Thymol, a Monoterpenoid within Polymeric Iodophor Formulations and Their Antimicrobial Activities.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an emanating threat to humanity's future. The effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics against microbial infections is declining at an alarming rate. As a result, morbidity and mortality rates are soaring, particularly among immunocompromised populations. Exploring alternative solutions, such as medicinal plants and iodine, shows promise in combating resistant pathogens. Such antimicrobials could effectively inhibit microbial proliferation through synergistic combinations. In our study, we prepared a formulation consisting of Aloe barbadensis Miller (AV), Thymol, iodine (I2), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Various analytical methods including SEM/EDS, UV-vis, Raman, FTIR, and XRD were carried out to verify the purity, composition, and morphology of AV-PVP-Thymol-I2. We evaluated the inhibitory effects of this formulation against 10 selected reference strains using impregnated sterile discs, surgical sutures, gauze bandages, surgical face masks, and KN95 masks. The antimicrobial properties of AV-PVP-Thymol-I2 were assessed through disc diffusion methods against 10 reference strains in comparison with two common antibiotics. The 25-month-old formulation exhibited slightly lower inhibitory zones, indicating changes in the sustained-iodine-release reservoir. Our findings confirm AV-PVP-Thymol-I2 as a potent antifungal and antibacterial agent against the reference strains, demonstrating particularly strong inhibitory action on surgical sutures, cotton bandages, and face masks. These results enable the potential use of the formulation AV-PVP-Thymol-I2 as a promising antimicrobial agent against wound infections and as a spray-on contact-killing agent.

Green Synthesized Polymeric Iodophors with Thyme as Antimicrobial Agents.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern for the future of mankind. Common antibiotics fail in the treatment of microbial infections at an alarming rate. Morbidity and mortality rates increase, especially among immune-compromised populations. Medicinal plants and their essential oils, as well as iodine could be potential solutions against resistant pathogens. These natural antimicrobials abate microbial proliferation, especially in synergistic combinations. We performed a simple, one-pot synthesis to prepare our formulation with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-complexed iodine (I2), Thymus Vulgaris L. (Thyme), and Aloe Barbadensis Miller (AV). SEM/EDS, UV-vis, Raman, FTIR, and XRD analyses verified the purity, composition, and morphology of AV-PVP-Thyme-I2. We investigated the inhibitory action of the bio-formulation AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 against 10 selected reference pathogens on impregnated sterile discs, surgical sutures, cotton gauze bandages, surgical face masks, and KN95 masks. The antimicrobial properties of AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 were studied by disc diffusion methods and compared with those of the antibiotics gentamycin and nystatin. The results confirm AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 as a strong antifungal and antibacterial agent against the majority of the tested microorganisms with excellent results on cotton bandages and face masks. After storing AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 for 18 months, the inhibitory action was augmented compared to the fresh formulation. Consequently, we suggest AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 as an antimicrobial agent against wound infections and a spray-on contact killing agent.

The interaction mechanism of plasma iron transport protein transferrin with nanoparticles.

In the biological systems, exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) can cause complicated interactions with proteins, the formation of protein corona and structural changes to proteins. These changes depend not only on NP physicochemical properties, but also on the intrinsic stability of protein molecules. Although, the formation of protein corona on the surface of NPs and the underlying mechanisms have been fully explored in various studies, no comprehensive review has discussed the direct biochemical and biophysical interactions between NPs and blood proteins, particularly transferrin. In this review, we first discussed the interaction of NPs with proteins to comprehend the effects of physicochemical properties of NPs on protein structure. We then overviewed the transferrin structure and its direct interaction with NPs to explore transferrin stability and its iron ion (Fe3+) release behavior. Afterwards, we surveyed the various biological functions of transferrin, such as Fe3+ binding, receptor binding, antibacterial activity, growth, differentiation, and coagulation, followed by the application of transferrin-modified NPs in the development of drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. We believe that this study can provide useful insight into the design and development of bioconjugates containing NP-transferrin for potential biomedical applications.

Meta-Analysis of Cytotoxicity Studies Using Machine Learning Models on Physical Properties of Plant Extract-Derived Silver Nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) demonstrate unique properties and their use is exponentially increasing in various applications. The potential impact of Ag-NPs on human health is debatable in terms of toxicity. The present study deals with MTT(3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium-bromide) assay on Ag-NPs. We measured the cell activity resulting from molecules' mitochondrial cleavage through a spectrophotometer. The machine learning models Decision Tree (DT) and Random Forest (RF) were utilized to comprehend the relationship between the physical parameters of NPs and their cytotoxicity. The input features used for the machine learning were reducing agent, types of cell lines, exposure time, particle size, hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, wavelength, concentration, and cell viability. These parameters were extracted from the literature, segregated, and developed into a dataset in terms of cell viability and concentration of NPs. DT helped in classifying the parameters by applying threshold conditions. The same conditions were applied to RF to extort the predictions. K-means clustering was used on the dataset for comparison. The performance of the models was evaluated through regression metrics, viz. root mean square error (RMSE) and R2. The obtained high value of R2 and low value of RMSE denote an accurate prediction that could best fit the dataset. DT performed better than RF in predicting the toxicity parameter. We suggest using algorithms for optimizing and designing the synthesis of Ag-NPs in extended applications such as drug delivery and cancer treatments.

Nano-bio interaction: An overview on the biochemical binding of DNA to inorganic nanoparticles for the development of anticancer and antibacterial nano-platforms.

It has long been known that inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) can interact with biological macromolecules and show a wider range of biomedical characteristics, including antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant effects, which cannot be mimicked by their bulky counterparts. It is of great importance in their biomedical applications to study DNA damage in bacterial and cancer cells to develop biocompatible therapeutic nano-platforms derived from inorganic NPs. Therefore, to determine how DNA interacts with inorganic NPs serving as therapeutic agents, thermodynamic and structural studies are essential for an understanding of those mechanisms, thereby allowing for their modulation and manipulation of nano-bio interface. In this paper, we aimed to overview the biophysical techniques typically employ to study DNA-NP interactions as well as the mechanistic aspects of the interaction between different inorganic NPs and calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA), a well-known laboratory model, followed by a survey of different parameters affecting the interaction of NPs and DNA. The molecular interactions between inorganic NPs and DNA were then discussed in relation to their anticancer and antibacterial properties. As a final point, we discussed challenges and future perspectives to put forward the possible applications of the field. In conclusion, the interaction between NPs and DNA needs to be studied more deeply in order to develop potential NP-based anticancer and antibacterial platforms for future clinical applications.

Antimicrobial V-Shaped Copper(II) Pentaiodide: Insights to Bonding Pattern and Susceptibility.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major concern for the survival of mankind. COVID-19 accelerated another silent pandemic of AMR through the uncontrolled use of antibiotics and biocides. New generations of antimicrobial agents are needed to combat resistant pathogens. Crown ethers can be used as models for drug action because they are similar to antibiotics. Iodine is a well-known microbicide but is characterized by instability and short-term effectivity. Iodine can be stabilized in the form of polyiodides that have a rich topology but are dependent on their immediate surroundings. In addition, copper has been successfully used since the beginning of history as a biocidal agent. We, therefore, combined iodine and copper with the highly selective crown ether 1,4,7,10-tetraoxacyclododecane (12-crown-4). The morphology and composition of the new pentaiodide [Cu(12-crown-4)2]I5 was investigated. Its antimicrobial activities against a selection of 10 pathogens were studied. It was found that C. albicans WDCM 00054 is highly susceptible to [Cu(12-crown-4)2]I5. Additionally, the compound has good to intermediate antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacilli. The chain-like pentaiodide structure is V-shaped and consists of iodine molecules with very short covalent bonds connected to triiodides by halogen bonding. The single crystal structure is arranged across the lattice fringes in the form of ribbons or honeycombs. The susceptibility of microorganisms towards polyiodides depends on polyiodide bonding patterns with halogen-, covalent-, and non-covalent bonding.

An Updated Review on EPR-Based Solid Tumor Targeting Nanocarriers for Cancer Treatment.

The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in cancer treatment is one of the key mechanisms that enables drug accumulation at the tumor site. However, despite a plethora of virus/inorganic/organic-based nanocarriers designed to rely on the EPR effect to effectively target tumors, most have failed in the clinic. It seems that the non-compliance of research activities with clinical trials, goals unrelated to the EPR effect, and lack of awareness of the impact of solid tumor structure and interactions on the performance of drug nanocarriers have intensified this dissatisfaction. As such, the asymmetric growth and structural complexity of solid tumors, physicochemical properties of drug nanocarriers, EPR analytical combination tools, and EPR description goals should be considered to improve EPR-based cancer therapeutics. This review provides valuable insights into the limitations of the EPR effect in therapeutic efficacy and reports crucial perspectives on how the EPR effect can be modulated to improve the therapeutic effects of nanomedicine.

An In Vitro and In Vivo Study of the Efficacy and Toxicity of Plant-Extract-Derived Silver Nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) display unique plasmonic and antimicrobial properties, enabling them to be helpful in various industrial and consumer products. However, previous studies showed that the commercially acquired silver nanoparticles exhibit toxicity even in small doses. Hence, it was imperative to determine suitable synthesis techniques that are the most economical and least toxic to the environment and biological entities. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using plant extracts and their physico-chemical properties were studied. A time-dependent in vitro study using HEK-293 cells and a dose-dependent in vivo study using a Drosophila model helped us to determine the correct synthesis routes. Through biological analyses, we found that silver nanoparticles' cytotoxicity and wound-healing capacity depended on size, shape, and colloidal stability. Interestingly, we observed that out of all the synthesized AgNPs, the ones derived from the turmeric extract displayed excellent wound-healing capacity in the in vitro study. Furthermore, the same NPs exhibited the least toxic effects in an in vivo study of ingestion of these NPs enriched food in Drosophila, which showed no climbing disability in flies, even at a very high dose (250 mg/L) for 10 days. We propose that stabilizing agents played a superior role in establishing the bio-interaction of nanoparticles. Our study reported here verified that turmeric-extract-derived AgNPs displayed biocompatibility while exhibiting the least cytotoxicity.

Artificial engineering of the protein corona at bio-nano interfaces for improved cancer-targeted nanotherapy.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been used in numerous applications as anticancer, antibacterial and antioxidant agents. Artificial engineering of protein interactions with NPs in biological systems is crucial to develop potential NPs for drug delivery and cancer nanotherapy. The protein corona (PC) on the NP surface, displays an interface between biomacromolecules and NPs, governing their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Upon interaction of proteins with the NPs, their surface features are modified and they can easily be removed from the circulation by the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS). PC properties heavily depend on the biological microenvironment and NP physicochemical parameters. Based on this context, we have surveyed different approaches that have been used for artificial engineering of the PC composition on NP surfaces. We discussed the effects of NP size, shape, surface modifications (PEGylation, self-peptide, other polymers), and protein pre-coating on the PC properties. Additionally, other factors including protein source and structure, intravenous injection and the subsequent shear flow, plasma protein gradients, temperature and local heat transfer, and washing media were considered in the context of their effects on the PC properties and overall target cellular effects. Moreover, the effects of NP-PC complexes on cancer cells based on cellular interactions, organization of intracellular PC (IPC), targeted drug delivery (TDD) and regulation of burst drug release profile of nanoplatforms, enhanced biocompatibility, and clinical applications were discussed followed by challenges and future perspective of the field. In conclusion, this paper can provide useful information to manipulate PC properties on the NP surface, thus trying to provide a literature survey to shorten their shipping from preclinical to clinical trials and to lay the basis for a personalized PC.

Antimicrobial Biomaterial on Sutures, Bandages and Face Masks with Potential for Infection Control.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a challenge for the survival of the human race. The steady rise of resistant microorganisms against the common antimicrobials results in increased morbidity and mortality rates. Iodine and a plethora of plant secondary metabolites inhibit microbial proliferation. Antiseptic iodophors and many phytochemicals are unaffected by AMR. Surgical site and wound infections can be prevented or treated by utilizing such compounds on sutures and bandages. Coating surgical face masks with these antimicrobials can reduce microbial infections and attenuate their burden on the environment by re-use. The facile combination of Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller (AV), Trans-cinnamic acid (TCA) and Iodine (I2) encapsulated in a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrix seems a promising alternative to common antimicrobials. The AV-PVP-TCA-I2 formulation was impregnated into sterile discs, medical gauze bandages, surgical sutures and face masks. Morphology, purity and composition were confirmed by several analytical methods. Antimicrobial activity of AV-PVP-TCA-I2 was investigated by disc diffusion methods against ten microbial strains in comparison to gentamycin and nystatin. AV-PVP-TCA-I2 showed excellent antifungal and strong to intermediate antibacterial activities against most of the selected pathogens, especially in bandages and face masks. The title compound has potential use for prevention or treatment of surgical site and wound infections. Coating disposable face masks with AV-PVP-TCA-I2 may be a sustainable solution for their re-use and waste management.

An overview on the exploring the interaction of inorganic nanoparticles with microtubules for the advancement of cancer therapeutics.

Targeting microtubules (MTs), dynamic and stable proteins in cells, by different ligands have been reported to be a potential strategy to combat cancer cells. Inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used as anticancer, antibacterial and free radical scavenging agents, where they come in contact with biological macromolecules. The interaction between the NPs and biological macromolecules like MTs frequently occurs through different mechanisms. A prerequisite for a detailed exploration of MT structures and functions for biomedical applications like cancer therapy is to investigate profoundly the mechanisms involved in MT-NP interactions, for which the full explanation and characterization of the parameters that are responsible for the formation of a NP-protein complex are crucial. Therefore, in view of the fact that the goal of the rational NP-based future drug design and new therapies is to rely on the information of the structural details and protein-NPs binding mechanisms to manipulate the process of developing new potential drugs, a comprehensive investigation of the essence of the molecular recognition/interaction is also of considerable importance. In the present review, first, the microtubule (MT) structure and its binding sites upon interaction with MT stabilizing agents (MSAs) and MT destabilizing agents (MDAs) are introduced and rationalized. Next, MT targeting in cancer therapy and interaction of NPs with MTs are discussed. Furthermore, interaction of NPs with proteins and the manipulation of protein corona (PC), experimental techniques and direct interaction of NPs with MTs, are discussed, and finally the challenges and future perspective of the field are introduced. We envision this review can provide useful information on the manipulation of the MT lattice for the progress of cancer nanomedicine.

A review of the berberine natural polysaccharide nanostructures as potential anticancer and antibacterial agents.

Despite the promising medicinal properties, berberine (BBR), due to its relatively poor solubility in plasma, low bio-stability and limited bioavailability is not used broadly in clinical stages. Due to these drawbacks, drug delivery systems (DDSs) based on nanoscale natural polysaccharides, are applied to address these concerns. Natural polymers are biodegradable, non-immunogenic, biocompatible, and non-toxic agents that are capable of trapping large amounts of hydrophobic compounds in relatively small volumes. The use of nanoscale natural polysaccharide improves the stability and pharmacokinetics of the small molecules and, consequently, increases the therapeutic effects and reduces the side effects of the small molecules. Therefore, this paper presents an overview of the different methods used for increasing the BBR solubility and bioavailability. Afterwards, the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic of BBR nanostructures were discussed followed by the introduction of natural polysaccharides of plant (cyclodextrines, glucomannan), the shells of crustaceans (chitosan), and the cell wall of brown marine algae (alginate)-based origins used to improve the dissolution rate of poorly soluble BBR and their anticancer and antibacterial properties. Finally, the anticancer and antibacterial mechanisms of free BBR and BBR nanostructures were surveyed. In conclusion, this review may pave the way for providing some useful data in the development of BBR-based platforms for clinical applications.

Exploring the interaction of quercetin-3-O-sophoroside with SARS-CoV-2 main proteins by theoretical studies: A probable prelude to control some variants of coronavirus including Delta.

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of interaction between quercetin-3-O-sophoroside and different SARS-CoV-2's proteins which can bring some useful details about the control of different variants of coronavirus including the recent case, Delta. The chemical structure of the quercetin-3-O-sophoroside was first optimized. Docking studies were performed by CoV disease-2019 (COVID-19) Docking Server. Afterwards, the molecular dynamic study was done using High Throughput Molecular Dynamics (HTMD) tool. The results showed a remarkable stability of the quercetin-3-O-sophoroside based on the calculated parameters. Docking outcomes revealed that the highest affinity of quercetin-3-O-sophoroside was related to the RdRp with RNA. Molecular dynamic studies showed that the target E protein tends to be destabilized in the presence of quercetin-3-O-sophoroside. Based on these results, quercetin-3-O-sophoroside can show promising inhibitory effects on the binding site of the different receptors and may be considered as effective inhibitor of the entry and proliferation of the SARS-CoV-2 and its different variants. Finally, it should be noted, although this paper does not directly deal with the exploring the interaction of main proteins of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant with quercetin-3-O-sophoroside, at the time of writing, no direct theoretical investigation was reported on the interaction of ligands with the main proteins of Delta variant. Therefore, the present data may provide useful information for designing some theoretical studies in the future for studying the control of SARS-CoV-2 variants due to possible structural similarity between proteins of different variants.

Enzyme-polymeric/inorganic metal oxide/hybrid nanoparticle bio-conjugates in the development of therapeutic and biosensing platforms.

Background: Because enzymes can control several metabolic pathways and regulate the production of free radicals, their simultaneous use with nanoplatforms showing protective and combinational properties is of great interest in the development of therapeutic nano-based platforms. However, enzyme immobilization on nanomaterials is not straightforward due to the toxic and unpredictable properties of nanoparticles in medical practice. Aim of review: In fact, because of the ability to load enzymes on nano-based supports and increase their renewability, scientific groups have been tempted to create potential therapeutic enzymes in this field. Therefore, this study not only pays attention to the therapeutic and diagnostic applications of diseases by enzyme-nanoparticle (NP) bio-conjugate (abbreviated as: ENB), but also considers the importance of nanoplatforms used based on their toxicity, ease of application and lack of significant adverse effects on loaded enzymes. In the following, based on the published reports, we explained that the immobilization of enzymes on polymers, inorganic metal oxide and hybrid compounds provide hopes for potential use of ENBs in medical activities. Then, the use of ENBs in bioassay activities such as paper-based or wearing biosensors and lab-on-chip/microfluidic biosensors were evaluated. Finally, this review addresses the current challenges and future perspective of ENBs in biomedical applications. Key scientific concepts of review: This literature may provide useful information regarding the application of ENBs in biosensing and therapeutic platforms.

Antimicrobial Properties of Lepidium sativum L. Facilitated Silver Nanoparticles.

Antibiotic resistance toward commonly used medicinal drugs is a dangerously growing threat to our existence. Plants are naturally equipped with a spectrum of biomolecules and metabolites with important biological activities. These natural compounds constitute a treasure in the fight against multidrug-resistant microorganisms. The development of plant-based antimicrobials through green synthesis may deliver alternatives to common drugs. Lepidium sativum L. (LS) is widely available throughout the world as a fast-growing herb known as garden cress. LS seed oil is interesting due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Nanotechnology offers a plethora of applications in the health sector. Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are used due to their antimicrobial properties. We combined LS and AgNP to prevent microbial resistance through plant-based synergistic mechanisms within the nanomaterial. AgNP were prepared by a facile one-pot synthesis through plant-biomolecules-induced reduction of silver nitrate via a green method. The phytochemicals in the aqueous LS extract act as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents of AgNP. The composition of the LS-AgNP biohybrids was confirmed by analytical methods. Antimicrobial testing against 10 reference strains of pathogens exhibited excellent to intermediate antimicrobial activity. The bio-nanohybrid LS-AgNP has potential uses as a broad-spectrum microbicide, disinfectant, and wound care product.

Synthetic Strategies of Pyrimidine-Based Scaffolds as Aurora Kinase and Polo-like Kinase Inhibitors.

The past few decades have witnessed significant progress in anticancer drug discovery. Small molecules containing heterocyclic moieties have attracted considerable interest for designing new antitumor agents. Of these, the pyrimidine ring system is found in multitude of drug structures, and being the building unit of DNA and RNA makes it an attractive scaffold for the design and development of anticancer drugs. Currently, 22 pyrimidine-containing entities are approved for clinical use as anticancer drugs by the FDA. An exhaustive literature search indicates several publications and more than 59 patents from the year 2009 onwards on pyrimidine derivatives exhibiting potent antiproliferative activity. These pyrimidine derivatives exert their activity via diverse mechanisms, one of them being inhibition of protein kinases. Aurora kinase (AURK) and polo-like kinase (PLK) are protein kinases involved in the regulation of the cell cycle. Within the numerous pyrimidine-based small molecules developed as anticancer agents, this review focuses on the pyrimidine fused heterocyclic compounds modulating the AURK and PLK proteins in different phases of clinical trials as anticancer agents. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of synthetic strategies for the preparation of pyrimidine derivatives and their associated biological activity on AURK/PLK. It will also present an overview of the synthesis of the heterocyclic-2-aminopyrimidine, 4-aminopyrimidine and 2,4-diaminopyrimidine scaffolds, and one of the pharmacophores in AURK/PLK inhibitors is described systematically.

Facile Synthesis of Bio-Antimicrobials with "Smart" Triiodides.

Multi-drug resistant pathogens are a rising danger for the future of mankind. Iodine (I2) is a centuries-old microbicide, but leads to skin discoloration, irritation, and uncontrolled iodine release. Plants rich in phytochemicals have a long history in basic health care. Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller (AV) and Salvia officinalis L. (Sage) are effectively utilized against different ailments. Previously, we investigated the antimicrobial activities of smart triiodides and iodinated AV hybrids. In this work, we combined iodine with Sage extracts and pure AV gel with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as an encapsulating and stabilizing agent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-Ray-Diffraction (XRD) analysis verified the composition of AV-PVP-Sage-I2. Antimicrobial properties were investigated by disc diffusion method against 10 reference microbial strains in comparison to gentamicin and nystatin. We impregnated surgical sutures with our biohybrid and tested their inhibitory effects. AV-PVP-Sage-I2 showed excellent to intermediate antimicrobial activity in discs and sutures. The iodine within the polymeric biomaterial AV-PVP-Sage-I2 and the synergistic action of the two plant extracts enhanced the microbial inhibition. Our compound has potential for use as an antifungal agent, disinfectant and coating material on sutures to prevent surgical site infections.

Magnetic nanocatalysts as multifunctional platforms in cancer therapy through the synthesis of anticancer drugs and facilitated Fenton reaction.

Background: Heterocyclic compounds have always been used as a core portion in the development of anticancer drugs. However, there is a pressing need for developing inexpensive and simple alternatives to high-cost and complex chemical agents-based catalysts for large-scale production of heterocyclic compounds. Also, development of some smart platforms for cancer treatment based on nanoparticles (NPs) which facilitate Fenton reaction have been widely explored by different scientists. Magnetic NPs not only can serve as catalysts in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds with potential anticancer properties, but also are widely used as smart agents in targeting cancer cells and inducing Fenton reactions. Aim of Review: Therefore, in this review we aim to present an updated summary of the reports related to the main clinical or basic application and research progress of magnetic NPs in cancer as well as their application in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds as potential anticancer drugs. Afterwards, specific tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive magnetic nanocatalysts for cancer treatment through triggering Fenton-like reactions were surveyed. Finally, some ignored factors in the design of magnetic nanocatalysts- triggered Fenton-like reaction, challenges and future perspective of magnetic nanocatalysts-assisted synthesis of heterocyclic compounds and selective cancer therapy were discussed.Key Scientific Concepts of Review:This review may pave the way for well-organized translation of magnetic nanocatalysts in cancer therapy from the bench to the bedside.

Antimicrobial Hexaaquacopper(II) Complexes with Novel Polyiodide Chains.

The non-toxic inorganic antimicrobial agents iodine (I2) and copper (Cu) are interesting alternatives for biocidal applications. Iodine is broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent but its use is overshadowed by compound instability, uncontrolled iodine release and short-term effectiveness. These disadvantages can be reduced by forming complex-stabilized, polymeric polyiodides. In a facile, in-vitro synthesis we prepared the copper-pentaiodide complex [Cu(H2O)6(12-crown-4)5]I6 · 2I2, investigated its structure and antimicrobial properties. The chemical structure of the compound has been verified. We used agar well and disc-diffusion method assays against nine microbial reference strains in comparison to common antibiotics. The stable complex revealed excellent inhibition zones against C. albicans WDCM 00054, and strong antibacterial activities against several pathogens. [Cu(H2O)6(12-crown-4)5]I6 · 2I2 is a strong antimicrobial agent with an interesting crystal structure consisting of complexes located on an inversion center and surrounded by six 12-crown-4 molecules forming a cationic substructure. The six 12-crown-4 molecules form hydrogen bonds with the central Cu(H2O)6. The anionic substructure is a halogen bonded polymer which is formed by formal I5- repetition units. The topology of this chain-type polyiodide is unique. The I5- repetition units can be understood as a triodide anion connected to two iodine molecules.

Nanocarriers-Mediated Drug Delivery Systems for Anticancer Agents: An Overview and Perspectives.

Nanotechnology has been actively integrated as drug carriers over the last few years to treat various cancers. The main hurdle in the clinical management of cancer is the development of multidrug resistance against chemotherapeutic agents. To overcome the limitations of chemotherapy, the researchers have been developing technological advances for significant progress in the oncotherapy by enabling the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents at increased drug content levels to the targeted spots. Several nano-drug delivery systems designed for tumor-targeting are evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials and showed promising outcomes in cancerous tumors' clinical management. This review describes nanocarrier's importance in managing different types of cancers and emphasizing nanocarriers for drug delivery and cancer nanotherapeutics. It also highlights the recent advances in nanocarriers-based delivery systems, including polymeric nanocarriers, micelles, nanotubes, dendrimers, magnetic nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, and quantum dots (QDs). The nanocarrier-based composites are discussed in terms of their structure, characteristics, and therapeutic applications in oncology. To conclude, the challenges and future exploration opportunities of nanocarriers in chemotherapeutics are also presented.