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Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Macromolecules".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 40786

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jagdish Singh

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Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
Interests: mechanistic studies for developing and testing novel delivery technologies to deliver biotechnologically derived molecules (e.g., peptide, protein, and gene); gene delivery to prevent and treat neurodegenerative disorders, using nanotechnology; delivery of anticancer drugs to the brain for the treatment of brain tumors using bi-ligand (transferrin and cell-penetrating peptides) tethered liposomes; synthesis and characterization of biomaterials for gene and protein delivery for the treatment of diabetes, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases; fatty acid/amino acid and cell-penetrating peptide-grafted chitosan-based nanomicelles for the delivery of pDNA encoding IL-4 and IL-10 for the prevention of type 1 diabetes; cationic nanomicelles for the delivery of DNA vaccines
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Buddhadev Layek

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Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
Interests: design, development, and characterization of polymeric nanocarrier-based formulations for targeted delivery of small molecule drugs; plasmid DNA, siRNA, proteins, and peptides to treat cancer and neurological disorders; stem cell-based therapies for regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and tumor-targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics; pharmacokinetic, toxicokinetic, and metabolic profiling of small molecule drug candidates and biologics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With their unique physicochemical properties and nanoscale effects, nanoparticles can modulate the basic properties and bioactivity of drugs. These features make them attractive tools for diverse biomedical applications, especially in the field of drug delivery. Over the decades, nanocarriers have been extensively investigated for improved pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, increased stability, reduced toxicities, controlled release, and site-specific delivery of therapeutics. However, the efficacy of nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems is dependent mainly on their controlled interactions with biomolecules. Therefore, nanoparticles have often been surface-functionalized with various ligands, not only to impart site-specificity and increase cell penetration but also to provide stealth properties and improve payload capacity. For example, the surface functionalization of nanoparticles has made remarkable advances in tumor-targeted delivery and drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier. This Special Issue will focus on recent progress in nanotechnology in the areas of basic and applied research, as well as clinical medicine. Topics of interest include but are not limited to cutting-edge research on the preparation of surface-functionalized nanoparticles and their in vitro and in vivo evaluation. Further, the interaction between nanoparticles and bio-interfaces will also be included.

Prof. Dr. Jagdish Singh
Dr. Buddhadev Layek
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Prof. Dr. Jagdish Singh
Dr. Buddhadev Layek
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Keywords

Drug delivery
Gene delivery
Nanoparticles
Targeted drug delivery
Surface-functionalized nanoparticles
Pharmacokinetics
Controlled release

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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8 pages, 1965 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Utility of Peptide Ligand-Functionalized Liposomes for Subcutaneous Drug Delivery for Arthritis Therapy

by Hemalatha Nanjaiah and Kamal D. Moudgil

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(8), 6883; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24086883 - 07 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1373

Abstract

Liposomes and other types of nanoparticles are increasingly being explored for drug delivery in a variety of diseases. There is an impetus in the field to exploit different types of ligands to functionalize nanoparticles to guide them to the diseased site. Most of this work has been conducted in the cancer field, with relatively much less information from autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Furthermore, in RA, many drugs are self-administered by patients subcutaneously (SC). In this context, we have examined the attributes of liposomes functionalized with a novel joint-homing peptide (denoted ART-1) for arthritis therapy using the SC route. This peptide was previously identified following phage peptide library screening in the rat adjuvant arthritis (AA) model. Our results show a distinct effect of this peptide ligand on increasing the zeta potential of liposomes. Furthermore, liposomes injected SC into arthritic rats showed preferential homing to arthritic joints, following a migration profile in vivo similar to that of intravenously injected liposomes, except for a less steep decline after the peak. Finally, liposomal dexamethasone administered SC was more effective than the unpackaged (free) drug in suppressing arthritis progression in rats. We suggest that with suitable modifications, this SC liposomal treatment modality can be adapted for human RA therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications)

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12 pages, 1820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effective, Rapid, and Small-Scale Bioconjugation and Purification of “Clicked” Small-Molecule DNA Oligonucleotide for Nucleic Acid Nanoparticle Functionalization

by Erwin Doe, Hannah L. Hayth, Ross Brumett and Emil F. Khisamutdinov

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(5), 4797; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24054797 - 02 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2252

Abstract

Nucleic acid-based therapeutics involves the conjugation of small molecule drugs to nucleic acid oligomers to surmount the challenge of solubility, and the inefficient delivery of these drug molecules into cells. “Click” chemistry has become popular conjugation approach due to its simplicity and high conjugation efficiency. However, the major drawback of the conjugation of oligonucleotides is the purification of the products, as traditionally used chromatography techniques are usually time-consuming and laborious, requiring copious quantities of materials. Herein, we introduce a simple and rapid purification methodology to separate the excess of unconjugated small molecules and toxic catalysts using a molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) centrifugation approach. As proof of concept, we deployed “click” chemistry to conjugate a Cy3-alkyne moiety to an azide-functionalized oligodeo-xynucleotide (ODN), as well as a coumarin azide to an alkyne-functionalized ODN. The calculated yields of the conjugated products were found to be 90.3 ± 0.4% and 86.0 ± 1.3% for the ODN-Cy3 and ODN-coumarin, respectively. Analysis of purified products by fluorescence spectroscopy and gel shift assays demonstrated a drastic amplitude of fluorescent intensity by multiple folds of the reporter molecules within DNA nanoparticles. This work is intended to demonstrate a small-scale, cost-effective, and robust approach to purifying ODN conjugates for nucleic acid nanotechnology applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications)

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17 pages, 3999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Assembling Enzymatic Nanocomplexes with Polypeptides and Low-Weight Organic Compounds: Preparation, Characterization, and Application of New Antibacterials

by Ilya Lyagin, Nikolay Stepanov, Denis Presnov, Artem Trifonov and Elena Efremenko

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(3), 1831; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24031831 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1279

Abstract

The self-assembling of nanosized materials is a promising field for research and development. Multiple approaches are applied to obtain inorganic, organic and composite nanomaterials with different functionality. In the present work, self-assembling nanocomplexes (NCs) were prepared on the basis of enzymes and polypeptides followed by the investigation of the influence of low-molecular weight biologically active compounds on the properties of the NCs. For that, the initially possible formation of catalytically active self-assembling NCs of four hydrolytic enzymes with nine effectors was screened via molecular modeling. It allowed the selection of two enzymes (hexahistidine-tagged organophosphorus hydrolase and penicillin acylase) and two compounds (emodin and naringenin) having biological activity. Further, such NCs based on surface-modified enzymes were characterized by a batch of physical and biochemical methods. At least three NCs containing emodin and enzyme (His₆-OPH and/or penicillin acylase) have been shown to significantly improve the antibacterial activity of colistin and, to a lesser extent, polymyxin B towards both Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications)

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17 pages, 5376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acetic Acid-Modulated Room Temperature Synthesis of MIL-100 (Fe) Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications

by Mengli Ding, Jingwen Qiu, Stéphan Rouzière, Christophe Rihouey, Luc Picton and Ruxandra Gref

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(2), 1757; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24021757 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2313

Abstract

Due to their flexible composition, large surface areas, versatile surface properties, and degradability, nanoscale metal organic frameworks (nano MOFs) are drawing significant attention in nanomedicine. In particular, iron trimesate MIL-100 (Fe) is studied extensively in the drug delivery field. Nanosized MIL-100 (Fe) are obtained mostly by microwave-assisted synthesis. Simpler, room-temperature (RT) synthesis methods attract growing interest and have scale-up potential. However, the preparation of RT MIL100 is still very challenging because of the high tendency of the nanoparticles to aggregate during their synthesis, purification and storage. To address this issue, we prepared RT MIL100 using acetic acid as a modulator and used non-toxic cyclodextrin-based coatings to ensure stability upon storage. Hydrodynamic diameters less than 100 nm were obtained after RT synthesis, however, ultrasonication was needed to disaggregate the nanoparticles after their purification by centrifugation. The model drug adenosine monophosphate (AMP) was successfully encapsulated in RT MIL100 obtained using acetic acid as a modulator. The coated RT MIL100 has CD-exhibited degradability, good colloidal stability, low cytotoxicity, as well as high drug payload efficiency. Further studies will focus on applications in the field of cancer therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications)

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15 pages, 11294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

L-Carnitine Functionalization to Increase Skeletal Muscle Tropism of PLGA Nanoparticles

by Ilaria Andreana, Manuela Malatesta, Maria Assunta Lacavalla, Federico Boschi, Paola Milla, Valeria Bincoletto, Carlo Pellicciari, Silvia Arpicco and Barbara Stella

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 294; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24010294 - 24 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1790

Abstract

Muscular dystrophies are a group of rare genetic pathologies, encompassing a variety of clinical phenotypes and mechanisms of disease. Several compounds have been proposed to treat compromised muscles, but it is known that pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics problems could occur. To solve these issues, it has been suggested that nanocarriers could be used to allow controlled and targeted drug release. Therefore, the aim of this study was to prepare actively targeted poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) for the treatment of muscular pathologies. By taking advantage of the high affinity for carnitine of skeletal muscle cells due to the expression of Na⁺-coupled carnitine transporter (OCTN), NPs have been actively targeted via association to an amphiphilic derivative of L-carnitine. Furthermore, pentamidine, an old drug repurposed for its positive effects on myotonic dystrophy type I, was incorporated into NPs. We obtained monodispersed targeted NPs, with a mean diameter of about 100 nm and a negative zeta potential. To assess the targeting ability of the NPs, cell uptake studies were performed on C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes using confocal and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed an increased uptake of carnitine-functionalized NPs compared to nontargeted carriers in myotubes, which was probably due to the interaction with OCTN receptors occurring in large amounts in these differentiated muscle cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications)

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17 pages, 2561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dual-Mode Gold Nanoparticle-Based Method for Early Detection of Acanthamoeba

by Cristina Pastrana, J. Rafaela L. Guerreiro, Monisha Elumalai, Carlos Carpena-Torres, Almudena Crooke, Gonzalo Carracedo, Marta Prado and Fernando Huete-Toral

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 14877; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms232314877 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2273

Abstract

Acanthamoeba keratitis is an aggressive and rapidly progressing ocular pathology whose main risk factor is the use of contact lenses. An early and differential diagnosis is considered the main factor to prevent the progression and improve the prognosis of the pathology. However, current diagnosis techniques require time, complex and costly materials making an early diagnosis challenging. Thus, there is a need for fast, accessible, and accurate methods for Acanthamoeba detection by practitioners for timely and suitable treatment and even for contact lens user as preventive diagnosis. Here, we developed a dual-mode colorimetric-based method for fast, visual, and accurate detection of Acanthamoeba using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). For this strategy, AuNPs were functionalized with thiolated probes and the presence of target Acanthamoeba genomic sequences, produce a colorimetric change from red to purple. This approach allows the detection of 0.02 and 0.009 μM of the unamplified Acanthamoeba genome by the naked eye in less than 20 min and by color analysis using a smartphone. Additionally, real samples were successfully analyzed showing the potential of the technology considering the lack of point-of-care tools that are mostly needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications)

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16 pages, 3077 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modified Polymer Surfaces: Thin Films of Silicate Composites via Polycaprolactone Melt Fusion

by Eva Skoura, Peter Boháč, Martin Barlog, Helena Palková, Martin Danko, Juraj Šurka, Andreas Mautner and Juraj Bujdák

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9166; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23169166 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1458

Abstract

Polymer/layered silicate composites have gained huge attention in terms of research and industrial applications. Traditional nanocomposites contain particles regularly dispersed in a polymer matrix. In this work, a strategy for the formation of a composite thin film on the surface of a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix was developed. In addition to the polymer, the composite layer was composed of the particles of saponite (Sap) modified with alkylammonium cations and functionalized with methylene blue. The connection between the phases of modified Sap and polymer was achieved by fusing the chains of molten polymer into the Sap film. The thickness of the film of several μm was confirmed using electron microscopy and X-ray tomography. Surfaces of precursors and composite materials were analyzed in terms of structure, composition, and surface properties. The penetration of polymer chains into the silicate, thus joining the phases, was confirmed by chemometric analysis of spectral data and changes in some properties upon PCL melting. Ultimately, this study was devoted to the spectral properties and photoactivity of methylene blue present in the ternary composite films. The results provide directions for future research aimed at the development of composite materials with photosensitizing, photodisinfection, and antimicrobial surfaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications)

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13 pages, 2255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ASP-Enzymosomes with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Asparaginase II Expressed in Pichia pastoris: Formulation Design and In Vitro Studies of a Potential Antileukemic Drug

by Luciana F. C. Girão, Manuela Colla Carvalheiro, Margarida Ferreira-Silva, Surza L. G. da Rocha, Jonas Perales, M. Bárbara F. Martins, Maria Antonieta Ferrara, Elba P. S. Bon and M. Luísa Corvo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(20), 11120; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms222011120 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1693

Abstract

The bacterial enzyme asparaginase is the main treatment option for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, it causes side effects, such as immunological reactions, and presents undesirable glutaminase activity. As an alternative, we have been studying asparaginase II from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, coded by ASP3 gene, which was cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant asparaginase (ASP) presented antileukemic activity and a glutaminase activity 100 times lower in comparison to its asparaginase activity. In this work, we describe the development of a delivery system for ASP via its covalent attachment to functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer chains in the outer surface of liposomes (ASP-enzymosomes). This new delivery system demonstrated antiproliferative activity against K562 (chronic myeloid leukemia) and Jurkat (acute lymphocytic leukemia) cell lines similar to that of ASP. The antiproliferative response of the ASP-enzymosomes against the Jurkat cells suggests equivalence to that of the free Escherichia coli commercial asparaginase (Aginasa^®). Moreover, the ASP-enzymosomes were stable at 4 °C with no significant loss of activity within 4 days and retained 82% activity up to 37 days. Therefore, ASP-enzymosomes are a promising antileukemic drug. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications)

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Review

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36 pages, 4005 KiB

Open AccessReview

Functionalization of and through Melanin: Strategies and Bio-Applications

by Alexandra Mavridi-Printezi, Arianna Menichetti, Dario Mordini and Marco Montalti

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(11), 9689; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24119689 - 02 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2568

Abstract

A unique feature of nanoparticles for bio-application is the ease of achieving multi-functionality through covalent and non-covalent functionalization. In this way, multiple therapeutic actions, including chemical, photothermal and photodynamic activity, can be combined with different bio-imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance, photoacoustic, and fluorescence imaging, in a theragnostic approach. In this context, melanin-related nanomaterials possess unique features since they are intrinsically biocompatible and, due to their optical and electronic properties, are themselves very efficient photothermal agents, efficient antioxidants, and photoacoustic contrast agents. Moreover, these materials present a unique versatility of functionalization, which makes them ideal for the design of multifunctional platforms for nanomedicine integrating new functions such as drug delivery and controlled release, gene therapy, or contrast ability in magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging. In this review, the most relevant and recent examples of melanin-based multi-functionalized nanosystems are discussed, highlighting the different methods of functionalization and, in particular, distinguishing pre-functionalization and post-functionalization. In the meantime, the properties of melanin coatings employable for the functionalization of a variety of material substrates are also briefly introduced, especially in order to explain the origin of the versatility of melanin functionalization. In the final part, the most relevant critical issues related to melanin functionalization that may arise during the design of multifunctional melanin-like nanoplatforms for nanomedicine and bio-application are listed and discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications)

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22 pages, 1584 KiB

Open AccessReview

Surface Design Options in Polymer- and Lipid-Based siRNA Nanoparticles Using Antibodies

by Michael Gabel, Annkathrin Knauss, Dagmar Fischer, Markus F. Neurath and Benno Weigmann

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(22), 13929; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms232213929 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2800

Abstract

The mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi) could represent a breakthrough in the therapy of all diseases that arise from a gene defect or require the inhibition of a specific gene expression. In particular, small interfering RNA (siRNA) offers an attractive opportunity to achieve a new milestone in the therapy of human diseases. The limitations of siRNA, such as poor stability, inefficient cell uptake, and undesired immune activation, as well as the inability to specifically reach the target tissue in the body, can be overcome by further developments in the field of nanoparticulate drug delivery. Therefore, types of surface modified siRNA nanoparticles are presented and illustrate how a more efficient and safer distribution of siRNA at the target site is possible by modifying the surface properties of nanoparticles with antibodies. However, the development of such efficient and safe delivery strategies is currently still a major challenge. In consideration of that, this review article aims to demonstrate the function and targeted delivery of siRNA nanoparticles, focusing on the surface modification via antibodies, various lipid- and polymer-components, and the therapeutic effects of these delivery systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications)

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17 pages, 1594 KiB

Open AccessReview

Criticality of Surface Characteristics of Intravenous Iron–Carbohydrate Nanoparticle Complexes: Implications for Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

by Felix Funk, Beat Flühmann and Amy E. Barton

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(4), 2140; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23042140 - 15 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4410 | Correction

Abstract

Un-complexed polynuclear ferric oxyhydroxide cannot be administered safely or effectively to patients. When polynuclear iron cores are formed with carbohydrates of various structures, stable complexes with surface carbohydrates driven by multiple interacting sites and forces are formed. These complexes deliver iron in a usable form to the body while avoiding the serious adverse effects of un-complexed forms of iron, such as polynuclear ferric oxyhydroxide. The rate and extent of plasma clearance and tissue biodistribution is variable among the commercially available iron–carbohydrate complexes and is driven principally by the surface characteristics of the complexes which dictate macrophage opsonization. The surface chemistry differences between the iron–carbohydrate complexes results in significant differences in in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles as well as adverse event profiles, demonstrating that the entire iron–carbohydrate complex furnishes the pharmacologic action for these complex products. Currently available physicochemical characterization methods have limitations in biorelevant matrices resulting in challenges in defining critical quality attributes for surface characteristics for this class of complex nanomedicines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications)

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18 pages, 1660 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of the Common Neurodegenerative Disorders: Current Therapeutic Approaches and the Potential Role of Nanotherapeutics

by Richard N. L. Lamptey, Bivek Chaulagain, Riddhi Trivedi, Avinash Gothwal, Buddhadev Layek and Jagdish Singh

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(3), 1851; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23031851 - 06 Feb 2022

Cited by 118 | Viewed by 11521

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders are primarily characterized by neuron loss. The most common neurodegenerative disorders include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Although there are several medicines currently approved for managing neurodegenerative disorders, a large majority of them only help with associated symptoms. This lack of pathogenesis-targeting therapies is primarily due to the restrictive effects of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which keeps close to 99% of all “foreign substances” out of the brain. Since their discovery, nanoparticles have been successfully used for targeted delivery into many organs, including the brain. This review briefly describes the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and their current management approaches. We then highlight the major challenges of brain-drug delivery, followed by the role of nanotherapeutics for the diagnosis and treatment of various neurological disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications)

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34 pages, 15151 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanoarchitectonics: Complexes and Conjugates of Platinum Drugs with Silicon Containing Nanocarriers. An Overview

by Kinga Piorecka, Jan Kurjata and Wlodzimierz A. Stanczyk

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(17), 9264; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22179264 - 26 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2587

Abstract

The development in the area of novel anticancer prodrugs (conjugates and complexes) has attracted growing attention from many research groups. The dangerous side effects of currently used anticancer drugs, including cisplatin and other platinum based drugs, as well their systemic toxicity is a driving force for intensive search and presents a safer way in delivery platform of active molecules. Silicon based nanocarriers play an important role in achieving the goal of synthesis of the more effective prodrugs. It is worth to underline that silicon based platform including silica and silsesquioxane nanocarriers offers higher stability, biocompatibility of such the materials and pro-longed release of active platinum drugs. Silicon nanomaterials themselves are well-known for improving drug delivery, being themselves non-toxic, and versatile, and tailored surface chemistry. This review summarizes the current state-of-the-art within constructs of silicon-containing nano-carriers conjugated and complexed with platinum based drugs. Contrary to a number of other reviews, it stresses the role of nano-chemistry as a primary tool in the development of novel prodrugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles: Preparations, Characterizations, and Applications)

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