Nontoxic In Vivo Clearable Nanoparticle Clusters for Theranostic Applications.

Disintegrable inorganic nanoclusters (GIONs) with gold seed (GS) coating of an iron oxide core with a primary nanoparticle size less than 6 nm were prepared for theranostic applications. The GIONs possessed a broad near-infrared (NIR) absorbance at ∼750 nm because of plasmon coupling between closely positioned GSs on the iron oxide nanoclusters (ION) surface, in addition to the ∼513 nm peak corresponding to the isolated GS. The NIR laser-triggered photothermal response of GIONs was found to be concentration-dependent with a temperature rise of ∼8.

Polymeric Core-Shell Combinatorial Nanomedicine for Synergistic Anticancer Therapy.

Core-shell nanostructures are promising platforms for combination drug delivery. However, their complicated synthesis process, poor stability, surface engineering, and low biocompatibility are major hurdles. Herein, a carboxymethyl chitosan-coated poly(lactide--glycolide) (cmcPLGA) core-shell nanostructure is prepared via a simple one-step nanoprecipitation self-assembly process.

Electrochemical Method To Prepare Graphene Quantum Dots and Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots.

In this study, we present the preparation of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs). GQDs/GOQDs are prepared by an easy electrochemical exfoliation method, in which two graphite rods are used as electrodes. The electrolyte used is a combination of citric acid and alkali hydroxide in water.

NIR absorbing Au nanoparticle decorated layered double hydroxide nanohybrids for photothermal therapy and fluorescence imaging of cancer cells.

Among inorganic nanomaterials, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have received great attention in nanobiomedicine due to their unique properties. In this work, we have designed a nanohybrid of an LDH with Au NPs (LDH-Au) in order to use it for photothermal therapy, and optical and fluorescence imaging of cancer cells. The structural characteristics of the nanohybrid are investigated using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy and elemental analyses.

Biocompatibility and therapeutic evaluation of magnetic liposomes designed for self-controlled cancer hyperthermia and chemotherapy.

Magnetic liposome-mediated combined chemotherapy and hyperthermia is gaining importance as an effective therapeutic modality for cancer. However, control and maintenance of optimum hyperthermia are major challenges in clinical settings due to the overheating of tissues. To overcome this problem, we developed a novel magnetic liposomes formulation co-entrapping a dextran coated biphasic suspension of LaSrMnO (LSMO) and iron oxide (FeO) nanoparticles for self-controlled hyperthermia and chemotherapy.

Dendrimer-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles as stimuli-responsive drug carriers for thermally-activated chemotherapy of cancer.

In recent years, functional nanomaterials have found an appreciable place in the understanding and treatment of cancer. This work demonstrates the fabrication and characterization of a new class of cationic, biocompatible, peptide dendrimers, which were then used for stabilizing and functionalizing magnetite nanoparticles for combinatorial therapy of cancer. The synthesized peptide dendrimers have an edge over the widely used PAMAM dendrimers due to better biocompatibility and negligible cytotoxicity of their degradation products.

Targeted Magnetic Liposomes Loaded with Doxorubicin.

Targeted delivery systems for anticancer drugs are urgently needed to achieve maximum therapeutic efficacy by site-specific accumulation and thereby minimizing adverse effects resulting from systemic distribution of many potent anticancer drugs. We have prepared folate receptor-targeted magnetic liposomes loaded with doxorubicin, which are designed for tumor targeting through a combination of magnetic and biological targeting. Furthermore, these liposomes are designed for hyperthermia-induced drug release to be mediated by an alternating magnetic field and to be traceable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Magnetic core-shell hybrid nanoparticles for receptor targeted anti-cancer therapy and magnetic resonance imaging.

Hybrid nanoparticles with magnetic poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticle 'core', surface modified with folate-chitosan (fol-cht) conjugate 'shell' are evaluated as simultaneous anti-cancer therapeutic and MRI contrast agent. The fol-cht conjugate is prepared using carbodiimide crosslinking chemistry at an optimized folate to amine (chitosan) molar ratio for further coating on PLGA nanoparticles loaded with docetaxel and well packed super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). Apart from possessing a targeting moiety, the coating provides a physical barrier to avoid undesired burst release of drug and also imparts sensitivity to acidic pH, due to protonated amine group dependent decondensation of the coating and subsequent drug release.

Assessing Therapeutic Potential of Magnetic Mesoporous Nanoassemblies for Chemo-Resistant Tumors.

Smart drug delivery system with strategic drug distribution is the future state-of-the-art treatment for any malignancy. To investigate therapeutic potential of such nanoparticle mediated delivery system, we examined the efficacy of dual drug-loaded, pH and thermo liable lipid coated mesoporous iron oxide-based magnetic nanoassemblies (DOX:TXL-LMMNA) in mice bearing both drug sensitive (A2780(S)) and drug resistant (A2780-CisR) ovarian cancer tumor xenografts. In presence of an external AC magnetic field (ACMF), DOX:TXL-LMMNA particles disintegrate to release encapsulated drug due to hyperthermic temperatures (41-45 ºC).

Protein-Poly(amino acid) Nanocore-Shell Mediated Synthesis of Branched Gold Nanostructures for Computed Tomographic Imaging and Photothermal Therapy of Cancer.

Anisotropic noble metal nanoparticles especially branched gold nanoparticles with a large absorption cross-section and high molar extinction coefficient have promising applications in biomedical field. However, sophisticated and cumbersome methodologies of synthesis along with toxic precursors pose serious concern for its use. Herein, we report the synthesis of branched gold nanostructures from protein (albumin) nanoparticles by a simple reduction method.

Mechanism of Anti-Cancer Activity of Benomyl Loaded Nanoparticles in Multidrug Resistant Cancer Cells.

Polymeric chitosan-poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles loaded with benomyl as anticancer drug formulation against multidrug-resistant EMT6/AR1 cells were synthesized by amine-carboxylate reaction. Using transmission electron microscopy, the average size of chitosan-poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles and benomyl-encapsulated polymeric chitosan-poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles was estimated to be 155 ± 20 nm and 160 ± 25 nm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) and chitosan are linked by covalent bonds.

Exoelectrogens Leading to Precise Reduction of Graphene Oxide by Flexibly Switching Their Environment during Respiration.

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) has been prepared by a simple, cost-effective, and green route. In this work, graphene oxide (GO) has been reduced using Gram-negative facultative anaerobe S. dysenteriae, having exogenic properties of electron transfer via electron shuttling.

PEGylated FePt-Fe3O4 composite nanoassemblies (CNAs): in vitro hyperthermia, drug delivery and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Chemothermal therapy is widely used in clinical applications for the treatment of tumors. However, the major challenge is the use of a multifunctional nano platform for significant regression of the tumor. In this study, a simple synthesis of highly aqueous stable, carboxyl enriched, PEGylated mesoporous iron platinum-iron(ii,iii) oxide (FePt-Fe3O4) composite nanoassemblies (CNAs) by a simple hydrothermal approach is reported.

Polymer Stabilized Fe3O4-Graphene as an Amphiphilic Drug Carrier for Thermo-Chemotherapy of Cancer.

In light of the growing interest in the search for cheap and effective solutions for cancer treatment, we report a simple one pot synthesis of polymer stabilized iron oxide-graphene (PIG) that could be realized on a large scale. The structural (Fe3O4 particle size of ∼11 nm), functional (various oxygen containing moieties), and magnetic (moment of ∼43 emu/g) properties of PIG are explored using various characterization techniques for possible biomedical applications. PIG shows good colloidal stability and is biocompatible even at higher concentrations (2.

Effect of HSA coated iron oxide labeling on human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) are known for self-renewal and differentiation into cells of various lineages like bone, cartilage and fat. They have been used in biomedical applications to treat degenerative disorders. However, to exploit the therapeutic potential of stem cells, there is a requirement of sensitive non-invasive imaging techniques which will offer the ability to track transplanted cells, bio-distribution, proliferation and differentiation.

Enhanced specific absorption rate in silanol functionalized Fe3O4 core-shell nanoparticles: study of Fe leaching in Fe3O4 and hyperthermia in L929 and HeLa cells.

Core-shell Fe3O4-SiO2 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been synthesized using a simple synthesis procedure at different temperatures. These MNPs are used to investigate the effect of surface coating on specific absorption rate (SAR) under alternating magnetic field. The temperature achieved by silica coated Fe3O4 is higher than that by uncoated MNPs (Fe3O4).

Ce³⁺ sensitized GdPO₄:Tb³⁺ with iron oxide nanoparticles: a potential biphasic system for cancer theranostics.

We report a biphasic system (BPS) consisting of PEGylated Tb(3+)-doped GdPO4 nanorice sensitized with Ce(3+) (PEG-NRs) and glutamic acid coated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) with multifunctional capabilities. The mesoporous PEG-NRs exhibit green light luminescence properties and a high degree of aqueous stability. Their drug loading and release capacities were investigated for anti-cancer chemo doxorubicin (DOX).

SnO(2) quantum dots-reduced graphene oxide composite for enzyme-free ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of urea.

Most of the urea sensors are biosensors and utilize urease, which limit their use in harsh environments. Recently, because of their exceptional ability to endorse faster electron transfer, carbonaceous material composites and quantum dots are being used for fabrication of a sensitive transducer surface for urea biosensors. We demonstrate an enzyme free ultrasensitive urea sensor fabricated using a SnO2 quantum dots (QDs)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composite.

Cellular internalization and detailed toxicity analysis of protein-immobilized iron oxide nanoparticles.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been extensively used for biomedical applications like in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging, and in targeted drug delivery. Despite several attempts, there is a dearth of information with respect to the cellular response and in-depth toxicity analysis of the nanoparticles. Considering the potential benefits of IONPs, there is a need to study the potential cellular damage associated with IONPs.

Dual pH and temperature stimuli-responsive magnetic nanohydrogels for thermo-chemotherapy.

Dual stimuli pH and temperature-responsive nanohydrogels based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-chitosan have been synthesized. Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) (-12 nm) have been incorporated into hydrogels to achieve temperature optimized magnetic nanohydrogel (MNHG) for magnetic hyperthermia with lower critical solution temperature, LCST > 42 degrees C. The composite was further investigated for its potential application in drug delivery and in vitro cancer cell cytotoxicity.

Combining unique properties of dendrimers and magnetic nanoparticles towards cancer theranostics.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are a well explored class of nanomaterials, known for their high magnetization and biocompatibility thus finding their way in several biomedical applications viz., drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, immunoassay, detoxification of biological fluids and cell separation, biosensing and hyperthermia. On other hand, dendrimers are a class of hyperbranched, mostly symmetrical polymers that originate from a central core with repetitive branching units, called monomers, thus forming a globular structure.

Thermoresponsive magnetic hydrogels as theranostic nanoconstructs.

We report the development of thermoresponsive magnetic hydrogels based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) encapsulation of Fe3O4 magnetic nanostructures (MNS). In particular, we examined the effects of hydrogels encapsulated with poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) surface modified Fe3O4 MNS on magnetic resonance (MR) T2 (transverse spin relaxation) contrast enhancement and associated delivery efficacy of absorbed therapeutic cargo. The microstructural characterization reveal the regular spherical shape and size (∼200 nm) of the hydrogels with elevated hydrophilic to hydrophobic transition temperature (∼40 °C) characterized by LCST (lower critical solution temperature) due to the presence of encapsulated MNS.

Poly(ethylene glycol)-modified PAMAM-Fe3O4-doxorubicin triads with the potential for improved therapeutic efficacy: generation-dependent increased drug loading and retention at neutral pH and increased release at acidic pH.

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer-coated magnetic nanoparticles are a promising drug-delivery system that can enhance the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy drugs, such as doxorubicin (DOX), with minimized side effects. This work explores the optimization of the potential therapeutic efficiency of PAMAM-Fe3O4-DOX triads. Different generations (G3, G5, and G6) of PAMAMs were synthesized and modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and then used to encapsulate glutamic acid-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles.

Biphasic magnetic nanoparticles-nanovesicle hybrids for chemotherapy and self-controlled hyperthermia.

Aim: The aim was to develop magnetic nanovesicles for chemotherapy and self-controlled hyperthermia that prevent overheating of tissues.

Materials & Methods: Magnetic nanovesicles containing paclitaxel and a dextran-coated biphasic suspension of La0.75Sr0.

Polyaniline-iron oxide nanohybrid film as multi-functional label-free electrochemical and biomagnetic sensor for catechol.

Polyaniline-iron oxide magnetic nanohybrid was synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic, microstructural and electrochemical techniques. The smart integration of Fe3O4 nanoparticles within the polyaniline (PANI) matrix yielded a mesoporous nanohybrid (Fe3O4@PANI) with high surface area (94 m(2) g(-1)) and average pore width of 12.8 nm.