Nature’s tiny healers: how biogenic nanoparticles could revolutionize arthritis treatment

Arthritis is a painful and debilitating condition affecting millions of people worldwide, leading to stiffness, pain, joint failure, progressive immobility, and reducing quality of life particularly in older adults. It is characterized by inflamed synovium, bone spikes and subchondral bone sclerosis, as well as cartilage degradation and death of chondrocytes – cells of cartilage tissues. One of the important drivers of the disease is oxidative stress - the imbalance in tissue’s oxidative status.

Despite the high prevalence of arthritis, current treatments include analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which focus on symptom management rather than addressing the root cause of the disease. Many patients are left with insufficient relief and the need for frequent treatments. Additionally, the invasiveness, high costs, and risks associated with surgeries further highlight the need for more effective, non-invasive, and long-term treatment solutions.

Could nature’s smallest particles hold the key to pain-free mobility? The future is certainly promising!

What if we could leverage the power of nature and nanotechnology to target arthritis at its source? Enter biogenic nanoparticles—tiny, naturally derived particles with immense potential to combat inflammation and restore joint health. Biogenic nanoparticles could represent the next frontier in arthritis treatment, offering a sustainable, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to traditional therapies. As research advances, these tiny healers may soon revolutionize nanomedicine.

Nanoparticles possess unique properties compared to bulk materials, making them a promising tool for innovative solutions. Their exceptional physiochemical characteristics enable their application in fields like nanotheranostics and nanomedicine, offering potential advantages over current technologies, including better cell targeting, enhanced biocompatibility, and efficient internalization.

Biogenic nanoparticles are eco-friendly, biologically synthesized particles derived from natural sources such as plants, bacteria, and fungi. Produced through green chemistry methods, they are safer and more biocompatible for medical use than synthetic nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are particularly suitable for arthritis treatment due to their unique properties. They exhibit antioxidant activity by neutralizing harmful free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory effects help reduce joint swelling and inflammation. Moreover, their natural origin ensures high biocompatibility, resulting in low toxicity and minimal side effects

Potential benefits of nanoparticles in arthritis treatment

In arthritis, reactive oxygen species drive inflammation, which promotes pathological joint damage. Biogenic nanoparticles can act through multiple mechanisms. They scavenge free radicals, preventing oxidative damage to joint tissues. Additionally, they reduce inflammation by modulating immune responses, thereby slowing down joint deterioration. Furthermore, they protect cartilage by supporting tissue regeneration and preventing further degradation.

My research focuses on utilizing Trachyspermum ammi -derived biogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) to combine the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of T. ammi (carom) seed extract with nano-selenium (nano-Se) for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis.

This innovative approach aims to target the characteristic inflammatory pathways of arthritis by restoring the selenoprotein-dependent oxidative balance. Our goal is to develop effective nanoparticle-based treatment for inflammatory arthritic conditions, which is also economical and safe. Unlike conventional treatments, which merely mask symptoms, the proposed nanomedicine will address the root cause—chronic inflammation—driving diseases like osteoarthritis.

This research has greatly benefited from the continuous guidance and support of my Supervisor Dr. Mikko Finnilä and Co-Supervisors Dr. Pirjo Åström and Dr. Antoine Dufour. Additionally, the I4WORLD Doctoral Programme and the European Union’s co-funding have played a crucial role in advancing this work, enabling the exploration of innovative and sustainable treatment solutions for arthritis.