Skip to main content

REVIEW article

Front. Pharmacol., 25 October 2019
Sec. Translational Pharmacology
This article is part of the Research Topic Bioinspired Nanomaterials and Formulations as Therapeutic Intervention Against Cancer and Infectious Diseases View all 4 articles

Recent Trends of the Bio-Inspired Nanoparticles in Cancer Theranostics

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL, United States
  • 2Department of Formulation, Sealink Pharmaceuticals, Hyderabad, India
  • 3Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States

In recent years, various nanomaterials have emerged as an exciting tool in cancer theranostic applications due to their multifunctional property and intrinsic molecular property aiding effective diagnosis, imaging, and successful therapy. However, chemically synthesized nanoparticles have several issues related to the cost, toxicity and effectiveness. In this context, bio-inspired nanoparticles (NPs) held edges over conventionally synthesized nanoparticles due to their low cost, easy synthesis and low toxicity. In this present review article, a detailed overview of the cancer theranostics applications of various bio-inspired has been provided. This includes the recent examples of liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, protein nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and viral nanoparticles. Finally, challenges and the future scopes of these NPs in cancer therapy and diagnostics applications are highlighted.

Introduction

In recent years, prodigious progress of nanotechnology prompted researchers across the globe to ponder over the enormous possibilities of commissioning this for developing imaging and diagnostic-based medicine for cancer. Ergo, multimodal theranostics (therapy plus diagnostic) nanomedicine has emerged as a providential paradigm in cancer therapy (Lammers et al., 2011; Kelkar and Reineke, 2011; Muthuraj et al., 2015; Muthuraj et al., 2016; Chowdhury et al., 2017). It entails the benefits of both worlds: highly efficacious nanocarriers to ferry cargo while loading them onto both imaging and therapeutic agents. This buoyant proposition kindled legions of newly generated nanoparticles added in the tapestry of nanotechnology, having dual capacity of therapeutic delivery and diagnosis, which, in turn, hastened the preponderance of personalized medicine. It turns out that four crucial aspects exist to take into account while designing an efficient theranostic based nano-platform: i) Selecting an effective therapeutic agent, ii) to opt a stable carrier; iii) to implement a targeting and sustainable drug release approach; iv) to cautiously select an imaging agent (Mukherjee et al., 2014; Muthuraj et al., 2016; Chi et al., 2017; Chowdhury et al., 2017; Cong et al., 2018).

Nanocarriers, normatively being within the size range of 1 to 100 nm, have majorly been employed in biomedical applications (Meka et al., 2019; Mukherjee et al., 2019a). Among a phenomenally diverse range of nano-systems with their divergent synthetic routes, bio-inspired methods are appraised to be superior to chemical methods as the latter involves consumption of noxious materials resulting in abysmal consequences (Lin et al., 2012; Duan et al., 2015). Bio-nanoparticles, thus, have become part of the zeitgeist owing to their congenial physico-chemical properties. The most promising members in the cauldron are: viral NPs, protein NPs, apoferritn, aptamers, solid-lipid NPs, etc (Sivarajakumar et al., 2018; Mukherjee et al., 2019a). Nonetheless, biosynthesized multifunctional nanoparticles with noble metal centers encapsulating therapeutic and imaging agents were shown to possess theranostic activities against cancer (Duan et al., 2015; Ovais et al., 2018; Ma et al., 2018; Vemuri et al., 2019). In general, bioinspired theranostic agents can be generated, as it were, via the following strategies: i) screening of plant extracts for the synthesis of nanoparticles; ii) standardization of various physicochemical parameters for biosynthesis; iii) addition of therapeutic and imaging agents; iv) characterization of nanocarriers using analytical methods (Duan et al., 2015).

In this review, we will summarize the recent advancements in synthesis and bio-activity evaluation of an array of bio-inspired nanoparticles to circumvent the challenges of the conventional cancer therapy, contemporary clinical status and future directions.

Cancer, Global Statistics, Conventional Therapy, Challenges, Alternative Approaches

Cancer remains the second leading threat to human survival in the world and was responsible for an anticipated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Around one in six deaths worldwide is due to cancer. It turns out that ∼70% of deaths from cancer happen in low- and middle-income countries. It also turns out that five major lifestyle and food habit related issues are responsible for one third of deaths from cancer: i) use of tobacco, ii) high body mass index, iii) low fruit and vegetable intake, iv) lack of physical activity, and v) alcohol use. Among these, tobacco use has been proven to be most detrimental for cancer occurrence and causes ∼22% of cancer deaths. Viral infections, leading to cancer, are also accountable for egregious demise (∼25%) of human population in poverty-stricken countries. (Ferlay et al., 2015; Bray et al., 2018; Collaborators, 2018).

Conventional cancer therapy includes surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, among which chemotherapy, individual and combinatorial, has remained the foremost modality for the treatment of cancer for the last several decades (Devita, 1978; Hanna and Einhorn, 2014). Afterwards, an enhanced understanding of cancer biology has engendered a new era of targeted cancer treatment by utilizing few inimitable properties of cancerous cells (Hanahan and Weinberg, 2011). In addition, tumor specific antigens (TSA) and tumor associated antigens (TAA) expressed by cancer cells have been consigned as targets for monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based therapy (Vigneron et al., 2013). Antibody-drug-conjugates (ADC) have also paved their way from bench-side to bed-side in a majestic way (Mukherjee et al., 2019b).

Despite these substantial progresses, each strategy suffers from some intrinsic limitations and thus scientists and researchers have shifted their focal point on the development of the nanoparticulate therapeutic systems, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-polymer hybrids, metal nanoparticles, bio-nanoparticles, etc. The ability of nanosystems to specifically accumulate in tumor cells, i.e. EPR (enhanced permeability and retention) effect, is largely attributed to their small size and the leaky tumor vascularization. Furthermore, while carrying the freight of therapeutics onto them, these NPs can be reoriented as well as redirected in multiple ways (Mukherjee and Patra, 2016; Yue and Dai, 2018; Mukherjee et al., 2019c). Needless to say, bio-inspired nanoparticles have attracted an ample amount of research interest in last few years. In the following sections, we shall recapitulate the landmark progresses in their application as theranostics in cancer therapy.

Nanomedicine in Cancer Theranostics

Nanotechnology is one of the most rapidly growing fields in biomedical science, which has been smartly used to unravel various biological challenges (Mukherjee and Patra, 2016; Yue and Dai, 2018; Mukherjee et al., 2019c). Recently, nanotechnology has been vastly utilized for the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, bacterial infections, neuro-disease, etc. Owing to various above mentioned limitations in the conventional therapeutic strategies, different research groups have focused on developing nanoscale agents, including liposomal nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, viral nanoparticles, protein nanoparticles and lipid nanoparticles (Mukherjee and Patra, 2016; Yue and Dai, 2018; Mukherjee et al., 2019c) (Figure 1). It is important to mention that nanoparticles have considerably improved the diagnostics and therapeutics of various cancers due to small size, ease of functionalization, enhanced drug loading (due to large surface to volume ratio), effortless penetration abilities, and improved retention inside target tissue. Apart from that, excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, multifunctional applications including bio-imaging, bio-sensing, diagnostics and therapeutics, has increased the potential use of these nanomaterials for various biomedical applications. Here, we are summarizing several proof-of-concept applications of nanosystems, which are currently FDA approved or under clinical trials tabulated in Table 1. Although, currently the number of nanotheranostics agents in clinical trial is less, we believe that it will expand at a rapid rate very soon after watching their brisk progress.

FIGURE 1
www.frontiersin.org

Figure 1 Nanotheranostics: polymeric, lipid-based and metallic nanomaterials for cancer theranostics.

TABLE 1
www.frontiersin.org

Table 1 Nanotheranostic systems in a clinical stage of development.

Bio-Inspired Nanomaterials in Cancer Theranostics

In recent times, bio-inspired nanoparticles mimicking natural components in the body have gained immense attention due to their ability to serve as alternative biocompatible drug delivery systems in cancer theranostics (Ngandeu Neubi et al., 2018). The foremost advantage of these nanoparticles lies in the basic changes in systemic bio-distribution that non-native drug delivery systems don’t show. This present review will try to provide an inclusive understanding about different types of bio-inspired nanomaterials including liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, bio-synthesized metal nanoparticles, viral nanoparticles, protein nanoparticles, etc., towards cancertheranostics applications (Mukherjee et al., 2014; Evangelopoulos and Tasciotti, 2017; Ngandeu Neubi et al., 2018; Ovais et al., 2018; Zhang et al., 2018).

Liposomes in Cancer Theranostics

Among the manifold lipid-based nano-arsenals available today, liposomes are definitely the most well recognized and versatile one due to their unique properties. They consist of unilamellar lipid bilayers that cocoon an aqueous core and offer numerous advantages, namely biocompatibility, biodegradability, ease of synthesis, sustained release of the therapeutics, low toxicity, and the ability to incorporate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic chemotherapeutic compounds. Their surfaces can also be modified for use in targeted cancer therapy (Silva et al., 2019). Due to several advantages a number of liposomal drugs are presently clinically approved and/or under clinical trials (Deshpande et al., 2013; Bozzuto and Molinari, 2015; Pattni et al., 2015; Lamichhane et al., 2018). Besides their ability to carry an array of small as well as large molecules, they have also been explored to deliver a myriad of diagnostic agents, including 64Cu (Petersen et al., 2012) & 14C isotopes (Al-Jamal et al., 2009), quantum dots (QDs) (Wang and Chao, 2018), gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents (Lamichhane et al., 2018), SPIONs (Martínez-González et al., 2016), and fluorescent probes (Portnoy et al., 2015; Shen et al., 2017; Lamichhane et al., 2018; Xing et al., 2018). Taken together, the potential of liposomes as a theranostic device in cancer is likely to be translated into clinical practice shortly.

Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) in Cancer Theranostics

LNPs, owing to their biocompatibility and ease of scalability, remain one of the most lucrative platforms for cancer theranostics (Tang et al., 2018). For instance, Cyanine fluorescent dyes showed a capacity to convert light energy to heat energy upon NIR irradiation, which were used for both imaging and thermal ablation of tumor cells (Yi et al., 2014; Feng et al., 2016; Weber et al., 2016; Feng et al., 2017). Both the anticancer drug and imaging probe loaded LNPs also being established for treating solid tumors. DiR dyes exhibit elongated absorption wavelength, which results in condensed auto-fluorescence and enhanced tissue penetration for superior antitumor activity (Pansare et al., 2012). In another study, porphyrin loaded -LNPs were fabricated using apoE3 as a targeting ligand which displayed encouraging therapeutic efficacy in glioblastoma (Rajora et al., 2017). Importantly, Lin et al. developed a targeted LNPs co-loaded with NIR dye and siRNA which demonstrated highly sensitive NIR imaging, non-invasive and real-time monitoring of drug delivery and its response in an orthotopic prostate tumor model (Lin et al., 2014). Below are few sub-categories LNPs with their respective applications in cancer theranostics: (Lin et al., 2014; Feng et al., 2017; Hameed et al., 2018; Hua et al., 2018; Kang et al., 2018; Mendes et al., 2018; Tahmasbi Rad et al., 2019).

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs)

SLNs are low-toxic spherical colloidal nanocarriers with average size ranging between 50 to 100 nm. Comprising of a solid lipid core (made up of fatty acids, triglycerides, etc.) alleviated by an interfacial surfactant layer, these particles were explored for use in cancer theranostics (Mehnert and Mäder, 2001; Souto et al., 2007; Mussi and Torchilin, 2013; Lopes et al., 2014). For example, Kuang and coworkers developed IR-780 iodide loaded tumor vasculature targeted SLNs to monitor PTT by imaging, which was selectively accumulated at glioblastoma tissue (Kuang et al., 2017). For interested readers, few articles are presented to cover the broad spectrum of SLNs and their use in cancer (Videira et al., 2002; Videira et al., 2006; Videira et al., 2012).

Nano-Structured Lipid

NLCs are composed of a mixture of liquid and solid lipids. The lipid matrix of NLCs can range from a defective crystalline to an amorphous structure, allowing high drug loading and sustained drug release properties when compared with other counterparts (Videira et al., 2002; Wissing et al., 2004; Videira et al., 2006; Videira et al., 2012). In 2017, Li et al. succeeded in developing a simple and multifunctional nanosystem of NIR dye loaded CXCR4-targeted NLCs. The nanosystem was able to impede tumor progression and prevent metastasis (Li et al., 2017). In another study, paclitaxel and quantum dots (QDs) dual-loaded NLCs were prepared which detected tumor by imaging and improved antitumor activity in murine tumor model of hepatocellular carcinoma (Olerile et al., 2017). Scientists envisage its clinical translation in coming years.

Lipid Nanocapsules (LNCs)

LNC, a next-generation biomimetic nano-system assuming a structure in between liposomes and polymeric NPs, can be prepared following phase inversion of emulsions and organic solvent-free based procedures (Huynh et al., 2009). Balzeau and team developed paclitaxel and DiD co-encapsulated LNCs containing NFL-TBS.40-63 peptide as targeting ligand for treating glioblastoma. These targeted LNCs preferentially accumulated by glioblastoma cells in mice (Balzeau et al., 2013). In other studies, LNCs were used for gene delivery like long-circulating DNA, so-called DNA-LNCs or plasmid DNA (Morille et al., 2010; David et al., 2013). Researchers hold an optimistic outlook for this platform as well.

Lipid-Based Micelles

Lipid-based micelles are spherical form of lipid molecules, which arranged themselves in aqueous solutions. These particles are promising nano-carriers for delivering anti-cancer agents, especially for water-insoluble chemotherapeutic drugs. Ma and his coworkers fabricated a lipid-based micelle and loaded docetaxel onto it (M-DOC), which exhibited superior therapeutic efficacy with low systemic toxicity in xenograft breast cancer model (Ma et al., 2012). They can also be exploited for cancer theranostics in future.

Protein-Based Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics

Protein-based NPs have invoked high hopes in scientific minds for their natural availability and camaraderie with physiology. Following clinical approval of Abraxane (albumin-bound paclitaxel) by FDA, albumin has been considered as a potential carrier for delivering imaging/anticancer agents to tumor microenvironments (Rosenberg et al., 1990; Takakura et al., 1990; Lohcharoenkal et al., 2014). Abraxane allowed higher dosing than regular paclitaxel (Taxol) and patients showed a superior response rate augmenting progression-free survival with minimal toxicity (Gradishar, 2006; Miele et al., 2009). Albumin eventually has become a versatile delivery platform for low water soluble drugs like rapamycin (solubility in water is ∼2.5 mg·ml−1) (Gonzalez-Angulo et al., 2013). Albumin-bound rapamycin (ABI-009) underwent clinical trial for the treatment of non-hematologic malignancies. Numerous albumin-based NPs are presently in clinical trials (Gradishar et al., 2005; Gradishar, 2006; Ana et al., 2016; An and Zhang, 2017).

Among other promising candidates, Human serum albumin (HSA) caps all since human liver provides a bountiful of the same (35 to 50 mg/ml). HSA has been explored as a natural transporter of inorganic/organic oxides, super-paramagnetic iron-oxide, IR825, IR780 and chlorin e6 (Ce6) for effective theranostics construction (Gou et al., 2018). Recent time has witnessed an emergence of a pull of NIR probes like indocyanine green (ICG), IR825 and IR780 for cancer theranostics as they have relatively deep tissue penetration capability and minimal auto-fluorescence interfering. Importantly, as mentioned in a current report, IR825 and Gadolinium (Gd) were enveloped in HSA to yield HAS-Gd-IR825 complexes (Figure 2A) for dual imaging-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) to inhibit lymphatic metastasis after surgery (Chen et al., 2014).

FIGURE 2
www.frontiersin.org

Figure 2 Schematic illustration of various HAS based nanoparticles. (A) HAS-Gd-IR825 (Chen et al., 2014), (B) P@-Gem-HSA (Yu et al., 2017), and (C) HSA/dc-IR825/GA complex (Gao et al., 2019).

In another study, multifunctional nanoparticles were developed using gemcitabine and pheophorbide-a (P@) loaded human serum albumin (HSA) (P@-Gem-HSA, Figure 2B) for treatment of lymphatic metastases of PDAC (Yu et al., 2017). Most recently in 2019, Gao et al. established HSA NPs containing both heat shock protein (HSP90) inhibitor (gambogic acid, GA) and an imaging and photothermal agent (dc‐IR825) (Figure 2C) (Gao et al., 2019). These nano-formulations (HSA/dc‐IR825/GA) performed well in diagnosis and PTT mediated tumor growth inhibition. To date, several other protein-based NPs including ferritin, gelatin, Elastin, Gliadin, Legumin, transferring, Soy Proteins, Silk, Zein and milk proteins were developed and their efficacies in various preclinical models were evaluated. Articles summarizing their elaborate descriptions are being provided for interested readers (Podaralla and Perumal, 2010; Huang et al., 2014; Lohcharoenkal et al., 2014; Muthu et al., 2015; Yan et al., 2015; Liu et al., 2016; Tran et al., 2017; Wang et al., 2017a; Gou et al., 2018).

Apoferritin is a vacant protein nanocage made of self-assembling 24 polypeptide units without the iron core. Interestingly, apoferritin endures a process of assembly and disassembly by the change in pH, which has been majorly utilized towards the synthesis of different nanoparticles in cancer theranostics (Li et al., 2012; Zhao et al., 2016; Dostalova et al., 2017; Wang et al., 2017b). Luo et al., reported the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA)-conjugated apoferritin nanocages for pH-responsive controlled delivery of daunomycin (DN), encapsulated into the core of apoferritin (Luo et al., 2015). The apoferritin was conjugated to HA that has been used for the selective targeting and killing the cancer cells upon binding to the CD44 receptor. Another recent report by Li et al. showed the diagnosis of lung cancer using MR and fluorescence imaging of a multifunctional apoferritin nanostructure (Li et al., 2012). The authors developed a multifunctional hybrid nanostructure of ferritin that demonstrated a strong green fluorescence. Moreover, the presence of ferrimagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles into the hollow ferritin cavity was critical for the MR imaging of αvβ3 integrin upregulated cancer cells. Liang et al, utilized a biocompatible H-ferritin (HFn) nanocarrier for the targeted delivery of doxorubicin (Dox) to cancerous cells causing significant inhibition of tumor growth with a single-dose treatment in various subcutaneous murine cancer models (HT-29, A375, or MDA-MB-231) (Liang et al., 2014).

Viral Nanoparticles in Cancer Theranostics

Viruses, the most resilient parasites, are largely explored in delivering therapeutics for their natural availability and prodigality of reproduction which, in turn, aid in scalability (Resch-Genger et al., 2008; Steinmetz, 2010; Yildiz et al., 2011; Czapar and Steinmetz, 2017). Virus-like particles (VLPs), a sub-category of VNPs, manifest innocuous demeanor due to a deficit in genomic nucleic acid (Plummer and Manchester, 2011; Yildiz et al., 2011). VNPs can be re-engineered with the targeted ligand, imaging reagents, and chemotherapeutic drugs (Au - Wen et al., 2012). For example, fluorescent CPMV sensors allowed for the visualization of the flow of blood and vasculature in living chick-embryos up to 500 μm depths, which has been further utilized in tumor angiogenesis imaging (Lewis et al., 2006; Suci et al., 2007). Importantly, Rosenberg and fellow-workers, back in 1990, conducted a retroviral gene therapy clinical trial with patients who already had reached an advanced stage of melanoma (Rosenberg et al., 1990). Recently, VNPs are also recognized as components for non-invasive imaging applications, namely, PET and MRI (Datta et al., 2008; Shukla and Steinmetz, 2015). For instance, 18F-fluoride and iron oxide particles were loaded into packets resulting from Hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ) and accomplished high signal-to-noise imaging resolution in PET (Flexman et al., 2008). Later, several clinical trials were performed based on VLPs, and some were used in the clinical ready. Taken together, VNPs and VLPs provide the foundation for a various range of biomedical applications, including disease prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy.

Inorganic Nanoparticles in Cancer

Inorganic nanoparticles including gold, silver, silica, rare earth oxides, iron oxides, and zinc oxide have been extensively used for several biomedical applications including cancer theranostics, bio-sensing, bio-imaging, drug and nucleic acid delivery due to their unusual physico-chemical properties (Patra et al., 2014; Lim et al., 2015; Gao et al., 2017; Gaddam et al., 2017; Silva et al., 2019; Mukherjee et al., 2019a). Recently, bio-synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles using green chemistry approach have gained immense attention due to many advantages over conventional chemical synthesis methods including (i) simple, fast and inexpensive method, (ii) eco-friendly approach due to avoidance of toxic chemicals, (iii) easy availability of large pool of bio-reducing agents including algae, plants, bacteria etc, (iv) use of commonly tolerable solvent i.e. water. Consequently, bio-synthesized inorganic NPs were utilized for several biomedical applications including cancer theranostics. Many research groups including ours demonstrated cancer theranostics application of biosynthesized metal nanoparticles including gold (AuNPs) and silver (AgNPs) nanoparticles.

Bio-synthesized AuNPs and AgNPs showed potential application in the delivery of anti-cancer drugs in vitro and in vivo (Patra et al., 2015; Mukherjee et al., 2016). Mukherjee et al. demonstrated the delivery of doxorubicin (Dox) using b-AuNPs synthesized using the aqueous leaf extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum, the ‘yellow flame tree’ towards in vitro and in vivo murine melanoma tumor model. Importantly, these b-AuNPs showed excellent biocompatibility when the C57BL6/J mice were treated with b-AuNPs compared to the mice treated with chemically synthesized AuNPs after seven consecutive intraperitoneal injections of 10 mg/kg/b.w. of dose (Mukherjee et al., 2016). Moreover, the b-AuNPs conjugated Dox treatment caused a significant reduction of melanoma tumor growth in mice compared to pristine Dox. In another published report by Ganeshkumar et al. the anti-cancer drug 5-fluorouracil was delivered using folic acid conjugated b-AuNPs (synthesized using the fruit peel extract of Punica granatum) in breast cancer cells in a targeted manner (Ganeshkumar et al., 2013).

These b-NPs were utilized as anti-cancer agents due to the presence of therapeutically active phytochemicals (flavonoids, taxol, polyphenols and isoflavons) in the bioresources that attaches over the nano-surface through the biosynthesis process. Therefore, b-NPs display a distinctive advantage over chemically synthesized NPs. Mukherjee et al, showed the 4-in-1 theranostics applications (anticancer, biocompatible, antibacterial, and cell imaging) of bio-synthesized silver nanoparticles using methanolic extract of Olax scandens leaves (Mukherjee et al., 2014) (Figure 3). Mukherjee et al, demonstrated the anticancer activity of b-AuNPs prepared using the leaf extract of Lantana montevidensis (Mukherjee et al., 2015). Moreover, the leaf extract of Lantana montevidensis has several anti-cancer phytochemicals including apigenin, cirsilineol, hispidulin, eupatorine, β-caryophyllene and eupafolin responsible for their therapeutic efficacy. Fazal et al. reported photothermal ablation activities of anisotropic b-AuNPs synthesized using seeds extract of Theobroma cacao [cocoa] towards in vitro epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells upon laser exposure (Fazal et al., 2014) (Figure 4).

FIGURE 3
www.frontiersin.org

Figure 3 Over all presentation for synthesis, characterization and biomedical applications (diagnostic, anticancer antibacterial applications) of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (b-AgNPs) using Olax Scandens leaf extract. Reprinted with permission from (Mukherjee et al., 2014).

FIGURE 4
www.frontiersin.org

Figure 4 Live/dead staining of A431 cells after 800 nm laser irradiation for 10 min at power = 36 mW. Nanoparticle concentration in panels (AC) and (D) are 200, 100, 50, and 0 μg/ml respectively. Decreasing amounts of red fluorescence is obtained with lower concentration of nanoparticles which indicates the photothermal activity of the nanoparticles in cell killing. (E) Live/dead staining of A431 cells treated with 100 μg/ml nanoparticle concentration without laser treatment. Reprinted with permission from (Fazal et al., 2014). Copyright @ American Chemical Society.

In another published report by Wang et al. the authors exhibited the fluorescence based bio-imaging of in situ b-AuNPs for the detection of tumors (Wang et al., 2013). Human leukemia cells (K562) and human hepatocarcinoma cells (HepG2) were incubated with chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) that showed green fluorescence whereas non-cancerous L02 (human embryo liver cell strand) cells didn’t show any fluorescence after incubation with HAuCl4 indicating the specificity of b-AuNPs synthesis to cancerous cells. The authors further showed the in vivo bio-imaging application towards in vivo xenograft tumor model of HepG2 or K562 cancer cells in BALB/c mice followed by subcutaneous injection of HAuCl4 solution (10 mmol/L). The in vivo fluorescence demonstrated bright fluorescence around the tumor even after 72 h of HAuCl4 injection indicating the constant fluorescence of in vivo bio-synthesized b-AuNPs, which can be utilized for the diagnosis of tumor.

Future Perspective and Conclusive Remarks

The nanomaterials and their application in cancer theranostics has been moving ahead over the last several years but many challenges restrain its clinical translation. One of the toughest challenges in the nano-theranostic field is to have multiple functionalities planted into a single NP making the system complicated. The adversity is reflected during the process of industrial scale up production and future clinical translation. Scientists and engineers in the field need to act upon this. Successful application of cancer theranostics nanomedicine depends on choosing the appropriate imaging and contrast modalities for the exact clinical circumstance. Hence, an interdisciplinary approach should be firmly followed in order to facilitate the use of the nanomaterials towards cancer theranostics. Firstly, the regulatory agencies should modernize the guidelines for these nano-theranostic platforms in order to assist for the assessment of efficacy, safety and, speeding up their clinical translation. Next, for those who research and develop these nanoplatform agents, it might be challenging to simultaneously optimize dose levels and administration frequencies using a single delivery platform. Drug encapsulation optimization, ligand conjugation efficiency, and high reproducibility with low cost biomaterials are important for future clinical application of nano-theranostics. Mechanistic investigations of the interaction of the NPs with proteins, lipids and immune system and their subsequent clearance from the human body should be pursued in detail. Moreover, considerable in vivo assessment is of significance and highly required. Finally, further development of novel nano-theranostics agents is required to allow high-resolution imaging and to mitigate the background of common techniques including the fluorescence and other limitations of photo-bleaching. In conclusion, with many encouraging evidences sprouted in recent years where new drug delivery and imaging technologies are developed, there is a positive outlook for bio-inspired nano-theranostics and its clinical translation could be realized in the near future to transfigure cancer therapy.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization: AM and SM. Writing—Original Draft Preparation: AM, VM, and SM. Writing—Review and Editing: AM, VM, and SM. Funding Acquisition: SM.

Funding

This research received no external funding. The APC was partially funded by Fondren Library, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.

Conflict of Interest

Anubhab Mukherjee was employed by Sealink Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd.

The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The authors have no other pertinent affiliations or financial connection with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Acknowledgments

SM acknowledges Fondren Library, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States for partial financial support for the APC of this work. He also acknowledges Omid Veiseh (supervisor/mentor) for providing continuous support for his postdoctoral research.

References

Al-Jamal, W. T., Al-Jamal, K. T., Tian, B., Cakebread, A., Halket, J. M., Kostarelos, K. (2009). Tumor Targeting of Functionalized Quantum Dot–Liposome Hybrids by Intravenous Administration. Mol. Pharmaceut. 6, 520–530. doi: 10.1021/mp800187d

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

An, F.-F., Zhang, X.-H. (2017). Strategies for Preparing Albumin-based Nanoparticles for Multifunctional Bioimaging and Drug Delivery. Theranostics 7, 3667–3689. doi: 10.7150/thno.19365

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ana, L., Nuno, G. A., Andreia, C. G., Artur, C.-P. (2016). Albumin-Based Nanodevices as Drug Carriers. Curr. Pharm. Des. 22, 1371–1390. doi: 10.2174/1381612822666160125114900

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Au - Wen, A. M., Au - Lee, K. L., Au - Yildiz, I., Au - Bruckman, M. A., Au - Shukla, S., Au - Steinmetz, N. F. (2012). Viral Nanoparticles for In vivo Tumor Imaging. JoVE, e4352. doi: 10.3791/4352

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Balzeau, J., Pinier, M., Berges, R., Saulnier, P., Benoit, J.-P., Eyer, J. (2013). The effect of functionalizing lipid nanocapsules with NFL-TBS.40-63 peptide on their uptake by glioblastoma cells. Biomaterials 34, 3381–3389. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.01.068

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bozzuto, G., Molinari, A. (2015). Liposomes as nanomedical devices. Int. J. Nanomed. 10, 975–999. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S68861

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bray, F., Ferlay, J., Soerjomataram, I., Siegel, R. L., Torre, L. A., Jemal, A. (2018). Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J. Clin. 68, 394–424. doi: 10.3322/caac.21492

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chen, Q., Liang, C., Wang, X., He, J., Li, Y., Liu, Z. (2014). An albumin-based theranostic nano-agent for dual-modal imaging guided photothermal therapy to inhibit lymphatic metastasis of cancer post surgery. Biomaterials 35, 9355–9362. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.07.062

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chi, Y. H., Hsiao, J. K., Lin, M. H., Chang, C., Lan, C. H., Wu, H. C. (2017). Lung Cancer-Targeting Peptides with Multi-subtype Indication for Combinational Drug Delivery and Molecular Imaging. Theranostics 7, 1612–1632. doi: 10.7150/thno.17573

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chowdhury, S. R., Mukherjee, S., Das, S., Patra, C. R., Iyer, P. K. (2017). Multifunctional (3-in-1) cancer theranostics applications of hydroxyquinoline-appended polyfluorene nanoparticles. Chem. Sci. 8, 7566–7575. doi: 10.1039/C7SC03321D

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Collaborators, G. B. D. R. F. (2018). Global, regional, and national comparative risk assessment of 84 behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks or clusters of risks for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. (London, England), Lancet 392, 1923–1994. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32225-6

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Cong, Y., Xiao, H., Xiong, H., Wang, Z., Ding, J., Li, C., et al. (2018). Dual Drug Backboned Shattering Polymeric Theranostic Nanomedicine for Synergistic Eradication of Patient-Derived Lung Cancer. Adv. Mater. 30, 1706220. doi: 10.1002/adma.201706220

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Czapar, A. E., Steinmetz, N. F. (2017). Plant viruses and bacteriophages for drug delivery in medicine and biotechnology. Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol. 38, 108–116. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.03.013

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Datta, A., Hooker, J. M., Botta, M., Francis, M. B., Aime, S., Raymond, K. N. (2008). High Relaxivity Gadolinium Hydroxypyridonate–Viral Capsid Conjugates: Nanosized MRI Contrast Agents1. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 130, 2546–2552. doi: 10.1021/ja0765363

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

David, S., Passirani, C., Carmoy, N., Morille, M., Mevel, M., Chatin, B., et al. (2013). DNA nanocarriers for systemic administration: characterization and in vivo bioimaging in healthy mice. Mol. Ther. Nucleic Acids 2, e64. doi: 10.1038/mtna.2012.56

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Deshpande, P. P., Biswas, S., Torchilin, V. P. (2013). Current trends in the use of liposomes for tumor targeting. Nanomedicine (London, England) 8, 1509–1528. doi: 10.2217/nnm.13.118

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Devita, V. T., Jr. (1978). The evolution of therapeutic research in cancer. N. Engl. J. Med. 298, 907–910. doi: 10.1056/NEJM197804202981610

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Dostalova, S., Vasickova, K., Hynek, D., Krizkova, S., Richtera, L., Vaculovicova, M., et al. (2017). Apoferritin as an ubiquitous nanocarrier with excellent shelf life. Int. J. Nanomed. 12, 2265–2278. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S130267

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Duan, H., Wang, D., Li, Y. (2015). Green chemistry for nanoparticle synthesis. Chem. Soc. Rev. 44, 5778–5792. doi: 10.1039/C4CS00363B

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Evangelopoulos, M., Tasciotti, E. (2017). Bioinspired approaches for cancer nanotheranostics. Nanomedicine (Lond) 12, 5–7. doi: 10.2217/nnm-2016-0374

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Fazal, S., Jayasree, A., Sasidharan, S., Koyakutty, M., Nair, S. V., Menon, D. (2014). Green synthesis of anisotropic gold nanoparticles for photothermal therapy of cancer. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 6, 8080–8089. doi: 10.1021/am500302t

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Feng, L., Cheng, L., Dong, Z., Tao, D., Barnhart, T. E., Cai, W., et al. (2017). Theranostic Liposomes with Hypoxia-Activated Prodrug to Effectively Destruct Hypoxic Tumors Post-Photodynamic Therapy. ACS Nano 11, 927–937. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.6b07525

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Feng, L., Gao, M., Tao, D., Chen, Q., Wang, H., Dong, Z., et al. (2016). Cisplatin-Prodrug-Constructed Liposomes as a Versatile Theranostic Nanoplatform for Bimodal Imaging Guided Combination Cancer Therapy. Adv. Func. Mater. 26, 2207–2217. doi: 10.1002/adfm.201504899

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ferlay, J., Soerjomataram, I., Dikshit, R., Eser, S., Mathers, C., Rebelo, M., et al. (2015). Cancer incidence and mortality worldwide: sources, methods and major patterns in GLOBOCAN 2012. Int. J. Cancer 136, E359–E386. doi: 10.1002/ijc.29210

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Flexman, J. A., Cross, D. J., Lewellen, B. L., Miyoshi, S., Kim, Y., Minoshima, S. (2008). Magnetically targeted viral envelopes: a PET investigation of initial biodistribution. IEEE Transac. Nanobiosci. 7, 223–232. doi: 10.1109/TNB.2008.2002288

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gaddam, R. R., Mukherjee, S., Punugupati, N., Vasudevan, D., Patra, C. R., Narayan, R., et al. (2017). Facile synthesis of carbon dot and residual carbon nanobeads: Implications for ion sensing, medicinal and biological applications. Mater. Sci. Eng. C. Mater. Biol. Appl. 73, 643–652. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.12.095

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ganeshkumar, M., Sathishkumar, M., Ponrasu, T., Dinesh, M. G., Suguna, L. (2013). Spontaneous ultra fast synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Punica granatum for cancer targeted drug delivery. Colloids Surf. B Biointerfaces 106, 208–216. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2013.01.035

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gao, G., Jiang, Y. W., Sun, W., Guo, Y., Jia, H. R., Yu, X. W., et al. (2019). Molecular Targeting-Mediated Mild-Temperature Photothermal Therapy with a Smart Albumin-Based Nanodrug. Small 15, e1900501. doi: 10.1002/smll.201900501

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gao, L., Fan, K., Yan, X. (2017). Iron Oxide Nanozyme: A Multifunctional Enzyme Mimetic for Biomedical Applications. Theranostics 7, 3207–3227. doi: 10.7150/thno.19738

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gonzalez-Angulo, A. M., Meric-Bernstam, F., Chawla, S., Falchook, G., Hong, D., Akcakanat, A., et al. (2013). Weekly nab-Rapamycin in patients with advanced nonhematologic malignancies: final results of a phase I trial. Clin. Cancer Res. 19, 5474–5484. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-12-3110

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gou, Y., Miao, D., Zhou, M., Wang, L., Zhou, H., Su, G. (2018). Bio-inspired protein-based nanoformulations for cancer theranostics. Front. Pharmacol. 9, 421–421. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00421

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gradishar, W. J. (2006). Albumin-bound paclitaxel: a next-generation taxane. Expert Opin. Pharmacother. 7, 1041–1053. doi: 10.1517/14656566.7.8.1041

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gradishar, W. J., Tjulandin, S., Davidson, N., Shaw, H., Desai, N., Bhar, P., et al. (2005). Phase III Trial of Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel Compared With Polyethylated Castor Oil–Based Paclitaxel in Women With Breast Cancer. J. Clin. Oncol. 23, 7794–7803. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2005.04.937

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hameed, S., Bhattarai, P., Liang, X., Zhang, N., Xu, Y., Chen, M., et al. (2018). Self-assembly of porphyrin-grafted lipid into nanoparticles encapsulating doxorubicin for synergistic chemo-photodynamic therapy and fluorescence imaging. Theranostics 8, 5501–5518. doi: 10.7150/thno.27721

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hanahan, D., Weinberg, R. A. (2011). Hallmarks of cancer: the next generation. Cell 144, 646–674. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2011.02.013

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hanna, N. H., Einhorn, L. H. (2014). Testicular Cancer - Discoveries and Updates. N. Engl. J. Med. 371, 2005–2016. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1407550

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hua, L., Wang, Z., Zhao, L., Mao, H., Wang, G., Zhang, K., et al. (2018). Hypoxia-responsive lipid-poly-(hypoxic radiosensitized polyprodrug) nanoparticles for glioma chemo- and radiotherapy. Theranostics 8, 5088–5105. doi: 10.7150/thno.26225

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Huang, P., Rong, P., Jin, A., Yan, X., Zhang, M. G., Lin, J., et al. (2014). Dye-loaded ferritin nanocages for multimodal imaging and photothermal therapy. Adv. Mater. (Deerfield Beach, Fla.) 26, 6401–6408. doi: 10.1002/adma.201400914

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Huynh, N. T., Passirani, C., Saulnier, P., Benoit, J. P. (2009). Lipid nanocapsules: a new platform for nanomedicine. Int. J. Pharm. 379, 201–209. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2009.04.026

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kang, S. J., Jeong, H. Y., Kim, M. W., Jeong, I. H., Choi, M. J., You, Y. M., et al. (2018). Anti-EGFR lipid micellar nanoparticles co-encapsulating quantum dots and paclitaxel for tumor-targeted theranosis. Nanoscale 10, 19338–19350. doi: 10.1039/C8NR05099F

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kelkar, S. S., Reineke, T. M. (2011). Theranostics: combining imaging and therapy. Bioconjug. Chem. 22, 1879–1903. doi: 10.1021/bc200151q

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kuang, Y., Zhang, K., Cao, Y., Chen, X., Wang, K., Liu, M., et al. (2017). Hydrophobic IR-780 Dye Encapsulated in cRGD-Conjugated Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for NIR Imaging-Guided Photothermal Therapy. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 9, 12217–12226. doi: 10.1021/acsami.6b16705

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lamichhane, N., Udayakumar, T. S., D’souza, W. D., Simone Ii, C. B., Raghavan, S. R., Polf, J., et al. (2018). Liposomes: Clinical Applications and Potential for Image-Guided Drug Delivery. Molecules 23, 288. doi: 10.3390/molecules23020288

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lammers, T., Aime, S., Hennink, W. E., Storm, G., Kiessling, F. (2011). Theranostic nanomedicine. Acc. Chem. Res. 44, 1029–1038. doi: 10.1021/ar200019c

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lewis, J. D., Destito, G., Zijlstra, A., Gonzalez, M. J., Quigley, J. P., Manchester, M., et al. (2006). Viral nanoparticles as tools for intravital vascular imaging. Nat. Med. 12, 354–360. doi: 10.1038/nm1368

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Li, H., Wang, K., Yang, X., Zhou, Y., Ping, Q., Oupicky, D., et al. (2017). Dual-function nanostructured lipid carriers to deliver IR780 for breast cancer treatment: Anti-metastatic and photothermal anti-tumor therapy. Acta Biomater. 53, 399–413. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.01.070

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Li, K., Zhang, Z. P., Luo, M., Yu, X., Han, Y., Wei, H. P., et al. (2012). Multifunctional ferritin cage nanostructures for fluorescence and MR imaging of tumor cells. Nanoscale 4, 188–193. doi: 10.1039/C1NR11132A

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Liang, M., Fan, K., Zhou, M., Duan, D., Zheng, J., Yang, D., et al. (2014). H-ferritin-nanocaged doxorubicin nanoparticles specifically target and kill tumors with a single-dose injection. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 111, 14900–14905. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1407808111

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lim, E. K., Kim, T., Paik, S., Haam, S., Huh, Y. M., Lee, K. (2015). Nanomaterials for theranostics: recent advances and future challenges. Chem. Rev. 115, 327–394. doi: 10.1021/cr300213b

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lin, N., Huang, J., Dufresne, A. (2012). Preparation, properties and applications of polysaccharide nanocrystals in advanced functional nanomaterials: a review. Nanoscale 4, 3274–3294. doi: 10.1039/c2nr30260h

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lin, Q., Jin, C. S., Huang, H., Ding, L., Zhang, Z., Chen, J., et al. (2014). Nanoparticle-Enabled, Image-Guided Treatment Planning of Target Specific RNAi Therapeutics in an Orthotopic Prostate Cancer Model. Small 10, 3072–3082. doi: 10.1002/smll.201303842

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Liu, J., Qi, C., Tao, K., Zhang, J., Zhang, J., Xu, L., et al. (2016). Sericin/Dextran Injectable Hydrogel as an Optically Trackable Drug Delivery System for Malignant Melanoma Treatment. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 8, 6411–6422. doi: 10.1021/acsami.6b00959

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lohcharoenkal, W., Wang, L., Chen, Y. C., Rojanasakul, Y. (2014). Protein Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Carriers for Cancer Therapy. BioMed. Res. Int. 2014, 12. doi: 10.1155/2014/180549

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lopes, R. M., Gaspar, M. M., Pereira, J., Eleutério, C. V., Carvalheiro, M., Almeida, A. J., et al. (2014). Liposomes versus lipid nanoparticles: comparative study of lipid-based systems as oryzalin carriers for the treatment of leishmaniasis. J. Biomed. Nanotechnol. 10, 3647–3657. doi: 10.1166/jbn.2014.1874

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Luo, Y., Wang, X., Du, D., Lin, Y. (2015). Hyaluronic acid-conjugated apoferritin nanocages for lung cancer targeted drug delivery. Biomater. Sci. 3, 1386–1394. doi: 10.1039/C5BM00067J

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ma, L., Liu, J., Su, W., Zeng, X., Liu, X., Li, W., et al. (2018). Extracellular Biosynthesis, Characterization and Cytotoxic Effect of Silver Nanoparticles by Streptomyces coelicoflavus KS-3. J. Nanosci. Nanotechnol. 18, 8133–8141. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2018.16388

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ma, M., Hao, Y., Liu, N., Yin, Z., Wang, L., Liang, X., et al. (2012). A novel lipid-based nanomicelle of docetaxel: evaluation of antitumor activity and biodistribution. Int. J. Nanomed. 7, 3389–3398. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S29827

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Martínez-González, R., Estelrich, J., Busquets, M. A. (2016). Liposomes Loaded with Hydrophobic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Suitable T₂ Contrast Agents for MRI. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 17, 1209. doi: 10.3390/ijms17081209

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mehnert, W., Mäder, K. (2001). Solid lipid nanoparticles: Production, characterization and applications. Adv. Drug Delivery Rev. 47, 165–196. doi: 10.1016/S0169-409X(01)00105-3

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Meka, R. R., Mukherjee, S., Patra, C. R., Chaudhuri, A. (2019). Shikimoyl-ligand decorated gold nanoparticles for use in ex vivo engineered dendritic cell based DNA vaccination. Nanoscale 11, 7931–7943. doi: 10.1039/C8NR10293G

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mendes, M., Sousa, J. J., Pais, A., Vitorino, C. (2018). Targeted Theranostic Nanoparticles for Brain Tumor Treatment. Pharmaceutics 10, 181. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics10040181

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Miele, E., Spinelli, G. P., Miele, E., Tomao, F., Tomao, S. (2009). Albumin-bound formulation of paclitaxel (Abraxane ABI-007) in the treatment of breast cancer. Int. J. Nanomed. 4, 99–105. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S3061

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Morille, M., Montier, T., Legras, P., Carmoy, N., Brodin, P., Pitard, B., et al. (2010). Long-circulating DNA lipid nanocapsules as new vector for passive tumor targeting. Biomaterials 31, 321–329. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.09.044

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mukherjee, A., Paul, M., Mukherjee, S. (2019a). Recent Progress in the Theranostics Application of Nanomedicine in Lung Cancer. Cancers 11, 597. doi: 10.3390/cancers11050597

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mukherjee, A., Waters, A. K., Babic, I., Nurmemmedov, E., Glassy, M. C., Kesari, S., et al. (2019b). Antibody drug conjugates: Progress, pitfalls, and promises. Hum. Antibodies 27, 53–62. doi: 10.3233/HAB-180348

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mukherjee, A., Waters, A. K., Kalyan, P., Achrol, A. S., Kesari, S., Yenugonda, V. M. (2019c). Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles as a next-generation drug delivery platform: state of the art, emerging technologies, and perspectives. Int. J. Nanomed. 14, 1937–1952. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S198353

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mukherjee, S., Chowdhury, D., Kotcherlakota, R., Patra, S., Bhadra, M. P., Sreedhar, B., et al. (2014). Potential theranostics application of bio-synthesized silver nanoparticles (4-in-1 system). Theranostics 4, 316–335. doi: 10.7150/thno.7819

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mukherjee, S., Dasari, M., Priyamvada, S., Kotcherlakota, R., Bollu, V. S., Patra, C. R. (2015). A green chemistry approach for the synthesis of gold nanoconjugates that induce the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation through induction of oxidative stress and their in vivo toxicity study. J. Mater. Chem. B. 3, 3820–3830. doi: 10.1039/C5TB00244C

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mukherjee, S., Patra, C. R. (2016). Therapeutic application of anti-angiogenic nanomaterials in cancers. Nanoscale 8, 12444–12470. doi: 10.1039/C5NR07887C

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mukherjee, S., Sau, S., Madhuri, D., Bollu, V. S., Madhusudana, K., Sreedhar, B., et al. (2016). Green Synthesis and Characterization of Monodispersed Gold Nanoparticles: Toxicity Study, Delivery of Doxorubicin and Its Bio-Distribution in Mouse Model. J. Biomed. Nanotechnol. 12, 165–181. doi: 10.1166/jbn.2016.2141

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mussi, S. V., Torchilin, V. P. (2013). Recent trends in the use of lipidic nanoparticles as pharmaceutical carriers for cancer therapy and diagnostics. J. Mater. Chem. B. 1, 5201–5209. doi: 10.1039/c3tb20990c

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Muthu, M. S., Kutty, R. V., Luo, Z., Xie, J., Feng, S.-S. (2015). Theranostic vitamin E TPGS micelles of transferrin conjugation for targeted co-delivery of docetaxel and ultra bright gold nanoclusters. Biomaterials 39, 234–248. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.11.008

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Muthuraj, B., Chowdhury, S. R., Mukherjee, S., Patra, C. R., Iyer, P. K. (2015). Aggregation deaggregation influenced selective and sensitive detection of Cu2+ and ATP by histidine functionalized water-soluble fluorescent perylene diimide under physiological conditions and in living cells. RSC Adv. 5, 28211–28218. doi: 10.1039/C5RA00408J

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Muthuraj, B., Mukherjee, S., Patra, C. R., Iyer, P. K. (2016). Amplified Fluorescence from Polyfluorene Nanoparticles with Dual State Emission and Aggregation Caused Red Shifted Emission for Live Cell Imaging and Cancer Theranostics. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 8, 32220–32229. doi: 10.1021/acsami.6b11373

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ngandeu Neubi, G. M., Opoku-Damoah, Y., Gu, X., Han, Y., Zhou, J., Ding, Y. (2018). Bio-inspired drug delivery systems: an emerging platform for targeted cancer therapy. Biomater. Sci. 6, 958–973. doi: 10.1039/C8BM00175H

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Olerile, L. D., Liu, Y., Zhang, B., Wang, T., Mu, S., Zhang, J., et al. (2017). Near-infrared mediated quantum dots and paclitaxel co-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for cancer theragnostic. Colloids Surf. B Biointerfaces 150, 121–130. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.11.032

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ovais, M., Khalil, A. T., Ayaz, M., Ahmad, I., Nethi, S. K., Mukherjee, S. (2018). Biosynthesis of Metal Nanoparticles via Microbial Enzymes: A Mechanistic Approach. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 19, 4100. doi: 10.3390/ijms19124100

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Pansare, V. J., Hejazi, S., Faenza, W. J., Prud’homme, R. K. (2012). Review of Long-Wavelength Optical and NIR Imaging Materials: Contrast Agents, Fluorophores, and Multifunctional Nano Carriers. Chem. Mater. 24, 812–827. doi: 10.1021/cm2028367

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Patra, C. R., Mukherjee, S., Kotcherlakota, R. (2014). Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles: a step forward for cancer theranostics? Nanomedicine (Lond) 9, 1445–1448. doi: 10.2217/nnm.14.89

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Patra, S., Mukherjee, S., Barui, A. K., Ganguly, A., Sreedhar, B., Patra, C. R. (2015). Green synthesis, characterization of gold and silver nanoparticles and their potential application for cancer therapeutics. Mater. Sci. Eng. C. Mater. Biol. Appl. 53, 298–309. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.04.048

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Pattni, B. S., Chupin, V. V., Torchilin, V. P. (2015). New Developments in Liposomal Drug Delivery. Chem. Rev. 115, 10938–10966. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00046

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Petersen, A. L., Hansen, A. E., Gabizon, A., Andresen, T. L. (2012). Liposome imaging agents in personalized medicine. Adv. Drug Delivery Rev. 64, 1417–1435. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.09.003

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Plummer, E. M., Manchester, M. (2011). Viral nanoparticles and virus-like particles: platforms for contemporary vaccine design. Wiley Interdiscip. Rev. Nanomed. Nanobiotechnol. 3, 174–196. doi: 10.1002/wnan.119

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Podaralla, S., Perumal, O. (2010). Preparation of zein nanoparticles by pH controlled nanoprecipitation. J. Biomed. Nanotechnol. 6, 312–317. doi: 10.1166/jbn.2010.1137

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Portnoy, E., Nizri, E., Golenser, J., Shmuel, M., Magdassi, S., Eyal, S. (2015). Imaging the urinary pathways in mice by liposomal indocyanine green. Nanomedicine 11, 1057–1064. doi: 10.1016/j.nano.2015.02.019

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rajora, M. A., Ding, L., Valic, M., Jiang, W., Overchuk, M., Chen, J., et al. (2017). Tailored theranostic apolipoprotein E3 porphyrin-lipid nanoparticles target glioblastoma. Chem. Sci. 8, 5371–5384. doi: 10.1039/C7SC00732A

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Resch-Genger, U., Grabolle, M., Cavaliere-Jaricot, S., Nitschke, R., Nann, T. (2008). Quantum dots versus organic dyes as fluorescent labels. Nat. Methods 5, 763. doi: 10.1038/nmeth.1248

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rosenberg, S. A., Aebersold, P., Cornetta, K., Kasid, A., Morgan, R. A., Moen, R., et al. (1990). Gene transfer into humans — immunotherapy of patients with advanced melanoma, using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes modified by retroviral gene transduction. N. Engl. J. Med. 323, 570–578. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199008303230904

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Shen, J., Kim, H.-C., Wolfram, J., Mu, C., Zhang, W., Liu, H., et al. (2017). A liposome encapsulated ruthenium polypyridine complex as a theranostic platform for triple-negative breast cancer. Nano Lett. 17, 2913–2920. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b00132

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Shukla, S., Steinmetz, N. F. (2015). Virus-based nanomaterials as positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance contrast agents: from technology development to translational medicine. Wiley Interdiscip. Rev. Nanomed. Nanobiotechnol. 7, 708–721. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1335

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Silva, C. O., Pinho, J. O., Lopes, J. M., Almeida, A. J., Gaspar, M. M., Reis, C. (2019). Current trends in cancer nanotheranostics: metallic, polymeric, and lipid-based systems. Pharmaceutics 11, 22. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11010022

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sivarajakumar, R., Mallukaraj, D., Kadavakollu, M., Neelakandan, N., Chandran, S., Bhojaraj, S., et al. (2018). Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Lung Cancers. J. Young Pharm. 10, 276–281. doi: 10.5530/jyp.2018.10.62

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Souto, E. B., Almeida, A. J., Müller, R. H. (2007). Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN®, NLC®) for Cutaneous Drug Delivery : Structure, Protection and Skin Effects. J. Biomed. Nanotechnol. 3, 317–331. doi: 10.1166/jbn.2007.049

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Steinmetz, N. F. (2010). Viral nanoparticles as platforms for next-generation therapeutics and imaging devices. Nanomedicine 6, 634–641. doi: 10.1016/j.nano.2010.04.005

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Suci, P. A., Varpness, Z., Gillitzer, E., Douglas, T., Young, M. (2007). Targeting and Photodynamic Killing of a Microbial Pathogen Using Protein Cage Architectures Functionalized with a Photosensitizer. Langmuir 23, 12280–12286. doi: 10.1021/la7021424

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tahmasbi Rad, A., Chen, C.-W., Aresh, W., Xia, Y., Lai, P.-S., Nieh, M.-P. (2019). Combinational Effects of Active Targeting, Shape, and Enhanced Permeability and Retention for Cancer Theranostic Nanocarriers. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 11, 10505–10519. doi: 10.1021/acsami.8b21609

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Takakura, Y., Fujita, T., Hashida, M., Sezaki, H. (1990). Disposition Characteristics of Macromolecules in Tumor-Bearing Mice. Pharmaceut. Res. 7, 339–346. doi: 10.1023/A:1015807119753

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tang, W.-L., Tang, W.-H., Li, S.-D. (2018). Cancer theranostic applications of lipid-based nanoparticles. Drug Discov. Today 23, 1159–1166. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.04.007

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tran, T. T.-D., Tran, P. H.-L., Amin, H. H., Lee, B.-J. (2017). Biodistribution and in vivo performance of fattigation-platform theranostic nanoparticles. Mater. Sci. Eng. C 79, 671–678. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2017.05.029

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Vemuri, S. K., Banala, R. R., Mukherjee, S., Uppula, P., Subbaiah, G. P. V., Reddy, A. V. G., et al. (2019). Novel biosynthesized gold nanoparticles as anti-cancer agents against breast cancer: Synthesis, biological evaluation, molecular modelling studies. Mater. Sci. Eng. C-Mater. Biol. Appl. 99, 417–429. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.01.123

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Videira, M., Almeida, A. J., Fabra, À. (2012). Preclinical evaluation of a pulmonary delivered paclitaxel-loaded lipid nanocarrier antitumor effect. Nanomedicine 8, 1208–1215. doi: 10.1016/j.nano.2011.12.007

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Videira, M. A., Botelho, M. F., Santos, A. C., Gouveia, L. F., Pedroso De Lima, J. J., Almeida, A. J. (2002). Lymphatic uptake of pulmonary delivered radiolabelled solid lipid nanoparticles. J. Drug Target. 10, 607–613. doi: 10.1080/1061186021000054933

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Videira, M. A., Gano, L., Santos, C., Neves, M., Almeida, A. J. (2006). Lymphatic uptake of lipid nanoparticles following endotracheal administration. J. Microencapsul. 23, 855–862. doi: 10.1080/02652040600788221

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Vigneron, N., Stroobant, V., Van Den Eynde, B. J., Van Der Bruggen, P. (2013). Database of T cell-defined human tumor antigens: the 2013 update. Cancer Immun. 13, 15.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Wang, H., Zhu, W., Huang, Y., Li, Z., Jiang, Y., Xie, Q. (2017a). Facile encapsulation of hydroxycamptothecin nanocrystals into zein-based nanocomplexes for active targeting in drug delivery and cell imaging. Acta Biomater. 61, 88–100. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.04.017

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Wang, J., Zhang, G., Li, Q., Jiang, H., Liu, C., Amatore, C., et al. (2013). In vivo self-bio-imaging of tumors through in situ biosynthesized fluorescent gold nanoclusters. Sci. Rep. 3, 1157. doi: 10.1038/srep01157

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Wang, Q., Chao, Y.-M. (2018). Multifunctional quantum dots and liposome complexes in drug delivery. J. Biomed. Res. 32, 91–106.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Wang, Z., Gao, H., Zhang, Y., Liu, G., Niu, G., Chen, X. (2017b). Functional ferritin nanoparticles for biomedical applications. Front. Chem. Sci. Eng. 11, 633–646. doi: 10.1007/s11705-017-1620-8

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Weber, J., Beard, P. C., Bohndiek, S. E. (2016). Contrast agents for molecular photoacoustic imaging. Nat. Methods 13, 639. doi: 10.1038/nmeth.3929

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Wissing, S. A., Kayser, O., Müller, R. H. (2004). Solid lipid nanoparticles for parenteral drug delivery. Adv. Drug Delivery Rev. 56, 1257–1272. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2003.12.002

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Xing, J., Liu, D., Zhou, G., Li, Y., Wang, P., Hu, K., et al. (2018). Liposomally formulated phospholipid-conjugated novel near-infrared fluorescence probe for particle size effect on cellular uptake and biodistribution in vivo. Colloids Surf. B Biointerfaces 161, 588–596. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.11.033

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yan, X., Hu, H., Lin, J., Jin, A. J., Niu, G., Zhang, S., et al. (2015). Optical and photoacoustic dual-modality imaging guided synergistic photodynamic/photothermal therapies. Nanoscale 7, 2520–2526. doi: 10.1039/C4NR06868H

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yi, X., Wang, F., Qin, W., Yang, X., Yuan, J. (2014). Near-infrared fluorescent probes in cancer imaging and therapy: an emerging field. Int. J. Nanomed. 9, 1347–1365. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S60206

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yildiz, I., Shukla, S., Steinmetz, N. F. (2011). Applications of viral nanoparticles in medicine. Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 22, 901–908. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2011.04.020

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yu, X., Zhu, W., Di, Y., Gu, J., Guo, Z., Li, H., et al. (2017). Triple-functional albumin-based nanoparticles for combined chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy of pancreatic cancer with lymphatic metastases. Int. J. Nanomed. 12, 6771–6785. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S131295

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yue, X., Dai, Z. (2018). Liposomal Nanotechnology for Cancer Theranostics. Curr. Med. Chem. 25, 1397–1408. doi: 10.2174/0929867324666170306105350

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhang, L., Sheng, D., Wang, D., Yao, Y., Yang, K., Wang, Z., et al. (2018). Bioinspired multifunctional melanin-based nanoliposome for photoacoustic/magnetic resonance imaging-guided efficient photothermal ablation of cancer. Theranostics 8, 1591–1606. doi: 10.7150/thno.22430

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhao, Y., Liang, M., Li, X., Fan, K., Xiao, J., Li, Y., et al. (2016). Bioengineered magnetoferritin nanoprobes for single-dose nuclear-magnetic resonance tumor imaging. ACS Nano 10, 4184–4191. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.5b07408

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Keywords: bio-inspired nanoparticles, cancer, theranostics, nanomedicine, imaging, clinical trials

Citation: Madamsetty VS, Mukherjee A and Mukherjee S (2019) Recent Trends of the Bio-Inspired Nanoparticles in Cancer Theranostics. Front. Pharmacol. 10:1264. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01264

Received: 30 July 2019; Accepted: 30 September 2019;
Published: 25 October 2019.

Edited by:

Shahper Nazeer Khan, Aligarh Muslim University, India

Reviewed by:

Xiangyang Shi, Donghua University, China
Shariq Qayyum, University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States

Copyright © 2019 Madamsetty, Mukherjee and Mukherjee. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Anubhab Mukherjee, YW51YmhhYnJzdkBnbWFpbC5jb20=; Sudip Mukherjee, c3VkaXAubXVraGVyamVlMTk4OEBnbWFpbC5jb20=

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.