Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a zoo tonic, highly pathogenic virus. The new type of coronavirus with contagious nature spread from Wuhan (China) to the whole world in a very short time and caused the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 has turned into a global public health crisis due to spreading by close person-to-person contact with high transmission capacity. Thus, research about the treatment of the damages caused by the virus or prevention from infection increases everyday. Besides, there is still no approved and definitive, standardized treatment for COVID-19. However, this disaster experienced by human beings has made us realize the significance of having a system ready for use to prevent humanity from viral attacks without wasting time. As is known, nanocarriers can be targeted to the desired cells in vitro and in vivo. The nano-carrier system targeting a specific protein, containing the enzyme inhibiting the action of the virus can be developed. The system can be used by simple modifications when we encounter another virus epidemic in the future. In this review, we present a potential treatment method consisting of a nanoparticle-ribozyme conjugate, targeting ACE-2 receptors by reviewing the virus-associated ribozymes, their structures, types and working mechanisms.
Micro‐sized magnetic particles (also known as microrobots [MRs]) have recently been shown to have potential applications for numerous biomedical applications like drug delivery, microengineering, and single cell manipulation. Interdisciplinary studies have demonstrated the ability of these tiny particles to actuate under the action of a controlled magnetic field that not only drive MRs in a desired trajectory but also precisely deliver therapeutic payload to the target site. Additionally, optimal concentrations of therapeutic molecules can also be delivered to the desired site which is cost‐effective and safe especially in scenarios where drug dose‐related side effects are a concern. In this study, MRs are used to deliver anticancer drugs (doxorubicin) to cancer cells and subsequent cell death is evaluated in different cell lines (liver, prostate, and ovarian cancer cells). Cytocompatibility studies show that MRs are well‐tolerated and internalized by cancer cells. Doxorubicin (DOX) is chemically conjugated with MRs (DOX‐MRs) and magnetically steered toward cancer cells using the magnetic controller. Time‐lapsed video shows that cells shrink and eventually die when MRs are internalized by cells. Taken together, this study confirms that microrobots are promising couriers for targeted delivery of therapeutic biomolecules for cancer therapy and other non‐invasive procedures that require precise control.
Surfactants play a major role in solid lipid nanoparticles’ (SLNs) composition and properties, especially in terms of particle size and zeta potential. Not only the type of the surfactants but also their amounts and chemical compatibility with the lipid core within the formulation cause good changes. In this study, our goal was to determine the effect of tween 80 (a non-ionic surfactant) on octadecylamine (cationic lipid)-based SLN formulation and its influence on SLNs properties. Also, we examined the effect of sonication and filtration as mechanical forces on the particle size, zeta potential and PDI features. Five different formulations were performed by the emulsion solvent evaporation method. Particle size distribution, zeta potential and PDI values were determined by Zetasizer via the dynamic light scattering method. We obtained SLNs resulting from different formulations and one formulation was selected with the most suitable properties for further studies. The stability of the SLNs was examined by incubating them at 4 °C in the dark for particular time intervals and the results revealed not only minimal changes in particle size but also no significant changes in zeta potential and PDI values. The nanoparticles were characterized morphologically with Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM). The chemical characterization was performed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). In vitro cytotoxicity via MTT assay on L929 mouse fibroblast cell line was performed and cell viability was determined over 63% for all concentrations.
Cancer immunotherapy is based on the idea of overcoming the main problems in the traditional cancer treatments and enhancing the patient’s long-term survival and quality of life. Immunotherapy methods aimed to influence the immune system, to detect and eradicate the tumors site and predict the potential results. Nowadays, nanomaterials-based immunotherapy approaches are gaining interest due to numerous advantages like their ability to target cells and tissues directly and reduce the off-target toxicity. Therefore, topics about immune system components, nanomaterials, their usage in immunotherapy and the benefits they provide will be discussed in this presented book chapter. Immunotherapy can be divided into two groups mainly; active and passive immunotherapy including their subtitles such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive immunotherapy, CAR-T therapies, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies. Main classification and the methods will be evaluated. Furthermore, state-of-art nanocarriers based immunotherapy methods will be mentioned in detail. The terms of size, charge, material type and surface modifications of the nanoparticles will be reviewed to understand the interference of immune system and nanoparticles and their advantages/disadvantages in immunotherapy systems.
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