Folate-coated, long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes enhance doxorubicin antitumor effect in a breast cancer animal model.

Long circulating pH-sensitive liposomes have been shown to effectively deliver doxorubicin (DOX) to tumors and reduce its toxic effects. Folic acid receptors are upregulated in a wide variety of solid, epithelial tumors, including breast cancer. In order to improve liposomal endocytosis and antitumor activity, folic acid has been added to nanoparticles surfaces to exploit overexpression of folate receptors in tumor cells.

Samarium doped boron nitride nanotubes.

Boron nitride nanotubes doped in situ with samarium (Sm-doped BNNTs) were synthesized at 1150°C under atmosphere of NH/N gas mixture by thermal chemical vapor deposition (TCVD) using samarium oxide that is a product of the process separation of thorium and uranium tailings. The samarium in the BNNTs sample was activated by neutron capture, in a nuclear reactor, producing Sm radioisotopes. The STEM-EELS spectrum and neutron activation show energies attributed to the samarium confirming the in situ doping process during BNNTs growth.

Boron nitride nanotubes coated with organic hydrophilic agents: stability and cytocompatibility studies.

In the present study, Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) were synthesized and functionalized with organic hydrophilic agents constituted by glucosamine (GA), polyethylene glycol (PEG)1000, and chitosan (CH) forming new singular systems. Their size, distribution, and homogeneity were determined by photon correlation spectroscopy, while their surface charge was determined by laser Doppler anemometry. The morphology and structural organization were evaluated by Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Boron nitride nanotubes radiolabeled with ⁹⁹mTc: preparation, physicochemical characterization, biodistribution study, and scintigraphic imaging in Swiss mice.

In the present study, boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) were synthesized from an innovative process and functionalized with a glycol chitosan polymer in CDTN (Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear) laboratories. As a means of studying their in vivo biodistribution behavior, these nanotubes were radiolabeled with (99m)Tc and injected in mice. Their size, distribution, and homogeneity were determined by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), while their zeta potential was determined by laser Doppler anemometry.