Molecular Imaging for Lung Cancer: Exploring Small Molecules, Peptides, and Beyond in Radiolabeled Diagnostics

It is evident that radiolabeled drug delivery systems hold great promise in the field of lung cancer management. The combination of therapeutic agents with radiotracers not only allows for precise localization within lung tumors but also enables real-time monitoring of drug distribution. This approach has the potential to enhance targeted therapy and improve patient outcomes. The integration of advanced imaging modalities, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), has played a crucial role in the non-invasive tracking of radiolabeled drugs. These techniques provide valuable insights into drug pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and tumor-targeting efficiency, offering clinicians the ability to personalize treatment regimens. The comprehensive analysis of preclinical and clinical studies presented in this review underscores the progress made in the field. The evidence suggests that radiolabeled drug delivery systems have the potential to revolutionize oncology by offering precise, targeted, and image-guided therapeutic interventions for lung cancer. This innovative approach not only enhances the effectiveness of treatment but also contributes to the development of personalized medicine strategies, tailoring interventions to the specific characteristics of each patient’s cancer. The ongoing research in this area holds promise for further advancements in lung cancer management, potentially leading to improved outcomes and quality of life for patients

Zika Virus (ZIKV): A New Perspective on the Nanomechanical and Structural Properties

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) from Flavivirus. In 2015, Brazil and other Latin American countries experienced an outbreak of ZIKV infections associated with severe neurological disorders such as Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS), encephalopathy, and encephalitis. Here, a complete mechanical and structural analysis of the ZIKV has been performed using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). AFM analysis corroborated the virus mean size (~50 nm) and icosahedral geometry and revealed high mechanical resistance of both: the viral surface particle (~200 kPa) and its internal content (~800 kPa). The analysis demonstrated the detailed organization of the nucleocapsid structure (such as RNA strips). An interesting finding was the discovery that ZIKV has no surface self-assembling property. These results can contribute to the development of future treatment candidates and circumscribe the magnitude of viral transmission

Graphene and its derivatives: understanding the main chemical and medicinal chemistry roles for biomedical applications

Over the past few years, there has been a growing potential use of graphene and its derivatives in several biomedical areas, such as drug delivery systems, biosensors, and imaging systems, especially for having excellent optical, electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties. Therefore, nanomaterials in the graphene family have shown promising results in several areas of science. The different physicochemical properties of graphene and its derivatives guide its biocompatibility and toxicity. Hence, further studies to explain the interactions of these nanomaterials with biological systems are fundamental. This review has shown the applicability of the graphene family in several biomedical modalities, with particular attention for cancer therapy and diagnosis, as a potent theranostic. This ability is derivative from the considerable number of forms that the graphene family can assume. The graphene-based materials biodistribution profile, clearance, toxicity, and cytotoxicity, interacting with biological systems, are discussed here, focusing on its synthesis methodology, physicochemical properties, and production quality. Despite the growing increase in the bioavailability and toxicity studies of graphene and its derivatives, there is still much to be unveiled to develop safe and effective formulations