Journal Description
Journal of Nanotheranostics
Journal of Nanotheranostics
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on nanotheranostics published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access—free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer-review and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
Latest Articles
Drug Delivery Systems for Infectious Eye Diseases: Advancements and Prospects
J. Nanotheranostics 2024, 5(4), 133-166; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt5040010 - 6 Oct 2024
Abstract
Infectious ocular diseases like keratitis, conjunctivitis, and endophthalmitis pose significant clinical challenges due to the complexities of delivering drugs to the eye. Recent advancements in drug delivery systems offer promising improvements for treating these conditions. Key strategies include targeted delivery through physicochemical modifications,
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Infectious ocular diseases like keratitis, conjunctivitis, and endophthalmitis pose significant clinical challenges due to the complexities of delivering drugs to the eye. Recent advancements in drug delivery systems offer promising improvements for treating these conditions. Key strategies include targeted delivery through physicochemical modifications, magnetic nanoparticles, and ligand-receptor interactions. This review explores the safety and biocompatibility of ocular drug delivery systems through in vivo ocular toxicity studies, in vitro cytotoxicity assays, hemocompatibility studies, ocular tolerance tests, and genotoxicity assays. It also examines combination therapies and stimuli-responsive delivery systems for their potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, we discuss tailored and optimized drug delivery approaches for infectious ocular diseases, outlining current challenges and future directions for developing effective ocular drug delivery systems.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoengineered Solutions: Advancements in Targeted Drug Delivery and Theranostics)
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How Reproducible Is Feraheme® (Ferumoxytol Injection)? Comparison of Size, Zeta Potential, and Complement Activation of Different Batches over 15 Years
by
Utibeabasi Ettah, Sarah Jacques and Dmitri Simberg
J. Nanotheranostics 2024, 5(3), 128-132; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt5030009 - 3 Sep 2024
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Ferumoxytol injection, also known as Feraheme®, is an approved IV injectable iron supplement and an experimental MRI contrast agent. Initially, it was approved as an IV bolus agent, but its use was later limited to a slow infusion drip due to
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Ferumoxytol injection, also known as Feraheme®, is an approved IV injectable iron supplement and an experimental MRI contrast agent. Initially, it was approved as an IV bolus agent, but its use was later limited to a slow infusion drip due to high levels of infusion reactions. We collected various batches of ferumoxytol with expiration dates ranging from 2010 to 2025 and compared their size and zeta potential. Since nanoparticle surface properties can affect infusion reactions, we conducted a dot blot immunoassay to measure complement C3 opsonization with ferumoxytol preparations. We observed differences in nanoparticle size and zeta potential between batches and a 2.5-fold variation in complement activation. Interestingly, older batches from 2010 showed more uniform size distribution and lower complement activation than some of the newer batches. This finding may be valuable to the nanomedicine community and regulatory authorities.
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Open AccessReview
Advanced Characterization and Sample Preparation Strategies for Nanoformulations
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Akanksha Nadkarni, Dhwani Rana, Nimeet Desai, Derajram Benival, Vishvesh Joshi, Sagar Salave and Dignesh Khunt
J. Nanotheranostics 2024, 5(3), 104-127; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt5030008 - 14 Aug 2024
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The escalating impact and remarkable progress of nanotechnology have shifted the paradigms of medicine and the healthcare system. Nanosystems have emerged, extensively holding the potential to advance disease diagnosis and treatment specificity. The extraordinary attributes imparted by nano-systems have helped in overcoming the
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The escalating impact and remarkable progress of nanotechnology have shifted the paradigms of medicine and the healthcare system. Nanosystems have emerged, extensively holding the potential to advance disease diagnosis and treatment specificity. The extraordinary attributes imparted by nano-systems have helped in overcoming the limitations of conventional interventions to an extent and led to targeted therapy, to name one. The role of nanotechnology in diagnosis is another breakthrough in its appellation. This article aims to address the current characterization and sample preparation techniques for the analysis of nanosystems and provide insights into novel methodologies and in situ instrumentation that have eased sampling procedures.
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Open AccessOpinion
Anti-Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) Antibodies: From Where Are We Coming and Where Are We Going
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Dmitri Simberg and S. Moein Moghimi
J. Nanotheranostics 2024, 5(3), 99-103; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt5030007 - 29 Jul 2024
Abstract
PEGylation technology confers stability and modulates the biological performance of a broad range of preclinical and clinical nanopharmaceuticals. However, the emerging PEG immunogenicity in the general population is thought to impact the efficacy and safety of PEGylated medicines. Despite this, the clinical significance
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PEGylation technology confers stability and modulates the biological performance of a broad range of preclinical and clinical nanopharmaceuticals. However, the emerging PEG immunogenicity in the general population is thought to impact the efficacy and safety of PEGylated medicines. Despite this, the clinical significance of PEG immunogenicity is still not clear and remains debatable. By considering the strategic importance of the PEGylation technology in nanopharmaceutical engineering, we raise a number of critical questions and briefly discuss gaps in the knowledge of PEG immunogenicity and its clinical significance.
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Open AccessReview
Paradoxical Roles of Carbon Nanotubes in Cancer Therapy and Carcinogenesis
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Bohan Xu, Shunjie Wu, Yiyang Wang, Yuhe Ji, Shufeng Liang, Chunyan Wang and Xin Tian
J. Nanotheranostics 2024, 5(3), 84-98; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt5030006 - 8 Jul 2024
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Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), members of the nanomaterial family, are increasingly being used in consumer products and extensively studied for various biomedical applications. Due to their benign elemental composition, large surface area, and chemical and biological activities, CNTs demonstrate great potential in cancer therapy,
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Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), members of the nanomaterial family, are increasingly being used in consumer products and extensively studied for various biomedical applications. Due to their benign elemental composition, large surface area, and chemical and biological activities, CNTs demonstrate great potential in cancer therapy, including drug delivery, imaging analysis, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and radiotherapy. However, there is still a major knowledge gap when it comes to transitioning from research to clinical applications. One of the important issues is that the biological toxicity of CNTs, especially in terms of carcinogenesis, and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of toxicity and the underlying mechanisms of carcinogenesis is essential to enable the wide application of CNTs. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of CNTs as multifunctional therapeutics in cancer therapy. Furthermore, a detailed discussion is provided on the carcinogenesis and potential mechanisms of CNTs. Finally, the review ends with further challenges and prospects for CNTs with the expectation of facilitating their broader utilization.
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Open AccessArticle
Nano-Enabled Colorimetric Assay for the Detection of Paracoccidioides lutzii: Advancing Diagnostics with Nanotechnology
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Olavo O. Comparato Filho, Marcela A. Cândido, Aveline Ventura, Flavia V. Morais and Leandro Raniero
J. Nanotheranostics 2024, 5(3), 75-83; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt5030005 - 26 Jun 2024
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Deforestation is a common occurrence driven by agricultural expansion, urbanization, and infrastructure development. These activities often lead to increased human interaction with ecosystems, potentially exposing individuals to Paracoccidioides spores (P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii) found in the soil, resulting in Paracoccidioidomycosis
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Deforestation is a common occurrence driven by agricultural expansion, urbanization, and infrastructure development. These activities often lead to increased human interaction with ecosystems, potentially exposing individuals to Paracoccidioides spores (P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii) found in the soil, resulting in Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). This fungal infection is endemic to specific regions in Latin America, such as Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, imaging techniques, and laboratory examinations. P. lutzii lacks the glycoprotein Gp43, a key antigenic protein utilized in serological tests for PCM diagnosis. In this study, a colorimetric test employing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and label-free methodology was employed for P. lutzii detection. The effectiveness of the label-free colorimetric test was assessed using a total of 100 samples. This detection was achieved through the amplification of the gp43 gene and the use of a specific probe (5′CAGGGGTGCG3′) in conjunction with AuNPs. The receiver operating characteristic curve was employed to assess the test, revealing that the method can accurately detect P. lutzii with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100%. The findings indicate a substantial impact on remote endemic regions attributable to the implementation of cost-effective diagnostic methodologies.
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Open AccessReview
Titanium Dioxide-Based Nanoparticles to Enhance Radiation Therapy for Cancer: A Literature Review
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Masao Nakayama, Hiroaki Akasaka, Ryohei Sasaki and Moshi Geso
J. Nanotheranostics 2024, 5(2), 60-74; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt5020004 - 31 May 2024
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Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been investigated as one of the potential dose enhancement agents for radiation therapy. The role of TiO2 NPs as a photodynamic sensitiser has been well documented, but its sensitisation with X-rays is not highlighted. Unlike
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Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been investigated as one of the potential dose enhancement agents for radiation therapy. The role of TiO2 NPs as a photodynamic sensitiser has been well documented, but its sensitisation with X-rays is not highlighted. Unlike other metal NPs, such as gold NPs, the main challenge for TiO2 NPs as radiosensitisers is their low atomic number, resulting in a small cross-section for X-rays. This review summarises the results of current research in this area to explore the dose enhancement inflicted by TiO2 NPs, which could potentially be of great value in improving radiation therapy efficiency.
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Open AccessReview
Unlocking the Potential of Gold as Nanomedicine in Cancer Immunotherapy
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Panangattukara Prabhakaran Praveen Kumar, Maggie Lee and Taeho Kim
J. Nanotheranostics 2024, 5(2), 29-59; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt5020003 - 30 Apr 2024
Cited by 1
Abstract
Nanotechnology advancements have resulted in many sensors and devices for biomedical applications. Among the various nanomaterials, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), due to their size, shape, biocompatibility, and unique plasmonic property, are an excellent candidate for many biomedical applications. AuNPs, known for their easy surface
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Nanotechnology advancements have resulted in many sensors and devices for biomedical applications. Among the various nanomaterials, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), due to their size, shape, biocompatibility, and unique plasmonic property, are an excellent candidate for many biomedical applications. AuNPs, known for their easy surface modifications, robust nature, and photothermal activities, find application in drug delivery and cancer treatment studies. In this review, we are highlighting the recent trends in using AuNPs as nanomedicine for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer immunotherapy not only eliminates the primary tumors but also allows for the treatment of metastasis along with the recurrence of the tumor. AuNPs possess tissue-specific delivery functions that depend on the tunability in size and surface functionalization of AuNPs. AuNPs can be used to activate the tumor’s immune defense ability, or they can be used to enhance the anti-tumor immune response. Understanding the interaction of the tumor environment and nanobiomedicine is very important. In the present review, we give an idea of the mode of action of AuNPs and various combinations of therapies for cancer immunotherapy.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interventional Nanotheranostics for Translational Nano-Immunotherapy)
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Open AccessArticle
Graphene Oxide Chemical Refining Screening to Improve Blood Compatibility of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials
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Fabio Pieretti, Alessandro Moretto, Emanuele Papini and Regina Tavano
J. Nanotheranostics 2024, 5(1), 13-28; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt5010002 - 20 Feb 2024
Abstract
Graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles, due to their favorable water solubility, compared to graphene (GA), are a hot research topic in biomedical and pharmaceutical research. However, GO clinical translation may be complicated by its high surface/volume ratio enhancing the interaction with human blood components.
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Graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles, due to their favorable water solubility, compared to graphene (GA), are a hot research topic in biomedical and pharmaceutical research. However, GO clinical translation may be complicated by its high surface/volume ratio enhancing the interaction with human blood components. In fact, GO’s bi-dimensional nature and strong negative charge may lead to severe biological effects, such as thrombogenicity and immune cell activation. This study explores the impact of further GO surface chemical modulation on major adverse effects: blood plasma coagulation and hemolysis. To this aim, we refined GO nanoparticles by fine-tuned reduction chemistry, esterification and introduction of negative or positive charges. With this approach, we were able to mitigate plasma coagulation and hemolysis at variable degrees and to identify GO derivatives with improved biocompatibility. This opens the door to the progress of graphene-based nanotheranostic applications.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanomaterials as Nano-Theranostic Tools in Disease Treatment)
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The Role of Fullerenes in Neurodegenerative Disorders
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Daisy L. Wilson, Jyoti Ahlawat and Mahesh Narayan
J. Nanotheranostics 2024, 5(1), 1-12; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt5010001 - 16 Jan 2024
Abstract
The use of carbon nanomaterials including fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, carbon nano-onions, carbon dots and carbon quantum dots for environmental applications has increased substantially. These nanoparticles are now used in the development of sensors and switches, in agriculture as smart fertilizers and in the
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The use of carbon nanomaterials including fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, carbon nano-onions, carbon dots and carbon quantum dots for environmental applications has increased substantially. These nanoparticles are now used in the development of sensors and switches, in agriculture as smart fertilizers and in the biomedical realm for cancer therapy intervention, as antioxidants, in gene delivery and as theranostics. Here, we review the role of fullerenes as neuroprotectants. Their sp2 hybridized architectures and ability to intervene in the soluble-to-toxic transformation of amyloidogenic trajectories is highlighted here, along with other physico–chemical properties that impact interventional efficacy. Also highlighted are drawbacks that need to be overcome and future prospects.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Innovations in Theranostic Nanobiomaterials)
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Open AccessArticle
Efficacy of 15 nm Gold Nanoparticles for Image-Guided Gliosarcoma Radiotherapy
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Elette Engels, Michael Lerch, Stéphanie Corde and Moeava Tehei
J. Nanotheranostics 2023, 4(4), 480-495; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt4040021 - 26 Oct 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Targeted brain cancer treatments are sorely needed to improve long-term prognosis, particularly for gliosarcoma and glioblastoma patients. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have unique properties including high atomic number, biocompatibility, and small size for cancer cell internalization. GNPs are consequently an ideal candidate for improved
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Targeted brain cancer treatments are sorely needed to improve long-term prognosis, particularly for gliosarcoma and glioblastoma patients. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have unique properties including high atomic number, biocompatibility, and small size for cancer cell internalization. GNPs are consequently an ideal candidate for improved cancer targeting using image-guided radiotherapy. This work investigated 15 nm AuroVistTM GNPs for image-guided gliosarcoma radiotherapy and identified optimum GNP concentrations. The GNPs were found to be 15–20 nm using optical surface plasmon resonance absorption, with a (41.3 ± 0.3) nm hydrodynamic diameter. Confocal imaging showed that 50–500 µg/mL of the GNPs was well-internalized into the 9L cells within 24–48 h. γ-H2AX assays showed that 50–500 µg/mL of the GNPs radiosensitized the 9L cells irradiated with 125 and 150 kVp X-rays. However, only 500 µg/mL of the GNPs produced significant long-term dose enhancement with 150 kVp X-rays (with a sensitization enhancement ratio at 10% survival of 1.43, and 1.13 with 50 µg/mL) using clonogenic assay. CT imaging of the GNPs in the 9L tumors in Fischer rats further showed that GNP concentrations above 500 µg/mL were required to distinguish the tumor from the brain, and the GNPs were detected 48 h after injection. These promising results indicate that the GNPs can be used for selective gliosarcoma treatment with image-guided X-ray radiotherapy at concentrations above 500 µg/mL.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Strategies in Nanomedicine)
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Open AccessReview
Enhancing Antibody Exposure in the Central Nervous System: Mechanisms of Uptake, Clearance, and Strategies for Improved Brain Delivery
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Kelly Schwinghamer and Teruna J. Siahaan
J. Nanotheranostics 2023, 4(4), 463-479; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt4040020 - 2 Oct 2023
Cited by 2
Abstract
Antibodies (mAbs) are attractive molecules for their application as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). mAbs can be generated to have high affinity and specificity to target molecules in the CNS. Unfortunately, only a very small
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Antibodies (mAbs) are attractive molecules for their application as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). mAbs can be generated to have high affinity and specificity to target molecules in the CNS. Unfortunately, only a very small number of mAbs have been specifically developed and approved for neurological indications. This is primarily attributed to their low exposure within the CNS, hindering their ability to reach and effectively engage their potential targets in the brain. This review discusses aspects of various barriers such as the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB) that regulate the entry and clearance of mAbs into and from the brain. The roles of the glymphatic system on brain exposure and clearance are being described. We also discuss the proposed mechanisms of the uptake of mAbs into the brain and for clearance. Finally, several methods of enhancing the exposure of mAbs in the CNS were discussed, including receptor-mediated transcytosis, osmotic BBB opening, focused ultrasound (FUS), BBB-modulating peptides, and enhancement of mAb brain retention.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Papers of the Editorial Board Members)
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Recent Advances in Combating Bacterial Infections by Using Hybrid Nano-Systems
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Unnati Patel and Emily C. Hunt
J. Nanotheranostics 2023, 4(3), 429-462; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt4030019 - 8 Sep 2023
Cited by 4
Abstract
In recent years, antimicrobial resistance in many human pathogens has become a serious health concern. Since infections with resistant pathogens cannot be treated with traditional antimicrobial drugs, new strategies are necessary to fight bacterial infections. Hybrid nano-systems may provide a solution to this
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In recent years, antimicrobial resistance in many human pathogens has become a serious health concern. Since infections with resistant pathogens cannot be treated with traditional antimicrobial drugs, new strategies are necessary to fight bacterial infections. Hybrid nano-systems may provide a solution to this problem, by combining multiple mechanisms for killing bacteria to synergistically increase the effectiveness of the antimicrobial treatment. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the development of hybrid nano-systems for the treatment of bacterial infections. We discuss the use of hybrid nano-systems for combinational therapy, focusing on various triggering mechanisms for drug release and the development of biomimetic nanomaterials. We also examine inherently antimicrobial nano-systems and their uses in preventing infections due to wounds and medical implants. This review summarizes recent advances and provides insight into the future development of antimicrobial treatments using hybrid nanomaterials.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Innovations in Theranostic Nanobiomaterials)
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Aptamers as Theranostics in Cardiovascular Diseases
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Manish Ramchandani, Priyanka Kumari and Amit K. Goyal
J. Nanotheranostics 2023, 4(3), 408-428; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt4030018 - 6 Sep 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (particularly atherosclerosis) is a leading cause of death around the world, and there still exists a need for improved diagnostic techniques and treatments to improve patient outcomes as well as minimize the disease’s global burden. Aptamers are short, single-stranded DNA or
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Cardiovascular disease (particularly atherosclerosis) is a leading cause of death around the world, and there still exists a need for improved diagnostic techniques and treatments to improve patient outcomes as well as minimize the disease’s global burden. Aptamers are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that are accompanied by unique characteristics such as specificity, high binding affinity, ease of cellular internalization, and rapid tissue accumulation capabilities, offering great potential as theranostic agents in cardiovascular diseases with significantly improved sensitivity and accuracy. These theranostic agents provide a combination of therapy and diagnostics in which aptamers may diagnose and treat disease simultaneously. Therefore, this review article summarizes the role of aptamer-based probes for imaging and theranostics in cardiovascular disease. It also provides insight into current research and future treatment techniques that are very relevant for future clinical practice with the aim of improving the quality of life of cardiovascular disease patients.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interventional Nanotheranostics for Translational Nano-Immunotherapy)
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Open AccessReview
Smart Platinum Nanostructures: A Journey from Synthesis to Advanced Theranostic Applications
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Akash Kumar, Nabojit Das and Raja Gopal Rayavarapu
J. Nanotheranostics 2023, 4(3), 384-407; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt4030017 - 10 Aug 2023
Cited by 2
Abstract
A significant paradigm shift has been observed in the past decade in the area of theranostics owing to the development of various isotropic and anisotropic metal nanostructures, simultaneous with improved imaging modalities. Platinum-based nanostructures are advancing in a plethora of clinical applications as
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A significant paradigm shift has been observed in the past decade in the area of theranostics owing to the development of various isotropic and anisotropic metal nanostructures, simultaneous with improved imaging modalities. Platinum-based nanostructures are advancing in a plethora of clinical applications as theranostics tools owing to their unique behavior concerning their size, shape, and surface chemistry at the nanoscale regime. Platinum nanostructures are optically active and provide significant potential to the field of theranostics by simplifying diagnosis and therapeutics, thus providing key solutions through nano-enabled technologies. The review emphasizes the potential of platinum nanostructures that have immense potential in vitro and in vivo scenarios as nanocarriers. Still, their potential in terms of photothermal active agents has not been well explored or reported. Nanotheranostics has emerged as a platform where various noble metal nanoparticles are effectively efficient as photothermal agents in bringing precision to therapy and diagnostics. Platinum, as an antioxidant and a stable nanocarrier, will enable them to act as photosensitizers when conjugated to affinity molecules and plays a key role in efficient treatment and diagnosis. The review envisions bringing together the possibilities of the safe-by-design synthesis of platinum nanostructures and their potential role in both in vitro and in vivo applications. A roadmap describing the challenges, pitfalls, and possibilities of influencing platinum nanostructures to overcome the existing biological/targeting barriers is elaborated. This review provides a literature survey on platinum nanostructures in theranostics, providing novel strategies in bio-imaging, diagnostics, and nanomedicine.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Nano-Bio Interaction for Nanotheranostic Applications)
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Nanotheranostics: Platforms, Current Applications, and Mechanisms of Targeting in Breast and Prostate Cancers
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Paul A. Akpa, Ikechukwu E. Peter, Akachukwu M. Onwuka, Bonaventure C. Obi, Maureen O. Akunne, Chukwuemeka S. Nworu, Paul M. Ejikeme, Theophine C. Akunne, Anthony A. Attama and Peter A. Akah
J. Nanotheranostics 2023, 4(3), 346-383; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt4030016 - 10 Aug 2023
Cited by 2
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Globally, cancer is one of the deadliest diseases, needing a meticulous diagnosis and targeted treatment plan to achieve an initial prognosis, followed by precision and optimization in treatment. Nonselective targeting, difficulty in accurately monitoring treatment end-results, serious drug side-effects, and severity of disease
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Globally, cancer is one of the deadliest diseases, needing a meticulous diagnosis and targeted treatment plan to achieve an initial prognosis, followed by precision and optimization in treatment. Nonselective targeting, difficulty in accurately monitoring treatment end-results, serious drug side-effects, and severity of disease resulting in metastasis are the key flaws of traditional techniques. Nanotechnology and nanoparticles possess special features to completely transform the field of diagnosis and treatment of cancer. A holistic strategy that employs a dual function of diagnosis and therapy while utilizing a nanocarrier is referred to as a nanotheranostic. The nanotheranostic framework was created to surmount a variety of biological and physiological obstacles, effectively delivering the cargo to the intended target location, while simultaneously facilitating therapeutic intervention, surveillance, and validation to demonstrate improved treatment effectiveness. As a result, a nanotheranostic platform can be useful for targeted drug delivery, release, and distribution assessment, in addition to patient classification and survival. Nanotheranostic techniques also lead to reduced drug side-effects compared with conventional therapies. In this review, we outline current studies on nanotheranostics and their advantages over conventional treatment strategies, the applications and challenges/limitations of nanotheranostics, and the mechanisms of targeting in breast and prostate cancers.
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Open AccessReview
An Overview of Nanotherapeutic Drug Delivery Options for the Management of Glioblastoma
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William H. Pentz, Vincenzo J. Pizzuti, Matthew E. Halbert, Tritan J. Plute, Paul R. Lockman and Samuel A. Sprowls
J. Nanotheranostics 2023, 4(3), 323-345; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt4030015 - 1 Aug 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common primary, malignant brain tumor that remains uniformly lethal in nearly all cases as a result of extreme cellular heterogeneity, treatment resistance, and recurrence. A major hurdle in therapeutic delivery to brain tumors is the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which
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Glioblastoma is the most common primary, malignant brain tumor that remains uniformly lethal in nearly all cases as a result of extreme cellular heterogeneity, treatment resistance, and recurrence. A major hurdle in therapeutic delivery to brain tumors is the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is the tightly regulated vascular barrier between the brain parenchyma and systemic circulation that prevents distribution of otherwise beneficial chemotherapeutics to central nervous system tumors. To overcome the obstacle of drug delivery beyond the BBB, nanoparticle formulations have come to the forefront, having demonstrated success in preclinical observations, but have not translated well into the clinical setting. In summary, this review article discusses brain tumors and challenges for drug delivery caused by the BBB, explores the benefits of nanoparticle formulations for brain tumor delivery, describes the characteristics these formulations possess that make them attractive therapeutic strategies, and provides preclinical examples that implement nanoparticles within glioma treatment regimens. Additionally, we explore the pitfalls associated with clinical translation and conclude with remarks geared toward overcoming these issues.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Strategies in Nanomedicine)
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Recent Advancement of Bio-Inspired Nanoparticles in Cancer Theragnostic
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Divya Tripathi, Kasturee Hajra and Dipak Maity
J. Nanotheranostics 2023, 4(3), 299-322; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt4030014 - 24 Jul 2023
Cited by 5
Abstract
The introduction of cancer therapeutics and nanotechnology has resulted in a paradigm shift from conventional therapy to precision medicine. Nanotechnology, an interdisciplinary field with a focus on biomedical applications, holds immense promise in bringing about novel approaches for cancer detection, diagnosis, and therapy.
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The introduction of cancer therapeutics and nanotechnology has resulted in a paradigm shift from conventional therapy to precision medicine. Nanotechnology, an interdisciplinary field with a focus on biomedical applications, holds immense promise in bringing about novel approaches for cancer detection, diagnosis, and therapy. The past decade has witnessed significant research and material applications related to nanoparticles (NPs). NPs differ from small-molecule drugs as they possess unique physicochemical characteristics, such as a large surface-to-volume ratio, enabling them to penetrate live cells efficiently. Traditional cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, have limitations, such as cytotoxicity, lack of specificity, and multiple drug resistance, which pose significant challenges for effective cancer treatment. However, nanomaterials have unique properties that enable new therapeutic modalities beyond conventional drug delivery in the fight against cancer. Moreover, nanoparticles (1–100 nm) have numerous benefits, such as biocompatibility, reduced toxicity, excellent stability, enhanced permeability and retention effect, and precise targeting, making them ideal for cancer treatment. The purpose of this article is to provide consolidated information on various bio-inspired nanoparticles that aid in cancer theranostics.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Functional and Tunable Nano-Systems for High-Performance Theranostic and Tissue Engineering Applications)
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Polymeric Theragnostic Nanoplatforms for Bone Tissue Engineering
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Kaushita Banerjee and Harishkumar Madhyastha
J. Nanotheranostics 2023, 4(3), 280-298; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt4030013 - 20 Jul 2023
Abstract
Nanomaterial-based tissue engineering strategies are precisely designed and tweaked to contest specific patient needs and their end applications. Though theragnostic is a radical term very eminent in cancer prognosis, of late, theragnostic approaches have been explored in the fields of tissue remodulation and
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Nanomaterial-based tissue engineering strategies are precisely designed and tweaked to contest specific patient needs and their end applications. Though theragnostic is a radical term very eminent in cancer prognosis, of late, theragnostic approaches have been explored in the fields of tissue remodulation and reparation. The engineering of theragnostic nanomaterials has opened up avenues for disease diagnosis, imaging, and therapeutic treatments. The instantaneous monitoring of therapeutic strategy is expected to co-deliver imaging and pharmaceutical agents at the same time, and nanoscale carrier moieties are convenient and efficient platforms in theragnostic applications, especially in soft and hard tissue regeneration. Furthermore, imaging modalities have extensively contributed to the signal-to-noise ratio. Simultaneously, there is an accumulation of high concentrations of therapeutic mediators at the defect site. Given the confines of contemporary bone diagnostic systems, the clinical rationale demands nano/biomaterials that can localize to bone-diseased sites to enhance the precision and prognostic value for osteoporosis, non-healing fractures, and/or infections, etc. Furthermore, bone theragnostics may have an even greater clinical impact and multimodal imaging procedures can overcome the restrictions of individual modalities. The present review introduces representative theragnostic polymeric nanomaterials and their advantages and disadvantages in practical use as well as their unique properties.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Applications of Polymers and Polymer Nanomaterials in Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine)
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Emerging Trends in the Application of Green Synthesized Biocompatible ZnO Nanoparticles for Translational Paradigm in Cancer Therapy
by
Shaikh Sheeran Naser, Basab Ghosh, Faizan Zarreen Simnani, Dibyangshee Singh, Anmol Choudhury, Aditya Nandi, Adrija Sinha, Ealisha Jha, Pritam Kumar Panda, Mrutyunjay Suar and Suresh K. Verma
J. Nanotheranostics 2023, 4(3), 248-279; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt4030012 - 1 Jul 2023
Cited by 26
Abstract
Zinc oxide nanomaterials have been the cynosure of this decade because of their immense potential in different biomedical applications. It includes their usage in the prognosis and treatment of different infectious and cellular diseases, owing to their peculiar physiochemical properties such as variable
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Zinc oxide nanomaterials have been the cynosure of this decade because of their immense potential in different biomedical applications. It includes their usage in the prognosis and treatment of different infectious and cellular diseases, owing to their peculiar physiochemical properties such as variable shape, size, and surface charge etc. Increasing demand and usage of the ZnO nanomaterials raise concerns about their cellular and molecular toxicity and their biocompatibility with human cells. This review comprehensively details their physiochemical properties for usage in biomedical applications. Furthermore, the toxicological concerns of ZnO nanomaterials with different types of cellular systems have been reviewed. Moreover, the biomedical and biocompatible efficacy of ZnO nanomaterials for cancer specific pathways has been discussed. This review offers insights into the current scenario of ZnO nanomaterials usage and signifies their potential future extension usage on different types of biomedical and environmental applications.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Nano-Bio Interaction for Nanotheranostic Applications)
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