The use of conventional methods for the treatment of cancer, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and approaches such as brachytherapy in conjunction with the unique properties of nanoparticles could enable the development of novel theranostic agents. The aim of our current study was to evaluate the potential of iron oxide nanoparticles, coated with alginic acid and polyethylene glycol, functionalized with the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin and the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab, to serve as a nanoradiopharmaceutical agent against breast cancer. Direct radiolabeling with the therapeutic isotope Lutetium-177 (¹⁷⁷Lu) resulted in an additional therapeutic effect. Functionalization was accomplished at high percentages and radiolabeling was robust. The high cytotoxic effect of our radiolabeled and non-radiolabeled nanostructures was proven in vitro against five different breast cancer cell lines. The ex vivo biodistribution in tumor-bearing mice was investigated with three different ways of administration. The intratumoral administration of our functionalized radionanoconjugates showed high tumor accumulation and retention at the tumor site. Finally, our therapeutic efficacy study performed over a 50-day period against an aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cell line (4T1) demonstrated enhanced tumor growth retention, thus identifying the developed nanoparticles as a promising nanobrachytherapy agent against breast cancer.

This study investigates the distinctive characteristics of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs) and their potential application in cancer therapy, focusing on melanoma. Three types of mNPs, pre-validated for safety, underwent molecular analysis to uncover the activated signaling pathways in melanoma cells. Using the Western blot technique, the study revealed that mNPs induce cytotoxicity, hinder proliferation through ERK1/2 dephosphorylation, and prompt proapoptotic effects, including DNA damage by inducing H2AX phosphorylation. Additionally, in vitro magnetic hyperthermia notably enhanced cellular damage in melanoma cells. Moreover, the quantification of intracellular iron levels through Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis unveils the precise dosage required to induce cellular damage effectively. These compelling findings not only shed light on the therapeutic potential of mNPs in melanoma treatment but also open exciting avenues for future research, heralding a new era in the development of targeted and effective cancer therapies. Indeed, by discerning the effective dose, our approach becomes instrumental in optimizing the therapeutic utilization of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles, enabling the induction of precisely targeted and controlled cellular responses.

Dual-function Fe@Eu NPs made via co-precipitation show size- and composition-dependent bioactivity.

A tiered approach is presented for evaluating occupational risks during liquid deposition modelling (LDM) using ceramic materials for manufacturing complex geometries in construction. The ceramic paste is comprised of kaolin/zeolite powders mixed with deionised water at a specific ratio. The tiered occupational risk analysis covered (i) the material evaluation and information gathering, (ii) on-site exposure measurements to ultrafine and micro-size particles, and (iii) morphological and toxicological analyses of raw and collected air samples. Results indicated an increase in PM4 (particle diameter < 4 μm) concentrations during powder preparation, reaching up to 1 mg/m³ during powder preparation, although below the corresponding substance-specific and general dust occupational exposure limit and with no increased exposure to ultrafine particles, as supported by morphological analysis. In toxicity assessment, reactive oxygen species production (ROS) reached approximately 300% for 50 μg/mL raw kaolin powder, while inducing high upregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expression genes, indicating activation of pro-inflammatory pathways. Airborne samples resulted in cell viability reduction by ~50% at 40 μg/mL, showing significance (p-value < 0.001). Translating these findings to human risk remains difficult, yet the findings highlight an urgent requirement for continuous exposure surveillance, tailored toxicity evaluations, and robust protective strategies throughout ceramic manufacturing.

The need for reliable preventive medicine tools is growing, especially for diseases with long diagnostic delays, such as endometriosis, which can take several years to diagnose. In this context, cellulose acetate nanofibrous membranes were prepared via electrospinning, to create the absorbent core of a smart wearable in the form of a sanitary pad, intended to support electronic diagnostic devices. A multi-layered structure was opted for, with each layer acting in a specific way according to its position within the pad, regarding mainly absorbency and porosity. The membranes were ultralight and highly absorbent, with single membranes showing an absorbency of 20–70 times their initial weight, and multi-layered membranes 15–30 times. Morphological evaluation of the pad was used as the basis for the optimization of the fabrication parameters, while liquid absorption capacity confirmed the pad’s high absorbency. Additionally, chemical and toxicological assessments indicated in vitro biocompatibility of the pad. The potential of the electrospinning process in the fabrication of menstrual hygiene pads is shown by these results. Future studies should focus on the integration of smart devices within the pad, as well as their functionality and effectiveness.