纳米医药学基本原理

纳米技术在医药学中的应用,已逐渐成为医药学的一个新的分枝。这一新的分枝称之为纳米医药学。纳米医药学中主要应用纳米粒子的三种基本功能:靶向作用、缓控释作用和跨生物屏障作用。目前对纳米技术应用研究较多的医药学领域包括用纳米材料制备人工生物结构、重大疾病的治疗及诊断。本文就有关方面进行最简要的讨论。     

Gold nanoparticles: Emerging paradigm for targeted drug delivery system

The application of nanotechnology in medicine, known as nanomedicine, has introduced a plethora of nanoparticles of variable chemistry and design considerations for cancer diagnosis and treatment. One of the most important field is the design and development of pharmaceutical drugs, based on targeted drug delivery system (TDDS). Being inspired by physio-chemical properties of nanoparticles, TDDS are designed to safely reach their targets and specifically release their cargo at the site of disease for enhanced therapeutic effects, thereby increasing the drug tissue bioavailability. Nanoparticles have the advantage of targeting cancer by simply being accumulated and entrapped in cancer cells. However, even after rapid growth of nanotechnology in nanomedicine, designing an effective targeted drug delivery system is still a challenging task. In this review, we reveal the recent advances in drug delivery approach with a particular focus on gold nanoparticles. We seek to expound on how these nanomaterials communicate in the complex environment to reach the target site, and how to design the effective TDDS for complex environments and simultaneously monitor the toxicity on the basis of designing such delivery complexes. Hence, this review will shed light on the research, opportunities and challenges for engineering nanomaterials with cancer biology and medicine to develop effective TDDS for treatment of cancer.     

Engineering imaging probes and molecular machines for nanomedicine

Nanomedicine is an emerging field that integrates nanotechnology, biomolecular engineering, life sciences and medicine; it is expected to produce major breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and therapeutics. Due to the size-compatibility of nano-scale structures and devices with proteins and nucleic acids, the design, synthesis and application of nanoprobes, nanocarriers and nanomachines provide unprecedented opportunities for achieving a better control of biological processes, and drastic improvements in disease detection, therapy, and prevention. Recent advances in nanomedicine include the development of functional nanoparticle based molecular imaging probes, nano-structured materials as drug/gene carriers for in vivo delivery, and engineered molecular machines for treating single-gene disorders. This review focuses on the development of molecular imaging probes and engineered nucleases for nanomedicine, including quantum dot bioconjugates, quantum dot-fluorescent protein FRET probes, molecular beacons, magnetic and gold nanoparticle based imaging contrast agents, and the design and validation of zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and TAL effector nucleases (TALENs) for gene targeting. The challenges in translating nanomedicine approaches to clinical applications are discussed.     

Shining light on nanotechnology to help repair and regeneration

Phototherapy can be used in two completely different but complementary therapeutic applications. While low level laser (or light) therapy (LLLT) uses red or near-infrared light alone to reduce inflammation, pain and stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses the combination of light plus non-toxic dyes (called photosensitizers) to produce reactive oxygen species that can kill infectious microorganisms and cancer cells or destroy unwanted tissue (neo-vascularization in the choroid, atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries). The recent development of nanotechnology applied to medicine (nanomedicine) has opened a new front of advancement in the field of phototherapy and has provided hope for the development of nanoscale drug delivery platforms for effective killing of pathological cells and to promote repair and regeneration. Despite the well-known beneficial effects of phototherapy and nanomaterials in producing the killing of unwanted cells and promoting repair and regeneration, there are few reports that combine all three elements i.e. phototherapy, nanotechnology and, tissue repair and regeneration. However, these areas in all possible binary combinations have been addressed by many workers. The present review aims at highlighting the combined multi-model applications of phototherapy, nanotechnology and, reparative and regeneration medicine and outlines current strategies, future applications and limitations of nanoscale-assisted phototherapy for the management of cancers, microbial infections and other diseases, and to promote tissue repair and regeneration.     

Emerging concepts in designing next-generation multifunctional nanomedicine for cancer treatment

Nanotherapy has emerged as an improved anticancer therapeutic strategy to circumvent the harmful side effects of chemotherapy. It has been proven to be beneficial to offer multiple advantages, including their capacity to carry different therapeutic agents, longer circulation time and increased therapeutic index with reduced toxicity. Over time, nanotherapy evolved in terms of their designing strategies like geometry, size, composition or chemistry to circumvent the biological barriers. Multifunctional nanoscale materials are widely used as molecular transporter for delivering therapeutics and imaging agents. Nanomedicine involving multi-component chemotherapeutic drug-based combination therapy has been found to be an improved promising approach to increase the efficacy of cancer treatment. Next-generation nanomedicine has also utilized and combined immunotherapy to increase its therapeutic efficacy. It helps in targeting tumor immune response sparing the healthy systemic immune function. In this review, we have summarized the progress of nanotechnology in terms of nanoparticle designing and targeting cancer. We have also discussed its further applications in combination therapy and cancer immunotherapy. Integrating patient-specific proteomics and biomarker based information and harnessing clinically safe nanotechnology, the development of precision nanomedicine could revolutionize the effective cancer therapy.     

Nanoparticles and cancer therapy: Perspectives for application of nanoparticles in the treatment of cancers

Rapid growth in nanotechnology toward the development of nanomedicine agents holds massive promise to improve therapeutic approaches against cancer. Nanomedicine products represent an opportunity to achieve sophisticated targeting strategies and multifunctionality. Nowadays, nanoparticles (NPs) have multiple applications in different branches of science. In recent years, NPs have repetitively been reported to play a significant role in modern medicine. They have been analyzed for different clinical applications, such as drug carriers, gene delivery to tumors, and contrast agents in imaging. A wide range of nanomaterials based on organic, inorganic, lipid, or glycan compounds, as well as on synthetic polymers has been utilized for the development and improvement of new cancer therapeutics. In this study, we discuss the role of NPs in treating cancer among different drug delivery methods for cancer therapy.     

Evaluation of end-capped DNA modules for pRNA capture and functionalization

The ability of packaging RNA (pRNA) from the phi29 DNA packaging motor to form nanoassemblies and nanostructures has been exploited for the development of the nascent field of RNA nanotechnology and subsequent applications in nanomedicine. For applications in nanomedicine, it is necessary to modify the pRNA structure for the conjugation of active molecules. We have investigated end-capped double-stranded DNA segments as reversible capture reagents for pRNA. These capture agents can be designed to allow the conjugation of any desired molecule for pRNA functionalization. The results of model studies presented in this report show that 5- to 7-nucleotide overhangs on a target RNA can provide efficient handles for the high-affinity association to capped double-stranded DNA.     

Nanomedicines in renal transplant rejection--focus on sirolimus

Nanomedicine, known as the application of nanotechnology in medicine, has been applied to overcome the problems of poor bioavailability, in vitro and in vivo stability, and targeted delivery in the preparation of pharmaceutical products. Sirolimus, a water-insoluble immunosuppressant, has been formulated into an oral solid dosage form by using NanoCrystal technology to increase the water solubility and thereby the bioavailability. The efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic properties are not significantly different between liquid and solid formulations except that less fluctuation of sirolimus blood concentration was observed in solid dosage form. The tablet formulation offers the advantages of better palatability and more convenience for long-term use. Sirolimus tablets are not only a successful example of nanomedicine, but also a more cost-effective treatment in renal transplantation than cyclosporine and tacrolimus.     

The challenge of including social and ethical aspects in the development of nanobiotechnology

Nanotechnology as an enabling technology for many future medical applications touches on issues such as sensitivity of genetic information, the gap between diagnosis and therapy, health care resources and tensions between holistic and functional medicine. On the other hand nanotechnology will add a new dimension to the bio (human) and non-bio (machine) interface such as brain chips or implants, which eventually might raise new ethical issues specific to NanoMedicine. This requires careful analysis of ethical aspect in view of existing standards and regulations by ethics committees at the European scale. At the same time new nanomedical inventions have to be evaluated for new ethical aspects by Ethical, Legal and Social Aspects — specialists. The most crucial point in this regard is an early proactive analysis of new technological developments to identify and discuss possible issues as soon as possible. This requires a close collaboration and co-learning of technology developers and ethics specialists assisted by communication experts to ensure open and efficient information of the public about ethical aspects (old or new) related to nanomedicine. This co-evolution will ensure a socially and ethically accepted development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools in NanoMedicine.     

Steering Efficacy of Nano Molybdenum Towards Cancer: Mechanism of Action

Biological Trace Element Research - Conventional cancer therapies possess a plethora of limitations which led to the awakening of nanotechnology and nanomedicine. However, technological success is...     

纳米技术在生物医学领域的研究现状

纳米生物医学是纳米技术与现代生物医学技术结合的产物,近年来这一领域逐渐受到科学界和企业界的重视,得到了许多振奋人心的进展,具有广泛的应用前景。作者从纳米生物材料、纳米载体、医学诊断和纳米治疗技术四个方面讨论了纳米技术在医学领域的研究现状,希望为读者展现这一新生领域的巨大潜力。     

Advances in S-layer nanotechnology and biomimetics

Two-dimensional crystalline bacterial S-layers composed of identical protein or glycoprotein subunits turned out to be ideal materials for the development of biomimetic membranes and new approaches in molecular nanotechnology. These isoporous protein lattices have already been used as (i) structure for producing isoporous ultrafiltration membranes with very precisely defined molecular sieving properties, (ii) matrices for immobilizing monolayers of functional molecules, (iii) stabilizing structure for LB-films and liposomes, and (iv) patterning elements in molecular nanotechnology.     

Beyond DNA origami: the unfolding prospects of nucleic acid nanotechnology

Nucleic acid nanotechnology exploits the programmable molecular recognition properties of natural and synthetic nucleic acids to assemble structures with nanometer-scale precision. In 2006, DNA origami transformed the field by providing a versatile platform for self-assembly of arbitrary shapes from one long DNA strand held in place by hundreds of short, site-specific (spatially addressable) DNA 'staples'. This revolutionary approach has led to the creation of a multitude of two-dimensional and three-dimensional scaffolds that form the basis for functional nanodevices. Not limited to nucleic acids, these nanodevices can incorporate other structural and functional materials, such as proteins and nanoparticles, making them broadly useful for current and future applications in emerging fields such as nanomedicine, nanoelectronics, and alternative energy.     

Inhibition of Nickel Nanoparticles-Induced Toxicity by Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in JB6 Cells May Be through Down-Regulation of the MAPK Signaling Pathways

With the rapid development in nanotechnology, nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) have emerged in the application of nanomedicine in recent years. However, the potential adverse health effects of Ni NPs are unclear. In this study, we examined the inhibition effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the toxicity induced by Ni NPs in mouse epidermal cell line (JB6 cell). MTT assay showed that Ni NPs induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner while EGCG exerted a certain inhibition on the toxicity. Additionally, EGCG could reduce the apoptotic cell number and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in JB6 cells induced by Ni NPs. Furthermore, we observed that EGCG could down-regulate Ni NPs-induced activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in JB6 cells, which has been shown to play pivotal roles in tumor initiation, promotion and progression. Western blot indicated that EGCG could alleviate the toxicity of Ni NPs through regulating protein changes in MAPK signaling pathways. In summary, our results suggest that careful evaluation on the potential health effects of Ni NPs is necessary before being widely used in the field of nanomedicine. Inhibition of EGCG on Ni NPs-induced cytotoxicity in JB6 cells may be through the MAPK signaling pathways suggesting that EGCG might be useful in preventing the toxicity of Ni NPs.     

Regenerative pharmacology: the future is now

Regenerative medicine technologies cross the boundaries of numerous scientific fields, including cell and molecular biology, chemical and material sciences (i.e., nanotechnology), engineering, molecular genetics, physiology and pharmacology. As such, regenerative medicine truly represents an integrative and logical (r)evolution of medical science. This groundbreaking field of research has the potential to radically alter the treatment of diseases or disorders characterized by the lack of viable cells or tissues. The goal of this report is to review the current challenges and opportunities in the emerging field of regenerative medicine and to describe the role of the pharmacological sciences in the acceleration, optimization, and evaluation of engineered tissue function in the service of regenerative medicine technologies.     

Cancer Detection and Treatment: The Role of Nanomedicines

Nanotechnology is a field which has been at the forefront of research over the past two decades. The full potential of nanotechnology has yet to be fully realized. One subset of nanotechnology that has emerged is nanomedicine, which has been able to exploit the unique properties of nano-sized particles for therapeutics. Nanomedicine has the potential to increase the specific treatment of cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact through the use of novel nanoparticles to seek and treat cancer in the human body. However, there are undoubtedly toxicities, which have not yet been fully elucidated. Various nano-carriers such as nanoshells, nanocrystals, nanopolymers, quantum dots, and dendrimers, and their role in early cancer detection and treatment have been discussed in this article.     

Biocompatibility and applications of carbon nanotubes in medical nanorobots

The set of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) based on relative motion of carbon nanotubes walls is proposed for use in medical nanorobots. This set includes electromechanical nanothermometer, jet nanoengine, nanosyringe (the last can be used simultaneously as nanoprobe for individual biological molecules and drug nanodeliver). Principal schemes of these NEMS are considered. Operational characteristics of nanothermometer are analyzed. The possible methods of these NEMS actuation are considered. The present-day progress in nanotechnology techniques which are necessary for assembling of NEMS under consideration is discussed. Biocompatibility of carbon nanotubes is analyzed in connection with perspectives of their application in nanomedicine.     

Multitalentierte Biominerale

Biominerals and their applications in medicine and technology Biomineral forming systems are widespread in nature, but have gained more attention only in recent years with regard to the development of new materials and their application in medicine and technology. A major factor were, in particular, the development of the modern nanotechnology and the discovery that the main classes of biominerals, silica, calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite, can be formed by an enzymatic mechanism. This allows the biocatalytic production both of organic‐inorganic hybrid materials with new property combinations and of defined structures from these biominerals. These applications range from optics to surface coatings, cell encapsulation, core shell materials and implants.     

Nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery and gene therapy

Biomedical application of nanotechnology is a rapidly developing area that raises new prospect in the improvement of diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. The ability to incorporate drugs or genes into a functionalized nanoparticle demonstrates a new era in pharmacotherapy for delivering drugs or genes selectively to tissues or cells. It is envisioned that the transfer of nanoengineering capability into disease therapy will provide constant and concentrated drug delivery to targeted tissues, minimizing systemic side effects and toxicity. We have in this article highlighted the recent state of the art in nanomedicine, focusing particularly on the achievement of nanotechnology in nanoscale drug and gene delivery in vitro and in vivo. In addition, a specific emphasis has been placed on the use of nanotechnology to improve controlled drug release and sustainable drug delivery in solid tumors and on new drug therapies for age-related neurodegenerative disorders.