Synthetic-polymer-assisted antisense oligonucleotide delivery: targeted approaches for precision disease treatment

• Ana Cubillo Alvarez,
• Dylan Maguire and
• Ruairí P. Brannigan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 435–463, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.34

• . sLPD assemblies exhibited higher colloidal stability and cellular internalisation compared to free G3139 and non-stabilised counterparts. As a result, significantly higher inhibition of Bcl-2 proteins was observed in sLPD-treated groups, which led to induced apoptosis of KB cells and increased

• the antitumoral activity of Ku86 ASOs complexed with Pluronic (P85)–PEI (2 kDa) conjugates [123]. In vitro studies revealed a significant reduction in Ku86 protein levels and increased apoptosis rates following radiotherapy in cells treated with these cationic polyplexes. Moreover, experimental

• apoptosis rates in human cancer cell lines [134]. Klajnert and coworkers further explored the ability of Mal and Mal-III-modified PPI G4 dendrimers to protect anti-HIV ASOs from nucleolytic degradation under physiological conditions (Figure 9) [135]. Similarly, Maly et al. investigated the self-assembly

Graphene oxide–chloroquine conjugate induces DNA damage in A549 lung cancer cells through autophagy modulation

• Braham Dutt Arya,
• Sandeep Mittal,
• Prachi Joshi,
• Alok Kumar Pandey,
• Jaime E. Ramirez-Vick,
• Govind Gupta and
• Surinder P. Singh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 316–332, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.24

• replication genes and causes alterations in the cell cycle, mutagenesis, and elevated expression of genes that mediate DNA-damage control and apoptosis in cancer cells [55]. Therefore, to assess the effect of GO–Chl on the cell cycle process in A549 cells, we performed flow-cytometry-based cell cycle analysis

Radiosensitizing properties of dual-functionalized carbon nanostructures loaded with temozolomide

• Radmila Milenkovska,
• Nikola Geskovski,
• Dushko Shalabalija,
• Ljubica Mihailova,
• Petre Makreski,
• Dushko Lukarski,
• Igor Stojkovski,
• Maja Simonoska Crcarevska and
• Kristina Mladenovska

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 229–251, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.18

• antiproliferative, antimigratory, and antiangiogenic activities in gliomas due to their direct killing effect through inducing apoptosis and the capability to inhibit genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and to downregulate genes essential for cytoskeleton formation [9][10][11][12]. In addition, an effect on

• the ectopic (acentrosomal) microtubule nucleation was observed, with disassembly of the centrosome and a cytoskeletal reorganization that trigger the generation of ineffective biomechanical forces, which leads to migration defects, and ultimately to spindle-assembly checkpoint blockage and apoptosis

• apoptosis via activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-, caspase-, and mitochondrion-dependent pathways, such as p53-mPTP [13][17][18], and reduce the expression of voltage-dependent ion channel genes and extracellular receptors in glioma cells, damaging the cell membrane and changing its potential [19

Nanocarriers and macrophage interaction: from a potential hurdle to an alternative therapeutic strategy

• Naths Grazia Sukubo,
• Paolo Bigini and
• Annalisa Morelli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 97–118, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.10

• ADP/ATP translocase in the mitochondria, ultimately leading to KCs apoptosis. When encapsulated in liposome in combination with nintedanib, a triple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, there is also a reduction in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, which enhances the antifibrotic effects. This has been

• , induced M1 apoptosis, and facilitated M1 to M2 polarization. In murine models of collagen-induced arthritis, FA-AgNPs significantly reduced joint swelling, improved cartilage integrity, and outperformed standard treatments like methotrexate [67]. Stabilizing macrophage polarization for long-lasting

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles derived from algae and their larvicidal properties to control Aedes aegypti

• Matheus Alves Siqueira de Assunção,
• Douglas Dourado,
• Daiane Rodrigues dos Santos,
• Gabriel Bezerra Faierstein,
• Mara Elga Medeiros Braga,
• Severino Alves Junior,
• Rosângela Maria Rodrigues Barbosa,
• Herminio José Cipriano de Sousa and
• Fábio Rocha Formiga

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1566–1575, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.123

• lead to oxidation and degradation of enzymes and organelles in the intracellular space of cells, affecting cellular physiological processes, leading to large-scale apoptosis and, consequently, larval death. Vinoth, et al. [51] evaluated the larvicidal activity of AgNPs from S. polycystum seaweed

Polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles for phytochemical delivery: challenges, progress, and future prospects

• Iqra Rahat,
• Pooja Yadav,
• Aditi Singhal,
• Mohammad Fareed,
• Jaganathan Raja Purushothaman,
• Mohammed Aslam,
• Raju Balaji,
• Sonali Patil-Shinde and
• Md. Rizwanullah

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1473–1497, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.118

• against HCT-116 cells, in terms of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, was assessed using flow cytometry. Comparison with APN suspension showed significant improvements favoring APN-PLHNPs. Additionally, the anticancer mechanism was further explored by examining the gene expression of key signaling molecules

• potent antitumor activity. HCT exhibits significant therapeutic effects, primarily in oncology. It functions as a topoisomerase-I inhibitor, interfering with DNA replication and transcription in cancer cells, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis [123][124]. However, poor aqueous solubility

• [171]. EDN-PLHNPs revealed much higher cytotoxicity (>2 times higher) against MCF-7 cells by enhancing the cellular uptake of EDN and promoting the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. Besides

Nanotechnological approaches for efficient N2B delivery: from small-molecule drugs to biopharmaceuticals

• Selin Akpinar Adscheid,
• Akif E. Türeli,
• Nazende Günday-Türeli and
• Marc Schneider

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1400–1414, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.113

• neutralizing the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand on the surfaces of polymeric NPs and NLCs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The in vivo studies in a mouse model showed that polymeric NPs and NLCs reached the brain via N2B delivery. They also showed that the adsorption of the

Interaction of graphene oxide with tannic acid: computational modeling and toxicity mitigation in C. elegans

• Romana Petry,
• James M. de Almeida,
• Francine Côa,
• Felipe Crasto de Lima,
• Diego Stéfani T. Martinez and
• Adalberto Fazzio

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1297–1311, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.105

• to GO causes significant damage to intestinal microvilli cells . Furthermore, Dou et al. [53] showed that GO triggers cell autophagy as a protective response to the material. Apoptosis was observed in germline cells, indicating that GO can damage gonad development and reduce the reproduction rate of

AI-assisted models to predict chemotherapy drugs modified with C₆₀ fullerene derivatives

• Jonathan-Siu-Loong Robles-Hernández,
• Dora Iliana Medina,
• Katerin Aguirre-Hurtado,
• Marlene Bosquez,
• Roberto Salcedo and
• Alan Miralrio

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1170–1188, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.95

• enzyme topoisomerase II, leading to apoptosis of living tissues [71]; therefore, it is important to study its intrinsic chemical reactivity. At the B3PW91/6-31G level of DFT, it is possible to appreciate that the periphery of the doxorubicin molecule is saturated by organic substituents. Its oxy

Unveiling the potential of alginate-based nanomaterials in sensing technology and smart delivery applications

• Shakhzodjon Uzokboev,
• Khojimukhammad Akhmadbekov,
• Ra’no Nuritdinova,
• Salah M. Tawfik and
• Yong-Ill Lee

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1077–1104, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.88

• absorbed DOX-loaded UCNP-Al-NH-PEG-NH-FA by FR-mediated endocytosis, which resulted in intracellular pH-triggered DOX release and consequent apoptosis (Figure 3B) [19][47]. Chemically modified derivatives of alginate for DDS Sodium alginate has many carboxylate groups and can be used as a reactive polymer

Radiofrequency enhances drug release from responsive nanoflowers for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

• Yanyan Wen,
• Ningning Song,
• Yueyou Peng,
• Weiwei Wu,
• Qixiong Lin,
• Minjie Cui,
• Rongrong Li,
• Qiufeng Yu,
• Sixue Wu,
• Yongkang Liang,
• Wei Tian and
• Yanfeng Meng

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 569–579, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.49

• pursuit of enhanced therapeutic effects and reduced side effects [9]. Among these, curcumin (CUR), a natural plant-derived polyphenolic drug, has garnered considerable attention due to its potential in treating HCC [10][11][12][13]. Curcumin can promote HCC cell apoptosis by activating p38, a cancer

Exploring the relationships between physiochemical properties of nanoparticles and cell damage to combat cancer growth using simple periodic table-based descriptors

• Joyita Roy and
• Kunal Roy

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 297–309, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.27

• . To date, few studies have reported on the mechanism of apoptosis of cancerous cells after metal oxide treatment, which still remains unclear. Traditional approaches are very costly, time-consuming, involve a lot of resources and lead to ethical implications; also, they are inadequate in addressing

Curcumin-loaded albumin submicron particles with potential as a cancer therapy: an in vitro study

• Nittiya Suwannasom,
• Netsai Sriaksorn,
• Chutamas Thepmalee,
• Krissana Khoothiam,
• Ausanai Prapan,
• Hans Bäumler and
• Chonthida Thephinlap

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 1127–1140, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.93

• regulating the expression through a miRNA-mediated mechanism [4]. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that CUR induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Huh-7) by activating p38, leading to FasL-associated apoptosis [5]. However, the clinical application of CUR is restricted by

• ]. These findings indicate that the sensitivity to CUR and the CUR-loaded HSA-MPs depends on the cell type [41]. Previous studies have shown that CUR inhibits the growth by inducing apoptosis through p53-dependent Bax induction in MCF-7 breast cancer cells [45][46] or through p38-dependent up-regulation of

• very strong cytotoxic activity on MMNK-1 cells. Free CUR, however, showed higher cytotoxicity than CUR-HSA-MPs in MMNK-1 cells. In fact, CUR has a cytotoxic effect on normal cells, but tumor cells are more sensitive to it [47]. As demonstrated recently, CUR preferably induces apoptosis in highly

Overview of mechanism and consequences of endothelial leakiness caused by metal and polymeric nanoparticles

• Magdalena Lasak and
• Karol Ciepluch

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 329–338, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.28

• . observed that direct exposure of HUVECs to SiO2 NPs resulted in oxidative damage induced by ROS, generated by the action of NPs. After 24 h of NP exposure, an increase in cell necrosis and apoptosis was observed. Significant DNA damage and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M point also occurred after NP exposure

Recent progress in cancer cell membrane-based nanoparticles for biomedical applications

• Qixiong Lin,
• Yueyou Peng,
• Yanyan Wen,
• Xiaoqiong Li,
• Donglian Du,
• Weibin Dai,
• Wei Tian and
• Yanfeng Meng

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 262–279, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.24

• results showed that the tumor tissues exhibited a higher rate of apoptosis [77]. In summary, cancer cell membrane-mediated bionanotechnology shows promise for precisely targeted and individualized therapies. 4.2 Hyperthermia Hyperthermia is a cancer treatment method that can convert external energy (e.g

• ., ultrasound, light, radiofrequency, microwave, and magnetic field energy) into heat and increase the temperature in tumor tissues [93][94]. Cancer cells are more sensitive to heating than normal cells. As a result, apoptosis of cancer cells is greater than that of normal tissue when heated above 40 °C [79][95

• major organs [115]. miRNA365 has been confirmed to inhibit tumor cell development and promote tumor cell apoptosis in the colon and other tumors [116]. Zhang et al. achieved efficient gene transfection in tumor tissue by preparing homologous colon cancer membrane-coated biomimetic NPs [55]. These

Nanotechnology – a robust tool for fighting the challenges of drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer

• Filip Gorachinov,
• Fatima Mraiche,
• Diala Alhaj Moustafa,
• Ola Hishari,
• Yomna Ismail,
• Jensa Joseph,
• Maja Simonoska Crcarevska,
• Marija Glavas Dodov,
• Nikola Geskovski and
• Katerina Goracinova

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 240–261, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.23

• complexity of resistance and continuous cancer mutations. Co-delivery of TK inhibitors with anticancer drugs, immunotherapy, or gene-specific therapeutics to disrupt key resistance pathways, reactivate p53-mediated apoptosis, or inhibit cellular drug efflux are only a few examples of strategies used to fight

• induces apoptosis. The effect obtained by siRNA is not influenced by the receptor alteration status and significantly decreases the gene's oncogenic potential. Chen et al. compared the efficacy of TKIs in NSCLC cells harboring different mutations with combined therapy consisting of TKIs (gefitinib

• , erlotinib, and afatinib) and EGFR-specific siRNA. The authors noted that combined therapy with the potent irreversible EGFR/HER TKI afatinib and EGFR-specific siRNA resulted in enhanced growth inhibition and apoptosis due to the inhibitory effect of the EGFR-specific siRNA on the overall EGFR oncogenic

Antimicrobial and mechanical properties of functionalized textile by nanoarchitectured photoinduced Ag@polymer coating

• Jessica Plé,
• Marine Dabert,
• Helene Lecoq,
• Sophie Hellé,
• Lydie Ploux and
• Lavinia Balan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 95–109, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.11

• forward. In the present study, the antimicrobial activity of E. coli and C. albicans is only due to the action of silver ions released by AgNPs [20]. Ionic silver first perforates the cell wall, enters the microorganism and eventually induces cell apoptosis. Indeed, once inside the cell, silver interacts

In search of cytotoxic selectivity on cancer cells with biogenically synthesized Ag/AgCl nanoparticles

• Mitzi J. Ramírez-Hernández,
• Mario Valera-Zaragoza,
• Omar Viñas-Bravo,
• Ariana A. Huerta-Heredia,
• Miguel A. Peña-Rico,
• Erick A. Juarez-Arellano,
• David Paniagua-Vega,
• Eduardo Ramírez-Vargas and
• Saúl Sánchez-Valdes

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1505–1519, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.124

• compounds act as reducing agents, as well as to changes in the shape, size, and size distribution of the resulting Ag nanoparticles. Cytotoxic behavior It has been reported that several cytotoxic mechanisms of AgNPs can cause DNA, mitochondrial, and cell membrane damage as well as apoptosis [44]. Here, the

• . This result is consistent with Park et al. [45], who reported that the size of AgNPs is an important factor in cytotoxicity, inflammation, and genotoxicity. In this sense, AgNPs have been shown to induce cytotoxicity through apoptosis and necrosis in different cell lines [46]. Microscopic analysis

• (Figure 9) clearly shows that the morphological changes depend on the synthesis temperature and dosage of Ag/AgCl nanoparticles. The data show that the formation of apoptotic bodies (arrows) and the growth of cellular regions (black circles) are integral and characteristic of apoptosis. At high

Facile preparation of Au- and BODIPY-grafted lipid nanoparticles for synergized photothermal therapy

• Yuran Wang,
• Xudong Li,
• Haijun Chen and
• Yu Gao

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1432–1444, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.118

• heating above 43 °C could induce apoptosis in cancer cells [30]. AB-LNPs showed excellent photothermal effects and photothermal stability with a temperature increase beyond 58 °C (Figure 2). Both Au- and BDP-grafted on LNPs could absorb light and convert the light energy into heat to achieve synergized

Coordination-assembled myricetin nanoarchitectonics for sustainably scavenging free radicals

• Xiaoyan Ma,
• Haoning Gong,
• Kenji Ogino,
• Xuehai Yan and
• Ruirui Xing

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 284–291, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.23

• +, inhibits glutathione reductase activity, and regulates PI3K/Akt and MAPK signal pathways to avoid oxidative stress-induced apoptosis [20][35][36][37]. Also, GSH acts as an important antioxidant in the body owing to the –SH group, which can be reduced. GSH is a non-enzymatic antioxidant molecule, which is

Photothermal ablation of murine melanomas by Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle clusters

• Xue Wang,
• Lili Xuan and
• Ying Pan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 255–264, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.20

• ablated A375 melanoma cells by inducing overt apoptosis. Consistently, in vivo studies using BALB/c mice found that intratumoral administration of Fe3O4 NPCs and concomitant in situ exposure to near-infrared light significantly inhibited the growth of implanted tumor xenografts. Finally, we revealed, by

• during NIR irradiation NPCs caused overt apoptosis and necrosis in a dosage-dependent manner (Figure 3a). The strongest effect was observed for the sample with 0.25 mg/mL NPCs. NPCs alone, on the contrary, did not affect cell viability at low concentrations and only caused signs of mild cellular toxicity

• at high concentrations. Similarly, cells in the saline + NIR sample seemed as healthy as those in the saline control group. Consistent with these microscopy observations, flow cytometry analysis, which utilized Annexin V and propidium iodide to quantitate apoptosis and necrosis, showed that the

Engineered titania nanomaterials in advanced clinical applications

• Padmavati Sahare,
• Paulina Govea Alvarez,
• Juan Manual Sanchez Yanez,
• Gabriel Luna-Bárcenas,
• Samik Chakraborty,
• Sujay Paul and
• Miriam Estevez

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 201–218, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.15

• (Figure 5) by inducing apoptosis in a caspase-dependent manner. Cytotoxicity tests of TiO2 nps showed 95% cell viability, ensuring its broad application in biomedicine for cancer therapeutics. Moreover, TiO2 nps increases the DOX accumulation in tumor cells while limiting the harmful side effects caused

Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity in vitro of surface-functionalized drug-loaded spinel ferrite nanoparticles

• Sadaf Mushtaq,
• Khuram Shahzad,
• Tariq Saeed,
• Anwar Ul-Hamid,
• Bilal Haider Abbasi,
• Nafees Ahmad,
• Waqas Khalid,
• Muhammad Atif,
• Zulqurnain Ali and
• Rashda Abbasi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1339–1364, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.99

• . The nanoparticles caused cytotoxicity via oxidative stress, causing DNA damage and activation of p53-mediated cell cycle arrest (significantly elevated expression, p < 0.005, majorly G1 and G2/M arrest) and apoptosis. Cytotoxicity testing in 3D spheroids showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in

• %, indicating biocompatibility and higher tolerance of the drug-free particles. The drug-loaded NPs showed 1.6- to 12-fold stronger effects when compared to the NPs-PMA at the same doses. Functionalized MFe2O4 NPs cause apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner Fractions of live, dead, and apoptotic cells (HepG2 and

• by 1.4- to 2.5-fold (p < 0.05) at higher doses, with maximum apoptosis observed in ZFO+DOX (91.24 ± 5.43%). In case of MTX-loaded samples, approximately 40.51 ± 3.70 to 56.26 ± 5.34% of apoptotic cells (p < 0.05) were observed at a 5 µg/mL dose, with ZFO+MTX being the most cytotoxic. The apoptotic

Self-assembly of amino acids toward functional biomaterials

• Huan Ren,
• Lifang Wu,
• Lina Tan,
• Yanni Bao,
• Yuchen Ma,
• Yong Jin and
• Qianli Zou

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1140–1150, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.85

• photosensitization activity and photostability of phthalocyanine. Camptothecin can induce tumor apoptosis by inhibiting the activity of topoisomerase I [90]. However, camptothecin has some major limitations in therapeutic applications, such as poor water solubility and rapid lactone ring hydrolysis at physiological

Use of nanosystems to improve the anticancer effects of curcumin

• Andrea M. Araya-Sibaja,
• Norma J. Salazar-López,
• Krissia Wilhelm Romero,
• José R. Vega-Baudrit,
• J. Abraham Domínguez-Avila,
• Carlos A. Velázquez Contreras,
• Ramón E. Robles-Zepeda,
• Mirtha Navarro-Hoyos and
• Gustavo A. González-Aguilar

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1047–1062, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.78

• nanoemulsion (25 µM-7 µM) inhibited cell proliferation by 50% via cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis. In addition, a CUR nanoemulsion exerted a four-fold increase in caspase-3, in contrast to a six-fold increase exerted by co-administered CUR–PIP. Curcumin is also commonly co-loaded in

• the expulsion of the bioactive compound and, therefore, a rapid initial release [66]. Curcumin-loaded SLN were tested in vitro against MDA-MB-231 cells, which revealed a significantly higher cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and induced apoptosis, as compared to F-CUR [67]. Curcumin-based SLN have shown

• receptors), while the enhanced effect of permeation and retention was considered for passive targeting. Results showed improved in vitro cellular uptake, targeting capability, and cytotoxicity against the human colon cancer cell line HCT116, which was related to early apoptosis after 24 h of incubation. On