Blind Spots in Development of Nanomedicines.

The field of nanomedicine demonstrates immense advantages and noteworthy expansion compared to conventional drug delivery systems like tablet, capsules, etc. Despite the innumerable advantages, it holds certain shortcomings in the form of blind spots that need to be assessed before the successful clinical translation. This perspective highlights the foremost blind spots in nanomedicine and emphasizes the challenges faced before the entry into the market, including the need for provision of safety and efficacy data by the regulatory agencies like FDA. The significant revolution of nanomedicine in the human life, particularly in patient well-being, necessitates to identify the blind spots and overcome them for effective management and treatment of ailments.

Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cells in Natural Killer-Like B Cell-Associated Diseases.

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells possessing a remarkable capacity to develop into multiple cell types. NKB cells, referred to "natural killer-like B cells," are recently identified subtype of B lymphocytes possessing characteristics that are similar to both natural killer (NK) cells and regular B lymphocytes. NK cells are lymphocyte-like in structure and cytotoxic in nature participating in the immediate immune response to the infected or malignant cells, whereas B lymphocytes produce antibodies and participate in adaptive immune response by binding to the specific antigen. The identification of NKB cells brings up new possibilities for studying and perhaps modulating immune responses in a variety of diseases, particularly those associated with microbial infections or inflammatory responses. Further, correlation of NKB cells with interleukins allows us to understand the molecular mechanism of diseases. Stem cell research offers a better understanding of NKB cell participation and provides new insights for novel treatment methods wherein mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have found to be the most promising stem cell showing positive outcomes in NKB cell-associated inflammatory diseases. Additionally, the perceptions acquired from researching NKB cells in diverse diseases leads to innovative treatment options, improving our capacity to control and cure immunological dysregulation-related ailments.

Current scenario and potential of music therapy in the management of diseases.

Over the preceding years, music therapy has gained tremendous attention due to new findings of music in management of various conditions like Alzheimer's, depression, anxiety, insomnia, etc. Music is a non-invasive, patient-friendly and pleasant form of therapy with minimal or no side effects. It activates the reward pathway of brain by influencing several processes such as dopamine release, reduction in cortisol levels, increase in estrogen and testosterone levels. This review article focuses on advantages and disadvantages of music therapy, mechanism of action of music in brain and its effective applications in the management of different diseases. The article covers history of music therapy in America, Egypt, and India with practice of music therapy. The advanced effects of music therapy in autism, cancer, post-operative pain, Parkinson's disease, selective mutism, stroke, heart problems, pregnancy, eating disorders, bone fractures and obsessive compulsive disorders are discussed. Also the effect of music therapy on the quality of sleep and brain waves has been discussed. This is an established profession in western countries like America, UK, Australia, and Canada, but not in low-income countries like India where it needs to be standardized.

Competitive inhibition of nicotine acetylcholine receptors using microneedles of nicotine and varenicline for smoking withdrawal therapy.

Current strategies for smoking withdrawal conditions involve monotherapy of nicotine and combinational therapy of nicotine with varenicline or bupropion as per the CDC and FDA. The available dosage forms for nicotine are patches, gums, inhalers and nasal sprays, bupropion and varenicline are available in tablet form. This research work focused on developing a microneedle delivery system to deliver combination drug for overcoming the obstacles encountered by oral route of administration of varenicline such as severe side effects (mood swings, agitation, depressed behaviour, seizures, etc), and nicotine therapy challenges such as short half-life, repeated dosing, nausea, and vomiting. The nanoparticles of nicotine prepared by nanoprecipitation method showed particle size PTZ (356.6 ± 65.98), percentage entrapment efficiency (35.55 % ± 0.007), in-vitro drug release (47.89 % ± 0.7) for 72 h. Microneedles showed height (600 µm), width (350 µm), and tip diameter (10 µm). The nanoparticles encapsulated in microneedles showed in-vitro sustained delivery of nicotine (67.00 % ± 4.92) and varenicline (79.78 % ± 1.09) in 48 h. Nicotine released in a sustained manner attaches to the nicotine acetylcholine receptors (nAchR) to release dopamine for controlling the withdrawal challenges such as anxiety, irritability, cravings, disturbed sleep pattern, etc. The varenicline released from microneedles binds to the nAchR and inhibits dopamine release responsible for the euphoric effect induced by nicotine, and thus assists in curbing the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This combination microneedle system offers prolonged treatment in a single application for smoking withdrawal conditions wherein patients are not in stage of oral dosing because of repeated dosing resulting in adverse effects like seizures, hypertension, sleep disturbances, insomnia, and nausea.

3D-to-4D Structures: an Exploration in Biomedical Applications.

3D printing is a cutting-edge technique for manufacturing pharmaceutical drugs (Spritam), polypills (guaifenesin), nanosuspension (folic acid), and hydrogels (ibuprofen) with limitations like the choice of materials, restricted size of manufacturing, and design errors at lower and higher dimensions. In contrast, 4D printing represents an advancement on 3D printing, incorporating active materials like shape memory polymers and liquid crystal elastomers enabling printed objects to change shape in response to stimuli. 4D printing offers numerous benefits, including greater printing capacity, higher manufacturing efficiency, improved quality, lower production costs, reduced carbon footprint, and the ability to produce a wider range of products with greater potential. Recent examples of 4D printing advancements in the clinical setting include the development of artificial intravesicular implants for bladder disorders, 4D-printed hearts for transplant, splints for tracheobronchomalacia, microneedles for tissue wound healing, hydrogel capsules for ulcers, and theragrippers for anticancer drug delivery. This review highlights the advantages of 4D printing over 3D printing, recent applications in manufacturing smart pharmaceutical drug delivery systems with localized action, lower incidence of drug administration, and better patient compliance. It is recommended to conduct substantial research to further investigate the development and applicability of 4D printing in the future.

Dual role of autophagy for advancements from conventional to new delivery systems in cancer.

Autophagy, a programmed cell-lysis mechanism, holds significant promise in the prevention and treatment of a wide range of conditions, including cancer, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. The successful utilization of autophagy modulation for therapeutic purposes hinges upon accurately determining the role of autophagy in disease progression, whether it acts as a cytotoxic or cytoprotective factor. This critical knowledge empowers scientists to effectively manipulate tumor sensitivity to anti-cancer therapies through autophagy modulation, while also circumventing drug resistance. However, conventional therapies face limitations such as low bioavailability, poor solubility, and a lack of controlled release mechanisms, hindering their clinical applicability. In this regard, innovative nanoplatforms including organic and inorganic systems have emerged as promising solutions to offer stimuli-responsive, theranostic-controlled drug delivery systems with active targeting and improved solubility. The review article explores a variety of organic nanoplatforms, such as lipid-based, polymer-based, and DNA-based systems, which incorporate autophagy-inhibiting drugs like hydroxychloroquine. By inhibiting the glycolytic pathway and depriving cells of essential nutrients, these platforms exhibit tumor-suppressive effects in advanced forms of cancer such as leukemia, colon cancer, and glioblastoma. Furthermore, metal-based, metal-oxide-based, silica-based, and quantum dot-based nanoplatforms selectively induce autophagy in tumors, leading to extensive cancer cell destruction. Additionally, this article discusses the current clinical status of autophagy-modulating drugs for cancer therapy with valuable insights of progress and potential of such approaches.

In-vivo processing of nanoassemblies: a neglected framework for recycling to bypass nanotoxicological therapeutics.

The proof-of-concept of nanomaterials (NMs) in the fields of imaging, diagnosis, treatment, and theranostics shows the importance in biopharmaceuticals development due to structural orientation, on-targeting, and long-term stability. However, biotransformation of NMs and their modified form in human body via recyclable techniques are not explored owing to tiny structures and cytotoxic effects. Recycling of NMs offers advantages of dose reduction, re-utilization of the administered therapeutics providing secondary release, and decrease in nanotoxicity in human body. Therefore, approaches like in-vivo re-processing and bio-recycling are essential to overcome nanocargo system-associated toxicities such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and lung toxicity. After 3-5 stages of recycling process of some NMs of gold, lipid, iron oxide, polymer, silver, and graphene in spleen, kidney, and Kupffer's cells retain biological efficiency in the body. Thus, substantial attention towards recyclability and reusability of NMs for sustainable development necessitates further advancement in healthcare for effective therapy. This review article outlines biotransformation of engineered NMs as a valuable source of drug carriers and biocatalyst with critical strategies like pH modification, flocculation, or magnetization for recovery of NMs in the body. Furthermore, this article summarizes the challenges of recycled NMs and advances in integrated technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, in-silico assay, etc. Therefore, potential contribution of NM's life-cycle in the recovery of nanosystems for futuristic developments require consideration in site-specific delivery, reduction of dose, remodeling in breast cancer therapy, wound healing action, antibacterial effect, and for bioremediation to develop ideal nanotherapeutics.

Enhancement of in-vitro anti-oral cancer activities of silymarin using dispersion of nanostructured lipid carrier in mucoadhesive in-situ gel.

Silymarin (SME) shows multiple therapeutic actions against several cancers, however, low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability issues restrict its clinical use. In this study, SME was loaded in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and further incorporated in mucoadhesive in-situ gel (SME-NLCs-Plx/CP-ISG) for localized treatment of oral cancer. Using a 33 Box-Behnken design (BBD), an optimized SME-NLC formula was developed with the ratios of solid lipids, surfactant concentration, and sonication time as independent variables, while particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), and % encapsulation efficiency (EE) as dependent variables, resulting in 315.5 ± 0.1 nm PS, 0.341 ± 0.01 PDI, and 71.05 ± 0.05 % EE. Structural studies confirmed the formation of SME-NLCs. SME-NLCs incorporated in-situ gel demonstrated a sustained release for SME, indicating enhanced retention on the buccal mucosal membrane. The in-situ gel containing SME-NLCs showed a marked decrease in IC50 value (24.90 ± 0.45 µM) than SME-NLCs (28.40 ± 0.89 µM) and plain SME (36.60 ± 0.26 µM). The studies demonstrated that Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation potential and SME-NLCs-Plx/CP-ISG induced apoptosis at Sub-G0 phase owing to higher penetration of SME-NLCs led to higher inhibition against human KB oral cancer cells. Therefore, SME-NLCs-Plx/CP-ISG can be the alternative to chemotherapy and surgery with site-specific delivery of SME to oral cancer patients.

Integration of DNA barcoding and nanotechnology in drug delivery.

In recent years' development in nanotechnology utilization of DNA barcodes with potential benefit of nanoparticulate system is a hallmark for novel advancement in healthcare, biomedical and research sector. Interplay of biological barcoding with nanodimensional system encompasses innovative technologies to offer unique advantages of ultra-sensitivity, error-free, accuracy with minimal label reagents, and less time consumption in comparison to conventional techniques like ELISA, PCR, culture media, electrophoresis. DNA barcoding systems used as universal novel tool for identification and multiplex structural detection of proteins, DNAs, toxins, allergens, and nucleic acids of humans, viruses, animals, bacteria, plants as well as personalized treatment in ovarian cancer, AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma, breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Barcoding tools offer substantial attention in drug delivery, in-vivo screening, gene transport for theranostics, bioimaging, and nano-biosensors applications. This review article outlines the recent advances in nano-mediated DNA barcodes to explore various applications in detection of cancer markers, tumor cells, pathogens, allergens, as theranostics, biological sensors, and plant authentication. Furthermore, it summarizes the diverse newer technologies such as bio-barcode amplification (BBA), Profiling Relative Inhibition Simultaneously in Mixtures (PRISM) and CRISPR-Cas9 gene knockout and their applications as sensors for detections of antigens, allergens, and other specimens.

Nanostructured lipid carrier-loaded metformin hydrochloride: Design, optimization, characterization, assessment of cytotoxicity and ROS evaluation.

Metformin hydrochloride (MET) is commonly used in diabetes treatment. Recently, it has gained interest for its anticancer potential against a wide range of cancers. Owing to its hydrophilic nature, the delivery and clinical actions of MET are limited. Therefore, the present work aims to develop MET-encapsulated NLCs using the hot-melt emulsification and probe-sonication method. The optimization was accomplished by 33 BB design wherein lipid ratio, surfactant concentration, and sonication time were independent variables while the PS (nm), PDI, and EE (%) were dependent variables. The PS, PDI, % EE and ZP of optimized GMSMET-NLCs were found to be 114.9 ± 1.32 nm, 0.268 ± 0.04 %, 60.10 ± 2.23 %, and ZP - 15.76 mV, respectively. The morphological features, DSC and PXRD, and FTIR analyses suggested the confirmation of formation of the NLCs. Besides, optimized GMSMET-NLCs showed up to 88 % MET release in 24 h. Moreover, GMSMET-NLCs showed significant cell cytotoxicity against KB oral cancer cells compared with MET solution as shown by the reduction of IC50 values. Additionally, GMSMET-NLCs displayed significantly increased intracellular ROS levels suggesting the GMSMET-NLCs induced cell death in KB cells. GMSMET-NLCs can therefore be explored to deliver MET through different routes of administration for the effective treatment of oral cancer.

Aquasomes: Advanced Vesicular-based Nanocarrier Systems.

BACKGROUND: Aquasomes are novel trilayered non-lipoidal vesicular nanocarriers that demonstrate structural similarity to ceramic nanoparticles with theranostic activity for diseases like ovarian cancer and antigen delivery. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present article is to highlight the multifaceted potential of aquasomes over other nanocarriers for the treatment of various treatments like hemophilia A, cancer, and hepatitis. METHODS: Aquasomes enter the target cell by modifying the surface chemistry, extending drug release. The solid core of aquasomes provides structural stability whereas their oligomeric coatings protect drugs from dehydration. This vesicular delivery system was successfully utilized for the delivery of acid-labile enzymes, antigens, vaccines, etc. The aquasomes nanocarrier exhibits a larger surface area, volume, and mass ratio that allows the drug to penetrate inside the cells and a prolonged drug release profile. Moreover, aquasomes consist of a high mechanical strength, reduced or no biodegradability during storage, and a good body response that facilitates deeper penetration into capillaries which makes them more special and interesting. RESULTS: Aquasomes are a potential alternative over other nanocarriers for insulin, antigen, and oxygen delivery. CONCLUSION: In the near future, aquasomes-based nano-drug delivery systems can be a fascinating field for research in nanotechnology.

Integration of cyclodextrins and associated toxicities: A roadmap for high quality biomedical applications.

Cyclodextrins are extensively employed in drug delivery systems like inclusion complexes, metal-organic frameworks, functionalized or PEGylated conjugates, and other nanocarrier systems such as nanosponges or hydrogel nanoparticles for targeted effect or prolonged release action. Applications of CDs range from drug-loaded nanocarrier systems useful for disease conditions (such as cancer, diabetes, and bacterial infections, etc.) to supramolecular chemistry, diagnostics, imaging, biosensors, and medical devices. However, there is a limited data and information on the adverse effects caused by cyclodextrins and their toxicities in the medical field. Various in-vitro and ex-vivo toxic effects such as cytotoxicity, ototoxicity, etc. as well as the adverse and toxic effects depend on the role of administration of cyclodextrins. This review article focuses on the advancement of characteristics, properties and chemistry of cyclodextrins and addresses the new challenges faced in cyclodextrin-based delivery systems and the various toxicities induced by them.

Dual-action of colloidal ISCOMs: an optimized approach using Box-Behnken design for the management of breast cancer.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) occurs in G-protein-coupled receptors and offers targeted effects at the active sites for therapeutic action in various conditions like depression, stress, obesity and cancer. Immune stimulating complexes (ISCOMs) associate peptides with the lipid systems for enhancing antigen targeting to provide site-specific action and B-cell response. The present study focused on the encapsulation of NPY in ISCOMs to comprise dual action in the form of immunity modulation and management of breast cancer by arresting G0/G1 phase. The colloidal ISCOMs were prepared by coupling method and further optimized by Box-Behnken design of Design of Experiment (DoE) software. The NPY-loaded ISCOMs (formulation ISCN) were characterized by various parameters with higher % encapsulation efficiency of 87.99 ± 1.87% and in-vitro release of 84.16±3.2% of NPY for 24 h. The study of MTT assay on MCF-7 cell line for formulation ISCN exhibited a significant decrease in the cell growth of 66.41±4.7% at 10 µg/mL compared to plain NPY (52.21±0.04%). The MCF-7 cells showed a significant reduction in cytokine levels in the presence of formulation ISCN wherein TH1(TNF-α) and TH2(IL-10) levels were found to be 25.12±3.11 pg/mL and 35.76±4.23 pg/mL, respectively. The cell cycle study demonstrated that significant cells were blocked in the G0/G1 phase with 57.8±3.02% of cell apoptosis using formulation ISCN. The formulation ISCN was found to prolong t1/2 and increase AUC than plain NPY via intravenous administration due to complex formation with phospholipid. Hence, ISCOMs-based NPY system will be a promising approach for dual action as immunomodulation and anticancer effects by controlling the release of NPY.

ß-Cyclodextrin-crosslinked synthetic neuropeptide Y-based nanosponges in epilepsy by contributing GABAergic signal.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a polypeptide sequence useful in regulating physiological functions like homeostasis, feeding, etc., but its usage is restricted due to its short half-life. ß-cyclodextrin-crosslinked nanosponges improve the drug release and stability due to its wide cavity, which is helpful to deliver therapeutics. The present work aimed to formulate synthetic NPY-based nanocarriers as sponges by polymer condensation mechanism using design experiment to improve the peptide release and stability. The validated nanosponges exhibited a particle size of 423.42 ± 5.32 nm, 75.82 ± 7.43 % entrapment efficiency and 83.50 ± 6.54 % NPY release for 24 h. The NPY and ß-cyclodextrin interaction was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The NPY-loaded nanosponges were found stable for 6 months at two conditions (5 ± 2 °C and 25 ± 2 °C). The cross-linked nanocarriers of synthetic peptide-based nanosponges powder at different doses were administered intranasally using a metered-dose inhaler in the animal model to check its antiepileptic activity. The synthetic NPY-loaded nanosponges at higher doses showed significant antiepileptic effects equivalent to the standard drug (administered orally) in maximal electroshock and chemically-induced seizures with an increase of NPY in the brain directly proportional to GABAergic signalling by increase in GABA levels resulting in convulsions attenuation.

Nucleic Acid-conjugated Carbohydrate Nanobiosensors: A Multimodal Tool for Disease Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Nucleic acid-based carbohydrate sensors (NAbCSs) constitute a strategy involving nucleic acids as recognition elements for the development of a unique, stable, sensitive, mono- or multimodal detection system in the field of nanomedicine, gas sensing, and gene therapy. Thus, this advanced platform for next-generation investigation compromises cost-effective, wearable, and noninvasive sensing devices as diagnostics in healthcare. OBJECTIVE: This review article highlights the importance of NAbCSs and explores the novel applications of sensors fabricated via the conjugation of nucleic acids and carbohydrates. Additionally, advances in smart portable devices, like smartphones, printers, and digital multimeters, are summarized, followed by the challenges involved in the development of futuristic sensing tools. METHODS: A novel platform has been unfolded for the detection of different chemical toxins (like aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A) and biomarkers (like miRNA in cancer) present in biosamples, food and biowarfare agents. The potential applications of biosensing in the areas of miniaturization, reusability, rapid, point-of-care or portable for home analysis techniques, cost-effective, eco-friendly, high throughput and personalized sensors for qualitative analysis of target analyte/s in bio-fluids and food have been explored. CONCLUSION: NAbCSs provide real-time monitoring of biosamples qualitatively and semi-quantitatively (luminometer, fluorimeter, etc.) in the absence of trained personnel. Explorations of NAbCSs encompass advantages in remote resource-limited access areas with simultaneous monitoring via smart devices for multiple analytes with greater precision, sensitivity, and selectivity.

Diversified Applications of Self-assembled Nanocluster Delivery Systems- A State-ofthe- art Review.

BACKGROUND: For the nanoparticulate system and the transportation of cellular elements for the fabrication of microelectronic devices, self-assembled nanoclusters arrange the components into an organized structure. Nanoclusters reduce transcytosis and increase endocytosis in intestinal mucin to strengthen the retrograde pathway that helps for delivery of actives to the Golgi apparatus. OBJECTIVES: This review article focuses on the self-assembled nanoclusters for cellular transportation, applications of self-assembled structures in the delivery of essential elements like using a peptide in targeted and stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems, and self-assembly of tocopherol nanoclusters that promote vitamin E delivery across the endothelial barrier. METHODS: Current innovation in the self-assembly of peptides includes the formation of nanostructures like vesicles, fibers, and rod-coil in various applications of wound healing, tissue engineering, atherosclerosis treatment, sensing heavy metals from biological and environmental samples, and advanced drug delivery. RESULTS: Self-assembled biodegradable nanoclusters are used as biomimetic structures for a synergistic effect. For temperature-triggered drug release nanoclusters, modifications in preparation methods, such as the inclusion of a copolymer, are made. CONCLUSION: Green synthesis of nanoclusters, nanocluster-based biosensors, and artificial intelligence are future concepts in the manufacturing and prevention of toxicity in humans.

Biotherapy using Sperm Cell-oriented Transportation of Therapeutics in Female Reproductive Tract Cancer.

Female reproductive tract cancers like ovarian, cervical, vaginal, etc. have led to a serious concern for reproductive health as well as an increase in physical and psychological stresses amongst women. Various conventional techniques like surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are employed but possess limitations such as organ toxicity, infection, nausea, vomiting, etc. Also, several nanotechnology-based synthetic vehicle delivery systems like liposomes, nanoparticles, etc. are used but they lack targeting efficiency that results in poor propulsion and control. Therefore, there is a need for naturally-driven drug carriers to overcome such limitations. Sperm-based drug delivery is the new area for targeted delivery that offers self-propulsion to tumor sites, higher biocompatibility, longer lifespan and increased tissue penetration with enhanced localization. Drug-loaded sperm cells are harnessed with micro/nanomotor that will guide them to the intended target site. The critical analysis of the sperm-based drug delivery system was executed and summarized along with the current challenges. This article deals with the art of delivering the anticancer drug to female reproductive cancer sites with proof-of-concept-based research data and critical discussion on challenges in formulating the sperm-based delivery with a future perspective.

Multifaceted Applications of Genetically Modified Micro-organisms: A Biotechnological Revolution.

BACKGROUND: Genetically modified micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses, algae and fungi are novel approaches used in the field of healthcare due to better efficacy and targeted delivery in comparison to conventional approaches. OBJECTIVES: This review article focuses on the applications of genetically modified micro-organisms in the treatment of cancer, obesity and HIV infection. The gut microbiome causes metabolic disorders, however, the use of genetically modified bacteria alters the gut microbiota and delivers therapeutically effective drugs in the treatment of obesity. METHODS: Enhancement of the therapeutic activity of different micro-organisms is required for multiple treatments in cancer, diabetes, etc., by incorporating their fragments into the microbial filaments with the help of genetic modification approaches. Various methods like amelioration of NAPE synthesis, silica immobilization, polyadenylation and electrochemical are used to integrate the strain into the bacteria and engineer a live virus with a peptide. RESULTS: The development of novel microbial strains using genetic modifications over core strains offers higher precision, greater molecular multiplicity, better prevention from the degradation of microbes in atmospheric temperature and significant reduction of side effects for therapeutic applications. Moreover, genetically modified micro-organisms are used in multidisciplinary sectors like generation of electricity, purification of water, bioremediation process, etc., indicating the versatility and scope of genetically engineered microbes. CONCLUSION: The bioengineered micro-organisms with genetic modifications proved to be advantageous in various conditions like cancer, diabetes, malaria, organ regeneration, inflammatory bowel disease, etc. This article provides insight into various applications of genetically modified microbes in different sectors with their implementation for regulatory approval.

Nanotech-based Food: An Initiative for Alternative Pharmaceuticals.

Nanotechnology opens many avenues in the food sector and offers applications associated with food production, processing, cultivation, and packaging. Nanofood employs nanotechniques like nano-encapsulation to conjugate various phytochemicals, antioxidants, probiotics, minerals, vitamins, etc., into nanovehicles. Food fortification strategies are implemented to incorporate nano-processed substances. Nanofood is mostly used for improving health and as a supplementation in various diseases ranging from liver diseases to neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we focus on recent studies that exhibit comparable results for nanofood and conventional medicines, subsiding the limitations of traditional therapies. Nanofood holds the potential for the management of various health problems and can be used as an alternative to medicine in clinical conditions, like cancers and inflammatory bowel disease. With further advances in nanotechnology and expansion in the scope of the current nanofood industry, in addition to proper regulations set in place, nanofood may offer a wide variety of advantages in terms of safety, long-term stability, etc.

Adsorption of Cisplatin on Oxidized Graphene Nanoribbons for Improving the Uptake in Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma Cell Line A549.

BACKGROUND: Graphene nanoribbons are nanosized strips of graphene with unique physicochemical properties like higher drug loading capacity and affinity for tumor cells. OBJECTIVE: The principal objective of this research was to develop oxidized graphene nanoribbons (O-GNRs)-based delivery system for cisplatin against non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line A549 by selective endocytosis. METHODS: The O-GNRs prepared using various synthetic steps like oxidative unzipping were evaluated for various parameters like morphology, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) study, % adsorption efficacy, Differential scanning colometric (DSC) study and in-vitro efficacy studies. RESULTS: Graphene nanoribbons with the length of 200-250 nm and width of 20-40 nm were obtained. The FTIR spectrum of drug-loaded O-GNRs exhibited a characteristic peak at 1550 cm-1 (- N-H group) of cisplatin. The DSC indicated the presence of sharp endothermic peaks at 59°C (PEG), 254°C (-C-NH3) and 308.6°C (-C-Pt). The % adsorption efficiency was found to be 74.56 ± 0.798% with in-vitro release in controlled manner (63.36% ± 0.489%) for 24 h. CONCLUSION: The nanoformulation showed an average inhibition of 22.72% at a lower dose of cisplatin (> 25%) by passive targeting on cell line A549 by DNA alkylation. In the near future, graphene-based systems will establish potential nanosystems in cancer treatment due to the additive effect of graphene with various therapeutic agents.