Current Pharmaceutical Design - Volume 25, Issue 37, 2019

Biological and synthetic nanostructures can influence both glia and neurons in the central nervous system. Neurons represent only a small proportion (about 10%) of cells in the brain, whereas glial cells are the most abundant cell type. Non-targeted nanomedicines are mainly internalized by glia, in particular microglia, and to a lesser extent by astrocytes. Internalized nanomedicines by glia indirectly modify the Read More

Combination of nanotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry and biotechnology provides the opportunity to design unique nanoparticles for tumor targeting, drug delivery, medical imaging and biosensing. Nanoparticles conjugated with biomolecules such as antibodies, peptides, vitamins and aptamer can resolve current challenges including low accumulation, internalization and retention at the target site in cancer diagnosis a Read More

The increasing production and use of nanoparticles (NP) have raised concerns regarding the potential toxicity to human and environmental health. In this review, we address the up to date information on nanotoxicity using fish as models. Firstly, we carried out a systematic literature search (articles published up to February 2019 in the Scopus database) in order to quantitatively assess the scientific research on nanoparticles, Read More

The solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) usually consists of active drug molecules along with solid lipids, surfactants, and/or co-surfactants. They possess some potential features such as nano-size, surface with a free functional group to attach ligands, and as well they prove safe homing for both lipophilic as well as hydrophilic molecules. As far as synthesis is concerned, SLNs can be prepared by employing various techniques viz., Read More

Nanoparticles have gained ground in several fields. However, it is important to consider their potentially hazardous effects on humans, flora, and fauna. Human exposure to nanomaterials can occur unintentionally in daily life or in industrial settings, and the continuous exposure of the biological components (cells, receptors, proteins, etc.) of the immune system to these particles can trigger an unwanted immune respo Read More

Background: Parasitic infections affecting the central nervous system (CNS) present high morbidity and mortality rates and affect millions of people worldwide. The most important parasites affecting the CNS are protozoans (Plasmodium sp., Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma brucei), cestodes (Taenia solium) and free-living amoebae (Acantamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris and Naegleria fowleri). Current therapeutic regim Read More

Background: The high surface-to-volume ratio of polymeric nanofibers makes them an effective vehicle for the release of bioactive molecules and compounds such as growth factors, drugs, herbal extracts and gene sequences. Synthetic polymers are commonly used as sensors, reinforcements and energy storage, whereas natural polymers are more prone to mimicking an extracellular matrix. Natural polymers Read More

The ever-growing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics and crop disease due to pest has triggered severe health concerns in recent years. Consequently, there is a need of powerful and protective materials for the eradication of diseases. Metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (M/MO NPs) are powerful agents due to their therapeutic effects in microbial infections. In this context, the present review article discusses the toxicity, f Read More

To date, control strategies used against insect pest species are based on synthetic insecticide applications. In addition, the efficacy of these treatments could be decreased due to insecticide resistance in insect populations. Also, the irrational use of chemical control strategies has negative consequences of non-target organisms and threatening human health. Designing nanomaterial for pest insect control is a pro Read More