New CeF-ZnO nanocomposites for self-lighted photodynamic therapy that block adenocarcinoma cell life cycle.

Aim: To synthesize and characterize the performances of a new all-inorganic nanocomposite (NC) for self-lighted photodynamic therapy against cancer. This NC could allow radiotherapy doses to be reduced, as it enhances the effects of x-rays, generating cytotoxic reactive oxygen species as singlet oxygen.

Materials & Methods: The proposed NC combines CeF and ZnO; CeF absorbs 6-MeV x-rays and activates the photosensitizer ZnO.

CeF3-ZnO scintillating nanocomposite for self-lighted photodynamic therapy of cancer.

We report on the synthesis and characterization of a composite nanostructure based on the coupling of cerium fluoride (CeF3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) for applications in self-lighted photodynamic therapy. Self-lighted photodynamic therapy is a novel approach for the treatment of deep cancers by low doses of X-rays. CeF3 is an efficient scintillator: when illuminated by X-rays it emits UV light by fluorescence at 325 nm.

Hybrid Polyelectrolyte/Fe3O4 Nanocapsules for Hyperthermia Applications.

We validated here the applicability to hyperthermia treatment of magnetic nanocapsules prepared by the sequential layer-by-layer adsorption of polyelectrolytes and magnetic, Fe3O4 nanoparticles. For the shell preparation around a nanodroplet liquid core, biocompatible polyelectrolytes were used: poly l-lysine as the polycation and poly glutamic acid as the polyanion. The hyperthermia effect was demonstrated by applying the radio frequency (rf) magnetic field with maximum fields H up to 0.

Hydrophobic Silica Nanoparticles Induce Gel Phases in Phospholipid Monolayers.

Silica nanoparticles (SiNP) can be incorporated in phospholipid layers to form hybrid organic-inorganic bidimensional mesostructures. Controlling the dynamics in these mesostructures paves the way to high-performance drug-delivery systems. Depending on the different hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of SiNP, recent X-ray reflectivity experiments have demonstrated opposite structural effects.

2D dynamical arrest transition in a mixed nanoparticle-phospholipid layer studied in real and momentum spaces.

We investigate the interfacial dynamics of a 2D self-organized mixed layer made of silica nanoparticles interacting with phospholipid (DPPC) monolayers at the air/water interface. This system has biological relevance, allowing investigation of toxicological effects of nanoparticles on model membranes and lung surfactants. It might also provide bio-inspired technological solutions, exploiting the self-organization of DPPC to produce a non-trivial 2D structuration of nanoparticles.