Zn-based physiometacomposite nanoparticles: distribution, tolerance, imaging, and antiviral and anticancer activity

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Physiometacomposites (PMCs) offer novel therapeutic platforms.
• Zinc-based materials are explored for biomedical applications.
• Targeted delivery of therapeutic agents is crucial for cancer and infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the distribution, tolerance, and anticancer/antiviral activity of doped Zinc-based physiometacomposites (PMCs).
• To evaluate PMCs as imaging probes and for targeted drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of doped ZnO, ZnS, or ZnSe nanoparticles.
• Assessment of cell uptake, biodistribution in 3D cultures and mice using fluorescence, bioluminescence, and ICP-MS.
• Evaluation of anticancer and antiviral efficacy via viability, antitumor, and virus titer assays.

Main Results:

• Nanoparticle distribution in mice followed the order: liver > spleen > kidney > lung > brain, with no observed tissue or blood pathology.
• PMCs demonstrated high cell viability (≥98-99%) at 25 μg/ml for 48 hours.
• Significant 3-log inhibition of β-Galactosidase and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Zinc-based PMCs exhibit favorable biodistribution and low toxicity in preclinical models.
• PMCs show potential for use as diagnostic imaging agents and therapeutic delivery vehicles.
• These findings support the preclinical advancement of PMCs for oncology and infectious disease applications.