Magnetic ternary nanohybrids for nonviral gene delivery of stem cells and applications on cancer therapy.

Cancer toxic agent-expressing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which possess inherent tumor migration and penetration capabilities, have received increasing attention in cancer therapy. To ensure that this approach is successful, safe and efficient gene delivery methods for stem cell engineering must be developed. : In this study, a magnetic ternary nanohybrid (MTN) system comprising biodegradable cationic materials, nucleic acids, and hyaluronic acid-decorated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles was proposed to construct stem cells expressing the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) via magnetic force and receptor dual targeting.

Biomimetic Acoustically-Responsive Vesicles for Theranostic Applications.

In recent years, biomimetic cell membrane-derived particles have emerged as a new class of drug delivery system with advantages of biocompatibility, ease of isolation and long circulation profile. Here we report the development and potential theranostic applications of a new biomimetic acoustically-responsive droplet system derived from mammalian red blood cell membrane (RBCM). We hypothesized that drug-loaded RBCM droplets (RBCMDs) would undergo a transition from liquid (droplets) to gas (bubbles) upon high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) insonation, resulting in on-demand drug release.