Nanoparticles for Imaging, Sensing, and Therapeutic Intervention

Abstract

Nanoparticles have the potential to contribute to new modalities in molecular imaging and sensing as well as in therapeutic interventions. In this Nano Focus article, we identify some of the current challenges and knowledge gaps that need to be confronted to accelerate the developments of various applications. Using specific examples, we journey from the characterization of these complex hybrid nanomaterials; continue with surface design and (bio)physicochemical properties, their fate in biological media and cells, and their potential for cancer treatment; and finally reflect on the role of animal models to predict their behavior in humans.

The impact of nanoparticle protein corona on cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity and target drug delivery

“…Adsorbed proteins may undergo secondary and tertiary structure conformational changes, which ultimately lead to adaptive immune responses. The tertiary structure change from the NP-PC formation results in protein aggregation and induces the immunogenic potential of these self-proteins [145,146]. Candace et al [72] characterized the changes in protein secondary structure that result from adsorption of serum albumin on NP surfaces.…”

Polymer-Grafted Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as Ultrasound-Responsive Drug Carriers

“…1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 15 When developing stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, it is very important that they could efficiently respond to the stimuli independently of the type of cargo molecules transported. The versatility of our nanocarrier system was evaluated using a fluorescent ruthenium complex [Ru(bipy) 3 ] 2+ , which was loaded and released from the p(MEO 2 MA-co-THPMA)-grafted MSNs. Figure 4 shows the release patterns with and without US irradiation, which are in total agreement with those obtained with fluorescein; a good response of the material to the external stimuli, with higher amount of dye released upon US exposure compared to the amount released without stimulus.…”

“…Nanoparticles employed as drug delivery systems have displayed important benefits such as enhanced accumulation of drug molecules at diseased tissues and cells, contributing to the reduction of the systemic toxicity. [1][2][3] Among all nanoparticles employed in biomedicine, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are very attractive nanocarriers for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. [4][5][6][7] MSNs present unique material properties, such as mechanical and chemical stability, good biocompatibility, and high loading capacity.…”

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS): Potential applications for disease detection and treatment

“…[53,[106][107][108][109][110][111] This occurs because nanostructures absorbing the interrogating laser light results in localised heating, which is subsequently dissipated to the cell resulting in destruction. [53,106,107,112,113] It is widely believed that an increase in temperature is responsible for this effect but recent studies have shown that cellular damage can result without a significant temperature increase. [114] The method must therefore elicit some of form of damage which can ultimately result in cell death.…”