Nanomaterials

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3 pages, 176 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for Special Issue “Cancer Treatment via Nanotherapy”

by Lisheng Wang

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(7), 1153; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13071153 - 24 Mar 2023

Viewed by 895

Abstract

Effective cancer treatment remains one of the greatest medical challenges [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Treatment via Nanotherapy)

Research

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16 pages, 4907 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Melanoma Cell Reprogramming and Awakening of Antitumor Immunity as a Fingerprint of Hyper-Harmonized Hydroxylated Fullerene Water Complex (3HFWC) and Hyperpolarized Light Application In Vivo

by Milica Markelić, Marija Mojić, Dijana Bovan, Sanja Jelača, Zorana Jović, Milica Purić, Djuro Koruga, Sanja Mijatović and Danijela Maksimović-Ivanić

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13030372 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1423

Abstract

In our recent study, we showed that in vitro treatment of melanoma cells with hyperpolarized light (HPL) as well as with the second derivative of fullerene, hyper-harmonized hydroxylated fullerene water complex (3HFWC) reduced viability of cells by decreasing their proliferative capacity and inducing [...] Read more.

In our recent study, we showed that in vitro treatment of melanoma cells with hyperpolarized light (HPL) as well as with the second derivative of fullerene, hyper-harmonized hydroxylated fullerene water complex (3HFWC) reduced viability of cells by decreasing their proliferative capacity and inducing senescence and reprogramming towards a normal, melanocytic phenotype. Therefore, we wanted to determine whether these effects persisted in vivo in the syngeneic mouse melanoma model with a combined treatment of HPL irradiation and 3HFWC per os. Our results demonstrated the potent antitumor effects of 3HFWC nanosubstance assisted by HPL irradiation. These effects were primarily driven by the stimulation of melanoma cell growth arrest, the establishment of a senescent phenotype, and melanocytic differentiation on the one hand, and the awakening of the antitumor immune response on the other. In addition, the combined treatment reduced the protumorigenic activity of immune cells by depleting T regulatory cells, myeloid-derived suppressors, and M2 macrophages. The support of the 3HFWC substance by HPL irradiation may be the axis of the new approach design based on tumor cell reprogramming synchronized with the mobilization of the host’s protective immune response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Treatment via Nanotherapy)

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18 pages, 3822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibiting Metastasis and Improving Chemosensitivity via Chitosan-Coated Selenium Nanoparticles for Brain Cancer Therapy

by Paweena Dana, Nuttaporn Pimpha, Angkana Chaipuang, Nutthanit Thumrongsiri, Prattana Tanyapanyachon, Anukul Taweechaipaisankul, Walailuk Chonniyom, Natsorn Watcharadulyarat, Sith Sathornsumetee and Nattika Saengkrit

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(15), 2606; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12152606 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2217

Abstract

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were synthesized to overcome the limitations of selenium, such as its narrow safe range and low water solubility. SeNPs reduce the toxicity and improve the bioavailability of selenium. Chitosan-coated SeNPs (Cs-SeNPs) were developed to further stabilize SeNPs and to test [...] Read more.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were synthesized to overcome the limitations of selenium, such as its narrow safe range and low water solubility. SeNPs reduce the toxicity and improve the bioavailability of selenium. Chitosan-coated SeNPs (Cs-SeNPs) were developed to further stabilize SeNPs and to test their effects against glioma cells. The effects of Cs-SeNPs on cell growth were evaluated in monolayer and 3D-tumor spheroid culture. Cell migration and cell invasion were determined using a trans-well assay. The effect of Cs-SeNPs on chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) sensitivity of glioma cells was determined in tumor spheroids. An in vitro blood–brain barrier (BBB) model was established to test the permeability of Cs-SeNPs. SeNPs and Cs-SeNPs can reduce the cell viability of glioma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with SeNPs, Cs-SeNPs more strongly inhibited 3D-tumor spheroid growth. Cs-SeNPs exhibited stronger effects in inhibiting cell migration and cell invasion than SeNPs. Improved 5-FU sensitivity was observed in Cs-SeNP-treated cells. Cellular uptake in glioma cells indicated a higher uptake rate of coumarin-6-labeled Cs-SeNPs than SeNPs. The capability of coumarin-6 associated Cs-SeNPs to pass through the BBB was confirmed. Taken together, Cs-SeNPs provide exceptional performance and are a potential alternative therapeutic strategy for future glioma treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Treatment via Nanotherapy)

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18 pages, 2144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Action of Hyper-Harmonized Hydroxylated Fullerene Water Complex and Hyperpolarized Light Leads to Melanoma Cell Reprogramming In Vitro

by Milica Markelić, Dijana Drača, Tamara Krajnović, Zorana Jović, Milica Vuksanović, Djuro Koruga, Sanja Mijatović and Danijela Maksimović-Ivanić

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(8), 1331; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12081331 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1965

Abstract

(1) Background: Their unique structure and electron deficiency have brought fullerenes into the focus of research in many fields, including medicine. The hyper-harmonized hydroxylated fullerene water complex (3HFWC) formulation has solved the limitations of the poor solubility and bioavailability of fullerenes. To achieve [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Their unique structure and electron deficiency have brought fullerenes into the focus of research in many fields, including medicine. The hyper-harmonized hydroxylated fullerene water complex (3HFWC) formulation has solved the limitations of the poor solubility and bioavailability of fullerenes. To achieve better antitumor activity, 3HFWC was combined with short-term irradiation of cells with hyperpolarized light (HPL) generated by the application of a nanophotonic fullerene filter in a Bioptron^® device. The benefits of HPL were confirmed in the microcirculation, wound healing and immunological function. (2) Methods: B16, B16-F10 and A375 melanoma cells were exposed to a wide spectrum of 3HFWC doses and to a single short-term HPL irradiation. (3) Results: Apart from the differences in the redox status and level of invasiveness, the effects of the treatments were quite similar. Decreased viability, morphological alteration, signs of melanocytic differentiation and cellular senescence were observed upon the successful internalization of the nanoquantum substance. (4) Conclusions: Overall, 3HFWC/HPL promoted melanoma cell reprogramming toward a normal phenotype. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Treatment via Nanotherapy)

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15 pages, 2289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Evaluation of Radiation Response and Thermal Properties of NPs-Loaded Tissues-Mimicking Phantoms

by Somayeh Asadi, Sanzhar Korganbayev, Wujun Xu, Ana Katrina Mapanao, Valerio Voliani, Vesa-Pekka Lehto and Paola Saccomandi

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(6), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12060945 - 13 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2071

Abstract

Many efforts have recently concentrated on constructing and developing nanoparticles (NPs) as promising thermal agent for optical hyperthermia and photothermal therapy. However, thermal energy transfer in biological tissue is a complex process involving different mechanisms such as conduction, convection, radiation. Therefore, having information [...] Read more.

Many efforts have recently concentrated on constructing and developing nanoparticles (NPs) as promising thermal agent for optical hyperthermia and photothermal therapy. However, thermal energy transfer in biological tissue is a complex process involving different mechanisms such as conduction, convection, radiation. Therefore, having information about thermal properties of tissue especially when NPs are embedded in is a necessity for predicting the heat transfer during hyperthermia. In this work, the thermal properties of solid phantom based on agar in the presence of three different nanoparticles (BPSi, tNAs, GNRs) and alone were measured and reported as a function of temperature (ranging from 22 to 62 °C). The thermal response of these NPs to an 808 nm laser beam with three different powers were studied in the water comparatively. Agar and tNAs have almost constant thermal properties in the considered range. Among the three NPs, gold has the highest conductivity and diffusivity. At 62 °C BPSi NPs have the similar amount of increase for the diffusivity. The thermal parameters reported in this paper can be useful for the mathematical modeling. Irradiation of the NPs-loaded water phantom displayed the highest radiosensitivity of gold among the three mentioned NPs. However, for the higher power of irradiation, BPSi and tNAs NPs showed the increased absorption of heat during shorter time and the increased temperature gradient slope for the initial 15 s after the irradiation started. The three NPs showed different thermal and irradiation response behavior; however, this comparison study notes the worth of having information about thermal parameters of NPs-loaded tissue for pre-clinical planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Treatment via Nanotherapy)

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15 pages, 2571 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CD123-Targeted Nano-Curcumin Molecule Enhances Cytotoxic Efficacy in Leukemic Stem Cells

by Wariya Nirachonkul, Siriporn Ogonoki, Tarika Thumvijit, Supanimit Chiampanichayakul, Pawaret Panyajai, Songyot Anuchapreeda, Singkome Tima and Sawitree Chiampanichayakul

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 2974; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11112974 - 5 Nov 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2100

Abstract

Acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) is a disease with a high rate of relapse and drug resistance due to the remaining leukemic stem cells (LSCs). Therefore, LSCs are specific targets for the treatment of leukemia. CD123 is specifically expressed on LSCs and performs as [...] Read more.

Acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) is a disease with a high rate of relapse and drug resistance due to the remaining leukemic stem cells (LSCs). Therefore, LSCs are specific targets for the treatment of leukemia. CD123 is specifically expressed on LSCs and performs as a specific marker. Curcumin is the main active compound of a natural product with low toxicity for humans. It has been reported to inhibit leukemic cell growth. However, curcumin is practically insoluble in water and has low bioavailability. In this study, we aimed to formulate curcumin nanoparticles and conjugate with the anti-CD123 to overcome the low water solubility and improve the targeting of LSCs. The cytotoxicity of both curcumin-loaded PLGA/poloxamer nanoparticles (Cur-NPs) and anti-CD123-curcumin-loaded PLGA/poloxamer nanoparticles (anti-CD123-Cur-NPs) were examined in KG-1a cells. The results showed that Cur-NPs and Cur-NPs-CD123 exhibited cytotoxic effects on KG-1a cells with the IC₅₀ values of 74.20 ± 6.71 and 41.45 ± 5.49 µM, respectively. Moreover, anti-CD123-Cur-NPs induced higher apoptosis than Cur-NPs. The higher uptake of anti-CD123-Cur-NPs in KG-1a cells was confirmed by using flow cytometry. In conclusion, the anti-CD123-Cur-NPs formulation improved curcumin’s bioavailability and specific targeting of LSCs, suggesting that it is a promising drug delivery system for improving the therapeutic efficacy against AML. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Treatment via Nanotherapy)

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Review

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18 pages, 11821 KiB

Open AccessReview

Modified Bacteriophage for Tumor Detection and Targeted Therapy

by Yuanzhao Shen, Jingyu Wang, Yuting Li, Chih-Tsung Yang and Xin Zhou

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(4), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13040665 - 8 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2459

Abstract

Malignant tumor is one of the leading causes of death in human beings. In recent years, bacteriophages (phages), a natural bacterial virus, have been genetically engineered for use as a probe for the detection of antigens that are highly expressed in tumor cells [...] Read more.

Malignant tumor is one of the leading causes of death in human beings. In recent years, bacteriophages (phages), a natural bacterial virus, have been genetically engineered for use as a probe for the detection of antigens that are highly expressed in tumor cells and as an anti-tumor reagent. Furthermore, phages can also be chemically modified and assembled with a variety of nanoparticles to form a new organic/inorganic composite, thus extending the application of phages in biological detection and tumor therapeutic. This review summarizes the studies on genetically engineered and chemically modified phages in the diagnosis and targeting therapy of tumors in recent years. We discuss the advantages and limitations of modified phages in practical applications and propose suitable application scenarios based on these modified phages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Treatment via Nanotherapy)

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32 pages, 3606 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of Green Gold Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy and Diagnosis

by Saman Sargazi, Ushna Laraib, Simge Er, Abbas Rahdar, Mohadeseh Hassanisaadi, Muhammad Nadeem Zafar, Ana M. Díez-Pascual and Muhammad Bilal

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(7), 1102; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12071102 - 27 Mar 2022

Cited by 78 | Viewed by 6725

Abstract

Nanoparticles are currently used for cancer theranostics in the clinical field. Among nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) attract much attention due to their usability and high performance in imaging techniques. The wide availability of biological precursors used in plant-based synthesized AuNPs allows for the [...] Read more.

Nanoparticles are currently used for cancer theranostics in the clinical field. Among nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) attract much attention due to their usability and high performance in imaging techniques. The wide availability of biological precursors used in plant-based synthesized AuNPs allows for the development of large-scale production in a greener manner. Conventional cancer therapies, such as surgery and chemotherapy, have significant limitations and frequently fail to produce satisfying results. AuNPs have a prolonged circulation time, allow easy modification with ligands detected via cancer cell surface receptors, and increase uptake through receptor-mediated endocytosis. To exploit these unique features, studies have been carried out on the use of AuNPs as contrast agents for X-ray-based imaging techniques (i.e., computed tomography). As nanocarriers, AuNPs synthesized by nontoxic and biocompatible plants to deliver therapeutic biomolecules could be a significant stride forward in the effective treatment of various cancers. Fluorescent-plant-based markers, including AuNPs, fabricated using Medicago sativa, Olax Scandens, H. ambavilla, and H. lanceolatum, have been used in detecting cancers. Moreover, green synthesized AuNPs using various extracts have been applied for the treatment of different types of solid tumors. However, the cytotoxicity of AuNPs primarily depends on their size, surface reactivity, and surface area. In this review, the benefits of plant-based materials in cancer therapy are firstly explained. Then, considering the valuable position of AuNPs in medicine, the application of AuNPs in cancer therapy and detection is highlighted with an emphasis on limitations faced by the application of such NPs in drug delivery platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Treatment via Nanotherapy)

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27 pages, 3166 KiB

Open AccessReview

Optimization of Nanoparticles for Smart Drug Delivery: A Review

by Lina Jia, Peng Zhang, Hongyan Sun, Yuguo Dai, Shuzhang Liang, Xue Bai and Lin Feng

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 2790; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11112790 - 21 Oct 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3730

Abstract

Nanoparticle delivery systems have good application prospects in the treatment of various diseases, especially in cancer treatment. The effect of drug delivery is regulated by the properties of nanoparticles. There have been many studies focusing on optimizing the structure of nanoparticles in recent [...] Read more.

Nanoparticle delivery systems have good application prospects in the treatment of various diseases, especially in cancer treatment. The effect of drug delivery is regulated by the properties of nanoparticles. There have been many studies focusing on optimizing the structure of nanoparticles in recent years, and a series of achievements have been made. This review summarizes the optimization strategies of nanoparticles from three aspects—improving biocompatibility, increasing the targeting efficiency of nanoparticles, and improving the drug loading rate of nanoparticles—aiming to provide some theoretical reference for the subsequent drug delivery of nanoparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Treatment via Nanotherapy)

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15 pages, 1778 KiB

Open AccessReview

Magnetic Nanodiscs—A New Promising Tool for Microsurgery of Malignant Neoplasms

by Tatiana N. Zamay, Vladimir S. Prokopenko, Sergey S. Zamay, Kirill A. Lukyanenko, Olga S. Kolovskaya, Vitaly A. Orlov, Galina S. Zamay, Rinat G. Galeev, Andrey A. Narodov and Anna S. Kichkailo

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11061459 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3557

Abstract

Magnetomechanical therapy is one of the most perspective directions in tumor microsurgery. According to the analysis of recent publications, it can be concluded that a nanoscalpel could become an instrument sufficient for cancer microsurgery. It should possess the following properties: (1) nano- or [...] Read more.

Magnetomechanical therapy is one of the most perspective directions in tumor microsurgery. According to the analysis of recent publications, it can be concluded that a nanoscalpel could become an instrument sufficient for cancer microsurgery. It should possess the following properties: (1) nano- or microsized; (2) affinity and specificity to the targets on tumor cells; (3) remote control. This nano- or microscalpel should include at least two components: (1) a physical nanostructure (particle, disc, plates) with the ability to transform the magnetic moment to mechanical torque; (2) a ligand—a molecule (antibody, aptamer, etc.) allowing the scalpel precisely target tumor cells. Literature analysis revealed that the most suitable nanoscalpel structures are anisotropic, magnetic micro- or nanodiscs with high-saturation magnetization and the absence of remanence, facilitating scalpel remote control via the magnetic field. Additionally, anisotropy enhances the transmigration of the discs to the tumor. To date, four types of magnetic microdiscs have been used for tumor destruction: synthetic antiferromagnetic P-SAF (perpendicular) and SAF (in-plane), vortex Py, and three-layer non-magnetic–ferromagnet–non-magnetic systems with flat quasi-dipole magnetic structures. In the current review, we discuss the biological effects of magnetic discs, the mechanisms of action, and the toxicity in alternating or rotating magnetic fields in vitro and in vivo. Based on the experimental data presented in the literature, we conclude that the targeted and remotely controlled magnetic field nanoscalpel is an effective and safe instrument for cancer therapy or theranostics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Treatment via Nanotherapy)

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