Chia nanoemulsion: anti-inflammatory mechanism, biological behavior and cellular interactions.

Aim: This study explores chia oil, rich in ω-3 fatty acids and nutraceutical components, as a potential remedy for diseases, especially those linked to inflammation and cancer. Methods/materials: A chia oil-based nanoemulsion, developed through single emulsification, underwent comprehensive analysis using various techniques. In vitro and in vivo assays, including macrophage polarization, nitrite and cytokine production, cellular uptake and biodistribution, were conducted to assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy. Results & conclusion: Results reveal that the chia nanoemulsion significantly inhibits inflammation, outperforming pure oil with twice the efficacy. Enhanced uptake by macrophage-like cells and substantial accumulation in key organs indicate its potential as an economical and effective anti-inflammatory nanodrug, addressing global economic and health impacts of inflammation-related diseases.

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.

A low-cost carbon-based electrochemical platform for determining 2,3-dihydroxyphenol: applications in natural water and biodiesel samples.

2,3-Dihydroxyphenol (DHP) is a phenolic compound that has been used as an additive in biodiesel to avoid the auto-oxidation of biofuels and also in the production of cosmetic products. However, this substance can be released into the environment during its manufacture, transport, disposal and industrial use and can be harmful to health due to its toxicity, and hence, monitoring its presence in different samples is very important. Therefore, this work describes an electroanalytical study of DHP using different carbon-based pastes prepared to evaluate which one would be more promising to be used as an electrochemical platform for DHP quantification. The materials studied (graphite, carbon black and carbon nanotubes) in this work were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and the Boehm method. Voltammetric studies showed that pure carbon black presented a higher current density for detecting DHP than the other materials tested (graphite, carbon black + graphite, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanotubes + graphite). In studying the medium's pH, the highest currents occurred in acid media and acetate buffer solutions. After optimizing the experimental parameters, it was possible to obtain a wide range of linear responses from 0.1 to 10 000 µmol L-1 for DHP and a good limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 µmol L-1. The selectivity of the electrode was tested for different species that may be present in samples containing DHP. Finally, the electrode was applied to determine DHP in natural water and biodiesel samples, showing recovery values between 98 and 102%, indicating good accuracy.

Chitosan-graphene quantum dot based active film as smart wound dressing.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), are biocompatible materials, with mechanical strength and stability. Chitosan, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and biocompatibility. Wound healing is a challenging process especially in chronic diseases and infection. In this study, films consisting of chitosan and graphene quantum dots were developed for application in infected wounds. The chitosan-graphene films were prepared in the acidic solution followed by slow solvent evaporation and drying. The chitosan-graphene films were characterized by the scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The films' was evaluated by the wound healing assays, hemolytic potential, and nitrite production, cytokine production and swelling potential. The obtained films were flexible and well-structured, promoting cell migration, greater antibacterial activity, lower hemolytic activity, and maintaining wound moisture. Our data suggested that the use of graphene quantum dot-containing chitosan films would be an efficient and promising way in combating wounds.

Nanomicelles of Radium Dichloride [223Ra]RaCl2 Co-Loaded with Radioactive Gold [198Au]Au Nanoparticles for Targeted Alpha-Beta Radionuclide Therapy of Osteosarcoma.

Alpha and beta particulate radiation are used for non-treated neoplasia, due to their ability to reach and remain in tumor sites. Radium-223 (223Ra), an alpha emitter, promotes localized cytotoxic effects, while radioactive gold (198Au), beta-type energy, reduces radiation in the surrounding tissues. Nanotechnology, including several radioactive nanoparticles, can be safely and effectively used in cancer treatment. In this context, this study aims to analyze the antitumoral effects of [223Ra]Ra nanomicelles co-loaded with radioactive gold nanoparticles ([198Au]AuNPs). For this, we synthesize and characterize nanomicelles, as well as analyze some parameters, such as particle size, radioactivity emission, dynamic light scattering, and microscopic atomic force. [223Ra]Ra nanomicelles co-loaded with [198Au]AuNPs, with simultaneous alpha and beta emission, showed no instability, a mean particle size of 296 nm, and a PDI of 0.201 (±0.096). Furthermore, nanomicelles were tested in an in vitro cytotoxicity assay. We observed a significant increase in tumor cell death using combined alpha and beta therapy in the same formulation, compared with these components used alone. Together, these results show, for the first time, an efficient association between alpha and beta therapies, which could become a promising tool in the control of tumor progression.

Atezolizumab-Conjugated Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanoparticles as Pharmaceutical Part Candidates for Radiopharmaceuticals.

The necessity of new drugs for lung cancer therapy and imaging is increasing each day. The development of new drugs that are capable of reaching the tumor with specificity and selectivity is required. In this direction, the design of nanoparticles for tumor therapy represents an important alternative. The aim of this study was to develop, characterize, and evaluate target-specific atezolizumab-conjugated poly(lactic acid)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PLA/PVA) nanoparticles as pharmaceutical fragment candidates for new radiopharmaceuticals. For this purpose, PLA/PVA nanoparticle formulations were prepared by the double emulsification/solvent evaporation method with a high-speed homogenizer. A special focus was oriented to the selection of a suitable method for modification of the nanoparticle surface with a monoclonal antibody. For this purpose, atezolizumab was bound to the nanoparticles during the preparation by solvent evaporation or either by adsorption or covalent binding. PLA/PVA/atezolizumab nanoparticles are characterized by dynamic light scattering, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. An in vitro assay was performed to evaluate the antibody binding efficiency, stability, and cytotoxicity [A549 (lung cancer cell) and L929 (healthy fibroblast cell)]. The results showed that a spherical nanoparticle with a size of 230.6 ± 1.768 nm and a ζ potential of -2.23 ± 0.55 mV was produced. Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that the monoclonal antibody was entrapped in the nanoparticle. The high antibody binding efficiency (80.58%) demonstrated the efficacy of the nanosystem. The cytotoxic assay demonstrated the safety of the nanoparticle in L929 and the effect on A549. In conclusion, PLA/PVA/atezolizumab nanoparticles can be used as drug delivery systems for lung cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Preliminary studies on drug delivery of polymeric primaquine microparticles using the liver high uptake effect based on size of particles to improve malaria treatment.

Malaria is the most common parasitic disease around the world, especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions. This parasitic disease can have a rapid and severe evolution. It is transmitted by female anopheline mosquitoes. There is no reliable vaccine or diagnostic test against malaria; instead, Artesunate is used for the treatment of severe malaria and Artemisinin is used for uncomplicated falciparum malaria. However, these treatments are not efficient against severe malaria and improvements are needed. Primaquine (PQ) is one of the most widely used antimalarial drugs. It is the only available drug to date for combating the relapsing form of malaria. Nevertheless, it has severe side effects. Particle drug-delivery systems present the ability to enhance the therapeutic properties of drugs and decrease their side effects. Here, we report the development of Polymeric Primaquine Microparticles (PPM) labeled with 99mTc for therapeutic strategy against malaria infection. The amount of primaquine encapsulated into the PPM was 79.54%. PPM presented a mean size of 929.47 ± 37.72 nm, with a PDI of 0.228 ± 0.05 showing a homogeneous size for the microparticles and a monodispersive behavior. Furthermore, the biodistribution test showed that primaquine microparticles have a high liver accumulation. In vivo experiments using mice show that the PPM treatments resulted in partial efficacy and protection against the development of the parasite compared to free Primaquine. These results suggest that microparticles drug delivery systems of primaquine could be a possible approach for malaria prevention and treatment.

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.

Using graphene quantum dots for treating radioactive liquid waste.

The use of smart materials, especially the carbon-based nanomaterials, is increasing each day. Among the several carbon-based nanomaterials, graphene quantum dots are one of the most impressive ones, not only by its quantum behavior but due to the adsorption quality conferred by electrostatic interactions from the negatively charged groups as the huge surface area (2.630 m2/g). In this study, we developed and tested graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as smart nano-adsorbents of uranium (238U) from the radioactive industry waste. The GQDs were developed in a size range of 160-220 nm using a totally green route. The results showed that the GQDs were capable to adsorb almost 40% of the uranium (238U) in alamine 3366 solution. Also, the results demonstrated that using GQDs treatment-like smart nanomaterials for radioactive waste in a volume reduction of almost 90% is achieved, helping the storage process as the final disposal of this material. We may conclude that GQDs may represent a smart device for the treatment of radioactive waste as an alternative of absorbent in the radioactive industry.

Graphene quantum dots unraveling: Green synthesis, characterization, radiolabeling with 99mTc, in vivo behavior and mutagenicity.

Graphene is one of the crystalline forms of carbon, along with diamond, graphite, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes, and is considered as a revolutionary and innovating product. The use of a graphene-based nanolabels is one of the latest and most prominent application of graphene, especially in the field of diagnosis and, recently, in loco radiotherapy when coupled with radioisotopes. However, its biological behavior and mutagenicity in different cell or animal models, as well as the in vivo functional activities, are still unrevealed. In this study we have developed by a green route of synthesizing graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and characterized them. We have also developed a methodology for direct radiolabeling of GQDs with radioisotopes.Finally; we have evaluated in vivo biological behavior of GQDs using two different mice models and tested in vitro mutagenicity of GQDs. The results have shown that GQDs were formed with a size range of 160-280 nm, which was confirmed by DRX and Raman spectroscopy analysis, corroborating that the green synthesis is an alternative, environmentally friendly way to produce graphene. The radiolabeling test has shown that stable radiolabeled GQDs can be produced with a high yield (>90%). The in vivo test has demonstrated a ubiquitous behavior when administered to healthy animals, with a high uptake by liver (>26%) and small intestine (>25%). Otherwise, in an inflammation/VEGF hyperexpression animal model (endometriosis), a very peculiar behavior of GQDs was observed, with a high uptake by kidneys (over 85%). The mutagenicity test has demonstrated A:T to G:C substitutions suggesting that GQDs exhibits mutagenic activity.

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.