Bionanoparticles in cancer imaging, diagnosis, and treatment

Abstract

Biological molecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids can be assembled into naturally existing nanoparticles, such as bacterial viruses (also called bacteriophages or phages), plant viruses, nucleic acid nanoparticles (e.g., DNA origami), protein nanoparticles, and exosomes. These bionanoparticles have their own distinct properties (including compositions, structures, shapes, and functions), laying the foundation for their unique applications as probes for cancer imaging, as detectors for cancer diagnosis, or as therapeutics for cancer therapy. To highlight how the distinct properties of different bionanoparticles can be explored in cancer nanotheranostics, this review critically analyzed the use of bionanoparticles in cancer imaging, diagnosis, and treatment. Specifically, for each of these representative bionanoparticles, we describe its unique properties that render it powerful in cancer theranostics compared with synthetic inorganic nanoparticles. We also summarize how to genetically or chemically modify or redesign the bionanoparticles so that they gain new functions desired for cancer theranostics, such as tumor‐seeking or tumor‐destructive capabilities. Finally, we discussed the challenges in this exciting field. The bionanoparticles covered in this review represent different biomolecular assemblies with unique theranostic applications, showcasing the power of bionanoparticles in disease diagnosis and treatment.

Cell death mediated by nanotechnology via the cuproptosis pathway: a novel horizon for cancer therapy

“…Cancer is already the second most lethal disease after cardiovascular disease, and this grave situation has led to the search for effective control and intervention techniques. [50][51][52] Cuproptosis is a new form of PCD proposed in 2022 in which copper ions play an important role. 29 Since then, the cellular regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways involving cuproptosis have been investigated extensively, which propelled the movement toward cuproptosis inducers represented by copper-based nanomaterials for the eradication of malignant tumors.…”

A nomogram based on metabolic profiling to discriminate lung cancer among patients with lung nodules

“… 7 In recent years, metabolic fingerprints have been used as early diagnostic markers of tumors, including for lung adenocarcinoma, 27 colorectal cancer, 28 breast cancer, 29 and early-stage gastric cancer. 30 The emergence of advanced tools such as metal-organic framework hybrids, 28 mass spectrometry, 29 plasmonic alloys, 30 and bionanoparticles 31 have greatly accelerated the use of metabolic fingerprints. Various models for cancer management that use metabolic fingerprinting have also shown excellent diagnostic efficacy.…”

Targeting neddylation as a novel approach to lung cancer treatment (Review)

“…In addition to drugs targeting NEDD8, there are others that may block the neddylation process by knocking out its substrates. Biomolecules such as DNA, proteins and lipids may be assembled into nanoparticles that may be used to diagnose and treat tumors (128). For instance, polydopamine (PDA) may work to prepare PDA nanoparticles.…”