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Updated: Nov 25, 2025

SA-β-Galactosidase-Based Screening Assay for the Identification of Senotherapeutic Drugs
Published on: June 28, 2019
Nano-Based Theranostic Tools for the Detection and Elimination of Senescent Cells
Jagoda Adamczyk-Grochala1, Anna Lewinska1
1Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Rzeszow, Pigonia 1, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland.
Abstract:
The progressive accumulation of apoptosis-resistant and secretory active senescent cells (SCs) in animal and human aged tissues may limit lifespan and healthspan and lead to age-related diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndrome. Thus, SCs are suggested targets in anti-aging therapy. In the last two decades, a number of nanomaterials have gained much attention as innovative tools in theranostic applications due to their unique properties improving target visualization, drug and gene delivery, controlled drug release, effective diagnosis, and successful therapy. Although the healthcare industry has focused on a plethora of applications of nanomaterials, it remains elusive how nanomaterials may modulate cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging. In this review paper, we consider novel nanotechnology-based strategies for healthspan promotion and the prevention of age-related dysfunctions that are based on the delivery of therapeutic compounds capable to preferentially killing SCs (nano-senolytics) and/or modulating a proinflammatory secretome (nano-senomorphics/nano-senostatics). Recent examples of SC-targeted nanomaterials and the mechanisms underlying different aspects of the nanomaterial-mediated senolysis are presented and discussed.
Insights
Nanomaterials offer novel strategies to combat aging by targeting senescent cells (SCs). These nano-senolytics and nano-senostatics can promote healthspan and prevent age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Nanomedicine
- Cellular Senescence
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Accumulation of senescent cells (SCs) contributes to aging and age-related diseases.
- SCs are apoptosis-resistant and secrete pro-inflammatory factors.
- Targeting SCs is a promising anti-aging therapeutic strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nanotechnology-based strategies for healthspan promotion.
- To explore nanomaterials for targeting senescent cells.
- To discuss nano-senolytics and nano-senostatics for anti-aging therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on nanomaterials and cellular senescence.
- Analysis of nanotechnology applications in theranostics.
- Discussion of SC-targeted nanomaterials and their mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Nanomaterials offer unique properties for drug delivery, diagnosis, and therapy.
- Emerging nanotechnology strategies aim to selectively eliminate SCs or modulate their secretome.
- Various SC-targeted nanomaterials and their senolytic mechanisms have been identified.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology presents innovative approaches to combat cellular senescence.
- Nano-senolytics and nano-senostatics hold potential for promoting healthspan and preventing age-related diseases.
- Further research into nanomaterial-mediated senolysis can advance anti-aging interventions.

