Nanocomposites as biomolecules delivery agents in nanomedicine

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) are atomic clusters of crystalline or amorphous structure that possess unique physical and chemical properties associated with a size range of between 1 and 100 nm. Their nano-sized dimensions, which are in the same range as those of vital biomolecules, such as antibodies, membrane receptors, nucleic acids, and proteins, allow them to interact with different structures within living organisms. Because of these features, numerous nanoparticles are used in medicine as delivery agents for biomolecules. However, off-target drug delivery can cause serious side effects to normal tissues and organs. Considering this issue, it is essential to develop bioengineering strategies to significantly reduce systemic toxicity and improve therapeutic effect. In contrast to passive delivery, nanosystems enable to obtain enhanced therapeutic efficacy, decrease the possibility of drug resistance, and reduce side effects of “conventional” therapy in cancers. The present review provides an overview of the most recent (mostly last 3 years) achievements related to different biomolecules used to enable targeting capabilities of highly diverse nanoparticles. These include monoclonal antibodies, receptor-specific peptides or proteins, deoxyribonucleic acids, ribonucleic acids, [DNA/RNA] aptamers, and small molecules such as folates, and even vitamins or carbohydrates.

Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Aptasensor for Detecting the VEGF165 Tumor Marker with PANI/CNT Nanocomposites

“…Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF 165 ), a glycolated protein belonging to the platelet-derived growth factor family of the cystine-knot growth factors, is essential for vascular development [ 1 ]. It is also active in angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and endothelial cell growth, causing endothelial cell proliferation, promoting cell migration, inhibiting apoptosis, and inducing blood vessel permeabilization [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. However, when tumor lymphatic vessels and metastasis of cancer are induced, abnormally fast growth and division of tumors can promote overexpression of VEGF 165 [ 5 ].…”

Antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of silver nanoparticles against antibiotic-sensitive and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains

“…Thus, it is necessary to develop new therapeutic approaches able to exert not only antibacterial activity, but also antibiofilm since the latter is considered a challenge for eradication [15,16]. Therefore, the use of materials on a nanometric scale is a viable strategy for carrying biomolecules and drugs, as it provides advantages such as increased half-life time and systemic circulation time, greater contact between the compound and the pathogen, better bioavailability, and greater absorption, resulting in a better adherence to therapy and more efficient treatment [17,18].…”

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of High Boron-Loaded Nucleic Acids for BNCT

“…The use of properly optimized combinations of NA chemical modifications and conjugation to cell/tissue targeting ligands or nanoparticle carriers can enhance the efficacy and selectivity of boron-loaded multimodal NA-constructions. These benefits are further supplied by minimal toxicity and immunogenicity (see, e.g., Laurentia and Rodica, 2016 ; Bamburowicz-Klimkowska et al, 2019 ; Hu et al, 2020 and references therein).…”