A label-free electrochemical biosensor based on PBA-Au-MXene QD for miR-122 detection in serum samples.

A poly(n-butyl acrylate)-gold-MXene quantum dots (PBA-Au-MXene QD) nanocomposite-based biosensor is presented that is modified by unique antisense single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and uses the electrochemical detection methods of DPV, CV, and EIS to early detect miR-122 as a breast cancer biomarker in real clinical samples. This fabrication method is based on advanced nanotechnology, at which a poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PBA) as a non-conductive polymer transforms into a conductive composite by incorporating Au-MXene QD. This biosensor had a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.8 zM and a linear range from 0.001 aM to 1000 nM, making it capable of detecting the low concentrations of miR-122 in patient samples. Moreover, it allows approximately 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for miR-122 without extraction. The synthesis and detection characteristics were evaluated by different complementary tests such as AFM, FTIR, TEM, and FESEM. This new biosensor can have a high potential in clinical applications to detect breast cancer early and hence improve patient outcomes.

Diagnostic genosensor for detection of rotavirus based on HFGNs/MXene/PPY signal amplification.

A novel genosensor was developed for rotavirus specific cDNA sequence detection. The genosensor was comprised of hierarchical flower-like gold nanostructures, MXene, and polypyrrole (HFGNs/MXene/PPY) nanocomposite as a signal amplification tag, specific antisense ssDNA oligonucleotide as a recognition bioelement, and methylene blue (MB) as a redox marker. The morphological and electrochemical features of the biosensor were first tested and optimized and the high performance of the platform was confirmed in terms of sensitivity and reproducibility. Then, 20 rotavirus RNA isolated from clinical and cell-cultured samples (10 positive and 10 negative confirmed by RT-PCR and electrophoresis methods) were evaluated by the genosensor. The analysis results revealed that the genosensor is able to differentiate successfully between the positive and negative control groups. The developed genosensor for rotavirus RNA detection presented an excellent limit of detection of ∼ 0.8 aM and a determination  range of  10-18 and 10-7 M. In addition, the ssDNA/HFGNs/MXene/PPY/GCE showed high selectivity and long-term stability of ~ 24 days. Therefore, this novel genosensor would be of great benefit for the clinical diagnosis of rotavirus.

Designing a label-free electrochemical aptasensor based on polypyrrole-l-cysteine-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3.

Reliable and precise quantification of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in clinical samples is vital because vitamin D3 deficiency lead to several disorders, such as mental illness, osteoporosis, and coronavirus disease. Herein, we report the fabrication of a novel electrochemical aptasensor using a nanocomposite, including reduced graphene oxide, pyrrole, and l-cysteine, for the sensitive detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 . Subsequently, the aptamer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was immobilized on the surface of the modified electrode. Differential pulse voltammetry signals were utilized for studying the binding and measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 based on the oxidation peak. Under the optimum conditions, the designed electrochemical aptasensor exhibited a linear detection range of 0.001-150 nM, with a limit of detection of 0.006 nM. Furthermore, the proposed aptasensor selectively detected 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 compared to other analogs. Moreover, this aptasensor was successfully applied for the detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in human serum samples, which were quantified by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The acceptable recoveries of 82.67%-111.07% demonstrated that this proposed electrochemical aptasensor can be a promising alternative for clinical methods of vitamin D determination.

Two-dimensional-Ti3C2 magnetic nanocomposite for targeted cancer chemotherapy.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women, so novel therapeutic approaches are needed to improve the effectiveness of current therapies or extend their activity. In recent decades, graphene analogs, such as Mxene, an emerging class of two-dimensional (2D) graphene analogs, have been drawing considerable attention based on their intrinsic physicochemical properties and performance as potential candidates for tumor therapy, particularly for therapeutic purposes. Here we explored the targeted drug delivery in cervical cancer in in vivo model. Mxene-based nanocarriers are not able to be precisely controlled in cancer treatment. Method: To solve this problem, the titanium carbide-magnetic core-shell nanocarrier (Ti3C2-Fe3O4@SiO2-FA) is also developed to provide synergetic anticancer with magnetic controlling ability along with pH-responsive drug release. A xenograft model of the cervix was used to investigate the effects of Cisplatin alone, or in combination with Ti3C2@FA and Ti3C2@ Fe3O4@SiO2-FA, on tumor growth following histological staining for evaluation of necrosis. Result and Discussion: A significant tumor-growth suppression effect is shown when the Ti3C2-Fe3O4@SiO2-FA nanocarrier is magnetically controlled Cisplatin drug release. It reveals a synergistic therapeutic efficacy used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals (p < .001). According to the in vivo study, the Ti3C2@FA@Cisplatin nanocomposite exhibits less tumor growth than the drug alone or Ti3C2@FA@Cisplatin via increasing necrosis effect (p < .001). Through this study, Mxene nanosheets are expanded for biomedical applications, not only through the fabrication of biocompatible magnetic Mxene nanocomposite but also through the development of functionalization strategies that enable the magnetic Ti3C2 nanocomposite to load high levels of Cisplatin for cervical cancer treatment (242.5%). Hence, Ti3C2-Fe3O4@SiO2-FA nanocarriers would be promising candidates to improve cancer treatment efficiency.

A novel electrochemical biosensor based on signal amplification of Au HFGNs/PnBA-MXene nanocomposite for the detection of miRNA-122 as a biomarker of breast cancer.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and a crisis for global health. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer globally. In the perusal, a novel electrochemical biosensor amplified with hierarchical flower-like gold, poly (n-butyl acrylate), and MXene (AuHFGNs/PnBA-MXene) nanocomposite and activated by highly special antisense ssDNA (single-stranded DNA) provide a promising alternative for miRNA-122 detection as a biomarker of breast cancer. The biosensor presented a detection limit of 0.0035 aM (S/N = 3) with a linear range from 0.01 aM to 10 nM. The platform was tried on 20 breast cancer miRNAs extracted from actual serum specimens (10 positives and 10 negatives). Founded on the quantitatively obtained outcomes and statistic analysis (t-test, box-graph, receiver performance characteristic curve, and cut-off amount), the biosensor showed a meaningful discrepancy between the native and positive groups with 100% specificity and 100% sensitivity. While, RT-qPCR showed less specificity and sensitivity (70% specificity, 100% sensitivity) than the proposed biosensor. To assess the quantitative capacity and biosensor detection limit for clinical tests, the biosensor diagnosis performance for continually diluted miRNA extracted from patients was compared to that gained by RT-qPCR results, indicating that the biosensor detection limit was lower than RT-qPCR. ssDNA/AuHFGN/PnBA-MXene/GCE displayed little cross-reaction with other sequences and also showed desirable stability, reproducibility, and specificity and stayed stable until 32 days. As a result, the designed biosensor can perform as a hopeful method for diagnosis applications.

Toward Early Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer: Focus on Optical Nano Biosensors.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death among cancers worldwide, with the symptoms mimicking other far more common lower gastrointestinal disorders. OBJECTIVE: This challenge in separating colorectal cancer from other diseases has driven researchers to investigate a noninvasive screening technique and effective method. The early detection of colorectal cancer is imperative. Biomarkers play a critical role in colorectal screening tests, treatment, clinical and prognosis management. Therefore, sensitive and rapid biomarker detection would be helpful and demand the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. METHODS: Recently, several investigations have been performed to design biosensors for early detection of cancer diagnosis and profiling with strong applied ability and high sensitivity. RESULTS: In comparison, optical biosensors are one of the promising platforms for the costeffective and rapid detection of biomarkers. This review will focus on the advancements and progress of the various optical-transducing approaches for diagnosing colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION: Further, the prospects and limitations of these optical biosensors in colorectal cancer diagnosis will be discussed. Here, an overview of optical biosensors and meaningful information for scientists worldwide will be demonstrated.

A new molecularly imprinted polymer electrochemical sensor based on CuCo2 O4 /N-doped CNTs/P-doped GO nanocomposite for detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in serum samples.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 as a main circulating metabolite of vitamin D is usually measured in serum to evaluate the vitamin D status of humans. So, developing an accessible, fast response, sensitive, and selective detection method for 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is highly important. In this study, we designed a sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor based on the modification of glassy carbon electrode by nanocomposite of CuCo2 O4 /nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes and phosphorus-doped graphene oxide. Then 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 -imprinted polypyrrole was coated on the electrode surface through electropolymerization. Moreover, ferricyanide was used as a mediator for the creation of a readable signal, which was considerably decreased after rebinding of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on the electrode. The proposed sensor successfully detected 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in the range of 0.002-10 µM, with a detection limit of 0.38 nM, which was highly lower than deficiency concentration (20 ng/ml; 49.92 nM). Finally, the proposed sensor was checked for detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in serum samples with recovery in the range of 80%-106.42%. The results demonstrated the applicability of the designed sensor for the detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in biological samples.

Application of MXene in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer: A critical overview.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. Prognosis and timely treatment can reduce the illness or improve it. The use of nanomaterials leads to timely diagnosis and effective treatment. MXenes are a 2D material with a unique composition of attributes, containing significant electrical conductance, high optical characteristics, mechanical consistency, and excellent optical properties. Current advances and insights show that MXene is far more promising in biotechnology applications than current nanobiotechnology systems. MXenes have various applications in biotechnology and biomedicine, such as drug delivery/loading, biosensor, cancer treatment, and bioimaging programs due to their high surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and physicochemical properties. Surface modifications MXenes are not only biocompatible but also have multifunctional properties, such as aiming ligands for preferential agglomeration at the tumor sites for photothermal treatment. Studies have shown that these nanostructures, detection, and breast cancer therapy are more acceptable than present nanosystems in in vivo and in vitro. This review article aims to investigate the structure of MXene, its various synthesis methods, its application to cancer diagnosis, cytotoxicity, biodegradability, and cancer treatment by the photothermal process (in-vivo and in-vitro).

Application of a transition metal oxide/carbon-based nanocomposite for designing a molecularly imprinted poly (l-cysteine) electrochemical sensor for curcumin.

In this study an electrochemical sensor was fabricated for detection of curcumin, as a functional herbal food, using molecularly imprinted polymer and highly conductive transition metal oxide/carbon-based nanocomposite. In this way, CuCo2O4/nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes/phosphorus-doped graphene oxide nanocomposite was dropped on the electrode. This nanocomposite synergically possesses conductivity features of copper and phosphorus-doping sites, specific surface area of carbon nanotubes, and carbons Fermi level of graphene oxide. In the following, l-Cystein electropolymerized on the electrode in presence of curcumin. The sensor was produced by removing curcumin from poly (L- cystein) matrix. The sensor was successfully used for detection of curcumin in the ranges of 0.1-1 µmol L-1 and 1-30 µmol L-1, with acceptable detection limit (30 nmol L-1). Finally, the proposed method was used for detection of curcumin in serum samples with recoveries of 80-110.87%. The results demonstrated that aforementioned method can be used for detection of curcumin in biological samples.

The therapeutic potential of γ-Al2O3 nanoparticle containing 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is being used in the treatment of several malignancies, but side effects are often reported and include: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, poor appetite, watery eyes, and photophobia. We have developed and tested the cytotoxic activity of nanocrystalline powder of γ-alumina (γ-Al2O3) containing 5-FU in two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3D) CRC cell culture. γ-Al2O3 was prepared using a facile sol-gel method. The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDXA). Moreover, the particle size was monitored by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). We used MTT and a scratch assay to assess the antiproliferative and anti-migratory of this agent. The effect of γ-Al2O3-5-FU on SOD, MDA, and total-thiols levels were evaluated. We assessed the expression of apoptotic markers in mRNA or proteins by RT-PCR and ELISA respectively. γ-Al2O3-5-FU inhibited cell growth in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell culture and increased apoptosis as detected by DAPI stainning via modulation of caspases, BAx, BCl2 and cyclinD1. γ-Al2O3-5-FU also reduced the migratory activity of CRC cells relative to untreated controls. γ-Al2O3-5-FU increased the level of MDA, while reducing the level of SOD and total-thiols as well as inflamatory markers (e.g., TNF-s and IL-6). Our study demonstrated that γ-Al2O3-5-FU inhibited cell growth and migration, indicating its potential value in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

The first diagnostic test for specific detection of Mycobacterium simiae using an electrochemical label-free DNA nanobiosensor.

Mycobacterium simiae has been reported to be the most prevalent species of Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in many countries. As both phenotypic and molecular detection of M. simiae and other NTMs have limitations, finding an accurate, fast, and low-cost diagnostic method is critical for the management of infections. Here, we report the development of a new type of label-free electrochemical biosensor using a gold electrode decorated with l-cysteine/PAMAM dendrimer for specific targeting of M. simiae ITS sequence. DNA hybridization was monitored by measuring changes in the free guanine electrical signal with changing ssDNA target concentrations by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied for the optimization of variables affecting biosensor response. Under optimal conditions, the biosensor revealed a wide linear range from 10-14 M to 10-6 M and a detection limit of 1.40 fM. The fabricated biosensor showed an excellent selectivity to M. simiae in the presence of other similar pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, experimental results confirmed that this biosensor exhibited great precision and high reproducibility, hence provides a low-cost, label-free, and faster detection analysis, representing a novel strategy in detecting other NTMs.

The Therapeutic Potential of MAPK/ERK Inhibitors in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer.

The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway regulates cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, metastasis and drug resistance. Mutations and up-regulation of components of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, as well as over-activation of this critical signaling pathway, are frequently observed in colorectal carcinomas. Targeting the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, using specific pharmacological inhibitors, elicits potent anti-tumor effects, supporting the therapeutic potential of these inhibitors in the treatment of CRC. Several drugs have recently been developed for the inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway in preclinical and clinical settings, such as MEK162 and MK-2206. MEK1/2 inhibitors demonstrate promising efficacy and anticancer activity for the treatment of this malignancy. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of CRC and the potential clinical value of synthetic inhibitors of this pathway in preventing CRC progression for a better understanding, and hence, better management of colorectal cancer.

An overview and bibliometric analysis on the colorectal cancer therapy by magnetic functionalized nanoparticles for the responsive and targeted drug delivery.

With the growing demands for personalized medicine and medical devices, nanomedicine is a modern scientific field, and research continues to apply nanomaterials for therapeutic and damaged tissue diagnosis. In this regard, substantial progress has been made in synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles with desired sizes, chemical composition, morphologies, and surface chemistry. Among these materials, nanomagnetic iron oxides have demonstrated promise as unique drug delivery carriers due to cancer treatment. This carrier could lead to responsive properties to a specific trigger, including heat, pH, alternative magnetic field, or even enzymes, through functionalization and coating of magnetic nanoparticles, along with biocompatibility, good chemical stability, easy functionalization, simple processing, and ability to localize to the tumor site with the assistance of external magnetic field. Current studies have focused on magnetic nanoparticles' utilities in cancer therapy, especially for colorectal cancer. Additionally, a bibliometric investigation was performed on the public trends in the field of the magnetic nanoparticle to drug delivery and anticancer, which represented progressing applications of these carriers in the multidisciplinary zones with a general view on future research and identified potential opportunities and challenges. Furthermore, we outline the current challenges and forthcoming research perspective for high performance and fostering advanced MNPs in colorectal cancer treatment.

Dual-signaling electrochemical ratiometric strategy for simultaneous quantification of anticancer drugs.

A novel and unique ratiometric electrochemical sensing strategy for highly reliable and selective simultaneous quantification of Irinotecan (IRI) and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) has been developed based on Pd-Au/MWCNT-rGO nanocomposite. Introduction of Pd-Au/MWCNT-rGO significantly improved the speed of electron transport, specific surface area, and electrical catalytic ability of sensing system due to synergistic effect of Pd-Au bimetallic nanoparticles and MWCNT-rGO hybrid structure. The assay strategy was based on the use of ferrocene (Fc) as reference electroactive substance and IRI and 5-FU as analytes with three oxidation peaks at different potentials (Fc at +0.20 V, IRI at +0.58 V, and 5-FU at +1.17 V). The oxidation peak currents of the IRI and 5-FU were gradually enhanced while that of Fc remained almost constant with continuous adding of IRI and 5-FU. By using IIRI/IFc and I5-FU/IFc signals as output, the designed ratiometric system showed good performance with a wide linear range of 0.05-40 µM for IRI and 0.05-75 µM for 5-FU and low detection limit of 0.0061 µM and 0.0094 µM for IRI and 5-FU, respectively. This study proved that ratiometric strategy is able to eliminate disturbance caused by the sensing environment and possess high sensitivity, reproducibility, stability, and selectivity toward anticancer drugs detection, over potential interferents as well as opens a new procedure for reliable and selective simultaneous analysis of other analytes.

Response surface methodology optimized electrochemical DNA biosensor based on HAPNPTs/PPY/MWCNTs nanocomposite for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

An important issue in the prognosis of tuberculosis (TB) is a short period between correct diagnosis and start the suitable antibiotic therapy. So, a rapid and valid method for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) complex is considered as a necessity. Herein, a rapid, low-cost, and PCR-free DNA biosensor was developed based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), polypyrrole (PPy), and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAPNPs) for highly sensitive and specific recognition of M.tb. The biosensor consisted of M.tb ssDNA probe covalently attached to the HANPs/PPy/MWCNTs/GCE surface that hybridized to a complementary target sequence to form a duplex DNA. The M.tb target recognition was based on the oxidation signal of the electroactive Methylene Blue (MB) on the surface of the modified GCE using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. It is worth to mention that for the first time Plackett-Burman (PB) screening design and response surface method (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) was applied as a powerful and an efficient approach to find optimal conditions for maximum M.tb biosensor performance leading to simplicity and rapidity of operation. The proposed DNA biosensor exhibits a wide detection range from 0.25 to 200.0 nM with a low detection limit of 0.141 nM. The performance of designed biosensor for clinical diagnosis and practical applications was revealed through hybridization between DNA probe-modified GCE and extracted DNA from sputum clinical samples.

Rapid and label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor based on a facile one-step electrochemical synthesis of rGO-PPy-(L-Cys)-AuNPs nanocomposite for the HTLV-1 oligonucleotide detection.

Human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) as the first human retrovirus is currently a serious endemic health challenge. Despite the use of assorted molecular or serological assays for HTLV-1 detection, there are several limitations due to the lack of a confirmatory test that may affect the accuracy of the results. Herein, a novel label-free biosensor for the detection of HTLV-1 Tax gene has been reported. An electrochemical facile ecofriendly synthesis method has been demonstrated based on a synthesis of nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide, polypyrrole, and gold nanoparticles (rGO-PPy-(l-Cys)-AuNPs) deposited on the surface of screen-printed carbon electrode. Electrochemical techniques were used to characterize and study the electrochemical behavior of the rGO-PPy-(l-Cys)-AuNPs, which exhibited a stable reference peak at 0.21 V associated with hybridization forms by applying the differential pulse voltammetry. The designed DNA biosensor presented a wide linear range from 0.1 fM to 100 µM and a low detection limit of 20 atto-molar. The proposed biosensor presented in this study provides outstanding selectivity, sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility.

Early-stage cervical cancer diagnosis based on an ultra-sensitive electrochemical DNA nanobiosensor for HPV-18 detection in real samples.

BACKGROUND: In several years ago, infection with human papillomaviruses (HPVs), have been prevalent in the worlds especially HPV type 18, can lead to cervical cancer. Therefore, rapid, accurate, and early diagnosis of HPV for successful treatment is essential. The present study describes the development of a selective and sensitive electrochemical biosensor base on DNA, for early detection of HPV-18. For this purpose, a nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were electrodeposited on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Then, Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) were dropped on a modified SPCE. Subsequently, single strand DNA (ssDNA) probe was immobilized on the modified electrode. The link attached between AuNPs and probe ssDNA provided by L-cysteine via functionalizing AuNPs (Cys-AuNPs). The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) assay was also used to electrochemical measurement. The measurement was based on the oxidation signals of anthraquninone-2-sulfonic acid monohydrate sodium salt (AQMS) before and after hybridization between the probe and target DNA. RESULTS: The calibration curve showed a linear range between 0.01 fM to 0.01 nM with a limit of detection 0.05 fM. The results showed that the optimum concentration for DNA probe was 5 µM. The good performance of the proposed biosensor was achieved through hybridization of DNA probe-modified SPCE with extracted DNA from clinical samples. CONCLUSIONS: According to the investigated results, this biosensor can be introduced as a proprietary, accurate, sensitive, and rapid diagnostic method of HPV 18 in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of real samples.

Correlation of human papillomavirus 16 and 18 with cervical cancer and their diagnosis methods in Iranian women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus and related to the development of cervical cancer (CC). To determine the association between high-risk HPV types and CC, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of recently reported prevalence of HPV16 and 18 in Iranian women identified with cervical infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prevalence studies were identified between 2002 and 2018 using several databases including Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database. RESULTS: For patients with CC, 57% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 43.7%-70.4%) were HPV positive, 48.5% (95% CI = 31.8%-65.2%) were HPV16 and 12.5% (95% CI = 8.8%-16.2%) were HPV18 positive. CONCLUSION: The results from meta-analysis indicate a relatively high prevalence of high-risk HPV among women infected with CC.

Conjugates of Curcumin with Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes: A Review on Biomedical Applications.

In the last decade, the use of carbon nanotubes and graphenes has been on the rise for various nanobiotechnological applications. Owing to their special characteristics, these two nanostructures of carbon allotropes have been studied for their capacity in the detection and treatment of many diseases. On the other hand, curcumin, a well-known antioxidant and anticancer natural product, is being extensively studied for numerous medicinal applications. Interestingly, many reports have shown great potentials of conjugates of curcumin and carbon nanotubes or graphenes. These conjugates, when properly designed and functionalized with biomolecules, could represent the valuable properties of each component alone while they could be effective in overcoming the poor solubility issues of both curcumin and Carbon Nanomaterials (CNMs). In this case, curcumin conjugates with CNMs seem to be very promising in biosensing applications and the detection of many biomolecules, especially, curcumin has been reported to be very effective with these conjugates. Also, the delivery of curcumin using functionalized SWCNTs was evaluated for its ability to load and release curcumin, to protect curcumin from degradation and to enhance its solubility. It is proposed that other properties of these conjugates are still to be discovered and the interdisciplinary approaches among biology, medicine, chemistry, and material engineering will accelerate the applications of these novel materials. This review aims to summarize the findings on the applications of CNM conjugates of curcumin.

Exosomes: New insights into cancer mechanisms.

Exosomes are mobile extracellular vesicles with a diameter 40 to 150 nm. They play a critical role in several processes such as the development of cancers, intercellular signaling, drug resistance mechanisms, and cell-to-cell communication by fusion onto the cell membrane of recipient cells. These vesicles contain endogenous proteins and both noncoding and coding RNAs (microRNA and messenger RNAs) that can be delivered to various types of cells. Furthermore, exosomes exist in body fluids such as plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine. Therefore, they could be used as a novel carrier to deliver therapeutic nucleic-acid drugs for cancer therapy. It was recently documented that, hypoxia promotes exosomes secretion in different tumor types leading to the activation of vascular cells and angiogenesis. Cancer cell-derived exosomes (CCEs) have been used as prognostic and diagnostic markers in many types of cancers because exosomes are stable at 4°C and -70°C. CCEs have many functional roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and invasion. Consequently, this review presents the data about the therapeutic application of exosomes and the role of CCEs in cancer invasion, drug resistance, and metastasis.