1.Advances in nanocarrier-mediated cancer therapy: Progress in immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
Yue PENG ; Min YU ; Bozhao LI ; Siyu ZHANG ; Jin CHENG ; Feifan WU ; Shuailun DU ; Jinbai MIAO ; Bin HU ; Igor A OLKHOVSKY ; Suping LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(16):1927-1944
Cancer represents a major worldwide disease burden marked by escalating incidence and mortality. While therapeutic advances persist, developing safer and precisely targeted modalities remains imperative. Nanomedicines emerges as a transformative paradigm leveraging distinctive physicochemical properties to achieve tumor-specific drug delivery, controlled release, and tumor microenvironment modulation. By synergizing passive enhanced permeation and retention effect-driven accumulation and active ligand-mediated targeting, nanoplatforms enhance pharmacokinetics, promote tumor microenvironment enrichment, and improve cellular internalization while mitigating systemic toxicity. Despite revolutionizing cancer therapy through enhanced treatment efficacy and reduced adverse effects, translational challenges persist in manufacturing scalability, longterm biosafety, and cost-efficiency. This review systematically analyzes cutting-edge nanoplatforms, including polymeric, lipidic, biomimetic, albumin-based, peptide engineered, DNA origami, and inorganic nanocarriers, while evaluating their strategic advantages and technical limitations across three therapeutic domains: immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. By assessing structure-function correlations and clinical translation barriers, this work establishes mechanistic and translational references to advance oncological nanomedicine development.
Humans
;
Neoplasms/radiotherapy*
;
Immunotherapy/methods*
;
Nanoparticles/chemistry*
;
Animals
;
Nanomedicine/methods*
;
Drug Delivery Systems/methods*
;
Drug Carriers/chemistry*
;
Radiotherapy/methods*
2.Innovative strategies for improving CAR-T cell therapy: A nanomedicine perspective.
Mengyao WANG ; Zhengyu YU ; Liping YUAN ; Peipei YANG ; Caixia JING ; Ying QU ; Zhiyong QIAN ; Ting NIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2769-2782
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells have reshaped the treatment landscape of hematological malignancies, offering a potentially curative option for patients. Despite these major milestones in the field of immuno-oncology, growing experience with CAR-T cells has also highlighted several limitations of this strategy. The production process of CAR-T cells is complex, time-consuming, and costly, thus leading to poor drug accessibility. The potential carcinogenic risk of viral transfection systems remains a matter of controversy. Treatment-related side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome, can be life-threatening. And the biggest challenge is the inadequate efficacy related to poor infiltration and retention of CAR-T cells in tumor tissues and impaired T cell activation caused by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Innovative strategies are urgently needed to address these problems, and nanomedicine offers good solutions to these challenges. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in the application of nanomaterials to enhance CAR-T cell therapy. We examine the role of innovative nanoparticle-based delivery systems in the production of CAR-T cells, with a particular focus on polymeric delivery systems and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Furthermore, we explore various strategies for delivering immune stimulators, which significantly enhance the efficacy of CAR-T cells by modulating T cell viability and functionality or by reprogramming the immunosuppressive TME. In addition, we discuss several novel therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating the adverse effects associated with CAR-T therapies. Finally, we offer an integrated perspective on the future challenges and opportunities facing CAR-T therapies.
Humans
;
Nanomedicine/methods*
;
Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism*
;
Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods*
;
T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
;
Nanoparticles/chemistry*
;
Animals
3.Research progress on point-of-care testing of blood biochemical indexes based on microfluidic technology.
Huaqing ZHANG ; Canjie HU ; Pengjia QI ; Zhanlu YU ; Wei CHEN ; Jijun TONG
Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;42(1):205-211
Blood biochemical indicators are an important basis for the diagnosis and treatment by doctors. The performance of related instruments, the qualification of operators, the storage method and time of blood samples and other factors will affect the accuracy of test results. However, it is difficult to meet the clinical needs of rapid detection and early screening of diseases with currently available methods. Point-of-care testing (POCT) is a new diagnostic technology with the characteristics of instant, portability, accuracy and efficiency. Microfluidic chips can provide an ideal experimental reaction platform for POCT. This paper summarizes the existing detection methods for common biochemical indicators such as blood glucose, lactic acid, uric acid, dopamine and cholesterol, and focuses on the application status of POCT based on microfluidic technology in blood biochemistry. It also summarizes the advantages and challenges of existing methods and prospects for development. The purpose of this paper is to provide relevant basis for breaking through the technical barriers of microfluidic and POCT product development in China.
Humans
;
Point-of-Care Testing
;
Lactic Acid/blood*
;
Microfluidic Analytical Techniques/methods*
;
Blood Glucose/analysis*
;
Point-of-Care Systems
;
Blood Chemical Analysis/instrumentation*
;
Uric Acid/blood*
;
Cholesterol/blood*
;
Dopamine/blood*
;
Microfluidics/methods*
4.Electrical stimulation based on triboelectric nanogenerator promotes osteogenesis of MC3T3-E1 cells on titanium surfaces.
Bo PANG ; Shu YANG ; Hongyang HAN ; Xingwei ZHANG ; Tao SONG
Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;42(2):366-373
This paper aims to explore the effect of electrical stimulation of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) on the osteogenic and other biological behaviors of mouse embryonic osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1 cells) on titanium surfaces. First, an origami-type TENG was fabricated, and its electrical output performance was tested. The optimal current of the generator and the feasibility of the experiment were verified by the CCK-8 assay and scratch assay. At the optimal current, the osteogenic conditions of the cells in each group were determined by quantitative analysis of the total protein content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and alizarin red staining (ARS) on the titanium surface. Finally, the adhesion and spreading of cells on the titanium surface after electrical stimulation were observed. The results showed that the TENG had good electrical output performance, with an open-circuit voltage of 65 V and a short-circuit current of 42 μA. Compared with the rest of the current, a current strength of 30 μA significantly improved cell proliferation and migration, osteogenesis, and adhesion and spreading capabilities. The above results confirm the safety and operability of TENG in biomedical applications, laying the foundation for future TENG applications in reducing the time of bone integration around titanium implants after surgery.
Titanium/chemistry*
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Osteogenesis
;
Animals
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Mice
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Osteoblasts/cytology*
;
Electric Stimulation/instrumentation*
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Cell Adhesion
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Surface Properties
;
Cell Differentiation
;
Nanotechnology
5.Microfluidic systems in testicular in vitro culture: a powerful model tool for spermatogenesis and reprotoxicity studies.
Botho Maximilian SCHNEIDER ; Hande Irem HAMURCU ; Andrea SALZBRUNN ; Kathrein von KOPYLOW
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(6):659-668
As prepubertal boys do not yet produce spermatozoa, they cannot rely on sperm cryopreservation for fertility preservation before gonadotoxic therapy, such as high-dose alkylating agents or radiotherapy in the case of childhood cancers. According to the current guidelines, cryopreservation of testicular biopsies containing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) may be proposed to high-risk patients for potential later therapeutic use to fulfill the patients' wish for a biological child. One promising technique for human in vitro spermatogenesis and in vitro propagation of human SSCs is microfluidic (MF) culture, in which cells or tissues are subjected to a continuous flow of medium. This provides exact control over such parameters as nutrient content and gradients, as well as the removal of waste metabolites. While MF has been shown to maintain tissues and cell populations of organs for longer than conventional in vitro culture techniques, it has not been widely used for testicular in vitro culture. MF could advance human testicular in vitro culture and is also applicable to reprotoxicity studies. This review summarizes the findings and achievements of testis-on-chip (ToC) setups to date and discusses the benefits and limitations of these for spermatogenesis in vitro and toxicity assessment.
Humans
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Male
;
Spermatogenesis/physiology*
;
Testis/cytology*
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Cryopreservation
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Cell Culture Techniques/methods*
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Microfluidics/methods*
;
Animals
6.Rescuing lysosomal/autophagic defects via nanoapproach: implications for lysosomal/autophagic defect-related diseases.
Xiaodan HUANG ; Yue FANG ; Jie SONG ; Yuanjing HAO ; Yuanyuan CAI ; Pengfei WEI ; Na ZHANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(9):813-842
The dysfunction of the lysosome and autophagy-lysosome system serves as a driving force for neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, inflammatory conditions, and other related diseases, closely influencing their onset and progression. Therefore, restoring the function of the lysosome or autophagy-lysosome system has become an increasingly crucial therapeutic strategy in disease management. In this review, we will introduce the lysosomal biogenesis, structure, and function, as well as the biological process of the autophagy-lysosome system. Various diseases closely associated with lysosomal/autophagic dysfunction are also reviewed, emphasizing the significance of targeting the function of the lysosome or autophagy-lysosome system in disease treatment. Finally, we focus on engineered nanomaterials that have the capabilities to restore the function of the lysosome or autophagy-lysosome system, and summarize different strategies and methods for achieving this goal. This review aims to elucidate the latest progress in the field of nanomedicine for lysosomal/autophagic defect-related diseases and inspire the development of innovative and clinically valuable nanomedicines.
Humans
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Lysosomes/physiology*
;
Autophagy/physiology*
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Nanomedicine/methods*
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Neurodegenerative Diseases/therapy*
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Animals
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Nanostructures
;
Lysosomal Storage Diseases/therapy*
7.Design and inflammation-targeting efficiency assessment of an engineered liposome-based nanomedicine delivery system targeting E-selectin.
Yumeng YE ; Bo YU ; Shasha LU ; Yu ZHOU ; Meihong DING ; Guilin CHENG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):1013-1022
OBJECTIVES:
To develop an E-selectin-targeting nanomedicine delivery system that competitively inhibits E-selectin-neutrophil ligand binding to block neutrophil adhesion to vessels and suppress their recruitment to the lesion sites.
METHODS:
Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX)-loaded liposomes (IEL-Lip/DOX) conjugated with E-selectin-affinity peptide IELLQARC were developed using a post-insertion method. Two formulations [2-1P: Mol(PC): Mol(DPI)=100:1; 2-3P: 100:3] were prepared and their modification density and in vitro release characteristics were determined. Their targeting efficacy was assessed in a cell model of LPS-induced inflammation, a mouse model of acute lung injury (ALI), a rat femoral artery model of physical injury-induced inflammation, and a zebrafish model of local inflammation.
RESULTS:
The prepared IEL-Lip/DOX 2-1P and 2-3P had peptide modification densities of 4.76 and 7.57 pmoL/cm2, respectively. Compared with unmodified liposomes, IEL-Lip/DOX exhibited significantly reduced 48-h cumulative release rates at pH 5.5. In the inflammation cell model, IEL-Lip/DOX showed increased uptake by activated inflammatory endothelial cells, and 2-1P exhibited a higher trans-endothelial ability. In ALI mice, the fluorescence intensity of IEL-Lip/Cy5.5 increased significantly in lung tissues by 53.71% [Z-(2-1P)] and 93.41% [Z-(2-3P)], and 2-1P had an increased distribution by 24.19% in the inflammatory lung tissue compared to normal mouse lung tissue. In rat femoral artery models, 2-1P had greater injured/normal vessel fluorescence intensity contrast. In the zebrafish models, both 2-1P and 2-3P showed increased aggregation at the site of inflammation.
CONCLUSIONS
This E-selectin-targeting nanomedicine delivery system efficiently targets activated inflammatory endothelial cells to increase drug concentration at the inflammatory site, which sheds light on new strategies for treating neutrophil-mediated inflammatory diseases and practicing the concept of "one drug for multiple diseases".
Animals
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Liposomes
;
Rats
;
Nanomedicine
;
E-Selectin
;
Drug Delivery Systems
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Inflammation/drug therapy*
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Mice
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Doxorubicin/analogs & derivatives*
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Zebrafish
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Acute Lung Injury/drug therapy*
8.Synthesis of a temperature-responsive multimodal motion microrobot capable of precise navigation for targeted controllable drug release.
Xuhui ZHAO ; Mengran LIU ; Xi CHEN ; Jing HUANG ; Yuan LIU ; Haifeng XU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1758-1767
OBJECTIVES:
To synthesize a temperature-responsive multimodal motion microrobot (MMMR) using temperature and magnetic field-assisted microfluidic droplet technology to achieve targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release.
METHODS:
Microfluidic droplet technology was utilized to synthesize the MMMR by mixing gelatin with magnetic microparticles. The microrobot possessed a magnetic anisotropy structure to allow its navigation and targeted drug release by controlling the temperature field and magnetic field. In the experiment, the MMMR was controlled to move in a wide range along a preset path by rotating a uniform magnetic field, and the local circular motion was driven by a planar rotating gradient magnetic field of different frequencies. The MMMR was loaded with simulated drugs, which were released in response to laser heating.
RESULTS:
Driven by a rotating magnetic field, the MMMR achieved linear motion following a predefined path. The planar gradient rotating magnetic field controlled circular motion of the MMMR with an adjustable radius, utilizing the centrifugal force generated by rotation. The drug-loaded MMMR successfully reached the target location under magnetic guidance, where the gelatin matrix was melted using laser heating for accurate drug release, after which the remaining magnetic particles were removed using magnetic field.
CONCLUSIONS
The MMMR possesses multimodal motion capabilities to enable precise navigation along a predefined path and dynamic regulation of drug release within the target area, thus having great potential for a wide range of biomedical applications.
Drug Delivery Systems/methods*
;
Temperature
;
Drug Liberation
;
Magnetic Fields
;
Robotics
;
Gelatin/chemistry*
;
Delayed-Action Preparations
;
Microfluidics
;
Motion
9.Pure drug nanomedicines - where we are?
Yaoyao LAI ; Bing XIE ; Wanting ZHANG ; Wei HE
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(4):385-409
Pure drug nanomedicines (PDNs) encompass active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including macromolecules, biological compounds, and functional components. They overcome research barriers and conversion thresholds associated with nanocarriers, offering advantages such as high drug loading capacity, synergistic treatment effects, and environmentally friendly production methods. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in PDNs, focusing on their essential components, design theories, and manufacturing techniques. The physicochemical properties and in vivo behaviors of PDNs are thoroughly analyzed to gain an in-depth understanding of their systematic characteristics. The review introduces currently approved PDN products and further explores the opportunities and challenges in expanding their depth and breadth of application. Drug nanocrystals, drug-drug cocrystals (DDCs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and nanobodies represent the successful commercialization and widespread utilization of PDNs across various disease domains. Self-assembled pure drug nanoparticles (SAPDNPs), a next-generation product, still require extensive translational research. Challenges persist in transitioning from laboratory-scale production to mass manufacturing and overcoming the conversion threshold from laboratory findings to clinical applications.
Nanomedicine
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Humans
;
Nanoparticles/chemistry*
;
Pharmaceutical Preparations/chemistry*
;
Animals
;
Drug Carriers/chemistry*
10.Advances in nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release.
Yuqian WANG ; Renqi HUANG ; Shufan FENG ; Ran MO
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(5):513-528
Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems (nDDSs) present significant opportunities for improving disease treatment, offering advantages in drug encapsulation, solubilization, stability enhancement, and optimized pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. nDDSs, comprising lipid, polymeric, protein, and inorganic nanovehicles, can be guided by or respond to biological cues for precise disease treatment and management. Equipping nanocarriers with tissue/cell-targeted ligands enables effective navigation in complex environments, while functionalization with stimuli-responsive moieties facilitates site-specific controlled release. These strategies enhance drug delivery efficiency, augment therapeutic efficacy, and reduce side effects. This article reviews recent strategies and ongoing advancements in nDDSs for targeted drug delivery and controlled release, examining lesion-targeted nanomedicines through surface modification with small molecules, peptides, antibodies, carbohydrates, or cell membranes, and controlled-release nanocarriers responding to endogenous signals such as pH, redox conditions, enzymes, or external triggers like light, temperature, and magnetism. The article also discusses perspectives on future developments.
Humans
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Drug Carriers/chemistry*
;
Drug Delivery Systems/methods*
;
Delayed-Action Preparations/chemistry*
;
Nanoparticles/chemistry*
;
Animals
;
Drug Liberation
;
Nanomedicine

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