Introduction: To date, numerous iron-based nanostructures have been designed for cancer therapy applications. Although some of them were promising for clinical applications, few efforts have been made to maximize the therapeutic index of these carriers. Herein, PEGylated silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (PS-IONs) were introduced as multipurpose stimuli-responsive co-delivery nanocarriers for a combination of dual-drug chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. Methods: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized via the sonochemical method and coated by a thin layer of silica. The nanostructures were then further modified with a layer of di-carboxylate polyethylene glycol (6 kDa) and carboxylate-methoxy polyethylene glycol (6 kDa) to improve their stability, biocompatibility, and drug loading capability. Doxorubicin (DOX) and cisplatin (CDDP) were loaded on the PS-IONs through the interactions between the drug molecules and polyethylene glycol. Results: The PS-IONs demonstrated excellent cellular uptake, cytocompatibility, and hemocompatibility at the practical dosage. Furthermore, in addition to being an appropriate MRI agent, PS-IONs demonstrated superb photothermal property in 0.5 W/cm² of 808 nm laser irradiation. The release of both drugs was effectively triggered by pH and NIR irradiation. As a result of the intracellular combination chemotherapy and 10 min of safe power laser irradiation, the highest cytotoxicity for iron-based nanocarriers (97.3±0.8%) was achieved. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the great potential of PS-IONs as a multifunctional targeted co-delivery system for cancer theranostic application and the advantage of employing proper combination therapy for cancer eradication.

Nanoparticles are attractive therapeutic tools due to their distinctive characteristics, including more accurate drug delivery, improved bioavailability, and enhanced targeted therapy. Kumarasamy and colleagues provide a comprehensive review of the clinical applications of advanced nanoparticles, focusing on completed human clinical trials [1]. The review covers a broad spectrum of medical fields, including oncology, infectious diseases, and neurology. The findings highlight significant progress in nanoparticlebased therapies, with improved drug delivery, bioavailability, and targeted therapy [2], and address the safety profiles and efficacy outcomes, emphasizing the transformative potential of nanoparticles in clinical practice. Among the various methods used to diagnose and predict cancer cell growth, the differences in physical properties and mechanical behavior between normal and cancer cells have always been significant [3,4]. A fascinating study on how these nanostructured pharmaceutical compounds affect the physicochemical behavior of cells and distinguish them from normal cells can provide valuable insights for researchers in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Understanding tumor growth highlights the importance of investigating the role of these nanostructures in diagnosing, assessing damage, and treating cancers. For instance, estimating the tension in healthy tissues or evaluating the model's potential to study the effect of temperature on cancer cell growth can enhance the effectiveness of hyperthermia-based diagnosis and treatment methods [5], as well as thermal radiation imaging techniques [6,7].Hai Jiang and colleagues present a comprehensive review on combining engineered nanomaterials with extracellular vesicles (EVs) for targeted drug delivery and biomedical applications [8]. EVs, as natural carriers, offer a biocompatible platform for delivering therapeutic agents. The review delves into the methods for synthesizing and loading nanomaterials into EVs, emphasizing techniques like electron microscopy and light scattering for characterization. The potential applications in cancer therapy and vaccine development are particularly noteworthy, although challenges like scalability and safety need to be addressed for clinical translation.Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have emerged as promising nanocarriers for drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and wide bandgap. Mashhoun et al. have investigated using BNNTs as carriers for the anticancer molecule genistein [9]. Their study, based on density functional theory, highlights the potential of BNNTs in multimodal cancer therapy. The research shows that Fe-doped BNNTs enhance the solubility and stability of genistein, suggesting that the (7,7) C3 complex is the most effective configuration for drug delivery. This study underscores the potential of BNNTs in improving the efficacy of cancer treatments and highlights the importance of nanocarrier design in therapeutic applications.Lung injuries and respiratory disorders are increasingly prevalent due to various diseases causing alveolar damage. Rodríguez and their team have developed ibuprofen-loaded chitosan nanoparticles for targeted pulmonary therapy [10]. Their study demonstrates the successful encapsulation of ibuprofen within a chitosan matrix, optimizing the dose for lung tissue cell viability and histological analysis. The controlled release mechanism ensures targeted delivery to the lungs, reducing inflammation and promoting alveolar regeneration. This innovative approach highlights the importance of dose optimization in enhancing the efficacy and safety of pulmonary treatments.Hybrid nanostructures (HNSs) combine different materials at the nanoscale, offering unique synergistic properties that enhance their functionality [11]. Rashid discusses the pioneering advances in HNSs for modern therapy [12]. The article covers synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and mechanisms of action in various therapeutic applications. Case studies demonstrate the efficacy of HNSs in treating cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. The review calls for continued innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize these nanostructures for clinical applications. Future research should focus on enhancing biocompatibility, targeting capabilities, and integrating advanced imaging techniques and AI-driven applications to further improve the precision and efficacy of HNSs in therapy.Inhalable nanoparticle-based dry powder formulations offer a novel drug delivery system that is simple, convenient, and stable. Faiza and colleagues review the development of these formulations for lung disease therapy [13]. The review highlights the advantages of dry powder formulations, including deep penetration into lung tissues, enhanced deposition, and improved bioavailability. The study emphasizes the potential of these formulations to improve treatment compliance and therapeutic outcomes for various lung ailments. The salient features of dry formulations that illustrate their uniqueness are deep penetration to lung tissues, enhanced deposition in lung regions, improved solubility, elevated bioavailability, targeted drug delivery, stability at storage, convenience of use, and versatile and customizable formulation. This novel inhalable formulation is based on finely dried nanoparticles or freeze-dried particles. This formulation will contain an excessive amount of dried nanoparticles, and if it is combined with a beneficial tool, i.e., a spray, pump, or puffer, it will be a pleasant way to apply drugs directly to the lungs.The papers reviewed in this editorial showcase the diverse approaches and significant advancements in this field. From the use of extracellular vesicles and boron nitride nanotubes to innovative hybrid nanostructures and inhalable dry powder formulations, these studies highlight the potential of nanotechnology to enhance therapeutic efficacy...