Maghemite-containing PLGA–PEG-based polymeric nanoparticles for siRNA delivery: toxicity and silencing evaluation

Gene therapy based on siRNA has emerged as an exciting new therapeutic approach. In this work, incorporation of PEI into PLGA-b-PEG and encapsulation of magnetic NPs as MRI contrast agent, resulted in unique theranostic nanoparticles

Functionalization of parylene during its chemical vapor deposition

Two possible mechanisms for the reaction of four halogenated (metha)acrylate-based molecules with Parylene [poly (paraxylylene)] during its chemical vapor deposition were proposed. The chemical reactivity of acrylate double bond with the paraxylylene biradical was calculated for all four (metha)acrylate-based molecules. These calculations allowed the evaluation of the energetically favorable mechanism and indeed a direct correlation was found between both predicted and experimental reactivities. Next, the reactivity of the (metha)acrylate-modified Parylene films was evaluated through their reaction with different amines. The obtained amidated Parylene films were characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Kaiser test for primary amines, and fluorescence microscopy. The strong reactivity of (metha)acrylate-modified Parylene films toward nucleophilic substitution emphasizes a general method for the functionalization of self-supported Parylene films grown on the reacting solutions using the novel solid on liquid deposition process. This paves the way to the development of multifunctional materials in a one-step process resulting from the deposition Parylene over liquid patterns

Hybrid cholesterol-based nanocarriers containing phosphorescent Ir complexes: In vitro imaging on glioblastoma cell line

Recently the use of phosphorescent heavy-metal complexes in bioimaging techniques has been a promising research field and has been attracted increasing interest. Among these, phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes have shown many photophysical characteristics that made them promising candidates for fluorescence probes. In this study an innovative copolymer consisting of cholesterol, a natural component of biological membranes, and the well-known biocompatible Polyethylene (PEG), has been synthesized. Cholesterol\u2013PEG amphiphilic copolymer has been used to formnovel nanocarriers characterized by the incorporation and/or linkage of the phosphorescent iridium(III) derivatives through covalent or non-covalent interactions. Finally the nanocarrier's surface has been functionalized with the peptide chlorotoxin (Cltx), a targeting agent selective for glioblastoma cells (U87MG). The so obtained targeted water soluble nanocarrier has been tested for in vitro imaging on the glioblastoma cell line and has shown no toxic effect on cells

Targeted delivery of silver nanoparticles and alisertib:in vitroandin vivosynergistic effect against glioblastoma

Targeted biocompatible nanoplatforms presenting multiple therapeutic functions have great potential for the treatment of cancer. Materials & methods: Multifunctional nanocomposites formed by polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) containing two cytotoxic agents \u2013 the drug alisertib and silver nanoparticles \u2013 were synthesized. These PNPs have been conjugated with a chlorotoxin, an active targeting 36-amino acid-long peptide that specifically binds to MMP\u20112, a receptor overexpressed by brain cancer cells. Results: The individual and synergistic activity of these two cytotoxic agents against glioblastoma multiforme was tested both in vitro and in vivo. The induced cytotoxicity in a human glioblastoma\u2013astrocytoma epithelial\u2011like cell line (U87MG) was studied in vitro through a trypan blue exclusion test after 48 and 72 h of exposure. Subsequently, the PNPs\u2019 biodistribution in healthy animals and their effect on tumor reduction in tumor\u2011bearing mice were studied using PNPs radiolabeled with 99mTc. Conclusion: Tumor reduction was achieved in vivo when using silver/alisertib@PNPs\u2013chlorotoxin

Targeted delivery of silver nanoparticles and alisertib: in vitro and in vivo synergistic effect against glioblastoma

Aim: Targeted biocompatible nanoplatforms presenting multiple therapeutic functions have great potential for the treatment of cancer. Materials & methods: Multifunctional nanocomposites formed by polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) containing two cytotoxic agents – the drug alisertib and silver nanoparticles – were synthesized. These PNPs have been conjugated with a chlorotoxin, an active targeting 36-amino acid-long peptide that specifically binds to MMP‑2, a receptor overexpressed by brain cancer cells. Results: The individual and synergistic activity of these two cytotoxic agents against glioblastoma multiforme was tested both in vitro and in vivo. The induced cytotoxicity in a human glioblastoma–astrocytoma epithelial‑like cell line (U87MG) was studied in vitro through a trypan blue exclusion test after 48 and 72 h of exposure. Subsequently, the PNPs’ biodistribution in healthy animals and their effect on tumor reduction in tumor‑bearing mice were studied using PNPs radiolabeled with 99mTc. Conclusion: Tumor reduction was achieved in vivo when using silver/alisertib@PNPs–chlorotoxin.JRC.I.4-Nanobioscience