Lipogels responsive to near-infrared light for the triggered release of therapeutic agents

Hybrid Nanosystems for Biomedical Applications

“…Liposomes are frequently constructed from a combination of lipids for ζ-potential (surface charge) control, with cationic liposomes displaying enhanced cellular uptake but poor serum stability and neutral/anionic liposomes displaying poor uptake and varying serum stability . Cationic lipids like N -[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)­propyl]- N,N,N -trimethylammonium (DOTAP) can be combined with anionic lipids, cholesterol, or zwitterionic lipids to tune the liposome ζ-potential to 20–25 mV. , Furthermore, lipids are occasionally conjugated with hydrophilic polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or zwitterionic polymers to reduce in vivo clearance . Finally, lipids can be functionalized with targeting ligands to improve specific accumulation of liposomes in targeted environments …”

“…Hybrid nanosystems consistently take one of several forms. Hybridization of inorganic nanoparticles with lipids creates nanoparticle-functionalized liposomes boasting liposomal loading and delivery along with nanoparticle targeting, transfection, transport, and/or plasmonic properties (Figure A). ,− Similarly, cell membrane-encapsulated nanoparticles combine the properties of the inorganic core with serum stability and biospecific targeting (Figure B). Alternatively, metal nanoparticles can be bound to the surface of liposomes for stimulus-responsive release of encapsulated components (Figure C) .…”

“…Architectures for hybrid nanosystems. (A) Inorganic-liposome hybrid with nanoparticles incorporated within the liposome. ,− , (B) Cell membrane-coated nanoparticles. ,,, (C) Liposome with surface-associated nanoscale metals . (D) Functionalized polymer-coated metal nanoparticle .…”

“…117,119 For further reading, Dasari Shareena et al expound upon graphene-based nanomaterials in the biomedical field, 120 Astefanei et al provide (A) Inorganic-liposome hybrid with nanoparticles incorporated within the liposome. 125,[193][194][195]202 (B) Cell membrane-coated nanoparticles. 173,179,203,204 (C) Liposome with surface-associated nanoscale metals.…”

Toward continuous production of high-quality nanomaterials using microfluidics: nanoengineering the shape, structure and chemical composition

“…Scaling-up the production of inorganic NPs is challenging because the stages that govern nanocrystallization (nucleation and growth) are highly sensitive to experimental details such as the procedure to mix and inject reagents, stirring rate, heat management and variation of temperature. 36,37 For instance, the production of hollow gold NPs (HGNPs) for biomedical applications 38,39 by the wet-chemistry methodology constitutes an instructive example of the need for strict dimensional control. HGNPs have a SPR absorption in the near infrared region (NIR), the so-called NIR-biological transparent window, enabling their use in biomedical uses since NIR radiation can penetrate the body without causing harm and enhance their photothermal effect.…”