Background/Objectives: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in cell-to-cell communication and delivery of signaling molecules and represent an interesting approach in targeted therapy. This project focused on EV-mediated facilitation and cell-specific delivery of effector antimiR molecules carried by biologically produced gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Methods: First, we loaded EVs derived from cancer cells 4T1 with AuNPs-antimiR. The AuNPs were also decorated with or without transferrin (Tf) molecules. We examined parental cell-specific delivery of the AuNPs-Tf-antimiR within monocultures as well as co-cultures in vitro. Subsequently, we used autologous EVs containing AuNPs-Tf-antimiR to target tumor cells in a xenograft tumor model in vivo. Efficacy of the antimir transfer was assessed by qPCR and apoptosis assessment. Results: In vitro, EVs loaded with AuNPs-antimiR were internalized only by the parental cells and the AuNPs-antimiR transfer was successful and effective only in EVs that were decorated with Tf. We achieved effective delivery of the antimiR molecule into cancer cells in vivo, which was proved by specific silencing of the target oncogenic miRNA as well as induction of cancer cells apoptosis. Conclusions: EVs represent an interesting and potent way for targeted cargo delivery and personalized medicine. On the other hand, there are various safety and efficacy challenges that remain to be addressed.

The enormous therapeutic potential of selective ribonucleic acid (RNA) interference has recently been manifested by the approval of several small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based drugs. However, the efficacy of siRNA delivery is still limited, and an extensive search for alternative and highly effective delivery approaches is ongoing. With this aim, three generations of non-viral vectors based on modified nanodiamonds (NDs) have been gradually developed in the past decade. They show great promise due to the negligible toxicity of the ND core. Here, a robust methodological approach is presented to enable the evaluation of new vector nanomaterials. Using a new type of third-generation ND vector coated with a copolymer with tunable charge density, variables such as colloidal stability, surface electrostatic properties, the molecular composition of the copolymer, and the mode of complexation with siRNA are optimized. Using an innovative data processing strategy, the results are related to biological potency, toxicity, and cell proliferation. Finally, the optimized composition of a coating copolymer consisting of a cationic component, 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and an electroneutral biocompatible component, N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide, is evaluated. The optimized NDs vectors are colloidally and biologically stable siRNA delivery tools with broad potential for RNA interference-based therapeutics. The study presents a non-viral vector for siRNA based on nanodiamond coated with a novel copolymer with tunable charge density. The properties of the vector are optimized by several physicochemical variables and polymer composition, and correlated with biological efficacy, cytotoxicity, and cell proliferation. This colloidal and biologically stable siRNA delivery tool demonstrates potential for siRNA transfection and RNA interference-based therapeutics. image

The biologically produced gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are novel carriers with promising use in targeted tumor therapy. Still, there are no studies regarding the efficacy of nanoparticle internalization by cancer and noncancer cells. In this study, AuNPs were produced by Fusarium oxysporum and analyzed by spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Zetasizer. Obtained AuNPs were about 15 nm in size with a zeta potential of -35.8 mV. The AuNPs were added to cancer cells (4T1), noncancer cells (NIH/3T3), and macrophages (RAW264.7). The viability decreased in 4T1 (77 ± 3.74%) in contrast to NIH/3T3 and RAW264.7 cells (89 ± 4.9% and 90 ± 3.5%, respectively). The 4T1 cancer cells also showed the highest uptake and accumulation of Au (∼80% of AuNPs was internalized) as determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. The lowest amount of AuNPs was internalized by the NIH/3T3 cells (∼30%). The NIH/3T3 cells exhibited prominent reorganization of F-actin filaments as examined by confocal microscopy. In RAW264.7, we analyzed the release of proinflammatory cytokines by flow cytometry and we found the AuNP interaction triggered transient secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). In summary, we proved the biologically produced AuNPs entered all the tested cell types and triggered cell-specific responses. High AuNP uptake by tumor cells was related to decreased cell viability, while low nanoparticle uptake by fibroblasts triggered F-actin reorganization without remarkable toxicity. Thus, the biologically produced AuNPs hold promising potential as cancer drug carriers and likely require proper surface functionalization to shield phagocytizing cells.

This study recognized biologically produced gold nanoparticles (AuNP) as multiple cargo carriers with a perspective of drugs delivery into specialized tumor cells in vivo. Paclitaxel (PTX), transferrin, and antimiR-135b were conjugated with AuNPs and their uptake by mouse tumor cells in an induced breast cancer model was investigated. Each of the above-mentioned molecules was conjugated to the AuNPs separately as well as simultaneously, loading efficiency of each cargo was assessed, and performance of the final product (FP) was assessed. After tumor induction in BALB/c mice, sub-IC50 doses of FP as well as control AuNPs, PTX, and PBS were administered in vivo. Round AuNPs were prepared using Fusarium oxysporum and exhibited size of 13 ± 1.3 nm and zeta potential of -35.8 ± 1.3 mV. The cytotoxicity of individual conjugates and FP were tested by MTT assay in breast tumor cells 4T1 and non-tumor fibroblasts NIH/3T3 cells. The conjugation of the individual molecules with AuNPs was confirmed and FP (size of 54 ± 14 nm and zeta potential of -31.9 ± 2.08 mV) showed higher 4T1-specific toxicity in vitro when compared to control conjugates. After in vivo application of the FP, TEM analyses proved presence of AuNPs in the tumor cells. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the tumor tissue revealed that the FP group exhibited the highest amounts of inflammatory, necrotic, and apoptotic cells in contrast to control groups. Finally, qPCR results showed that FP could transfect and suppress miR-135b expression in vivo, confirming the tumor-targeting properties of FP. The capacity of biologically produced gold nanoparticles to conjugate with multiple decorative molecules while remaining their stability and effective intracellular uptake makes them promising alternative strategy superior to current drug carriers.

Non-healing wounds are a serious complication in diabetic patients. One of the detrimental factors contributing to limited wound healing is the accumulation of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the wound. Selective inhibition of MMP-9 is one of the established therapeutic targets for diabetic wound healing. Here, a functional and biocompatible wound dressing is developed to enable a controlled release of a traceable vector loaded with the antisense siRNA against MMP-9 in the wound. The dressing consists of degradable polymer nanofibers embedded with a vector nanosystem - polymer-coated fluorescent nanodiamonds optimized for the binding of siRNA and colloidal stability of nanodiamond-siRNA complexes in a physiological environment. The developed dressing is tested on murine fibroblasts and also applied to wounds in a diabetic murine model to evaluate its suitability in terms of in vivo toxicity, biological efficacy, and handling. The treatment results in significant local inhibition of MMP-9 and a shortening of the wound healing time. The scar formation in treated diabetic-like mice becomes comparable with that in non-treated diabetes-free mice. Our results suggest that the application of our biocompatible dressing loaded with a non-toxic vector nanosystem is an effective and promising approach to gene therapy of non-healing wounds.

This study recognized biologically produced gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as multiple cargo carriers with a perspective of drug delivery into specialized tumor cells in vivo. Paclitaxel (PTX), transferrin, and antimiR-135b were conjugated with AuNPs and their uptake by mouse tumor cells in an induced breast cancer model was investigated. Each of the above-mentioned molecules was conjugated to the AuNPs separately as well as simultaneously, loading efficiency of each cargo was assessed, and performance of the final product (FP) was judged. After tumor induction in BALB/c mice, sub-IC50 doses of FP as well as control AuNPs, PTX, and phosphate buffered saline were administered in vivo. Round AuNPs were prepared using Fusarium oxysporum and exhibited a size of 13 +/- 1.3 nm and a zeta potential of -35.8 +/- 1.3 mV. The cytotoxicity of individual conjugates and FP were tested by MTT assay in breast tumor cells 4T1 and nontumor fibroblasts NIH/3T3 cells. The conjugation of individual molecules with AuNPs was confirmed, and FP (size of 54 +/- 14 nm and zeta potential of -31.9 +/- 2.08 mV) showed higher 4T1-specific toxicity in vitro when compared to control conjugates. After in vivo application of the FP, transmission electron microscopy analyses proved the presence of AuNPs in the tumor cells. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the tumor tissue revealed that the FP group exhibited the highest amounts of inflammatory, necrotic, and apoptotic cells in contrast to the control groups. Finally, qPCR results showed that FP could transfect and suppress miR-135b expression in vivo, confirming the tumor-targeting properties of FP. The capacity of biologically produced gold nanoparticles to conjugate with multiple decorative molecules while retaining their stability and effective intracellular uptake makes them a promising alternative strategy superior to current drug carriers.

Enzymotherapy based on DNase I or RNase A has often been suggested as an optional strategy for cancer treatment. The efficacy of such procedures is limited e.g. by a short half-time of the enzymes or a low rate of their internalization. The use of nanoparticles, such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), helps to overcome these limits. Specifically, biologically produced AuNPs represent an interesting variant here due to naturally occurring capping agents (CA) on their surface. The composition of the CA depends on the producing microorganism. CAs are responsible for the stabilization of the nanoparticles, and promote the direct linking of targeting and therapeutic molecules. This study provided proof of enzyme adsorption onto gold nanoparticles and digestion efficacy of AuNPs-adsorbed enzymes. We employed Fusarium oxysporum extract to produce AuNPs. These nanoparticles were round or polygonal with a size of about 5 nm, negative surface charge of about − 33 mV, and maximum absorption peak at 530 nm. After the adsorption of DNAse I, RNase A, or Proteinase K onto the AuNPs surface, the nanoparticles exhibited shifts in surface charge (values between − 22 and − 13 mV) and maximum absorption peak (values between 513 and 534 nm). The ability of AuNP-enzyme complexes to digest different targets was compared to enzymes alone. We found a remarkable degradation of ssDNA, and dsDNA by AuNP-DNAse I, and a modest degradation of ssRNA by AuNP-RNase A. The presence of particular enzymes on the AuNP surface was proved by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, we detected a remarkable digestion of collagen type I and fibrinogen by AuNP-proteinase K complexes. We concluded that the biologically produced AuNPs directly bound DNase I, RNase A, and proteinase K while preserving their ability to digest specific targets. Therefore, according to our results, AuNPs can be used as effective enzyme carriers and the AuNP-enzyme conjugates can be effective tools for enzymotherapy.

Although there are several research articles on the detection and characterization of protein corona on the surface of various nanoparticles, there are no detailed studies on the formation, detection, and characterization of protein corona on the surface of biologically produced gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). AuNPs were prepared from Fusarium oxysporum at two different temperatures and characterized by spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The zeta potential of AuNPs was determined using a Zetasizer. AuNPs were incubated with 3 different concentrations of mouse plasma, and the hard protein corona was detected first by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and then by electrospray liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The profiles were compared to AuNPs alone that served as control. The results showed that round and oval AuNPs with sizes below 50 nm were produced at both temperatures. The AuNPs were stable after the formation of the protein corona and had sizes larger than 86 nm, and their zeta potential remained negative. We found that capping agents in the control samples contained small peptides/amino acids but almost no protein(s). After hard protein corona formation, we identified plasma proteins present on the surface of AuNPs. The identified plasma proteins may contribute to the AuNPs being shielded from phagocytizing immune cells, which makes the AuNPs a promising candidate for in vivo drug delivery. The protein corona on the surface of biologically produced AuNPs differed depending on the capping agents of the individual AuNP samples and the plasma concentration.

Nanodiamonds are widely tested as convenient drug delivery systems because they are nontoxic, biocompatible, and can easily carry various biomolecules. However, their effect on living systems is not fully explored. In this research, we used fluorescent nanodiamonds carrying small RNA and we applied them ex vivo and in vivo to see changes in key cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ. We investigated the response of primary cells after encountering the loaded nanodiamond carriers. Specifically, blood, peritoneal macrophages, and spleen were examined for cytokine expression, cell internalization, and toxicity. The nanodiamonds were detected inside peritoneal macrophages and spleen after ex vivo and in vivo stimulations. The viability of cells was comparable in samples with/without nanodiamond exposure in vivo. We found a significant increase in TNF-α and IFN-γ protein levels measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after stimulation with bare nanodiamonds but no increase was measured when the same cells were exposed to RNA-loaded nanodiamonds. Furthermore, real-time qPCR showed no significant changes in TNF-α and IFN-γ levels after nanodiamond and loaded nanodiamonds stimulation ex and in vivo, except a sample of peritoneal macrophages stimulated with bare nanodiamonds. Finally, there was no significant change in hemolysis when comparing samples with nanodiamond or control stimulation. We conclude from our observations that RNA-loaded fluorescent nanodiamonds do not significantly affect TNF-α and IFN-γ levels and possess minimal direct toxicity to red blood cells. However, the nanodiamond particles were found in peritoneal macrophages and spleen after the i.p. application suggesting the importance of targeted coating for their systemic application.

The mycelium-free supernatant (MFS) of a five-day-old culture medium of Fusarium oxysporum was used to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The experimental design of the study was to answer the question: can this production process of AuNPs be controllable like classical chemical or physical approaches? The process of producing AuNPs from 1 mM tetrachloroauric (III) acid trihydrate in MFS was monitored visually by color change at different pH values and quantified spectroscopically. The produced AuNPs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The presence of capping agents was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Two AuNP samples with acidic and alkaline pH were selected and adjusted with the pH gradient and analyzed. Finally, the size and zeta potential of all samples were determined. The results confirmed the presence of the proteins as capping agents on the surface of the AuNPs and confirmed the production of AuNPs at all pH values. All AuNP samples exhibited negative zeta potential, and this potential was higher at natural to alkaline pH values. The size distribution analysis showed that the size of AuNPs produced at alkaline pH was smaller than that at acidic pH. Since all samples had negative charge, we suspect that there were other molecules besides proteins that acted as capping agents on the surface of the AuNPs. We conclude that although the biological method of nanoparticle production is safe, green, and inexpensive, the ability to manipulate the nanoparticles to obtain both positive and negative charges is limited, curtailing their application in the medical field.

Fluorescent nanodiamonds (NDs) coated with therapeutics and cell-targeting structures serve as effective tools for drug delivery. However, NDs circulating in blood can eventually interact with the blood-brain barrier, resulting in undesired pathology. Here, we aimed to detect interaction between NDs and adult brain tissue. First, we cultured neuronal tissue with ND ex vivo and studied cell prosperity, regeneration, cytokine secretion, and nanodiamond uptake. Then, we applied NDs systemically into C57BL/6 animals and assessed accumulation of nanodiamonds in brain tissue and cytokine response. We found that only non-neuronal cells internalized coated nanodiamonds and responded by excretion of interleukin-6 and interferon-γ. Cells of neuronal origin expressing tubulin beta-III did not internalize any NDs. Once we applied coated NDs intravenously, we found no presence of NDs in the adult cortex but observed transient release of interleukin-1α. We conclude that specialized adult neuronal cells do not internalize plain or coated NDs. However, coated nanodiamonds interact with non-neuronal cells present within the cortex tissue. Moreover, the coated NDs do not cross the blood-brain barrier but they interact with adjacent barrier cells and trigger a temporary cytokine response. This study represents the first report concerning interaction of NDs with adult brain tissue.

Boron doped diamonds (BDD) are a promising material for fabrication of neuroelectrodes and formation of neurointerfaces. Surface properties of BDD thin films can be adjusted by variation of grain sizes, patterning, lithography techniques and coating by different biopolymers to further promote performance of neuroelectrode and enhance the neuron adhesion. We used 3T3 fibroblasts and rat hippocampal neurons (newborn and adult) to estimate planar and nanostructured BDD surface biocompatibility. Optical microscopy, lactate dehydrogenase assay and calcium imaging were used to check cell adhesion and longterm survival. 3T3 fibroblasts are able to grow on BDD without any coating. No signs of cytotoxicity and changes in cell cycle were found. Adhesion and longterm survival of newborn rat hippocampal neurons were observed only on poly‐L‐lysine coated planar and nanostructured BDD surface. Calcium imaging of longterm cultures of newborn neurons grown on poly‐L‐lysine coated planar and nanostructured BDD showed functionality and synaptic activity of hippocampal neurons. Nanodiamond surface without poly‐L‐lysine coating do not support adhesion of newborn neurons. Adult rat hippocampal neurons preferred poly‐D‐lysine coated planar nanodiamonds but were able to grow on nanostructured diamonds without any coating. Support or Funding Information This work was supported by Czech Science Foundation grant 17–15319S. This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal .

Nanodiamonds (ND) serve as RNA carriers with potential for in vivo application. ND coatings and their administration strategy significantly change their fate, toxicity, and effectivity within a multicellular system. Our goal was to develop multiple ND coating for effective RNA delivery in vivo. Our final complex (NDA135b) consisted of ND, polymer, antisense RNA, and transferrin. We aimed (i) to assess if a tumor-specific coating promotes NDA135b tumor accumulation and effective inhibition of oncogenic microRNA-135b and (ii) to outline off-targets and immune cell interactions. First, we tested NDA135b toxicity and effectivity in tumorospheres co-cultured with immune cells ex vivo. We found NDA135b to target tumor cells, but it binds also to granulocytes. Then, we followed with NDA135b intravenous and intratumoral applications in tumor-bearing animals in vivo. Application of NDA135b in vivo led to the effective knockdown of microRNA-135b in tumor tissue regardless administration. Only intravenous application resulted in NDA135b circulation in peripheral blood and urine and the decreased granularity of splenocytes. Our data show that localized intratumoral application of NDA135b represents a suitable and safe approach for in vivo application of nanodiamond-based constructs. Systemic intravenous application led to an interaction of NDA135b with bio-interface, and needs further examination regarding its safety.

This article examines the ability of newly developed nanostructured porous boron‐doped diamond (BDD) to form an interface with neural cells and the role of molecular functionalization by a polymer on this interface. Due to its high stability, biocompatibility, and electrical properties, BDD is a promising material for construction of neuroelectrodes. Nanostructuring and an increase in the surface specific area can further improve the sensitivity and performance of such electrodes. Here, porous BDD prepared in a multistep diamond deposition on a porous template consisting of a polymer and electrospun SiO2 fibers is examined. This work shows that this new material is biocompatible and does not exhibit any cytotoxicity on fibroblast cell lines. Further, this work shows that porous BDD supports regeneration of newborn and adult neurons when functionalized with poly‐L‐lysine.

Micro RNAs are short non-coding RNA molecules, which are important regulators of cell functions. Deregulation of certain micro RNA level is contributing factor to tumor formation and progression. Possible gene therapy by modulation of the micro RNA level is currently considered. Recently it has been proved that nano diamonds coated with PEI serve as efficient transfection and monitoring system. The aim of our work was to deliver micro RNA inhibitor and micro RNA mimic sequences into specialized mammalian cells using fluorescent nano diamond particles and to test the nano complex uptake and cell compatibility during primary in vivo application. Short RNA molecules were bound to the PEI coated nano diamonds, transported into the colon cancer cell line in vitro and observed in a confocal microscope. The miRNA mimic coated nano diamonds were used for complex uptake and toxicity study in peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes after ex vivo stimulation or in vivo administration. Due to the possibility of continuous monitoring of carrier internalization, its transfection efficacy, and cell compatibility, the fluorescent nano diamonds represent a suitable RNA carrier with a potential use in gene therapy.

MicroRNAs are short molecules of RNA regulating most cellular processes via the mechanism of RNA interference. Their dysregulation leads to a disease burden, making them important therapeutic targets. For the successful development of a therapeutic device, the uptake of a functionalized carrier by live cells and the sufficient release of effector therapeutic molecules are limiting factors. Here for the first time, the inhibition of oncogenic microRNA-21 in CT-26 colon cancer cells is achieved, using an advanced nanosystem consisting of fluorescent nanodiamond and antisense RNA. Stable nanocomplexes efficiently deliver antisense RNA into cell cytoplasm, encouraging further study of microRNA-21 function in target cells. Engaging the fluorescent nanoparticle enables monitoring of transfection and release of the antisense RNA load into cell cytoplasm. Importantly, the internalized antisense RNA effectively destroys target microRNA-21 in CT-26 cancer cells. The absence of oncogenic microRNA-21 liberates tumor suppressor genes Pdcd4 and Timp3 from silencing, and results in a decrease of cell invasion and migration, and in the induction of apoptotic cell death. This study uses a nanodiamond-based imaging and delivery system, and shows that the multidimensional performance of the presented device makes nanodiamond-based complexes promising therapeutic devices.

Glycan metabolism balance is critical for cell prosperity, and macromolecule glycosylation is essential for cell communication, signaling and survival. Thus, glycotherapy may be a potential cancer treatment. The aim of the present study was to determine whether combined synthetic glycoconjugates (GCs) induce changes in gene expression that alter the survival of colon cancer cells. The current study evaluated the effect of the GCs N‑acetyl‑D‑glucosamine modified polyamidoamine dendrimer and calix[4]arene scaffold on cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and sensitivity to immune cell‑mediated killing. Using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the expression of genes involved in the aforementioned processes was measured. It was determined that GCs reduce the expression of the glucosaminyltransferases Mgat3 and Mgat5 responsible for surface glycosylation and employed components of the Wnt signaling pathway Wnt2B and Wnt9B. In addition, the calix[4]arene‑based GC reduced cell colony formation; this was accompanied by the downregulation of the metalloproteinase Mmp3. By contrast, the dendrimer‑based GC affected the expression of the glucose transporter components Sglt1 and Egfr1. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to reveal that N‑acetyl‑D‑glucosamine‑dendrimer/calix[4]arene GCs alter mRNA expression in a comprehensive way, resulting in the reduced malignant phenotype of the colon cancer cell line HT‑29.

Non-healing wounds are serious complication in diabetic patients and represent an attractive challenge for development of suitable carrier system possessing constant and localized release of therapeutic biomolecule into the wound without any undesired side effects. Given the fact that these non-healing wounds are result of impaired balance in metalloproteinases synthesized by immune cells residing the wounds, gene therapy offering knock down of such enzymes is of great interest. Here we challenged a development of functional and biocompatible wound dressing enabling controlled release of trackable carrier loaded with therapeutic siRNA. Our dressing consists of scaffold from degradable polymer nanofibers enriched with fluorescent nanodiamond particles (FND). We have previously shown the nanodiamond particles are great carriers for antisense RNAs. Their advantages represent high biocompatibility, stable luminescence giving us the possibility to track the carrier system in the wound, and effective release of antisense RNA in the wound. Embedding of nanodiamond-siRNA systems into nanofiber scaffold enables continuous release of siRNA and maintaining the stable siRNA concentration in the wound site resulting in a promotion of wound healing. We developed FND-siRNA complexes specific to MMP-9 that efficiently inhibit the expression of target MMP-9 mRNA. The complexes were embedded into core/shell nanofibers from PVA and PCL, visualized by confocal microscopy, and characterized by electron microscopy. Real-time PCR was used to assess the silencing effect of siRNA that has been delivered to target murine fibroblasts by FND released from nanofiber dressing. Nanofiber system with embedded FNDs was applied on wounds in diabetic animal models to evaluate its suitability regarding short and long term toxicity, efficacy, and handling in vivo. Our results suggest that using nanodiamond-siRNA complexes with nanofiber-controlled and localized release is a promising approach in gene therapy of non-healing wounds.

The microRNA(miRNA)-34a is an important regulator of tumor suppression. It controls the expression of several target proteins involved in cell cycle, differentiation and apoptosis, and antagonizes processes that are necessary for basic cancer cell viability as well as cancer stemness, metastasis, and chemoresistance. It is downregulated in numerous cancer types, including prostatic cancer, and inhibits malignant growth by repressing genes involved in various oncogenic signaling pathways. Given the anti-oncogenic activity of miR-34a, here we proved the substantial benefits of a new therapeutic concept based on nanotechnology delivery of miRNA mimics. In order to monitor the miRNA-34a replacement, we used a fluorescent nanodiamond particles (FND) system with linked miRNA-34a mimic, which was delivered to PC3 and DU145 prostatic cancer cell lines. We used functionalized nanodiamonds coated with polyethylenimine to transfer miRNA-34a into PC3 and DU145 prostatic cancer cell lines and we measured the zeta-potential of these complexes before using them for in vitro experiments. A replacement of miRNA-34 was observed by monitoring levels of miRNA-34 via real-time PCR. Moreover, our in vitro experiments demonstrated that miRNA-34a replacement, using this FND delivery system, decreased viability and induced apoptosis in prostatic cancer cell lines. Our findings suggest the replacement of oncosuppressor miRNA-34a provides an effective strategy for cancer therapy and the FND-based delivery systems seems to be an excellent strategy for a safe and effective targeting of the tumor.