OBJECTIVE: To explore the preparation of nano-silver acupuncture needles and evaluate the appearance, structure and properties. METHODS: Stainless steel acupuncture needles were pretreated by polishing with sandpaper and cleaning with ultrapure water and absolute ethanol. As the working electrodes, the needles were placed in an electrolyte solution contained silver nitrate (AgNO₃), potassium nitrate (KNO₃), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP); and the silver nanoparticles were deposited at a constant voltage of -0.2 V for 1 200 s. The heat-treatment was conducted at 600 ℃ for 15 min in an argon atmosphere to strengthen the adhesion between the nanoparticles and the substrate. The surface appearance and structure of nano-silver acupuncture needles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and biocompatibility of the needles were evaluated. The cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of the sample were assessed using the CCK-8 assay. According to the national standard, Acupuncture Needles (GB 2024-2016), the other physicochemical performances of nano-silver acupuncture needles were tested. RESULTS: ①By controlling the AgNO₃ concentration and the molar ratio of AgNO₃ to PVP, it was found that at an AgNO₃ concentration of 2 mmol/L and a molar ratio of 5∶1, silver nanoparticles with the diameter of 50-100 nm, regular appearance, and uniform distribution were obtained. At a lower concentration, the size of silver nanoparticles was smaller and unevenly distributed particles, whereas a higher concentration tended to produce a dendritic structure. ②By sandpaper polishing, acid etching pretreatment, and heat-treatment at 600 ℃ under argon for 15 min, the adhesion of silver nanoparticles on the surface of the needle body was strengthened, and the simulated pig skin puncture test showed the intact coating without shedding. ③SEM found that the silver nanoparticles were uniformly deposited, forming a nanofilm approximately 1.5 μm thick; XRD analysis showed the diffraction peaks corresponding to cubic crystal silver (111), (200), (220) and (311); and XPS detected characteristic peaks of Ag 3d3/2 and Ag 3d5/2, confirming the successful deposition and good crystallinity of the silver nanoparticles. ④Resistivity measurements indicated that the nano-silver acupuncture needles exhibited a resistivity of approximately 0.15 Ω·cm, about three times lower than that of unmodified stainless steel needles. The infrared thermography demonstrated that their thermal conductivity was superior to that of traditional acupuncture needles. In vitro CCK-8 cytotoxicity assay showed that the nano-silver acupuncture needles had no adverse effects on human skin fibroblasts and possessed good biocompatibility. ⑤ The key parameters such as needle tip performance, hardness, and the adhesion between the needle body and handle were in compliance with the requirements in Acupuncture Needles (GB 2024-2016), ensuring a quality guarantee provided for clinical applications. CONCLUSION The preparation of nano-silver acupuncture needles effectively overcomes the insufficient toughness of traditional silver needles and improves the electrical and thermal conductivity of stainless acupuncture needles.
Silver/chemistry* ; Needles ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Humans ; Electric Conductivity ; Animals

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a prevalent malignancy that afflicts the head and neck area and presents a high incidence of metastasis and invasion. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are essential for enhancing the quality of life and the survival rates of TSCC patients. The current treatment modalities for TSCC frequently suffer from a lack of specificity and efficacy. Nanoparticles with diagnostic and photothermal therapeutic properties may offer a new approach for the targeted therapy of TSCC. However, inadequate accumulation of photosensitizers at the tumor site diminishes the efficacy of photothermal therapy (PTT). This study modified gold nanodots (AuNDs) with the TSCC-targeting peptide HN-1 to improve the selectivity and therapeutic effects of PTT. The Au-HN-1 nanosystem effectively targeted the TSCC cells and was rapidly delivered to the tumor tissues compared to the AuNDs. The enhanced accumulation of photosensitizing agents at tumor sites achieved significant PTT effects in a mouse model of TSCC. Moreover, owing to its stable long-term fluorescence and high X-ray attenuation coefficient, the Au-HN-1 nanosystem can be used for fluorescence and computed tomography imaging of TSCC, rendering it useful for early tumor detection and accurate delineation of surgical margins. In conclusion, Au-HN-1 represents a promising nanomedicine for imaging-based diagnosis and targeted PTT of TSCC.
Tongue Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnostic imaging* ; Animals ; Gold/chemistry* ; Mice ; Photothermal Therapy/methods* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Photosensitizing Agents ; Metal Nanoparticles ; Humans ; Cell Line, Tumor

In this study, the pharmacokinetic characteristics and tissue distribution of cannabidiol(CBD)/γ-polyglutamic acid-g-cholesterol(γ-PGA-g-CHOL) nanomicelles [CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs] were investigated by pharmacokinetic experiments, and the effect of CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs on the lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammatory damage of cells was evaluated by cell experiments. CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs were prepared by dialysis. The CBD concentrations in the plasma samples of male SD rats treated with CBD and CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs were investigated, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and compared. UPLC-MS/MS was employed to determine the concentration of CBD in tissue samples. The heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and muscle samples were collected at different time points to explore the tissue distribution of CBD and CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs. The Caco-2 cell model of LPS-induced inflammation was established, and the cell viability, transepithelial electrical resistance(TEER), and secretion levels of inflammatory cytokines were determined to compare the anti-inflammatory activity between the two groups. The results showed that CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs had the average particle size of(163.1±2.3)nm, drug loading of 8.78%±0.28%, and encapsulation rate of 84.46%±0.35%. Compared with CBD, CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs showed increased peak concentration(C_(max)) and prolonged peak time(t_(max)) and mean residence time(MRT_(0-t)). Within 24 h, the tissue distribution concentration of CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs was higher than that of CBD. In addition, both CBD and CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs significantly enhanced Caco-2 cell viability and TEER, lowered the secretion levels of inflammatory cytokines, and alleviated inflammation. Moreover, CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs demonstrated stronger anti-inflammatory effect. It can be inferred that γ-PGA-g-CHOL blank nanomicelles are good carriers of CBD, being capable of prolonging the circulation time of CBD in the blood, improving the bioavailability and tissue distribution concentration of CBD, and protecting against LPS-induced inflammatory injury. The findings can provide an experimental basis for the development and clinical application of oral CBD preparations.
Animals ; Cannabidiol/administration & dosage* ; Polyglutamic Acid/analogs & derivatives* ; Humans ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage* ; Micelles ; Caco-2 Cells ; Cholesterol/pharmacokinetics* ; Tissue Distribution ; Nanoparticles/chemistry*

Gambogic acid(GA), a caged xanthone derivative isolated from Garcinia Hanburyi, exhibits significant antitumor activity and has advanced to phase Ⅱ clinical trials for lung cancer treatment in China. However, the clinical application of GA is severely hindered by its inherent limitations, including poor water solubility, a lack of targeting specificity, and significant side effects. Novel drug delivery systems not only overcome these pharmacological deficiencies but also integrate multiple therapeutic modalities, transcending the limitations of monotherapeutic approaches. In this study, we designed a multifunctional nanodelivery platform(PDA-PEG-Fe(Ⅲ)-GOx-GA) using polydopamine(PDA) as the core material. After the modification of PDA with polyethylene glycol(PEG), Fe(Ⅲ) ions, glucose oxidase(GOx), and GA were sequentially loaded via coordination interactions, electrostatic adsorption, and hydrophobic interactions, respectively. This system demonstrated excellent physiological stability, hemocompatibility, and photothermal conversion efficiency. Notably, under dual stimuli of pH and near-infrared(NIR) irradiation, PDA-PEG-Fe(Ⅲ)-GOx-GA achieved controlled GA release, with a cumulative release rate of 58.3% at 12 h, 3.6-fold higher than that under non-stimulated conditions. Under NIR irradiation, the synergistic effects of PDA-mediated photothermal therapy, Fe(Ⅲ)-induced chemodynamic therapy, GOx-generated starvation therapy, and GA-mediated chemotherapy resulted in effective inhibition of tumor cell proliferation(91.5% inhibition rate) and induction of apoptosis(83.3% apoptosis rate). This multi-modal approach realized a comprehensive treatment strategy for lung cancer, integrating various therapeutic pathways.
Xanthones/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Polymers/chemistry* ; Glucose Oxidase/pharmacology* ; Indoles/chemistry* ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Drug Carriers/chemistry* ; Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Cell Line, Tumor

Bufalin(BF)has a significant anti-tumor effect, but its clinical application is severely restricted by its high toxicity and poor water solubility. In this study, Scrophularia ningpoensis polysaccharide(SNP)and ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA) were synthesized into an SNP-UDCA conjugate. BF was encapsulated to prepare BF/SNP-UDCA nanoparticles(NPs). The amphiphilic compound SNP-UDCA was synthesized via the one-step method, and its structure was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR)and proton nuclear magnetic resonance(~1H-NMR). The preparation process of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was optimized through single-factor investigations. The encapsulation efficiency and drug-loading capacity of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The molecular form of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was characterized by using a transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction(XRD), and differential scanning calorimeter(DSC). Additionally, the stability of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was evaluated. The release behavior of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs at different pH values was determined by dialysis. The in vitro anti-tumor effect of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was evaluated by MTT cytotoxicity assay, flow cytometry for apoptosis, and cellular uptake. The in vitro liver targeting was evaluated by measuring cellular uptake by laser confocal microscopy. The results demonstrated that the SNP-UDCA conjugate was successfully synthesized through an esterification reaction between SNP and UDCA. The preparation process of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was as follows: the feed ratio of SNP-UDCA to BF was 2∶1, the ultrasonic time was 30 minutes, and the stirring time was two hours. The prepared BF/SNP-UDCA NPs were spherical in shape, with a particle size of(252.74±6.05)nm, an encapsulation efficiency of 65.00%±2.51%, and a drug-loading capacity of 6.80%±0.44%. The XRD and DSC results indicated that BF was encapsulated within the NPs and existed in a molecular or amorphous state. The short-term stability of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs and stability in DMEM medium are good, and their in vitro release behavior followed the first-order equation and was pH-dependent according to the in vitro experiment. Compared with BF, BF/SNP-UDCA NPs at the same concentration showed significantly stronger cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects on HepG2 cells(P<0.05, P<0.01). The uptake of coumarin 6(C6)/SNP-UDCA NPs in HepG2 cells was time-dependent and higher than that in HeLa cells at the same concentration of C6/SNP-UDCA NPs. Moreover, after treatment with SNP, the uptake of C6/SNP-UDCA NPs in HepG2 cells decreased. In conclusion, the preparation process of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was simple and feasible. BF/SNP-UDCA NPs could enhance the targeting ability and inhibitory effect of BF on liver cancer cells. This study will provide a foundation for liver-targeting nanoformulations of BF.
Bufanolides/pharmacology* ; Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Humans ; Drug Carriers/chemistry* ; Ursodeoxycholic Acid/chemistry* ; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology* ; Polysaccharides/chemistry* ; Scrophularia/chemistry* ; Liver Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Hep G2 Cells

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic, idiopathic, and recurrent gastrointestinal disorder with an unclear etiology and uncertain pathogenesis. Traditional treatment strategies rely on frequent administration of high doses of medication to reduce inflammation, whereas these approaches have limitations and may induce potential complications. Therefore, finding more effective and safe therapeutic drugs and methods is particularly important. Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles(PDELNs) are nano-sized vesicles with a lipid bilayer structure that are secreted by plant cells. The bioactive molecules contained within, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, can serve as information carriers, playing a role in the transmission of information and substances between cells and across species. PDELNs can carry and transfer their own bioactive substances or act as carriers for delivering other active components or drugs. Due to the high biocompatibility, low toxicity, and significant bioactivity, PDELNs have garnered widespread attention. Compared with other exosomes, PDELNs are not destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract when taken orally and can reach the intestines. This unique property makes PDELNs a promising oral nanodrug for treating intestinal diseases, showing great potential in this area. This article reviews recent research literature on PDELNs regarding the physicochemical characteristics, extraction and purification methods, functions, application characteristics and mechanisms in the treatment of intestinal diseases, and use as a carrier for treating intestinal diseases, aiming to provide a reference for the use of PDELNs in the treatment of intestinal diseases.
Humans ; Exosomes/metabolism* ; Animals ; Intestinal Diseases/metabolism* ; Plants/metabolism* ; Drug Carriers/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Nanoparticles/chemistry*

During the decocting process of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), molecules spontaneously form self-assembled nanoparticles(SAN) through intermolecular non-covalent interactions. This process effectively addresses the low bioavailability of poorly soluble components, becoming a research hotspot. However, SAN formed in traditional decoctions often exhibit low Zeta potential, poor stability, and easy aggregation, which limit their clinical applications. According to the extensive studies of SAN in TCM decoctions, this paper proposes innovative strategies of utilizing techniques such as micro-precipitation and pH-driven methods to improve SAN. These strategies significantly enhance the uniformity and stability of SAN and effectively increase the transfer rate of poorly soluble components, overcoming the technical bottlenecks of low stability and drug delivery efficiency in TCM decoctions. This article reviews the origins, advantages, and limitations of traditional SAN, discusses the strategies for improving SAN construction and characterization, and delves into the scientific issues that need to be addressed in future research. The aim is to provide new directions for the development of modern TCM preparations.
Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Animals ; Drug Compounding/methods*

To enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the baicalin-berberine complex(BA-BBR) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC), BA-BBR nanocrystal microspheres(BA-BBR NC MS) were prepared using the dropping method. The microspheres were characterized in terms of morphology, particle size, differential scanning calorimetry(DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction(XRD). The release profiles of BA and BBR from the microspheres were measured, and the drug release mechanism was investigated. A rat model of UC was induced by 5% dextran sodium sulfate(DSS) and treated continuously for 7 days to evaluate the therapeutic effects of different formulations. The results showed that the prepared BA-BBR MS and BA-BBR NC MS were uniform gel spheres with particle sizes of(1.77±0.16) mm and(1.67±0.08) mm, respectively. After drying, the gels collapsed inward and exhibited a rough surface. During the preparation process, the BA-BBR nanocrystals(BA-BBR NC) were uniformly encapsulated within the microspheres. The release profiles of the microspheres followed a first-order kinetic model, and the 12-hour cumulative release of BA and BBR from BA-BBR NC MS was higher than that from BA-BBR MS. Compared with BA-BBR, BA-BBR NC, and BA-BBR MS, BA-BBR NC MS further alleviated UC symptoms in rats, most significantly reducing the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MPO, while increasing the level of IL-4 in colon tissues. These results indicate that BA-BBR NC MS, based on a "nano-in-micro" design, can deliver BA-BBR to the intestine and exert significant therapeutic effects in a UC rat model, suggesting it as a promising new strategy for the treatment of UC.
Animals ; Colitis, Ulcerative/metabolism* ; Rats ; Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Microspheres ; Male ; Berberine/administration & dosage* ; Flavonoids/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Humans ; Particle Size ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology* ; Drug Liberation ; Drug Compounding

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*

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