Considering the challenges associated with conventional chemotherapy, targeted and local delivery of chemotherapeutics via nanoparticle (NP) carriers to the lungs is an emerging area of interest. Recent studies and growing clinical application in cancer nanotechnology showed the huge potential of NPs as drug carriers in cancer therapy, including in lung carcinoma for diagnosis, imaging, and theranostics. Researchers have confirmed that nanotechnology-based inhalation chemotherapy is viable and more effective than conventional chemotherapy, with lesser side effects. Recently, many nanocarriers have been investigated, including liposomes, polymeric micelles, polymeric NPs, solid lipid NPs, and inorganic NPs for inhalation treatments of lung cancer. Yet, the toxicity of such nanomaterials to the lungs tissues and further distribution to other organs due to systemic absorption on inhalation delivery is a debatable concern. Here, prospect of NPs-based local lung cancer targeting through inhalation route as well as its associated challenges are discussed.
As an inorganic nanomaterial, graphene nanocomposites have gained much attention in cancer nanotechnology compared with the other inorganic nanomaterial in recent times. Although a relatively new drug carrier, it has been extensively explored as a potential chemotherapeutic carrier and theranostic because of its numerous physicochemical properties, including, capability of multiple pay load, functionalization for drug targeting and photothermal effect. Despite potential benefit, its translation from bench to bed-side in cancer therapy is challenged due to its toxicity concern. Here, we discussed the present progress and future possibilities of graphene nanocomposites as a cancer theranostic. Moreover, the paper also exemplifies the effects of graphene/graphene oxide on tissues and organ functions in order to understand the extent and mechanism of toxicity.
The present study aimed to develop diclofenac sodium nanoemulgel for managing pain and inflammation using the low-energy emulsification technique. Nanoemulsion of diclofenac was formulated using clove oil with adequate amount of surfactants and cosurfactants, and it was converted to hydrogel form using Carbopol 980 as the gelling agent. The droplet size of the oil globules in the nanoemulsion was found to be 64.07 ± 2.65 nm with a low polydispersity index (0.238 ± 0.02) along with high negative zeta potential (−39.06 mV). The developed nanoemulgel exhibited non-Newtonian and pseudoplastic behavior. Thein vitrorelease profile of the developed nanoemulgel was higher as compared to marketed and conventional gel. The carrageenan-induced paw edema test was performed in rats to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of developed nanoemulgel. The developed nanoemulgel showed significantly higher () effect in reducing pain and inflammation symptoms as compared to marketed as well as conventional gel of diclofenac. The overall findings of the study suggest that the developed nanoemulgel formulation of diclofenac can be used as a potential approach for the management of pain and inflammation.
Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD), a cognitive dysfunction/dementia state amongst the elders is characterized by irreversible neurodegeneration due to varied pathophysiology. Up till now, anti-AD drugs having different pharmacology have been developed and used in clinic. Yet, these medications are not curative and only lowering the AD associated symptoms. Improvement in treatment outcome required drug targeting across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to the central nervous system (CNS) in optimal therapeutic concentration. Nanotechnology based diagnostic tools, drug carriers and theranostics offer highly sensitive molecular detection, effective drug targeting and their combination. Over the past decade, significant works have been done in this area and we have seen very remarkable outocome in AD therapy. Various nanoparticles from organic and inorganic nanomaterial category have successfully been investigated against AD. Conclusion: This paper discussed the role of nanoparticles in early detection of AD, effective drug targeting to brain and theranostic (diagnosis and therapy) approaches in AD's management.