Boron Nanoparticle-Enhanced Proton Therapy: Molecular Mechanisms of Tumor Cell Sensitization.

Boron-enhanced proton therapy has recently appeared as a promising approach to increase the efficiency of proton therapy on tumor cells, and this modality can further be improved by the use of boron nanoparticles (B NPs) as local sensitizers to achieve enhanced and targeted therapeutic outcomes. However, the mechanisms of tumor cell elimination under boron-enhanced proton therapy still require clarification. Here, we explore possible molecular mechanisms responsible for the enhancement of therapeutic outcomes under boron NP-enhanced proton therapy.

A Comparative Study of Cerium(III) and Cerium(IV) Phosphates for Sunscreens.

Crystalline cerium(III) phosphate (CePO), cerium(IV) phosphates, and nanocrystalline ceria are considered to be promising components of sunscreen cosmetics. This paper reports on a study in which, for the first time, a quantitative comparative analysis was performed of the UV-shielding properties of CePO, Ce(PO)(HPO)(HO), and CePO/CeO composites. Both the sun protection factor and protection factor against UV-A radiation of the materials were determined.

Gadolinium Doping Modulates the Enzyme-like Activity and Radical-Scavenging Properties of CeO Nanoparticles.

Their unique physicochemical properties and multi-enzymatic activity make CeO nanoparticles (CeO NPs) the most promising active component of the next generation of theranostic drugs. When doped with gadolinium ions, CeO NPs constitute a new type of contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging, possessing improved biocatalytic properties and a high level of biocompatibility. The present study is focused on an in-depth analysis of the enzyme-like properties of gadolinium-doped CeO NPs (CeO:Gd NPs) and their antioxidant activity against superoxide anion radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and alkylperoxyl radicals.

Hybrid Polyelectrolyte Capsules Loaded with Gadolinium-Doped Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles as a Biocompatible MRI Agent for Theranostic Applications.

Layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembled polyelectrolyte capsules have demonstrated their unique advantages and capability in drug delivery applications. These ordered micro/nanostructures are also promising candidates as imaging contrast agents for diagnostic and theranostic applications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), one of the most powerful clinical imaging modalities, is moving forward to the molecular imaging field and requires advanced imaging probes.

Boron Nanoparticle-Enhanced Proton Therapy for Cancer Treatment.

Proton therapy is one of the promising radiotherapy modalities for the treatment of deep-seated and unresectable tumors, and its efficiency can further be enhanced by using boron-containing substances. Here, we explore the use of elemental boron (B) nanoparticles (NPs) as sensitizers for proton therapy enhancement. Prepared by methods of pulsed laser ablation in water, the used B NPs had a mean size of 50 nm, while a subsequent functionalization of the NPs by polyethylene glycol improved their colloidal stability in buffers.

The Strong Protective Action of Ce/F Combined Treatment on Tooth Enamel and Epithelial Cells.

We studied the toxic effects of cerium and fluoride species on human dental pulp stem cells and epithelial cells of as a surrogate for the human oral mucosa. The sequential use of CeCl and NHF solutions in equimolar sub-toxic concentrations enabled the possible toxic effects of individual components to be avoided, ensuring the preservation of the metabolic activity of the cells due to the formation of CeF nanoparticles. Cerium fluoride nanoparticles and terbium-doped cerium fluoride nanoparticles exhibited neither cytotoxicity nor genotoxicity to dental pulp stem cells, even at high concentrations (10 M).