Ruthenium metallodendrimer against triple-negative breast cancer in mice

Carbosilane metallodendrimers, based on the arene Ru(II) complex (CRD13) and integrated to imino-pyridine surface groups have been investigated as an anticancer agent in a mouse model with triple-negative breast cancer. The dendrimer entered into the cells efficiently, and exhibited selective toxicity for 4T1 cells. In vivo investigations proved that a local injection of CRD13 caused a reduction of tumour mass and was non-toxic. ICP analyses indicated that Ru(II) accumulated in all tested tissues with a greater content detected in the tumour.European CommissionMinisterio de Economía y CompetitividadComunidad de MadridJunta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Manch

Advances in combination therapies based on nanoparticles for efficacious cancer treatment: an analytical report

International audienceThe main objective of nanomedicine research is the development of nanoparticles as drug delivery systems or drugs per se to tackle diseases as cancer, which are a leading cause of death with developed nations. Targeted treatments against solid tumors generally lead to dramatic regressions, but, unfortunately, the responses are often short-lived due to resistant cancer cells. In addition, one of the major challenges of combination drug therapy (called ?cocktail?) is the crucial optimization of different drug parameters. This issue can be solved using combination nanotherapy. Nanoparticles developed in oncology based on combination nanotherapy are either (a) those designed to combat multidrug resistance or (b) those used to circumvent resistance to clinical cancer drugs. This review provides an overview of the different nanoparticles currently used in clinical treatments in oncology. We analyze in detail the development of combinatorial nanoparticles including dendrimers for dual drug delivery via two strategic approaches: (a) use of chemotherapeutics and chemosensitizers to combat multidrug resistance and (b) use of multiple cytotoxic drugs. Finally, in this review, we discuss the challenges, clinical outlook, and perspectives of the nanoparticle-based combination therapy in cancer

Effect of dendrimers on selected enzymes-Evaluation of nano carriers

International audienceIn the field of nanotechnology, dendrimers represent a new class of highly branched macromolecules that is receiving a stimulating and rising interest. The structural organization of these synthetic macromolecules provides promising opportunities for using them as nano-carriers of drugs or gene material to be delivered to the target cells. For applications of dendrimers as drug carriers, analysis of their specific interactions with biological structures at molecular level is very important. This paper describes the molecular interactions between cationic phosphorus dendrimers of third and fourth generation (CPD G3 and CPD G4) and 3 plasma regulatory proteins, namely aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and l-lactic dehydrogenase. Dendrimer–protein interactions were studied using spectrofluorimetric, circular dichroism and dynamic light scattering techniques. Their morphology in the presence or absence of dendrimers was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The results suggest that both dendrimers form positively charged complexes with HIV-derived peptides. The circular dichroism spectra show that these dendrimers can significantly change the secondary structure of proteins, indicating formation of protein/dendrimer complexes

Phosphorus-containing nanoparticles: biomedical patents review

International audienceIn the present review, we have analyzed the patents on phosphorus-based nanomaterials (fullerenes, quantum dots [QDs], graphene, liposomes, dendrimers, gold and silver NPs) in biology and medicine. Their impact in treatment of cancer, viral infections and cardiovascular diseases is discussed