Search Results (119)

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents, which is also considered an aggressive disease due to its rapid growth rate, ability to metastasize early, and complex and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME). Although we are developing improved surgical and chemotherapeutic approaches, the presence of metastatic or recurrent disease is still detrimental to the patient’s outcome. Major advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of OS are needed to substantially improve outcomes for patients being treated for OS. This review integrates new data on the molecular biology, pathophysiology, and immune landscape of OS, as well as introducing salient areas of tumorigenesis underpinning these findings, such as chromothripsis; kataegis; cancer stem cell dynamics; and updated genetic, epigenetic, and glycosylation modifiers. In addition, we review promising biomarkers, diagnostic platforms, and treatments, including immunotherapy, targeted small molecule inhibitors, and nanomedicine. Using genomic techniques, we have defined OS for its significant genomic instability due to TP53 and RB1 mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, and aberrant glycosylation. The TME is also characterized as immunosuppressive and populated by tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells, ultimately inhibiting immune checkpoint inhibitors. Emerging fields such as glycomics and epigenetics, as well as stem cell biology, have defined promising biomarkers and targets. Preclinical studies have identified that glycan-directed CAR therapies could be possible, as well as metabolic inhibitors and 3D tumor models, which presented some preclinical success and could allow for tumoral specificity and enhanced efficacy. OS is a biologically and clinically complex disease; however, advances in exploring the molecular and immunologic landscape of OS present new opportunities in biomarkers and the development of new treatment options with adjunctive care. Successful treatments in the future will require personalized, multi-targeted approaches to account for tumor heterogeneity and immune evasion. This will help us turn the corner in providing improved outcomes for patients with this resilient malignancy. Full article

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and nanomedicine has transformed cancer vaccine development, particularly in optimizing RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Stability and targeted delivery are major obstacles to the clinical translation of promising RNA-LNP vaccines for cancer immunotherapy. This systematic review analyzes the AI’s impact on LNP engineering through machine learning-driven predictive models, generative adversarial networks (GANs) for novel lipid design, and neural network-enhanced biodistribution prediction. AI reduces the therapeutic development timeline through accelerated virtual screening of millions of lipid combinations, compared to conventional high-throughput screening. Furthermore, AI-optimized LNPs demonstrate improved tumor targeting. GAN-generated lipids show structural novelty while maintaining higher encapsulation efficiency; graph neural networks predict RNA-LNP binding affinity with high accuracy vs. experimental data; digital twins reduce lyophilization optimization from years to months; and federated learning models enable multi-institutional data sharing. We propose a framework to address key technical challenges: training data quality (min. 15,000 lipid structures), model interpretability (SHAP > 0.65), and regulatory compliance (21CFR Part 11). AI integration reduces manufacturing costs and makes personalized cancer vaccine affordable. Future directions need to prioritize quantum machine learning for stability prediction and edge computing for real-time formulation modifications. Full article

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing medicine by enabling highly precise diagnostics, targeted therapies, and personalized healthcare solutions. This review explores the multifaceted applications of nanotechnology across medical fields such as oncology and infectious disease control. Engineered nanoparticles (NPs), such as liposomes, polymeric carriers, and carbon-based nanomaterials, enhance drug solubility, protect therapeutic agents from degradation, and enable site-specific delivery, thereby reducing toxicity to healthy tissues. In diagnostics, nanosensors and contrast agents provide ultra-sensitive detection of biomarkers, supporting early diagnosis and real-time monitoring. Nanotechnology also contributes to regenerative medicine, antimicrobial therapies, wearable devices, and theranostics, which integrate treatment and diagnosis into unified systems. Advanced innovations such as nanobots and smart nanosystems further extend these capabilities, enabling responsive drug delivery and minimally invasive interventions. Despite its immense potential, nanomedicine faces challenges, including biocompatibility, environmental safety, manufacturing scalability, and regulatory oversight. Addressing these issues is essential for clinical translation and public acceptance. In summary, nanotechnology offers transformative tools that are reshaping medical diagnostics, therapeutics, and disease prevention. Through continued research and interdisciplinary collaboration, it holds the potential to significantly enhance treatment outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and usher in a new era of precise and personalized medicine. Full article

By 2030, millions of new cancer cases will be diagnosed, as well as millions of cancer-related deaths. Traditional drug delivery methods have limitations, so developing smart drug delivery systems (SDDs) has emerged as a promising avenue for more effective and precise cancer treatment. Nanotechnology, particularly nanomedicine, provides innovative approaches to enhance drug delivery, including the use of nanoparticles. One such type of SDD is thermosensitive nanoparticles, which respond to internal and external stimuli, such as temperature changes, to release drugs precisely at tumor sites and minimize off-target effects. On the other hand, hyperthermia is a cancer treatment mode that goes back centuries and has become popular because it can target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This paper presents a comprehensive review of smart thermosensitive nanoparticles for cancer treatment, with a primary focus on organic nanoparticles. The integration of hyperthermia with temperature-sensitive nanocarriers, such as micelles, hydrogels, dendrimers, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles, offers a promising approach to improving the precision and efficacy of cancer therapy. By leveraging temperature as a controlled drug release mechanism, this review highlights the potential of these innovative systems to enhance treatment outcomes while minimizing adverse side effects. Full article

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignant tumor characterized by challenges in early diagnosis and limited therapeutic options, leading to an exceptionally low clinical cure rate. With the advent of novel cancer treatment paradigms, ferroptosis—a form of iron-dependent regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation—has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy, particularly for tumors harboring RAS mutations. However, the poor bioavailability and insufficient tumor-targeting capabilities of conventional drugs constrain the efficacy of ferroptosis-based therapies. Recent advancements in nanotechnology and imaging-guided treatments offer transformative solutions through targeted drug delivery, real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy, and multimodal synergistic strategies. This article aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer and to summarize the latest identified therapeutic targets for ferroptosis in this context. Furthermore, it reviews the recent progress in nanotechnology-based ferroptosis therapy for pancreatic cancer, encompassing ferroptosis monotherapy, synergistic ferroptosis therapy, and endogenous ferroptosis therapy. Subsequently, the integration of imaging-guided nanotechnology in ferroptosis therapy is summarized. Finally, this paper discusses innovative strategies, such as stroma-targeted ferroptosis therapy, immune-ferroptosis synergy, and AI-driven nanomedicine development, offering new insights and directions for future research in pancreatic cancer treatment. Full article

The gut microbiota has emerged as a key area of biomedical research due to its integral role in maintaining host health and its involvement in the pathogenesis of many systemic diseases. Growing evidence supports the notion that gut dysbiosis contributes significantly to diseases and their progression. An example would be inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of conditions that cause inflammation and swelling of the digestive tract, with the principal types being ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Another notable disease with significant association to gut dysbiosis would be colorectal cancer (CRC), a malignancy which typically begins as polyps in the colon or rectum, but has the potential to metastasise to other parts of the body, including the liver and lungs, among others. Concurrently, advances in nanomedicine, an evolving field that applies nanotechnology for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, have opened new avenues for targeted and efficient therapeutic strategies. In this paper, we provide an overview of the gut microbiota and the implications of its dysregulation in human disease. We then review the emerging nanotechnology-based approaches for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, with a particular focus on their applications in IBD and CRC. Full article

Background: Nanomedicine approaches for cancer therapy face significant challenges, including a poor tumor accumulation, limited therapeutic efficacy, and systemic toxicity. We hypothesized that controlling the clustering of poly(acrylic acid-co-maleic acid) (PAM)-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) would enhance their magnetic properties for improved targeting, while enabling a pH-responsive drug release in tumor microenvironments. Methods: PAM-stabilized SPION clusters were synthesized via arrested precipitation, characterized for physicochemical and magnetic properties, and evaluated for doxorubicin loading and pH-dependent release. A dual targeting approach combining antibody conjugation with magnetic guidance was assessed in cellular models, including a novel alternating magnetic field (AMF) pre-treatment protocol. Results: PAM-SPION clusters demonstrated controlled size distributions (60–100 nm), excellent colloidal stability, and enhanced magnetic properties, particularly for larger crystallites (13 nm). The formulations exhibited a pH-responsive drug release (8.5% at pH 7.4 vs. 14.3% at pH 6.5) and a significant enhancement of AMF-triggered release (17.5%). The dual targeting approach achieved an 8-fold increased cellular uptake compared to non-targeted formulations. Most notably, the novel AMF pre-treatment protocol demonstrated an 87% improved therapeutic efficacy compared to conventional post-treatment applications. Conclusions: The integration of targeting antibodies, magnetic guidance, and a pH-responsive PAM coating creates a versatile theranostic platform with significantly enhanced drug delivery capabilities. The unexpected synergistic effect of the AMF pre-treatment represents a promising new approach for improving the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticle-based cancer treatments. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and disabling joint disorder characterized by progressive cartilage degradation, subchondral bone changes, synovial inflammation, and chronic pain. While traditionally attributed to mechanical and age-related factors, increasing attention has been directed toward the role of nutritional components in disease modulation. This article critically examines the emerging role of three essential trace elements, zinc, copper, and selenium, in the pathophysiology of OA. These micronutrients are fundamental to antioxidant defense, immune modulation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity. Altered systemic or local levels of zinc, copper, and selenium have been associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysregulated cartilage metabolism in OA. Drawing on clinical studies, in vivo and in vitro experimental models, and population-based data, we synthesize evidence on trace element status in OA patients, mechanistic pathways, and therapeutic potential, including emerging nanomedicine strategies that enhance the targeted delivery and therapeutic efficacy of trace elements in joint tissues. This review highlights the need for integrated trace element profiling in OA research and clinical care and supports the exploration of targeted nutritional interventions in OA prevention and management. Full article

Medical research is at the forefront of addressing pressing global challenges, including preventing and treating cardiovascular, autoimmune, and oncological diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and the growing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases, using advanced medical approaches and cutting-edge technologies, structure-based drug design, and personalized medicine, is critical for developing effective therapies, specifically anticancer treatments. Background/Objectives: One of the key drivers of cancer at the cellular level is the abnormal activity of protein enzymes, specifically serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues, through a process known as phosphorylation. While tyrosine kinase-mediated phosphorylation constitutes a minor fraction of total cellular phosphorylation, its dysregulation is critically linked to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Methods: Small-molecule inhibitors, such as imatinib or erlotinib, are designed to halt this process, restoring cellular equilibrium and offering targeted therapeutic approaches. However, challenges persist, including frequent drug resistance and severe side effects associated with these therapies. Nanomedicine offers a transformative potential to overcome these limitations. Results: By leveraging the unique properties of nanomaterials, it is possible to achieve precise drug delivery, enhance accumulation at target sites, and improve therapeutic efficacy. Examples include nanoparticle-based delivery systems for TKIs and the combination of nanomaterials with photothermal or photodynamic therapies to enhance treatment effectiveness. Combining nanomedicine with traditional treatments holds promise and perspective for synergistic and more effective cancer management. Conclusions: This review delves into recent advances in understanding tyrosine kinase activity, the mechanisms of their inhibition, and the innovative integration of nanomedicine to revolutionize cancer treatment strategies. Full article

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are gaining popularity in nanomedicine due to their large surface area, variable pore size, great biocompatibility, and chemical adaptability. In recent years, the combination of smart polymeric materials with MSNs has transformed the area of regulated drug administration, particularly under stimuli-responsive settings. Polymer-modified MSNs provide increased stability, longer circulation times, and, most crucially, the capacity to respond to diverse internal (pH, redox potential, enzymes, and temperature) and external (light, magnetic field, and ultrasonic) stimuli. These systems allow for the site-specific, on-demand release of therapeutic molecules, increasing treatment effectiveness while decreasing off-target effects. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the development and application of polymer-functionalized MSNs for stimuli-triggered drug delivery. Key polymeric modifications, including thermoresponsive, pH-sensitive, redox-responsive, and enzyme-degradable systems, are discussed in terms of their design strategies and therapeutic outcomes. The synergistic use of dual or multiple stimuli-responsive polymers is also highlighted as a promising avenue to enhance precision and control in complex biological environments. Moreover, the integration of targeting ligands and stealth polymers such as PEG further enables selective tumor targeting and immune evasion, broadening the potential clinical applications of these nanocarriers. Recent progress in stimuli-triggered MSNs for combination therapies such as chemo-photothermal and chemo-photodynamic therapy is also covered, emphasizing how polymer modifications enhance responsiveness and therapeutic synergy. Finally, the review discusses current challenges, including scalability, biosafety, and regulatory considerations, and provides perspectives on future directions to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical translation. Full article

Diabetic wounds, as one of the most challenging complications of diabetes, exhibit impaired healing due to hyperglycemia, infection, vascular damage, microvascular deficits, dysregulated immune responses, and neuropathy. Conventional treatments are often limited by low drug bioavailability, transient therapeutic effects, and insufficient synergy across multiple pathways. Natural bioactive compounds are potential alternatives due to their multifunctional properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and proangiogenic activities; however, their application is constrained by poor water solubility and rapid metabolism. Their integration with natural or synthetic nanovehicles significantly enhances stability, targeting, and controlled-release capabilities, while enhancing synergistic antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and pro-repair functions. This review systematically catalogs the application of nanomaterial-loaded biomolecules, focuses on innovative progress in plant-based and animal-derived nanosystems, and further elucidates the multimodal therapeutic potential of synthetic–natural hybrid nanosystems. By synthesizing cutting-edge research, we also summarize advantageous features, development prospects, and existing challenges from the three dimensions of mechanistic evidence, preclinical validation, and current nanodelivery platforms, and propose a framework for grading application potential to provide a theoretical basis and strategic guidance for the rational design and clinical translation of future nanomedicines. Full article

Cancer treatment continues to face significant challenges due to the limitations of conventional therapies, including non-specific toxicity, poor bioavailability, and drug resistance. Nanotechnology, particularly peptide-based nanoparticles (NPs), is increasingly recognized as a valuable strategy to address these obstacles. Peptides provide a versatile platform offering high biocompatibility, specificity, biodegradability, and minimal immunogenicity, making them ideal for targeted cancer therapies. This review comprehensively examines recent advancements in peptide-based nanoparticle systems, highlighting the mechanisms driving peptide self-assembly, such as amphiphilicity, non-covalent interactions, and metal coordination. It distinguishes between non-bioactive peptide nanoparticles, which primarily serve as drug carriers, and bioactive peptide nanoparticles, which integrate targeting peptides, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), and therapeutic peptides to enhance specificity, internalization, and anticancer efficacy. Emphasis is placed on innovative designs that exploit active targeting, stimuli-responsive release, and immunomodulatory strategies to maximize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects. Despite promising preclinical outcomes, the clinical translation of peptide nanoparticles struggles with challenges involving stability, delivery efficiency, scalability, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing complexity. The review concludes by outlining future directions, emphasizing personalized nanomedicine, combination therapies, and advanced peptide engineering as crucial pathways toward successful clinical implementation. Full article

The latest advancements in nanomedicine have led to increased therapeutic efficacy and reduced complications. However, nanoparticle penetration is significantly influenced by biological hydrogels, such as mucus, the extracellular matrix, biofilms, and nucleoporins. Solely modifying well-studied physicochemical properties like size, charge, and surface chemistry is insufficient to fully elucidate or overcome these barriers. Recent studies have investigated the impact of particle elasticity, a relatively unexplored yet crucial physicochemical property influencing many biological processes. Hence, it is important to explore the impact of particle elasticity on penetrating biological hydrogels. This review examines biological hydrogels’ structural and functional features as diffusion barriers, provides an overview of particle elasticity, key elasticity measurement techniques, and explores strategies for elasticity modulation in nanoparticles, such as composition, crosslinking density, and structural design. Furthermore, nanoparticle penetration mechanisms, influenced by particle deformability, hydrogel mesh size, and adhesive interactions, are investigated by integrating theoretical and experimental findings. The evaluation of experimental data reveals the commonly observed particle elasticity trends in mucus penetration, extracellular matrix permeation, and corneal penetration of nanoparticles. Overall, this review offers valuable insights into designing next-generation nanomedicines capable of overcoming biological barriers. Full article

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) has been extensively investigated for its potential in cancer treatment. In this work, we provide an overview of in vitro and animal studies exploring its bioactive compounds, extracts, extracellular vesicles, fusion proteins, co-treatment with conventional pharmaceuticals, and utilization of nanoparticles, demonstrating promising cytotoxic and apoptotic effects across various cancer cell lines. A comprehensive search of online databases, e.g., PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, and Google Scholar was performed in the last decade, utilizing relevant keywords and applying several inclusion and exclusion criteria. The plant and its derivatives exhibit significant antiproliferative properties and modulate key signaling pathways. Additionally, animal studies have validated its antitumor potential, highlighting its ability to suppress tumor growth, modulate immune responses, and enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy in vivo. Although several compounds of the plant have been investigated, the insights regarding their mechanisms of action remain limited. Also, plant-derived extracellular vesicles show promise as natural carriers for targeted drug delivery, while fusion proteins improve cellular uptake and apoptosis induction. Finally, the integration of bitter melon components into nanomedicine underscores their potential for advanced therapeutic applications. Collectively, these findings reinforce the growing interest in utilizing bitter melon-derived compounds for cancer treatment and signal the need for further research to optimize their clinical translation. Full article

Cancer is a highly detrimental and fatal illness that poses a significant threat to human well-being. The pattern of cancer treatment is continuously being optimized by the advancement of old treatment approaches and the invention of novel treatment modes. Nanotechnology-based approaches are emerging as powerful candidates in the development of these advanced methods for treating tumors. This article provides a concise overview of nanotechnology for cancer or cancer nanomedicine and its applications. In light of prevalent issues, such as inadequate precision in targeting initial chemotherapy drugs, susceptibility of nucleic acid drugs to degradation, gene delivery, and the occurrence of common immune-related adverse events during immunotherapy, we explore the potential integration of nanomedicine with these treatment approaches and illustrative examples and highlight the benefits that arise from the utilization of nanomedicine. Full article