Recent Developments in Theranostic Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2021) | Viewed by 35896

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
Interests: drug delivery systems; nanomaterials; nanoparticles; vascular tissue engineering

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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
Interests: nanomedicine; biomaterials; tissue engineering; 3D cell cultures

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

There has been emerging interest in recent years in the development of multifunctional drug delivery systems that can be used simultaneously for both imaging and therapy. Theragnostic, which is a portmanteau of the words 'therapy' and 'diagnostics', is of importance as it moves away from the 'one medicine fits all' approach in order to provide targeted and patient-centered care. Nanotheranostic systems have the potential to facilitate early disease detection, disease-specific biomarker identification, selection of patient-specific therapies, real-time treatment monitoring, and early detection of off-target effects of the treatment using a single formulation. Multifunctional nanotheranostic platforms with dual-modality imaging capabilities, and loaded with multiple therapeutics, are also being developed and studied for the management of various diseases.

For this Special Issue, we welcome original research and review articles that highlight recent research advances and breakthroughs in the area of 'Recent Developments in Theranostic Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems'.

Prof. Dr. Kytai T. Nguyen
Prof. Dr. Jyothi U. Menon
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • theranostics
  • nanotheranostics
  • drug delivery
  • nanomedicine
  • stimuli-responsive
  • nanotechnology
  • multifunctional
  • targeted drug delivery
  • biomaterials
  • nanobiomaterials
  • medical devices

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2800 KiB  
Article
Effects of Surface Protein Adsorption on the Distribution and Retention of Intratumorally Administered Gold Nanoparticles
by Rossana Terracciano, Aobo Zhang, E. Brian Butler, Danilo Demarchi, Jason H. Hafner, Alessandro Grattoni and Carly S. Filgueira
Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(2), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13020216 - 05 Feb 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3410
Abstract
The heterogeneous distribution of delivery or treatment modalities within the tumor mass is a crucial limiting factor for a vast range of theranostic applications. Understanding the interactions between a nanomaterial and the tumor microenvironment will help to overcome challenges associated with tumor heterogeneity, [...] Read more.
The heterogeneous distribution of delivery or treatment modalities within the tumor mass is a crucial limiting factor for a vast range of theranostic applications. Understanding the interactions between a nanomaterial and the tumor microenvironment will help to overcome challenges associated with tumor heterogeneity, as well as the clinical translation of nanotheranostic materials. This study aims to evaluate the influence of protein surface adsorption on gold nanoparticle (GNP) biodistribution using high-resolution computed tomography (CT) preclinical imaging in C57BL/6 mice harboring Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) tumors. LLC provides a valuable model for study due to its highly heterogenous nature, which makes drug delivery to the tumor challenging. By controlling the adsorption of proteins on the GNP surface, we hypothesize that we can influence the intratumoral distribution pattern and particle retention. We performed an in vitro study to evaluate the uptake of GNPs by LLC cells and an in vivo study to assess and quantify the GNP biodistribution by injecting concentrated GNPs citrate-stabilized or passivated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) intratumorally into LLC solid tumors. Quantitative CT and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) results both confirm the presence of particles in the tumor 9 days post-injection (n = 8 mice/group). A significant difference is highlighted between citrate-GNP and BSA-GNP groups (** p < 0.005, Tukey’s multiple comparisons test), confirming that the protein corona of GNPs modifies intratumoral distribution and retention of the particles. In conclusion, our investigations show that the surface passivation of GNPs influences the mechanism of cellular uptake and intratumoral distribution in vivo, highlighting the spatial heterogeneity of the solid tumor. Full article
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Review

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24 pages, 5796 KiB  
Review
Current State of Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Theranostics
by Arya Bhushan, Andrea Gonsalves and Jyothi U. Menon
Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(5), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13050723 - 14 May 2021
Cited by 60 | Viewed by 12897
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of all types of cancers are crucial for a positive prognosis. Patients with small tumor sizes at the time of their diagnosis [...] Read more.
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of all types of cancers are crucial for a positive prognosis. Patients with small tumor sizes at the time of their diagnosis have a significantly higher survival rate and a significantly reduced probability of the cancer being fatal. Therefore, many novel technologies are being developed for early detection of primary tumors, as well as distant metastases and recurrent disease, for effective breast cancer management. Theranostics has emerged as a new paradigm for the simultaneous diagnosis, imaging, and treatment of cancers. It has the potential to provide timely and improved patient care via personalized therapy. In nanotheranostics, cell-specific targeting moieties, imaging agents, and therapeutic agents can be embedded within a single formulation for effective treatment. In this review, we will highlight the different diagnosis techniques and treatment strategies for breast cancer management and explore recent advances in breast cancer theranostics. Our main focus will be to summarize recent trends and technologies in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment as reported in recent research papers and patents and discuss future perspectives for effective breast cancer therapy. Full article
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13 pages, 4136 KiB  
Review
Molecular Modeling of Protein Corona Formation and Its Interactions with Nanoparticles and Cell Membranes for Nanomedicine Applications
by Hwankyu Lee
Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(5), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13050637 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3131
Abstract
The conformations and surface properties of nanoparticles have been modified to improve the efficiency of drug delivery. However, when nanoparticles flow through the bloodstream, they interact with various plasma proteins, leading to the formation of protein layers on the nanoparticle surface, called protein [...] Read more.
The conformations and surface properties of nanoparticles have been modified to improve the efficiency of drug delivery. However, when nanoparticles flow through the bloodstream, they interact with various plasma proteins, leading to the formation of protein layers on the nanoparticle surface, called protein corona. Experiments have shown that protein corona modulates nanoparticle size, shape, and surface properties and, thus, influence the aggregation of nanoparticles and their interactions with cell membranes, which can increases or decreases the delivery efficiency. To complement these experimental findings and understand atomic-level phenomena that cannot be captured by experiments, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been performed for the past decade. Here, we aim to review the critical role of MD simulations to understand (1) the conformation, binding site, and strength of plasma proteins that are adsorbed onto nanoparticle surfaces, (2) the competitive adsorption and desorption of plasma proteins on nanoparticle surfaces, and (3) the interactions between protein-coated nanoparticles and cell membranes. MD simulations have successfully predicted the competitive binding and conformation of protein corona and its effect on the nanoparticle–nanoparticle and nanoparticle–membrane interactions. In particular, simulations have uncovered the mechanism regarding the competitive adsorption and desorption of plasma proteins, which helps to explain the Vroman effect. Overall, these findings indicate that simulations can now provide predications in excellent agreement with experimental observations as well as atomic-scale insights into protein corona formation and interactions. Full article
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27 pages, 2159 KiB  
Review
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Properties and Strategies for Enhancing Clinical Effect
by Alex N. Frickenstein, Jordan M. Hagood, Collin N. Britten, Brandon S. Abbott, Molly W. McNally, Catherine A. Vopat, Eian G. Patterson, William M. MacCuaig, Ajay Jain, Keisha B. Walters and Lacey R. McNally
Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(4), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13040570 - 17 Apr 2021
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 5510
Abstract
Due to the theragnostic potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), these were extensively investigated as a novel approach to improve clinical outcomes. Boasting an impressive array of formulations and modifications, MSNs demonstrate significant in vivo efficacy when used to identify or treat myriad [...] Read more.
Due to the theragnostic potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), these were extensively investigated as a novel approach to improve clinical outcomes. Boasting an impressive array of formulations and modifications, MSNs demonstrate significant in vivo efficacy when used to identify or treat myriad malignant diseases in preclinical models. As MSNs continue transitioning into clinical trials, a thorough understanding of the characteristics of effective MSNs is necessary. This review highlights recent discoveries and advances in MSN understanding and technology. Specific focus is given to cancer theragnostic approaches using MSNs. Characteristics of MSNs such as size, shape, and surface properties are discussed in relation to effective nanomedicine practice and projected clinical efficacy. Additionally, tumor-targeting options used with MSNs are presented with extensive discussion on active-targeting molecules. Methods for decreasing MSN toxicity, improving site-specific delivery, and controlling release of loaded molecules are further explained. Challenges facing the field and translation to clinical environments are presented alongside potential avenues for continuing investigations. Full article
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24 pages, 1959 KiB  
Review
Nanomaterials as Novel Cardiovascular Theranostics
by Rajasekharreddy Pala, Subhaswaraj Pattnaik, Siddhardha Busi and Surya M. Nauli
Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(3), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13030348 - 07 Mar 2021
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3786
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of conditions associated with heart and blood vessels and are considered the leading cause of death globally. Coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction represents the CVDs. Since CVDs are associated with a series of pathophysiological conditions with [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of conditions associated with heart and blood vessels and are considered the leading cause of death globally. Coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction represents the CVDs. Since CVDs are associated with a series of pathophysiological conditions with an alarming mortality and morbidity rate, early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic approaches are critical for saving patients’ lives. Conventionally, diagnostic tools are employed to detect disease conditions, whereas therapeutic drug candidates are administered to mitigate diseases. However, the advent of nanotechnological platforms has revolutionized the current understanding of pathophysiology and therapeutic measures. The concept of combinatorial therapy using both diagnosis and therapeutics through a single platform is known as theranostics. Nano-based theranostics are widely used in cancer detection and treatment, as evident from pre-clinical and clinical studies. Nanotheranostics have gained considerable attention for the efficient management of CVDs. The differential physicochemical properties of engineered nanoparticles have been exploited for early diagnosis and therapy of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and aneurysms. Herein, we provided the information on the evolution of nano-based theranostics to detect and treat CVDs such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and angiogenesis. The review also aims to provide novel avenues on how nanotherapeutics’ trending concept could transform our conventional diagnostic and therapeutic tools in the near future. Full article
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35 pages, 3397 KiB  
Review
Progress of Cancer Nanotechnology as Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Theranostics Nanomedicine: Preclinical Promise and Translational Challenges
by Sultan Alshehri, Syed Sarim Imam, Md. Rizwanullah, Sohail Akhter, Wael Mahdi, Mohsin Kazi and Javed Ahmad
Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13010024 - 24 Dec 2020
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 6137
Abstract
Early detection, right therapeutic intervention, and simultaneous effectiveness mapping are considered the critical factors in successful cancer therapy. Nevertheless, these factors experience the limitations of conventional cancer diagnostics and therapeutics delivery approaches. Along with providing the targeted therapeutics delivery, advances in nanomedicines have [...] Read more.
Early detection, right therapeutic intervention, and simultaneous effectiveness mapping are considered the critical factors in successful cancer therapy. Nevertheless, these factors experience the limitations of conventional cancer diagnostics and therapeutics delivery approaches. Along with providing the targeted therapeutics delivery, advances in nanomedicines have allowed the combination of therapy and diagnostics in a single system (called cancer theranostics). This paper discusses the progress in the pre-clinical and clinical development of therapeutics, diagnostics, and theranostics cancer nanomedicines. It has been well evident that compared to the overabundance of works that claimed success in pre-clinical studies, merely 15 and around 75 cancer nanomedicines are approved, and currently under clinical trials, respectively. Thus, we also brief the critical bottlenecks in the successful clinical translation of cancer nanomedicines. Full article
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