Combination of Nanoparticles with Physical Stimuli toward Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Drug delivery systems represent an important strategy for cancer treatment. The targeted delivery of drugs is required for effective and safe cancer therapy. In cancer therapy, the target cells include cancer cells and immunocompetent cells such as antigen presenting cells. Anticancer drugs utilized include small molecular drugs, proteins and nucleic acid medicines. In order to deliver these drugs into the target cells, various nanoparticles have been developed. However, the efficacy of the nanoparticulate system itself is generally insufficient for the safe and effective treatment of cancer. For example, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified (PEGylated) nanoparticles accumulate in cancerous tissues; however, the PEG moiety on the surface of the nanoparticles disturbs cellular uptake, which is known as the 'PEG dilemma.' Thus, additional strategies such as receptor-mediated targeting are necessary to improve the delivery and cellular uptake of nanoparticles. Among additional strategies, in this review we have focused on the combination of nanoparticles with various physical stimuli, such as electric pulse and ultrasound, to improve the targeted delivery of the nanoparticles.

Characterization of transgene expression and pDNA distribution of the suctioned kidney in mice

“…We have previously demonstrated that pressure as a physical stimulus induces transient cellular membrane permeation and activation of nuclear factor (NF)-jB and activator protein 1 (AP-1) in vivo using the tissue pressure method (Mukai et al, 2010). Because temporary deformations of tissue by pressure and suction are considered to be similar (Shimizu et al, 2012;Fumoto & Kawakami, 2014), we hypothesized that the same phenomena would occur. However, there are few reports about the renal suction method.…”

Peptide-Based Cancer-Targeted DDS and Molecular Imaging

“…110,111) The pH-sensitive peptide GALA occurs as a random coil conformation at pH 7, whereas it converted to an amphipathic α-helix structure at pH 5. 112) This conformational change of GALA assisted the endosomal escape of PEGylated liposomes to the cytosol.…”

Evaluation of the targeted delivery of 5-fluorouracil and ascorbic acid into the brain with ultrasound-responsive nanobubbles

“…Recently, targeted delivery using an external stimuli-responsive drug delivery system (DDS) has attracted attention. Ultrasound is a type of external energy that is widely used for medical diagnostics, can be applied for clinical uses, and safely reaches the deeper tissues of the human body [1]. In the field of ultrasound-responsive DDS, the targeted delivery into the brain using bubble formulations and ultrasound irradiation has been reported to be successful because of disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) [2][3][4][5][6].…”