Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.9
4.9
Journals
Pharmaceutics
Special Issues
Smart Nanoparticles for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery
share announcement

Smart Nanoparticles for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Drug Delivery and Controlled Release".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 22718

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Zifu Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
2. Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
3. Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medical, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
4. Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: nanomedicine; tumor mechanics; hyperbaric oxygen-enabled cancer therapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Zhiyue Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
Interests: drug delivery; multi-functional polymers; immunotherapy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanoparticle drug delivery systems (NDDSs) have attracted tremendous attention in tumor-targeted drug delivery, with the fascination concerning novel properties of nanoparticles mainly stemming from the fact that nanoparticles have a huge surface area compared to microparticles or bulk materials. To control drug delivery with a very slow drug release into the blood circulation, yet with a fast drug release at tumor tissues, smart nanoparticles capable of releasing more drug molecules upon the stimulation of the tumor microenvironment are crucial for improving antitumor efficacy. 

This Special Issue aims to discuss the latest research progress of novel smart nanoparticles, including the design, preparation, and their applications in tumor-targeted drug delivery. This is a very useful resource for researchers who are actively involved in NDDSs. We accept original research articles, critical review papers, and commentaries providing a further understanding regarding novel smart nanoparticles for tumor-targeted drug delivery.

Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • smart nanoparticles
  • tumor-targeted drug delivery
  • polymeric nanoparticles
  • liposomes
  • lipid-based nanoparticles
  • cell-based nanoparticles
  • bio-inspired nanoparticles
  • inorganic nanoparticles
  • organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials
  • small molecule self-assembled nanoparticles.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Zifu Li
Prof. Dr. Zhiyue Zhang 
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

  • smart nanoparticles
  • tumor-targeted drug delivery
  • polymeric nanoparticles
  • liposomes
  • lipid-based nanoparticles
  • cell-based nanoparticles
  • bio-inspired nanoparticles
  • inorganic nanoparticles
  • organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials
  • small molecule self-assembled nanoparticles

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 9382 KiB  
Article
Self-Assembled Nanodelivery System with Rapamycin and Curcumin for Combined Photo-Chemotherapy of Breast Cancer
by Yanlong Yin, Hong Jiang, Yue Wang, Longyao Zhang, Chunyan Sun, Pan Xie, Kun Zheng, Shaoqing Wang and Qian Yang
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(3), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15030849 - 5 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2478
Abstract
Nanodelivery systems combining photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy (CT), have been widely used to improve the efficacy and biosafety of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer. In this work, we constructed a self-assembled nanodelivery system, formed by the assembling of photosensitizer (IR820), rapamycin (RAPA), and [...] Read more.
Nanodelivery systems combining photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy (CT), have been widely used to improve the efficacy and biosafety of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer. In this work, we constructed a self-assembled nanodelivery system, formed by the assembling of photosensitizer (IR820), rapamycin (RAPA), and curcumin (CUR) into IR820-RAPA/CUR NPs, to realize photothermal therapy and chemotherapy for breast cancer. The IR820-RAPA/CUR NPs displayed a regular sphere, with a narrow particle size distribution, a high drug loading capacity, and good stability and pH response. Compared with free RAPA or free CUR, the nanoparticles showed a superior inhibitory effect on 4T1 cells in vitro. The IR820-RAPA/CUR NP treatment displayed an enhanced inhibitory effect on tumor growth in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice, compared to free drugs in vivo. In addition, PTT could provide mild hyperthermia (46.0 °C) for 4T1 tumor-bearing mice, and basically achieve tumor ablation, which is beneficial to improving the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs and avoiding damage to the surrounding normal tissue. The self-assembled nanodelivery system provides a promising strategy for coordinating photothermal therapy and chemotherapy to treat breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Nanoparticles for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 17558 KiB  
Article
In Vitro and In Vivo Effect of pH-Sensitive PLGA-TPGS-Based Hybrid Nanoparticles Loaded with Doxorubicin for Breast Cancer Therapy
by Renata S. Fernandes, Raquel Gregório Arribada, Juliana O. Silva, Armando Silva-Cunha, Danyelle M. Townsend, Lucas A. M. Ferreira and André L. B. Barros
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(11), 2394; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14112394 - 6 Nov 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2762
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is an antineoplastic agent clinically employed for treating breast cancer patients. Despite its effectiveness, its inherent adverse toxic side effects often limit its clinical application. To overcome these drawbacks, lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNP) arise as promising nanoplatforms that combine the advantages [...] Read more.
Doxorubicin (DOX) is an antineoplastic agent clinically employed for treating breast cancer patients. Despite its effectiveness, its inherent adverse toxic side effects often limit its clinical application. To overcome these drawbacks, lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNP) arise as promising nanoplatforms that combine the advantages of both liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles into a single delivery system. Alpha-tocopherol succinate (TS) is a derivative of vitamin E that shows potent anticancer mechanisms, and it is an interesting approach as adjuvant. In this study, we designed a pH-sensitive PLGA-polymer-core/TPGS-lipid-shell hybrid nanoparticle, loaded with DOX and TS (LPNP_TS-DOX). Nanoparticles were physicochemically and morphologically characterized. Cytotoxicity studies, migration assay, and cellular uptake were performed in 4T1, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Antitumor activity in vivo was evaluated in 4T1 breast tumor-bearing mice. In vitro studies showed a significant reduction in cell viability, cell migration, and an increase in cellular uptake for the 4T1 cell line compared to free DOX. In vivo antitumor activity showed that LPNP-TS-DOX was more effective in controlling tumor growth than other treatments. The high cellular internalization and the pH-triggered payload release of DOX lead to the increased accumulation of the drugs in the tumor area, along with the synergic combination with TS, culminating in greater antitumor efficacy. These data support LPNP-TS-DOX as a promising drug delivery system for breast cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Nanoparticles for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 6431 KiB  
Article
Liposomes Loaded with Amaranth Unsaponifiable Matter and Soybean Lunasin Prevented Melanoma Tumor Development Overexpressing Caspase-3 in an In Vivo Model
by Erick Damian Castañeda-Reyes, María de Jesús Perea-Flores, Gloria Dávila-Ortiz and Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(10), 2214; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14102214 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1871
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of liposomes loaded with soybean lunasin and amaranth unsaponifiable matter (UM + LunLip) as a source of squalene in the prevention of melanoma skin cancer in an allograft mice model. Tumors were induced [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of liposomes loaded with soybean lunasin and amaranth unsaponifiable matter (UM + LunLip) as a source of squalene in the prevention of melanoma skin cancer in an allograft mice model. Tumors were induced by transplanting melanoma B16-F10 cells into the mice. The most effective treatments were those including UM + LunLip, with no difference between the lunasin concentrations (15 or 30 mg/kg body weight); however, these treatments were statistically different from the tumor-bearing untreated control (G3) (p < 0.05). The groups treated with topical application showed significant inhibition (68%, p < 0.05) compared to G3. The groups treated with subcutaneous injections showed significant inhibition (up to 99%, p < 0.05) in G3. During tumor development, UM + LunLip treatments under-expressed Ki-67 (0.2-fold compared to G3), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (0.1-fold compared to G3), and overexpressed caspase-3 (30-fold compared to G3). In addition, larger tumors showed larger necrotic areas (38% with respect to the total tumor) (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the UM + LunLip treatment was effective when applied either subcutaneously or topically in the melanoma tumor-developing groups, as it slowed down cell proliferation and activated apoptosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Nanoparticles for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 1046 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in CXCL12/CXCR4 Antagonists and Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy
by Ruogang Zhao, Jianhao Liu, Zhaohuan Li, Wenhui Zhang, Feng Wang and Bo Zhang
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(8), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14081541 - 25 Jul 2022
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4960
Abstract
Chemokines can induce chemotactic cell migration by interacting with G protein-coupled receptors to play a significant regulatory role in the development of cancer. CXC chemokine-12 (CXCL12) can specifically bind to CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and is closely associated with the progression of [...] Read more.
Chemokines can induce chemotactic cell migration by interacting with G protein-coupled receptors to play a significant regulatory role in the development of cancer. CXC chemokine-12 (CXCL12) can specifically bind to CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and is closely associated with the progression of cancer via multiple signaling pathways. Over recent years, many CXCR4 antagonists have been tested in clinical trials; however, Plerixafor (AMD3100) is the only drug that has been approved for marketing thus far. In this review, we first summarize the mechanisms that mediate the physiological effects of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Then, we describe the use of CXCL12/CXCR4 antagonists. Finally, we discuss the use of nano-based drug delivery systems that exert action on the CXCL12/CXCR4 biological axis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Nanoparticles for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 7523 KiB  
Review
The Role of Toll-like Receptor Agonists and Their Nanomedicines for Tumor Immunotherapy
by Lingling Huang, Xiaoyan Ge, Yang Liu, Hui Li and Zhiyue Zhang
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(6), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14061228 - 10 Jun 2022
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5655
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of pattern recognition receptors that play a critical role in innate and adaptive immunity. Toll-like receptor agonists (TLRa) as vaccine adjuvant candidates have become one of the recent research hotspots in the cancer immunomodulatory field. Nevertheless, numerous [...] Read more.
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of pattern recognition receptors that play a critical role in innate and adaptive immunity. Toll-like receptor agonists (TLRa) as vaccine adjuvant candidates have become one of the recent research hotspots in the cancer immunomodulatory field. Nevertheless, numerous current systemic deliveries of TLRa are inappropriate for clinical adoption due to their low efficiency and systemic adverse reactions. TLRa-loaded nanoparticles are capable of ameliorating the risk of immune-related toxicity and of strengthening tumor suppression and eradication. Herein, we first briefly depict the patterns of TLRa, followed by the mechanism of agonists at those targets. Second, we summarize the emerging applications of TLRa-loaded nanomedicines as state-of-the-art strategies to advance cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, we outline perspectives related to the development of nanomedicine-based TLRa combined with other therapeutic modalities for malignancies immunotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Nanoparticles for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3314 KiB  
Review
Current Advances of Nanomedicines Delivering Arsenic Trioxide for Enhanced Tumor Therapy
by Mengzhen Yu, Yanwen Zhang, Meirong Fang, Shah Jehan and Wenhu Zhou
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(4), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14040743 - 30 Mar 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4086
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is one of the first-line chemotherapeutic drugs for acute promyelocytic leukemia. Its anti-cancer activities against various human neoplastic diseases have been extensively studied. However, the clinical use of ATO for solid tumors is limited, and these limitations are because of [...] Read more.
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is one of the first-line chemotherapeutic drugs for acute promyelocytic leukemia. Its anti-cancer activities against various human neoplastic diseases have been extensively studied. However, the clinical use of ATO for solid tumors is limited, and these limitations are because of severe systemic toxicity, low bioavailability, and quick renal elimination before it reaches the target site. Although without much success, several efforts have been made to boost ATO bioavailability toward solid tumors without raising its dose. It has been found that nanomedicines have various advantages for drug delivery, including increased bioavailability, effectiveness, dose-response, targeting capabilities, and safety as compared to traditional drugs. Therefore, nanotechnology to deliver ATO to solid tumors is the main topic of this review, which outlines the previous and present medical applications of ATO. We also summarised ATO anti-cancer mechanisms, limitations, and outcomes of combinatorial treatment with chemo agents. As a result, we strongly recommend conducting pre-clinical and clinical studies of ATO, especially nano-system-based ones that might lead to a novel combination therapy for cancer treatment with high efficacy, bioavailability, and low toxicity for cancer patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Nanoparticles for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop