Abstract: A carrier-free nanoparticle based on the self-assembly of curcumin-erlotinib conjugate (EPC) that exhibits stronger cell killing, better anti-migration effects, and anti-invasion effects for pancreatic cancer cells than the combination of free curcumin and erlotinib.

Abstract: A carrier-free nanoparticle based on the self-assembly of curcumin-erlotinib conjugate (EPC) that exhibits stronger cell killing, better anti-migration effects, and anti-invasion effects for pancreatic cancer cells than the combination of free curcumin and erlotinib.

Abstract: The preparation of dual functionalized nanoparticles is generally provided along with their application. The dual functionalized nanoparticles provide dual targeting and can effectively pass the blood brain barrier and target brain tissue. The dual targeted and dual responsive nanoparticles are functionalized to include at least two different ligands that are capable of transport across the blood brain barrier. The nanoparticles can be prepared from polymeric materials that can be biocompatible, provide long circulation life in a body, and be successfully ligated to both functionalities by use of acid-sensitive and/or redox potential-sensitive bonds for delivery across the blood brain barrier and delivery of a payload to brain tissue.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for employing a tumor targeted cerium oxide nanoparticle system, T-CeNP, for cancer therapy to hinder cancer associated fibroblast (CAF) transdifferentiation and reprogram CAFs back to normal fibroblasts to reduce tumor size and prevent metastasis.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for the preparation of a brain targeted cerium oxide nanop article (CeNP) and its application in treating central neuronal system diseases. The brain targeted CeNP (T-CeNP) can effectively pass the blood brain barrier and specifically target brain tissue and exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects.

Abstract: A hetero-targeted, dual-responsive nanogel to deliver chemotherapeutic agents to a metastatic cancer is provided. The nanogel includes a first chemotherapeutic agent, a second chemotherapeutic agent, a first targeting ligand, and a second targeting ligand. A method of treating cancer in a mammal with the nanogel are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for the degradation of endogenous protein with the help of a nanocarrier, which has the advantage of easy scale-up and feasibility for in vivo application.

Abstract: A carrier-free nanoparticle based on the self-assembly of curcumin-erlotinib conjugate (EPC) that exhibits stronger cell killing, better anti-migration effects, and anti-invasion effects for pancreatic cancer cells than the combination of free curcumin and erlotinib.

Abstract: Described is a method to fabricate a gold/mesoporous silica hybrid nanoparticle. According to the process, a gold nanoparticle can be conjugated onto the surface of a mesoporous silica nanoparticle to yield a photothermal stable theranostic platform, gold/mesoporous silica hybrid nanoparticle. The nanoparticles can be useful for disease detection, treatment, and monitoring.

Abstract: A nanoparticle system for the treatment of metastatic cancer is provided. The nanoparticle system includes a plurality of nanoparticles. Each of the nanoparticles includes a biodegradable matrix, a polysulphonated naphthylurea, and a chemotherapeutic agent. The biodegradable matrix can be a natural polysaccharide, a protein, a peptide, or a derivative thereof. Further, the polysulphonated naphthylurea can include suramin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and the chemotherapeutic agent can include an anthracycline. In addition, each of the nanoparticles has a diameter ranging from about 20 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. A method of forming the nanoparticle system and a method of treating cancer in a mammal with the nanoparticle system are also provided.

Abstract: A nanoparticle suitable for delivery of an active agent across the blood-brain barrier is provided. As such, the nanoparticle can target brain tissue so that the active agent can be delivered across the blood-brain barrier to the target brain tissue. The nanoparticle includes a core that includes a core material such as a polymer or inorganic material as well as an active agent; and a shell comprising a membrane derived from a brain metastatic cancer cell, wherein the brain metastatic cancer cell facilitates transport of the nanoparticle across a blood-brain barrier. Also disclosed are methods of forming the nanoparticle and methods of using the nanoparticle.

Abstract: Described is a biodegradable and biocompatible hybrid nanoparticle for use in photothermal applications. The hybrid nanoparticle includes a poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid) core and a polydopamine shell. Optionally, the hybrid nanoparticle can be loaded with an active agent such as an anti-cancer agent. The hybrid nanoparticles can include detection agents, targeting agents, etc. The nanoparticles can be useful for disease detection, treatment, and monitoring.

Abstract: A hetero-targeted, dual-responsive nanogel to deliver chemotherapeutic agents to a metastatic cancer is provided. The nanogel includes a first chemotherapeutic agent, a second chemotherapeutic agent, a first targeting ligand, and a second targeting ligand. A method of treating cancer in a mammal with the nanogel are also provided.

Abstract: A nanoparticle system for the treatment of metastatic cancer is provided. The nanoparticle system includes a plurality of nanoparticles. Each of the nanoparticles includes a biodegradable matrix, a polysulphonated naphthylurea, and a chemotherapeutic agent. The biodegradable matrix can be a natural polysaccharide, a protein, a peptide, or a derivative thereof. Further, the polysulphonated naphthylurea can include suramin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and the chemotherapeutic agent can include an anthracycline. In addition, each of the nanoparticles has a diameter ranging from about 20 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. A method of forming the nanoparticle system and a method of treating cancer in a mammal with the nanoparticle system are also provided.

Abstract: A nanoparticle suitable for delivery of an active agent across the blood-brain barrier is provided. As such, the nanoparticle can target brain tissue so that the active agent can be delivered across the blood-brain barrier to the target brain tissue. The nanoparticle includes a core that includes a core material such as a polymer or inorganic material as well as an active agent; and a shell comprising a membrane derived from a brain metastatic cancer cell, wherein the brain metastatic cancer cell facilitates transport of the nanoparticle across a blood-brain barrier. Also disclosed are methods of forming the nanoparticle and methods of using the nanoparticle.

Abstract: Polymer/copper combinations that can selectively target and kill cancer cells are described. Materials can include the reaction product of a biocompatible hydrophilic polymer and pyridine-2-thiol containing monomer. The copolymer reaction product can include pyridine-2-thiol side groups pendant to the backbone via a disulfide linkage. The hydrophilic component can form the polymer backbone and/or can form hydrophilic pendant groups off of the backbone. Copper ions can be associated with the copolymer.

Abstract: Delivery systems and their methods of formation are generally provided. The delivery system can protect a delivery molecule (e.g., DNA/RNA) and deliver it into a cell via serum. In one embodiment, the method can include binding a delivery molecule with polyethylenimine such that an end of the delivery molecule is exposed; capping the end of the delivery molecule with a first biocompatible polymer to form a core; and encapsulating the core with a second biocompatible polymer. The resulting delivery system can include a delivery molecule bonded with polyethylenimine such that an end of the delivery molecule is exposed; a first biocompatible polymer electrostatically bonded to the end of the delivery molecule to form a core; and a second biocompatible polymer encapsulating the core.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymer comprising a derivative of chitosan, wherein the derivative is zwitterionic, as well as methods of using the polymer. In addition, the present disclosure provides a nanoparticle structure comprising a derivative of chitosan and a dendrimer, as well as methods of utilizing the nanoparticle structure.

Abstract: Polymer/copper combinations that can selectively target and kill cancer cells are described. Materials can include the reaction product of a biocompatible hydrophilic polymer and pyridine-2-thiol containing monomer. The copolymer reaction product can include pyridine-2-thiol side groups pendant to the backbone via a disulfide linkage. The hydrophilic component can form the polymer backbone and/or can form hydrophilic pendant groups off of the backbone. Copper ions can be associated with the copolymer.

Abstract: Polymer/drug conjugates that can selectively target and kill cancer cells are described. Conjugates can include a copolymer formed by the reaction of a biocompatible hydrophilic component and a disulfiram derivative. The copolymer reaction product can include additional functional groups pendant to the backbone via a disulfide linkage, for instance copper chelators. The hydrophilic component can form the polymer backbone and/or can form hydrophilic pendant groups off of the backbone. Copper ions can be associated with the copolymer.