Therapeutic applications of nanobiotechnology

Abstract

Nanobiotechnology, as a novel and more specialized branch of science, has provided a number of nanostructures such as nanoparticles, by utilizing the methods, techniques, and protocols of other branches of science. Due to the unique features and physiobiological characteristics, these nanostructures or nanocarriers have provided vast methods and therapeutic techniques, against microbial infections and cancers and for tissue regeneration, tissue engineering, and immunotherapies, and for gene therapies, through drug delivery systems. However, reduced carrying capacity, abrupt and non-targeted delivery, and solubility of therapeutic agents, can affect the therapeutic applications of these biotechnological products. In this article, we explored and discussed the prominent nanobiotechnological methods and products such as nanocarriers, highlighted the features and challenges associated with these products, and attempted to conclude if available nanostructures offer any scope of improvement or enhancement. We aimed to identify and emphasize the nanobiotechnological methods and products, with greater prospect and capacity for therapeutic improvements and enhancements. We found that novel nanocarriers and nanostructures, such as nanocomposites, micelles, hydrogels, microneedles, and artificial cells, can address the associated challenges and inherited drawbacks, with help of conjugations, sustained and stimuli-responsive release, ligand binding, and targeted delivery. We recommend that nanobiotechnology, despite having few challenges and drawbacks, offers immense opportunities that can be harnessed in delivering quality therapeutics with precision and prediction. We also recommend that, by exploring the branched domains more rigorously, bottlenecks and obstacles can also be addressed and resolved in return.

Keywords: Anticancer agents; Nanobiotechnology; Nanoparticles; Tissue regeneration; Wound healing.

Fig. 1

Nanobiotechnology and its applications. (Parts of the figure reproduced with permission from all the authors) [5, 6]

Fig. 2

Silver nanoparticles aggregates at different resolutions a–d Under VEGA3 TESCAN SEM. observed nanoparticles (d) are in nanometre size range (44.04 to 66.50 nm). (Reproduced with permission from all the authors) [5]

Fig. 3

Methods of synthesis of nanoparticles. (Reproduced with permission from all the authors) [5]

Fig. 4

Organic nanoparticles and their complexes

Fig. 5

Liposomes and their functionalization with other biomolecules, drugs, or antibodies

Fig. 6

Dendrimer, fullerene, nanobody, and conjugate of polymer with drugs, imaging agent, and targeting moiety

Fig. 7

Virus-like-particle (VLP), virosome, and protein cages

Fig. 8

Mechanisms of action of nanoparticles. (Reproduced with permission from all the authors) [11]

Fig. 9

Anti-biofilm actions of nanoparticles. (Reproduced with permission from all the authors) [11]

Fig. 10

Wound healing process and application of nanobiotechnological products. (Part of the figure reproduced with permission from all the authors) [5]

Fig. 11

Co-axial electrospinning method. (Part of the figure reproduced with permission from all the authors) [6]

Fig. 12

Biomaterials and nanobiotechnological products in tissue regeneration and tissue engineering. (Reproduced with permission from all the authors) [6]

Fig. 13

Active targeting. (Reproduced with permission from all the authors) [5]

Fig. 14

Nanobiotechnology based anti-cancer therapeutic strategies

Fig. 15

Nanobiotechnology based anti-cancer actions of nanoparticles. (Reproduced with permission from all the authors) [5, 6]

Fig. 16

Schematic representation of apoptotic pathway. (Reproduced with permission from all the authors) [6]

Fig. 17

Caspase-3 expression induced by silver nanoparticles in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells. (Reproduced with permission from all the authors) [6]