Nanomedicine

Nanoemulsions as carriers for malignant brain tumors treatment: a scoping review on drugs, natural compounds, and siRNA delivery
Beltrame BM, Weimer P, Medeiros-Neves B, da Silva Gentil GF, Stefani MA, Velho M, Fachel FNS, Schuh RS, Braganhol E and Teixeira HF
Malignant brain tumors are a highly complex and heterogeneous group of neoplasms, with glioblastoma being the most aggressive and treatment-resistant form. Standard therapies remain insufficient, largely due to poor drug penetration across the blood-brain barrier and tumor heterogeneity. Lipid-based nanoemulsions have emerged as promising nanocarriers capable of enhancing drug solubility, protecting unstable compounds, and facilitating targeted delivery across the blood-brain barrier. This scoping review analyzed 19 studies focused on lipid-based nanoemulsions for brain tumor therapy, particularly those incorporating synthetic drugs, natural compounds, and nucleic acids. Key formulation strategies, preparation methods, and physicochemical characteristics were outlined. The majority of studies demonstrated in vitro cytotoxicity against rat C6 and human U87MG glioma cell lines. Particularly, nanoemulsions loaded with temozolomide, and siRNA targeting CD73 reduced tumor growth in glioma-bearing rats, especially via nasal administration. Natural products such as kaempferol and honokiol also showed antiglioma effects in vitro when delivered through nanoemulsions. These findings highlight the potential of nanoemulsions in neuro-oncology, particularly for noninvasive nose-to-brain delivery and gene silencing therapies. Further research is needed to standardize formulations and validate their efficacy and safety in clinical settings.
Inhibition of calreticulin by protein nanoparticles carrying antisense oligonucleotides reduce gene expression and infection of trypomastigotes on mammalian cells
Prestegui-Martel B, Martínez I, Cárdenas-Guerra RE, Cortés-Coss AK, Del Toro-Ríos X, Hernández-Garcia A and Espinoza B
Chagas disease, caused by the parasite , is a neglected tropical disease that impacts millions of individuals. At least two drugs directed against the parasite (Benznidazole and Nifurtimox) have low effectiveness in treating Chronic Chagasic patients. The present work is focused on studying new strategies to develop innovative treatments.
Advancing melanoma treatment with nanoparticles: from chemotherapy to combination therapies
Hsu CY, Ibrahim Mohammad S, Vasudevan A, Kumar Sharma S, Kareem AK, Klebleeva G, Alrayes ZR, Ahmed AbdRabou M, Jabir MS and Kadhum WR
Nanoparticle (NPs)-based therapies have ushered in a paradigm shift in melanoma treatment, addressing key challenges in conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy, such as drug delivery, specificity, and therapeutic efficacy. This review highlights important chemotherapies, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, cisplatin, and dacarbazine, delivered via NPs, which improve bioavailability, reduce systemic toxicity, and overcome drug resistance. Additionally, combination therapies involving chemotherapy with photothermal, photodynamic, hyperthermic, or immunotherapy treatments leverage synergies that enhance tumor regression and promote immunogenic cell death. NPs incorporating RNA interference and gene targeting have been developed to silence oncogenic pathways, enabling precision molecular targeting. Natural compounds like curcumin, resveratrol, and honokiol, delivered via NPs, show strong anticancer effects. Moreover, advanced platforms such as microneedles, hydrogels, and metal-based NPs enhance drug delivery, skin penetration, controlled release, and enable real-time monitoring with ultrasound and molecular imaging. We also discuss the potential challenges in the clinical translation of NPs-based therapies, including tumor targeting, bioavailability, multidrug resistance, immune system interactions, stability, and off-target effects. It also addresses the need for personalized, multifunctional delivery systems and strategies to overcome clinical translation barriers for effective treatment.
Engineered extracellular vesicles for nose-to-brain co-delivery of chlorotoxin and curcumin for treatment of glioblastoma
Son M, Park JY, Kang S, Park K and Lee M
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were developed as a co-delivery carrier of curcumin and chlorotoxin (CTX) into the brain.
Emerging nanotechnology-enabled siRNA oral delivery platforms
Maestas-Olguin A, Dawson MM, Clark ER and Lanier OL
Utilization of endogenous RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms via delivery of exogeneous small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules offers a transformative approach to treatment of disease by enabling sequence specific silencing of mutated gene expression. Nanotechnology-based platforms have enabled delivery of siRNA and have already been clinically validated for intravenous (IV) infusion administration (e.g patisiran). Oral administration of siRNA remains an unmet challenge due to formidable biological barriers in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Nanotechnology-enabled strategies for oral siRNA delivery have emerged as a powerful solution to overcoming these biological barriers for effective gene silencing. This review provides a comprehensive overview of GI barriers for siRNA delivery as well as highlights recent advances in nanoparticle platforms for oral siRNA delivery. In addition, this review explores translational considerations and highlights the potential of oral siRNA nanomedicines to reduce dependence on invasive parenteral delivery and costly monoclonal antibody therapies. Together, these advances outline a promising path toward clinically viable, patient-friendly siRNA therapeutics delivered orally. Literature for this review was identified through database searches [University of New Mexico University Libraries, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases April 2025-November 2025] as it related to the oral delivery of nanoparticles, siRNA-loaded nanoparticles, gene therapy, and related nanomedicine delivery strategies.
A new way to modulate tumor therapy: artificial intelligence predicts nanoshape efficacy
Dai J, Li J, Ye B, Wan H, Chen L and Liu Y
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and its treatment continues to present significant challenges. Nanomedicines have shown remarkable potential in cancer therapy; however, research on their delivery still faces several limitations. Studies have revealed that different nanoparticle morphologies during delivery can result in variations in delivery efficiency, cellular uptake, circulation time, and tumor targeting, ultimately leading to inconsistent therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, the shape of nanoparticles is a critical factor influencing their in vivo transport behavior. In recent years, advances in artificial intelligence have enabled computational prediction to emerge as a high-throughput screening tool that effectively reduces both time and economic costs. A key question is how simulation techniques can be leveraged to predict the impact of nanoparticle shape on interactions with biological systems. This review examines the effects of various nanoparticle shapes on tumor therapy and their underlying mechanisms, outlines computational methods for predicting the impact of shape, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of different computational approaches, and interprets considerations related to scale and implementation strategies based on computational methods and shape parameters. Finally, we discuss major challenges in computationally predicting therapeutic outcomes and highlight future directions for research on shape effect prediction.Literature Search Methods [PubMed database 2007-2025].
Applications of immunomodulatory nanoparticles in dentistry
Sharma S and Kishen A
Oral inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and oral mucositis contribute significantly to tooth loss, impaired oral function, and systemic comorbidities. These conditions are driven by dysregulated immune responses, leading to persistent inflammation and poor tissue regeneration. Conventional treatments mainly target microbial reduction but overlook immune imbalance, limiting long-term efficacy. Immunomodulation offers a promising strategy to restore homeostasis and promote repair. Nanoparticles present a versatile platform for immunotherapy owing to their tunable size, surface chemistry, and capacity to target immune cells or respond to pathological cues. This review (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, 2015-2025) explores immunomodulatory nanoparticles in dentistry, grouped as organic (lipid-based, polymeric, self-assembled), inorganic (metallic, metal oxide, ceramic), exosome- and extracellular vesicle-derived, and hybrid systems. These platforms modulate macrophage polarization, cytokine production, and T cell balance to control inflammation and support regeneration. Advanced biomimetic designs further integrate antimicrobial, antioxidative, and pro-regenerative features. Despite encouraging preclinical data, translation faces challenges, including limited understanding of immune-nanoparticle interactions, safety issues, regulatory hurdles, lack of predictive models, and absence of standardized characterization protocols. Future directions include smart, personalized, and biomimetic systems, improved in vivo models, companion diagnostics, and harmonized evaluation standards, positioning these nanotechnologies as transformative tools in precision dental medicine.
Nanomedicine in the development of vaccines against Herpesviridae: a narrative review
Lee DH, Lee W and Bach H
The Herpesviridae family, more commonly known as herpesviruses, includes the Alphaherpesvirinae, Betaherpesvirinae, and Gammaherpesvirinae subfamilies, each with unique clinical presentations. Herpesvirus infections are a major public health concern. Current management approaches for herpesviruses primarily focus on antiviral or symptomatic treatment, with few licensed vaccines. Recent advancements in nanotechnology applied to the COVID-19 pandemic have created new opportunities to develop vaccines using nanomedicine to prevent herpesvirus infections. The authors reviewed 62 papers studying nanomedicine applications for vaccine development for herpesviruses. Nanoparticle-based vaccine delivery strategies may be feasible and practical options for herpesvirus prevention.
Employing low-density lipoprotein-based delivery systems for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Kolli M, Adams T and Corbin IR
Circulating plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a natural nanoscale carrier designed to transport cholesterol throughout the body through specific receptor mediated processes. During malignant transformation, cancer cells upregulate their LDL receptors (LDLR) to scavenge LDL from their environments to support their rapid membrane turnover. This aberrant activity has prompted many research teams to investigate the potential of LDL as a drug carrier against cancer. In this article, we reviewed preclinical studies aimed at evaluating LDL-based nanoparticles for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Prior to assessing each research study, we examined the impact of chronic liver disease/cirrhosis and HCC progression on lipoprotein homeostasis, as well as the status of LDLR in these tissues. Various approaches have been used to functionalize LDL for drug delivery. These include: conjugation of cholesterol moieties to drug molecules for enhanced incorporation into LDL; development of LDL-nanoparticle hybrid formulation for increased drug versatility; and reconstitution of the apolar cholesterol core with alternative bioactive lipids. We highlight each of these LDL-based nanoconstructs, discussing their capacity to home to LDLR and induce cytotoxic effects against HCC. Concerns regarding the safety of these LDL nanomedicines in the diseased liver were raised and pathways for clinical translation are discussed.
Connexome-associated pathways in atherosclerosis and potential regulatory nanomedicine-based strategies
Santoyo-Suarez MG, Quiroz Reyes AG, Del-Angel-Martinez M, García-González G, Delgado-Gonzalez P, Garza-Treviño EN, Padilla Rivas GR and Islas JF
Atherosclerosis remains the primary cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with intercellular communication critically influencing vascular homeostasis and disease progression. The connexome comprises connexins, pannexins, and associated proteins, and coordinates endothelial, smooth muscle, and immune cell interactions. Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are key transcriptional regulators that modulate endothelial phenotype, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Advances in nanomedicine provide targeted platforms for modulating these molecular networks, offering novel diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities. This review is integrated by a comprehensive literature review conducted across Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science focusing on connexome regulation in vascular biology, and transcriptional control in the context of atherosclerosis. The discussion draws on recent experimental and translational studies linking connexin biology, KLF signaling, and nanomedicine in vascular health and disease. Emphasis is placed on translational evidence for nanoparticle-based delivery systems, including small molecules, nucleic acids, and imaging agents designed to target vascular lesions, with attention to strategies that improve specificity and bioavailability. The convergence of nanomedicine with connexome and KLF-targeted interventions could redefine atherosclerosis management by enabling precision drug delivery and real-time monitoring. Achieving clinical translation will require overcoming challenges related to nanoparticle biocompatibility, targeted biodistribution, immune compatibility, and long-term safety to fully realize their therapeutic potential.
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived nanovesicles coated PLGA nanoparticle (MSC-PLGA-NPs) remodel lysosomal function to clear pathological proteins in Alzheimer's disease models
Gu Y, Hao M, Wang L, Alimujiang A, Gao J, Ji W, Xu W, Xiong R, Zhang J and Yin Y
To develop a novel multifunctional nanoparticle platform by combining mesenchymal stem cell-derived nanovesicles (MSC-NVs) with poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles for Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy.
A review of the application of nanotechnology-based, non-contact remote patient monitoring in intelligent nursing for the prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events
Liu X, Min L, Tao Y, Han L, Su L, Wu L, Pan X, Zhang M, Guo F and Ding X
With the rapid advancement of remote patient monitoring (RPM) technologies, the integration of non-contact sensing methods and nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach within intelligent nursing. This review highlights the latest progress in nanotechnology-driven non-contact sensors for remote cardiovascular health monitoring and emphasizes their role in preventing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Current research demonstrates that such sensors leverage nanoscale materials and mechanisms to enable highly sensitive, accurate, and continuous monitoring of physiological parameters without physical contact. Despite these advances, challenges remain in clinical validation, data processing, and large-scale implementation. To address these challenges, this article specifying the databases searched (e.g. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and the inclusive dates of the search (2019 to 2025), systematically analyzes the underlying principles of these technologies, their clinical applications, data analytics techniques, and future technological and clinical developmental trends. By synthesizing current evidence, the review aims to provide a scientific foundation and technical guidance for integrating nanotechnology-based non-contact RPM into intelligent nursing frameworks, ultimately facilitating early intervention and improved management of cardiovascular diseases.
The research status and trends of engineered exosomes: a bibliometric analysis of the literature from web of science core collection
Ren YF, Shao B, Wang HD, Jiang HY, Chen Q, Sun CL, Xiao YY, Li YC, Yang GM, Liu X and Wang H
In recent years, engineered exosomes have addressed the limitations of natural exosomes and gradually emerged as a new research hotspot. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis can reveal research trends and hotspots in this field, which is crucial for guiding future development.
Targeting ligand PDL1 for cardiotoxicity assessment and cardiac protection in immune-related myocarditis
Li Y, Li X, Liu F, Zhang H, Guo J, Liu G, Wang J, Zhong Q, Liu Q, Liu L, Liu P, Cao W, Liu Y, Zhang X, Fan H, Zhang Z and Wang Y
The role of cardiac programmed cell death ligand 1 (PDL1) in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) - related myocarditis (irMyocarditis) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether ligand PDL1 could serve as an early indicator and a potential therapeutic target for irMyocarditis.
Evaluation of PTX/MoCTx-MXene@Fuc surface-engineered nanosheets in targeted combination therapy for triple-negative breast cancer
Özel D, Tunçel A, Kaya G, Sert B, Güleç S, Harputlu E, Unlu CG, Ocakoglu K and Yurt F
The study aimed to evaluate the multifunctional therapeutic potential of PTX/MoCTx-MXene@Fuc combinations, emphasizing their performance in drug loading, release kinetics, oxidative stress induction, apoptosis, cell migration, and angiogenesis inhibition in cancer therapy.
Simultaneous co-delivery of a reporter EGFP gene and doxorubicin to HepG2 cells using AuNPs-Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanostructures
Hosseini S, Khorsand Zak A, Nikravesh A and Oroojalian F
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. While doxorubicin (DOX) demonstrates efficacy, its associated toxicity is considerable, necessitating innovative strategies to reduce dosage and adverse effects. This study aimed to develop a graphene oxide - gold nanoparticle (GO-AuNP) nanocarrier designed to deliver DOX alongside an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) plasmid to improve therapeutic effectiveness against HCC.
Nano-icilin-driven TRPM8 activation elicits immunogenic exosomes with antitumor effects
Noorkhajavi G, Hemmati S, Shahgolzari M, Fiering S and Yari Khosroushahi A
Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is a cold-sensing cation channel that regulates calcium (Ca2+) levels in cells. Its overexpression is linked to tumor development and progression. TRPM8 activation by specific agonists leads to increased Ca2+ influx, causing stress and apoptosis. This stress can enhance the production and release of exosomes, which have antitumor immunity properties. We hypothesize that activating TRPM8 with nano-icilin can stimulate immune responses when administered peritumorally.
Advancing RNA delivery with Ionizable lipid nanoparticles: the roles of microfluidics and machine learning
Rostami N, Alidadi M, Barzegar H, Namazifar F, Noei H, Hosseini S, Uversky VN and Ghantabpour T
Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (iLNPs) have revolutionized Ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics by enabling precise and efficient delivery of nucleic acids. However, their clinical translation remains challenged by batch-to-batch variability, complex lipid - RNA interactions, and stringent regulatory requirements. This review highlights how advanced microfluidic technologies address these issues by providing precise control over iLNP fabrication through engineered mixer geometries, optimized flow dynamics, and pH-dependent self-assembly. Comparative analyses of hydrodynamic flow focusing (HFF), and staggered herringbone mixers (SHM) demonstrate their distinct influence on particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and encapsulation efficiency. Furthermore, the integration of design-of-experiments (DoE) methodologies, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, and machine learning (ML)-assisted optimization enables predictive formulation design and adaptive process control, enhancing reproducibility and scalability. Collectively, this review underscores microfluidics and ML as synergistic technologies that bridge laboratory innovation with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant, large-scale production paving the way for the next generation of intelligent, personalized RNA nanomedicines.
COX-2 gene silencing by laser-assisted oligonucleotides release from remote optical Nano-switches (LORONS) in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Awan UA, Raza A, Ali S and El Sayed M
Overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Selective inhibition of COX-2 can come forward as improved and targeted therapeutic strategy.
Cancer targeting carfilzomib nanomedicine: a comprehensive review of delivery vehicles and efficacy
Molinaro M and Pan D
Cancer therapy is an ever-changing landscape in constant demand of innovative approaches. Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a tetrapeptide epoxyketone covalent proteasome inhibitor currently approved for the treatment of refractory multiple myeloma. CFZ has a litany of anti-cancer biological effects lending itself to the treatment of a broad number of malignancies. Like many anti-cancer agents, CFZ is marred by severe offsite toxicities that limit applications of the drug. As a result, many nanomedicine approaches have been explored to improve the therapeutic index of CFZ-based treatments. Nanoparticle mediated delivery of CFZ has emerged as a leading candidate. CFZ can be encapsulated in a diverse array of nanomedical formulations including lipid-based, polymer, inorganic, and nanocrystalline vehicles. Each vehicle subtype has unique properties allowing for opportunities for enhanced delivery as well as multimodal therapy. In this review, we will categorize and summarize CFZ nanomedicine methods while demonstrating the potential of CFZ in the treatment of cancer.
Quantitative proteomic and phenotypic responses of urinary pathogens to CuO/Cu₂O nanoparticles
Sung K, Park M, Kweon O, Savenka A, Paredes A, Khan S, Min S and Foley S
To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of pulsed laser ablation-generated copper oxide (CuO/Cu₂O) nanoparticles (NPs) against urinary pathogens and to elucidate molecular stress responses through proteomic profiling.