Engineered titania nanomaterials in advanced clinical applications

• Padmavati Sahare,
• Paulina Govea Alvarez,
• Juan Manual Sanchez Yanez,
• Gabriel Luna-Bárcenas,
• Samik Chakraborty,
• Sujay Paul and
• Miriam Estevez

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 201–218, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.15

• therapeutic index. The use of nanomaterials has increased nowadays for more specific drug targeting and delivery, slowing down the dissolution rate of drugs, increasing therapeutic efficacy with the minimum dosage, and also by ceasing the premature loss of drugs through rapid clearance. Additionally, the

• insertion into the inner membrane, for precise mitochondria-targeted cancer treatment as presented in Figure 8B. The efficiency of G-TiO2−x-TPP was scrutinized in mice having HeLa tumors, and the results showed excellent mitochondria-targeting potential and strong phototherapeutic efficacy under a single

Theranostic potential of self-luminescent branched polyethyleneimine-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

• Rouhollah Khodadust,
• Ozlem Unal and
• Havva Yagci Acar

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 82–95, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.6

• delivery of an anionic cargo. Besides, a strong intracellular optical signal supports the optically traceable nature of these nanoparticles. SPION@bPEI nanoparticles were further conjugated with Erbitux (Erb), which is an anti-EGFR antibody for targeting EGFR-overexpressing cancer cell lines. SPION@bPEI

• selective uptake and hence the targeting ability of Erb-tagged nanoparticles. Altogether, this study proves luminescent, cationic, and small SPION@bPEI nanoparticles as strong candidates for imaging and gene therapy. Keywords: Erbitux; photoluminescence; polyethyleneimine; polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid

• and a positive surface charge. The former is very important for the pharmacokinetics of nanoparticles and needed for long blood circulation time, especially when a molecular targeting is aimed [36][37][38]. The latter is essential for the highly popular gene therapy, especially in the treatment of

Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity in vitro of surface-functionalized drug-loaded spinel ferrite nanoparticles

• Sadaf Mushtaq,
• Khuram Shahzad,
• Tariq Saeed,
• Anwar Ul-Hamid,
• Bilal Haider Abbasi,
• Nafees Ahmad,
• Waqas Khalid,
• Muhammad Atif,
• Zulqurnain Ali and
• Rashda Abbasi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1339–1364, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.99

• bioavailability of the encapsulated drug which allows controlled release. Additionally, the attached drug is protected from degradation, which allows an increased circulation time [6]. The targeting of specific tumor tissue is therefore achieved by an increased biodistribution process known as enhanced

pH-driven enhancement of anti-tubercular drug loading on iron oxide nanoparticles for drug delivery in macrophages

• Karishma Berta Cotta,
• Sarika Mehra and
• Rajdip Bandyopadhyaya

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1127–1139, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.84

• deployment in drug delivery is contingent upon controlled drug loading and a desired release profile, with simultaneous biocompatibility and cellular targeting. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), being biocompatible, are used as drug carriers. However, to prevent aggregation of bare IONPs, they are coated

Use of nanosystems to improve the anticancer effects of curcumin

• Andrea M. Araya-Sibaja,
• Norma J. Salazar-López,
• Krissia Wilhelm Romero,
• José R. Vega-Baudrit,
• J. Abraham Domínguez-Avila,
• Carlos A. Velázquez Contreras,
• Ramón E. Robles-Zepeda,
• Mirtha Navarro-Hoyos and
• Gustavo A. González-Aguilar

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1047–1062, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.78

• concentration, making it another important benefit of this nanoscale-based approach. However, it is also possible that the bioactive compound may be instead accumulated in other organs at the same time, not just in the brain. This less specific pharmacokinetic profile could be a disadvantage, since targeting

• coefficient. Another study reported a co-loaded CUR–lactoferrin NLC that was prepared as a potential delivery system to cancerous cells through both active and passive targeting [70]. For example, the lactoferrin vector was used for active targeting due to its ability to target tumor cells (mediated by

• receptors), while the enhanced effect of permeation and retention was considered for passive targeting. Results showed improved in vitro cellular uptake, targeting capability, and cytotoxicity against the human colon cancer cell line HCT116, which was related to early apoptosis after 24 h of incubation. On

An overview of microneedle applications, materials, and fabrication methods

• Zahra Faraji Rad,
• Philip D. Prewett and
• Graham J. Davies

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1034–1046, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.77

• subcutaneous injection of therapeutic agents is still a very common practise in all healthcare settings. Unlike conventional immunisation, which is typically accomplished by high vaccine dose, microneedle patch delivery utilizes a significantly lower dose of vaccine by targeting the rich immune system of the

Comprehensive review on ultrasound-responsive theranostic nanomaterials: mechanisms, structures and medical applications

• Sepand Tehrani Fateh,
• Lida Moradi,
• Elmira Kohan,
• Michael R. Hamblin and
• Amin Shiralizadeh Dezfuli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 808–862, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.64

• MBs can be loaded with cargo and also modified with specific ligands for targeting [178]. The use of MBs in combination with other types of NPs could also provide additional possibilities. These hybrids could enhance the accumulation, penetration, and uptake of nanomedicines [179][180][181]. These

Recent progress in actuation technologies of micro/nanorobots

• Ke Xu and
• Bing Liu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 756–765, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.59

• dual-mode fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging. Using magnetic targeting, the micro/nanorobot broke through complex physiological barriers and entered tumors while carrying a photosensitizer. After that, local high temperature was generated by a near-infrared laser, and observable and accurate

Recent progress in magnetic applications for micro- and nanorobots

• Ke Xu,
• Shuang Xu and
• Fanan Wei

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 744–755, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.58

• flagella, namely tubular and helical spermbots, as shown in Figure 3. In addition, other forms of design for new miniature swimmers targeting fertilization were presented. The helical spermbots were propelled by a rotating magnetic field and could capture, transport, and deliver immotile sperm cells [86

The impact of molecular tumor profiling on the design strategies for targeting myeloid leukemia and EGFR/CD44-positive solid tumors

• Nikola Geskovski,
• Nadica Matevska-Geshkovska,
• Simona Dimchevska Sazdovska,
• Marija Glavas Dodov,
• Kristina Mladenovska and
• Katerina Goracinova

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 375–401, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.31

• data related to the unique molecular signatures of each tumor subtype, have emerged as an important tool for detailed profiling of tumors. They provide an opportunity to develop targeting agents for early detection and diagnosis, and to select the most effective combinatorial treatment options

• . Alongside, the design of the nanoscale carriers needs to cope with novel trends of molecular screening. Also, multiple targeting ligands needed for robust and specific interactions with the targeted cell populations have to be introduced, which should result in substantial improvements in safety and

• chemotherapeutic protocols. Keywords: CD44; EGFR; liquid tumors; molecular tumor targeting; myeloid leukemia; solid tumors; surface-engineered nanoparticles; Introduction The conventional chemotherapy regimens of both liquid (hematological) and solid tumors are challenged by their lack of targeting ability

Doxorubicin-loaded gold nanorods: a multifunctional chemo-photothermal nanoplatform for cancer management

• Uzma Azeem Awan,
• Abida Raza,
• Shaukat Ali,
• Rida Fatima Saeed and
• Nosheen Akhtar

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 295–303, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.24

• site [11]. Nanotechnology provides a means to overcome these hurdles as nanocarriers, which improve the pharmacological properties of free drugs, contribute to enhanced therapeutic efficacy in physiological environment [12]. Nanocarriers as multifunctional tumor targeting and therapeutic agents exhibit

Differences in surface chemistry of iron oxide nanoparticles result in different routes of internalization

• Barbora Svitkova,
• Vlasta Zavisova,
• Veronika Nemethova,
• Martina Koneracka,
• Miroslava Kretova,
• Filip Razga,
• Monika Ursinyova and
• Alena Gabelova

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 270–281, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.22

• provide delivery strategies featuring enhanced targeting. Results Expression of the key proteins involved in the endocytosis in A549 cells The determination of the proficiency/deficiency of cells regarding key proteins involved in specific endocytic pathways is essential before defining the route of

• of new nanotechnology-based pharmaceuticals and their targeting to specific intracellular locations. Experimental Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) Synthesis, coating, and physicochemical characteristics of the spherical magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with magnetite (Fe3O4) core and

PEG/PEI-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes as delivery carriers for doxorubicin: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation

• Shuoye Yang,
• Zhenwei Wang,
• Yahong Ping,
• Yuying Miao,
• Yongmei Xiao,
• Lingbo Qu,
• Lu Zhang,
• Yuansen Hu and
• Jinshui Wang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 1728–1741, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.155

• functionalization was supposed to attenuate the premature removal and loss of nanocarriers, and also to improve the targeting to the tumor site. The physical and chemical properties of CNTs-PEG-PEI were systematically characterized and doxorubicin (DOX), one of the most potent anticancer drugs applied in

Cardiomyocyte uptake mechanism of a hydroxyapatite nanoparticle mediated gene delivery system

• Hiroaki Komuro,
• Masahiro Yamazoe,
• Kosuke Nozaki,
• Akiko Nagai and
• Tetsuo Sasano

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 1685–1692, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.150

• significant interest in gene therapy, which is an experimental technique that uses specific targeting genes to treat or prevent diseases [2]. Since gene therapy for heart disease will potentially become the standard treatment in the future, many studies using viral and non-viral vectors have been conducted in

• pH-sensitive [7][8][9]. Besides, CaP can be internalized in targeting cells though the endocytic pathway. Later on, CaP is dissolved in the endosome under acidic conditions, which contributes to the DNA release into the cytosol before the endosome–lysosome fusion. Although there are a number of

Electrokinetic characterization of synthetic protein nanoparticles

• Daniel F. Quevedo,
• Cody J. Lentz,
• Adriana Coll de Peña,
• Yazmin Hernandez,
• Nahal Habibi,
• Rikako Miki,
• Joerg Lahann and
• Blanca H. Lapizco-Encinas

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 1556–1567, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.138

• , naturally involved in biological molecule targeting, and are “smart” materials that can respond to various environmental cues, such as pH value, temperature, or target binding [4]. Protein nanoparticles (PNPs) are useful for the loading of active therapeutic enzymes and show potential results to be used as

Photothermally active nanoparticles as a promising tool for eliminating bacteria and biofilms

• Mykola Borzenkov,
• Piersandro Pallavicini,
• Angelo Taglietti,
• Laura D’Alfonso,
• Maddalena Collini and
• Giuseppe Chirico

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 1134–1146, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.98

• measuring the percentage reduction in viable bacteria upon NIR light excitation [56]. The local temperature increase showed a significant photothermal ablation effect (≥99.99%) on these strains. Surface-adaptive 14 nm gold nanoparticles exhibiting multiple functions, such as self-adaptive targeting to the

Applications of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in drug and therapeutic delivery, and biotechnological advancements

• Maria Suciu,
• Corina M. Ionescu,
• Alexandra Ciorita,
• Septimiu C. Tripon,
• Dragos Nica,
• Hani Al-Salami and
• Lucian Barbu-Tudoran

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 1092–1109, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.94

• -patient absorption and response. This review addresses potential applications of SPIONs in vitro (formulations), ex vivo (in biological cells and tissues) and in vivo (preclinical animal models), as well as potential biomedical applications in the context of drug targeting, disease treatment and

• therapeutic efficacy, and safety studies. Keywords: drug delivery; drug targeting; endocytosis; medical; nanoparticles; superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs); toxicity; Introduction Nanoencapsulation technologies have been researched over the past several decades and have been widely

• on the environment. Many nanoparticles showed great potential and proved their utility in biology and medicine. There are multiple types of nanoparticles routinely used in biology and related sciences for sensing, targeting or imaging, including quantum dots for fluorescence applications and electron

Key for crossing the BBB with nanoparticles: the rational design

• Sonia M. Lombardo,
• Marc Schneider,
• Akif E. Türeli and
• Nazende Günday Türeli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 866–883, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.72

• for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) [28][91][92][93][94][96]. It is also possible to cross the BBB by targeting active transporters such as the thiamine or glutathione transporters [98][99][100]. Some more advanced techniques have also been developed to find new targeting peptides for the BBB

• have been identified using this technique: TGN and Tet-1. TGN was identified through in vivo phage display [123]. Mice were injected with a library of phages and phages recovered in the brain were amplified, leading to the identification of TGN peptide as an interesting BBB targeting peptide. Tet-1 was

• fluorescence imaging [68]. Nanoparticles could be observed in the glioma bed and infiltrating margin, showing that nanoparticles functionalized with angiopep-2 could exhibit dual-targeting abilities. Firstly, angiopep-2 allowed the nanoparticles to cross the BBB through RMT by recognition of LRP1 on the BBB

Luminescent gold nanoclusters for bioimaging applications

• Nonappa

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 533–546, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.42

• as well as cellular apoptosis studies. Lin et al. reported 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUDA)-capped AuNCs (Au-MUDA) as luminescent probes for nuclear targeting and intracellular imaging [86]. The Au-MUDA NCs were conjugated with SV40 (PKKKRKV), a specific peptide for nuclear-localization signal (NLS

• endocytosis. The superparamagnetic nature of the PML-MF allowed for the magnetic targeting of the nanocarriers. Further, the ability of BSA to encapsulate drug molecules was explored to load doxorubicin (DPML-MF) in the nanocarriers. The release kinetics of doxorubicin studied at pH 7.4 and 4.4 were found to

• property of the nanocarriers also allowed for magnetic targeting (Figure 5C). In another recent study, Pan et al. using glutathione-capped AuNCs showed that the aggregation-induced emission could be sensitive to the viscosity of the medium and that can potentially be used for intracellular viscosity

Multilayer capsules made of weak polyelectrolytes: a review on the preparation, functionalization and applications in drug delivery

• Varsha Sharma and
• Anandhakumar Sundaramurthy

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 508–532, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.41

Preparation and in vivo evaluation of glyco-gold nanoparticles carrying synthetic mycobacterial hexaarabinofuranoside

• Gennady L. Burygin,
• Polina I. Abronina,
• Nikita M. Podvalnyy,
• Sergey A. Staroverov,
• Leonid O. Kononov and
• Lev A. Dykman

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 480–493, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.39

• ], which enables the exchange of citrate ligands with amines. The amine-capped GNPs are stable enough to be used as targeting agents for drug-delivery applications [75], as antigens for the generation of antibodies [77], or as antimicrobial agents [78]. These nanoconjugates are nontoxic, effectively

Interactions at the cell membrane and pathways of internalization of nano-sized materials for nanomedicine

• Valentina Francia,
• Daphne Montizaan and
• Anna Salvati

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 338–353, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.25

• exploit the cellular machinery to enter cells and be trafficked intracellularly, thus they can be used to overcome some of the cellular barriers to drug delivery. Nano-sized drug carriers of very different properties can be prepared, and their surface can be modified by the addition of targeting moieties

• size, charge, and shape, affect the mechanisms cells use for their internalization. Technical difficulties in characterizing these mechanisms are presented. A better understanding of the first interactions of nano-sized materials with cells will help to design nanomedicines with improved targeting

• . Keywords: cell receptors; drug targeting; endocytosis; nanoparticle corona; nanoparticle uptake; Introduction Nano-sized materials are widely studied in nanomedicine for their potential use as drug carriers, in imaging, and for diagnostic purposes [1][2][3]. Because of their size, they can interact with

Understanding nanoparticle flow with a new in vitro experimental and computational approach using hydrogel channels

• Armel Boutchuen,
• Dell Zimmerman,
• Abdollah Arabshahi,
• John Melnyczuk and
• Soubantika Palchoudhury

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 296–309, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.22

• controlled release of the drug [4][5]. NPs, particularly magnetic iron oxide NPs, are highly attractive for drug delivery because they have a higher circulation time compared to the conventional drugs and can be easily delivered to the diseased location through passive, active, or physical targeting [6]. The

Rational design of block copolymer self-assemblies in photodynamic therapy

• Maxime Demazeau,
• Laure Gibot,
• Anne-Françoise Mingotaud,
• Patricia Vicendo,
• Clément Roux and
• Barbara Lonetti

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 180–212, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.15

• the importance of intracellular targeting has been addressed. Keywords: intracellular targeting; micelles; photodynamic therapy (PDT); photochemistry; polymer; self-assembly; Review Introduction After Paul Ehrlich, in 1900, had the very first notion of a drug being delivered at will to a specific

• enable entities smaller than these gaps to leave the bloodstream. Secondly, defects of the lymphatic system in tumors prevent these macromolecular therapeutics to be cleared from the tumor, giving them additional time to release their active cargo. This was the first example of targeting tumor tissues

• , exploiting only the size of the therapeutics, and is usually referred to as passive targeting. At that time, researchers got on the lead to develop intravenous nanocarriers of appropriate size (typically 20–200 nm) to benefit from this EPR effect without being cleared too rapidly through kidneys [4]. This

Internalization mechanisms of cell-penetrating peptides

• Ivana Ruseska and
• Andreas Zimmer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 101–123, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.10

• in a broad spectrum of cell lines. It has a length of 21 amino acids and consists of three domains, each conferring a specific function: (i) a hydrophobic, tryptophan-rich sequence required for the interaction with macromolecules and cell-membrane targeting, (ii) a hydrophilic sequence, rich in