Short Antiangiogenic MMP-2 Peptide-Decorated Conjugated Linoleic Acid-Coated SPIONs for Targeted Paclitaxel Delivery in an A549 Cell Xenograft Mouse Tumor Model.

The design of targeted antiangiogenic nanovectors for the delivery of anticancer drugs presents a viable approach for effective management of nonsmall-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Herein, we report on the fabrication of a targeted delivery nanosystem for paclitaxel (PTX) functionalized with a short antimatrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) CTT peptide for selective MMP-2 targeting and effective antitumor activity in NSCLC. The fabrication of the targeted nanosystem (CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs@CTT) involved coating of superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) via chemisorption, onto which PTX was adsorbed, and subsequent surface functionalization with carboxylic acid groups for conjugation of the CTT peptide.

Design and Evaluation of Composite Magnetic Iron-Platinum Nanowires for Targeted Cancer Nanomedicine.

The purpose of the study was to synthesize and investigate the influence of geometrical structure, magnetism, and cytotoxic activity on core-shell platinum and iron-platinum (Fe/Pt) composite nanowires (NWs) for potential application in targeted chemotherapeutic approaches. The Pt-NWs and Fe/Pt composite NWs were synthesized via template electrodeposition, using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes. The Fe/Pt composite NWs (Method 1) was synthesized using two electrodeposition steps, allowing for greater control of the diameter of the NW core.

Surface Immobilization of Anti-VEGF Peptide on SPIONs for Antiangiogenic and Targeted Delivery of Paclitaxel in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma.

A design has been established for the surface decoration of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor peptide, HRH, to formulate a targeted paclitaxel (PTX) delivery nanosystem with notable tumor targetability and antiangiogenic activity. The design methodology included (i) tandem surface functionalization coupling reactions, (ii) pertinent physicochemical characterization, (iii) assessment of drug release, anti-proliferative activity, and quantification of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) levels, and (iv) testing using a lung tumor xenograft mouse model. Formulated CLA-coated PTX-SPIONs@HRH depicted a size and surface charge of 108.

An Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid as a Model to Study Plasticization Effects on Cationic Polymethacrylate Films.

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been touted as effective and environmentally friendly agents, which has driven their application in the biomedical field. The study compares the effectiveness of an IL agent, 1-hexyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride ([HMIM]Cl), to current industry standards for plasticizing a methacrylate polymer. Industrial standards glycerol, dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and the combination of [HMIM]Cl with a standard plasticizer was also evaluated.

Biopolymer-Based Wound Dressings with Biochemical Cues for Cell-Instructive Wound Repair.

Regenerative medicine is an active research sphere that focuses on the repair, regeneration, and replacement of damaged tissues and organs. A plethora of innovative wound dressings and skin substitutes have been developed to treat cutaneous wounds and are aimed at reducing the length or need for a hospital stay. The inception of biomaterials with the ability to interact with cells and direct them toward desired lineages has brought about innovative designs in wound healing and tissue engineering.

Synthesis of Novel Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)-Coated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) for the Delivery of Paclitaxel with Enhanced In Vitro Anti-Proliferative Activity on A549 Lung Cancer Cells.

The application of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) as a nanomedicine for Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) can provide effective delivery of anticancer drugs with minimal side-effects. SPIONs have the flexibility to be modified to achieve enhanced oading of hydrophobic anticancer drugs such as paclitaxel (PTX). The purpose of this study was to synthesize novel -10, -12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-coated SPIONs loaded with PTX to enhance the anti-proliferative activity of PTX.

Development of Stable Nano-Sized Transfersomes as a Rectal Colloid for Enhanced Delivery of Cannabidiol.

Current cannabidiol (CBD) formulations are challenged with unpredictable release and absorption. Rational design of a rectal colloid delivery system can provide a practical alternative In this study the inherent physiochemical properties of transferosomes were harnessed for the development of a nano-sized transfersomes to yield more stable release, absorption, and bioavailability of CBD as a rectal colloid. Transfersomes composed of soya lecithin, cholesterol, and polysorbate 80 were synthesized via thin film evaporation and characterized for size, entrapment efficiency (%), morphology, CBD release, ex vivo permeation, and physicochemical stability.

Synthesis of a novel monofilament bioabsorbable suture for biomedical applications.

In this research, a novel bioabsorbable suture that is, monofilament and capable of localized drug delivery, was developed from a combination of natural biopolymers that where not previously applied for this purpose. The optimized suture formulation comprised of sodium alginate (6% wt/vol), pectin (0.1% wt/vol), and gelatin (3% wt/vol), in the presence of glycerol (4% vol/vol) which served as a plasticizer.

Lipopolysaccharide Nanosystems for the Enhancement of Oral Bioavailability.

Nanosystems that incorporate both polymers and lipids have garnered attention as emerging nanotechnology approach for oral drug delivery. These hybrid systems leverage on the combined properties of polymeric and lipid-based nanocarriers while eliminating their inherent limitations. In view of the safety-related benefits of naturally occurring polymers, we have focused on systems incorporating polysaccharides and derivatives into the hybrid structure.

A review on engineered magnetic nanoparticles in Non-Small-Cell lung carcinoma targeted therapy.

There are growing appeals forthe design of efficacious treatment options for non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) as it accrues to ~ 85% cases of lung cancer. Although platinum-based doublet chemotherapy has been the main therapeutic intervention in NSCLC management, this leads to myriad of problems including intolerability to the doublet regimens and detrimental side effects due to high doses. A new approach is therefore needed and warrants the design of targeted drug delivery systems that can halt tumor proliferation and metastasis by targeting key molecules, while exhibiting minimal side effects and toxicity.

Theranostic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Loaded With a Curcumin-Naphthoquinone Conjugate for Potential Cancer Intervention.

A novel theranostic molecule, derived from curcumin (Cur) and naphthoquinone (NQ), allowing for cancer targeting, detection and treatment was previously described and termed CurNQ. To allow for enhanced theranostic capabilities, advanced drug delivery techniques are required. To this end, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) were synthesized and CurNQ was loaded into its pores to form the novel nanosystem MSN_CurNQ.

Advances in Nano-Enabled Platforms for the Treatment of Depression.

Nanotechnology has aided in the advancement of drug delivery for the treatment of several neurological disorders including depression. Depression is a relatively common mental disorder which is characterized by a severe imbalance of neurotransmitters. Several current therapeutic regimens against depression display drawbacks which include low bioavailability, delayed therapeutic outcome, undesirable side effects and drug toxicity due to high doses.

Advances in carbohydrate-based polymers for the design of suture materials: A review.

Suture materials constitute one of the largest biomedical material groups with a huge global market of $ 1.3 billion annually and employment in over 12 million procedures per year. Suture materials have radically evolved over the years, from basic strips of linen to more advanced synthetic polymer sutures.

Visible light-curable water-soluble chitosan derivative, chitosan hydrogel, and preparation method: a patent evaluation of US2019202998A1.

: Water soluble polysaccharides are versatile structural materials that can be used for the design of biocompatible hydrogels and wet dressings in wound healing applications. Glycol chitosan (GC) is an example of a multifunctional water-soluble chitosan derivative that has inherent wound healing properties and reactive sites for chemical modification.: United States (US) patent US2019202998A1 describes the preparation of a novel wound healing technology based on a three-dimensional (3D) crosslinked GC hydrogel (GCH) wet dressing, prepared via the synthesis of PEG1K-biscarboxylic acid--Glycol Chitosan--methacrylate using visible light induced photocrosslinking.

Synthesis and Properties of CurNQ for the Theranostic Application in Ovarian Cancer Intervention.

Synthesis of a novel theranostic molecule for targeted cancer intervention. A reaction between curcumin and lawsone was carried out to yield the novel curcumin naphthoquinone (CurNQ) molecule (2,2'-((((1E,3Z,6E)-3-hydroxy-5-oxohepta-1,3,6-triene-1,7-diyl) bis(2-methoxy-4,1-phenylene))bis(oxy))bis(naphthalene-1,4-dione). CurNQ's structure was elucidated and was fully characterized.

A 3D Bioprinted Pseudo-Bone Drug Delivery Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering.

A 3D bioprinted pseudo-bone drug delivery scaffold was fabricated to display matrix strength, matrix resilience, as well as porous morphology of healthy human bone. Computer-aided design (CAD) software was employed for developing the 3D bioprinted scaffold. Further optimization of the scaffold was undertaken using MATLAB software and artificial neural networks (ANN).

Nanodrug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer.

Despite advances achieved in medicine, chemotherapeutics still has detrimental side effects with ovarian cancer (OC), accounting for numerous deaths among females. The provision of safe, early detection and active treatment of OC remains a challenge, in spite of improvements in new antineoplastic discovery. Nanosystems have shown remarkable progress with impact in diagnosis and chemotherapy of various cancers, due to their ideal size; improved drug encapsulation within its interior core; potential to minimize drug degradation; improve in vivo drug release kinetics; and prolong blood circulation times.

Bioplatform Fabrication Approaches Affecting Chitosan-Based Interpolymer Complex Properties and Performance as Wound Dressings.

Chitosan can form interpolymer complexes (IPCs) with anionic polymers to form biomedical platforms (BMPs) for wound dressing/healing applications. This has resulted in its application in various BMPs such as gauze, nano/microparticles, hydrogels, scaffolds, and films. Notably, wound healing has been highlighted as a noteworthy application due to the remarkable physical, chemical, and mechanical properties enabled though the interaction of these polyelectrolytes.

Multifunctional Magnetic Nanowires: Design, Fabrication, and Future Prospects as Cancer Therapeutics.

Traditional cancer therapeutics are limited by factors such as multi-drug resistance and a plethora of adverse effect. These limitations need to be overcome for the progression of cancer treatment. In order to overcome these limitations, multifunctional nanosystems have recently been introduced into the market.

The Hemocompatibility of Nanoparticles: A Review of Cell-Nanoparticle Interactions and Hemostasis.

Understanding cell-nanoparticle interactions is critical to developing effective nanosized drug delivery systems. Nanoparticles have already advanced the treatment of several challenging conditions including cancer and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), yet still hold the potential to improve drug delivery to elusive target sites. Even though most nanoparticles will encounter blood at a certain stage of their transport through the body, the interactions between nanoparticles and blood cells is still poorly understood and the importance of evaluating nanoparticle hemocompatibility is vastly understated.

Folate-decorated, endostatin-loaded, nanoparticles for anti-proliferative chemotherapy in esophaegeal squamous cell carcinoma.

This study aims to design and synthesize Endostatin (ENT)-loaded nanoparticles using Folic acid (FA) as a driver for targeted anti-proliferative chemotherapy in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC). An ionic gelation method was employed to formulate FA-decorated, ENT-loaded nanoparticles, which were tested in vitro on KYSE-30 cells using unbiased stereological approaches. FA-ENT nanoparticles were internalized into ESCC cells with preferential binging to the nucleus and mitochondria for necrotic and apoptotic effects.

Development of a fluid-absorptive alginate-chitosan bioplatform for potential application as a wound dressing.

This study introduces a novel approach in fabricating bioplatforms with favourable physical, chemical, and mechanical properties for wound dressing applications. The approach employs a three-step method; partial-crosslinking of polymers into soft macromatrices, lyophilization, and pulverization of those macromatrices to obtain polymer particles with improved properties. For investigation of this approach, the ionic polysaccharides, sodium alginate and chitosan were partially crosslinked with calcium chloride and sodium tripolyphosphate, respectively, followed by interpolymer complexation (IPC) for formation of the bioplatform.

Synthesis, Characterisation and In Vitro Permeation, Dissolution and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Ruthenium(II)-Liganded Sulpiride and Amino Alcohol.

Sulpiride (SPR) is a selective antagonist of central dopamine receptors but has limited clinical use due to its poor pharmacokinetics. The aim of this study was to investigate how metal ligation to SPR may improve its solubility, intestinal permeability and prolong its half-life. The synthesis and characterisation of ternary metal complexes [Ru(p -cymene)(L)(SPR)]PF (L1 = (R)-(+)-2-amino-3-phenyl-1-propanol, L2 = ethanolamine, L3 = (S)-(+)-2-amino-1-propanol, L4 = 3-amino-1-propanol, L5 = (S)-(+)-2-pyrrolidinemethanol) are described in this work.

Ionic Liquids as Potential and Synergistic Permeation Enhancers for Transdermal Drug Delivery.

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) show clear advantages over conventional routes of drug administration. Nonetheless, there are limitations to current TDDS which warrant further research to improve current TDD platforms. Spurred by the synthesis of novel biodegradable ionic liquids (ILs) and favorable cytotoxicity studies, ILs were shown to be a possible solution to overcome these challenges.

Dexamethasone-Loaded, PEGylated, Vertically Aligned, Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Potential Ischemic Stroke Intervention.

The complete synthesis, optimization, purification, functionalization and evaluation of vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (VA-MWCNTs) was reported for potential application in dexamethasone delivery to the ischemic brain tissue. The conditions for high yield were optimized and carbon nanotubes functionalized and PEGylated prior to dexamethasone loading. Morphological changes were confirmed by SEM and TEM.