Search Results (31)

The high morbidity and mortality of cancer pose a severe challenge to human health. Traditional diagnostic and therapeutic strategies still exhibit obvious limitations in early diagnostic sensitivity, therapeutic precision, and real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy. The development of nanotechnology has provided novel solutions for precision cancer theranostics. Among nanomaterials, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have become a research hotspot in tumor nanomedicine due to their tunable size and morphology, excellent localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, and favorable biocompatibility. However, despite encouraging preclinical outcomes, several challenges hinder their clinical translation, including an incomplete understanding of long-term toxicity, complex in vivo biological interactions, the lack of standardized evaluation protocols, and regulatory uncertainties and manufacturing reproducibility issues. This paper systematically reviews the physicochemical and biological mechanisms of AuNPs in cancer theranostics, and summarizes the latest research advances of AuNPs in cancer detection and diagnosis (including biomarker detection and multimodal imaging) as well as in therapeutic fields, covering photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), radiosensitization, targeted drug and nucleic acid delivery, and immunotherapy-assisted strategies. Furthermore, we discuss the development of intelligent and stimuli-responsive theranostic nanoplatforms based on AuNPs, and outline their future prospects in precision medicine and personalized cancer therapy, with particular emphasis on the requirements for clinical translation, including safety evaluation, large-scale production, and regulatory approval pathways. Full article

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has evolved from a conventional photocatalyst into a sophisticated nano-platform that bridges environmental sustainability and biomedicine. This paper proposes a unified interfacial redox design framework that links the electronic-structure engineering of the TiO₂ with the spatial control of its reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the environmental sector, we highlight advances in photocatalytic detoxification, such as the cleavage of organophosphates via Ag-modified TiO₂, driven by doping and metal–support interactions. In the biomedical domain, TiO₂ is framed as an active bio-interface capable of coordinative protein binding. We specifically examine the “moonlighting” protein dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLDH) as a model for stable, oriented biofunctionalization. By integrating RGD-targeting motifs, these hybrid systems enable integrin-directed, localized photodynamic effects. We further address critical toxicological considerations, emphasizing that TiO₂ behavior is context-dependent and governed by particle size, crystallinity, and surface state. By synthesizing insights from catalysis and redox biology, this manuscript outlines principles for the rational design of safer, application-specific TiO₂ technologies. This convergence supports a transition from non-selective oxidation toward predictable, spatially confined redox outcomes in both complex environmental matrices and physiological systems. This review outlines key mechanistic insights and proposes design principles for controlled and context-dependent TiO₂ activity. Full article

Excessive copper ions in the human body can cause a variety of diseases, such as gastrointestinal disorders, cirrhosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Techniques like Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectroscopy and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy are available for copper detection, but the associated cost issues for sample preparation and labor limit their application for on-site detection. Herein, we are reporting a versatile method for detecting copper ions using a peptide-functionalized gold nanoparticle sensor in combination with various optical spectroscopic techniques. The peptide (CW) exhibited selective sensing ability for Cu(II) with visual colorimetric and optical spectroscopic changes compared to other metal ions tested. CW showed a visual colorimetric response from colorless to light brown color after interaction with Cu(II). Converting CW to a gold nanoparticle appended (CW-AuNPs) nanoplatform enabled a multimodal detection platform for Cu (II), which utilizes colorimetric and optical spectrum changes and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to enable highly sensitive sensing of Cu(II), even at extremely low concentrations (76 nms.). CW-AuNPs exhibit a controlled aggregation property in the presence of Cu(II), resulting in the creation of hot spots for SERS-based detection. Moreover, the peptide unit attached to the gold nanoparticles serves both as a binding motif for Cu(II) and as a Raman reporter for Cu(II) sensing. Our comprehensive analysis, including solution-state and dry-mapping Raman spectroscopic studies, demonstrates remarkable picomolar sensitivity of the peptide–gold nanoparticle system for Cu(II) detection. Moreover, we prepared a paper test strip from CW-AuNPs and used it as a visual colorimetric platform for sensitive detection of copper ions. Full article

Graphene, owing to its exceptionally high specific surface area, abundant surface functional groups, and outstanding biocompatibility, exhibits tremendous potential in the development of nanodrug delivery systems. This review systematically outlines the latest research advancements regarding graphene and its derivatives in drug loading, targeted delivery, and smart release. It covers delivery strategies and mechanisms for various types of drugs, including small molecules and macromolecules, with a particular emphasis on their applications in major diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, and infection control. The article also discusses stimulus-responsive release mechanisms, such as pH-responsiveness and photothermal responsiveness, and highlights the critical role of surface functionalization of graphene and its derivatives in enhancing therapeutic efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. Furthermore, the review evaluates key challenges to the clinical translation of graphene-based materials, including safety, toxicity, and metabolic uncertainties. It points out that future research should focus on integrating structural modulation of materials with biological behavior to construct intelligent nanoplatforms featuring biodegradability, low immunogenicity, and precise therapeutic targeting. The aim of this paper is to provide theoretical insights and technical guidance for the customized design and precision medicine applications of graphene and its derivative-based drug delivery systems. Full article

Conventional cancer treatments often have complications and serious side effects, with limited improvements in 5-year survival and quality of life. Photothermal therapy (PTT) employs materials that convert light to heat when exposed to near-infrared light to raise the temperature of the tumor site to directly ablate tumor cells, induce immunogenic cell death, and improve the tumor microenvironment. This therapy has several benefits, including minimal invasiveness, high efficacy, reduced side effects, and robust targeting capabilities. Beyond just photothermal conversion materials, nanoplatforms significantly contribute to PTT by supplying effective photothermal conversion materials and bolstering tumor targeting to amplify anti-tumor effects. However, the anti-tumor effects of PTT alone are ultimately limited and often need to be combined with other therapies. This narrative review describes the recent progress of PTT combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, gas therapy, chemodynamic therapy, photoacoustic imaging, starvation therapy, and multimodal therapy. Studies have shown that combining PTT with other treatments can improve efficacy, reduce side effects, and overcome drug resistance. Despite the encouraging results, challenges such as optimizing treatment protocols, addressing tumor heterogeneity, and overcoming biological barriers remain. This paper highlights the potential for personalized, multimodal approaches to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Full article

Regrettably, despite undeniable advances in cancer diagnosis and therapy, primary brain cancer (or brain cancer) remains one of the deadliest forms of malignant tumors, where glioblastoma (GBM) is known as the most malignant diffuse glioma of astrocytic lineage. Fortunately, to improve this scenario, remarkable progress in nanotechnology has brought new promise and raised expectations in cancer treatment. Nanomedicine, principally an area amalgamating nanotechnology with biology and medicine, has demonstrated a pivotal role, starting with the earliest detection and diagnosis while also offering novel multimodal cancer therapy alternatives. In the vast realm of nanotechnology, nanozymes, a type of nanomaterial with intrinsic enzyme-like activities and characteristics connecting the fields of nanocatalysts, enzymology, and biology, have emerged as powerful nanotools for cancer theranostics. Hence, this fascinating field of research has experienced exponential growth in recent years. As it is virtually impossible to cover all the literature on this broad domain of science in one paper, this review focuses on presenting a multidisciplinary approach, with its content extending from fundamental knowledge of nanozymes and enzyme-mimicking catalysis to the most recent advances in nanozymes for therapy targeting brain cancers. Although we are at the very early stages of research, it can be envisioned that the strategic development of nanozymes in brain cancer theranostics will positively offer disruptive nanoplatforms for future nano-oncology. Full article

Phototherapy, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), has emerged as a promising non-invasive cancer treatment, addressing issues like drug resistance and systemic toxicity common in conventional breast cancer therapies. Recent research has shown that copper sulphide (CuS) nanoparticles and polydopamine (PDA) exhibit exceptional photothermal conversion efficiency under 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, making them valuable for cancer phototherapy. However, the effectiveness of PDT is limited in hypoxic tumour environments, which are common in many breast cancer types, due to its reliance on local oxygen levels. Moreover, single-modality approaches, including phototherapy, often prove insufficient for complete tumour elimination, despite their therapeutic strength. In this paper, a microfluidic-assisted approach was used to create multifunctional silk-based nanoparticles (SFNPs) encapsulating the chemotherapeutic drug Epirubicin (EPI), the PTT/PDT agent CuS, and the heat-activated, oxygen-independent alkyl radical generator AIPH for combined chemotherapy, PTT, and PDT, with a polydopamine (PDA) coating for enhanced photothermal effects and surface-bound folic acid (FA) for targeted delivery in breast cancer treatment. The synthesised CuS-EPI-AIPH@SF-PDA-FA nanoparticles achieved a controlled size of 378 nm, strong NIR absorption, and high photothermal conversion efficiency. Under 808 nm NIR irradiation, these nanoparticles selectively triggered the release of alkyl radicals and EPI, improving intracellular drug levels and effectively killing various breast cancer cell lines while demonstrating low toxicity to non-cancerous cells. We demonstrate that novel core–shell CuS-EPI-AIPH@SF-PDA-FA NPs have been successfully designed as a multifunctional nanoplatform integrating PTT, PDT, and chemotherapy for targeted, synergistic breast cancer treatment. Full article

Plant viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are attractive to nanomedicine researchers because of their safety, ease of production, resistance, and straightforward functionalization. In this paper, we developed and successfully purified a VNP derived from turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), a well-known plant pathogen, that exhibits a high affinity for immunoglobulins G (IgG) thanks to its functionalization with the Z domain of staphylococcal Protein A via gene fusion. We selected cetuximab as a model IgG to demonstrate the versatility of this novel TuMV VNP by developing a fluorescent nanoplatform to mark tumoral cells from the Cal33 line of a tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Using confocal microscopy, we observed that fluorescent VNP–cetuximab bound selectively to Cal33 and was internalized, revealing the potential of this nanotool in cancer research. Full article

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, affect a wide variety of the population and pose significant challenges with progressive and irreversible neural cell loss. The limitations of brain-targeting therapies and the unclear molecular mechanisms driving neurodegeneration hamper the possibility of developing successful treatment options. Thus, nanoscale drug delivery platforms offer a promising solution. This paper explores and compares lipidic nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and hybrid liposomal–EV nanoplatforms as advanced approaches for targeted delivery to combat neurodegeneration. Lipidic nanoparticles are well-characterized platforms that allow multi-drug loading and scalable production. Conversely, EVs offer the ability of selectively targeting specific tissues and high biocompatibility. The combination of these two platforms in one could lead to promising results in the treatment of neurodegeneration. However, many issues, such as the regulatory framework, remain to be solved before these novel products are translated into clinical practice. Full article

Chemo-mild photothermal synergistic therapy can effectively inhibit tumor growth under mild hyperthermia, minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissues and skin while ensuring therapeutic efficacy. In this paper, we develop a multifunctional study based on polyhedral oligomeric sesquisiloxane (POSS) that exhibits a synergistic therapeutic effect through mild photothermal and chemotherapy treatments (POSS-SQ-DOX). The nanoplatform utilizes SQ-N as a photothermal agent (PTA) for mild photothermal, while doxorubicin (DOX) serves as the chemotherapeutic drug for chemotherapy. By incorporating POSS into the nanoplatform, we successfully prevent the aggregation of SQ-N in aqueous solutions, thus maintaining its excellent photothermal properties both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the introduction of polyethylene glycol (PEG) significantly enhances cell permeability, which contributes to the remarkable therapeutic effect of POSS-SQ-DOX NPs. Our studies on the photothermal properties of POSS-SQ-DOX NPs demonstrate their high photothermal conversion efficiency (62.3%) and stability, confirming their suitability for use in mild photothermal therapy. A combination index value (CI = 0.72) verified the presence of a synergistic effect between these two treatments, indicating that POSS-SQ-DOX NPs exhibited significantly higher cell mortality (74.7%) and tumor inhibition rate (72.7%) compared to single chemotherapy and mild photothermal therapy. This observation highlights the synergistic therapeutic potential of POSS-SQ-DOX NPs. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo toxicity tests suggest that the absence of cytotoxicity and excellent biocompatibility of POSS-SQ-DOX NPs provide a guarantee for clinical applications. Therefore, utilizing near-infrared light-triggering POSS-SQ-DOX NPs can serve as chemo-mild photothermal PTA, while functionalized POSS-SQ-DOX NPs hold great promise as a novel nanoplatform that may drive significant advancements in the field of chemo-mild photothermal therapy. Full article

Tumors are a major public health issue of concern to humans, seriously threatening the safety of people’s lives and property. With the increasing demand for early and accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment of tumors, noninvasive optical imaging (including fluorescence imaging and photoacoustic imaging) and tumor synergistic therapies (phototherapy synergistic with chemotherapy, phototherapy synergistic with immunotherapy, etc.) have received increasing attention. In particular, light in the near-infrared second region (NIR-II) has triggered great research interest due to its penetration depth, minimal tissue autofluorescence, and reduced tissue absorption and scattering. Nanomaterials with many advantages, such as high brightness, great photostability, tunable photophysical properties, and excellent biosafety offer unlimited possibilities and are being investigated for NIR-II tumor imaging-guided synergistic oncotherapy. In recent years, many researchers have tried various approaches to investigate nanomaterials, including gold nanomaterials, two-dimensional materials, metal sulfide oxides, polymers, carbon nanomaterials, NIR-II dyes, and other nanomaterials for tumor diagnostic and therapeutic integrated nanoplatform construction. In this paper, the application of multifunctional nanomaterials in tumor NIR-II imaging and collaborative therapy in the past three years is briefly reviewed, and the current research status is summarized and prospected, with a view to contributing to future tumor therapy. Full article

Graphene, fullerenes, diamond, carbon nanotubes, and carbon dots are just a few of the carbon-based nanomaterials that have gained enormous popularity in a variety of scientific disciplines and industrial uses. As a two-dimensional material in the creation of therapeutic delivery systems for many illnesses, nanosized graphene oxide (NGO) is now garnering a large amount of attention among these materials. In addition to other benefits, NGO functions as a drug nanocarrier with remarkable biocompatibility, high pharmaceutical loading capacity, controlled drug release capability, biological imaging efficiency, multifunctional nanoplatform properties, and the power to increase the therapeutic efficacy of loaded agents. Thus, NGO is a perfect nanoplatform for the development of drug delivery systems (DDSs) to both detect and treat a variety of ailments. This review article’s main focus is on investigating surface functionality, drug-loading methods, and drug release patterns designed particularly for smart delivery systems. The paper also examines the relevance of using NGOs to build DDSs and considers prospective uses in the treatment of diseases including cancer, infection by bacteria, and bone regeneration medicine. These factors cover the use of naturally occurring medicinal substances produced from plant-based sources. Full article

In recent decades, nanotechnology has been rapidly advancing in various fields of human activity, including veterinary medicine. The review presents up-to-date information on recent advancements in nanotechnology in the field and an overview of the types of nanoparticles used in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, their characteristics, and their areas of application. Currently, a wide range of nanomaterials has been implemented into veterinary practice, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostic devices, feed additives, and vaccines. The application of nanoformulations gave rise to innovative strategies in the treatment of animal diseases. For example, antibiotics delivered on nanoplatforms demonstrated higher efficacy and lower toxicity and dosage requirements when compared to conventional pharmaceuticals, providing a possibility to solve antibiotic resistance issues. Nanoparticle-based drugs showed promising results in the treatment of animal parasitoses and neoplastic diseases. However, the latter area is currently more developed in human medicine. Owing to the size compatibility, nanomaterials have been applied as gene delivery vectors in veterinary gene therapy. Veterinary medicine is at the forefront of the development of innovative nanovaccines inducing both humoral and cellular immune responses. The paper provides a brief overview of current topics in nanomaterial safety, potential risks associated with the use of nanomaterials, and relevant regulatory aspects. Full article

The transformation of high-molecular DNA from a random swollen coil in a solution to a discrete nanosized particle with the ordered packaging of a rigid and highly charged double-stranded molecule is one of the amazing phenomena of polymer physics. DNA condensation is a well-known phenomenon in biological systems, yet its molecular mechanism is not clear. Understanding the processes occurring in vivo is necessary for the usage of DNA in the fabrication of new biologically significant nanostructures. Entropy plays a very important role in DNA condensation. DNA conjugates with metal nanoparticles are useful in various fields of nanotechnology. In particular, they can serve as a basis for creating multicomponent nanoplatforms for theranostics. DNA must be in a compact state in such constructions. In this paper, we tested the methods of DNA integration with silver, gold and palladium nanoparticles and analyzed the properties of DNA conjugates with metal nanoparticles using the methods of atomic force microscopy, spectroscopy, viscometry and dynamic light scattering. DNA size, stability and rigidity (persistence length), as well as plasmon resonance peaks in the absorption spectra of systems were studied. The methods for DNA condensation with metal nanoparticles were analyzed. Full article

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are heralded as potential nanoplatforms for biomedical applications. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), as one of the most well known MOFs, has been widely applied as a drug delivery carrier for cancer therapy. However, the application of ZIF-8 nanoparticles as a therapeutic agent has been hindered by the challenge of how to control the release behaviour of anti-cancer zinc ions to cancer cells. In this paper, we designed microfluidic-assisted core-shell ZIF-8 nanoparticles modified with silk fibroin (SF) and polydopamine (PDA) for sustained release of zinc ions and curcumin (CUR) and tested these in vitro in various human breast cancer cells. We report that microfluidic rapid mixing is an efficient method to precisely control the proportion of ZIF-8, SF, PDA, and CUR in the nanoparticles by simply adjusting total flow rates (from 1 to 50 mL/min) and flow rate ratios. Owing to sufficient and rapid mixing during microfluidic-assisted nanoprecipitation, our designer CUR@ZIF-SF-PDA nanoparticles had a desired particle size of 170 nm with a narrow size distribution (PDI: 0.08), which is much smaller than nanoparticles produced using traditional magnetic stirrer mixing method (over 1000 nm). Moreover, a properly coated SF layer successfully enhanced the capability of ZIF-8 as a reservoir of zinc ions. Meanwhile, the self-etching reaction between ZIF-8 and PDA naturally induced a pH-responsive release of zinc ions and CUR to a therapeutic level in the MDA-MB-231, SK-BR-3, and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, resulting in a high cellular uptake efficiency, cytotoxicity, and cell cycle arrest. More importantly, the high biocompatibility of designed CUR@ZIF-SF-PDA nanoparticles remained low in cytotoxicity on AD-293 non-cancer cells. We demonstrate the potential of prepared CUR@ZIF-SF-PDA nanoparticles as promising carriers for the controlled release of CUR and zinc ions in breast cancer therapy. Full article