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Advances in Bioactive Nanoparticles and Cancer: From Biomarker Discovery to Drug Delivery

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Nanoscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2025 | Viewed by 888

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Guest Editor
Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche (SCITEC) “Giulio Natta”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: biomarker discovery; extracellular vesicles; biosensors; microanalytical systems; protein/peptide microarrays; bioactive peptides; single-molecule detection; biotechnology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The function of bioactive nanoparticles, whose properties are strictly connected to their nanoscale size, physical structure and surface properties, is exploited by interacting with cellular systems; these particles can either be natural, like extracellular particles, or artificial, like liposomes and polymeric or supramolecular-based materials. Furthermore, nanoparticles can be engineered to improve their stability and functionalities, such as cellular targeting or drug loading. They can be used in a wide range of applications, from biosensing to cancer immunotherapy. Among them, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are natural nanoparticles released by cells in biofluids. In recent year, EVs have been widely studied for biomarker discovery, and many advances have been made in the field of cancer diagnosis.

The present Special Issue “Advances in Bioactive Nanoparticles and Cancer: From Biomarker Discovery to Drug Delivery” includes—but is not limited to—topics in the field of EV-associated biomarker discovery, as well as innovative technologies based on the use of nanoparticles for biomarker discovery in cancer diagnosis and the synthesis and functionalization of nanoparticles for drug delivery in cancer therapy. Original research papers and reviews on the application of bioactive nanoparticles in either cancer diagnosis or treatment are welcome.

Dr. Paola Gagni
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • nanoparticles
  • extracellular particles
  • extracellular vesicles
  • nanocarriers
  • drug delivery
  • biosensing
  • biomarker discovery
  • nanomedicine
  • liquid biopsy
  • advanced diagnostics
  • cancer

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

16 pages, 731 KiB  
Review
Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Cisplatin Delivery for ORL Cancers: A Comprehensive Review
by Anda Ioana Morgovan, Eugen Radu Boia, Alexandru Catalin Motofelea, Alexandru Orasan, Mihaela Cristina Negru, Kristine Guran, Diana Maria Para, Daniela Sandu, Sonja Ciocani, Adrian Mihail Sitaru and Nicolae Constantin Balica
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(11), 5261; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26115261 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 509
Abstract
Otorhinolaryngological (ORL) cancers, including malignancies of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, show significant challenges in oncology. Cisplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapy drug, remains a cornerstone of treatment but is often limited by systemic toxicity and resistance. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using [...] Read more.
Otorhinolaryngological (ORL) cancers, including malignancies of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, show significant challenges in oncology. Cisplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapy drug, remains a cornerstone of treatment but is often limited by systemic toxicity and resistance. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using recent studies and clinical trials focused on nanotechnology-based cisplatin delivery systems. The analysis covered various types of nanocarriers, their mechanisms, and advantages. Additionally, the limitations of nanotechnology-based cisplatin delivery systems were discussed. Findings indicate that lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and extracellular vesicles have demonstrated improved drug targeting, bioavailability, and reduced systemic toxicity in preclinical and clinical studies. Nanocarriers also offer potential for overcoming drug resistance and enabling combination therapy. However, challenges related to biocompatibility, scalability, and regulatory approval remain significant barriers to widespread clinical adoption. Nanotechnology offers a novel and promising approach to optimizing cisplatin delivery for ORL cancers. While preclinical studies demonstrate significant potential, further research and clinical validation are essential to translate these advancements into routine clinical practice. Addressing manufacturing and regulatory challenges will be critical for future research. Full article
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