Design of Magnetic Nanoplatforms for Cancer Theranostics

Cancer is the top cause of death globally. Developing smart nanomedicines that are capable of diagnosis and therapy (theranostics) in one–nanoparticle systems are highly desirable for improving cancer treatment outcomes. The magnetic nanoplatforms are the ideal system for cancer theranostics, because of their diverse physiochemical properties and biological effects. In particular, a biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticle based magnetic nanoplatform can exhibit multiple magnetic–responsive behaviors under an external magnetic field and realize the integration of diagnosis (magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonic imaging, photoacoustic imaging, etc.) and therapy (magnetic hyperthermia, photothermal therapy, controlled drug delivery and release, etc.) in vivo. Furthermore, due to considerable variation among tumors and individual patients, it is a requirement to design iron oxide nanoplatforms by the coordination of diverse functionalities for efficient and individualized theranostics. In this article, we will present an up–to–date overview on iron oxide nanoplatforms, including both iron oxide nanomaterials and those that can respond to an externally applied magnetic field, with an emphasis on their applications in cancer theranostics.

V2O5, CeO2 and Their MWCNTs Nanocomposites Modified for the Removal of Kerosene from Water

In this paper, the application of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) based on metal oxide nanocomposites as adsorbents for the removal of hydrocarbons such as kerosene from water was investigated. Functionalized MWCNTs were obtained by chemical oxidation using concentrated sulfuric and nitric acids. V2O5, CeO2, and V2O5:CeO2 nanocomposites were prepared using the hydrothermal method followed by deposition of these oxides over MWCNTs. Individual and mixed metal oxides, fresh MWCNTs, and metal oxide nanoparticle-doped MWCNTs using different analysis techniques were characterized. XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, AFM, Raman, TG/DTA, and BET techniques were used to determine the structure as well as chemical and morphological properties of the newly prepared adsorbents. Fresh MWCNTs, Ce/MWCNTs, V/MWCNTs, and V:Ce/MWCNTs were applied for the removal of kerosene from a model solution of water. GC analysis indicated that high kerosene removal efficiency (85%) and adsorption capacity (4270 mg/g) after 60 min of treatment were obtained over V:Ce/MWCNTs in comparison with fresh MWCNTs, Ce/MWCNTs and V/MWCNTs. The kinetic data were analyzed using the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and intra-particle diffusion rate equations.

IGF-1 Conjugated Sub-5 nm Ultrafine Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Enhances Targeted Drug Delivery and Efficacy of DNA Topoisomerase Inhibitor SN38 for Pancreatic Cancer: An in Vitro Study

Background Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal cancers largely due to the inefficient delivery of therapeutics. Nanomaterials have been extensively investigated as drug delivery platforms, showing improved drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. However, their applications in pancreatic cancer have not yet been successful due to limited tumor delivery caused by dense tumor stroma and distorted tumor vasculatures. Meanwhile, smaller-sized nanomaterials have shown improved tumor delivery and retention in various tumors, including pancreatic tumors, suggesting their potential in enhancing drug delivery. Methods An ultrafine iron oxide nanoparticle (uIONP) was used to encapsulate 7-ethyl-10-hydroxyl camptothecin (SN38), the water-insoluble active metabolite of chemotherapy drug irinotecan for treating pancreatic cancer in clinic. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was conjugated to uIONP as a ligand for targeting pancreatic cancer and stromal cells overexpressing IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R). The SN38 loading and release profile were characterized. The cancer cell targeting and induced apoptosis by developed nano-formulationIGF1-uIONP/SN38 were also investigated. Results IGF1-uIONP/SN38 demonstrated stable drug loading in physiological pH with the loading efficiency of 68.2 ± 3.5% (SN38/Fe, wt%) and <7% release for 24 hours. In tumor-interstitial- and lysosomal-mimicking pH (6.5 and 5.5), 52.2 and 91.3% of encapsulated SN38 were released over 24 hours. The IGF1-uIONP/SN38 exhibited specific receptor-mediated cell targeting and cytotoxicity to MiaPaCa-2 cells with IC50 of 11.8 ± 2.3 nM, but not to HEK293 human embryonic kidney cells. Conclusion The IGF1-uIONP significantly improved the delivery of SN38 to targeted pancreatic cancer cells, holding the potential for in vivo theranostic applications.

Colloidal Oxide Nanoparticle Inks for Micrometer-Resolution Additive Manufacturing of Three-Dimensional Gas Sensors

Micrometer-resolution 3D printing of functional oxides is of growing importance for the fabrication of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) with customized 3D geometries. Comparing to conventional microfabrication methods, additive manufacturing presents new...

CaO Nanoparticles

Adsorption is widely acknowledged as one of the best options that are available for the removal of contaminants from water. Contamination of water does not only create water scarcity, but it has the capacity to generate and transfer several environmental problems including threat to public health. This chapter reviewed calcium oxide nanoparticle (CaONP) as a noble metal oxide for the removal of contaminants from water. The review is concentrated in the general overview of water contamination, metal oxide nanoparticles, general application of CaONP, synthetic methods, characterization method, and applications. The chapter observed that little is done on the use of CaONP for the removal of contaminants from water except for dyes, some heavy metal ions, and few organic/inorganic compounds. It is also observed that CaONP can be applied as adsorbent and in photocatalytic degradation of dye. Suggestions are made on the possibility of utilizing local raw materials that are easily accessible, cheap, and environmental sources of raw materials for the synthesis of CaONP.

Albumin grafted coaxial electrosparyed polycaprolactone-zinc oxide nanoparticle for sustained release and activity enhanced antibacterial drug delivery

Zinc oxide-cloxacillin incorporated nanoparticles coated with concentric layers of polycaprolactone and albumin via a coaxial electrospraying technique as an enhanced and sustained antimicrobial delivery system for respiratory infections.