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Here, we report for the first time cell-permeable and biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles consisting of a polymer conjugated to a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence (Cy5.5)-linked effector caspase-specific peptide. The close spatial proximity of the NIR fluorochromes in polymeric nanoparticles results in an autoquenched state, but polymer nanoparticles give rise to strong NIR fluorescence signal under apoptotic cells. Thus, the smart polymeric nanoparticle developed here is an attractive probe for real-time imaging of apoptosis in single cells.

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Recent breakthroughs in nanoparticle research have led to improved drug delivery and have overcome problems associated with normal drug delivery methods. Optimizing the design of nanoparticles in terms of controlled size, shape, and surface chemistry of nanoparticles can maximize the therapeutic efficacy. To maximize therapeutic effects, advanced formulation and fabrication methods have been developed. Biomedical applications of nanoparticles produced using the new fabrication techniques, including drug delivery and molecular imaging, have been widely explored. This review highlights the simple and versatile manufacturing techniques that can be used in the development of new types of nanoparticles that have strictly controlled physiochemical properties and their multifaceted advantages in drug delivery and molecular imaging.

Present cancer treatments using chemotherapy are limited owing to both significant side effects to normal cells and high recurrence rates. In this study, we demonstrated cancer cell-targeting nanoparticles that load multiple anticancer agents for both specific treatments to cancer and substantial therapeutic effects. For this purpose, hyaluronic acid (HA) was conjugated to mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for specifically targeting cancer cells. Moreover, the prepared HA-MSNs exhibited high drug loading potential and sustained drug release. Compared to bare MSNs, the HA-MSNs were internalized at an approximately three times higher rate in squamous cell carcinoma 7 (SCC7) cells. To enhance the anticancer effects of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT), doxorubicin (DOX) and chlorin e6 (Ce6) were loaded in HA-MSNs (DOX/Ce6/HA-MSNs); the product exhibited highly effective cytotoxicity on green fluorescent protein-expressing squamous cell carcinoma 7 (SCC7) compared to the corresponding free drugs and HA-MSNs with DOX or Ce6 alone. This study indicates that the application of DOX/Ce6/HA-MSNs in chemotherapy and PDT exerts significant therapeutic effects against SCC7.

Background: Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) are emitted in the combustion or volatilization of hazardous wastes and fossil fuels. Paint, varnishing agents, and cigarette smoke are also sources of BTEX in living environments. Few studies have examined indoor exposure to BTEX using biomarkers, especially in residential settings. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between residence factors and BTEX exposure using biomarkers among Korean homemakers.

Used metallic can should be recycled from the point of view of environmental preservation and resource recycling. Metallic can is one of EPR items, and classified into steel can and aluminum can according to the can body material. In Korea about eighty percent of metallic cans are made of steel. In this article, production of cans and current status on domestic recycling of used metallic cans in recent years (2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012) were surveyed. Recycled ratio by weight of used steel and aluminum cans was about 80.8% and 81.8%, respectively in 2012. Totally it reached 81.8%.

Schematic illustration of the synthesis of DOX-DPPs. Improving the therapeutic effect of lung cancer requires the development of a drug delivery system that is intensively delivered to the lungs and effective release of the drug from its location.