Implanted synthetic cells trigger tissue angiogenesis through de novo production of recombinant growth factors.

Progress in bottom-up synthetic biology has stimulated the development of synthetic cells (SCs), autonomous protein-manufacturing particles, as dynamic biomimetics for replacing diseased natural cells and addressing medical needs. Here, we report that SCs genetically encoded to produce proangiogenic factors triggered the physiological process of neovascularization in mice. The SCs were constructed of giant lipid vesicles and were optimized to facilitate enhanced protein production. When introduced with the appropriate genetic code, the SCs synthesized a recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), reaching expression levels of up to 9⋅106 protein copies per SC. In culture, the SCs induced endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and angiogenesis-related intracellular signaling, confirming their proangiogenic activity. Integrating the SCs with bioengineered constructs bearing endothelial cells promoted the remodeling of mature vascular networks, supported by a collagen-IV basement membrane-like matrix. In vivo, prolonged local administration of the SCs in mice triggered the infiltration of blood vessels into implanted Matrigel plugs without recorded systemic immunogenicity. These findings emphasize the potential of SCs as therapeutic platforms for activating physiological processes by autonomously producing biological drugs inside the body.

Liposome-encapsulated aprotinin biodistribution in mice: Side-by-side comparison with free drug formulation.

Injuries of the respiratory system caused by viral infections (e.g., by influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, or coronavirus) can lead to long-term complications or even life-threatening conditions. The challenges of treatment of such diseases have become particularly pronounced during the recent pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). One promising drug is the anti-fibrinolytic and anti-inflammatory protease inhibitor aprotinin, which has demonstrated considerable inhibition of the replication of some viruses. Encapsulation of aprotinin in liposomes can significantly improve the effectiveness of the drug, however, the use of nanoparticles as carriers of aprotinin can radically change its biodistribution in the body. Here we show that the liposomal form of aprotinin accumulates more efficiently in the lungs, heart, and kidneys than the molecular form by side-by-side comparison of the ex vivo biodistribution of these two fluorescently labeled formulations in mice using bioimaging. In particular, we synthesized liposomes of different compositions and studied their accumulation in various organs and tissues. Direct comparison of the biodistributions of liposomal and free aprotinin showed that liposomes accumulated in the lungs 1.82 times more effectively, and in the heart and kidneys - 3.56 and 2.00 times, respectively. This suggests that the liposomal formulation exhibits a longer residence time in the target organ and, thus, has the potential for a longer therapeutic effect. The results reveal the great potential of the aprotinin-loaded liposomes for the treatment of respiratory system injuries and heart- and kidney-related complications of viral infections.

Hyaluronic acid-coated zein nanoparticle-mediated resveratrol therapy for the reduction of cisplatin-associated nephrotoxicity.

Cisplatin (CDDP) is commonly used as an anticancer drug in clinical practice, but severe nephrotoxicity restricts it from exerting anticancer effects. Natural drugs, such as resveratrol, can alleviate the side effects of cisplatin, but their low solubility and gastrointestinal effects prevent them from working. Herein, we developed nanoparticles for kidney injury consisting of a biocompatible material, zein, as a carrier. HA-Zein/Res NPs were fabricated using low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid coatings. This preparation is non-cytotoxic to renal tubular epithelial cells and can be used with confidence. Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid has inflammation-targeting properties and CDDP damage causes renal inflammation. Owing to this property of the low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid coating, in vivo imaging experiments in mice demonstrated that the HA-Zein/Res NPs enabled more nanoparticles to accumulate in the renal sites affected by inflammation. Efficient resveratrol delivery alleviated kidney injury, and experiments demonstrated that HA-Zein/Res NPs could treat kidney injury while reducing the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels in mice. Collectively, these results indicated that this nanomaterial is a promising agent for reducing the clinical nephrotoxicity of cisplatin.

Untethered Microgrippers for Precision Medicine.

Microgrippers, a branch of micro/nanorobots, refer to motile miniaturized machines that are of a size in the range of several to hundreds of micrometers. Compared with tethered grippers or other microscopic diagnostic and surgical equipment, untethered microgrippers play an indispensable role in biomedical applications because of their characteristics such as miniaturized size, dexterous shape tranformation, and  controllable motion, which enables the microgrippers to enter hard-to-reach regions to execute specific medical tasks for disease diagnosis and treatment. To date, numerous medical microgrippers are developed, and their potential in cell manipulation, targeted drug delivery, biopsy, and minimally invasive surgery  are explored. To achieve controlled locomotion and efficient target-oriented actions, the materials, size, microarchitecture, and morphology of microgrippers shall be deliberately designed. In this review, the authors summarizes the latest progress in untethered micrometer-scale grippers. The working mechanisms of shape-morphing and actuation methods for effective movement are first introduced. Then, the design principle and state-of-the-art fabrication techniques of microgrippers are discussed. Finally, their applications in the precise medicine are highlighted, followed by offering future perspectives for the development of untethered medical microgrippers.

Advances in Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common and catastrophic hematological neoplasm with high mortality rates. Conventional therapies, including chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), immune therapy, and targeted agents, have unsatisfactory outcomes for AML patients due to drug toxicity, off-target effects, drug resistance, drug side effects, and AML relapse and refractoriness. These intrinsic limitations of current treatments have promoted the development and application of nanomedicine for more effective and safer leukemia therapy. In this review, the classification of nanoparticles applied in AML therapy, including liposomes, polymersomes, micelles, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles, is reviewed. In addition, various strategies for enhancing therapeutic targetability in nanomedicine, including the use of conjugating ligands, biomimetic-nanotechnology, and bone marrow targeting, which indicates the potential to reverse drug resistance, are discussed. The application of nanomedicine for assisting immunotherapy is also involved. Finally, the advantages and possible challenges of nanomedicine for the transition from the preclinical phase to the clinical phase are discussed.

Bone-Targeted Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System-Mediated Macrophage Modulation for Enhanced Fracture Healing.

Despite decades of progress, developing minimally invasive bone-specific drug delivery systems (DDS) to improve fracture healing remains a significant clinical challenge. To address this critical therapeutic need, nanoparticle (NP) DDS comprised of poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride)-b-poly(styrene) (PSMA-b-PS) functionalized with a peptide that targets tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and achieves preferential fracture accumulation has been developed. The delivery of AR28, a glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3ß) inhibitor, via the TRAP binding peptide-NP (TBP-NP) expedites fracture healing. Interestingly, however, NPs are predominantly taken up by fracture-associated macrophages rather than cells typically associated with fracture healing. Therefore, the underlying mechanism of healing via TBP-NP is comprehensively investigated herein. TBP-NPAR28 promotes M2 macrophage polarization and enhances osteogenesis in preosteoblast-macrophage co-cultures in vitro. Longitudinal analysis of TBP-NPAR28 -mediated fracture healing reveals distinct spatial distributions of M2 macrophages, an increased M2/M1 ratio, and upregulation of anti-inflammatory and downregulated pro-inflammatory genes compared to controls. This work demonstrates the underlying therapeutic mechanism of bone-targeted NP DDS, which leverages macrophages as druggable targets and modulates M2 macrophage polarization to enhance fracture healing, highlighting the therapeutic benefit of this approach for fractures and bone-associated diseases.

Catheter-Assisted Bioinspired Adhesive Magnetic Soft Millirobot for Drug Delivery.

Soft millirobots have evolved into various therapeutic applications in the medical field, including for vascular dredging, cell transportation, and drug delivery, owing to adaptability to their surroundings. However, most soft millirobots cannot quickly enter, retrieve, and maintain operations in their original locations after removing the external actuation field. This study introduces a soft magnetic millirobot for targeted medicine delivery that can be transported into the body through a catheter and anchored to the tissues. The millirobot has a bilayer adhesive body with a mussel-inspired hydrogel layer and an octopus-inspired magnetic structural layer. It completes entry and retrieval with the assistance of a medical catheter based on the difference between the adhesion of the hydrogel layer in air and water. The millirobot can operate in multiple modes of motion under external magnetic fields and underwater tissue adhesion after self-unfolding with the structural layer. The adaptability and recyclability of the millirobots are demonstrated using a stomach model. Combined with ultrasound (US) imaging, operational feasibility within organisms is shown in isolated small intestines. In addition, a highly efficient targeted drug delivery is confirmed using a fluorescence imaging system. Therefore, the proposed soft magnetic millirobots have significant potential for medical applications.

Nanoarchitectonic Engineering of Thermal-Responsive Magnetic Nanorobot Collectives for Intracranial Aneurysm Therapy.

Stent-assisted coiling is a main treatment modality for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in clinics, but critical challenges remain to be overcome, such as exogenous implant-induced stenosis and reliance on antiplatelet agents. Herein, an endovascular approach is reported for IA therapy without stent grafting or microcatheter shaping, enabled by active delivery of thrombin (Th) to target aneurysms using innovative phase-change material (PCM)-coated magnetite-thrombin (Fe3O4-Th@PCM) FTP nanorobots. The nanorobots are controlled by an integrated actuation system of dynamic torque-force hybrid magnetic fields. With robust intravascular navigation guided by real-time ultrasound imaging, nanorobotic collectives can effectively accumulate and retain in model aneurysms constructed in vivo, followed by controlled release of the encapsulated Th for rapid occlusion of the aneurysm upon melting the protective PCM (thermally responsive in a tunable manner) through focused magnetic hyperthermia. Complete and stable aneurysm embolization is confirmed by postoperative examination and 2-week postembolization follow-up using digital subtraction angiography (DSA), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and histological analysis. The safety of the embolization therapy is assessed through biocompatibility evaluation and histopathology assays. This strategy, seamlessly integrating secure drug packaging, agile magnetic actuation, and clinical interventional imaging, avoids possible exogenous implant rejection, circumvents cumbersome microcatheter shaping, and offers a promising option for IA therapy.

Engineering Stimuli-Responsive Materials for Precision Medicine.

Over the past decade, precision medicine has garnered increasing attention, making significant strides in discovering new therapeutic drugs and mechanisms, resulting in notable achievements in symptom alleviation, pain reduction, and extended survival rates. However, the limited target specificity of primary drugs and inter-individual differences have often necessitated high-dosage strategies, leading to challenges such as restricted deep tissue penetration rates and systemic side effects. Material science advancements present a promising avenue for these issues. By leveraging the distinct internal features of diseased regions and the application of specific external stimuli, responsive materials can be tailored to achieve targeted delivery, controllable release, and specific biochemical reactions. This review aims to highlight the latest advancements in stimuli-responsive materials and their potential in precision medicine. Initially, we introduce disease-related internal stimuli and capable external stimuli, elucidating the reaction principles of responsive functional groups. Subsequently, we provide a detailed analysis of representative pre-clinical achievements of stimuli responsive materials across various clinical applications, including enhancements in the treatment of cancers, injury diseases, inflammatory diseases, infection diseases, and high-throughput microfluidic biosensors. Finally, we discuss some clinical challenges, such as off-target effects, long-term impacts of nano-materials, potential ethical concerns, and offer insights into future perspectives of stimuli-responsive materials.

Residue-Free Orally Administered Drug Carrier Based on a Porous Aromatic Framework for Efficient Multisite Treatment.

Nowadays, oral medications are the primary method of treating disease due to their convenience, low cost, and safety, without the need for complex medical procedures. To maximize treatment effectiveness, almost all oral medications utilize drug carriers, such as capsules, liposomes, and sugar coatings. However, these carriers rely on dissolution or fragmentation to achieve drug release, which leads to drugs and carriers coabsorption in the body, causing unnecessary adverse drug reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even death caused by allergy. Therefore, the ideal oral drug carrier should avoid degradation and absorption and be totally excreted after drug release at the desired location. Herein, a gastrointestinally stable oral drug carrier based on porous aromatic framework-1 (PAF-1) is constructed, and it is modified with famotidine (a well-known gastric drug) and mesalazine (a well-known ulcerative colitis drug) to verify the excellent potential of PAF-1. The results demonstrate that PAF-1 can accurately release famotidine in stomach, mesalazine in the intestine, and finally be completely excreted from the body without any residue after 12 h. The use of PAF materials for the construction of oral drug carriers with no residue in the gastrointestinal tract provides a new approach for efficient disease treatment.

Construction of Smart DNA-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy.

Due to the disadvantages of poor targeting, slow action, and low effectiveness of current commonly used cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, researchers have turned to DNA as a biomaterial for constructing drug delivery nanocarriers. DNA is favored for its biocompatibility and programmability. In order to overcome the limitations associated with traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs), researchers have developed smart-responsive DNA DDSs that can control drug release in response to specific physical or chemical stimuli at targeted sites. In this review, a summary of multiple targeted ligand structures is provided, various shapes of stable DNA nanomaterials, and different stimuli-responsive drug release strategies in DNA DDSs. Specifically, targeted cell recognition, in vivo stable transport, and controlled drug release of smart DDSs are focused. Finally, the further development prospects and challenges of clinical application of DNA nanomaterials in the field of smart drug delivery are discussed. The objective of this review is to enhance researchers' comprehension regarding the potential application of DNA nanomaterials in precision drug delivery, with the aim of expediting the clinical implementation of intelligent DDSs.

Antibody-Directing Antibody Conjugates (ADACs) Enabled by Orthogonal Click Chemistry for Targeted Intracellular Delivery.

Using orthogonal click chemistries for efficient nanoscale self-assembly, a new antibody-directing antibody conjugate (ADAC) nanogel is generated. In this system, one of the antibodies is displayed on the nanogel surface to specifically recognize cell-surface epitopes while the other antibody is encapsulated inside the nanogel core. The system is programmed to release the latter antibody in its functional form in the cytosolic environment of a specific cell to engage intracellular targets. ADACs offer a potential solution to harness the advantages seen with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to deliver therapeutic cargos to specific tissues, but with the added capability of carrying biologics as the cargo. In this manuscript, this potential is demonstrated through delivery of antibodies against intracellular targets in specific cells. This platform offers new avenues for precise therapeutic interventions and the potential to address previously "undruggable" cellular targets.

Exploring non-cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of selenium nanoparticles synthesized from Gymnema sylvestre and Cinnamon cassia extracts for herbal nanomedicine.

The increasing need for pharmaceutical agents that possess attributes such as safety, cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and absence of side effects has driven the advancement of nanomedicine research, which lies at the convergence of nanotechnology and medicine. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to synthesize non-toxic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Gymnema sylvestre (G. sylvestre) and Cinnamon cassia (C. cassia) extracts. It also sought to develop and evaluate versatile nanomedicine formulations i.e. selenium nanoparticles of G. sylvestre and C. cassia (SeNPs), drug (lupeol) loaded SeNPs (DLSeNPs), drug-loaded and coated (PEG) SeNPs (DLCSeNPs) without side effects. METHODS: The SeNPs formulations were hydrothermally synthesized, loaded with lupeol to improve efficacy, coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for targeted delivery, and characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential analysis, size distribution analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Hemolytic cytotoxicity, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydzayl (DPPH), total Reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) antioxidant assays, carrageenan-induced paw edema, and histological studies were used to estimate the acute anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized SeNPs. RESULTS: The final form of PEGylated and drug (lupeol)-loaded selenium nanoparticles (DLCSeNPs) exhibited an average particle size ranging from 100 to 500 nm as evidenced by SEM, and Zeta potential results. These nanoparticles demonstrated no cytotoxic effects and displayed remarkable antioxidant (IC50 values 19.29) and anti-inflammatory capabilities. These results were fed into Graph-pad Prism 5 software and analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.001). All nano-formulations exhibited significant overall antioxidant activity, with IC50 values ≤ 386 (p < 0.05) as analyzed by ANOVA. The study's results suggest that G. sylvestre outperformed C. cassia in terms of reducing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical, potassium ferricyanide, and ammonium molybdate in respective antioxidant assays. As far as anti-inflammatory activities are concerned drug (lupeol)-loaded and PEG-coated G. sylvestre SeNPs exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory potential from all other nano-formulations including drug (lupeol)-loaded and PEG-coated C. cassia SeNPs, as exhibited to reduce the release of pro-inflammatory signals i.e. cytokines and NF-kB, making them innovative anti-inflammatory nanomedicine. CONCLUSION: The study synthesized lupeol-loaded and PEG-coated SeNPs, showcasing the potential for biocompatible, cost-effective anti-inflammatory nanomedicines. G. Sylvester's superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory performance than Cinnamon cassia emphasizes medicinal plant versatility.

Current knowledge on therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostics applications of exosomes in multiple myeloma: Opportunities and challenges.

Interactions between the plasma cells and the BM microenvironment of Multiple myeloma (MM) take place through factors such as exosomes. Many studies have confirmed the role of exosomes in these interactions. By carrying proteins, cytokines, lipids, microRNAs, etc. as their cargo, exosomes can regulate the interactions between MM plasma cells and neighboring cells and participate in the signaling between cancer cells and the environment. It has been shown that MM-derived exosomes can induce angiogenesis, enhance osteoblast activity, confer drug resistance, and have immunosuppressive properties. Abnormal cargos in endosomes originating from MM patients, can be used as a cancer biomarker to detect or screen early prognosis in MM patients. The native nanostructure of exosomes, in addition to their biocompatibility, stability, and safety, make them excellent candidates for therapeutic, drug delivery, and immunomodulatory applications against MM. On the other hand, exosomes derived from dendritic cells (DC) may be used as vaccines against MM. Thanks to the development of new 'omics' approaches, we anticipate to hear more about exosomes in fight against MM. In the present review, we described the most current knowledge on the role of exosomes in MM pathogenesis and their potential role as novel biomarkers and therapeutic tools in MM.

Novel Carbohydrate Polymer-Based Systems for Precise Drug Delivery in Colon Cancer: Improving Treatment Effectiveness With Intelligent Biodegradable Materials.

Due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and controlled release, carbohydrates polymers are crucial to targeted drug delivery systems, notably for colon cancer treatment. This article examines how carbohydrate polymers like chitosan, pectin, guar gum, alginate, hyaluronic acid, dextran, and chondroitin sulfate are used in improved drug delivery. Modifying these polymers improves drug loading, stability, and release patterns, enhancing chemotherapeutic drugs' therapeutic index. Chitosan nanoparticles are pH-responsive, making them perfect for cancer treatment. Pectin's resistance to gastric enzymes and colonic bacteria makes it a promising colon-specific medication delivery agent. The combination of these polymers with nanotechnology, 3D printing, and AI allows the creation of stimuli-responsive systems that release drugs precisely in response to environmental signals like pH, redox potential, or colon enzymatic activity. The review highlights intelligent delivery system design advances that reduce systemic toxicity, improve treatment efficacy, and improve patient adherence. Carbohydrate polymers will revolutionize colon cancer treatment with personalized and accurate alternatives.

Lipid-Based Nanocarrier by Targeting with LHRH Peptide: A Promising Approach for Prostate Cancer Radio-Imaging and Therapy.

Prostate cancer is a prevalently detected malignancy with a dismal prognosis. Luteinizing-hormone-releasing-hormone (LHRH) receptors are overexpressed in such cancer cells, to which the LHRH-decapeptide can specifically bind. A lipid-polyethylene glycol-conjugated new LHRH-decapeptide analogue (D-P-HLH) was synthesized and characterized. D-P-HLH-coated and anticancer drug doxorubicin (DX)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (F-DX-SLN) were formulated by the cold homogenization technique and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, entrapment efficiency, and drug-release profile studies. F-DX-SLN allows site-specific DX delivery by reducing the side effects of chemotherapy. Cancer cells could precisely take up F-DX-SLN by targeting specific receptors, boosting the cytotoxicity at the tumor site. The efficacy of F-DX-SLN on PC3/SKBR3 cells by the MTT assay revealed that F-DX-SLN was more cytotoxic than DX and/or DX-SLN. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopic studies further support F-DX-SLNs' increased intracellular absorption capability in targeting LHRH overexpressed cancer cells. F-DX-SLN ensured high apoptotic potential, noticeably larger mitochondrial transmembrane depolarization action, as well as the activation of caspases, a longer half-life, and greater plasma concentration. F-DX-SLN/DX-SLN was radiolabeled with technetium-99m; scintigraphic imaging studies established its tumor selectivity in PC3 tumor-bearing nude mice. The efficacy of the formulations in cancer treatment, in vivo therapeutic efficacy tests, and histopathological studies were also conducted. Results clearly indicate that F-DX-SLN exhibits sustained and superior targeted administration of anticancer drugs, thus opening up the possibility of a drug delivery system with precise control and targeting effects. F-DX-SLN could also provide a nanotheranostic approach with improved efficacy for prostate cancer therapy.

Drug Delivery Angle for Various Atherosclerosis and Aneurysm Percentages of the Carotid Artery.

Stroke is the second cause of mortality among adult males and the first cause of death in adult females all around the world. It is also recognized as one of the most important causes of morbidity and dementia in adults. Stenosis or rupture of the only channels of the blood supply from the heart to the brain (carotid arteries) is among the main causes of stroke. In this regard, treatment of the lesions of carotid arteries, including atherosclerosis and aneurysm, could be a huge step in preventing stroke and improving brain performance. Targeted drug delivery by drug-carrying nanoparticles is the latest method for optimal delivery of drug to the damaged parts of the artery. In this study, a wide range of carotid artery lesions, including different percentages of atherosclerosis and aneurysm, were considered. After analyzing the dynamics of the fluid flow in different damaged regions and selecting the magnetic framework with proper ligand (Fe3O4@MOF) as the drug carrier, the size of the particles and their number per cycle were analyzed. Based on the results, the particle size of 100 nm and the use of 300 particles per injection at each cardiac cycle can result in maximum drug delivery to the target site. Then, the effect of the hospital bed angle on drug delivery was investigated. The results showed a unique optimal drug delivery angle for each extent of atherosclerosis or aneurysm. For example, in a 50% aneurysm, drug delivery at an angle of 30° is about 387% higher than that at an angle of 15°. Finally, simulation of real geometry indicated the effectiveness of simple geometry instead of real geometry for the simulation of carotid arteries, which can remarkably decrease the computational time and costs.

Versatile Nanoparticulate Systems as a Prosperous Platform for Targeted Nose-Brain Drug Delivery.

The intranasal route has proven to be a reliable and promising route for delivering therapeutics to the central nervous system (CNS), averting the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and avoiding extensive first-pass metabolism of some drugs, with minimal systemic exposure. This is considered to be the main problem associated with other routes of drug delivery such as oral, parenteral, and transdermal, among other administration methods. The intranasal route maximizes drug bioavailability, particularly those susceptible to enzymatic degradation such as peptides and proteins. This review will stipulate an overview of the intranasal route as a channel for drug delivery, including its benefits and drawbacks, as well as different mechanisms of CNS drug targeting using nanoparticulate drug delivery systems devices; it also focuses on pharmaceutical dosage forms such as drops, sprays, or gels via the nasal route comprising different polymers, absorption promoters, CNS ligands, and permeation enhancers.

Serum-derived protein coronas affect nanoparticle interactions with brain cells.

Neuronanomedicine is an emerging field bridging the gap between neuromedicine and novel nanotherapeutics. Despite promise, clinical translation of neuronanomedicine remains elusive, possibly due to a dearth of information regarding the effect of the protein corona on these neuronanomedicines. The protein corona, a layer of proteins adsorbed to nanoparticles following exposure to biological fluids, ultimately determines the fate of nanoparticles in biological systems, dictating nanoparticle-cell interactions. To date, few studies have investigated the effect of the protein corona on interactions with brain-derived cells, an important consideration for the development of neuronanomedicines. Here, two polymeric nanoparticles, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and PLGA-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG), were used to obtain serum-derived protein coronas. Protein corona characterization and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis revealed distinct differences in biophysical properties and protein composition. PLGA protein coronas contained high abundance of globins (60%) and apolipoproteins (21%), while PLGA-PEG protein coronas contained fewer globins (42%) and high abundance of protease inhibitors (28%). Corona coated PLGA nanoparticles were readily internalized into microglia and neuronal cells, but not into astrocytes. Internalization of nanoparticles was associated with pro-inflammatory cytokine release and decreased neuronal cell viability, however, viability was rescued in cells treated with corona coated nanoparticles. These results showcase the importance of the protein corona in mediating nanoparticle-cell interactions.

RNA nanostructures for targeted drug delivery and imaging.

The RNA molecule plays a pivotal role in many biological processes by relaying genetic information, regulating gene expression, and serving as molecular machines and catalyzers. This inherent versatility of RNA has fueled significant advancements in the field of RNA nanotechnology, driving the engineering of complex nanoscale architectures toward biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery and bioimaging. RNA polymers, serving as building blocks, offer programmability and predictability of Watson-Crick base pairing, as well as non-canonical base pairing, for the construction of nanostructures with high precision and stoichiometry. Leveraging the ease of chemical modifications to protect the RNA from degradation, researchers have developed highly functional and biocompatible RNA architectures and integrated them into preclinical studies for the delivery of payloads and imaging agents. This review offers an educational introduction to the use of RNA as a biopolymer in the design of multifunctional nanostructures applied to targeted delivery in vivo, summarizing physical and biological barriers along with strategies to overcome them. Furthermore, we highlight the most recent progress in the development of both small and larger RNA nanostructures, with a particular focus on imaging reagents and targeted cancer therapeutics in pre-clinical models and provide insights into the prospects of this rapidly evolving field.