Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.4
4.2
Journals
Molecules
Special Issues
New Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Drug Delivery
molecules-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Molecules Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

New Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Drug Delivery

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2024 | Viewed by 8556

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rossella De Marco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
Interests: peptide synthesis; nanomaterial; drug delivery; synthesis of heterocycles; diagnostic
Dr. Ali Dehshahri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Interests: nanobiotechnology; drug delivery; gene delivery; vaccine design; targeted therapy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, tremendous achievements have occurred in the field of diagnostics as well as drug delivery systems. The wide human application of two mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and the approval of various siRNA and antisense-based therapeutics have opened up new horizons for the era of nanomaterials for diagnostic and delivery purposes. Moreover, the approval of nano-formulations of conventional drugs (e.g., VYXEOS, Doxil, DaunoXome, Myocet, MEPACT, Onivyde and AmBisome) resulted in the re-introduction of previously approved drugs in the market. In other words, the novel nanomaterials or formulation overcame the major barriers hampering wide clinical application of conventional drugs and have shown the ability to revolutionize the field of drug discovery. 

Therefore, the present topic will welcome not only papers on the broad and multidisciplinary field of new nanomaterials, but also studies and notes about their applications as diagnostic and drug delivery systems. We invite submissions from researchers in various fields, including applied nanotechnology, nanomaterials, drug and gene delivery as well as chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences.

Specifically, this topic will provide the most recent advances and perspectives on novel nanomaterials considering, but not limited to, the fields of:

  • Human application of new nanomaterials for diagnostic purposes
  • Human application of new nanomaterials for drug delivery
  • Human application of new nanomaterials for gene delivery/therapy
  • Human application of new nanomaterials for theranostic purposes
  • New nanomaterials for photothermal therapy
  • New nanomaterials for ultrasound mediated drug/gene delivery
  • New nanomaterials for vaccine design
  • New nanomaterials for preparation of nano-formulations of conventional drugs

Dr. Rossella De Marco
Dr. Ali Dehshahri
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at mdpi.longhoe.net by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanomaterials
  • drug delivery
  • diagnostic
  • nano-formulations
  • 3D-printing

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 3187 KiB  
Article
Drug-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Enhance Antitumor Immunotherapy by Regulating MDSCs
by Changlin Xu, Nida Amna, Yuchen Shi, Rong Sun, Chenhui Weng, Jiaoyu Chen, Huaxing Dai and Chao Wang
Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2436; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112436 - 22 May 2024
Viewed by 659
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are recognized as major immune suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment that may inhibit immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Here, we developed a Stattic-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticle (PEG-MSN-Stattic) delivery system to tumor sites to reduce the number of MDSCs [...] Read more.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are recognized as major immune suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment that may inhibit immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Here, we developed a Stattic-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticle (PEG-MSN-Stattic) delivery system to tumor sites to reduce the number of MDSCs in tumors. This approach is able to significantly deplete intratumoral MSDCs and thereby increase the infiltration of T lymphocytes in tumors to enhance ICB therapy. Our approach may provide a drug delivery strategy for regulating the tumor microenvironment and enhancing cancer immunotherapy efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Drug Delivery)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1821 KiB  
Article
Inflammatory-Targeted Lipid Carrier as a New Nanomaterial to Formulate an Inhaled Drug Delivery System
by Eleonora Maretti, Federica Gioia, Cecilia Rustichelli, Susanna Molinari and Eliana Leo
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1616; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071616 - 3 Apr 2024
Viewed by 927
Abstract
There is a pressing need for efficacious therapies in the field of respiratory diseases and infections. Lipid nanocarriers, administered through aerosols, represent a promising tool for maximizing therapeutic concentration in targeted cells and minimizing systemic exposure. However, this approach requires the application of [...] Read more.
There is a pressing need for efficacious therapies in the field of respiratory diseases and infections. Lipid nanocarriers, administered through aerosols, represent a promising tool for maximizing therapeutic concentration in targeted cells and minimizing systemic exposure. However, this approach requires the application of efficient and safe nanomaterials. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endocannabinoid-like endogenous lipid, plays a crucial role in providing protective mechanisms during inflammation, making it an interesting material for preparing inhalable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). This report aims to preliminarily explore the in vitro behavior of LNPs prepared with PEA (PEA-LNPs), a new inhalable inflammatory-targeted nanoparticulate drug carrier. PEA-LNPs exhibited a size of about 250 nm, a rounded shape, and an marked improvement in PEA solubility in comparison to naked PEA, indicative of easily disassembled nanoparticles. A twin glass im**er instrument was used to screen the aerosol performance of PEA-LNP powders, obtained via freeze-drying in the presence of two quantities of mannose as a cryoprotectant. Results indicated that a higher amount of mannose improved the emitted dose (ED), and in particular, the fine particle fraction (FPF). A cytotoxicity assay was performed and indicated that PEA-LNPs are not toxic towards the MH-S alveolar macrophage cell line up to concentrations of 0.64 mg/mL, and using coumarin-6 labelled particles, a rapid internalization into the macrophage was confirmed. This study demonstrates that PEA could represent a suitable material for preparing inhalable lipid nanocarrier-based dry powders, which signify a promising tool for the transport of drugs employed to treat respiratory diseases and infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Drug Delivery)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 19553 KiB  
Article
Redox-Responsive Gold Nanoparticles Coated with Hyaluronic Acid and Folic Acid for Application in Targeting Anticancer Therapy
by Raissa Munderere, Muhammad Gulfam, Israr Ali, Seon-Hwa Kim, Trung Thang Vu, Sang-Hyug Park and Kwon Taek Lim
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1564; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071564 - 31 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1390
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) has poor water solubility and low bioavailability, and cancer cells can become resistant to it, which limits its safe delivery to tumor sites and reduces its clinical efficacy. Herein, we developed novel redox-responsive hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) from hyaluronic acid (HA) and [...] Read more.
Methotrexate (MTX) has poor water solubility and low bioavailability, and cancer cells can become resistant to it, which limits its safe delivery to tumor sites and reduces its clinical efficacy. Herein, we developed novel redox-responsive hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) from hyaluronic acid (HA) and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-coated gold NPs (gold@MPA NPs), which were further conjugated with folic acid (FA). The design of FA-HA-ss-gold NPs aimed at enhancing cellular uptake specifically in cancer cells using an active FA/HA dual targeting strategy for enhanced tumor eradication. MTX was successfully encapsulated into FA-HA-ss-gold NPs, with drug encapsulation efficiency (EE) as high as >98.7%. The physicochemical properties of the NPs were investigated in terms of size, surface charges, wavelength reflectance, and chemical bonds. MTX was released in a sustained manner in glutathione (GSH). The cellular uptake experiments showed effective uptake of FA-HA-ss-gold over HA-ss-gold NPs in the deep tumor. Moreover, the release studies provided strong evidence that FA-HA-ss-gold NPs serve as GSH-responsive carriers. In vitro, anti-tumor activity tests showed that FA-HA-ss-gold/MTX NPs exhibited significantly higher cytotoxic activity against both human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells and breast cancer (BT-20) cells compared to gold only and HA-ss-gold/MTX NPs while being safe for human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells. Therefore, this present study suggests that FA-HA-ss-gold NPs are promising active targeting hybrid nanocarriers that are stable, controllable, biocompatible, biodegradable, and with enhanced cancer cell targetability for the safe delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Drug Delivery)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4398 KiB  
Article
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Coated with Carboxymethyl Chitosan for 5-Fluorouracil Ocular Delivery: Characterization, In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
by Adel Ali Alhowyan, Mohd Abul Kalam, Muzaffar Iqbal, Mohammad Raish, Ahmed M. El-Toni, Musaed Alkholief, Aliyah A. Almomen and Aws Alshamsan
Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1260; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031260 - 27 Jan 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2433
Abstract
This study investigates the development of topically applied non-invasive amino-functionalized silica nanoparticles (AMSN) and O-Carboxymethyl chitosan-coated AMSN (AMSN-CMC) for ocular delivery of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Particle characterization was performed by the DLS technique (Zeta-Sizer), and structural morphology was examined by SEM and TEM. The [...] Read more.
This study investigates the development of topically applied non-invasive amino-functionalized silica nanoparticles (AMSN) and O-Carboxymethyl chitosan-coated AMSN (AMSN-CMC) for ocular delivery of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Particle characterization was performed by the DLS technique (Zeta-Sizer), and structural morphology was examined by SEM and TEM. The drug encapsulation and loading were determined by the indirect method using HPLC. Physicochemical characterizations were performed by NMR, TGA, FTIR, and PXRD. In vitro release was conducted through a dialysis membrane in PBS (pH 7.4) using modified Vertical Franz diffusion cells. The mucoadhesion ability of the prepared nanoparticles was tested using the particle method by evaluating the change in zeta potential. The transcorneal permeabilities of 5-FU from AMNS-FU and AMSN-CMC-FU gel formulations were estimated through excised goat cornea and compared to that of 5-FU gel formulation. Eye irritation and ocular pharmacokinetic studies from gel formulations were evaluated in rabbit eyes. The optimum formulation of AMSN-CMC-FU was found to be nanoparticles with a particle size of 249.4 nm with a polydispersity of 0.429, encapsulation efficiency of 25.8 ± 5.8%, and drug loading capacity of 5.2 ± 1.2%. NMR spectra confirmed the coating of AMSN with the CMC layer. In addition, TGA, FTIR, and PXRD confirmed the drug loading inside the AMSN-CMC. Release profiles showed 100% of the drug was released from the 5-FU gel within 4 h, while AMSN-FU gel released 20.8% of the drug and AMSN-CMC-FU gel released around 55.6% after 4 h. AMSN-CMC-FU initially exhibited a 2.45-fold increase in transcorneal flux and apparent permeation of 5-FU compared to 5-FU gel, indicating a better corneal permeation. Higher bioavailability of AMSN-FU and AMSN-CMC-FU gel formulations was found compared to 5-FU gel in the ocular pharmacokinetic study with superior pharmacokinetics parameters of AMSN-CMC-FU gel. AMSN-CMC-FU showed 1.52- and 6.14-fold higher AUC0-inf in comparison to AMSN-FU and 5-FU gel, respectively. AMSN-CMC-FU gel and AMSN-FU gel were “minimally irritating” to rabbit eyes but showed minimal eye irritation potency in comparison to the 5 FU gel. Thus, the 5-FU loaded in AMSN-CMC gel could be used as a topical formulation for the treatment of ocular cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Drug Delivery)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

28 pages, 3697 KiB  
Review
Achieving Endo/Lysosomal Escape Using Smart Nanosystems for Efficient Cellular Delivery
by Nimeet Desai, Dhwani Rana, Sagar Salave, Derajram Benival, Dignesh Khunt and Bhupendra G. Prajapati
Molecules 2024, 29(13), 3131; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133131 - 1 Jul 2024
Viewed by 353
Abstract
The delivery of therapeutic agents faces significant hurdles posed by the endo-lysosomal pathway, a bottleneck that hampers clinical effectiveness. This comprehensive review addresses the urgent need to enhance cellular delivery mechanisms to overcome these obstacles. It focuses on the potential of smart nanomaterials, [...] Read more.
The delivery of therapeutic agents faces significant hurdles posed by the endo-lysosomal pathway, a bottleneck that hampers clinical effectiveness. This comprehensive review addresses the urgent need to enhance cellular delivery mechanisms to overcome these obstacles. It focuses on the potential of smart nanomaterials, delving into their unique characteristics and mechanisms in detail. Special attention is given to their ability to strategically evade endosomal entrapment, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. The manuscript thoroughly examines assays crucial for understanding endosomal escape and cellular uptake dynamics. By analyzing various assessment methods, we offer nuanced insights into these investigative approaches’ multifaceted aspects. We meticulously analyze the use of smart nanocarriers, exploring diverse mechanisms such as pore formation, proton sponge effects, membrane destabilization, photochemical disruption, and the strategic use of endosomal escape agents. Each mechanism’s effectiveness and potential application in mitigating endosomal entrapment are scrutinized. This paper provides a critical overview of the current landscape, emphasizing the need for advanced delivery systems to navigate the complexities of cellular uptake. Importantly, it underscores the transformative role of smart nanomaterials in revolutionizing cellular delivery strategies, leading to a paradigm shift towards improved therapeutic outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Drug Delivery)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 13842 KiB  
Review
MOF-Based Biosensors for the Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen: A Concise Review
by May R. Ibrahim and Yaser E. Greish
Molecules 2023, 28(16), 5970; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28165970 - 9 Aug 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1992
Abstract
Cancer has been considered one of the most serious diseases in recent decades. Early diagnosis of cancer is a crucial step for expedited treatment. Ideally, detection of cancer biomarkers, which are usually elevated because of cancer, is the most straightforward approach to detecting [...] Read more.
Cancer has been considered one of the most serious diseases in recent decades. Early diagnosis of cancer is a crucial step for expedited treatment. Ideally, detection of cancer biomarkers, which are usually elevated because of cancer, is the most straightforward approach to detecting cancer. Among these biomarkers, the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is considered one of the most important tumor markers for colorectal cancer. The CEA has also been recognized as a biomarker for other types of cancers, including breast, gastric, ovarian, pancreatic, and lung cancers. Typically, conventional CEA testing depends on immunoassay approaches, which are known to be complex, highly expensive, and time consuming. Accordingly, various types of biosensors have been designed for the detection of cancer biomarkers. The main prerequisites of these biosensors are high sensitivity, fast response, and low cost. Many nanostructures have been involved in the design of biosensors, such as nanoparticles of certain metals and metal oxides that are further functionalized to contribute to the sensing of the biomarkers. Alternatively, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), which are extended crystalline structures comprising metal clusters surrounded by organic linkers, have been shown to be highly promising for the development of biosensors. The 3D structure of MOFs results in a combination of high surface area and high interconnected porosity, which are believed to facilitate their function in the design of a biosensor. This review briefly classifies and describes MOF-based biosensor trials that have been published recently for the aim of detecting CEA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Drug Delivery)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop