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Pharmaceutics
Special Issues
Recent Advances in Metallic Nanoparticles as Theranostics Platforms
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Recent Advances in Metallic Nanoparticles as Theranostics Platforms

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 12596

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Carlos Caro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), 29590 Malaga, Spain
Interests: iron oxide nanoparticles; multicomponent nanoparticles; theranostics; MRI; magnetic hyperthermia; in vivo cancer models; tumor targeting
Dr. María Luisa García-Martín

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), 29590 Malaga, Spain
Interests: iron oxide nanoparticles; multicomponent nanoparticles; theranostics; MRI; magnetic hyperthermia; in vivo cancer models; tumor targeting

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Early diagnosis and highly specific treatments are the most effective tools to fight diseases and avoid the burden of treatment-related side effects. Early diagnostic methods mainly rely on imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Both techniques provide great anatomical detail, simply with the intrinsic contrast of tissues. However, the use of contrast agents (CA) is essential to improve the accuracy of diagnosis in certain cases. Current CAs present two fundamental limitations: low diagnostic specificity and related toxicity. In addition, traditional systemic therapies also suffer from low specificity, which leads to the use of high doses and, consequently, significant side effects. Hence, the development of new theranostic (therapy+diagnostic) platforms with higher specificity is one of the major challenges that science faces today. Nanomedicine represents one of the greatest promises of the new era of health research aimed at personalized medicine. Nanotechnology applied to health offers great advantages over traditional approaches, allowing the design of smart multifunctional nanoplatforms for combined diagnosis and therapy with increased sensitivity, specificity, and therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, advances in theranostics nanoplatforms are undoubtedly a hot topic in nanomedicine research.

The following Special Issue “Recent Advances in Metallic Nanoparticles as Theranostic Platforms”, for which we are serving as Guest Editors, will be published in Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923; Impact Factor: 6.321).

I would like to invite you and your team to contribute your work to this special issue.

Dr. Carlos Caro
Dr. María Luisa García-Martín
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. Pharmaceutics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). 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.

Keywords

  • metallic nanoparticles
  • multicomponent nanoparticles
  • medical imaging
  • magnetic resonance imaging (mri)
  • computed tomography (ct)
  • multimodal imaging
  • magnetic hyperthermia
  • combined therapies
  • theranostics
  • cancer models
  • tumor targeting

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 2323 KiB  
Article
Iron–Gold Nanoflowers: A Promising Tool for Multimodal Imaging and Hyperthermia Therapy
by Evangelia Christou, John R. Pearson, Ana M. Beltrán, Yilian Fernández-Afonso, Lucía Gutiérrez, Jesús M. de la Fuente, Francisco Gámez, María L. García-Martín and Carlos Caro
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(3), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14030636 - 14 Mar 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2413
Abstract
The development of nanoplatforms prepared to perform both multimodal imaging and combined therapies in a single entity is a fast-growing field. These systems are able to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapy success. Multicomponent Nanoparticles (MCNPs), composed of iron oxide and gold, offer new [...] Read more.
The development of nanoplatforms prepared to perform both multimodal imaging and combined therapies in a single entity is a fast-growing field. These systems are able to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapy success. Multicomponent Nanoparticles (MCNPs), composed of iron oxide and gold, offer new opportunities for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) diagnosis, as well as combined therapies based on Magnetic Hyperthermia (MH) and Photothermal Therapy (PT). In this work, we describe a new seed-assisted method for the synthesis of Au@Fe Nanoparticles (NPs) with a flower-like structure. For biomedical purposes, Au@Fe NPs were functionalized with a PEGylated ligand, leading to high colloidal stability. Moreover, the as-obtained Au@Fe-PEG NPs exhibited excellent features as both MRI and CT Contrast Agents (CAs), with high r2 relaxivity (60.5 mM−1⋅s−1) and X-ray attenuation properties (8.8 HU mM−1⋅HU). In addition, these nanoflowers presented considerable energy-to-heat conversion under both Alternating Magnetic Fields (AMFs) (∆T ≈ 2.5 °C) and Near-Infrared (NIR) light (∆T ≈ 17 °C). Finally, Au@Fe-PEG NPs exhibited very low cytotoxicity, confirming their potential for theranostics applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Metallic Nanoparticles as Theranostics Platforms)
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14 pages, 6033 KiB  
Article
In Vivo Assimilation of CuS, Iron Oxide and Iron Oxide@CuS Nanoparticles in Mice: A 6-Month Follow-Up Study
by Alberto Curcio, Aurore Van de Walle, Christine Péchoux, Ali Abou-Hassan and Claire Wilhelm
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(1), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14010179 - 13 Jan 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2160
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are at the leading edge of nanomedicine, and determining their biosafety remains a mandatory precondition for biomedical applications. Herein, we explore the bioassimilation of copper sulfide NPs reported as powerful photo-responsive anticancer therapeutic agents. The nanoparticles investigated present a hollow shell [...] Read more.
Nanoparticles (NPs) are at the leading edge of nanomedicine, and determining their biosafety remains a mandatory precondition for biomedical applications. Herein, we explore the bioassimilation of copper sulfide NPs reported as powerful photo-responsive anticancer therapeutic agents. The nanoparticles investigated present a hollow shell morphology, that can be left empty (CuS NPs) or be filled with an iron oxide flower-like core (iron oxide@CuS NPs), and are compared with the iron oxide nanoparticles only (iron oxide NPs). CuS, iron oxide@CuS and iron oxide NPs were injected in 6-week-old mice, at doses coherent with an antitumoral treatment. Cu and Fe were quantified in the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs over 6 months, including the control animals, thus providing endogenous Cu and Fe levels in the first months after animal birth. After intravenous NPs administration, 77.0 ± 3.9% of the mass of Cu injected, and 78.6 ± 3.8% of the mass of Fe, were detected in the liver. In the spleen, we found 3.3 ± 0.6% of the injected Cu and 3.8 ± 0.6% for the Fe. No negative impact was observed on organ weight, nor on Cu or Fe homeostasis in the long term. The mass of the two metals returned to the control values within three months, a result that was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and histology images. This bioassimilation with no negative impact comforts the possible translation of these nanomaterials into clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Metallic Nanoparticles as Theranostics Platforms)
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Review

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26 pages, 7192 KiB  
Review
The Use of Medicinal Plant-Derived Metallic Nanoparticles in Theranostics
by Jabulile Happiness Xulu, Tanaka Ndongwe, Kenneth M. Ezealisiji, Vuyelwa J. Tembu, Nontobeko P. Mncwangi, Bwalya A. Witika and Xavier Siwe-Noundou
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(11), 2437; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14112437 - 10 Nov 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2051
Abstract
In the quest to effectively diagnose and treat the diseases that afflict mankind, the development of a tool capable of simultaneous detection and treatment would provide a significant cornerstone for the survival and control of these diseases. Theranostics denotes a portmanteau of therapeutics [...] Read more.
In the quest to effectively diagnose and treat the diseases that afflict mankind, the development of a tool capable of simultaneous detection and treatment would provide a significant cornerstone for the survival and control of these diseases. Theranostics denotes a portmanteau of therapeutics and diagnostics which simultaneously detect and treat ailments. Research advances have initiated the advent of theranostics in modern medicine. Overall, theranostics are drug delivery systems with molecular or targeted imaging agents integrated into their structure. The application of theranostics is rising exponentially due to the urgent need for treatments that can be utilized for diagnostic imaging as an aid in precision and personalised medicine. Subsequently, the emergence of nanobiotechnology and the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) has provided one such avenue for nanoscale development and research. Of interest is the drastic rise in the use of medicinal plants in the synthesis of MNPs which have been reported to be potentially effective in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. At present, medicinal plant-derived MNPs have been cited to have broad pharmacological applications and have been studied for their potential use in the treatment and management of cancer, malaria, microbial and cardiovascular diseases. The subject of this article regards the role of medicinal plants in the synthesis of MNPs and the potential role of MNPs in the field of theranostics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Metallic Nanoparticles as Theranostics Platforms)
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16 pages, 3126 KiB  
Review
Functionalized Silver and Gold Nanomaterials with Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications
by Navid Rabiee, Sepideh Ahmadi, Siavash Iravani and Rajender S. Varma
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(10), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14102182 - 13 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1917
Abstract
The functionalization of nanomaterials with suitable capping ligands or bioactive agents is an interesting strategy in designing nanosystems with suitable applicability and biocompatibility; the physicochemical and biological properties of these nanomaterials can be highly improved for biomedical applications. In this context, numerous explorations [...] Read more.
The functionalization of nanomaterials with suitable capping ligands or bioactive agents is an interesting strategy in designing nanosystems with suitable applicability and biocompatibility; the physicochemical and biological properties of these nanomaterials can be highly improved for biomedical applications. In this context, numerous explorations have been conducted in the functionalization of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanomaterials using suitable functional groups or agents to design nanosystems with unique physicochemical properties such as excellent biosensing capabilities, biocompatibility, targeting features, and multifunctionality for biomedical purposes. Future studies should be undertaken for designing novel functionalization tactics to improve the properties of Au- and Ag-based nanosystems and reduce their toxicity. The possible release of cytotoxic radicals or ions, the internalization of nanomaterials, the alteration of cellular signaling pathways, the translocation of these nanomaterials across the cell membranes into mitochondria, DNA damages, and the damage of cell membranes are the main causes of their toxicity, which ought to be comprehensively explored. In this study, recent advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic applications of functionalized Au and Ag nanomaterials are deliberated, focusing on important challenges and future directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Metallic Nanoparticles as Theranostics Platforms)
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27 pages, 3810 KiB  
Review
Gold Nanorods for Drug and Gene Delivery: An Overview of Recent Advancements
by Atieh Jahangiri-Manesh, Marziyeh Mousazadeh, Shirinsadat Taji, Abbas Bahmani, Atefeh Zarepour, Ali Zarrabi, Esmaeel Sharifi and Mostafa Azimzadeh
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(3), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14030664 - 17 Mar 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3352
Abstract
Over the past few decades, gold nanomaterials have shown great promise in the field of nanotechnology, especially in medical and biological applications. They have become the most used nanomaterials in those fields due to their several advantageous. However, rod-shaped gold nanoparticles, or gold [...] Read more.
Over the past few decades, gold nanomaterials have shown great promise in the field of nanotechnology, especially in medical and biological applications. They have become the most used nanomaterials in those fields due to their several advantageous. However, rod-shaped gold nanoparticles, or gold nanorods (GNRs), have some more unique physical, optical, and chemical properties, making them proper candidates for biomedical applications including drug/gene delivery, photothermal/photodynamic therapy, and theranostics. Most of their therapeutic applications are based on their ability for tunable heat generation upon exposure to near-infrared (NIR) radiation, which is helpful in both NIR-responsive cargo delivery and photothermal/photodynamic therapies. In this review, a comprehensive insight into the properties, synthesis methods and toxicity of gold nanorods are overviewed first. For the main body of the review, the therapeutic applications of GNRs are provided in four main sections: (i) drug delivery, (ii) gene delivery, (iii) photothermal/photodynamic therapy, and (iv) theranostics applications. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of their therapeutic application are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Metallic Nanoparticles as Theranostics Platforms)
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