Immunization effect of lipopolysaccharide antigen in conjugation with PLGA nanoparticles as a nanovaccine against Brucella melitensis infection.

Brucella is an infectious disease with difficult treatment faced with drug resistance and recurrence of infection. Despite advances in the development of effective vaccines against brucellosis infections, there is still a need for more effective vaccine against brucellosis. In this study, we developed a nanovaccine for delivery of lipopolysaccharide Brucella melitensis antigen to the immune system using PLGA nanoparticles to prevent Brucella infection, which is associated with the stimulation of both humoral and cellular immune systems. In particular, we determined the rate of produced immunoglobulines and their functional effectiveness on the immune system by carring out opsonophagocytosis and challenge tests. According to the results, it was determined that PLGA improve the delivery of LPS antigen to the immune system to enhance the production of immunoglobulins levels and their efficiency to remove Brucella bacteria.

Highly selective and sensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus with gold nanoparticle-based core-shell nano biosensor.

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive and opportunistic pathogen that is one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections; therefore, its rapid diagnosis is important and valuable. Today, the use of nanoparticles is expanding due to their unique properties. The purpose of the present study is the determination of S. aureus by a colorimetric method based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Firstly, S. aureus was cultured on both LB media (broth and agar) and their chromosomal DNA was extracted. Afterwards, primers and biosensor were designed based on Protein A sequence data in the gene bank. PCR assay was performed under optimal conditions and the PCR product was electrophoresed on 2-percent agarose gel. The synthesized biosensors were conjugated with AuNPs and, eventually, a single-stranded genome was added to the conjugated AuNPs and hybridization was performed. The results were evaluated based on color change detected by the naked eye, optical spectrophotometry, and transient electron microscopy. Finally, the sensitivity and specificity of the AuNP-biosensor were determined. The results of the present study showed a 390 bp band on the agarose electrophoresis gel, which confirmed the presence of Protein A genes on the chromosome of the bacteria. The PCR and colorimetric methods were compared with each other. The sensitivity of the PCR and colorimetric methods were 30 ng µL-1 and 10 ng µL-1, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) equaling 8.73 ng µL-1 was determined and the specificity of the method was confirmed by the DNA of other bacteria. According to the results, the present method is rapid and sensitive in detecting S. aureus.

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro evaluation of exquisite targeting SPIONs-PEG-HER in HER2+ human breast cancer cells.

A stable, biocompatible and exquisite SPIONs-PEG-HER targeting complex was developed. Initially synthesized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were silanized using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS) as the coupling agent in order to allow the covalent bonding of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the SPIONs to improve the biocompatibility of the SPIONs. SPIONs-PEG were then conjugated with herceptin (HER) to permit the SPIONs-PEG-HER to target the specific receptors expressed over the surface of the HER2+ metastatic breast cancer cells. Each preparation step was physico-chemically analyzed and characterized by a number of analytical methods including AAS, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, FESEM, TEM, DLS and VSM. The biocompatibility of SPIONs-PEG-HER was evaluated in vitro on HSF-1184 (human skin fibroblast cells), SK-BR-3 (human breast cancer cells, HER+), MDA-MB-231 (human breast cancer cells, HER-) and MDA-MB-468 (human breast cancer cells, HER-) cell lines by performing MTT and trypan blue assays. The hemolysis analysis results of the SPIONs-PEG-HER and SPIONs-PEG did not indicate any sign of lysis while in contact with erythrocytes. Additionally, there were no morphological changes seen in RBCs after incubation with SPIONs-PEG-HER and SPIONs-PEG under a light microscope. The qualitative and quantitative in vitro targeting studies confirmed the high level of SPION-PEG-HER binding to SK-BR-3 (HER2+ metastatic breast cancer cells). Thus, the results reflected that the SPIONs-PEG-HER can be chosen as a favorable biomaterial for biomedical applications, chiefly magnetic hyperthermia, in the future.

Breast cancer photothermal therapy based on gold nanorods targeted by covalently-coupled bombesin peptide.

Photothermal therapy, a minimally invasive treatment method for killing cancers cells, has generated a great deal of interest. In an effort to improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects, better targeting of photoabsorbers to tumors has become a new concept in the battle against cancer. In this study, a bombesin (BBN) analog that can bind to all gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor subtypes was bound covalently with gold nanorods (GNRs) using Nanothinks acid as a link. The BBN analog was also coated with poly(ethylene glycol) to increase its stability and biocompatibility. The interactions were confirmed by ultraviolet-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A methylthiazol tetrazolium assay showed no cytotoxicity of the PEGylated GNR-BBN conjugate. The cell binding and internalization studies showed high specificity and uptake of the GNR-BBN-PEG conjugate toward breast cancer cells of the T47D cell line. The in vitro study revealed destruction of the T47D cells exposed to the new photothermal agent combined with continuous-wave near-infrared laser irradiation. The biodistribution study showed significant accumulation of the conjugate in the tumor tissue of mice with breast cancer. The in vivo photothermal therapy showed the complete disappearance of xenographted breast tumors in the mouse model.

Synthesis and characterization of Bombesin-superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as a targeted contrast agent for imaging of breast cancer using MRI.

The targeted delivery of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as a contrast agent may facilitate their accumulation in cancer cells and enhance the sensitivity of MR imaging. In this study, SPIONs coated with dextran (DSPIONs) were conjugated with bombesin (BBN) to produce a targeting contrast agent for detection of breast cancer using MRI. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer analyses indicated the formation of dextran-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with an average size of 6.0 ± 0.5 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the conjugation of the BBN with the DSPIONs. A stability study proved the high optical stability of DSPION-BBN in human blood serum. DSPION-BBN biocompatibility was confirmed by cytotoxicity evaluation. A binding study showed the targeting ability of DSPION-BBN to bind to T47D breast cancer cells overexpressing gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptors. T2-weighted and T2*-weighted color map MR images were acquired. The MRI study indicated that the DSPION-BBN possessed good diagnostic ability as a GRP-specific contrast agent, with appropriate signal reduction in T2*-weighted color map MR images in mice with breast tumors.

Methotrexate loaded in alginate beads for controlled drug release against breast cancer.

Methotrexate (MTX), as a folate antagonist is used for breast cancer chemotherapy, but its application due to the adverse side effects was limited. In this study, MTX were encapsulated in magnetic alginate beads coated with glutaraldehyde to control its release in order to reduce the side effects and improve its stability. The complex was characterized by physicochemical studies. The encapsulation efficiency was 75 % and the complex showed acceptable controlled release behavior. The cell cytotoxicity assessed using methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) method showed that magnetic alginate beads-MTX, in lower dosage has higher anticancer effect compared to the free MTX. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to evaluate apoptotic factors Bcl2 associated X gene (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and neuroinflammatory marker tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) genes expression level on the treated cells. The findings demonstrated the significant increase of expression of Bax and a significant decrease in the expressions of Bcl-2 and TNF-α in Michigan cancer foundation-7 (MCF-7) cells. These results indicated that the developed drug can overcome the side effects of MTX and offer a controlled drug release for a sustained period with the long-term treatment of breast cancer.

Protective effect of two new nanovaccines against Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on LPS and OPS: A comparison study.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important infectious pathogens in medicine. This bacterium causes various infections, especially in patients with severe burns and people with defective immune systems. The purpose of this study was to develop a nanovaccine based on PLGA nanoparticles and lipopolysaccharide and oligopolysaccharide antigens for appropriate stimulation of the humoral and cellular immune systems against P. aeruginosa. LPS-PLGA and OPS-PLGA conjugates were synthesized using the carbodiimide reaction. The prepared conjugates of as well as the pure antigens of LPS and OPS were injected to BALB/c mice in three periods at 2 week intervals. The ELISA test showed that the IgM, IgA, IgG, IgG1, IgG2b, IgG2a and IgG3 antibodies produced against LPS-PLGA or OPS-PLGA conjugates were tens of times higher than the pure antigens. Also, the opsonophagocytosis test showed that the performance and the effect of produced anti-LPS-PLGA antibodies were higher than other groups. In addition, the mice treated with LPS-PLGA conjugate were more resistant to P. aeruginosa infection than other groups. These findings indicated that LPS and OPS antigens in conjugation with PLGA nanoparticles have the ability to create and effective immunity against P. aeruginosa and LPS-PLGA is more effective than OPS-PLGA.

Lysine Decorated Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Epirubicin for Cancer Targeting and Therapy.

Purpose: Cancer is an example of the most important growing diseases in human society and scientists are trying to treat it without considerable side effects on patient's health. Solid lipids are colloidal nanoparticles that were used in drug delivery due to their several advantages. Methods: In this work, surface modified targeted solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were fabricated by nano-homogenizer using tripalmitin glyceride and stearic acid as lipid constituents. The size of nanoparticles and morphological evaluations were surveyed using particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscopy; Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results: The particle size of 148.5 and appropriate polydispersity index were achieved for lipid nanoparticles with an entrapment efficiency of 86.1%. The FT-IR analysis confirmed the coupling of lysine to the free functional group of SLNs. DSC proved the conjugation of amino acid to the surface of carriers. The in vitro epirubicin (EPI) release test exhibited the further controlled release phenomenon for the lysine conjugated nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity assay showed lower IC50 of lysine conjugated SLNs of EPI on the investigated cell line. Conclusion: These studies showed that the fabricated targeted carrier has a very remarkable anticancer effect on breast cancer cell lines in comparison with pure drug.

Immunogenicity evaluating of the SLNs-alginate conjugate against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

P. aeruginosa is of particular importance due to its numerous pathogens and the spread of its multidrug-resistant strains around the world. Hence there is a need to develop an effective vaccine to prevent the diseases with P. aeruginosa. The aim of present study was to evaluate the immunogenicity of alginate (Alg) antigen in conjugation with SLN as a candidate for nanovaccine against P. aeruginosa in mouse model. Alginate is a weak immunogen, but the immune responses produced by alginate are effective in killing Pseudomonas bacteria. To increase the immunogenicity of alginate, SLN was used that is useful in drug delivery and can boost prolonged effectiveness. The results of ELISA and opsonophagocytosis tests showed that Alg-SLN conjugate has a better ability to stimulate the immune system to produce more immunoglobulins with better performance compared to alginate antigen alone. The challenge test also demonstrated that the Alg-SLN treated mice showed a higher level of immunity than the mice treated with pure alginate against infections caused by P. aeruginosa. Overally the findings showed the efficacy of new prepared vaccine to induce immunogenicity, and therefore it can be considered as a candidate for a strong vaccine against P. aeruginosa.

Enhanced sensitivity and efficiency of detection of Staphylococcus aureus based on modified magnetic nanoparticles by photometric systems.

Staphylococcus aureus is an important infectious factor in the food industry and hospital infections. Many methods are used for detecting bacteria but they are mostly time-consuming, poorly sensitive. In this study, a nano-biosensor based on iron nanoparticles (MNPs) was designed to detect S. aureus. MNPs were synthesized and conjugated to Biosensors. Then S. aureus was lysed and nano-biosensor (MNP-TiO2-AP-SMCC-Biosensors) was added to the lysed bacteria. After bonding the bacterial genome to the nano-biosensor, MNPs were separated by a magnet. Bacterial DNA was released from the surface of nano-biosensor and researched by Nano-drop spectrophotometry. The results of SEM and DLS revealed that the size of MNPs was 20-25 nm which increased to 38-43 nm after modification and addition of biosensors. The designed nano-biosensor was highly sensitive and specific for the detection of S. aureus. The limit of detection (LOD) was determined as 230 CFU mL-1. There was an acceptable linear correlation between bacterial concentration and absorption at 3.7 × 102-3.7× 107 whose linear diagram and regression was Y = 0.242X + 2.08 and R2 = .996. Further, in the presence of other bacteria as a negative control, it was absolutely specific. The sensitivity of the designed nano-biosensor was investigated and compared through PCR.

Preparation of a nanovaccine against Brucella melitensis M16 based on PLGA nanoparticles and oligopolysaccharide antigen.

Brucellosis is one of the most common and important diseases between humans and animals. Herein, we developed a nanovaccine against Brucella melitensis based on oligopolysaccharide (OPS) antigen and PLGA nanoparticles. The conjugation of extracted OPS with poly lactic-co-glycolic acid was performed. The antigenicity evaluation was conducted in 4 groups of 5 female BALB/c mice including OPS-PLGA conjugate, OPS alone, PLGA alone and PBS as a control. The mice were vaccinated intra-peritoneal three times with two-week intervals. To determine the immune response and functional capacity of the antibodies, the enzyme linked immunosorbent, opsonophagocytosis and challenge tests were performed. For checking the immunization ability of the nanovaccine, the challenge test was performed. The results showed a significant increase in the total IgG and IgM antibody titres in the mice vaccinated with OPS-PLGA conjugate in comparison with other groups. The sera of animals immunized with OPS-PLGA conjugate promoted efficient opsonophagocytosis of Brucella bacteria. The results of challenge assay showed that the immunization with OPS-PLGA conjugate gave a high level of protection in comparison with other groups. These findings showed that the new nanovaccine can be considered as a candidate for immunization of animals and humans against the diseases caused by B. melitensis that needs further investigations.

Breast tumor targeting with (99m)Tc-HYNIC-PR81 complex as a new biologic radiopharmaceutical.

Human epithelial mucin, MUC1, is commonly overexpressed in adenocarcinoma that includes more than 80% of breast cancers. The PR81 is a murine anti-MUC1 monoclonal antibody (MAb) that was prepared against the human breast cancer. We developed an indirect method for labeling of this antibody with (99m)Tc in order to use the new preparation in immunoscintigraphy studies of BALB/c mice bearing breast tumors. The (99m)Tc-PR81 complex was prepared using the HYNIC as a chelator and tricine as a coligand. The labeling efficiency determined by instant thin-layer chromatography (ITLC) was 89.2%+/-4.7%, and radiocolloides measured by cellulose nitrate electrophoresis were 3.4%+/-0.9%. The in vitro stability of labeled product was determined at room temperature by ITLC and in human serum by gel filtration chromatography - 88.3%+/-4.6% and 79.8%+/-5.7% over 24 h, respectively. The integrity of labeled MAb was checked by means of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and no significant fragmentation was seen. The results of cell binding studies showed that both labeled and unlabeled PR81 were able to compete for binding to MCF 7 cells. Biodistribution studies performed in female BALB/c mice with breast tumor xenografts at 4, 16 and 24 h after the (99m)Tc-HYNIC-PR81 injection demonstrated a specific localization of the compound at the site of tumors and minimum accumulation in non target organs. The tumor imaging was performed in BALB/c mice with breast xenograft tumors at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36 h after the complex injection. The tumors were visualized with high sensitivity after 8 h. The findings showed that the new radiopharmaceutical is a promising candidate for radioimmunoscintigraphy of the human breast cancer.

Spectrophotometric, colorimetric and visually detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ETA gene based gold nanoparticles DNA probe and endonuclease enzyme.

Colorimetric DNA detection is preferred over other methods for clinical molecular diagnosis because it does not require expensive equipment. In the present study, the colorimetric method based on gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and endonuclease enzyme was used for the detection of P. aeruginosa ETA gene. Firstly, the primers and probe for P. aeruginosa exotoxin A (ETA) gene were designed and checked for specificity by the PCR method. Then, GNPs were synthesized using the citrate reduction method and conjugated with the prepared probe to develop the new nano-biosensor. Next, the extracted target DNA of the bacteria was added to GNP-probe complex to check its efficacy for P. aeruginosa ETA gene diagnosis. A decrease in absorbance was seen when GNP-probe-target DNA cleaved into the small fragments of BamHI endonuclease due to the weakened electrostatic interaction between GNPs and the shortened DNA. The right shift of the absorbance peak from 530 to 562nm occurred after adding the endonuclease. It was measured using a UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy that indicates the existence of the P. aeruginosa ETA gene. Sensitivity was determined in the presence of different concentrations of target DNA of P. aeruginosa. The results obtained from the optimized conditions showed that the absorbance value has linear correlation with concentration of target DNA (R: 0.9850) in the range of 10-50ngmL-1 with the limit detection of 9.899ngmL-1. Thus, the specificity of the new method for detection of P. aeruginosa was established in comparison with other bacteria. Additionally, the designed assay was quantitatively applied to detect the P. aeruginosa ETA gene from 103 to 108CFUmL-1 in real samples with a detection limit of 320CFUmL-1.

BBN conjugated GNPs: a new targeting contrast agent for imaging of breast cancer in radiology.

Using of targeted contrast agents in X-ray imaging of breast cancer can improve the accuracy of diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning by providing early detection and superior definition of tumour volume. This study demonstrates a new class of X-ray contrast agents based on gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and bombesin (BBN) for imaging of breast cancer in radiology. GNPs were synthesised in spherical shape in the size range of 15 ± 2 nm and conjugated with BBN followed by coating with polyethyleneglycol (PEG). The in vitro and in vivo behaviour of PEG-coated GNPs-BBN conjugate was investigated performing cytotoxicity, binding, and internalisation assays as well as biodistribution and X-ray imaging studies in mouse bearing breast tumour. Cytotoxicity study showed biocompatibility of the prepared bioconjugate. The binding and internalisation studies using T47D cell line approved the targeting ability of new agent. The biodistribution study showed the considerable accumulation of prepared conjugate in breast tumour in mouse model. The breast tumour was clearly visualised in X-ray images taken from the mouse model. The results showed the potential of PEG-coated GNPs-BBN conjugate as a contrast agent in X-ray imaging of breast tumour in humans that need further investigations.

Fluorescence bio-barcode DNA assay based on gold and magnetic nanoparticles for detection of Exotoxin A gene sequence.

Bio-barcode DNA based on gold nanoparticle (bDNA-GNPs) as a new generation of biosensor based detection tools, holds promise for biological science studies. They are of enormous importance in the emergence of rapid and sensitive procedures for detecting toxins of microorganisms. Exotoxin A (ETA) is the most toxic virulence factor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ETA has ADP-ribosylation activity and decisively affects the protein synthesis of the host cells. In the present study, we developed a fluorescence bio-barcode technology to trace P. aeruginosa ETA. The GNPs were coated with the first target-specific DNA probe 1 (1pDNA) and bio-barcode DNA, which acted as a signal reporter. The magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were coated with the second target-specific DNA probe 2 (2pDNA) that was able to recognize the other end of the target DNA. After binding the nanoparticles with the target DNA, the following sandwich structure was formed: MNP 2pDNA/tDNA/1pDNA-GNP-bDNA. After isolating the sandwiches by a magnetic field, the DNAs of the probes which have been hybridized to their complementary DNA, GNPs and MNPs, via the hydrogen, electrostatic and covalently bonds, were released from the sandwiches after dissolving in dithiothreitol solution (DTT 0.8M). This bio-barcode DNA with known DNA sequence was then detected by fluorescence spectrophotometry. The findings showed that the new method has the advantages of fast, high sensitivity (the detection limit was 1.2ng/ml), good selectivity, and wide linear range of 5-200ng/ml. The regression analysis also showed that there was a good linear relationship (∆F=0.57 [target DNA]+21.31, R2=0.9984) between the fluorescent intensity and the target DNA concentration in the samples.

Enhanced antibacterial effect of azlocillin in conjugation with silver nanoparticles against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In recent years, the problems associated with bacterial resistance to antibiotics caused nanodrugs to be considered as a new way for infectious diseases treatment. The main purpose of this study was to develop a new agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a very difficult bacterium to treat, based on azlocillin antibiotic and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Azlocillin was conjugated with AgNPs by chemical methods and its antimicrobial activity was studied against P. aeruginosa using well diffusion agar method. Then, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of the new conjugate was specified with macro-dilution method. The animal study showed the considerable enhanced antibacterial effect of azlocillin in conjugation with AgNPs against P. aeruginosa in comparison with azlocillin alone, AgNPs alone and azlocillin in combination with AgNPs.

Gentamicin-gold nanoparticles conjugate: a contrast agent for X-ray imaging of infectious foci due to Staphylococcus aureus.

There is no optimal imaging method for the detection of unknown infectious foci in some diseases. This study introduces a novel method in X-ray imaging of infection foci due to Staphylococcus aureus by developing a contrast agent based on gold nanoparticles (GNPs). GNPs in spherical shape were synthesised by the reduction of tetrachloroauric acid with sodium citrate. Then gentamicin was bound directly to citrate functionalised GNPs and the complex was stabilised by polyethylene glycol. The interaction of gentamicin with GNPs was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. The stability of complex was studied in human blood up to 6 h. The stability of conjugate was found to be high in human blood with no aggregation. The biodistribution study showed localisation of gentamicin-GNPs conjugate at the site of Staphylococcal infection. The infection site was properly visualised in X-ray images in mouse model using the gentamicin-GNPs conjugate as a contrast agent. The results demonstrated that one may consider the potential of new nanodrug as a contrast agent for X-ray imaging of infection foci in human beings which needs more investigations.

Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Plant Peptide MBP-1 and Silver Nanoparticles Combination on Healing of Infected Wound Due to Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: Wound infection is a common problem in hospitals and is typically caused by the antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is a major pathogen for skin and soft tissue infections worldwide. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic antibacterial effect of plant peptide MBP-1 and silver nanoparticles on infected wounds caused by S. aureus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of MBP-1 and silver nanoparticles both on their own and in combination form were determined against S. aureus via macrodilution and microdilution methods. The synergistic antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles and MBP-1 was investigated on infected wounds caused by S. aureus in a mouse model. RESULTS: The MIC and MBC of MBP-1 were found to be 0.6 and 0.7 mg/mL, respectively. MIC and MBC of silver nanoparticles were determined to be 6.25 and 12.5 mg/L, respectively. MIC and MBC of the silver nanoparticles and MBP-1 combination were found to be 3.125 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/L; and 6.25 mg/mL, 0.6 mg/L, respectively. The infected wound healed properly after the combined use of MBP-1 and silver nanoparticles. CONCLUSIONS: The synergistic effect was found on the healing of infected wounds caused by S. aureus by using an MBP-1 and silver nanoparticles combination in a mouse model.

Enhanced delivery of gentamicin to infection foci due to Staphylococcus aureus using gold nanorods.

Bacterial infections continue to be one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality. Although many methods for diagnosing and treating of infectious diseases currently exist, there is an urgent need for new and improved approaches for bacterial destruction. The present study focuses on the conjugation of gold nanorods (GNRs) with gentamicin via the Nanothink acid linker and its application in delivery of gentamicin to infection foci due to Staphylococcus aureus. The interaction between gentamicin and gold nanorods was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and atomic absorption spectroscopy analyses showed that 2050 gentamicin molecules were attached to each gold nanorod. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of gentamicin-GNRs conjugate showed the enhancement of antibacterial effect of gentamicin. The biodistribution study demonstrated localization of the complex at the site of Staphylococcal infection with high sensitivity in mouse model.

In vitro evaluation of actively targetable superparamagnetic nanoparticles to the folate receptor positive cancer cells.

Engineering of a physiologically compatible, stable and targetable SPIONs-CA-FA formulation was reported. Initially fabricated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were coated with citric acid (CA) to hamper agglomeration as well as to ameliorate biocompatibility. Folic acid (FA) as a targeting agent was then conjugated to the citric acid coated SPIONs (SPIONs-CA) for targeting the specific receptors expressed on the FAR+ cancer cells. Physiochemical characterizations were then performed to assure required properties like stability, size, phase purity, surface morphology, chemical integrity and magnetic properties. In vitro evaluations (MTT assay) were performed on HeLa, HSF 1184, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231cell lines to ensure the biocompatibility of SPIONs-CA-FA. There were no morphological changes and lysis in contact with erythrocytes recorded for SPIONs-CA-FA and SPIONs-CA. High level of SPIONs-CA-FA binding to FAR+ cell lines was assured via qualitative and quantitative in vitro binding studies. Hence, SPIONs-CA-FA was introduced as a promising tool for biomedical applications like magnetic hyperthermia and drug delivery. The in vitro findings presented in this study need to be compared with those of in vivo studies.