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Advances in Nanostructured Materials between Pharmaceutics and Biomedicine

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2020) | Viewed by 51357

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Dr. Stefano Giovagnoli

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Guest Editor

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
Interests: controlled release; solid state properties; organic and inorganic nano- microparticles; inhaled dry powders; drug physical modification; cell microencapsulation and engineering
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Prof. Dr. Alessandro Di Michele

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Co-Guest Editor

Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Interests: nanomaterials; sonochemistry; catalysis; electron microscopy imaging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanostructured materials are materials containing an internal or surface structure in the nanometer length scale on which their properties depend. Organic, inorganic, and hybrid nanostructures find broad application across several areas of pharmaceutics and biomedicine. In particular, medicinal chemistry, drug delivery, and tissue engineering have benefited from the progress in such technologies. Considerable advances have characterized the recent application of nanostructured materials in medicine, from diagnostic biosensors to scaffolds for tissue engineering, without forgetting the high relevance in catalysis and biocatalysis applied to biology and chemical synthesis.

This Special Issue aims at the most recent advances in nanostructured material across chemistry and biology, including manufacturing and potential toxicity issues. Particular importance will be given to applications in medicinal chemistry and flow chemistry, targeted and local drug nanocarriers, nanostructured matrices for controlled release, biosensors, and functional nanomaterials and their biological relevance.

Prof. Dr. Stefano Giovagnoli
Dr. Alessandro Di Michele
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Nanostructured materials in medicinal chemistry
Nanomaterials and flow chemistry
Biofunctional nanomaterials
Nanostructured materials for catalysis
Nanostructured scaffolds for tissue engineering
Nanomaterials for local and targeted drug delivery
Nanostructured biosensors and diagnostic tools
Nanostructured scaffolds for biocatalysis
Nanostructured matrices for drug delivery
Nanostructured materials manufacturing
Nanomaterial toxicity
Nanomaterial functionalization and characterization
Nanomaterial structural analysis
Nanoparticles
Functional nanomaterials
Heterogenous catalysis
Biocatalysis
Flow chemistry
Biosensors
Diagnostics
Local and targeted drug delivery
Nanotoxicity
Nanostructured scaffolds

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 6603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Interplay between Fe₃O₄ Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles, Sodium Butyrate, and Folic Acid for Intracellular Transport

by Maria Teresa Cambria, Giusy Villaggio, Samuele Laudani, Luca Pulvirenti, Concetta Federico, Salvatore Saccone, Guglielmo Guido Condorelli and Fulvia Sinatra

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(22), 8473; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228473 - 11 Nov 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2097

Abstract

Combined treatments which use nanoparticles and drugs could be a synergistic strategy for the treatment of a variety of cancers to overcome drug resistance, low efficacy, and high-dose-induced systemic toxicity. In this study, the effects on human colon adenocarcinoma cells of surface modified Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in combination with sodium butyrate (NaBu), added as a free formulation, were examined demonstrating that the co-delivery produced a cytotoxic effect on malignant cells. Two different MNP coatings were investigated: a simple polyethylene glycol (PEG) layer and a mixed folic acid (FA) and PEG layer. Our results demonstrated that MNPs with FA (FA-PEG@MNPs) have a better cellular uptake than the ones without FA (PEG@MNPs), probably due to the presence of folate that acts as an activator of folate receptors (FRs) expression. However, in the presence of NaBu, the difference between the two types of MNPs was reduced. These similar behaviors for both MNPs likely occurred because of the differentiation induced by butyrate that increases the uptake of ferromagnetic nanoparticles. Moreover, we observed a strong decrease of cell viability in a NaBu dose-dependent manner. Taking into account these results, the cooperation of multifunctional MNPs with NaBu, taking into consideration the particular cancer-cell properties, can be a valuable tool for future cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Materials between Pharmaceutics and Biomedicine)

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17 pages, 2855 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate)-Based Nanoparticles for Sorafenib and Doxorubicin Anticancer Drug Delivery

by György Babos, Joanna Rydz, Michal Kawalec, Magdalena Klim, Andrea Fodor-Kardos, László Trif and Tivadar Feczkó

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(19), 7312; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21197312 - 3 Oct 2020

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 3803

Abstract

Dual drug-loaded nanotherapeutics can play an important role against the drug resistance and side effects of the single drugs. Doxorubicin and sorafenib were efficiently co-encapsulated by tailor-made poly([R,S]-3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) using an emulsion–solvent evaporation method. Subsequent poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) conjugation onto nanoparticles was applied to make the nanocarriers stealth and to improve their drug release characteristics. Monodisperse PHB–sorafenib–doxorubicin nanoparticles had an average size of 199.3 nm, which was increased to 250.5 nm after PEGylation. The nanoparticle yield and encapsulation efficiencies of drugs decreased slightly in consequence of PEG conjugation. The drug release of the doxorubicin was beneficial, since it was liberated faster in a tumor-specific acidic environment than in blood plasma. The PEG attachment decelerated the release of both the doxorubicin and the sorafenib, however, the release of the latter drug remained still significantly faster with increased initial burst compared to doxorubicin. Nevertheless, the PEG–PHB copolymer showed more beneficial drug release kinetics in vitro in comparison with our recently developed PEGylated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles loaded with the same drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Materials between Pharmaceutics and Biomedicine)

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28 pages, 6083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Injectable Thermo-Sensitive Chitosan Hydrogel Containing CPT-11-Loaded EGFR-Targeted Graphene Oxide and SLP2 shRNA for Localized Drug/Gene Delivery in Glioblastoma Therapy

by Yu-Jen Lu, Yu-Hsiang Lan, Chi-Cheng Chuang, Wan-Ting Lu, Li-Yang Chan, Peng-Wei Hsu and Jyh-Ping Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(19), 7111; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21197111 - 26 Sep 2020

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 4682

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to develop a multifunctional drug/gene delivery system for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme by combining the ligand-mediated active targeting and the pH-triggered drug release features of graphene oxide (GO). Toward this end, we load irinotecan (CPT-11) to cetuximab (CET)-conjugated GO (GO-CET/CPT11) for pH-responsive drug release after endocytosis by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) over-expressed U87 human glioblastoma cells. The ultimate injectable drug/gene delivery system was designed by co-entrapping stomatin-like protein 2 (SLP2) short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and GO-CET/CPT11 in thermosensitive chitosan-g-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (CPN) polymer solution, which offers a hydrogel depot for localized, sustained delivery of the therapeutics after the in situ formation of CPN@GO-CET/CPT11@shRNA hydrogel. An optimal drug formulation was achieved by considering both the loading efficiency and loading content of CPT-11 on GO-CET. A sustained and controlled release behavior was found for CPT-11 and shRNA from CPN hydrogel. Confocal microscopy analysis confirmed the intracellular trafficking for the targeted delivery of CPT-11 through interactions of CET with EGFR on the U87 cell surface. The efficient transfection of U87 using SLP2 shRNA was achieved using CPN as a delivery milieu, possibly by the formation of shRNA/CPN polyplex after hydrogel degradation. In vitro cell culture experiments confirmed cell apoptosis induced by CPT-11 released from acid organelles in the cytoplasm by flow cytometry, as well as reduced SLP2 protein expression and inhibited cell migration due to gene silencing. Finally, in vivo therapeutic efficacy was demonstrated using the xenograft of U87 tumor-bearing nude mice through non-invasive intratumoral delivery of CPN@GO-CET/CPT11@shRNA by injection. Overall, we have demonstrated the novelty of this thermosensitive hydrogel to be an excellent depot for the co-delivery of anticancer drugs and siRNA. The in situ forming hydrogel will not only provide extended drug release but also combine the advantages offered by the chitosan-based copolymer structure for siRNA delivery to broaden treatment modalities in cancer therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Materials between Pharmaceutics and Biomedicine)

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13 pages, 8117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Situ Gelling Systems Using Pluronic F127 Enhance Corneal Permeability of Indomethacin Nanocrystals

by Noriaki Nagai, Takumi Isaka, Saori Deguchi, Misa Minami, Mizuki Yamaguchi, Hiroko Otake, Norio Okamoto and Yosuke Nakazawa

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(19), 7083; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21197083 - 25 Sep 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3045

Abstract

We previously designed an ophthalmic dispersion containing indomethacin nanocrystals (IMC-NCs), showing that multiple energy-dependent endocytoses led to the enhanced absorption of drugs from ocular dosage forms. In this study, we attempted to prepare Pluronic F-127 (PLF-127)-based in situ gel (ISG) incorporating IMC-NCs, and we investigated whether the instillation of the newly developed ISG incorporating IMC-NCs prolonged the precorneal resident time of the drug and improved ocular bioavailability. The IMC-NC-incorporating ISG was prepared using the bead-mill method and PLF-127, which yielded a mean particle size of 50–150 nm. The viscosity of the IMC-NC-incorporating ISG was higher at 37 °C than at 10 °C, and the diffusion and release of IMC-NCs in the IMC-NC-incorporating ISG were decreased by PLF-127 at 37 °C. In experiments using rabbits, the retention time of IMC levels in the lacrimal fluid was enhanced with PLF-127 in the IMC-NC-incorporating ISG, whereby the IMC-NC-incorporating ISG with 5% and 10% PLF-127 increased the transcorneal penetration of the IMCs. In contrast to the results with optimal PLF-127 (5% and 10%), excessive PLF-127 (15%) decreased the uptake of IMC-NCs after instillation. In conclusion, we found that IMC-NC-incorporating ISG with an optimal amount of PLF-127 (5–10%) resulted in higher IMC corneal permeation after instillation than that with excessive PLF-127, probably because of the balance between higher residence time and faster diffusion of IMC-NCs on the ocular surface. These findings provide significant information for developing ophthalmic nanomedicines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Materials between Pharmaceutics and Biomedicine)

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11 pages, 2028 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of TiO₂ Nanoparticles on Cisplatin Cytotoxicity in Cancer Cell Lines

by Basma Salama, El-Said El-Sherbini, Gehad El-Sayed, Mohamed El-Adl, Koki Kanehira and Akiyoshi Taniguchi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(2), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21020605 - 17 Jan 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4091

Abstract

There have been many studies on improving the efficacy of cisplatin and on identifying safe compounds that can overcome multi-drug resistance (MDR) acquired by cancer cells. Our previous research showed that polyethylene glycol-modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ PEG NPs) affect cell membrane receptors, resulting in their aggregation, altered localization and downregulation. TiO₂ PEG NPs may affect P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a membrane efflux channel involved in MDR. In this study, we investigated the effect of TiO₂ PEG NPs on cisplatin cytotoxicity. We used HepG2 cells, which highly express P-gp and A431 cells, which show low expression of P-gp. The results showed that 10 µg/mL 100 nm TiO₂ PEG NPs increased intracellular cisplatin levels and cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells but not in A431 cells. TiO₂ PEG NPs treatment decreased the expression level of P-gp in HepG2 cells. Our findings indicate that TiO₂ PEG NPs enhance cisplatin cytotoxicity by down regulating P-gp and that TiO₂ PEG NPs are promising candidates for inhibiting P-gp and reversing drug resistance acquired by cancer cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Materials between Pharmaceutics and Biomedicine)

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32 pages, 3762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Transcriptomics, Metabolomics, and Lipidomics Profiling in Rat Lung, Blood, and Serum for Assessment of Laser Printer-Emitted Nanoparticle Inhalation Exposure-Induced Disease Risks

by Nancy Lan Guo, Tuang Yeow Poh, Sandra Pirela, Mariana T. Farcas, Sanjay H. Chotirmall, Wai Kin Tham, Sunil S. Adav, Qing Ye, Yongyue Wei, Sipeng Shen, David C. Christiani, Kee Woei Ng, Treye Thomas, Yong Qian and Philip Demokritou

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(24), 6348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20246348 - 16 Dec 2019

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 12393

Abstract

Laser printer-emitted nanoparticles (PEPs) generated from toners during printing represent one of the most common types of life cycle released particulate matter from nano-enabled products. Toxicological assessment of PEPs is therefore important for occupational and consumer health protection. Our group recently reported exposure to PEPs induces adverse cardiovascular responses including hypertension and arrythmia via monitoring left ventricular pressure and electrocardiogram in rats. This study employed genome-wide mRNA and miRNA profiling in rat lung and blood integrated with metabolomics and lipidomics profiling in rat serum to identify biomarkers for assessing PEPs-induced disease risks. Whole-body inhalation of PEPs perturbed transcriptional activities associated with cardiovascular dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, and neural disorders at every observed time point in both rat lung and blood during the 21 days of exposure. Furthermore, the systematic analysis revealed PEPs-induced transcriptomic changes linking to other disease risks in rats, including diabetes, congenital defects, auto-recessive disorders, physical deformation, and carcinogenesis. The results were also confirmed with global metabolomics profiling in rat serum. Among the validated metabolites and lipids, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, docosahexanoic acid, and histidine showed significant variation in PEPs-exposed rat serum. Overall, the identified PEPs-induced dysregulated genes, molecular pathways and functions, and miRNA-mediated transcriptional activities provide important insights into the disease mechanisms. The discovered important mRNAs, miRNAs, lipids and metabolites may serve as candidate biomarkers for future occupational and medical surveillance studies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study systematically integrating in vivo, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics to assess PEPs inhalation exposure-induced disease risks using a rat model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Materials between Pharmaceutics and Biomedicine)

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17 pages, 11136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of a Nanopatterned Scaffold that Mimics Abnormal Renal Mesangial Matrix on Mesangial Cell Behavior

by Chia-Jung Chang, Rin Minei, Takeshi Sato and Akiyoshi Taniguchi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(21), 5349; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20215349 - 28 Oct 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3528

Abstract

The alteration of mesangial matrix (MM) components in mesangium, such as type IV collagen (COL4) and type I collagen (COL1), is commonly found in progressive glomerular disease. Mesangial cells (MCs) responding to altered MM, show critical changes in cell function. This suggests that the diseased MM structure could play an important role in MC behavior. To investigate how MC behavior is influenced by the diseased MM 3D nanostructure, we fabricated the titanium dioxide (TiO₂)-based nanopatterns that mimic diseased MM nanostructures. Immortalized mouse MCs were used to assess the influence of disease-mimic nanopatterns on cell functions, and were compared with a normal-mimic nanopattern. The results showed that the disease-mimic nanopattern induced disease-like behavior, including increased proliferation, excessive production of abnormal MM components (COL1 and fibronectin) and decreased normal MM components (COL4 and laminin α1). In contrast, the normal-mimic nanopattern actually resulted in cells displaying normal proliferation and the production of normal MM components. In addition, increased expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and integrin α5β1 were detected in cells grown on the disease-mimic nanopattern. These results indicated that the disease-mimic nanopattern induced disease-like cell behavior. These findings will help further establish a disease model that mimics abnormal MM nanostructures and also to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying glomerular disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Materials between Pharmaceutics and Biomedicine)

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19 pages, 4805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ibuprofen-Loaded Hyaluronic Acid Nanofibrous Membranes for Prevention of Postoperative Tendon Adhesion through Reduction of Inflammation

by Chien-Tzung Chen, Chih-Hao Chen, Chialin Sheu and Jyh-Ping Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(20), 5038; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20205038 - 11 Oct 2019

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4284

Abstract

A desirable multi-functional nanofibrous membrane (NFM) for prevention of postoperative tendon adhesion should be endowed with abilities to prevent fibroblast attachment and penetration and exert anti-inflammation effects. To meet this need, hyaluronic acid (HA)/ibuprofen (IBU) (HAI) NFMs were prepared by electrospinning, followed by dual ionic crosslinking with FeCl₃ (HAIF NFMs) and covalent crosslinking with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) to produce HAIFB NFMs. It is expected that the multi-functional NFMs will act as a physical barrier to prevent fibroblast penetration, HA will reduce fibroblast attachment and impart a lubrication effect for tendon gliding, while IBU will function as an anti-inflammation drug. For this purpose, we successfully fabricated HAIFB NFMs containing 20% (HAI20FB), 30% (HAI30FB), and 40% (HAI40FB) IBU and characterized their physico-chemical properties by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and mechanical testing. In vitro cell culture studies revealed that all NFMs except HAI40FB possessed excellent effects in preventing fibroblast attachment and penetration while preserving high biocompatibility without influencing cell proliferation. Although showing significant improvement in mechanical properties over other NFMs, the HAI40FB NFM exhibited cytotoxicity towards fibroblasts due to the higher percentage and concentration of IBU released form the membrane. In vivo studies in a rabbit flexor tendon rupture model demonstrated the efficacy of IBU-loaded NFMs (HAI30FB) over Seprafilm^® and NFMs without IBU (HAFB) in reducing local inflammation and preventing tendon adhesion based on gross observation, histological analyses, and biomechanical functional assays. We concluded that an HAI30FB NFM will act as a multi-functional barrier membrane to prevent peritendinous adhesion after tendon surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Materials between Pharmaceutics and Biomedicine)

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15 pages, 3971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photoactive Liposomal Formulation of PVP-Conjugated Chlorin e6 for Photodynamic Reduction of Atherosclerotic Plaque

by Wojciech Kałas, Edyta Wysokińska, Magdalena Przybyło, Marek Langner, Agnieszka Ulatowska-Jarża, Dariusz Biały, Magdalena Wawrzyńska, Ewa Zioło, Wojciech Gil, Anna M. Trzeciak, Halina Podbielska and Marta Kopaczyńska

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(16), 3852; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20163852 - 7 Aug 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3393

Abstract

Background: Liposomes serve as delivery systems for biologically active compounds. Existing technologies inefficiently encapsulate large hydrophilic macromolecules, such as PVP-conjugated chlorin e6 (Photolon). This photoactive drug has been widely tested for therapeutic applications, including photodynamic reduction of atherosclerotic plaque. Methods: A novel formulation of Photolon was produced using “gel hydration technology”. Its pharmacokinetics was tested in Sus scrofa f. domestica. Its cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and ability to induce a phototoxic reaction were demonstrated in J774A.1, RAW264.7 macrophages, and vascular smooth muscle (T/G HA-VSMC) as well as in vascular endothelial (HUVEC) cells. Results: Developed liposomes had an average diameter of 124.7 ± 0.6 nm (polydispersity index (PDI) = 0.055) and contained >80% of Photolon). The half-life of formulation in S. scrofa was 20 min with area under the curve (AUC) equal to 14.7. The formulation was noncytotoxic in vitro and was rapidly (10 min) and efficiently accumulated by macrophages, but not T/G HA-VSMC or HUVEC. The accumulated quantity of photosensitizer was sufficient for induction of phototoxicity in J774A.1, but not in T/G HA-VSMC. Conclusions: Due to the excellent physical and pharmacokinetic properties and selectivity for macrophages, the novel liposomal formulation of Photolon is a promising therapeutic candidate for use in arteriosclerosis treatment when targeting macrophages but not accompanying vascular tissue is critical for effective and safe therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Materials between Pharmaceutics and Biomedicine)

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15 pages, 800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Induced Gene Expression Biomarkers for Medical and Occupational Surveillance

by Brandi N. Snyder-Talkington, Chunlin Dong, Salvi Singh, Rebecca Raese, Yong Qian, Dale W. Porter, Michael G. Wolfarth and Nancy L. Guo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(11), 2635; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20112635 - 29 May 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3317

Abstract

As the demand for multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) incorporation into industrial and biomedical applications increases, so does the potential for unintentional pulmonary MWCNT exposure, particularly among workers during manufacturing. Pulmonary exposure to MWCNTs raises the potential for development of lung inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer among those exposed; however, there are currently no effective biomarkers for detecting lung fibrosis or predicting the risk of lung cancer resulting from MWCNT exposure. To uncover potential mRNAs and miRNAs that could be used as markers of exposure, this study compared in vivo mRNA and miRNA expression in lung tissue and blood of mice exposed to MWCNTs with in vitro mRNA and miRNA expression from a co-culture model of human lung epithelial and microvascular cells, a system previously shown to have a higher overall genome-scale correlation with mRNA expression in mouse lungs than either cell type grown separately. Concordant mRNAs and miRNAs identified by this study could be used to drive future studies confirming human biomarkers of MWCNT exposure. These potential biomarkers could be used to assess overall worker health and predict the occurrence of MWCNT-induced diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Materials between Pharmaceutics and Biomedicine)

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16 pages, 3031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Biological Behavior of a Gold Nanocore-Encapsulated Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticle (Au@HSANP) in a CT-26 Tumor/Ascites Mouse Model after Intravenous/Intraperitoneal Administration

by Chao-Cheng Chen, Jia-Je Li, Nai-Hua Guo, Deng-Yuan Chang, Chung-Yih Wang, Jenn-Tzong Chen, Wuu-Jyh Lin, Kwan-Hwa Chi, Yi-Jang Lee, Ren-Shyan Liu, Chuan-Lin Chen and Hsin-Ell Wang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(1), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20010217 - 8 Jan 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5882

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related death in Taiwan and worldwide. Patients with peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer have reduced overall survival and poor prognosis. Hybrid protein-inorganic nanoparticle systems have displayed multifunctional applications in solid cancer theranostics. In this study, a gold nanocore-encapsulated human serum albumin nanoparticle (Au@HSANP), which is a hybrid protein-inorganic nanoparticle, and its radioactive surrogate ¹¹¹In-labeled Au@HSANP (¹¹¹In-Au@HSANP), were developed and their biological behaviors were investigated in a tumor/ascites mouse model. ¹¹¹In-Au@HSANP was injected either intravenously (iv) or intraperitoneally (ip) in CT-26 tumor/ascites-bearing mice. After ip injection, a remarkable and sustained radioactivity retention in the abdomen was noticed, based on microSPECT images. After iv injection, however, most of the radioactivity was accumulated in the mononuclear phagocyte system. The results of biodistribution indicated that ip administration was significantly more effective in increasing intraperitoneal concentration and tumor accumulation than iv administration. The ratios of area under the curve (AUC) of the ascites and tumors in the ip-injected group to those in the iv-injected group was 93 and 20, respectively. This study demonstrated that the ip injection route would be a better approach than iv injections for applying gold-albumin nanoparticle in peritoneal metastasis treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Materials between Pharmaceutics and Biomedicine)

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