Targeted photodynamic therapy technique of Janus nanoparticles on breast cancer.

Spherical gold/polyacrylic acid (Au/PAA) polymer-inorganic Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) with simultaneous therapeutic and targeting functions were fabricated. The obtained Au/PAA JNPs were further selectively functionalized with folic acid (FA) and thiol PEG amine (SH-PEG-NH2) on Au sides to provide superior biocompatibility and active targeting, while the other PAA sides were loaded with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to serve as a photosensitizer (PS) for photodynamic therapeutic (PDT) effects on MCF-7 cancer cells. The PS loading of 5-ALA was found to be 83% with an average hydrodynamic size and z-potential of 146 ± 0.8 nm and -6.40 mV respectively for FA-Au/PAA-ALA JNPs. The in vitro PDT study of the JNPs on MCF-7 breast cancer cells under 636 nm laser irradiation indicated the cell viability of 24.7% ± 0.5 for FA-Au/PAA-ALA JNPs at the IC50 value of 0.125 mM. In this regard, the actively targeted FA-Au/PAA-ALA JNPs treatment holds great potential for tumour therapy with high cancer cell-killing efficacy.

Targeting Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and its interplay with TGF-ß and Notch signaling pathways for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Wound healing is a tightly regulated process that ensures tissue repair and normal function following injury. It is modulated by activation of pathways such as the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), Notch, and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathways. Dysregulation of this process causes poor wound healing, which leads to tissue fibrosis and ulcerative wounds. The Wnt/ß-catenin pathway is involved in all phases of wound healing, primarily in the proliferative phase for formation of granulation tissue. This review focuses on the role of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in wound healing, and its transcriptional regulation of target genes. The crosstalk between Wnt/ß-catenin, Notch, and the TGF-ß signaling pathways, as well as the deregulation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in chronic wounds are also considered, with a special focus on diabetic ulcers. Lastly, we discuss current and prospective therapies for chronic wounds, with a primary focus on strategies that target the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway such as photobiomodulation for healing diabetic ulcers.

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in a Hydrogel with Photobiomodulation Augmentation.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), possessing multipotent mesenchymal characteristics akin to stem cells, are frequently employed in regenerative medicine due to their capacity for a diverse range of cell differentiation and their ability to enhance migration, proliferation, and mitigate inflammation. However, ADSCs often face challenges in survival and engraftment within wounds, primarily due to unfavorable inflammatory conditions. To address this issue, hydrogels have been developed to sustain ADSC viability in wounds and expedite the wound healing process. Here, we aimed to assess the synergistic impact of photobiomodulation (PBM) on ADSC proliferation and cytotoxicity within a 3D cell culture framework. Immortalized ADSCs were seeded into 10 µL hydrogels at a density of 2.5 x 103 cells and subjected to irradiation using 525 nm and 825 nm diodes at fluencies of 5 J/cm2 and 10 J/cm2. Morphological changes, cytotoxicity, and proliferation were evaluated at 24 h and 10 days post-PBM exposure. The ADSCs exhibited a rounded morphology and were dispersed throughout the gel as individual cells or spheroid aggregates. Importantly, both PBM and 3D culture framework displayed no cytotoxic effects on the cells, while PBM significantly enhanced the proliferation rates of ADSCs. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the use of hydrogel as a suitable 3D environment for ADSC culture and introduces PBM as a significant augmentation strategy, particularly addressing the slow proliferation rates associated with 3D cell culture.

Anticancer photodynamic activities of triphenylphosphine-labelled phthalocyanines and their bovine serum albumin-gold nanoparticles- complexes on melanoma A375 cell lines in vitro.

This work reports on the synthesis of triphenylphosphine-labelled cationic phthalocyanines (Pc) complexed with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). This nano-complex (Pc-BSA-Au) is studied for its photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity compared to the non-complexed Pc counterpart. The photochemical properties and in vitro PDT efficacies of the Pc and the nano-complex were determined and are compared herein. The singlet oxygen (1O2) yields of the Pcs were determined and are reported in DMF. A singlet oxygen quantum yield of 0.47 was obtained for the Pcs. The PDT efficacies of the complexes were thereafter determined using malignant melanoma A375 cancer cell line in vitro. An increase in the cell toxicity was observed for cells treated with Pc-BSA-Au compared to those treated with the Pc alone. The cell survival percentages were 23.1% for cells treated with Pc-BSA-Au and 48.7% for those treated with Pc alone under PDT treatments.

Overcoming challenges in cancer treatment: Nano-enabled photodynamic therapy as a viable solution.

Cancer presents a formidable challenge, necessitating innovative therapies that maximize effectiveness while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in cancer treatment, particularly through nano-enabled photodynamic therapy (NE-PDT), which leverages precise and targeted interventions. NE-PDT capitalizes on photosensitizers activated by light to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that initiate apoptotic pathways in cancer cells. Nanoparticle enhancements optimize this process, improving drug delivery, selectivity, and ROS production within tumors. This review dissects NE-PDT's mechanistic framework, showcasing its potential to harness apoptosis as a potent tool in cancer therapy. Furthermore, the review explores the synergy between NE-PDT and complementary treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, highlighting the potential to amplify apoptotic responses, enhance immune recognition of cancer cells, and inhibit resistance mechanisms. Preclinical and clinical advancements in NE-PDT demonstrate its efficacy across various cancer types. Challenges in translating NE-PDT into clinical practice are also addressed, emphasizing the need for optimizing nanoparticle design, refining dosimetry, and ensuring long-term safety. Ultimately, NE-PDT represents a promising approach in cancer therapy, utilizing the intricate mechanisms of apoptosis to address therapeutic hurdles. The review underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between nanoparticles, ROS generation, and apoptotic pathways, contributing to a deeper comprehension of cancer biology and novel therapeutic strategies. As interdisciplinary collaborations continue to thrive, NE-PDT offers hope for effective and targeted cancer interventions, where apoptosis manipulation becomes central to conquering cancer. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

Design consideration of phthalocyanines as sensitizers for enhanced sono-photodynamic combinatorial therapy of cancer.

Cancer remains one of the diseases with the highest incidence and mortality globally. Conventional treatment modalities have demonstrated threatening drawbacks including invasiveness, non-controllability, and development of resistance for some, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Sono-photodynamic combinatorial therapy (SPDT) has been developed as an alternative treatment modality which offers a non-invasive and controllable therapeutic approach. SPDT combines the mechanism of action of sonodynamic therapy (SDT), which uses ultrasound, and photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses light, to activate a sensitizer and initiate cancer eradication. The use of phthalocyanines (Pcs) as sensitizers for SPDT is gaining interest owing to their ability to induce intracellular oxidative stress and initiate toxicity under SDT and PDT. This review discusses some of the structural prerequisites of Pcs which may influence their overall SPDT activities in cancer therapy.

Multifunctional embelin- poly (3-hydroxybutyric acid) and sodium alginate-based core-shell electrospun nanofibrous mat for wound healing applications.

In this study, coaxial electrospinning is employed to make core-shell fibers, which represents a major advance in biomaterial innovation. Fibers that combine a protective shell and a therapeutic agent-loaded core, herald a revolutionary era in tissue engineering and wound care. Besides supporting cell growth, these fibers also preserve sterility, which makes them ideal for advanced wound dressings. We used embelin as the basis for this study because of its natural antibacterial properties. Its effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of bacteria made it the ideal candidate for our research. We have synthesized core-shell nanofibers that contain Sodium Alginate (SAL) in a Poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) shell and Embelin in a Poly (3-hydroxybutyric acid) (PHB) core, which exhibit the homogeneity and flawless structure required for biomedical applications. When using SAL-PEO and EMB-PHB solutions dissolved in 1,1,1,3,3,3 hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP), high consistency in results can be achieved. A biocompatibility study was conducted using NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, which demonstrated remarkable adhesion and proliferation, with over 95 % growth supporting both PHB + SAL-PEO and EMB-PHB + SAL-PEO fibers. In addition, the scaffold loaded with Embelin shows strong antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility. The combined activity demonstrates the potential of EMB-PHB + SAL-PEO fibers in wound healing, where tissue regeneration and preservation of sterility are crucial. The optimized concentration of Embelin within these scaffolds demonstrates robust antibacterial efficacy while exhibiting minimal toxicity, thus positioning them as highly promising candidates for a wide range of biological applications, including wound healing.

Green nanotech paradigm for enhancing sesquiterpene lactone therapeutics in cancer.

In the field of cancer therapy, sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) derived from diverse Dicoma species demonstrate noteworthy bioactivity. However, the translation of their full therapeutic potential into clinical applications encounters significant challenges, primarily related to solubility, bioavailability, and precise drug targeting. Despite these obstacles, our comprehensive review introduces an innovative paradigm shift that integrates the inherent therapeutic properties of SLs with the principles of green nanotechnology. To overcome issues of solubility, bioavailability, and targeted drug delivery, eco-friendly strategies are proposed for synthesizing nanocarriers. Green nanotechnology has emerged as a focal point in addressing environmental and health concerns linked to conventional treatments. This progressive approach of green nanotechnology holds promise for the development of safe and sustainable nanomaterials, particularly in the field of drug delivery. This groundbreaking methodology signifies a pioneering advancement in the creation of novel and effective anticancer therapeutics. It holds substantial potential for transforming cancer treatment and advancing the landscape of natural product research.

Aluminium phthalocyanine-mediated photodynamic therapy induces ATM-related DNA damage response and apoptosis in human oesophageal cancer cells.

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light-based technique used in the treatment of malignant and non-malignant tissue. Aluminium-phthalocyanine chloride tetra sulfonate (AlPcS4Cl)-mediated PDT has been well investigated on several cancer types, including oesophageal cancer. However, the effects of (AlPcS4Cl)-mediated PDT on DNA damage response and the mechanism of cell death in oesophageal cancer needs further investigation. Methods: Here, we examined the in vitro effects of AlPcS4Cl-mediated PDT on cell cycle, DNA damage response, oxidative stress, and intrinsic apoptotic cell death pathway in HKESC-1 oesophageal cancer cells. The HKESC-1 cells were exposed to PDT using a semiconductor laser diode (673.2 nm, 5 J/cm2 fluency). Cell viability and cytotoxicity were determined by the ATP cell viability assay and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, respectively. Cell cycle and DNA damage response (DDR) analyses were conducted using the Muse™ cell cycle kit and the Muse® multi-color DNA damage kit, respectively. The mode of cell death was identified using the Annexin V-FITC/PI detection assay and Muse® Autophagy LC3 antibody-based kit. The intrinsic apoptotic pathway was investigated by measuring the cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) function, cytochrome c levels and the activity of caspase 3/7 enzymes. Results: The results show that AlPcS4Cl-based PDT reduced cell viability, induced cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, and DNA double-strand break (DSB) through the upregulation of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), a DNA damage sensor. In addition, the findings showed that AlPcS4Cl-based PDT induced cell death via apoptosis, which is observed through increased ROS production, reduced ΔΨm, increased cytochrome c release, and activation of caspase 3/7 enzyme. Finally, no autophagy was observed in the AlPcS4Cl-mediated PDT-treated cells. Conclusion: Our findings showed that apoptotic cell death is the main cell death mechanism triggered by AlPcS4Cl-mediated PDT in oesophageal cancer cells.

Phthalocyanine-based probes in alleviating or evading tumour-hypoxia for enhanced photo- and/ sono-mediated therapeutic efficacies.

This review discusses the possible methods for improving therapeutic efficacies of phthalocyanine (Pcs) -based therapeutic probes in photo- and sono-dynamic therapies under hypoxic conditions. Herein, the structural design strategies including varying the central metal, position substituents and the effects of adjuvant used in supplementing the therapeutics activities of Pcs or formation of NPs are discussed for cancer therapies in hypoxic conditions. Different mechanisms induced for cell death influenced by the compositions of the Pcs-probes are discussed. The focus mainly highlights the oxygen (O2) -dependent mechanisms including methods of supplementing tumour microenvironment O2-concentrations to promote PDT or SDT therapies. Alternatively, O2-independent mechanisms mainly used to evade hypoxia by stimulating anticancer processes that don't require O2 to initiate cell death, such as the Fenton reaction or thermal ablation effects.

Cannabidiol Combination Enhances Photodynamic Therapy Effects on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells.

Cannabis sativa is a well-known plant for its psychoactive effects; however, its many derivatives, such as Cannabidiol (CBD), contain several therapeutic applications. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main cannabis derivative responsible for psychoactive properties, while CBD is non-psychotropic. For this reason, CBD has been more exploited in the last decade. CBD has been connected to multiple anticancer properties, and when combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT), it is possible to eradicate tumors more effectively. In this study, CBD was utilized to treat MCF-7 breast cancer cells, followed by in vitro PDT combination therapy. Conventional breast cancer treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. have been reported for inducing a number of undesirable side effects, recurrence of the disease, and low quality of life. In this study, cells were exposed to varying concentrations of CBD (i.e., 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 µg/mL) and incubated 12 and 24 h after treatment. The optimal doses were then used in combination therapy. Morphology and biochemical assays, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for membrane integrity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for viability, and trypan blue exclusion assay for viability, were used to examine cellular responses after treatments. The optimal concentration was then utilized in Hypericin-Gold nanoparticles mediated PDT combination. The results revealed that, in a dose-dependent manner, conventional morphological characteristics of cell death, such as vacuolization, blebbing, and floating were observed in treated cells. The biochemical responses demonstrated an increase in LDH, a decrease in ATP, and a reduction in viability. This study demonstrated that CBD induces cell death in MCF-7 breast cancer cells cultured in vitro. The immunofluorescence results of combination therapy indicated that cell death occurred via apoptosis. In conclusion, this study proposes that the CBD and PDT combination therapy is effective in killing MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro by induction of apoptosis.

Insights on Three Dimensional Organoid Studies for Stem Cell Therapy in Regenerative Medicine.

Regenerative medicine has developed as a promising discipline that utilizes stem cells to address limitations in traditional therapies, using innovative techniques to restore and repair damaged organs and tissues. One such technique is the generation of three-dimensional (3D) organoids in stem cell therapy. Organoids are 3D constructs that resemble specific organs' structural and functional characteristics and are generated from stem cells or tissue-specific progenitor cells. The use of 3D organoids is advantageous in comparison to traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture by bridging the gap between in vivo and in vitro research. This review aims to provide an overview of the advancements made towards regenerative medicine using stem cells to generate organoids, explore the techniques used in generating 3D organoids and their applications and finally elucidate the challenges and future directions in regenerative medicine using 3D organoids.

Nanotechnology-mediated photodynamic therapy: Focus on overcoming tumor hypoxia.

The oxygen level in the tumor is a critical marker that determines response to different treatments. Cancerous cells can adapt to hypoxia and low pH conditions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) to regulate tumor metabolism, proliferation, and promote tumor metastasis as well as angiogenesis, consequently leading to treatment failure and recurrence. In recent years, widespread attempts have been made to overcome tumor hypoxia through different methods, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), hyperthermia, O2 carriers, artificial hemoglobin, oxygen generator hydrogels, and peroxide materials. While oxygen is found to be an essential agent to improve the treatment response of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and other cancer treatment modalities, the development of hypoxia within the tumor is highly associated with PDT failure. Recently, the use of nanoparticles has been a hot topic for researchers and exploited to overcome hypoxia through Oxygen-generating hydrogels, O2 nanocarriers, and O2 -generating nanoparticles. This review aimed to discuss the role of nanotechnology in tumor oxygenation and highlight the challenges, prospective, and recent advances in this area to improve PDT outcomes. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

Nano-phototherapy: Favorable prospects for cancer treatment.

Nanotechnology-based phototherapies have drawn interest in the fight against cancer because of its noninvasiveness, high flexibility, and precision in terms of cancer targeting and drug delivery based on its surface properties and size. Phototherapy has made remarkable development in recent decades. Approaches to phototherapy, which utilize nanomaterials or nanotechnology have emerged to contribute to advances around nanotechnologies in medicine, particularly for cancers. A brief overviews of the development of photodynamic therapy as well as its mechanism in cancer treatment is provided. We emphasize the design of novel nanoparticles utilized in photodynamic therapy while summarizing the representative progress during the recent years. Finally, to forecast important future research in this area, we examine the viability and promise of photodynamic therapy systems based on nanoparticles in clinical anticancer treatment applications and briefly make mention of the elimination of all reactive metabolites pertaining to nano formulations inside living organisms providing insight into clinical mechanistic processes. Future developments and therapeutic prospects for photodynamic treatments are anticipated. Our viewpoints might encourage scientists to create more potent phototherapy-based cancer therapeutic modalities. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

Advances in the detection and diagnosis of tuberculosis using optical-based devices.

Tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is highly contagious and can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. This review article discusses the importance of early detection and treatment and its global incidence and epidemiology, emphasizing its impact on vulnerable populations and its role as a major cause of death worldwide. Furthermore, it highlights the challenges faced with diagnosing TB. To overcome these challenges, point-of-care devices have emerged as promising tools for rapid and accurate TB detection. These include devices such as nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), lateral flow assays (LFAs), and microfluidic-based assays, which offer advantages such as rapid results, portability, and the ability to detect drug-resistant strains. Optical-based devices, such as photonic micro-ring sensors, silicon platform-based sensors, plasmonic-based platforms, microfluidics, and smartphone imaging, are some of the highlighted optical-based devices with the potential to detect TB. These devices can detect TB in sputum samples with high sensitivity and specificity. Optical-based diagnostic devices have the potential to offer the advantages of detecting low concentrations of target molecules and being adaptable to detect multiple targets simultaneously. Using these devices in a clinical setting makes them suitable for their application in improving access to diagnostic testing that enables earlier detection and treatment of TB. Furthermore, these devices would improve TB's global health issue, which requires comprehensive research, prevention, and treatment efforts.

Enhancing osteogenic differentiation in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells with Near Infra-Red and Green Photobiomodulation.

Worldwide, osteoporosis is the utmost predominant degenerative bone condition. Stem cell regenerative therapy using adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) is a promising therapeutic route for osteoporosis. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has sparked considerable international appeal due to its' ability to augment stem cell proliferation and differentiation properties. Furthermore, the differentiation of ADMSCs into osteoblast cells and cellular proliferation effects have been established using a combination of osteogenic differentiation inducers and PBM. This in vitro study applied dexamethasone, ß-glycerophosphate disodium, and ascorbic acid as differentiation inducers for osteogenic induction differentiation media. In addition, PBM at a near-infrared (NIR) wavelength of 825 nm, a green (G) wavelength of 525 nm, and the novel combination of both these wavelengths using a single fluence of 5 J/cm2 had been applied to stimulate proliferation and differentiation effectivity of immortalised ADMSCs into early osteoblasts. Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to identify osteoblast antigens using early and late osteoblast protein markers. Alizarin red Stain was employed to identify calcium-rich deposits by cells within culture. The morphology of the cells was examined, and biochemical assays such as an EdU proliferation assay, MTT proliferation and viability assay, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential assay, and Reactive Oxygen Species assay were performed. The Central Scratch Test determined the cells' motility potential. The investigative outcomes revealed that a combination of PBM treatment and osteogenic differentiation inducers stimulated promising early osteogenic differentiation of immortalised ADMSCs. The NIR-Green PBM combination did appear to offer great potential for immortalised ADMSC differentiation into early osteoblasts amongst selected assays, however, further investigations will be required to establish the effectivity of this novel wavelength combination. This research contributes to the body of knowledge and assists in the establishment of a standard for osteogenic differentiation in vitro utilising PBM.

Multifunctional lipid-based nanoparticles for wound healing and antibacterial applications: A review.

Wound healing primarily involves preventing severe infections, accelerating healing, and reducing pain and scarring. Therefore, the multifunctional application of lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNs) has received considerable attention in drug discovery due to their solid or liquid lipid core, which increases their ability to provide prolonged drug release, reduce treatment costs, and improve patient compliance. LBNs have also been used in medical and cosmetic practices and formulated for various products based on skin type, disease conditions, administration product costs, efficiency, stability, and toxicity; therefore, understanding their interaction with biological systems is very important. Therefore, it is necessary to perform an in-depth analysis of the results from a comprehensive characterization process to produce lipid-based drug delivery systems with desired properties. This review will provide detailed information on the different types of LBNs, their formulation methods, characterisation, antimicrobial activity, and application in various wound models (both in vitro and in vivo studies). Also, the clinical and commercial applications of LBNs are summarized.

The Efficacy of Zinc Phthalocyanine Nanoconjugate on Melanoma Cells Grown as Three-Dimensional Multicellular Tumour Spheroids.

Melanoma remains a major public health concern that is highly resistant to standard therapeutic approaches. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an underutilised cancer therapy with an increased potency and negligible side effects, and it is non-invasive compared to traditional treatment modalities. Three-dimensional multicellular tumour spheroids (MCTS) closely resemble in vivo avascular tumour features, allowing for the more efficient and precise screening of novel anticancer agents with various treatment combinations. In this study, we utilised A375 human melanoma spheroids to screen the phototoxic effect of zinc phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (ZnPcS4) conjugated to gold nanoparticles (AuNP). The nanoconjugate was synthesised and characterised using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential (ZP). The phototoxicity of the nanoconjugate was tested on the A375 MCTS using PDT at a fluency of 10 J/cm2. After 24 h, the cellular responses were evaluated via microscopy, an MTT viability assay, an ATP luminescence assay, and cell death induction using annexin propidium iodide. The MTT viability assay demonstrated that the photoactivated ZnPcS4, at a concentration of 12.73 µM, caused an approximately 50% reduction in the cell viability of the spheroids. When conjugated to AuNPs, the latter significantly increased the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in the melanoma spheroids via the induction of apoptosis. This novel Zinc Phthalocyanine Nanoconjugate shows promise as a more effective PDT treatment modality.

Interaction of the AKT and ß-catenin signalling pathways and the influence of photobiomodulation on cellular signalling proteins in diabetic wound healing.

The induction of a cells destiny is a tightly controlled process that is regulated through communication between the matrix and cell signalling proteins. Cell signalling activates distinctive subsections of target genes, and different signalling pathways may be used repeatedly in different settings. A range of different signalling pathways are activated during the wound healing process, and dysregulated cellular signalling may lead to reduced cell function and the development of chronic wounds. Diabetic wounds are chronic and are characterised by the inability of skin cells to act in response to reparative inducements. Serine/threonine kinase, protein kinase B or AKT (PKB/AKT), is a central connection in cell signalling induced by growth factors, cytokines and other cellular inducements, and is one of the critical pathways that regulate cellular proliferation, survival, and quiescence. AKT interacts with a variety of other pathway proteins including glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3ß) and ß-catenin. Novel methodologies based on comprehensive knowledge of activated signalling pathways and their interaction during normal or chronic wound healing can facilitate quicker and efficient diabetic wound healing. In this review, we focus on interaction of the AKT and ß-catenin signalling pathways and the influence of photobiomodulation on cellular signalling proteins in diabetic wound healing.

Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles for Targeted Cancer Therapy and Enhancing Photodynamic Therapy.

Different conventional therapeutic procedures are utilized globally to manage cancer cases, yet the mortality rate in patients with cancer remains considerably high. Developments in the field of nanotechnology have included novel therapeutic strategies to deal with cancer. Biogenic (green) metallic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained using plant-mediated protocols are attractive to researchers exploring cancer treatment. Biogenic AgNPs present advantages, since they are cost-effective, easy to obtain, energy efficient, and less toxic compared to chemically and physically obtained AgNPs. Also, they present excellent anticancer abilities thanks to their unique sizes, shapes, and optical properties. This review provides recent advancements in exploring biogenic AgNPs as a drug or agent for cancer treatment. Thus, great attention was paid to the anticancer efficacy of biogenic AgNPs, their anticancer mechanisms, their efficacy in cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT), their efficacy in targeted cancer therapy, and their toxicity.