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Cell-membrane hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) are designed to improve drug delivery, thermal therapy, and immunotherapy for several diseases. Here, we report the development of distinct biomimetic magnetic nanocarriers containing magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in vesicles and IR780 near-infrared dyes incorporated in the membranes. Distinct cell membranes are investigated, red blood cell (RBC), melanoma (B16F10), and glioblastoma (GL261). Hybrid nanocarriers containing synthetic lipids and a cell membrane are designed. The biomedical applications of several systems are compared. The inorganic nanoparticle consisted of Mn-ferrite nanoparticles with a core diameter of 15 ± 4 nm. TEM images show many multicore nanostructures (∼40 nm), which correlate with the hydrodynamic size. Ultrahigh transverse relaxivity values are reported for the magnetic NPs, 746 mM-1s-1, decreasing respectively to 445 mM-1s-1 and 278 mM-1s-1 for the B16F10 and GL261 hybrid vesicles. The ratio of relaxivities r2/r1 decreased with the higher encapsulation of NPs and increased for the biomimetic liposomes. Therapeutic temperatures are achieved by both, magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia and photothermal therapy. Photothermal conversion efficiency ∼25-30% are reported. Cell culture revealed lower wrapping times for the biomimetic vesicles. In vivo experiments with distinct routes of nanoparticle administration were investigated. Intratumoral injection proved the nanoparticle-mediated PTT efficiency. MRI and near-infrared images showed that the nanoparticles accumulate in the tumor after intravenous or intraperitoneal administration. Both routes benefit from MRI-guided PTT and demonstrate the multimodal theranostic applications for cancer therapy.

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Nanotechnology has the potential to offer elegant solutions to problems experienced in the medical field, such as poor drug delivery efficiency and microbial resistance. In this sense, it is interesting to associate nanomaterials with substances that also offer desirable properties to favor human health. Green propolis is an example of a material that contains some of these useful substances. The phenolic acids present in this type of propolis have already been proven to present, for example, antimicrobial, immunostimulant, and antioxidant activities. In this minireview, recent nano solutions, presented through manuscripts have been recently published based on green propolis, receive attention due to their useful properties in the medical field. Limitations to the clinical use of nanomaterials and the future prospects are also addressed.

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BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most prevalent form of central nervous system (CNS) cancer, stands as a highly aggressive glioma deemed virtually incurable according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards, with survival rates typically falling between 6 to 18 months. Despite concerted efforts, advancements in survival rates have been elusive. Recent cutting-edge research has unveiled bionanocatalysts with 1% Pt, demonstrating unparalleled selectivity in cleaving C-C, C-N, and C-O bonds within DNA in malignant cells. The application of these nanoparticles has yielded promising outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to employ bionanocatalysts for the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) in a patient, followed by the evaluation of obtained tissues through electronic microscopy. METHODS: Bionanocatalysts were synthesized using established protocols. These catalysts were then surgically implanted into the GBM tissue through stereotaxic procedures. Subsequently, tissue samples were extracted from the patient and meticulously examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Detailed examination of biopsies via SEM unveiled a complex network of small capillaries branching from a central vessel, accompanied by a significant presence of solid carbonate formations. Remarkably, the patient subjected to this innovative approach exhibited a three-year extension in survival, highlighting the potential efficacy of bionanocatalysts in combating GBM and its metastases. CONCLUSION: Bionanocatalysts demonstrate promise as a viable treatment option for severe cases of GBM. Additionally, the identification of solid calcium carbonate formations may serve as a diagnostic marker not only for GBM but also for other CNS pathologies.

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Successful implementation of X-ray-activated photodynamic therapy (X-PDT) is challenging because most photosensitizers (PSs) absorb light in the blue region, but few nanoscintillators produce efficient blue scintillation. Here, efficient blue-emitting SrF2:Eu scintillating nanoparticles (ScNPs) are developed. The optimized synthesis conditions result in cubic nanoparticles with ≈32 nm diameter and blue emission at 416 nm. Coating them with the meso-tetra(n-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin (TMPyP) in a core-shell structure (SrF@TMPyP) results in maximum singlet oxygen (1O2) generation upon X-ray irradiation for nanoparticles with 6TMPyP depositions (SrF@6TMPyP). The 1O2 generation is directly proportional to the dose, does not vary in the low-energy X-ray range (48-160 kVp), but is 21% higher when irradiated with low-energy X-rays than irradiations with higher energy gamma rays. In the clonogenic assay, cancer cells treated with SrF@6TMPyP and exposed to X-rays present a significantly reduced survival fraction compared to the controls. The SrF2:Eu ScNPs and their conjugates stand out as tunable nanoplatforms for X-PDT due to the efficient blue emission from the SrF2:Eu cores; the ability to adjust the scintillation emission in terms of color and intensity by controlling the nanoparticle size; the efficient 1O2 production when conjugated to a PS and the efficacy of killing cancer cells.

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Modern imaging strategies are paramount to studying living systems such as cells, bacteria, and fungi and their response to pathogens, toxicants, and nanomaterials (NMs) as modulated by exposure and environmental factors. The need to understand the processes and mechanisms of damage, healing, and cell survivability of living systems continues to motivate the development of alternative imaging strategies. Of particular interest is the use of label-free techniques (microscopy procedures that do not require sample staining) that minimize interference of biological processes by foreign marking substances and reduce intense light exposure and potential photo-toxicity effects. This review focuses on the synergic capabilities of atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a well-developed and robust imaging strategy with demonstrated applications to unravel intimate details in biomedical applications, with the label-free, fast, and enduring Holotomographic Microscopy (HTM) strategy. HTM is a technique that combines holography and tomography using a low intensity continuous illumination laser to investigate (quantitatively and non-invasively) cells, microorganisms, and thin tissue by generating three-dimensional (3D) images and monitoring in real-time inner morphological changes. We first review the operating principles that form the basis for the complementary details provided by these techniques regarding the surface and internal information provided by HTM and AFM, which are essential and complimentary for the development of several biomedical areas studying the interaction mechanisms of NMs with living organisms. First, AFM can provide superb resolution on surface morphology and biomechanical characterization. Second, the quantitative phase capabilities of HTM enable superb modeling and quantification of the volume, surface area, protein content, and mass density of the main components of cells and microorganisms, including the morphology of cells in microbiological systems. These capabilities result from directly quantifying refractive index changes without requiring fluorescent markers or chemicals. As such, HTM is ideal for long-term monitoring of living organisms in conditions close to their natural settings. We present a case-based review of the principal uses of both techniques and their essential contributions to nanomedicine and nanotoxicology (study of the harmful effects of NMs in living organisms), emphasizing cancer and infectious disease control. The synergic impact of the sequential use of these complementary strategies provides a clear drive for adopting these techniques as interdependent fundamental tools.

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The rapid availability of effective antiviral treatments would be beneficial during the early phases of a pandemic, as they could reduce viral loads and control serious infections until antigenic vaccines become widely available. One promising alternative therapy to combat pandemics is nanotechnology, which has the potential to inhibit a wide variety of viruses, including the influenza virus. This review summarizes the recent progress using gold, copper, silver, silicone, zinc and selenium nanoparticles, since these materials have shown remarkable antiviral capacity against influenza A virus.

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Introduction: Clinical research has recently focused on developing diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives through nanomedicine, and it has become essential for both current and coming healthcare professionals, especially medical residents, to know about it to face actual challenges in the setup of their professional practice. Approach: This scoping review was conducted to show the relevance of nanomedicine in the formation of medical residents and to determine the educational strategies proposed worldwide for their teaching. Results: 12 records met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, including information related to the importance of teaching nanotechnology, possible educational approaches, or the best action strategies for incorporating said teaching. Discussion: Multiple studies showed the need for students in health-related programs to be trained and instructed in topics related to nanotechnology. Still, the students' perceptions highlight how inadequate or non-existent such education in this field is. Although a few studies have proposed strategies and approaches for incorporating nanotechnology in academic programs in different areas, it is still necessary to establish educational standards so that the training of future professionals will be uniform and of high quality. The concerned educational institutions' directives must try to ensure that their in-training staff receives an updated, full, and excellency education.