessed a smooth, spherical morphology. Additionally, VSM measurements indicated that the micelles exhibited suitable magnetic properties at room temperature. The drug release behavior of the FPSPFe/siRNA-FAM/PTX micelles was evaluated under both neutral and acidic conditions, demonstrating accelerated release under acidic pH conditions. The MTT assay demonstrated good biocompatibility of the micelles, while flow cytometry confirmed their ability to effectively deliver siRNA-FAM and PTX. Conclusion: The results demonstrated the high efficiency of FPSPFe/siRNA-FAM/PTX micelles in delivering both PTX and siRNA-FAM to MCF-7 cancer cells simultaneously.
The skin is a prominent and easily accessible organ in the human body. Despite providing the most straightforward and non-invasive drug administration method, the skin's limited permeability restricts the range of medications effectively delivered transdermally. The use of ethosomes as innovative vesicles for transdermal drug delivery has shown considerable promise in enhancing the permeation of drugs through the biological membrane. Ethosomes offer a preferable alternative to liposomes due to their ability to penetrate the skin more rapidly. Researchers have shown significant interest in ethosomes because of their exceptional capacity to deeply penetrate the skin, improve drug delivery, and achieve high entrapment efficiency. This study provides a comprehensive exploration of ethosomes as a drug delivery system. It aims to present detailed information on various aspects of ethosomes, including their manufacturing process, advantages, composition, properties, and applications in treating multiple diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, hormonal imbalances, and other skin infections.
Hydrogels for dental pulp repair present a promising strategy to enhance physicochemical and regenerative potentials. This study focuses on a hydrogel matrix fabricated by combining alginate and gelatin, incorporating varying concentrations of calcium phosphate (CaP) at 0, 2, 4, and 6 wt% to evaluate their effects on the mechanical properties of hydrogels for dental pulp regeneration (DPR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to assess the morphological characteristics of the hydrogels. Additionally, finite element analysis (FEA) was introduced to model the conical nerve root, and an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to predict the relationships between composition and mechanical and biological properties. Results demonstrated that increasing CaP content enhanced tensile strength, reduced porosity, and improved pH stability, with optimal performance observed at 4 wt%. The ANN effectively explored the relationships among parameters influencing tensile strength and porosity, accurately predicting damage percentage, weight gain, and strut diameter. Linear regression analysis validated the ANN's predictions, indicating acceptable error margins relative to experimental data. Incorporation of 4 wt% CaP into the alginate-gelatin hydrogel significantly enhanced its mechanical properties, bioactivity, and stability, highlighting the potential of this novel bio-nanocomposite porous scaffold for DPR applications.
Objective(s): Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent disturbances in glucose homeostasis. Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve glycemic control while minimizing toxicity. This study investigated the hypoglycemic potential of 4-methoxychalcone (MPP), synthesized via the Claisen-Schmidt reaction, and evaluated the efficacy of its nanoencapsulation in diabetic mice. Materials and Methods: MPP was synthesized and subsequently nanoencapsulated (NCs) using ethanol, isopropyl palmitate, and organic phase surfactants. Nanocarriers were characterized by particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and morphology through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Diabetes was induced in CL57/6BL mice using streptozotocin/nicotinamide. Animals were treated for 28 days with free MPP (200 mg/kg), metformin (200 mg/kg), or NCs (10 mg/kg). Biochemical assays were performed on blood samples, and histological analyses were conducted on liver tissues. Results: NCs exhibited a mean particle size of 187 nm, zeta potential of-19.9 mV, and PDI of 0.21, demonstrating stability across varying temperatures and pH conditions. TEM confirmed spherical morphology and uniform distribution. Both metformin (176.33 +/- 44.68 mg/dL, p < 0.0001) and NCs (163.2 +/- 76.3 mg/dL, p < 0.0001) significantly reduced blood glucose levels. NCs further normalized glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) without evidence of hepatotoxicity, as indicated by low malondialdehyde levels and preserved liver histology. Conclusion: Nanoencapsulation of MPP enhances its antidiabetic efficacy, enabling therapeutic effects at lower doses while reducing toxicity risks. This strategy represents a promising approach for the development of safer and more effective antidiabetic interventions.
Objective(s): Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field with broad applications across medicine, biology, chemistry, and engineering, largely due to nanoparticles' unique physical and chemical properties. In cancer treatment, nanoparticles offer significant potential for both diagnosis and therapy. This study synthesized tin-doped zinc sulfide nanoparticles (Sn-doped ZnS NPs) and undoped zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) to explore their therapeutic effects on the brain, kidney, and liver of mice. Materials and Methods: The nanoparticles were synthesized using a wet chemical method and characterized by X-ray spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Biological evaluations were performed by administering ZnS and Sn-doped ZnS NPs to BALB/c mice. These assessments included measurements of organ weights, oxidative stress biomarkers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and histopathological analysis of key organs. Results and Conclusions: Sn-doped ZnS NPs demonstrated enhanced structural and optical properties, along with significant antioxidant effects, without causing notable toxicity in vital organs. These findings suggest that Sn-doped ZnS NPs have strong potential for therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer treatment, and warrant further investigation to elucidate their mechanistic roles and long-term safety.
Objective(s): Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment; however, tumor radioresistance remains a major limitation. The use of radiosensitizers offers a strategy to selectively enhance the sensitivity of malignant cells to ionizing radiation while minimizing toxicity to surrounding normal tissues. In this study, we investigated the radiosensitizing potential of silica-coated bismuth ferrite nanoparticles (BFO-Si NPs).Material and Methods: Bismuth ferrite nanoparticles (BFO NPs) were synthesized via the sol-gel method and coated with silica to produce BFO-Si NPs, and their morphology and structural properties were characterized using FESEM, EDS, HR-TEM, XRD, and DLS. Their cytotoxicity against human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) SK-MES-1 cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. To further assess their efficacy as radiosensitizers, cell viability, colony-forming capacity, and apoptotic responses following X-ray irradiation were evaluated.Results: The BFO-Si NPs exhibited uniform spherical geometry, a narrow size distribution, and good colloidal stability. They significantly increased apoptosis induction and decreased clonogenic survival of SK-MES-1 cells under 6 MV X-ray irradiation compared with radiation alone.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the potential of silica-coated bismuth ferrite nanoparticles as safe and effective radiosensitizers, capable of enhancing radiotherapeutic outcomes in NSCLC.
Objective(s): Herbal nano-liposomes, also referred to as nano-Phytosomes, are formed through hydrogen bonding interactions between the phospholipids of lipid membranes and phytomolecules. This structure enhances the delivery efficiency of therapeutic agents. This study focuses on the use of PEGylated nano-liposomes co-loaded with two anti-cancer compounds derived from herbs, silibinin and glycyrrhizic acid, to target liver cancer cells.Materials and Methods: The co-encapsulated nanoscale liposomes were synthesized using the thin-layer film hydration method with HEPES buffer, followed by sonication. The vesicles encapsulating silibinin and glycyrrhizic acid consisted of DPPC, cholesterol, and DSPE-mPEG2000 in a molar percentage ratio of approximately 61.5:35:3.5. A fluorescent label (DIL) was incorporated into the lipid bilayer at a concentration of 0.1 mol%. The multilamellar vesicles were then sonicated and filtered to produce the nano-liposomes. To enhance targeting, these co-encapsulated the nano-liposomes were conjugated with the monoclonal antibody HAb18. The resulting PEGylated nano-liposome formulation demonstrated a narrow size distribution, with an average particle diameter of approximately 45 nm. The zeta potential of the co-encapsulated nano-Phytosome was measured at -23.25mV. The encapsulation efficiencies of silibinin and glycyrrhizic acid were approximately 24.37% and 68.78%, respectively.Results: The study revealed that the mean diameter of the nano-Phytosome increased upon targeting. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images confirmed that the average diameters of the targeted co-encapsulated nano-liposomes were approximately 84 nm and 81 nm, respectively, while the monoclonal antibody HAb18 exhibited an average diameter of around 16.1 nm and 15 nm.Conclusion: This targeted nano-system offers efficient delivery of herbal drugs to liver cancer cells.
