Synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy using gold nanorods supported on thiol-functionalized mesoporous silica for lung cancer treatment.

Cancer therapy necessitates the development of novel and effective treatment modalities to combat the complexity of this disease. In this project, we propose a synergistic approach by combining chemo-photothermal treatment using gold nanorods (AuNRs) supported on thiol-functionalized mesoporous silica, offering a promising solution for enhanced lung cancer therapy. To begin, mesoporous MCM-41 was synthesized using a surfactant-templated sol-gel method, chosen for its desirable porous structure, excellent biocompatibility, and non-toxic properties. Further, thiol-functionalized MCM-41 was achieved through a simple grafting process, enabling the subsequent synthesis of AuNRs supported on thiol-functionalized MCM-41 (AuNR@S-MCM-41) via a gold-thiol interaction. The nanocomposite was then loaded with the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX), resulting in AuNR@S-MCM-41-DOX. Remarkably, the nanocomposite exhibited pH/NIR dual-responsive drug release behaviors, facilitating targeted drug delivery. In addition, it demonstrated exceptional biocompatibility and efficient internalization into A549 lung cancer cells. Notably, the combined photothermal-chemo therapy by AuNR@S-MCM-41-DOX exhibited superior efficacy in killing cancer cells compared to single chemo- or photothermal therapies. This study showcases the potential of the AuNR@S-MCM-41-DOX nanocomposite as a promising candidate for combined chemo-photothermal therapy in lung cancer treatment. The innovative integration of gold nanorods, thiol-functionalized mesoporous silica, and pH/NIR dual-responsive drug release provides a comprehensive and effective therapeutic approach for improved outcomes in lung cancer therapy. Future advancements based on this strategy hold promise for addressing the challenges posed by cancer and transforming patient care.

Drug design strategies for the treatment azole-resistant candidiasis.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the availability of novel antifungals and therapeutic strategies, the rate of global mortality linked to invasive fungal diseases from fungal infection remains high. Candida albicans account for the most invasive mycosis produced by yeast. Thus, the current arsenal of medicinal chemists is focused on finding new effective agents with lower toxicity and broad-spectrum activity. In this review article, recent efforts to find effective agents against azole-resistant candidiasis, a common fungal infection, are covered. AREAS COVERED: Herein, the authors outlined all azole-based compounds, dual target, and new scaffolds (non-azole-based compounds) which were effective against azole-resistant candidiasis. In addition, the mechanism of action and SAR studies were also discussed, if the data were available. EXPERT OPINION: The current status of fungal infections and the drawbacks of existing drugs have encouraged scientists to find novel scaffolds based on different methods like virtual screening and fragment-based drug discovery. Machine learning and in-silico methods have found their role in this field and experts are hopeful to find novel scaffolds/compounds by using these methods.

Double edged effect of gum-resin of ferula assa-foetida on lifespan of neurons.

OBJECTIVE(S): Based on knowledge from traditional herbal medicine, Ferula assa-foetida (asafoetida) has several therapeutic applications but there is less knowledge about its effect on neurons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to evaluate neuronal differentiation, neuronal like cells were stained against neuronal specific markers ß-Tubulin III and MAP2. After establishment of neuronal differentiation in cultured cells, aqueous extract of gum-resin of asafoetida were applied on culture medium of neurons with different concentrations then survival rate of neurons were evaluated by cell counting and methyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) tests. RESULTS: The results showed that asafoetida gum resin particularly with 0.01 and 1 µg/ml concentrations could improve survival rate of neurons, while10 µgr/ml treated group was toxic. CONCLUSION: RESULTS of this study indicated that gum resin of asafoetida in low doses has neuroprotective effect on neurons and improves survival rate of them, however in higher concentrations it is toxic for neurons.

Double edged effect of gum-resin of ferula assa-foetida on lifespan of neurons.

OBJECTIVE(S): Based on knowledge from traditional herbal medicine, Ferula assa-foetida (asafoetida) has several therapeutic applications but there is less knowledge about its effect on neurons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to evaluate neuronal differentiation, neuronal like cells were stained against neuronal specific markers ß-Tubulin III and MAP2. After establishment of neuronal differentiation in cultured cells, aqueous extract of gum-resin of asafoetida were applied on culture medium of neurons with different concentrations then survival rate of neurons were evaluated by cell counting and methyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) tests. RESULTS: The results showed that asafoetida gum resin particularly with 0.01 and 1 µg/ml concentrations could improve survival rate of neurons, while10 µgr/ml treated group was toxic. CONCLUSION: RESULTS of this study indicated that gum resin of asafoetida in low doses has neuroprotective effect on neurons and improves survival rate of them, however in higher concentrations it is toxic for neurons.