Nanostructured Electrospun Polycaprolactone-Propolis Mats Composed of Different Morphologies for Potential Use in Wound Healing.

This study aimed to investigate different types of morphologies obtained using the electrospinning process to produce a material that enables wound healing while performing a controlled release. Using benign solvents, the authors prepared and characterised electrospun polycaprolactone mats loaded with propolis, a popular extract in traditional medicine with potential for skin repair. Different morphologies were obtained from distinct storage periods of the solution before electrospinning to investigate the effect of PCL hydrolysis (average diameters of fibres and beads: 159.2-280.5 nm and 1.9-5.6 µm, respectively). Phytochemical and FTIR analyses of the extract confirmed propolis composition. GPC and viscosity analyses showed a decrease in polymer molecular weight over the storage period (about a 70% reduction over 14 days) and confirmed that it was responsible for the nanostructure diversity. Moreover, propolis acted as a lubricant agent, affecting the spun solutions' viscosity and the thermal properties and hydrophilicity of the mats. All samples were within the value range of the water vapour transpiration rate of the commercial products (1263.08 to 2179.84 g/m2·day). Even though the presence of beads did not affect the propolis release pattern, an in vitro wound-healing assay showed that propolis-loaded mats composed of beaded fibres increased the cell migration process. Thus, these films could present the potential for use in wound dressing applications.

Ultrastructural Analysis of Cancer Cells Treated with the Radiopharmaceutical Radium Dichloride ([223Ra]RaCl2): Understanding the Effect on Cell Structure.

The use of alpha-particle (α-particle) radionuclides, especially [223Ra]RaCl2 (radium dichloride), for targeted alpha therapy is steadily increasing. Despite the positive clinical outcomes of this therapy, very little data are available about the effect on the ultrastructure of cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nanomechanical and ultrastructure effect of [223Ra] RaCl2 on cancer cells. To analyze the effect of [223Ra]RaCl2 on tumor cells, human breast cancer cells (lineage MDA-MB-231) were cultured and treated with the radiopharmaceutical at doses of 2 µCi and 0.9 µCi. The effect was evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with Raman spectroscopy. The results showed massive destruction of the cell membrane but preservation of the nucleus membrane. No evidence of DNA alteration was observed. The data demonstrated the formation of lysosomes and phagosomes. These findings help elucidate the main mechanism involved in cell death during α-particle therapy.

Evaluating Hydroxyapatite, Gold Nanoparticles, and Graphene-Copper as Bimodal Agents for X-ray and Computed Tomography.

A global need exists for new and more effective contrast agents for computed tomography and traditional X-ray modalities. Among the few options available nowadays, limitations imposed by industrial production, performance, and efficacy restrict the use and reduce the potential of both imaging techniques. The use of nanomaterials as new contrast agents for X-ray and computed tomography is an innovative and viable way to increase the options and enhance performance. In this study, we evaluated eight nanomaterials: hydroxyapatite doped with zinc (Zn-HA 10%); hydroxyapatite doped with strontium (Sr-HA 10%); hydroxyapatite without thermal treatment (HA 282 STT); thermally treated hydroxyapatite (HA 212 500 °C and HA 01.256 CTT 1000 °C); hydroxyapatite microspheres (HA microspheres); gold nanoparticles (AuNP); and graphene oxide doped with copper (Cu-GO). The results showed that for both imaging modalities; HA microspheres were the best option, followed by hydroxyapatite thermally treated at 1000 °C. The nanomaterials with the worst results were hydroxyapatite doped with zinc (Zn-HA 10%), and hydroxyapatite doped with strontium (Sr-HA 10%). Our data demonstrated the potential of using nanomaterials, especially HA microspheres, and hydroxyapatite with thermal treatment (HA 01.256 CTT 1000 °C) as contrast agents for X-ray and computed tomography.

Nano-Nutraceuticals for Health: Principles and Applications.

The use of nanotechnological products is increasing steadily. In this scenario, the application of nanotechnology in food science and as a technological platform is a reality. Among the several applications, the main use of this technology is for the development of foods and nutraceuticals with higher bioavailability, lower toxicity, and better sustainability. In the health field, nano-nutraceuticals are being used as supplementary products to treat an increasing number of diseases. This review summarizes the main concepts and applications of nano-nutraceuticals for health, with special focus on treating cancer and inflammation. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43450-022-00338-7.

Graphene: Insights on Biological, Radiochemical and Ecotoxicological Aspects.

Graphene, including graphene quantum dots, its oxide and unoxidized forms (pure graphene) have several properties, like fluorescence, electrical conductivity, theoretical surface area, low toxicity, and high biocompatibility. In this study, we evaluated genotoxicity (in silico analysis using the functional density theory-FDT), cytotoxicity (human glioblastoma cell line), in vivo pharmacokinetics, in vivo impact on microcirculation and cell internalization assay. It was also radiolabeled with lutetium 177 (177Lu), a beta emitter radioisotope to explore its therapeutic use as nanodrug. Finally, the impact of its disposal in the environment was analyzed using ecotoxicological evaluation. FDT analysis demonstrated that graphene can construct covalent and non-covalent bonds with different nucleobases, and graphene oxide is responsible for generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), corroborating its genotoxicity. On the other hand, non-cytotoxic effect on glioblastoma cells could be demonstrated. The pharmacokinetics analysis showed high plasmatic concentration and clearance. Topical application of 0.1 and 1 mg/kg of graphene nanoparticles on the hamster skinfold preparation did not show inflammatory effect. The cell internalization assay showed that 1-hour post contact with cells, graphene can cross the plasmatic membrane and accumulate in the cytoplasm. Radio labeling with 177Lu is possible and its use as therapeutic nanosystem is viable. Finally, the ecotoxicity analysis showed that A. silina exposed to graphene showed pronounced uptake and absorption in the nauplii gut and formation of ROS. The data obtained showed that although being formed exclusively of carbon and carbon-oxygen, graphene and graphene oxide respectively generate somewhat contradictory results and more studies should be performed to certify the safety use of this nanoplatform.

Radioactive gold nanocluster (198-AuNCs) showed inhibitory effects on cancer cells lines.

Cancer is a global epidemic disease responsible for over ten millions death worldwide. The early diagnosis and the precise treatment with reduced adverse reactions are the main goal worldwide. In this study, we produced, characterized and evaluated (in vitro) in three different cancer cell lines (protaste, breast and melanoma) a radioactive gold nanocluster (R-AuNC) (198Au25(Capt)18). The pharmacokinetics as the influence in the ABC transporter (MRP1 Efflux Transporter Protein) was also evaluated. The results showed that R-AuNC (198Au25(Capt)18) are capable to kill the cancer cells lines of protaste, breast and melanoma. The pharmacokinetics showed a fast clearance and great volume of distribution, confirming the use of R-AuNC as nanomedicine for cancer treatment. Finally, the ABC transporter assay corroborated that the R-AuNC (198Au25(Capt)18) has no risk of being pumped out of cells by this efflux transporter. The results validate the use of gold nanoparticles as therapeutic nanomedicine for cancer treatment.

In loco retention effect of magnetic core mesoporous silica nanoparticles doped with trastuzumab as intralesional nanodrug for breast cancer.

Breast cancer is women's most common type of cancer, with a global rate of over 522,000 deaths per year. One of the main problems related to breast cancer relies in the early detection, as the specialized treatment. In this direction was developed, characterized and tested in vivo a smart delivery system, based on radiolabelled magnetic core mesoporous silica doped with trastuzumab as intralesional nanodrug for breast cancer imaging and possible therapy. The results showed that nanoparticles had a size of 58.9 ± 8.1 nm, with specific surface area of 872 m2/g and pore volume of 0.85 cm3/g with a pore diameter of 3.15 nm. The magnetic core mesoporous silica was efficiently labelled with 99mTc (97.5% ±0.8) and doped >98%. The cytotoxicity assay, demonstrated they are safe to use. The data were corroborated with the IC50 result of: 829.6 µg ± 43.2. The biodistribution showed an uptake by the tumour of 7.5% (systemic via) and 97.37% (intralesional) with less than 3% of these nanoparticles absorbed by healthy tissues. In a period 6-h post-injection, no barrier delimited by the tumour was crossed, corroborating the use as intralesional nanodrug.