International Journal Of Nanomedicine[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Potential Antitumor Activity of Novel DODAC/PHO-S Liposomes [Retraction].
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42199654 · Full text
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S90850.].
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S90850.].
Multimodal Nanobubbles Carrying Indocyanine Green and VCAM-1 Targeting Peptide for Molecular Imaging of DOX-Induced Cardiotoxicity.
Sun Y, Zhang J, Liu D … +4 more , Li X, Chen X, Zhang A, Guo Y
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42199653 · Full text
PURPOSE: Doxorubicin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for numerous cancers; however, its clinical utility remains severely limited by cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, which is a critical challenge in cardi...
PURPOSE: Doxorubicin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for numerous cancers; however, its clinical utility remains severely limited by cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, which is a critical challenge in cardioprotective strategies of cardio-oncology. Therefore, real-time dynamic and accurate diagnosis of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) is essential to improve patient prognosis. We aimed to integrate the high spatial resolution and deep tissue penetration of ultrasound with the strong optical contrast of photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and the high sensitivity of fluorescence imaging (FLI) to construct an ICG-loaded targeted nanobubble platform for visualized monitoring of DIC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A novel nanosystem for multimodal (ultrasonic, fluorescence, and photoacoustic) imaging of DIC was developed. The nanobubbles (NBs) were functionalized with indocyanine green (ICG@ NBs), and then modified with vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) targeting peptide, enabling targeting capability (ICG@VCAM-1 NBs). We described their basic characteristics and targeting capability and then evaluated VCAM-1 expression in mouse DIC models. Multimodal imaging both in vitro and in vivo were conducted. RESULTS: ICG@VCAM-1 NBs exhibited excellent biocompatibility and superior stability. Western blotting results showed the significant upregulation of the VCAM-1 expression in DIC mice, and the overexpression persisted. ICG@VCAM-1 NBs possess ultrasound, fluorescence, and photoacoustic multimodal imaging capabilities both in vitro or in vivo, and can be precisely located by targeting the myocardial injury, thus realizing real-time dynamic monitoring in DIC mice. CONCLUSION: We used VCAM-1 targeting peptide and ICG to establish a noninvasive and diagnostic NB platform (ICG@VCAM-1 NBs) for real-time imaging. This investigation exhibits the potential for visualized monitoring of DIC.
Current Perspectives on Radiosensitizers in Cancer Radiotherapy.
Ruan H, Li Y, Chen S
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42199652 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: This review analyzes the multifactorial mechanisms of tumor radioresistance and evaluates the current landscape of innovative strategies to overcome this limitation, thereby improving the efficacy of radiother...
OBJECTIVE: This review analyzes the multifactorial mechanisms of tumor radioresistance and evaluates the current landscape of innovative strategies to overcome this limitation, thereby improving the efficacy of radiotherapy. METHODS: We evaluated the key molecular and cellular drivers contributing to radioresistance. A comprehensive evaluation of contemporary radiosensitization strategies was then undertaken, with particular focus on nanomaterials (the predominant class discussed) while also covering nanomaterials, natural bioactive compounds, targeted molecular inhibitors, immunomodulators, and nucleic acid therapies. Each class of agents was subjected to a critical analysis spanning from mechanistic insights and supportive preclinical data to progress in clinical translation. Findings from foundational in vitro research, in vivo models, and preliminary clinical studies were consolidated to form a cohesive perspective. RESULTS: Tumor radioresistance is mediated by dynamic interactions between intrinsic cellular properties and the tumor microenvironment. Recent strategies have demonstrated potential through physical dose enhancement, multi‑target modulation, precise interference with DNA damage repair and cell‑cycle regulation, and combinatorial immunoradiotherapy. These approaches collectively enable selective tumor radiosensitization while modulating key resistance pathways. CONCLUSION: Despite considerable preclinical promise, clinical adoption faces challenges including biological heterogeneity, suboptimal agent delivery, normal tissue toxicity, and a lack of validated predictive biomarkers. Future advances will rely on the development of intelligent multifunctional platforms, biomarker‑guided patient stratification, and rationally designed combination therapies to achieve durable therapeutic gains.
Smart Nanogel Systems for Periodontitis Management: A Review of Microenvironment-Targeted Therapies.
Sun S, He D, Yang J … +5 more , Hou W, Yang Y, Xue L, Zhao B, Yu F
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42199651 · Full text
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by microbial dysbiosis and characterized by an exaggerated host immune response, leading to progressive and irreversible alveolar bone resorption. Current therapies,...
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by microbial dysbiosis and characterized by an exaggerated host immune response, leading to progressive and irreversible alveolar bone resorption. Current therapies, such as mechanical debridement and antibiotics, are empirical and fail to address the dynamic pathological microenvironment, resulting in incomplete pathogen eradication and poor tissue regeneration. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of nanogel-based systems that intelligently adapt to key microenvironmental features, including pH fluctuations, reactive oxygen species (ROS), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and microbial biofilms, enabling on-demand drug release, synergistic antibacterial effects, and enhanced regeneration. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of responsive nanogels for precise periodontitis treatment. Based on a systematic analysis of the literature published in recent years, the material basis and design principles of nanogels are comprehensively summarized, with emphasis on innovative strategies for periodontal microgels, and the mechanisms of regulation of infection, inflammation and tissue remodeling are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on recent advances in multifunctional nanogel systems that enable more precise and controlled therapeutic interventions. In addition, this review critically discusses the advantages and limitations of different response strategies and outlines key challenges related to biosafety, reproducibility, scalability, and clinical transition. Overall, responsive nanogels represent a promising platform for improving efficacy and specificity of periodontal treatments, although further efforts are needed to facilitate their translation into clinical applications.
Toxicodynamics and Human Health Risks of Metal Nanoparticles: A Review of AI/ML-Based Predictive Nanotoxicology.
Awasthi KK, Awasthi G, Saxena P … +8 more , Awasthi A, Srivastava A, Sankhla MS, Roy AS, Hussain A, Miglani R, Rawat G, Pathania R
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42199650 · Full text
Metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) are the most extensively explored advanced nanostructures for biomedical applications. These MNPs, have unique intrinsic properties. These properties modify particle characteristics and f...
Metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) are the most extensively explored advanced nanostructures for biomedical applications. These MNPs, have unique intrinsic properties. These properties modify particle characteristics and functionalization, making them suitable for applications in biomedicine, cancer imaging, and other therapeutics. With the exceeding production of MNPs annually, toxic chemical and solvents used for synthesis of MNPs are causing various health implications. This review discusses MNPs effects on human exposure, biokinetics, and toxicodynamics alongside developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for predictive toxicology. In vitro and in vivo mechanistic study reports organ-specific accumulation of MNPs, particularly in liver, kidney, and brain, with potential crossing of the blood brain and placental barriers leading to oxidative stress, ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, and genotoxicity. The review also presents integrating omics approach and AI frameworks to attain safe nanoparticle development and human health risk assessment.
Photodynamic/Photothermal Gold Nanoclusters Chitosan Sponge for Hemostasis and MRSA Infected Wound Healing.
Shi X, Su J, Li W … +3 more , Li K, Chen X, Hong W
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42199649 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant (MRSA), impede wound infection treatment. Novel strategies shall be designed to effectively eliminate bacteria and facilitate wound re...
INTRODUCTION: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant (MRSA), impede wound infection treatment. Novel strategies shall be designed to effectively eliminate bacteria and facilitate wound recovery. METHODS: This study fabricated a new chitosan-based sponge, CS-AuNCs/ICG, to combat MDR bacteria and treat skin wounds. In the CS sponge system, ICG can rapidly generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light irradiation, thereby exerting a rapid bactericidal effect; in contrast, the gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) slowly released from the system can achieve a long-lasting bactericidal effect. RESULTS: In vitro, CS-AuNCs/ICG exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against both planktonic MRSA and biofilm. Moreover, this sponge featured not only an efficient hemostatic property but also a high-porosity porous structure ideal for wound exudate absorption. Local remedy of MRSA-infected mice using the CS-AuNCs/ICG sponge combined with light irradiation resulted in prompt bacterial elimination and prolonged bacteriostasis in the skin wounds, which accelerated wound healing without any observed side effects. DISCUSSION: In summary, the CS-AuNCs/ICG sponge possesses both high-efficiency antibacterial activity and sustained bacterial inhibition ability, demonstrating significant application potential in treating wounds infected with drug-resistant bacteria.
Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Digestive System Tumors: Modulating the Chronic Inflammatory Microenvironment.
Kang H, Ding T, Lin H … +6 more , Wang F, Zhu Y, Chen P, Chen H, Huang J, Wang X
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42181976 · Full text
Digestive system tumors (including colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and gastric cancer) have become one of the most serious global cancer burdens, and their pathological evolution and chronic inflammatory mic...
Digestive system tumors (including colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and gastric cancer) have become one of the most serious global cancer burdens, and their pathological evolution and chronic inflammatory microenvironments are closely related. Chronic inflammation moves into cancer by angling immune cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory stuff, and aberrant signaling pathways, which advance tumor cell growth factor and burst, hitching a ride. In this context, mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs)-naturally occurring nan vesicles enveloped by a bilipidic layer-are loaded with bioactive substances like proteins, miRNAs, which present considerable promise in remodeling the chronic inflammatory microenvironments and arresting tumor development. MSC - EVs have the benefits of low risk of being immunogenic, good biological compatibility, and targeted homing capabilities; however, the main aspect is that they adjust immune cells and interfere with key signaling systems using the bioactive materials that they carry. This can be carried out to modulate the chronic inflammatory environment, and it is also carriers to carry specific loads (miRNAs, chemotherapeutic drugs, etc.) to inhibit the tumor cell biological behavior. However, the potential pro-tumorigenic effects of MSC-EVs under specific conditions cannot be overlooked, as they may also transport cargos that accelerate tumor progression. Similarly, EVs derived from non-mesenchymal sources have been shown to drive malignancy through various signaling mechanisms. Although MSC-EVs have great clinical value, there are still problems such as the standardization of preparation, the standardization of heterogeneity control, and the standardization of safety evaluation. Current engineering modification strategies can enhance the effectiveness of engineering. In the future, innovative combinations of technologies and approaches may even lead to more rapid progress toward translation from the bench to the bedside. This paper mainly discusses MSC-EVs regulation mechanism towards chronic inflammation, and the potential for it to inhibit or promote tumor growth, as well as conducting a systematic review of current research on MSC-EVs as a treatment agent for digestive system tumors. Finally, It outlines challenges in clinical application and future prospects.
Tromethamine‑Modified Chlorambucil Prodrug Nano-Micelles: Improved Colloidal Stability and Antitumor Efficacy.
Li Z, Xu S, Jiang X … +5 more , Yang X, Cui S, Lu Y, Duan X, Zheng J
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42170006 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Chlorambucil () is a clinically effective alkylating agent for hematologic malignancies; however, its therapeutic application is severely hampered by poor aqueous solubility, rapid hydrolytic degradation in p...
BACKGROUND: Chlorambucil () is a clinically effective alkylating agent for hematologic malignancies; however, its therapeutic application is severely hampered by poor aqueous solubility, rapid hydrolytic degradation in physiological fluids, and dose-dependent systemic toxicity. Conventional nanocarriers offer partial solutions but are limited by low drug loading (<10%) and complex fabrication. Prodrug strategy constructed by covalent modification of anticancer drugs can overcome these limitations, enabling improved physicochemical properties and tumor-specific drug release. METHODS: An amphiphilic prodrug () was synthesized by conjugating to tromethamine (), a pharmacopeial excipient with GRAS status. The prodrug was formulated into nanomicelles via nanoprecipitation and characterized by DLS and TEM. Hydrolytic stability, in vitro cytotoxicity against A20 lymphoma cells, apoptosis induction, cellular uptake, and in vivo antitumor efficacy in a syngeneic mouse model were systematically evaluated. RESULTS: spontaneously self-assembled into monodisperse nanomicelles (91.8 nm, PDI 0.103) with an unprecedented drug loading of 70.5%. Using A20 cells as experimental models, the cytotoxic effects of nanomicelles were investigated at 0-100 μmol/L for 24 h. Notably, the cell viability of nanomicelles to A20 cells was significantly lower compared with free CLB (45.6% vs. 74.5% at 100 μM), with correspondingly higher apoptosis induction (48.5% vs. 39.0% at 30 μg·mL). In vivo, the nanoformulation achieved superior tumor suppression in A20 tumor-bearing mice (final tumor volume 421 mm vs. 610 mm for free CLB and 1424 mm for saline), while maintaining excellent hemocompatibility (hemolysis <5%) and minimal systemic toxicity as evidenced by body weight stability and histopathological analysis. CONCLUSION: This carrier-minimized prodrug platform concurrently overcomes the solubility, stability, and toxicity bottlenecks of nitrogen mustard chemotherapy, offering a simple and translatable strategy for enhancing the clinical efficacy of chlorambucil.
Advances and Challenges in 3D Bioprinting of Cartilage Organoids: From Material Innovation to Functional Regeneration.
Han Z, Huang J, Qiu X
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42164816 · Full text
Articular cartilage injury and degenerative disorders are major contributors to joint dysfunction. Because cartilage is avascular and aneural, its intrinsic healing capacity is extremely limited, which continues to prese...
Articular cartilage injury and degenerative disorders are major contributors to joint dysfunction. Because cartilage is avascular and aneural, its intrinsic healing capacity is extremely limited, which continues to present a major clinical challenge. Cartilage organoids, defined as three-dimensional constructs that recapitulate key structural, cellular, and functional features of native cartilage tissue, including cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, zonal organization, and responsiveness to biochemical and mechanical cues, have emerged as promising platforms for cartilage regeneration and disease research. In this context, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting offers a powerful top-down strategy for fabricating such organoids with high spatial precision, complementing conventional bottom-up self-assembly approaches. This capability has opened new opportunities for the generation of cartilage constructs with complex architectures and biomimetic functions, highlighting their potential in personalized therapy, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in 3D bioprinting for cartilage organoid engineering. First, it summarizes advances in bioink design, ranging from natural and synthetic hydrogels to composite and reinforced systems, such as the emerging attapulgite-polyvinyl alcohol platform, as well as stimulus-responsive smart materials. These materials are being developed to better replicate the biochemical and mechanical properties of the native extracellular matrix while maintaining suitable printability. Second, the review discusses the principles, optimization strategies, and application characteristics of major bioprinting techniques, including extrusion-based, photocuring-based, inkjet, and microfluidic bioprinting, with particular emphasis on balancing printing fidelity, structural complexity, and cell viability. In addition, it examines key strategies for promoting functional maturation and in vivo integration of cartilage organoids, including coculture systems, direct vascularization approaches, spatiotemporally controlled delivery of growth factors, dynamic mechanical stimulation, and emerging osteoimmunomodulatory interventions such as macrophage polarization and neutrophil extracellular trap clearance. Despite substantial advances, several critical challenges remain, including limited biomimetic accuracy in hierarchical architecture, instability of long-term cell phenotype, difficulties in vascularizing large-scale constructs, and the absence of standardized criteria for clinical translation. By identifying these bottlenecks and outlining future directions, including the development of 4D bioprinting materials and the integration of organ-on-a-chip systems with artificial intelligence-based optimization, this review aims to support the evolution of cartilage organoids from structural mimics toward truly functional regenerative constructs, ultimately facilitating their translation into clinically applicable therapies.
Recent Advances in Nanomedicine for Targeted Phototherapy in Head and Neck Cancer.
Liu H, Lin C, Li W … +7 more , Wu L, Xia Z, Wu Y, Huang Y, Gu S, Zhang J, Shen Z
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42164815 · Full text
Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common malignancy worldwide. Conventional treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, have achieved substantial clinical success. However, their...
Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common malignancy worldwide. Conventional treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, have achieved substantial clinical success. However, their efficacy remains limited due to treatment-associated toxicity and suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. Phototherapy, encompassing photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), has emerged as a promising anticancer strategy owing to its high selectivity, minimal invasiveness, and low systemic toxicity. These modalities exert antitumor effects through distinct yet complementary mechanisms. PDT utilizes a photosensitizer activated by light of a specific wavelength to generate reactive oxygen species, thereby inducing cytotoxicity. In contrast, PTT employs photothermal agents to convert light energy into heat for tumor ablation. With advances in photosensitizer design, nanotechnology, and immunotherapy, phototherapy has gained increasing attention as a potential alternative for the treatment of head and neck cancer. In this review, we provide a concise overview of the fundamental principles and mechanisms of PDT and PTT, and present recent progress in smart phototherapeutic agents. For example, liposome-based biomimetic nanodelivery systems enable precise regulation of biodistribution and release kinetics, while carbon-based materials and hybrid nanostructures have attracted considerable interest due to their multifunctionality and applicability in both PDT and PTT. Moreover, we discuss recent applications of PTT/PDT in combination with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and gene therapy for head and neck cancer. We also summarize progress regarding agents approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and ongoing clinical trials. Finally, we highlight the major challenges and future directions for the broader clinical translation of nanomedicine-based targeted phototherapy.
MOF-Ag Nanozyme for Eradication and Enhanced Nanocatalytic Therapy of Colorectal Cancer.
Wu T, Fei X, Xu D … +7 more , Chen Q, Zhang Y, Jin Y, Yang Y, Qin H, Du F, Li C
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42164814 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a nanocatalytic-microbial therapeutic platform for colorectal cancer (CRC) that simultaneously eliminates the tumor-associated pathobiont () and enhances catalytic tumor therapy. MET...
PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a nanocatalytic-microbial therapeutic platform for colorectal cancer (CRC) that simultaneously eliminates the tumor-associated pathobiont () and enhances catalytic tumor therapy. METHODS: An iron-based metal-organic framework (NH-MIL-88B(Fe) composed of Fe clusters and 2-aminoterephthalic acid, BDC-NH) loaded with silver nanoparticles (NH-MIL-88B(Fe)@Ag, denoted as MA) was constructed to integrate antibacterial activity with reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated tumor killing. The physicochemical properties, catalytic activity, and antibacterial performance of MA were characterized. Extracellular and intracellular ROS generation, cellular uptake, and cytotoxicity were evaluated in CRC cells. In vivo antitumor efficacy and biosafety were further assessed in a CT26 mouse colon cancer cells (CT26) subcutaneous tumor model with or without inoculation. RESULTS: MA exhibited enhanced Fenton-like catalytic activity and generated more hydroxyl radicals than MOF alone in the presence of HO, indicating that Ag nanoparticles amplified ROS production. MA also showed potent antibacterial activity against , enabling concurrent disruption of intratumoral bacteria and tumor cells. In vitro, MA induced pronounced ROS accumulation and significantly reduced CRC cell viability. In vivo, MA markedly suppressed tumor growth, with superior therapeutic efficacy in -colonized tumors, demonstrating that bacterial elimination contributed substantially to tumor inhibition. No evident systemic toxicity was observed during treatment. CONCLUSION: MA is a promising nanocatalytic platform for CRC therapy that combines direct antibacterial action against with amplified ROS-mediated tumor cell killing. This dual-target strategy offers an effective and biocompatible approach for CRC treatment by integrating microbiota intervention with nanocatalytic therapy.
Biomimetic M1 Macrophage Membrane-Camouflaged Nanoplatform Remodels Tumor Microenvironment for Enhanced Antitumor Immunity.
Bai X, Han X, Wang W … +5 more , Wang N, Li L, Hu J, Zhang Q, Qian X
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42158525 · Full text
PURPOSE: Immunotherapy has attracted increasing attention in cancer treatment, but its efficacy is greatly limited due to the low immunogenicity of tumors and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). To address th...
PURPOSE: Immunotherapy has attracted increasing attention in cancer treatment, but its efficacy is greatly limited due to the low immunogenicity of tumors and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). To address this, we constructed a biomimetic M1 macrophage membrane-Camouflaged nanoplatform (M1@CTP) for the co-delivery of the natural antitumor compound Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) and the immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducer Copper-diethyldithiocarbamate (CuET) to enhance antitumor immunity. METHODS: CuET/Tan IIA/PLGA (CTP) nanoparticles were synthesized using a previously reported two-step emulsification method. Subsequently, these nanoparticles were then coated with induced M1 macrophage membranes to obtain M1@CTP. We systematically characterized their morphology, physicochemical properties, and environmental stability. In vitro studies assessed cytotoxicity, immune activation, and tumor-targeting capability. Subsequently, the antitumor efficacy and modulation of the TME were assessed in vivo. Finally, the biosafety of the nanoplatform was evaluated via histopathological and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Endowed by M1 macrophage membran coating, M1@CTP enables immune evasion and tumor homing, thereby prolonging systemic circulation time and achieving efficient tumor accumulation. Our study demonstrates that M1@CTP synergistically induces potent ICD, promotes dendritic cell maturation, and remodels the TME, leading to the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This process effectively converts "cold" tumors into "hot" ones and elicits a robust systemic antitumor immune response with favorable safety profiles. In addition, M1@CTP significantly enhanced the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cold tumor models. CONCLUSION: This study provides an innovative and precise immunotherapy nanoplatform that coordinately modulates the TME and induces robust antitumor immunity, offering a promising strategy to overcome current limitations in immunotherapy.
Organelle-Targeted Nanotherapeutics for Parkinson's Disease: From Pathogenesis to Preclinical Strategies and Translational Challenges.
Liu M, Peng Q, Zhai H … +8 more , Wu Y, Ma Z, Tang Z, Ouyang H, Chang A, Cao X, Xu Y, Xia Y
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42158524 · Full text
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the aggregation of αSynuclein (αSyn). Organelle dysfunction is recognized as a central driver of...
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the aggregation of αSynuclein (αSyn). Organelle dysfunction is recognized as a central driver of pathological feature. Current treatments primarily alleviate symptoms but fail to halt disease progression, largely due to the inability to target the underlying subcellular pathology. This narrative review examines the emerging potential of organelle-targeted nanotherapeutics as a precision medicine strategy for PD treatment. We discuss how engineered nanoparticles can be designed to deliver therapeutics specifically to dysfunctional mitochondria, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and nuclei. These approaches aim to interfere with key pathological mechanisms ameliorating oxidative stress, mitigating protein misfolding, restoring protein homeostasis, and modulating gene expression. We provide a comprehensive overview of recent preclinical advances in nanoparticles design, targeting mechanisms, and therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the current challenges, including delivery efficiency, safety, reproducibility, storage, and large-scale translation before clinical application This review aims to provide a potential route toward disease-modifying nanotherapeutics for PD.
Nanobiotic-Enhanced Probiotics for Targeted Gut Delivery: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Applications, and Translational Challenges.
Muhammad N
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42158523 · Full text
The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining human health by influencing physiological processes such as digestion, immune regulation, and metabolism. However, disruptions in gut microbial balance, or dysbiosis...
The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining human health by influencing physiological processes such as digestion, immune regulation, and metabolism. However, disruptions in gut microbial balance, or dysbiosis, are associated with numerous disorders. Probiotics have emerged as potential therapeutic agents, but their efficacy is limited by challenges such as low survival during gastrointestinal transit, poor colonization, and lack of targeted delivery. Nanotechnology has recently provided promising solutions to these limitations by enhancing the stability, viability, and functionality of probiotics. To provide an updated perspective, this article presents a structured narrative review informed by a PRISMA-guided literature search and screening process. Relevant studies published between 2021 and 2025 were identified from PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar and were narratively synthesized to examine nanoencapsulation strategies, hybrid nanobiotic systems, smart delivery platforms, therapeutic applications, and translational barriers. Nanoencapsulation techniques, hybrid nanobiotic systems, and smart delivery platforms are at the forefront of probiotic enhancement. These systems improve protection of probiotics against harsh gastric conditions and enable targeted release within specific regions of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby enhancing colonization efficiency and therapeutic potential. Moreover, nanobiotics show promise in modulating gut microbiota composition, strengthening immune responses, and opening new therapeutic avenues for the management of gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic diseases, and immune-related conditions. Despite these advances, challenges related to safety, scalability, and regulatory approval remain significant barriers to clinical translation. This review synthesizes recent progress in nanobiotic-enhanced probiotics, evaluates their therapeutic applications, and discusses key challenges and future directions for precision microbiome therapeutics.
Unraveling Diabetes Mellitus-Driven Tumorigenesis: From Pathophysiological Mechanisms, Therapeutic Drugs to Tailor-Made Nanosystems.
Jiang Z, Zhou Y, Ma M … +2 more , Huang M, Wang X
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42158522 · Full text
Diabetes mellitus (DM) and cancer are two major global public health challenges. Growing evidence shows that the core features of DM, including hyperactivated insulin/IGF-1 signaling axis, chronic hyperglycemia, and a pe...
Diabetes mellitus (DM) and cancer are two major global public health challenges. Growing evidence shows that the core features of DM, including hyperactivated insulin/IGF-1 signaling axis, chronic hyperglycemia, and a persistent inflammatory microenvironment, are important factors driving tumorigenesis and progression. Currently available clinical antidiabetic drugs, such as chemically synthesized drugs, biological and natural products, have been proven to achieve a dual therapeutic effect of controlling blood glucose and regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, these drugs face practical difficulties such as poor oral bioavailability, off-target side effects, and low drug accumulation at tumor sites in clinical application. To overcome these challenges, nanotechnology offers a highly promising solution. Thus, this review elucidates the mechanisms of DM-driven cancer development and the anti-tumor therapeutic mechanisms of current anti-diabetic drugs. Then, we highlight how tailor-made nanosystems overcome traditional delivery barriers, offering unique advantages in targeted delivery, integrated diagnostics, and the oral administration of fragile biologics. Finally, the clinical translatability, disadvantages, and future prospects of these nanosystems will be briefly discussed.
The Design Strategies and Applications of Engineered Nanoparticles for Traumatic Brain Injury.
Xiang C, Zhu Y, Gao X … +5 more , Guo F, He X, Luo W, Liu W, Gu R
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42152981 · Full text
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious neurological condition. Because of its complex pathophysiological processes, direct treatment options are extremely limited. A key reason for this is the blood-brain barrier (BBB...
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious neurological condition. Because of its complex pathophysiological processes, direct treatment options are extremely limited. A key reason for this is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which makes it difficult for conventional drug molecules to penetrate and maintain effective concentrations in brain tissue. In recent years, nanoparticles have garnered significant attention due to their unique biological properties, enhanced therapeutic effects, and low toxicity. By modifying the surface of nanoparticles with targeting ligands, their penetration capacity can be significantly enhanced, enabling directed delivery to the core injury area and substantially increasing their accumulation at the site of injury. Furthermore, functionally engineered nanoparticles can respond to specific signals in the TBI microenvironment, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), enzymes, and pH changes, thereby enabling controlled drug release and significantly improving delivery efficiency. This review systematically summarizes the latest advances in engineered nanoparticles for TBI treatment from three perspectives: rational design, therapeutic strategies, and clinical translation.
RNA Sequencing Explores Potential Mechanisms Underlying the Enhanced Aggressive Phenotype of HepG2 Cells Induced by Aged Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.
Xu J, Yu N, Yang J … +3 more , Wang S, Lin T, Wang M
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42152980 · Full text
PURPOSE: While aged zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) show reduced acute cytotoxicity, their chronic effects remain unclear. This study compared the long-term, low-dose impact of environmentally aged versus fresh ZnO NP...
PURPOSE: While aged zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) show reduced acute cytotoxicity, their chronic effects remain unclear. This study compared the long-term, low-dose impact of environmentally aged versus fresh ZnO NPs on enhanced aggressive phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: HepG2 cells were chronically exposed (approximately 16 weeks) to low doses (1.5 µg/mL) of aged or fresh ZnO NPs. RNA sequencing (n=3 per group) identified transcriptomic changes, while migration and invasion assays validated functional outcomes. A transcription factor (TF) -mRNA network was constructed, and clinical correlation was analyzed using patient survival data. RESULTS: Aged ZnO NPs were associated with the activation of pro-oncogenic pathways (e.g. JAK-STAT) and induced increased cell migration and invasion compared to fresh NPs. Network analysis suggested CEBPA, CTNNB1, and STAT3 as potential core transcriptional regulators. Consistent with their potential role in promoting an aggressive phenotype, the elevated expression levels of these TFs were associated with reduced overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Chronic exposure to environmentally aged ZnO NPs, despite lower acute toxicity, may promote a more aggressive phenotype in liver cells compared to fresh NPs. This effect is potentially mediated by the specific modulation of oncogenic pathways and a core transcriptional network linked to poor patient outcomes. Our findings suggest that the environmental aging process could be an important factor influencing the long-term potential of ZnO NPs to promote an aggressive phenotype, which should be considered in nanomaterial risk assessment.
Emerging Approaches for the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: The Application of Nanomedicines.
Shi T, Yue H, Wang W … +4 more , Gao Y, Xu S, Gao J, Yin C
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42152979 · Full text
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects approximately 25% of the global population, with limited pharmacological treatment options. While lifestyle modification remains foundational, nano...
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects approximately 25% of the global population, with limited pharmacological treatment options. While lifestyle modification remains foundational, nanomedicine offers promising strategies to overcome drug delivery challenges, including poor solubility, low bioavailability, and off-target effects. This review systematically examines nanomedicine design strategies across four therapeutic domains: (1) lipid metabolism regulation, (2) anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapy, (3) insulin sensitization, and (4) gene regulation. We critically analyze hepatic cell-specific targeting approaches, evaluate the biological effects of nanomedicines beyond drug delivery, and discuss the strengths and limitations of current preclinical evidence. Key challenges for clinical translation are examined, including long-term biosafety, animal model relevance, and the gap between preclinical promise and clinical reality. While recent FDA approvals of semaglutide and resmetirom for MASH with fibrosis represent significant progress, nanomedicine may address unmet needs through combination therapies, cell-specific targeting, and theranostic approaches. By integrating emerging trends in intelligent nanomedicine design, this review provides a roadmap for advancing nanomedicines from bench to bedside for MASLD treatment.
Key Tumor Responsive ZIF-8 Nanocarriers for Effective Anti-Cancer Therapeutics.
He W, Hu H, Yu Z … +2 more , Xiang D, Zhou L
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42152978 · Full text
The intricate pathological features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) collectively contribute to therapeutic resistance, thereby substantially constraining the antitumor efficacy of conventional treatments. Zeolitic im...
The intricate pathological features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) collectively contribute to therapeutic resistance, thereby substantially constraining the antitumor efficacy of conventional treatments. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), a pH-responsive metal-organic framework material, serves not only as an efficient drug delivery system but also actively participates in TME remodeling through the release of Zn upon its degradation. This dual function as both a "carrier" and an "effector" offers a synergistic mechanism to mitigate therapeutic resistance. The article reviews recent research on ZIF-8, focusing on its role in targeted drug delivery and its transformation from a passive carrier to an active modulator of cellular environments. It examines how ZIF-8's synthetic pathways and surface modifications aid in delivering various drugs and analyzes the molecular mechanisms by which released Zn triggers stress responses and immune reactions. The article also discusses ZIF-8's integration into theranostic platforms, its use in combination therapies, and the clinical translation challenges, including biosafety, reproducibility, and scalable production. This review aims to systematically synthesize existing knowledge across the aforementioned fields to establish a theoretical foundation for the design of next-generation ZIF-8 nanotheranostic systems and facilitate their progression toward clinical translation.
Engineered Extracellular Vesicles in Glioma Therapy: Recent Advances and Applications.
Xiong L, Yu X, Chen T … +10 more , Gao W, Wang K, Fu Y, Yin Y, Zhou X, Xia Y, Cui X, Zeng L, Zhang L, Liu Y
Int J Nanomedicine · 2026 · PMID 42152977 · Full text
Gliomas are a highly heterogeneous group of primary tumors of the central nervous system. The blood-brain barrier and the complex tumor microenvironment restrict drug penetration and reduce the effectiveness of standard...
Gliomas are a highly heterogeneous group of primary tumors of the central nervous system. The blood-brain barrier and the complex tumor microenvironment restrict drug penetration and reduce the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained attention as potential delivery vehicles because they can move across biological barriers, are generally well tolerated, and naturally shuttle signals between cells. However, unmodified EVs face practical hurdles for clinical use, including limited tissue targeting, modest drug payload capacity, low manufacturing yield, and imperfect control over what they carry. To overcome these constraints, growing efforts have focused on engineering EVs to improve delivery performance and therapeutic precision. This review outlines key EV characteristics and commonly used isolation methods, with an emphasis on engineering approaches for glioma therapy. We also summarize recent progress in engineered EV-based treatments for glioma and discuss the main barriers to clinical translation.
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