Search

Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary tumor of the central nervous system and the diagnosis is often dismal. GBM pharmacological treatment is strongly limited by its intracranial location beyond the blood–brain barrier (BBB). While Temozolomide (TMZ) exhibits the best clinical performance, still less than 20% crosses the BBB, therefore requiring administration of very high doses with resulting unnecessary systemic side effects. Here, we aimed at designing new negative temperature-responsive gel formulations able to locally release TMZ beyond the BBB. The biocompatibility of a chitosan-β-glycerophosphate-based thermogel (THG)-containing mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles (THG@SiO2) or polycaprolactone microparticles (THG@PCL) was ascertained in vitro and in vivo by cell counting and histological examination. Next, we loaded TMZ into such matrices (THG@SiO2-TMZ and THG@PCL-TMZ) and tested their therapeutic potential both in vitro and in vivo, in a glioblastoma resection and recurrence mouse model based on orthotopic growth of human cancer cells. The two newly designed anticancer formulations, consisting in TMZ-silica (SiO2@TMZ) dispersed in the thermogel matrix (THG@SiO2-TMZ) and TMZ, spray-dried on PLC and incorporated into the thermogel (THG@PCL-TMZ), induced cell death in vitro. When applied intracranially to a resected U87-MG-Red-FLuc human GBM model, THG@SiO2-TMZ and THG@PCL-TMZ caused a significant reduction in the growth of tumor recurrences, when compared to untreated controls. THG@SiO2-TMZ and THG@PCL-TMZ are therefore new promising gel-based local therapy candidates for the treatment of GBM.

Detection and removal of bladder cancer lesions at an early stage is crucial for preventing tumor relapse and progression. This study aimed to develop a new technological platform for the visualization of small and flat urothelial lesions of high-grade bladder carcinoma in situ (CIS).We found that the integrin α5β1, overexpressed in bladder cancer cell lines, murine orthotopic bladder cancer and human bladder CIS, can be exploited as a receptor for targeted delivery of GNRs functionalized with the cyclic CphgisoDGRG peptide (Iso4). The GNRs@Chit-Iso4 was stable in urine and selectively recognized α5β1 positive neoplastic urothelium, while low frequency ultrasound-assisted shaking of intravesically instilled GNRs@Chit-Iso4 allowed the distribution of nanoparticles across the entire volume of the bladder. Photoacoustic imaging of GNRs@Chit-Iso4 bound to tumor cells allowed for the detection of neoplastic lesions smaller than 0.5 mm that were undetectable by ultrasound imaging and bioluminescence.

Abstract Background Management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still challenging because of its aggressive clinical behavior and limited targeted treatment options. Cisplatin represents a promising chemotherapeutic compound in neoadjuvant approaches and in the metastatic setting, but its use is limited by scarce bioavailability, severe systemic side effects and drug resistance. Novel site-directed aptamer-based nanotherapeutics have the potential to overcome obstacles of chemotherapy. In this study we investigated the tumor targeting and the anti-tumorigenic effectiveness of novel cisplatin-loaded and aptamer-decorated nanosystems in TNBC. Methods Nanotechnological procedures were applied to entrap cisplatin at high efficacy into polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) that were conjugated on their surface with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) selective and cell-internalizing CL4 aptamer to improve targeted therapy. Internalization into TNBC MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cells of aptamer-decorated PNPs, loaded with BODIPY505-515, was monitored by confocal microscopy using EGFR-depleted cells as negative control. Tumor targeting and biodistribution was evaluated by fluorescence reflectance imaging upon intravenously injection of Cyanine7-labeled nanovectors in nude mice bearing subcutaneous MDA-MB-231 tumors. Cytotoxicity of cisplatin-loaded PNPs toward TNBC cells was evaluated by MTT assay and the antitumor effect was assessed by tumor growth experiments in vivo and ex vivo analyses. Results We demonstrate specific, high and rapid uptake into EGFR-positive TNBC cells of CL4-conjugated fluorescent PNPs which, when loaded with cisplatin, resulted considerably more cytotoxic than the free drug and nanovectors either unconjugated or conjugated with a scrambled aptamer. Importantly, animal studies showed that the CL4-equipped PNPs achieve significantly higher tumor targeting efficiency and enhanced therapeutic effects, without any signs of systemic toxicity, compared with free cisplatin and untargeted PNPs. Conclusions Our study proposes novel and safe drug-loaded targeted nanosystems for EGFR-positive TNBC with excellent potential for the application in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapies require effective delivery vehicles capable of carrying the siRNA cargo into target cells. To achieve tumor-targeting, a drug delivery system would have to incorporate ligands that specifically bind to receptors expressed on cancer cells to function as portals via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Cell-targeting and internalizing aptamers are the most suitable ligands for functionalization of drug-loaded nanocarriers. Here, we designed a novel aptamer-based platform for the active delivery of siRNA targeting programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. The generated nanovectors consist of PLGA-based polymeric nanoparticles, which were loaded with PD-L1 siRNA and conjugated on their surface with a new RNA aptamer, specific for TNBC and resistant to nucleases. In vitro results demonstrated that these aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles promote siRNA uptake specifically into TNBC MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 target cells, along with its endosomal release, without recognizing non-TNBC BT-474 breast cancer cells. Their efficiency resulted in an almost complete suppression of PD-L1 expression as early as 90 min of cell treatment. This research provides a rational strategy for optimizing siRNA delivery systems for TNBC treatments.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is an emerging material with outstanding properties in many scientific and industrial fields, in particular as an additive in composite materials. Its surface modification allows for the fine-tuning of its properties and the exploitation of these materials in a plethora of applications. In this paper, we present the covalent linkage of a luminescent Ir-complex onto the surface of MCC, representing the first incorporation of an organometallic luminescent probe in this biomaterial. This goal has been achieved with an easy and sustainable procedure, which employs a Bronsted-acid ionic liquid as a catalyst for the esterification reaction of -OH cellulose surface groups. The obtained luminescent cellulose microcrystals display high and stable emissions with the incorporation of only a small amount of iridium (III). Incorporation of MCC-Ir in dry and wet matrices, such as films and gels, has been also demonstrated, showing the maintenance of the luminescent properties even in possible final manufacturers.

Photothermal therapy has always been a very attractive anti-cancer strategy, drawing a lot of attention thanks to its excellent performance as a non-invasive and pretty safe technique. Lately, nanostructures have become the main characters of the play of cancer therapy due to their ability to absorb near-infrared radiation and efficient light-to-heat conversion. Here we present the synthesis of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-stabilized hybrid ultrasmall (80% cell viability decrease already after 10 min laser irradiation with a laser power P = 3W/cm2 that was proved to be harmless to the control cells. Moreover, a previous cell viability test had shown that the nanoparticles themselves were reasonably biocompatible: without irradiation cell viability remained high. Herein, we show that our hybrid AuAgNTrs exhibit very exciting potential as nanostructures for hyperthermia cancer therapy, mostly due to their easy synthesis protocol, excellent cell compatibility and promising photothermal features.

Gold nanorods (GNRs) showed to be a suitable contrast agent in photoacoustics (PA), and are able to provide a tunable absorption contrast against background tissue, while a detectable PA signal can be generated from highly localized and targeted areas. A crucial issue for these imaging techniques is represented by the discrimination between exogenous and endogenous contrast and the assessment of the real PA signal magnitude. The application of image resolution/unmixing methods was implemented and optimized to recover the relative magnitude spectra and distribution maps of image constituents of the biological sample based on multivariate analysis (multivariate curve resolution—alternating least squares, MCR-ALS) in the presence of GNRs with tunable absorption properties. The proposed data analysis methodology is demonstrated on real PA images from experimental animal models and ex-vivo preparations.

The interest for biodegradable electronic devices is rapidly increasing for application in the field of wearable electronics, precision agriculture, biomedicine, and environmental monitoring. Energy storage devices integrated on polymeric substrates are of particular interest to enable the large-scale on field use of complex devices. This work presents a novel class of eco-friendly supercapacitors based on biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrrate) PHB, ionic liquids, and cluster-assembled gold electrodes. By electrochemical characterization, we demonstrate the possibility of tuning the supercapacitor energetic performance according to the type and amount of the ionic liquid employed. Our devices based on hydrophobic plastic materials are stable under cyclic operation and resistant to moisture exposure.

The majority of the clinically approved iron oxide nanoparticles (IO NPs) used as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been withdrawn from the market either due to safety concerns or lack of profits. To address this challenge, liposomes have been used to prepare IO-based T2 contrast agents. We studied the influence of different phospholipids on the relaxivity (r2) values of magneto-liposomes (MLs) containing magnetic NPs in the bilayer, where a strong correlation between the bilayer fluidity and r2 is clearly shown. Embedding 5-nm IO NPs in the lipid bilayer leads to a significant improvement in their relaxivity, where r2 values range from 153 ± 5 s−1 mM−1 for DPPC/cholesterol/DSPE-PEG (96/50/4) up to 673 ± 12 s−1 mM−1 for DOPC/DSPE-PEG (96/4), compared to “free” IO NPs with an r2 value of 16 s−1 mM−1, measured at 9.4 T MRI scanner. In vitro MRI measurements, together with the ICP-MS analysis, revealed MLs as highly selective contrast agents that were preferentially taken up by cancerous T24 cells, which led to an improvement in the contrast and an easier distinction between the healthy and the cancerous cells. A careful selection of the lipid bilayer to prepare MLs could offer efficient MRI contrast agents, even at very low IO NP concentrations.

We report the synthesis, fabrication and characterization of a hybrid hydrogel/cellulose nanocomposite, which exhibits high-performance electro–mechanical underwater actuation and high sensitivity in response to electrical stimuli below the standard potential of water electrolysis. The macromolecular structure of the material is constituted by an electroactive hydrogel, obtained through a photo-polymerization reaction with the use of three vinylic co-monomers: Na-4-vinylbenzenesulfonate, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, and acrylonitrile. Different amounts (from 0.1% to 1.4% w/w) of biodegradable cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with sulfonate surface groups, obtained through the acidic hydrolysis of sulphite pulp lapsheets, are physically incorporated into the gel matrix during the synthesis step. Freestanding thin films of the nanocomposites are molded, and their swelling, mechanical and responsive properties are fully characterized. We observed that the embedding of the CNCs enhanced both the material Young’s modulus and its sensitivity to the applied electric field in the sub-volt regime (down to 5 mV cm−1). A demonstrator integrating multiple actuators that cooperatively bend together, mimicking the motion of an electro-valve, is also prototyped and tested. The presented nanocomposite is suitable for the development of soft smart components for bio-robotic applications and cells-based and bio-hybrid fluidic devices fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary tumor of the central nervous system and the diagnosis is often dismal. GBM pharmacological treatment is strongly limited by its intracranial location beyond the blood–brain barrier (BBB). While Temozolomide (TMZ) exhibits the best clinical performance, still less than 20% crosses the BBB, therefore requiring administration of very high doses with resulting unnecessary systemic side effects. Here, we aimed at designing new negative temperature-responsive gel formulations able to locally release TMZ beyond the BBB. The biocompatibility of a chitosan-β-glycerophosphate-based thermogel (THG)-containing mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles (THG@SiO2) or polycaprolactone microparticles (THG@PCL) was ascertained in vitro and in vivo by cell counting and histological examination. Next, we loaded TMZ into such matrices (THG@SiO2-TMZ and THG@PCL-TMZ) and tested their therapeutic potential both in vitro and in vivo, in a glioblastoma resection and recurrence mouse model based on orthotopic growth of human cancer cells. The two newly designed anticancer formulations, consisting in TMZ-silica (SiO2@TMZ) dispersed in the thermogel matrix (THG@SiO2-TMZ) and TMZ, spray-dried on PLC and incorporated into the thermogel (THG@PCL-TMZ), induced cell death in vitro. When applied intracranially to a resected U87-MG-Red-FLuc human GBM model, THG@SiO2-TMZ and THG@PCL-TMZ caused a significant reduction in the growth of tumor recurrences, when compared to untreated controls. THG@SiO2-TMZ and THG@PCL-TMZ are therefore new promising gel-based local therapy candidates for the treatment of GBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work shows the synthesis of a drug delivery system made of casein nanoparticles able to host hydrophobic molecules and be functionalized with aptamers targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor. In vitro cell viability and uptake analyses, performed on triple-negative breast cancer cells, confirmed the safety profile and the target selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapies require effective delivery vehicles capable of carrying the siRNA cargo into target cells. To achieve tumor-targeting, a drug delivery system would have to incorporate ligands that specifically bind to receptors expressed on cancer cells to function as portals via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Cell-targeting and internalizing aptamers are the most suitable ligands for functionalization of drug-loaded nanocarriers. Here, we designed a novel aptamer-based platform for the active delivery of siRNA targeting programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. The generated nanovectors consist of PLGA-based polymeric nanoparticles, which were loaded with PD-L1 siRNA and conjugated on their surface with a new RNA aptamer, specific for TNBC and resistant to nucleases. In vitro results demonstrated that these aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles promote siRNA uptake specifically into TNBC MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 target cells, along with its endosomal release, without recognizing non-TNBC BT-474 breast cancer cells. Their efficiency resulted in an almost complete suppression of PD-L1 expression as early as 90 min of cell treatment. This research provides a rational strategy for optimizing siRNA delivery systems for TNBC treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is an emerging material with outstanding properties in many scientific and industrial fields, in particular as an additive in composite materials. Its surface modification allows for the fine-tuning of its properties and the exploitation of these materials in a plethora of applications. In this paper, we present the covalent linkage of a luminescent Ir-complex onto the surface of MCC, representing the first incorporation of an organometallic luminescent probe in this biomaterial. This goal has been achieved with an easy and sustainable procedure, which employs a Bronsted-acid ionic liquid as a catalyst for the esterification reaction of -OH cellulose surface groups. The obtained luminescent cellulose microcrystals display high and stable emissions with the incorporation of only a small amount of iridium (III). Incorporation of MCC-Ir in dry and wet matrices, such as films and gels, has been also demonstrated, showing the maintenance of the luminescent properties even in possible final manufacturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silvia Tortorella, Veronica Vetri Buratti, Mirko Maturi, Letizia Sambri, Mauro Comes Franchini, Erica Locatelli Department of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari”, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, Bologna 40136, ItalyCorrespondence: Erica Locatelli Email erica.locatelli2@unibo.itAbstract: Presently, a plenty of concerns related to the environment are due to the overuse of petroleum-based chemicals and products; the synthesis of functional materials, starting from the natural sources, is the current trend in research. The interest for nanocellulose has recently increased in a huge range of fields, from the material science to the biomedical engineering. Nanocellulose gained this leading role because of several reasons: its natural abundance on this planet, the excellent mechanical and optical features, the good biocompatibility and the attractive capability of undergoing surface chemical modifications. Nanocellulose surface tuning techniques are adopted by the high reactivity of the hydroxyl groups available; the chemical modifications are mainly performed to introduce either charged or hydrophobic moieties that include amination, esterification, oxidation, silylation, carboxymethylation, epoxidation, sulfonation, thiol- and azido-functional capability. Despite the several already published papers regarding nanocellulose, the aim of this review involves discussing the surface chemical functional capability of nanocellulose and the subsequent applications in the main areas of nanocellulose research, such as drug delivery, biosensing/bioimaging, tissue regeneration and bioprinting, according to these modifications. The final goal of this review is to provide a novel and unusual overview on this topic that is continuously under expansion for its intrinsic sophisticated properties.Keywords: nanocelluse, surface modification, drug delivery, scaffold, tissue engineering

Hybrid hydrogels made of chemically modified pectin, gelatin and xanthan gum have been formulated and processed through a double crosslinking step, aimed at wound healing applications. The formulation of hybrid hydrogels finds its cornerstone in the possibility to create a supportive environment for cell adhesion and proliferation, ensuring the transport of nutrients via porous structures, together with mechanical properties closely comparable to the native tissue. The hydrogels present a good swelling behavior, resistance to dissolution and fragmentation in simulated biological environment (PBS 1× and DMEM) for up to 20 days and the porous structure, as pictured via scanning electron microscopy, has been foreseen to help cell migration and the exchange of biomolecules. Rheological characterization showed desired mechanical features, while the biocompatibility has been assessed via live/dead assay on murine fibroblasts. Finally, the hybrid hydrogels have also been proved suitable for mechanical extrusion, demonstrating the possibility of cell encapsulation in the future perspective of 3D bioprinting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still challenging because of its aggressive clinical behavior and limited targeted treatment options. Cisplatin represents a promising chemotherapeutic compound in neoadjuvant approaches and in the metastatic setting, but its use is limited by scarce bioavailability, severe systemic side effects and drug resistance. Novel site-directed aptamer-based nanotherapeutics have the potential to overcome obstacles of chemotherapy. In this study we investigated the tumor targeting and the anti-tumorigenic effectiveness of novel cisplatin-loaded and aptamer-decorated nanosystems in TNBC. Methods: Nanotechnological procedures were applied to entrap cisplatin at high efficacy into polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) that were conjugated on their surface with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) selective and cell-internalizing CL4 aptamer to improve targeted therapy. Internalization into TNBC MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cells of aptamer-decorated PNPs, loaded with BODIPY505-515, was monitored by confocal microscopy using EGFR-depleted cells as negative control. Tumor targeting and biodistribution was evaluated by fluorescence reflectance imaging upon intravenously injection of Cyanine7-labeled nanovectors in nude mice bearing subcutaneous MDA-MB-231 tumors. Cytotoxicity of cisplatin-loaded PNPs toward TNBC cells was evaluated by MTT assay and the antitumor effect was assessed by tumor growth experiments in vivo and ex vivo analyses. Results: We demonstrate specific, high and rapid uptake into EGFR-positive TNBC cells of CL4-conjugated fluorescent PNPs which, when loaded with cisplatin, resulted considerably more cytotoxic than the free drug and nanovectors either unconjugated or conjugated with a scrambled aptamer. Importantly, animal studies showed that the CL4-equipped PNPs achieve significantly higher tumor targeting efficiency and enhanced therapeutic effects, without any signs of systemic toxicity, compared with free cisplatin and untargeted PNPs. Conclusions: Our study proposes novel and safe drug-loaded targeted nanosystems for EGFR-positive TNBC with excellent potential for the application in cancer diagnosis and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction for 'Phosphorescent bio-based resin for digital light processing (DLP) 3D-printing' by Mirko Maturi et al., Green Chem., 2020, 22, 6212–6224, DOI: 10.1039/D0GC01983F. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report the synthesis of cellulose nanocrystals covalently bound to a model chemotherapeutic drug (DOXO) via a novel spacer arm, which acts both as linker and as selective releasing agent. The carbamate linkage present in the linker, shows stability in aqueous environments for a wide range of conditions and can only be hydrolyzed in the presence of cells, freeing the active drug, with unmodified chemotherapeutic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the advent of polymer-based 3D printing technology, the scientific community has directed great effort towards the development of new polymeric formulations that would allow applying this technique to various fields of application, ranging from materials science to tissue engineering. However, most of the available materials are nevertheless oil-based and cost-ineffective. This work presents a novel bio-based resin for stereolithographic DLP 3D printing formulated by mixing a photocurable polyester obtained from renewable resources (poly(1,3-propanediyl-co-glyceryl) itaconate-co-vanillate, PPGIV) with methacrylated citrate and itaconate crosslinkers (bis(HEMA) itaconate, BHI, and tris(HEMA) citrate, THC) and appropriate photopolymerization initiators, terminators and dyes. As a proof-of-concept, a photocurable ink is formulated with phosphorescent Ir(III) cyclometalated complexes and its potential applications have been demonstrated for both rigid and flexible structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enantioselective synthesis of atropisomers is an emerging field, that in recent years reached fundamental results and put the bases for innovative applications. Organocatalysis is playing a central role in the realization of original synthesis for novel atropisomeric scaffolds.[1] In this short review, we would like to highlight the results obtained by our group and others in the field of axially enantioselective desymmetrization reactions using organocatalysis as main strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers chemical industry news brief. Topics discussed include producing cigarette filters made from cellulose acetate containing plastsicer triacetin which lacks biodegradability, views of Dermont O'Hare, professor of inorganic chemistry at Oxford University, on recycling food packaging material and lowering carbon footprint, and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder can be treated with dietary supplementation and amino acids.

Herein we report the synthesis of a resilient nanosystem based on silica-coated magnetic MnFe2O3 nanoparticles conjugated to fluorescein and PEGylated gold nanorods embedded in polymeric micelles (MnFe2O4@SiO2@GNRs@PMs), for magnetic–photoacoustic–optical triple-modality imaging. The magnetic relaxivity of the nanosystem has been evaluated, revealing high r2/r1 ratios that suggest the effectiveness of the nanosystem as the T2-contrast agent. In addition, contrast-based fluorescence imaging has been tested both in vitro and ex vivo, showing that the nanosystem exhibits the suitable optical properties of fluorescein, with contrast intensities comparable with previously reported results. Finally, photoacoustic, due to gold nanorods, performances of the nanosystem have been evaluated, revealing good linearity between concentration and photoacoustic response in the 25–250 nM concentration under irradiation at 690 nm. The results showed a contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) as high as 60 in a mouse leg subcutaneously injected with the nanosystem. Biocompatibility studies revealed no hemolytic effect induced by the nanoconstruct, revealing the applicability of the studied diagnostic tool for medical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New flame retardant organo-modified bentonites, based on nitrogen-containing compounds were synthesized via an ion exchange process starting from pristine bentonite with acidified 6-(4-butylphenyl)−1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (BFTDA) and 11-amino- N-(pyridine-2yl)undecanamide (APUA). The amount of nitrogen rich organic modifier in the obtained organoclays (Bento-BFTDA and Bento-APUA) determined by TGA is around 0.4 mmol/g for both samples. With the aim to study the effect of these additives on a commercial epoxy resin, nanocomposites containing 3 and 5 wt% of the nanofillers were prepared by solventless addition to the epoxy resin formulation. For the sake of comparison similar nanocomposites with plain unmodified bentonite were produced. The nanocomposite's thermo-mechanical properties of all the produced samples were measured and they resulted slightly improved or practically unaffected. Finally, when the flame behavior was assessed in the cone-calorimeter, an encouraging decrease of 17% in the peak heat released rate (pHRR) was obtained at 3 wt% loading level with Bento-APUA. These promising results suggest that the APUA modified organoclay, prepared with low cost reactants and mild reaction conditions, might efficiently act as a flame retardant. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:621-630, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The desymmetrization of N-(2-tert-butylphenyl)maleimides was realized by means of a Michael reaction of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)- 3-phenyloxindoles leading to the corresponding axially chiral succinimides in high yields. The use of a squaramide cinchonidine organocatalyst was fundamental to achieve the simultaneous remote control of the stereogenic axis and adjacent quaternary and tertiary stereocenters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the contents of the journal including its cover page, featured articles and members of the editorial board such as Nazario Martin, Jiang Chang and Christine Schmidt.

A novel highly biocompatible nanosystem made up of a chitosan matrix and filled with magnesium nanoparticles was synthesized using a simple and one-pot strategy, and tested as a promising, well-tolerated tool for photothermal therapy. Moreover, in vivo a proof of concept on hepatocarcinoma-bearing mice is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first one-step synthesis of dumbbell-like gold–iron oxide nanoparticles has been reported here. Surface functionalization with a biocompatible chitosan matrix allowed us to obtain a novel targetable diagnostic and therapeutic tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Provide an enhanced local drug delivery, nanoparticle(s) to minimize systemic effects and achieve enhanced permeability and drug retention into abnormal cells and stroma. Materials & methods: Here a simultaneous loading of lipophilic gold nanorods (GNRs) and curcumin into polymeric nanomicelles made of biocompatible PLGA- b-PEG copolymer through a double re-emulsification process has been developed. Results: Initial results in vitro on Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines demonstrated a significant reduction in cell viability with curcumin and GNRs exposure (p < 0.05). In vivo Barrett's-associated animal model confirmed these results with successful in vivo demonstrated eradication of all high-grade dysplastic premalignant cancer cells. Conclusion: The synthesis of this novel nanosystem containing GNRs and curcumin is safe and effective in treating and eradicating premalignant esophageal adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]