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A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2021) | Viewed by 47711

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Dr. James C L Chow

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Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto and Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1X6, Canada
Interests: nanoparticle characterization; nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy; nanodosimetry; medical imaging; Monte Carlo simulation; computer modeling and radiobiology of DNA damage
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Nanomaterials will cover the most recent advances in biomedical applications of nanomaterials in medical imaging, drug delivery, and cancer therapy. In biomedical diagnostic and therapeutic applications, nanomaterials such as gold nanoparticles can act as a contrast agent and dose enhancer in image-guided nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy using kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography. Similarly, magnetic nanoparticles made of iron or iron oxide can act as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging and an enhancer in thermotherapy, such as hyperthermia. For the rapid progress of synthesis technology, nanomaterials with variables of size, shape, composition, morphology, and surface chemistry can easily be fabricated through precise control. In addition, integrating functional ligands in the particles can enable them to perform multiple biomedical functions on the molecular and cellular level simultaneously. Since studies in the biomedical applications of nanomaterials are interdisciplinary and involve different fields such as biochemistry, nanomaterial science, biomedicine, imaging, radiology, radiobiology, radiopharmacy, biophysics, and computer modeling, synergy among different groups with different research backgrounds is necessary.

This Special Issue calls for research and review papers on the application of nanomaterials in biomedical imaging, drug delivery, and cancer therapy. The studies include the design and synthesis of functionalized nanomaterials as an imaging agent or enhancer in cancer therapy, such as hyperthermia and radiotherapy, or nanomaterials in computer modeling responding to irradiated nanomaterials from particle interaction, drug delivery, cytotoxicity of nanomaterials, and radiobiology of DNA damage. Experimental results from clinical, preclinical, and cellular studies are welcome.

Dr. James C L Chow
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Fabrication and synthesis
Drug delivery
Biomedical imaging
Monte Carlo simulation
Cancer therapy
Preclinical and cellular model
Functionalized nanomaterials

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 168 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy

by James C. L. Chow

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(5), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12050726 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2213

Abstract

Nanomaterials of different types—namely, inorganic-based, organic-based, carbon-based, and composite-based ones, with various structures such as nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanorods, nanoshells, and nanostars, all have demonstrated a wide range of medical biophysical and chemical properties [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy)

Research

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20 pages, 4940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computational Study Regarding Co_xFe_3−xO₄ Ferrite Nanoparticles with Tunable Magnetic Properties in Superparamagnetic Hyperthermia for Effective Alternative Cancer Therapy

by Costica Caizer

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3294; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123294 - 4 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1766

Abstract

The efficacy in superparamagnetic hyperthermia (SPMHT) and its effectiveness in destroying tumors without affecting healthy tissues depend very much on the nanoparticles used. Considering the results previously obtained in SPMHT using magnetite and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles, in this paper we extend our study on Co_xFe_3−xO₄ nanoparticles for x = 0–1 in order to be used in SPMHT due to the multiple benefits in alternative cancer therapy. Due to the possibility of tuning the basic observables/parameters in SPMHT in a wide range of values by changing the concentration of Co²⁺ ions in the range 0–1, the issue explored by us is a very good strategy for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of magnetic hyperthermia of tumors and reducing the toxicity levels. In this paper we studied by computational simulation the influence of Co²⁺ ion concentration in a very wide range of values (x = 0–1) on the specific loss power (Ps) in SPMHT and the nanoparticle diameter (D_M) which leads to the maximum specific loss power (P_sM). We also determined the maximum specific loss power for the allowable biological limit (P_sM)_l which doesn’t affect healthy tissues, and how it influences the change in the concentration of Co²⁺ ions. Based on the results obtained, we established the values for concentrations (x), nanoparticle diameter (D_M), amplitude (H) and frequency (f) of the magnetic field for which SPMHT with Co_xFe_3−xO₄ nanoparticles can be applied under optimal conditions within the allowable biological range. The obtained results allow the obtaining a maximum efficacy in alternative and non-invasive tumor therapy for the practical implementation of SPMHT with Co_xFe_3−xO₄ nanoparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy)

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8 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Gold Nanoparticle DNA Damage by Photon Beam in a Magnetic Field: A Monte Carlo Study

by Mehwish Jabeen and James C. L. Chow

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(7), 1751; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11071751 - 3 Jul 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2893

Abstract

Ever since the emergence of magnetic resonance (MR)-guided radiotherapy, it is important to investigate the impact of the magnetic field on the dose enhancement in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), when gold nanoparticles are used as radiosensitizers during radiotherapy. Gold nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy is known to enhance the dose deposition in the DNA, resulting in a double-strand break. In this study, the effects of the magnetic field on the dose enhancement factor (DER) for varying gold nanoparticle sizes, photon beam energies and magnetic field strengths and orientations were investigated using Geant4-DNA Monte Carlo simulations. Using a Monte Carlo model including a single gold nanoparticle with a photon beam source and DNA molecule on the left and right, it is demonstrated that as the gold nanoparticle size increased, the DER increased. However, as the photon beam energy decreased, an increase in the DER was detected. When a magnetic field was added to the simulation model, the DER was found to increase by 2.5–5% as different field strengths (0–2 T) and orientations (x-, y- and z-axis) were used for a 100 nm gold nanoparticle using a 50 keV photon beam. The DNA damage reflected by the DER increased slightly with the presence of the magnetic field. However, variations in the magnetic field strength and orientation did not change the DER significantly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy)

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15 pages, 3031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spiky Gold Nanoparticles for the Photothermal Eradication of Colon Cancer Cells

by Paolo Emidio Costantini, Matteo Di Giosia, Luca Ulfo, Annapaola Petrosino, Roberto Saporetti, Carmela Fimognari, Pier Paolo Pompa, Alberto Danielli, Eleonora Turrini, Luca Boselli and Matteo Calvaresi

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1608; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11061608 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3775

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a widespread and lethal disease. Relapses of the disease and metastasis are very common in instances of CRC, so adjuvant therapies have a crucial role in its treatment. Systemic toxic effects and the development of resistance during therapy limit the long-term efficacy of existing adjuvant therapeutic approaches. Consequently, the search for alternative strategies is necessary. Photothermal therapy (PTT) represents an innovative treatment for cancer with great potential. Here, we synthesize branched gold nanoparticles (BGNPs) as attractive agents for the photothermal eradication of colon cancer cells. By controlling the NP growth process, large absorption in the first NIR biological window was obtained. The FBS dispersed BGNPs are stable in physiological-like environments and show an extremely efficient light-to-heat conversion capability when irradiated with an 808-nm laser. Sequential cycles of heating and cooling do not affect the BGNP stability. The uptake of BGNPs in colon cancer cells was confirmed using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, exploiting their intrinsic optical properties. In dark conditions, BGNPs are fully biocompatible and do not compromise cell viability, while an almost complete eradication of colon cancer cells was observed upon incubation with BGNPs and irradiation with an 808-nm laser source. The PTT treatment is characterized by an extremely rapid onset of action that leads to cell membrane rupture by induced hyperthermia, which is the trigger that promotes cancer cell death. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy)

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9 pages, 2202 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photostable and Small YVO₄:Yb,Er Upconversion Nanoparticles in Water

by Masfer Alkahtani, Anfal Alfahd, Najla Alsofyani, Anas A. Almuqhim, Hussam Qassem, Abdullah A. Alshehri, Fahad A. Almughem and Philip Hemmer

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1535; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11061535 - 10 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2935

Abstract

In this work, we report a simple method of silica coating of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to obtain well-crystalline particles that remain small and not agglomerated after high-temperature post-annealing, and produce bright visible emission when pumped with near-infrared light. This enables many interesting biological applications, including high-contrast and deep tissue imaging, quantum sensing and super-resolution microscopy. These VO₄-based UNCPs are an attractive alternative to fluoride-based crystals for water-based biosensing applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy)

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11 pages, 3243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

880 nm NIR-Triggered Organic Small Molecular-Based Nanoparticles for Photothermal Therapy of Tumor

by Yunying Zhao, Zheng He, Qiang Zhang, Jing Wang, Wenying Jia, Long Jin, Linlin Zhao and Yan Lu

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11030773 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2589

Abstract

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has received constant attention as an efficient cancer therapy method due to locally selective treatment, which is not affected by the tumor microenvironment. In this study, a novel 880 nm near-infrared (NIR) laser-triggered photothermal agent (PTA), 3TT-IC-4Cl, was used for PTT of a tumor in deep tissue. Folic acid (FA) conjugated amphiphilic block copolymer (folic acid-polyethylene glycol-poly (β-benzyl-L-aspartate)₁₀, FA-PEG-PBLA₁₀) was employed to encapsulate 3TT-IC-4Cl by nano-precipitation to form stable nanoparticles (TNPs), and TNPs exhibit excellent photothermal stability and photothermal conversion efficiency. Furthermore, the in vitro results showed TNPs display excellent biocompatibility and significant phototoxicity. These results suggest that 880 nm triggered TNPs have great potential as effective PTAs for photothermal therapy of tumors in deep tissue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy)

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10 pages, 4396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cell Volume (3D) Correlative Microscopy Facilitated by Intracellular Fluorescent Nanodiamonds as Multi-Modal Probes

by Neeraj Prabhakar, Ilya Belevich, Markus Peurla, Xavier Heiligenstein, Huan-Cheng Chang, Cecilia Sahlgren, Eija Jokitalo and Jessica M. Rosenholm

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11010014 - 23 Dec 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3113

Abstract

Three-dimensional correlative light and electron microscopy (3D CLEM) is attaining popularity as a potential technique to explore the functional aspects of a cell together with high-resolution ultrastructural details across the cell volume. To perform such a 3D CLEM experiment, there is an imperative requirement for multi-modal probes that are both fluorescent and electron-dense. These multi-modal probes will serve as landmarks in matching up the large full cell volume datasets acquired by different imaging modalities. Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are a unique nanosized, fluorescent, and electron-dense material from the nanocarbon family. We hereby propose a novel and straightforward method for executing 3D CLEM using FNDs as multi-modal landmarks. We demonstrate that FND is biocompatible and is easily identified both in living cell fluorescence imaging and in serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SB-EM). We illustrate the method by registering multi-modal datasets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy)

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13 pages, 18950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Plasmonic Photothermal Therapy of Lung Cancer Cells with Anti-EGFR Targeted Gold Nanorods

by Oscar Knights, Steven Freear and James R. McLaughlan

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(7), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10071307 - 3 Jul 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3091

Abstract

Lung cancer is a particularly difficult form of cancer to diagnose and treat, due largely to the inaccessibility of tumours and the limited available treatment options. The development of plasmonic gold nanoparticles has led to their potential use in a large range of disciplines, and they have shown promise for applications in this area. The ability to functionalise these nanoparticles to target to specific cancer types, when combined with minimally invasive therapies such as photothermal therapy, could improve long-term outcomes for lung cancer patients. Conventionally, continuous wave lasers are used to generate bulk heating enhanced by gold nanorods that have accumulated in the target region. However, there are potential negative side-effects of heat-induced cell death, such as the risk of damage to healthy tissue due to heat conducting to the surrounding environment, and the development of heat and drug resistance. In this study, the use of pulsed lasers for photothermal therapy was investigated and compared with continuous wave lasers for gold nanorods with a surface plasmon resonance at 850 nm, which were functionalised with anti-EGFR antibodies. Photothermal therapy was performed with both laser systems, on lung cancer cells (A549) in vitro populations incubated with untargeted and targeted nanorods. It was shown that the combination of pulse wave laser illumination of targeted nanoparticles produced a reduction of

93 % \pm 13 %

in the cell viability compared with control exposures, which demonstrates a possible application for minimally invasive therapies for lung cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy)

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25 pages, 8436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Single-Step Photochemical Formation of Near-Infrared-Absorbing Gold Nanomosaic within PNIPAm Microgels: Candidates for Photothermal Drug Delivery

by Sreekar B. Marpu, Brian Leon Kamras, Nooshin MirzaNasiri, Oussama Elbjeirami, Denise Perry Simmons, Zhibing Hu and Mohammad A. Omary

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(7), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10071251 - 28 Jun 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3073

Abstract

This work demonstrates the dynamic potential for tailoring the surface plasmon resonance (SPR), size, and shapes of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) starting from an Au(I) precursor, chloro(dimethyl sulfide)gold (I) (Au(Me₂S)Cl), in lieu of the conventional Au(III) precursor hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (III) hydrate (HAuCl₄). Our approach presents a one-step method that permits regulation of an Au(I) precursor to form either visible-absorbing gold nanospheres or near-infrared-window (NIRW)-absorbing anisotropic AuNPs. A collection of shapes is obtained for the NIR-absorbing AuNPs herein, giving rise to spontaneously formed nanomosaic (NIR-absorbing anisotropic gold nanomosaic, NIRAuNM) without a dominant geometry for the tesserae elements that comprise the mosaic. Nonetheless, NIRAuNM exhibited high stability; one test sample remains stable with the same SPR absorption profile 7 years post-synthesis thus far. These NIRAuNM are generated within thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) microgels, without the addition of any growth-assisting surfactants or reducing agents. Our directed-selection methodology is based on the photochemical reduction of a light-, heat-, and water-sensitive Au(I) precursor via a disproportionation mechanism. The NIRAuNM stabilized within the thermoresponsive microgels demonstrates a light-activated size decrease of the microgels. On irradiation with a NIR lamp source, the percent decrease in the size of the microgels loaded with NIRAuNM is at least five times greater compared to the control microgels. The concept of photothermal shrinkage of hybrid microgels is further demonstrated by the release of a model luminescent dye, as a drug release model. The absorbance and emission of the model dye released from the hybrid microgels are over an order of magnitude higher compared to the absorbance and emission of the dye released from the unloaded-control microgels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy)

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Review

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37 pages, 3518 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Nanoparticle Systems for Cancer Phototherapy: An Overview

by Thais P. Pivetta, Caroline E. A. Botteon, Paulo A. Ribeiro, Priscyla D. Marcato and Maria Raposo

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 3132; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11113132 - 20 Nov 2021

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 4527

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) are photo-mediated treatments with different mechanisms of action that can be addressed for cancer treatment. Both phototherapies are highly successful and barely or non-invasive types of treatment that have gained attention in the past few years. The death of cancer cells because of the application of these therapies is caused by the formation of reactive oxygen species, that leads to oxidative stress for the case of photodynamic therapy and the generation of heat for the case of photothermal therapies. The advancement of nanotechnology allowed significant benefit to these therapies using nanoparticles, allowing both tuning of the process and an increase of effectiveness. The encapsulation of drugs, development of the most different organic and inorganic nanoparticles as well as the possibility of surfaces’ functionalization are some strategies used to combine phototherapy and nanotechnology, with the aim of an effective treatment with minimal side effects. This article presents an overview on the use of nanostructures in association with phototherapy, in the view of cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy)

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41 pages, 517 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy

by Sarkar Siddique and James C. L. Chow

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(9), 1700; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10091700 - 29 Aug 2020

Cited by 217 | Viewed by 11382

Abstract

Nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, nanorods, nanosphere, nanoshells, and nanostars, are very commonly used in biomedical imaging and cancer therapy. They make excellent drug carriers, imaging contrast agents, photothermal agents, photoacoustic agents, and radiation dose enhancers, among other applications. Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the use of nanomaterials in many areas of functional imaging, cancer therapy, and synergistic combinational platforms. This review will systematically explore various applications of nanomaterials in biomedical imaging and cancer therapy. The medical imaging modalities include magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, positron emission tomography, single photon emission computerized tomography, optical imaging, ultrasound, and photoacoustic imaging. Various cancer therapeutic methods will also be included, including photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. This review also covers theranostics, which use the same agent in diagnosis and therapy. This includes recent advances in multimodality imaging, image-guided therapy, and combination therapy. We found that the continuous advances of synthesis and design of novel nanomaterials will enhance the future development of medical imaging and cancer therapy. However, more resources should be available to examine side effects and cell toxicity when using nanomaterials in humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy)

15 pages, 1413 KiB

Open AccessReview

pH-Responsive Nanoparticles for Cancer Immunotherapy: A Brief Review

by Yunfeng Yan and Hangwei Ding

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(8), 1613; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10081613 - 17 Aug 2020

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 4853

Abstract

Immunotherapy has recently become a promising strategy for the treatment of a wide range of cancers. However, the broad implementation of cancer immunotherapy suffers from inadequate efficacy and toxic side effects. Integrating pH-responsive nanoparticles into immunotherapy is a powerful approach to tackle these challenges because they are able to target the tumor tissues and organelles of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) which have a characteristic acidic microenvironment. The spatiotemporal control of immunotherapeutic drugs using pH-responsive nanoparticles endows cancer immunotherapy with enhanced antitumor immunity and reduced off-tumor immunity. In this review, we first discuss the cancer-immunity circle and how nanoparticles can modulate the key steps in this circle. Then, we highlight the recent advances in cancer immunotherapy with pH-responsive nanoparticles and discuss the perspective for this emerging area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy)

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