2024
Russian scientists have proposed using neutrophils to deliver drug nanoparticles to cancer tumors
Russian scientists have proposed using a special type of white blood cell - neutrophils - as carriers of drug nanoparticles to combat malignant tumors. The study opens up new perspectives in the development of effective treatments for cancer. MISIS announced this on December 4, 2024. Read more here.
MIPT physicists have created polymer submicrocapsules with gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy
Physicists MIPT have created ones polymeric gold nanoparticle submicrocapsules that, under the influence of light, are able to convert intracellular hydrogen peroxide into molecular oxygen. This allows you to start the process cancer of cell death. This effect can be applied to address. therapy of malignant tumors The results of the Clover study are published in the journal PARTICLE&PARTICLE SYSTEMS CHARACTERIZATION. This was announced on August 1, 2024 by representatives of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. More. here
Russian scientists have proposed a method for bactericidal treatment of titanium implants using gold nanoparticles
A team of researchers from MISIS University, Lomonosov Moscow State University and N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology has developed an effective method for increasing the antibacterial properties of superelastic titanium alloys using gold nanoparticles and drugs. This was reported to the Zdrav.Expert portal by MISIS representatives on May 14, 2024. According to them, in the future, this method will help reduce the number of postoperative bacterial infections in patients. Read more here.
2023
AI taught to look for nanoparticles toxic only to cancer
Chemists at ITMO have developed an AI platform to search for nanoparticles selectively toxic to cancer cells. ITMO reported this on October 9, 2023. According to the scientists, the system will save time and resources for particle synthesis, as well as help reduce side effects from cancer therapy. Read more here.
Boron nitride nanoparticles a promising basis for drug delivery to cancer tumors
Scientists at MISIS University have found that the most promising platform for drug delivery in cancer may be boron nitride (BN) nanoparticle. Studies have shown that the beneficial substance and carrier form a strong bond, thereby providing a reliable basis for improving targeted therapy systems. The university announced this on October 4, 2023.
To reduce the burden on the body during the period of cancer therapy, direct delivery of antitumor drugs to the affected areas is necessary, since the acidic environment of the gastrointestinal tract can make drugs ineffective before they reach the target cells. However, most drugs lack the ability to target certain cancer cells, requiring the development of safe carriers and targeted approaches.
Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, plays a vital role in various cellular processes, including the metabolism of lipids, ketone bodies, carbohydrates and proteins. In pathological conditions, including cancer, the metabolism and accumulation of B2 in the affected tissues increases.
 | Riboflavin can be delivered to a specific tumor using carrier nanoparticles. They must be biocompatible, have a large area and at the right time are able to release the drug from their surface. The vitamin V2 molecule, thanks to the isoalloxazine in the composition, is easier to attach to the surface of nanomaterials. Including to the surfaces of nanotubes made of boron nitride (BN), which in concentrations below 100 mg/l can be safely used for medical purposes, "said co-author of the study, Ph.D. Kristina Kotyakova, researcher at the Inorganic Nanomaterials Research Center at MISIS University. |  |
Experiments have shown that mesoporous hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is a promising drug delivery system with pH-sensitive release of therapeutic agents to affect and destroy cancer tumors. The results of the study are described in detail in the scientific journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Q1).
{{quote 'To deliver drugs to the body, it is necessary to ensure effective interaction between active components and their carriers. One technical solution is the use of boron nitride nanoparticles as a carrier for vitamin V2. However, the presence of vacant nitrogen defects in the boron nitride lattice can affect the structural and functional integrity of the complex. It is such instability that can cause unwanted charging of riboflavin, which will negatively affect the effectiveness of the drug. To avoid these negative consequences, it is necessary to control the structural integrity of boron nitride, as well as to understand how binding occurs between it and vitamin V2. This is the only way to ensure effective interaction and delivery of drugs into the body, - said the author of the study, Ph.D. Liubov Antipina, senior researcher at the Laboratory of Digital Materials Science, NUST MISIS. }}
Using calculations on a supercomputer provided by the Laboratory "Modeling and Development of New Materials" NUST MISIS and the Joint Supercomputer Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, scientists managed to establish that the most strong connection and stable configuration of the riboflavin molecule is achieved by parallel alignment with the surface of hexagonal boron nitride with nitrogen vacancies. Structural parameters and structural stability studies were funded by the Russian Science Foundation (No. 21-79-10411).
A safe catalyst based on bimetallic nanoparticles for the production of drugs and vitamins has been created in Russia
Scientists from the University of MISIS and IOH RAS have created a type of catalysts that does not contain dangerous or toxic components and can be obtained by simple methods suitable for large-scale production. The process of producing drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements and flavors in which such a catalyst will be used will become safer, MISIS representatives told Zdrav.Expert on October 5, 2023. Read more here.
Russian scientists presented a universal cheap method for the synthesis of nanoparticles for biomedicine
For the first time, Russian scientists presented a simplified and easily reproducible method for the synthesis of elongated nanoparticles for various biomedical applications: a contrast agent for imaging tumor foci by MRI or as independent therapeutic agents. However, the technology does not require the use of expensive surfactants and toxic materials. This was reported to Zdrav.Expert by representatives of MISIS University on August 17, 2023. Read more here.
Russian scientists have proposed technology for obtaining nanoparticles for the treatment of cancer
Scientists at the University of Science and Technology MISIS have proposed a technology for producing nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia - a promising method of treating cancer, with magnetic properties controlled in a wide range. As representatives of the university shared with Zdrav.Expert on August 9, 2023, the presented method will create substances with specially selected properties for the therapy of various forms of tumors. Read more here.
Russian scientists for the first time in the world received the purest nanoparticles to fight cancer
Scientists of NITU MISIS, NRNU MEPhI and IZMI RAS for the first time in the world received the purest nanoparticles for a progressive method of treating cancer - magnetic hyperthermia. This was announced to Zdrav.Expert on July 31, 2023 by representatives of the University of Science and Technology MISIS. Read more here.
Russian scientists have found an effective combination of nanoparticles against breast cancer cells
Scientists of the University of MISIS and RNIMU named after N.I. Pirogova created a combination of magnetic nanoparticles of iron oxide (III) (MCH) with redox-sensitive substances (from the English redox - REDuction-OXidation, i.e. sensitive to cellular redox processes), which can become a promising basis for multifunctional nanomaterial for the treatment of cancer. Exposure can be particularly effective in treating cancer cells sensitive to ferroptosis, such as 4T1 breast cancer cell line. This effect is described for the first time in the world in the international scientific journal Pharmaceuticals (Q1). This was announced on July 11, 2023 by representatives of NUST MISIS.
Ferroptosis has been reported to be a specific kind of programmed cell death in response to oxidative stress caused by exposure to iron (III) ions. This process is promising for antitumor therapy, since it can be selectively triggered in cancer target cells, due to the fact that iron oxide-based nanomaterials can significantly affect the redox environment of the cell.
| | Magnetic nanoparticles and redox-sensitive materials are already used in the treatment of cancer tumors separately, but their synergistic effect has not yet been described. We applied a redox-sensitive layer of disulfide compounds and polyethylene glycol to the surface of magnetic nanoparticles. Then they were introduced into cells where the nanoparticles lose their shell, which leads to a relatively rapid dissolution of the magnetic core and an increase in the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles. The double effect of Fe (III) and disulfides can synergistically increase the oxidative stress of cancer cells and cause their death along the ferroptosis pathway. told Alexander Savchenko, co-author of the study, Ph.D., head of the Department of Physical Materials Science, NUST MISIS | |
Stimulus-sensitive delivery systems with rapid and effective release of medicinal agents in tumor cells are of greatest interest in biomedicine. These systems demonstrate chemical stability in the bloodstream, as well as a rapid response to changes in intracellular conditions, thereby inducing the release of the therapeutic agent in the cytosol and nucleus of the cell, where they show their therapeutic effect. They typically respond to specific internal stimuli such as enzymes, pH levels, and redox potential. The reducing potential in cells is mainly due to the widespread glutathione in them. It is known, for example, that the intracellular concentration of glutathione is about 2-10 μM, especially in certain organelles such as lysosomes, mitochondria and the cell nucleus, while its level in the extracellular environment (blood and extracellular matrix) is a thousand times lower (approximately 2-20 μm). In addition, the concentration of glutathione in tumor tissues can be more than 4 times higher than in normal tissues and reach concentrations of about 100 mm.
| | This significant difference in properties between the extracellular and intracellular media, as well as between tumors and normal tissues, provides an advantage to materials sensitive to redox potentials because they will be stable in the extracellular environment, but will rapidly and effectively release the drug within the cell, which is a prerequisite for creating a broad class of diverse delivery vehicles with optimal selectivity and efficacy in anti-tumor therapy. told Artyom Ilyasov, co-author of the study, engineer of the REC "Biomedical Engineering" NUST MISIS | |
Sensitivity to redox potential is a key factor influencing the rate at which MHF is introduced and dissolved with the release of iron ions inside cancer cells.
| | We experimentally proved that the reduction in cell viability was 4T1 caused by the synergistic effect of the disulfide bonds of the polymer envelope of redox-sensitive nanoparticles and the high oxidative capacity of the magnetic core iron oxide. They both cause depletion of glutathione stores in cancer cells, leading to their death, presumably through the ferroptosis pathway. noted Timur Nizamov, author of the study, junior researcher at the laboratory "Multifunctional magnetic nanomaterials" NUST MISIS | |
According to Timur Nizamov, magnetic nanoparticles could significantly expand the field of application of redox-sensitive nanomaterials in MRI diagnostics, magnetic hyperthermia and other areas of biomedicine, thanks to their ability to be remotely controlled using an external magnetic field.
The presented study was funded by RFBR (project No. 20-03-00967) and a grant from NITU MISIS, won under the Priority-2030 program of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia.
Russian scientists have discovered unusual antibacterial properties of titanium trisulfide nanoparticles
Scientists of Tambov State University named after G.R. Derzhavin and the National Research Technological University "MISIS" synthesized experimental samples of nanolens of titanium trisulfide and investigated their antibacterial properties on E. coli. According to scientists, the results of research will allow in the future to develop new drugs and materials with antibacterial properties for widespread use. Such information was shared with Zdrav.Expert on July 4, 2023 by MISIS representatives. Read more here.
2022
Scientists have proposed a method for early diagnosis of hypertension using a solution of silver nanoparticles
Russian scientists have proposed a methodology for diagnosing hypertension in the early stages. It is based on the use of silver nanostructures, which make it possible to increase the sensitivity of the study using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The proposed method allows detecting early hypertensive changes in blood cells and starting treatment in time. The study is published in the journal Biosensors. This was announced by NUST MISIS on July 15, 2022. Read more here.
Scientists create material from tropical plants for cancer therapy
On February 17, 2022, it became known that scientists at NUST MISIS as part of an international team synthesized material with antibacterial and anti-cancer properties. According to the authors, it has prospects for use in biomedicine. The study is published in the journal Materials Chemistry and Physics.
As reported, zinc oxide is one of the main inorganic compounds used in the field of science and technology as of February 2022. It is used in enhancing optical and physicochemical activity, in nanosensors, catalysts and UV absorbers. The material also showed activity against degradation of environmental contaminants. Due to the wide range of activity against various infectious microorganisms, they are considered an effective antibacterial agent.
Scientists tested the activity of the material against various disease-causing bacteria, such as Gram-positive staphylococcus bacteria. They also studied the anti-cancer activity of synthesized nanorods using colorimetric tests to assess the metabolic activity of cells.
To create the material, the authors of the work used phytochemical compounds obtained from the extract of the leaves of Manilkara littoralis, a plant of the Sapotaceae family, common in tropical forests. Manilkara is a large evergreen or deciduous tree with milky juice, sometimes shrubs, there are about 70 species in total.
| | Most methods used to synthesize such nanomaterials are expensive to use or involve the use of toxic materials that adversely affect humans and the environment. told Evgeny Kolesnikov, Engineer of the Department of Functional Nanosystems and High-Temperature Materials of NUST "MISIS" | |
To prepare the extract, scientists collected young leaves of M. littoralis in the tropical forests of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. The leaves were then washed, dried, ground and the extract prepared at 80 ° C.
| | We used this extract as a stabilizer in the synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods, where it acted as a redox/reductive agent in the degradation of acetate. As a result, we were able to develop an alternative way to obtain anti-cancer and antibacterial drugs. noted Evgeny Kolesnikov | |
According to him, in the future, scientists at NUST MISIS plan to develop a "green" method of synthesizing nanomaterials for biomedical use and expand the list of materials obtained in terms of composition, structure and morphology.
Synthesis technologies will optimize the applicability of synthesized materials while maintaining their safety for humans and the environment.
DiZyme platform created to predict catalytic activity of artificial enzymes
On January 21, 2022 University ITMO , he announced that his scientists had created a platform for predicting the catalytic activity of nanozymes - artificial enzymes. According to information the company, in a couple of seconds algorithm it determines all the main parameters of the reaction and suggests the optimal conditions for its implementation. In the future, the resource will help in the development of new drugs and diagnostic systems. More. here
2021
Method of applying antibacterial coating to implants using silver nanoparticles has been developed
Specialists of the National Research Technological University MISIS (NUST MISIS) together with other Russian scientists were able to give an antibacterial effect to the titanium alloy, which becomes one of the key materials of surgery. This was announced on November 17, 2021 by Zdrav.Expert University. Read more here.
Method for analyzing the mechanism of action of nanopreparations
Russian scientists have proposed a method for assessing the diffusion motion parameters of nanoparticles in the cytoplasm of living cells. The researchers note that understanding the features of this process in vitro and in vivo will help to significantly advance in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. The study is published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. This was announced on August 24, 2021 by NUST MISIS.
The high concentration in living cells of various macromolecules (proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids), also known as "macromolecular accumulation," greatly complicates the understanding of chemical and biological processes occurring in the human body in nanoparticles (nanoformulated by drugs), which are used in medicine for both diagnosis and therapy of various diseases. Due to the decrease in the free (unoccupied) volume of the cell solution due to the accumulation of macromolecules, the nanoparticles lose the ability to normal distribution (diffusion) in the cell environment and behave radically differently than in the test tube. This, in turn, affects the results of laboratory tests (in vitro) in dilute solutions, which can be very different from what actually happens in living cells (in vivo). Studying the behavior of nanoparticles that are introduced into the body, for example, as a diagnostic agent, in conditions of "overcrowding" is very important, since the quality of diagnostics directly depends on this.
As of August 2021, fluorescent correlation spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering are popular methods for assessing particle diffusion parameters. Both methods have a number of significant disadvantages that affect the accuracy of measurements when it comes to multicomponent solutions with high macromolecular crowding, for example, human plasma. Since aggregation of nanoparticles significantly affects their behavior both in vitro and in vivo, the establishment of accurate parameters of their diffusion and hydrodynamic indicators is necessary for the correct interpretation of experimental results.
Scientists of NUST "MISIS," Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov, Research Center "Kurchatov Institute," Physics and Technology Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences and RCTU named after D.I. Mendeleev proposed to use Mossbauer spectroscopy for the analysis and assessment of diffusion parameters and hydrodynamic properties of nanoparticles - a method of nuclear gamma resonance, popular in physical materials science, geology and chemistry. A distinctive feature of Mössbauer spectroscopy is its selective sensitivity to the iron-57 isotope, which allows you to accurately determine the diffusion coefficient of iron-containing nanoparticles of various sizes in almost any medium, regardless of the transparency and composition of the solution, the concentration of components or the type of "boring" macromolecules.
This feature of Mössbauer microscopy makes it possible to conduct an accurate analysis of the behavior of iron-containing nanoparticles that are used in medicine, including for targeted drug delivery, diagnostics by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as treatment by hyperthermia.
For use as prototypes, the scientists synthesized cobalt ferrite-based nanoparticles with a size comparable to that of blood proteins. At the same time, the iron-57 isotope was used in the synthesis of nanoparticles.
| | One of the most important conditions for the efficient operation of nanoparticles is to ensure the possibility of their delivery through histohematic barriers to the focus of the disease. A well-investigated mechanism is passive delivery, which is provided by the penetration of nanoparticles through pores with a diameter of 50-200 nm. Obviously, larger nanoparticles cannot pass through smaller pores effectively and are not likely to be considered as potential drugs. In our work, we were able to show that traditional methods, such as the method of dynamic light scattering, can "overestimate" the values of the size of nanoparticles, which leads to an incorrect interpretation of the resulting data and a possible false rejection of promising nanoparticles, - explains the author of the study, engineer of the Biomedical Nanomaterials laboratory Alexei Nikitin. | |
The use of this method allows you to accurately determine the diffusion parameters of metal-containing nanoparticles in a multicomponent medium, and will allow you to significantly advance in the development of effective methods for diagnosing and treating many diseases, the authors of the study are sure.
Light-controlled nanoparticles will help in the creation of biosensors
University scientists ITMO have learned to create bio-integrable nanoparticles that can be controlled by heating. The University announced this on May 11, 2021. When irradiated with light, they change not only their shape, but also their color. The discovery will help in the development of non-invasive biosensors, signaling systems, as well as non-toxic dyes.
According to the authors of the project, the concept of controlled nanomaterials has been resolved for a long time. However, existing systems are quite toxic to living organisms, which limits their application in medicine and biology. ITMO scientists managed to create a fully biocompatible material, the properties of which can be controlled.
| | The obtained nanoparticles are a complex of a silicon core and a biopolymer shell. The substances included in the shell have different indicators of hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity - different intensity of interaction of the molecule with water. Thanks to this, it was possible to achieve the effect of expanding and compressing the final particle depending on the factors affecting them, "explains Anna Nikitina, an employee of the ITMO Scientific and Educational Center for Information Chemistry. | |
Under thermal exposure, the created nanoparticles change not only the size, but also the color. They can be used, for example, to non-invasively measure local temperature in biological tissues or to create sensory systems that allow you to analyze internal processes in the body. Also, based on these controlled systems, it is possible to create thermo- and light-controlled dyes - like liquid crystal modulators used in holography or lithography. The change in color of the particles occurs solely due to structural transformations.
| | Our controlled particles will be able to collect information from within the body without attracting additional complex devices like ultra-sensitive spectral sensors. A simple color change makes it easy to analyze what happens to a particle in real time. At the same time, the complex is also reusable: the particle is able to turn on and off several times, "says Valentin Milichko, an employee of the ITMO Faculty of Physics. | |
Scientists have been developing managed systems for three years. They varied the size and spatial characteristics of the nanoparticles, and also looked for exactly those polymers that would work in these ensembles in a given way. So far, the effectiveness of the systems has been confirmed only in laboratory conditions. Now everything has to be tested at the in vitro stage.
Nanoparticle-antibody hybrid will help detect cancer cells
On March 18, 2021, NUST MISIS informed Zdrav.Expert that its scientists were able to synthesize "Biomicrobots" capable of finding and tagging various macromolecules in living tissues of the body. They consist of magnetic nanoparticles and antibodies attached to them and in the future will be able to visualize the distribution of proteins in cells.
In biomedicine, nanoparticles are one of the most promising and sought-after tools. In particular, magnetic nanoparticles are used for targeted drug delivery, treatment with hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as contrast agents, and for mechanical manipulation in the magnetic field.
One of the important stages of cancer therapy is the accurate diagnosis and visualization of pathological cells of the body, which are able to detect themselves for a considerable time and delay the development of the disease in late stages. To solve this problem, "problem" cells must be pointwise found and marked with special markers.
Employees of NUST MISIS and RNIMU named after Pirogov demonstrated that magnetic nanoparticles can be used in the form of microbots that find and bind with scells. To do this, the nanoparticles need to be combined with antibodies in a special way.
| | Magnetic nanoparticles can "work" in a living organism not by themselves, but by organic shells that protect them from oxidation and degradation in aggressive environments, as well as increasing surface hydrophilicity and reducing cytotoxicity. told the author of the work, graduate student of the laboratory "Biomedical nanomaterials" NUST "MISIS" Anna Ivanova.
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In addition, if specific markers such as proteins, enzymes and antibodies are "attached" to the stabilized nanoparticle coating, they can target nanoparticles in the bloodstream to specific "targets." For example, they will attach to proteins on the surface of cells. "
To create such a "microbot," the scientists first synthesized using thermal decomposition of iron oxide nanoparticles of uniform shape and size 40-50 nanometers. Then, in order for the material to function in aqueous solutions, it was modified with DOPAC molecules. This substance is 3,4-dihydroxyhydrocoric acid, which is a derivative of the neurotransmitter dopamine and can be synthesized in the body itself.
The next stage was the optimization of the surface of particles for work in physiological environments, the developers did this using polyethylene glycol. In the final step of the synthesis, species-specific fluorescent dye antibodies were attached to the nanoparticles.
| | Our experiments showed that the obtained nanoparticles with antibodies specifically bind to primary antibodies against the α-tubulin protein and this is visualized in the cytoplasm as characteristic fibers; and against β-catenin, which is located on the cell membranes and is involved in the formation of intercellular contacts, added co-author of the study, employee of Biomedical Nanomaterials Alexei Nikitin.
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Thus, the researchers showed that they developed a working model on which various antibodies can be "sewn." For March 2021, the scientific team continues to work on the optimization of the resulting compound.
2020
MISIS scientists used Indian plant to fight lung cancer
On December 8, 2020, it became known that zinc oxide nanorods that suppress the growth of cancer cells were able to be obtained by scientists at NUST MISIS as part of an international group of researchers. According to experts, the created nanorods are obtained without the participation of toxic substances using an extract from the leaves of a tropical plant. The results of the study are published in the journal JOM.
As explained, scientists managed to obtain nanorods for the treatment of lung cancer from zinc acetate without using toxic substances with the help of an extract from the leaves of the Cyrtrandroemia nicobarica plant growing in the wet rainforests of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India.
Experts note that as of December 2020, zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NR) are actively used in the treatment of various diseases: with their help, you can introduce drugs into diseased human organs and obtain an image of affected areas of the body. They have antibacterial effects and are particularly effective at inhibiting the growth of cancer cells by damaging their cell membrane.
For December 2020, scientists say they use labor-intensive methods and expensive equipment to obtain ZnO NR. In addition, toxic chemicals are involved in the creation process. Therefore, recently, an alternative direction of "green synthesis" has been actively developing using plants, fungi and bacteria.
| | We conducted laboratory tests and confirmed the non-toxicity of the samples. After that, special analyzes showed the overwhelming activity of nanorods against cancer cells in the human lungs: they cause oxidative stress that damages DNA and leads to apoptosis - the death of cancer cells. explained Mikhail Gorshenkov, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Materials Science, NUST "MISIS" | |
According to him, the plant Cyrtrandroemia nicobarica belongs to the family Gesneriaceae and was first discovered in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Its medical use has not yet been known. However, according to researchers, Nicobars and other local tribes use the plant to treat scorpion bites, skin allergies and wound healing.
To create non-toxic nanorods, Cyrtrandroemia nicobarica leaf extract was mixed with zinc acetate. The resulting solution was held in a magnetic stirrer for two hours and then allowed to stand until a clear white precipitate precipitated. The precipitated solution was centrifuged at 6,000 rpm to obtain a suspension, the sample of which was diluted with deionized water. The suspension was dried at 80 C to obtain pure ZnO NR powder.
According to experts, the study confirmed that targeted nanotechnology-based lung cancer treatment is possible using non-toxic ZnO nanorods formed from the selected plant extract.
The study was attended by specialists from the College of Arts and Sciences K. S. Rangasami (Tamil Nadu, India) and Seoul National University of Science and Technology (Republic of Korea). As of December 2020, the team continues preclinical studies of the obtained material.
Cancer cell pH level becomes foundation of targeted drug delivery system in cancer therapy
On November 26, 2020, it became known that the scientific team of NUST MISIS, SibGMU and RNIMU named after N.I. Pirogova discovered that the efficiency of penetration of magnetic nanoparticles with a drug into the tumor depends on the pH level of its microenvironment (tissues). The results of the study will help create an oncotherapeutic "accurate hit" and are published in the international scientific journal Nanomedicine.
As explained, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been used by scientists for quite some time as a platform for targeted delivery drugs due to their large surface area and nano-size range. They can be to visualize in vivo (in a living organism) using magnetic resonance imaging () MRI and provide a controlled release of the drug at the right place in the body due to an alternating magnetic field.
However, as of November 2020, it is very difficult to selectively accumulate such magnetic nanoparticles in tumors after their introduction. To control the flow of non-living particles more precisely, scientists supply them with various "additives" of biological nature - biopolymer shells, parts of molecules, peptides, etc. According to Maxim Abakumov, head of the laboratory "Biomedical nanomaterials" NUST "MISIS," modern drug delivery systems are based on the use of nanoparticles that "know" how to respond to the tumor microenvironment. These are so-called biologically sensitive nanoparticles.
They are typically coated with biopolymers and coupled to molecules that can elicit some response from the body's tissues or cells (e.g., binding to tumor cells or drug release) only under conditions specific to the tumor. It can be hypoxia or an acidic pH. Thus, the work of the drug is precisely localized in the tumor.
A team of scientists from NUST MISIS, SibGM, RNIMU named after N.I. Pirogova conducted a comprehensive study of the pH-controlled delivery of magnetic nanoparticles modified by pHLIP (short peptide, a protein compound of amino acids), providing increased capture of the substance in cells only at low pH values. Experiments were performed in vitro and in vivo (in a mouse model of breast cancer). A nanosonde pH measurement method was used to measure tumor pH in vivo. It was used to assess the influence of the degree of tumor acidity on the accumulation of magnetic nanoparticles in the tumor.
| | Our in vivo experiment showed that magnetic nanoparticles coupled to pHLIP held about 3 times better in tumor tissue compared to conventional nanoparticles. Thus, we can conclude that the drug can be released from a blood vessel, reach the tumor zone with an acidic extracellular pH and bind to malignant cells, as confirmed by histological analysis. It is noteworthy that although such a nano-drug enters the tumor, the heterogeneity of the pH level in the tumor affects delivery, namely retention and accumulation in the tumor tissue. told Maxim Abakumov, co-author of the study, head of the laboratory "Biomedical nanomaterials" NUST "MISIS," Ph.D. n | |
According to the developer, absorption efficiency is achieved with a weak pH acid, which is characteristic of the tumor microenvironment. As of November 2020, the team continues preclinical studies of the resulting drug delivery system.
Hybrid with humin: a method to synthesize nanoparticles potentially beneficial for cancer therapy
On September 7, 2020, it became known that scientists at NUST MISIS together with colleagues from the Institute of Organic Chemistry named after N.D. Zelinsky RAS and the Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry named after A.N. Frumkin RAS created a hybrid structure of magnetic nanoparticles and humic molecules. The proposed hybrid is biocompatible, its production does not require high costs, and in the future it can be used for magnetic diagnostics and high-temperature therapy of cancer. An article on the development was published in Nanomaterials.
As explained, as of September 2020, one of the most effective ways to detect cancer at an early stage is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To improve accuracy, a special contrast magnetic agent can be introduced into the body to additionally "illuminate" malignant formations. The same agent can be used for subsequent therapy - under the influence of high temperatures, particles will heat up and destroy cancer cells.
The team of scientists of NUST "MISIS" together with colleagues from the Institute of Organic Chemistry named after N.D. Zelinsky RAS and the Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry named after A.N. Frumkin RAS proposed a hybrid of magnetic nanoparticle - magnetite (Fe3O4) - and humic molecules. Iron oxide itself has toxicity to the human body, so it must be stabilized with a special biocompatible shell. Humic substances formed during the decomposition of organic substances are high molecular weight compounds characterized by increased biocompatibility.
Thus, the work demonstrated the positive effect of using humanate anions as surface stabilizers of nanoparticles. In addition, the scientists showed that using an unconventional microwave approach to heating the reaction mixture improves the morphological properties of magnetite nanoparticles. An important feature of this work is the so-called "one-reactor approach," as a result of which the time of synthetic procedures is significantly reduced and the methodology for the synthesis of biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles is generally simplified.
| | In this work, it has been shown that when using microwave heating of the reaction mixture, the nanoparticles are more monodispersive. We also found that the protocol for the introduction of the stabilizer significantly changes the properties of nanopowders. The obtained samples are characterized by paramagnetic properties with saturation magnetization characteristic of larger bulk nanoparticles. They are very stable in model solutions for intrinsic infusion, making them good candidates for biomedical applications in vivo, for example for drug delivery, hyperthermia, etc. commented Yegor Kostyukhin, lead engineer of the Laboratory of Nanochemistry and Ecology | |
According to the team, the results obtained are useful for materials scientists who are looking for a suitable strategy and conditions for the synthesis of hydrophilic magnetic nanoparticles with given physical properties.
Magnetic-gold nanohybrid will help fight cancer
On July 27, 2020, it became known that the team of scientists at NUST MISIS, together with colleagues from Russia and Germany, presented a detailed study of nanoparticles-hybrids from magnetite and gold. In the future, such nanoparticles can help in theranostics - the diagnosis and subsequent therapy of cancer.
{{quote 'Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the most effective ways to detect cancer in the early stages. To increase its accuracy, a special contrast agent with magnetic properties can be introduced into the patient's body - with a special selection of parameters, the agent will "illuminate" malignant cells, says Maxim Abakumov, head of the laboratory "Biomedical Nanomaterials" NUST "MISIS," - However, in addition to diagnostics, magnetic materials are promising for use in the therapy of cancer. Under the point effect of high temperatures, magnetic nanoparticles can heat up and destroy the shell of cancer cells. }}
The team of the National Research Technological University "MISiS" has been developing magnetic nanoparticles for teranostics (combination of diagnostics and therapy) based on magnetite (Fe3O4) for several years. Recently, the next stage of fundamental research was completed - together with colleagues from Moscow State University. Lomonosov, RCTU named after Mendeleev, Russian National Research Medical University and University of Duisburg-Essen (Germany) scientists studied the process of formation of hybrid nanoparticles magnetite-gold. This precious metal is known to be well perceived by the body; its role is to ensure biocompatibility of the dimer (complex structure).
Scientists looked at the nucleation, growth and cutting of magnetite-gold nanohybrides, taking liquid samples from the reaction mixture during the synthesis process. For this, X-ray phase analysis, transmission electron microscopy, vibromagnetometry were used.
| | We observed two consecutive processes during magnetite formation. First, the growth of spherical magnetite nanoparticles on primary gold embryos at temperatures up to 220 ° C. Secondly, there is a gradual cutting of iron oxide nanoparticles to octahedrons at the boiling stage from 240 to 280 ° C with a constant volume of nanoparticles, - comments the study participant, associate professor at Duisburg Essen University, Ulf Widwald. | |
This is the most detailed analysis of the production properties of magnetite dimeric nanoparticles ever conducted. The scientists note that the data they obtained make it possible to control the size and shape of nanoparticles thanks to the ability to control the parameters of the chemical reaction. In the future, this will help scale the process of producing theranostic nanoparticles to serial.
The shape of iron oxide nanoparticles affects their liver toxicity
As it became known to the online publication Zdrav.Expert on June 25, 2020, scientists from NUST MISIS, the Baltic Federal University, the Mendeleev Russian Chemical University and the Czech Academy of Sciences have found that iron oxide nanoparticles of a certain size and shape often used in biomedicine cause autophagy and death of liver cells due to the destruction of lysosome membranes. Such nanoparticles in general can be highly toxic to people with liver disease. The results of the study are published in the international scientific journal NanoConvergence.
Iron oxide nanoparticles are increasingly used for targeted drug delivery in the treatment of cancer and as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging in the examination and imaging of liver diseases.
Initial studies of cytotoxicity (harm to body cells) of such nanoparticles showed that they are highly biocompatible and well tolerated by the body. As a result, iron oxide nanoparticles have been approved for medical use. Over time, however, there has been increasing evidence in clinical practice of the otoxicity of such nanoparticles. Their interaction with various types of cells, in particular, hepatocytes (liver cells) remains poorly understood, which means that nanoparticle-based drugs can be dangerous to the health of patients.
Scientists from an international scientific team from Russia and the Czech Republic have studied the effect of high concentrations of cubic iron oxide nanoparticles and their accumulations on human liver cells, since this is the shape of the particles that shows excellent results in MRI studies. The researchers experimentally found that hepatocyte viability did decrease depending on the increased concentration of nanoparticles-cubes in the organ.
| | "In this work, we demonstrate that exposure to nano-cubes and their clusters leads to cytotoxicity in different liver tumor cell lines. The mechanism of the toxic effect is associated with the progressive permeability of lysosome membranes in hepatocytes, which provokes the processes of apoptosis and autophagy - cell death, "said one of the co-authors of the study, head of the laboratory" Biomedical nanomaterials "NUST" MISIS "Maxim Abakumov. | |
As the authors of the study emphasize, hepatotoxicity - the negative impact of substances on liver cells - is one of the most common reasons for the withdrawal of drugs from the market, which accounts for ~ 30% of such cases. Earlier, the developers showed that it is possible to avoid the capture of nanoparticles by liver cells by using special formations - nano-clusters. Thus, when using cubic iron oxide nanoparticles for medical purposes, it is necessary to accurately observe the dosage of preparations based on them.
Found a way to obtain biocompatible gold nanoparticles for cancer diagnosis and therapy
On May 26, 2020, the online publication Zdrav.Expert learned that an international group of researchers from NUST MISIS and Clemson University (Clemson University, Clemson, USA) proposed their own method for producing gold nanoparticles based on ultraviolet synthesis. Method excludes use of aggressive chemical agents, obtained nanoparticles are safe for organism and can be used for diagnosis and therapy of oncological diseases. The results are published in the international scientific journal Biomaterials Science. Read more here.
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