Nanotechnology for the biologist

Advanced nanomicelles for targeted glioblastoma multiforme therapy

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and malignant primary brain tumor, classified as grade IV by the WHO. Despite standard treatments like surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy (i.e. temozolomide), GBM's prognosis remains poor due to its heterogeneity, recurrence and the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The exact cause of GBM is unclear with potential factors including genetic predisposition and ionizing radiation. Innovative approaches such as nanomicelles-nanoscale, self-assembled structures made from lipids and amphiphilic polymers show promise for GBM therapy. These nanocarriers enhance drug solubility and stability, enabling targeted delivery of therapeutic agents across the BBB. This review explores the synthesis strategies, characterization and applications of nanomicelles in GBM treatment. Nanomicelles improve the delivery of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs and provide non-invasive delivery options. By offering site-specific targeting, biocompatibility, and stability, nanomicelles can potentially overcome the limitations of current GBM therapies. This review highlights recent advancements in the use of nanomicelles for delivering therapeutic agents and nucleic acids addressing the critical need for advanced treatments to improve GBM patient outcomes.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles from Tinospora cordifolia Leaf Extract: Evaluation of Their Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, and Antibiofilm Efficacies

The use of metal nanoparticles is gaining popularity owing to their low cost and high efficacy. We focused on green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Tinospora cordifolia (Tc) leaf extracts. The structural characteristics of Tc nanoparticles (TcAgNPs) were determined using several advanced techniques. Pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, were evaluated through in vitro studies. In the results, the change in sample color from yellow to brown after adding silver nitrate revealed the synthesis of TcAgNPs, and the UV-visible spectrum confirmed their formation. X-ray diffraction studies showed the presence of reducing agents and the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. Fourier-transform infrared spectra revealed the existence of essential secondary metabolites, which act as reducing/capping agents and stabilize the nanoparticles. The size of the TcAgNPs was small (range 36-168 nm) based on the measurement method. Their negative zeta potential (-32.3 mV) ensured their stability in water suspensions. The TcAgNPs were predominantly spherical, as evidenced from scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Atomic absorption spectroscopy data further revealed the conversion of silver nitrate into silver nanoparticles, and thermogravimetric analysis data showed their thermal stability. The TcAgNPs showed significant DPPH/ABTS radical scavenging ability in a concentration-dependent manner (25-100 µg/mL). Membrane lysis assays showed an effective anti-inflammatory activity of the TcAgNPs. Furthermore, the TcAgNPs showed potent antibacterial effects against multidrug-resistant bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus). The TcAgNPs treatment also exhibited antibiofilm activity against bacterial strains, in a concentration-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate the structural characteristics of green-synthesized TcAgNPs using advanced techniques. TcAgNPs can be developed as potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial drugs.

Recent advances in photothermal nanomaterials for ophthalmic applications

The human eye, with its remarkable resolution of up to 576 million pixels, grants us the ability to perceive the world with astonishing accuracy. Despite this, over 2 billion people globally suffer from visual impairments or blindness, primarily because of the limitations of current ophthalmic treatment technologies. This underscores an urgent need for more advanced therapeutic approaches to effectively halt or even reverse the progression of eye diseases. The rapid advancement of nanotechnology offers promising pathways for the development of novel ophthalmic therapies. Notably, photothermal nanomaterials, particularly well-suited for the transparent tissues of the eye, have emerged as a potential game changer. These materials enable precise and controllable photothermal therapy by effectively manipulating the distribution of the thermal field. Moreover, they extend beyond the conventional boundaries of thermal therapy, achieving unparalleled therapeutic effects through their diverse composite structures and demonstrating enormous potential in promoting retinal drug delivery and photoacoustic imaging. This paper provides a comprehensive summary of the structure-activity relationship between the photothermal properties of these nanomaterials and their innovative therapeutic mechanisms. We review the latest research on photothermal nanomaterial-based treatments for various eye diseases. Additionally, we discuss the current challenges and future perspectives in this field, with a focus on enhancing global visual health.

Applications of Nanotechnology for Spatial Omics: Biological Structures and Functions at Nanoscale Resolution

Spatial omics methods are extensions of traditional histological methods that can illuminate important biomedical mechanisms of physiology and disease by examining the distribution of biomolecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and metabolites, at microscale resolution within tissues or individual cells. Since, for some applications, the desired resolution for spatial omics approaches the nanometer scale, classical tools have inherent limitations when applied to spatial omics analyses, and they can measure only a limited number of targets. Nanotechnology applications have been instrumental in overcoming these bottlenecks. When nanometer-level resolution is needed for spatial omics, super resolution microscopy or detection imaging techniques, such as mass spectrometer imaging, are required to generate precise spatial images of target expression. DNA nanostructures are widely used in spatial omics for purposes such as nucleic acid detection, signal amplification, and DNA barcoding for target molecule labeling, underscoring advances in spatial omics. Other properties of nanotechnologies include advanced spatial omics methods, such as microfluidic chips and DNA barcodes. In this review, we describe how nanotechnologies have been applied to the development of spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, and multiomics approaches. We focus on how nanotechnology supports improved resolution and throughput of spatial omics, surpassing traditional techniques. We also summarize future challenges and opportunities for the application of nanotechnology to spatial omics methods.

Multifunctional lanthanum oxide-doped carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites: A promising approach for antimicrobial and targeted anticancer applications

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃)-doped carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanocomposites via a solution casting method, designed to offer an eco-friendly, multifunctional material with significant potential in biomedical applications. Structural analysis using FTIR, XRD, and EDX confirmed successful La₂O₃ integration, with FTIR spectra indicating a distinctive LaO stretching peak at 628.2 cm-1, XRD patterns revealing enhanced crystallinity with notable peaks at 16.6°, 27.6°, and 49.8°, and EDX showing a uniform lanthanum distribution with a 10.41 mass% concentration. These enhancements in structural stability and crystalline properties underscore the composite's functional robustness. Biological assessments revealed the composite's substantial antimicrobial efficacy, demonstrating inhibition zones up to 31 mm against pathogenic strains such as E. coli, S. aureus, E. faecalis, K. pneumoniae, and C. albicans at a 15 wt% La₂O₃ concentration-surpassing conventional antimicrobial agents. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests supported these findings, showing MIC values as low as 7.82 μg/mL, further validating the composite's heightened antimicrobial potency compared to pure CMC. In vitro cytotoxicity assays indicated selective anticancer effects of the La₂O₃/CMC nanocomposites, with IC₅₀ values of 327.7 μg/mL and 189.8 μg/mL against PC-3 prostate and A549 lung cancer cells, respectively. Remarkably, the composite showed minimal impact on normal lung fibroblasts (Wi-38), with an IC₅₀ value of 956.8 μg/mL, emphasizing its selectivity towards cancer cells. Collectively, these results highlight the La₂O₃/CMC composite as a biocompatible and multifunctional material suitable for both antimicrobial and targeted anticancer applications, aligning with the growing demand for safe, effective biomedical solutions.

The Role of Phthalocyanine-Gold Nanoconjugates (Pc-Au NCs) in Ameliorating the Hepatic and Renal Toxicity-Induced by Silver Nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in Male Rats

Recently, gold nanoparticles (Au Nps) have gained tremendous attention for its unique properties as a safe nanocarrier for delivering drugs that are used in different disease diagnoses. Although silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been generally applied due to their strong antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, their toxicity is a subject of sustained debate, thus requiring further studies. The present study aims to evaluate the potential protective effect of gold nanoparticles and phthalocyanine-gold nanoconjugates (Pc-Au NCs) against the hepatorenal toxicity of silver nanoparticles in male rats. Herein, 60 adult male Rattus norvegicus rats were divided into six equal groups (n = 10/group); the first group was kept as control, the second received gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) intraperitoneally (10 µg/kg) daily for 3 weeks, the third group is gold-phthalocyanine (Pc-Au) group where rats were injected intraperitoneally with gold-phthalocyanine for 3 weeks (10 µg/kg), the fourth group received silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) (4 mg/kg) daily intraperitoneally for 3 weeks, the fifth group is silver + gold nanoparticles group (Ag + Au), and the sixth is silver + gold-phthalocyanine nanoconjugates (Ag + Pc-Au) group in which rats were intraperitoneally injected firstly with Ag NPs (4 mg/kg) for 3 weeks then with gold or gold-phthalocyanine for another 3 weeks (10 µg/kg). Our results revealed that Ag NPs could increase the serum AST, ALT, ALP, urea, creatinine, and lipid profile and significantly decreased the total protein and albumin. Moreover, histopathological alterations detected in the kidney and the liver of the Ag NPs group included vascular congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, and tissue distortion. Alongside, exposure to Ag NPs induces hepatic and renal oxidative stress by suppressing the antioxidant-related genes including glutathione peroxidase 1 (gpx1), superoxide dismutase (sod), and catalase (cat). Ag NPs also upregulated the hepatic and renal genes involved in inflammation such as the interleukin-6 (il-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α), nuclear factor kappa B (nf-κβ), apoptosis such as the BCL2 associated X (bax), casp3, and other related to metabolism including asparagine synthetase (asns), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (socs3), MYC proto-oncogene (myc), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (ccl2). On the other hand, treatment with Au NPs and Pc-Au NCs could effectively ameliorate the hepatorenal damages induced by Ag NPs and improve liver and kidney architecture and function, especially in the Pc-Au NCs group. Briefly, our study revealed the underlined mechanism of Ag NPs hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects and that Pc-Au NCs could alleviate these adverse impacts via their anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Functionalized metal oxide nanoparticles: A promising intervention against major health burden of diseases

Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) is one of the most effective materials for medical applications with their substantial surface metallic ions and high surface area-volume ratio. Over decades, MONPs have been considered potential treatments due to their demonstrated ability and reactivity to target diverse cellular signaling pathways implicated in antimicrobial effects, as well as in the amelioration of oxidative stress, inflammation, cancer progression, and glucose together with lipid dysregulation. Based on their unique characteristics, MONPs have shown to be biodegradable and biocompatible vehicles for drugs, which have recently been applied in drug delivery as nanocarriers to enhance their delivery capacity for mechanistic membrane transport. However, little is known about the precise cellular responses, molecular mechanisms, and potential use of MONPs in the medical field. This review emphasizes on elaborating the biochemical reactivities of MONPs on molecular and cellular reactions, highlighting the physiological responses, mechanisms of action, certain drawbacks, and remediation of these functionalized materials. The significant goal of this literature is to shed light on the new perspectives of MONPs in pre-clinical application to pursue for clinical research as alternative-personalized medicines to prevent individuals from drastic diseases.

In silicodosimetry for a prostate cancer treatment using198Au nanoparticles

Objective. To estimate dose rates delivered by using radioactive198Au nanoparticles for prostate cancer nanobrachytherapy, identifying contribution by photons and electrons emmited from the source.Approach. Utilizingin silicomodels, two different anatomical representations were compared: a mathematical model and a unstructured mesh model based on the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publication 145 phantom. Dose rates by activity were calculated to the tumor and nearby healthy tissues, including healthy prostate tissue, urinary bladder wall and rectum, using Monte Carlo code MCNP6.2.Main results. Results indicate that both models provide dose rate estimates within the same order of magnitude, with the mathematical model overestimating doses to the prostate and bladder by approximately 20% compared to the unstructured mesh model. The discrepancies for the tumor and rectum were below 4%. Photons emmited from the source were defined as the primary contributors to dose to other organs, while 97.9% of the dose to the tumor was due to electrons emmited from the source.Significance. Our findings emphasize the importance of model selection in dosimetry, particularly the advantages of using realistic anatomical phantoms for accurate dose calculations. The study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of198Au nanoparticles in achieving high dose concentrations in tumor regions while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Beta emissions were found to be predominantly responsible for tumor dose delivery, reinforcing the potential of198Au nanoparticles in localized radiation therapy. We advocate for using realistic body phantoms in further research to enhance reliability in dosimetry for nanobrachytherapy, as the field still lacks dedicated protocols.

A Review of Nanotechnology in microRNA Detection and Drug Delivery

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. Dysfunction in miRNAs can lead to various diseases, including cancers, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. To date, approximately 2000 miRNAs have been identified in humans. These small molecules have shown promise as disease biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. Therefore, identifying miRNA biomarkers for diseases and developing effective miRNA drug delivery systems are essential. Nanotechnology offers promising new approaches to addressing scientific and medical challenges. Traditional miRNA detection methods include next-generation sequencing, microarrays, Northern blotting, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Nanotechnology can serve as an effective alternative to Northern blotting and RT-qPCR for miRNA detection. Moreover, nanomaterials exhibit unique properties that differ from larger counterparts, enabling miRNA therapeutics to more effectively enter target cells, reduce degradation in the bloodstream, and be released in specific tissues or cells. This paper reviews the application of nanotechnology in miRNA detection and drug delivery systems. Given that miRNA therapeutics are still in the developing stages, nanotechnology holds great promise for accelerating miRNA therapeutics development.

Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems for the Targeted Treatment of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The precise evaluation of the extent of an atherosclerotic plaque is essential for forecasting its likelihood of causing health concerns and tracking treatment outcomes. When compared to conventional methods used, nanoparticles offer clear benefits and excellent development opportunities for the detection and characterisation of susceptible atherosclerotic plaques. In this review, we analyse the recent advancements of nanoparticles as theranostics in the management of atherosclerosis, with an emphasis on applications in drug delivery. Furthermore, the main issues that must be resolved in order to advance clinical utility and future developments of NP research are discussed. It is anticipated that medical NPs will develop into complex and advanced next-generation nanobotics that can carry out a variety of functions in the bloodstream.

Insights into Targeted and Stimulus-Responsive Nanocarriers for Brain Cancer Treatment

Brain cancers, especially glioblastoma multiforme, are associated with poor prognosis due to the limited efficacy of current therapies. Nanomedicine has emerged as a versatile technology to treat various diseases, including cancers, and has played an indispensable role in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic as evidenced by the role that lipid nanocarrier-based vaccines have played. The tunability of nanocarrier physicochemical properties -including size, shape, surface chemistry, and drug release kinetics- has resulted in the development of a wide range of nanocarriers for brain cancer treatment. These nanocarriers can improve the pharmacokinetics of drugs, increase blood-brain barrier transfer efficiency, and specifically target brain cancer cells. These unique features would potentially allow for more efficient treatment of brain cancer with fewer side effects and better therapeutic outcomes. This review provides an overview of brain cancers, current therapeutic options, and challenges to efficient brain cancer treatment. The latest advances in nanomedicine strategies are investigated with an emphasis on targeted and stimulus-responsive nanocarriers and their potential for clinical translation.

Nanotechnology's Applications and Potential in Various Fields

Since ancient times, several sorts of nanoparticles have been employed in the quickly expanding field of nanotechnology. These features include size, shape, and chemical as well as physical properties. Because of their small size and huge surface area, carbon-based nanoparticles, including fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, and carbon-based quantum dots, have attracted a lot of attention in a variety of sectors, including biomedical applications. Lipid bilayers form the spherical vesicles known as liposomes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents are iron oxide nanoparticles. These materials are perfect for drug and delivery of genes, bioimaging, and bone repair because of their remarkable mechanical, electrical, visual, and chemical properties. However, concerns about potential asbestos-related diseases have arisen due to their length-to-width aspect ratio. Ceramic nanoparticles, on the other hand, are a common material in daily life and play a crucial role in bone repair, multiscale hybridisation, and aerospace structures. These nanoparticles can enhance osseointegration and bone development by mimicking the nanocomposition and nanoscale characteristics of bone tissue and enhance osteoconductive and osteoinductive capacities. Ceramic nanoparticles, however, have the potential to generate oxidative stress, which can result in irritation of the reticuloendothelial system, cytotoxicity to the heart, liver, and lungs, as well as toxicity to the cells that are attached. Additionally, oxidative stress, cell damage, and genotoxicity might result from the generation of free radicals by ceramic nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles exhibit linear optical properties similar to molecular systems but arise from a different physical process. Semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) are made from various compounds, such as silicon and germanium. Polyandry nanoparticles are particles approximately 10 and 10000 nanometers (nm) in size that can contain active substances. They have applications in vaccine delivery, gene therapy, and polymer nanoparticles (nanomedicine) for therapeutic applications.

The utilization of nanotechnology in the female reproductive system and related disorders

The health of the reproductive system is intricately linked to female fertility and quality of life. There has been a growing prevalence of reproductive system disorders among women, particularly in younger age groups, resulting in significant adverse effects on their reproductive health. Consequently, there is an urgent need for effective treatment modalities. Nanotechnology, as an advanced discipline, provides innovative avenues for managing and treating diseases of the female reproductive system by enabling precise manipulation and regulation of biological molecules and cells. By utilizing nanodelivery systems, drugs can be administered with pinpoint accuracy, leading to reduced side effects and improved therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, nanomaterial imaging techniques enhance diagnostic precision and sensitivity, aiding in the assessment of disease severity and progression. Furthermore, the implementation of nanobiosensors facilitates early detection and prevention of ailments. This comprehensive review aims to summarize recent applications of nanotechnology in the treatment of female reproductive system diseases. The latest advancements in drug delivery, diagnosis, and treatment approaches will be discussed, with an emphasis on the potential of nanotechnology to improve treatment outcomes and overall quality of life.

Nanocrystals for Deep-Tissue In Vivo Luminescence Imaging in the Near-Infrared Region

In vivo imaging technologies have emerged as a powerful tool for both fundamental research and clinical practice. In particular, luminescence imaging in the tissue-transparent near-infrared (NIR, 700-1700 nm) region offers tremendous potential for visualizing biological architectures and pathophysiological events in living subjects with deep tissue penetration and high imaging contrast owing to the reduced light-tissue interactions of absorption, scattering, and autofluorescence. The distinctive quantum effects of nanocrystals have been harnessed to achieve exceptional photophysical properties, establishing them as a promising category of luminescent probes. In this comprehensive review, the interactions between light and biological tissues, as well as the advantages of NIR light for in vivo luminescence imaging, are initially elaborated. Subsequently, we focus on achieving deep tissue penetration and improved imaging contrast by optimizing the performance of nanocrystal fluorophores. The ingenious design strategies of NIR nanocrystal probes are discussed, along with their respective biomedical applications in versatile in vivo luminescence imaging modalities. Finally, thought-provoking reflections on the challenges and prospects for future clinical translation of nanocrystal-based in vivo luminescence imaging in the NIR region are wisely provided.

Macrofungal Mediated Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Its Antibacterial and Wound-Healing Efficacy

Recently, the utilization of biological agents in the green synthesis of nanoparticles has been given interest. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized from an aqueous extract of macrofungus (mushroom), namely Phellinus adamantinus, in a dark room using 20 µL of silver nitrate. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were confirmed by analyzing them using a UV-Vis (ultraviolet-visible) spectrophotometer. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were optimized at different pH and temperatures with various dosages of AgNO3 (silver nitrate) and fungal extracts. The synthesized AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) were characterized using TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray) analyses, which confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles. The size of the nanosilver particles was found to be 50 nm with higher stability. The mycosynthesized AgNPs showed effective antibacterial activity against strains of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found to be 3.125 μg/mL by MIC assay. The MTT assay (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl] 2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) was performed to study cytotoxicity, and reduced cell viability was recorded at 100 μg/mL. Silver-Polygalacturonic acid-Polyvinyl alcohol ((Ag-PGA)-PVA) nanofiber was prepared using the electrospinning method. The in vitro wound scratch assay was demonstrated to study the wound-healing efficacy of the prepared nanofiber. The wound-healing efficacy of the AgNP-incorporated nanofiber was found to be 20% after 24 h. This study will lay a platform to establish a unique route to the development of a novel nanobiomaterial and its application in antibacterial and wound-healing therapy.

Overcoming challenges in cancer treatment: Nano-enabled photodynamic therapy as a viable solution

Cancer presents a formidable challenge, necessitating innovative therapies that maximize effectiveness while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in cancer treatment, particularly through nano-enabled photodynamic therapy (NE-PDT), which leverages precise and targeted interventions. NE-PDT capitalizes on photosensitizers activated by light to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that initiate apoptotic pathways in cancer cells. Nanoparticle enhancements optimize this process, improving drug delivery, selectivity, and ROS production within tumors. This review dissects NE-PDT's mechanistic framework, showcasing its potential to harness apoptosis as a potent tool in cancer therapy. Furthermore, the review explores the synergy between NE-PDT and complementary treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, highlighting the potential to amplify apoptotic responses, enhance immune recognition of cancer cells, and inhibit resistance mechanisms. Preclinical and clinical advancements in NE-PDT demonstrate its efficacy across various cancer types. Challenges in translating NE-PDT into clinical practice are also addressed, emphasizing the need for optimizing nanoparticle design, refining dosimetry, and ensuring long-term safety. Ultimately, NE-PDT represents a promising approach in cancer therapy, utilizing the intricate mechanisms of apoptosis to address therapeutic hurdles. The review underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between nanoparticles, ROS generation, and apoptotic pathways, contributing to a deeper comprehension of cancer biology and novel therapeutic strategies. As interdisciplinary collaborations continue to thrive, NE-PDT offers hope for effective and targeted cancer interventions, where apoptosis manipulation becomes central to conquering cancer. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

UV-C driven reduction of nanographene oxide opens path for new applications in phototherapy

The main challenges associated to the application of graphene-based materials (GBM) in phototherapy are obtaining particles with lateral nanoscale dimensions and water stability that present high near-infrared (NIR) absorption. Nanosized graphene oxide (GOn) is stable in aqueous dispersion, due to the oxygen functionalities on its surface, but possesses low photothermal efficiency in NIR region. GOn total reduction originates reduced nanographene oxide (rGOn) that presents high NIR absorption, but poor water stability. In this work, we produced a partially reduced nanographene oxide (p-rGOn) by GOn photoreduction using ultraviolet radiation (UV-C), yielding nanometric particles that preserve the original water stability, but acquire high light-to-heat conversion efficiency. GOn and p-rGOn presented mean particle sizes of 170 ± 81 nm and 188 ± 99 nm, respectively. 8 h of UV-C irradiation allowed to obtain a p-rGOn stable for up 6 months in water, with a zeta potential of -32.3 ± 1.3 mV. p-rGOn water dispersions have shown to absorb NIR radiation, reaching 52.7 °C (250 µg mL-1) after 30 min NIR irradiation. Chemical characterization of p-rGOn showed a decrease in the number of characteristic oxygen functional groups, confirming GOn partial reduction. Furthermore, p-rGOn (250 µg mL-1) didn't cause any cytotoxicity (ISO10993-5:2009(E)) towards human skin fibroblasts (HFF-1) and human skin keratinocytes (HaCat), after 24 and 48 h incubation. An innovative custom-built NIR LED-system has been developed and validated for p-rGOn photothermal effect evaluation. Finally, exposure to p-rGOn+NIR-LEDs has caused no cytotoxicity towards HFF-1 or HaCat cells, revealing its potential to be used as a safe therapy.

Synthesis of Butterfly-Like Shaped Gold Nanomaterial: For the Regulation of Liquid-Liquid Phase-Separated Biomacromolecule Droplets

Nanotechnology is a critical tool to manipulate the sophisticated behavior of biological structures and has provided new research fields. Liquid-liquid phase-separated (LLPS) droplets gather attention as basic reaction fields in a living cell. Droplets play critical roles in regulating protein behavior, including enzyme compartmentalization, stress response, and disease pathogenesis. The dynamic manipulation of LLPS droplet formation/deformation has become a crucial target in nanobiotechnology. However, the development of nanodevices specifically designed for this purpose remains a challenge. Therefore, this study presents butterfly-shaped gold nanobutterflies (GNBs) as novel nanodevices for manipulating LLPS droplet dynamics. The growth process of the GNBs is analyzed via time-lapse electroscopic imaging, time-lapse spectroscopy, and additives assays. Interestingly, GNBs demonstrate the ability to induce LLPS droplet formation in systems such as adenosine triphosphate/poly-l-lysine and human immunoglobulin G, whereas spherical and rod-shaped gold nanoparticles exhibit no such capability. This indicates that the GNB concave surface interacts with the droplet precursors facilitating the LLPS droplet formation. Near-infrared-laser irradiation applied to GNBs enables on-demand deformation of the droplets through localized heat effects. GNB regulates the enzymatic reaction of lysozymes. The innovative design of GNBs presents a promising strategy for manipulating LLPS dynamics and offers exciting prospects for future research.

Toward functionalization of ZnO nanotubes and monolayers with 5-aminolevulinic acid drugs as possible nanocarriers for drug delivery: a DFT based molecular dynamic simulation

We have investigated the interactions between a 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) drug and ZnO nanostructures including ZnO monolayers and ZnO nanotubes (ZnONTs) using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In the context of the dispersion corrected Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) approach, the energetics, charge transfer, electronic structure and equilibrium geometries have been estimated. As ALA is adsorbed onto/into the ZnONTs and on the ZnO monolayer with interaction energies (Eint) of -2.55/-2.75 eV and -2.51 eV, respectively, the calculated Eint values and bonding distances (∼2 Å) reveal that the interaction type is chemisorption. The ZnO nanostructures showed promising performance in the ALA drug functionalization, taking into account the interaction energy values. The band gap almost remains unchanged for both of the substrates under consideration after ALA adsorption, and the semiconductor properties of the substrates are preserved, according to the analyzed density of states (DOSs) spectra. The interaction nature of the ALA-ZnO nanostructures according to the atom in molecule (AIM) analysis was found to be polar attraction with partial covalent bonding between O and Zn. Our DFT based molecular dynamic (MD) simulation results demonstrate that, in the aqueous solution, ALA moves toward the interior sidewall of the ZnONTs and ZnO nanosheet surface and binds to the Zn atom through its O (carbonyl/hydroxyl groups) and N atoms and the hydroxyl H atom was dissociated and binds to the O atom of the ZnO surface. However, in the case of ALA adsorption onto the outer surface of ZnONTs, only the O atoms of carbonyl groups bind to the Zn atom and the structure of the drug remains undestroyed during the adsorption. The current findings shed light on the polar drug adsorption/encapsulation behavior on/into ZnO nanostructures, which may encourage further use of ZnO-based nanomaterials in the field of drug delivery and bio-functionalized nanomaterials.

Toxicological assessment of pristine and degraded forms of graphene functionalized with MnOx nanoparticles using human in vitro models representing different exposure routes

The development of novel advanced nanomaterials (NMs) with outstanding characteristics for their use in distinct applications needs to be accompanied by the generation of knowledge on their potential toxicological impact, in particular, that derived from different occupational risk exposure routes, such as inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. The harmful effects of novel graphene-metal oxide composites on human health are not well understood, many toxicological properties have not been investigated yet. The present study has evaluated several toxicological effects associated with graphene decorated with manganese oxide nanoparticles (GNA15), in a comparative assessment with those induced by simple graphene (G2), on human models representing inhalation (A549 cell line), ingestion (HT29 cell line) and dermal routes (3D reconstructed skin). Pristine and degraded forms of these NMs were included in the study, showing to have different physicochemical and toxicological properties. The degraded version of GNA15 (GNA15d) and G2 (G2d) exhibited clear structural differences with their pristine counterparts, as well as a higher release of metal ions. The viability of respiratory and gastrointestinal models was reduced in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of both GNA15 and G2 pristine and degraded forms. Besides this, all NMs induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both models. However, the degraded forms showed to induce a higher cytotoxicity effect. In addition, we found that none of the materials produced irritant effects on 3D reconstructed skin when present in aqueous suspensions. These results provide novel insights into the potentially harmful effects of novel multicomponent NMs in a comprehensive manner. Furthermore, the integrity of the NMs can play a role in their toxicity, which can vary depending on their composition and the exposure route.

Functional importance of glucose transporters and chromatin epigenetic factors in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM): possible therapeutics

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer affecting glial cells and is chemo- and radio-resistant. Glucose is considered the most vital energy source for cancer cell proliferation. During metabolism, hexose molecules will be transported into the cells via transmembrane proteins known as glucose transporter (GLUT). Among them, GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 play pivotal roles in glucose transport in GBM. Knockdown studies have established the role of GLUT-1, and GLUT-3 mediated glucose transport in GBM cells, providing insight into GLUT-mediated cancer signaling and cancer aggressiveness. This review focussed on the vital role of GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 proteins, which regulate glucose transport. Recent studies have identified the role of GLUT inhibitors in effective cancer prevention. Several of them are in clinical trials. Understanding and functional approaches towards glucose-mediated cell metabolism and chromatin epigenetics will provide valuable insights into the mechanism of cancer aggressiveness, cancer stemness, and chemo-resistance in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This review summarizes the role of GLUT inhibitors, micro-RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs that aid in inhibiting glucose uptake by the GBM cells and other cancer cells leading to the identification of potential therapeutic, prognostic as well as diagnostic markers. Furthermore, the involvement of epigenetic factors, such as microRNAs, in regulating glycolytic genes was demonstrated.

Nanotechnology: A Revolution in Modern Industry

Nanotechnology, contrary to its name, has massively revolutionized industries around the world. This paper predominantly deals with data regarding the applications of nanotechnology in the modernization of several industries. A comprehensive research strategy is adopted to incorporate the latest data driven from major science platforms. Resultantly, a broad-spectrum overview is presented which comprises the diverse applications of nanotechnology in modern industries. This study reveals that nanotechnology is not limited to research labs or small-scale manufacturing units of nanomedicine, but instead has taken a major share in different industries. Companies around the world are now trying to make their innovations more efficient in terms of structuring, working, and designing outlook and productivity by taking advantage of nanotechnology. From small-scale manufacturing and processing units such as those in agriculture, food, and medicine industries to larger-scale production units such as those operating in industries of automobiles, civil engineering, and environmental management, nanotechnology has manifested the modernization of almost every industrial domain on a global scale. With pronounced cooperation among researchers, industrialists, scientists, technologists, environmentalists, and educationists, the more sustainable development of nano-based industries can be predicted in the future.

Arbutin Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Its Catalytic Activity against Different Organic Dyes

In this study, we report one-pot, single step synthesis of silver nanoparticles stabilized by using arbutin. The concentration of reducing agent (NaBH4) used in the preparation was kept at double, and arbutin was used as a stabilizing agent. The confirmation of prepared silver nanoparticles was done by color change and UV-Vis surface plasmon resonance peak at 435 nm in UV-Vis spectrum. Size dispersion of nanoparticles was carried out by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and surface charge on nanoparticles. Stability was analyzed by Zeta potential. A strong negative charge indicated that nanoparticles are well stabilized throughout the solution. Morphology and 3D topographic images were obtained by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The crystalline nature of nanoparticles was elucidated by X-ray diffraction analysis. The size and morphology of solid, well-grinded nanoparticles was proceeded by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The catalytic activities of nanoparticles were carried out against methylene blue, methyl orange, safranin, and eosin. The results demonstrated that synthesized silver nanoparticles commenced the degradation reaction of dyes mentioned. Prepared silver nanoparticles are found to have adequate catalytic activity, as it can be comprehended in time-dependent UV-Vis spectrums of dyes after treating them with AgNPs.

Positively charged nanocomplex modulates dendritic cell differentiation to enhance Th1 immune response

Most existing vaccines use activators that polarize the immune response to T-helper (Th) 2 response for antibody production. Our positively charged chitosan (Cs)-based nanocomplex (CNC) drives the Th1 response through unknown mechanisms. As receptors for the positively charged CNC are not determined, the physico-chemical properties are hypothesized to correlate with its immunomodulatory effects. To clarify the effects of surface charge and size on the immune response, smaller CNC and negatively charged CNC encapsulating ovalbumin are tested on dendritic cell (DC) 2.4 ​cells. The negatively charged CNC loses activity, but the smaller CNC does not. To further evaluate the material effects, we replace Cs by poly-amino acids. Compared with the negatively charged nanocomplex, the positively charged one preserves its activity. Using immature bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDC) enriched from BALB/c mice as a model to analyze DC differentiation, treatments with positively charged nanocomplexes evidently increase the proportions of Langerin⁺ dermal DC, CD11b^lo interstitial DC, and CD8a⁺ conventional DC. Additionally, vaccination with two doses containing positively charged nanocomplexes are safe and increase ovalbumin-specific IgG and recall T-cell responses in mice. Overall, a positive charge seems to contribute to the immunological effect of nanocomplexes on elevating the Th1 response by modulating DC differentiation.

Effect of Organic Solvents on a Production of PLGA-Based Drug-Loaded Nanoparticles Using a Microfluidic Device

The translation of nanoparticles (NPs) from laboratory to clinical settings is limited, which is not ideal. One of the reasons for this is that we currently have limited ability to precisely regulate various physicochemical parameters of nanoparticles. This has made it difficult to rapidly perform targeted screening of drug preparation conditions. In this study, we attempted to broaden the range of preparation conditions for particle size-modulated poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid) (PLGA) NP to enhance their applicability for drug delivery systems (DDS). This was done using a variety of organic solvents and a glass-based microfluidic device. Furthermore, we compared the PDMS-based microfluidic device to the glass-based microfluidic device in terms of the possibility of a wider range of preparation conditions, especially the effect of different solvents on the size of the PLGA NPs. PLGA NPs with different sizes (sub-200 nm) were successfully prepared, and three different types of taxanes were employed for encapsulation. The drug-loaded NPs showed size-dependent cytotoxicity in cellular assays, regardless of the taxane drug used.

Sparking Nano-Metals on a Surface of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Its Application: Anti-Coronavirus and Anti-Fogging Properties

The nano-metal-treated PET films with anti-virus and anti-fogging ability were developed using sparking nano-metal particles of Ag, Zn, and Ti wires on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films. Ag nanoparticles were detected on the PET surface, while a continuous aggregate morphology was observed with Zn and Ti sparking. The color of the Ag-PET films changed to brown with increasing repeat sparking times, but not with the Zn-PET and Ti-PET films. The water contact angle of the nano-metal-treated PET films decreased with increasing repeat sparking times. The RT-PCR anti-virus test confirmed the high anti-virus efficiency of the nano-metal-treated PET films due to the fine particle distribution, high polarity, and binding of the nano-metal ions to the coronavirus, which was destroyed by heat after UV irradiation. A highly transparent, anti-fogging, and anti-virus face shield was prepared using the Zn-PET film. Sparking was an effective technique to prepare the alternative anti-virus and anti-fogging films for medical biomaterial applications because of their low cost, convenience, and fast processing.

Preparation of zinc oxide nanoparticles using laser-ablation technique: Retinal epithelial cell (ARPE-19) biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity when activated with femtosecond laser

The unusual physical, chemical, and biological features of nanoparticles have sparked considerable attention in the ophthalmological applications. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using laser-ablation at 100 mJ with different ablation times. The synthesized ZnONPs were spherical with an average size of 10.2 nm or 9.8 nm for laser ablation times of 20 and 30 min, respectively. The ZnONPs were screened for their antimicrobial activity against ophthalmological bacteria, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The significant decrease in bacterial growth was observed after treatment with ZnONPs in combination with 400 nm femtosecond laser irradiation. ZnONPs were investigated for their antioxidant activity and biocompatibility towards retinal epithelial cells (ARPE-19). ZnONPs showed moderate antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. ZnONPs prepared with an ablation time of 20 min were safer and more biocompatible than those prepared with an ablation time of 30 min, which were toxic to ARPE-19 cells with LC₅₀ (11.3 μg/mL) and LC₉₀ (18.3 μg/mL). In this study, laser ablation technique was used to create ZnONPs, and it was proposed that ZnONPs could have laser-activated antimicrobial activity for ophthalmological applications.

Ziziphus nummularia: A Comprehensive Review of Its Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Properties

Ziziphus nummularia, a small bush of the Rhamnaceae family, has been widely used in traditional folk medicine, is rich in bioactive molecules, and has many reported pharmacological and therapeutic properties. Objective: To gather the current knowledge related to the medicinal characteristics of Z. nummularia. Specifically, its phytochemical contents and pharmacological activities in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, are discussed. Methods: Major scientific literature databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Chemical Abstracts, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Abstracts, Henriette’s Herbal Homepage, Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases, were searched to retrieve articles related to the review subject. General web searches using Google and Google scholar were also utilized. The search period covered articles published between 1980 and the end of October 2021.The search used the keywords ‘Ziziphus nummularia’, AND (‘phytochemical content’, ‘pharmacological properties, or activities, or effects, or roles’, ‘anti-inflammatory’, ‘anti-drought’, ‘anti-thermal’, ‘anthelmintic’, ‘antidiabetic’,’ anticancer’, ‘anticholinesterase’, ‘antimicrobial’, ‘sedative’, ‘antipyretic’, ‘analgesic’, or ‘gastrointestinal’). Results: This plant is rich in characteristic alkaloids, especially cyclopeptide alkaloids such as nummularine-M. Other phytochemicals, including flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, and phenolic compounds, are also present. These phytochemicals are responsible for the reported pharmacological properties of Z. nummularia, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, anticancer, analgesic, and gastrointestinal activities. In addition, Z. nummularia has anti-drought and anti-thermal characteristics. Conclusion: Research into the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Z. nummularia has demonstrated that this plant is a rich source of novel bioactive compounds. So far, Z. nummularia has shown a varied pharmacological profile (antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective), warranting further research to uncover the therapeutic potential of the bioactives of this plant. Taken together, Z. nummularia may represent a new potential target for the discovery of new drug leads.

Multifunctional Nanoplatforms as a Novel Effective Approach in Photodynamic Therapy and Chemotherapy, to Overcome Multidrug Resistance in Cancer

It is more than sixty years since the era of modern photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer began. Enhanced selectivity for malignant cells with a reduced selectivity for non-malignant cells and good biocompatibility along with the limited occurrence of side effects are considered to be the most significant advantages of PDT in comparison with conventional therapeutic approaches, e.g., chemotherapy. The phenomenon of multidrug resistance, which is associated with drug efflux transporters, was originally identified in relation to the application of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, over the last thirty years, numerous papers have shown that many photosensitizers are the substrates of efflux transporters, significantly restricting the effectiveness of PDT. The concept of a dynamic nanoplatform offers a possible solution to minimize the multidrug resistance effect in cells affected by PDT. Indeed, recent findings have shown that the utilization of nanoparticles could significantly enhance the therapeutic efficacy of PDT. Additionally, multifunctional nanoplatforms could induce the synergistic effect of combined treatment regimens, such as PDT with chemotherapy. Moreover, the surface modifications that are associated with nanoparticle functionalization significantly improve the target potential of PDT or chemo-PDT in multidrug resistant and cancer stem cells.

Potential antimicrobial, antidiabetic, catalytic, antioxidant and ROS/RNS inhibitory activities of Silybum marianum mediated biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles

Use of medicinal plants for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles offers several advantages over other synthesis approaches. Plants contain a variety of bioactive compounds that can participate in reduction and capping of nanoparticles. Plant mediated synthesis has the leverage of cost effectiveness, eco-friendly approach and sustained availability. In the current study Silybum marianum, a medicinally valuable plant rich in silymarin content, is used as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the fabrication of nanoparticles. Biosynthesized CuO-NPs were characterized using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) techniques. Characterization revealed that CuO-NPs having a crystalline structure showed spherical morphology with an average size of 15 nm. HPLC analysis demonstrated conjugation of various silymarin components, especially the presence of silybin A (705.06 ± 1.59 mg g^-1 DW). CuO-NPs exhibited strong bactericidal potency against clinically important pathogenic bacterial strains e.g. Enterobacter aerogenes and Salmonella typhi with an inhibition zone of 18 ± 1.3 mm and 17 ± 1.2 mm, respectively. Synthesized nanoparticles indicated a dose dependent cytotoxic effect against fibroblast cells exhibiting a percentage cell viability of 83.60 ± 1.505% and 55.1 ± 1.80% at 25 μg mL^-1 and 100 μg mL^-1 concentration, respectively. Moreover, CuO-NPs displayed higher antioxidant potential in terms of (TAC: 96.9 ± 0.26 μg AAE/mg), (TRP: 68.8 ± 0.35 μg AAE/mg), (DPPH: 55.5 ± 0.62%), (ABTS: 332.34 μM) and a significant value for (FRAP: 215.40 μM). Furthermore, enzyme inhibition assays also exhibited excellent enzyme inhibition potential against α-amylase (35.5 ± 1.54%), urease (78.4 ± 1.26%) and lipase (80.50.91%), respectively. Overall findings indicated that biosynthesized CuO-NPs possess immense in vitro biological and biomedical properties and could be used as a broad-spectrum agent for a wider range of biomedical applications.

Colony-Forming Efficiency Assay to Assess Nanotoxicity of Graphene Nanomaterials

The nano-market has grown rapidly over the past decades and a wide variety of products are now being manufactured, including those for biomedical applications. Despite the widespread use of nanomaterials in various industries, safety and health effects on humans are still controversial, and testing methods for nanotoxicity have not yet been clearly established. Nanomaterials have been reported to interfere with conventional cytotoxicity tests due to their unique properties, such as light absorption or light scattering. In this regard, the colony-forming efficacy (CFE) assay has been suggested as a suitable test method for testing some nanomaterials without these color-interferences. In this study, we selected two types of GNPs (Graphene nanoplatelets) as test nanomaterials and evaluated CFE assay to assess the cytotoxicity of GNPs. Moreover, for further investigation, including expansion into other cell types, GNPs were evaluated by the conventional cytotoxicity tests including the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and Neutral red uptake (NRU) assay using MDCK, A549 and HepG2 cells. The results of CFE assay suggest that this test method for three cell lines can be applied for GNPs. In addition, the CFE assay was able to evaluate cytotoxicity regardless more accurately of color interference caused by residual nanomaterials.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Biosynthesis: Overview

Zinc (Zn) is plant micronutrient, which is involved in many physiological functions, and an inadequate supply will reduce crop yields. Its deficiency is the widest spread micronutrient deficiency problem; almost all crops and calcareous, sandy soils, as well as peat soils and soils with high phosphorus and silicon content are expected to be deficient. In addition, Zn is essential for growth in animals, human beings, and plants; it is vital to crop nutrition as it is required in various enzymatic reactions, metabolic processes, and oxidation reduction reactions. Finally, there is a lot of attention on the Zn nanoparticles (NPs) due to our understanding of different forms of Zn, as well as its uptake and integration in the plants, which could be the primary step toward the larger use of NPs of Zn in agriculture. Nanotechnology application in agriculture has been increasing over recent years and constitutes a valuable tool in reaching the goal of sustainable food production worldwide. A wide array of nanomaterials has been used to develop strategies of delivery of bioactive compounds aimed at boosting the production and protection of crops. ZnO-NPs, a multifunctional material with distinct properties and their doped counterparts, were widely being studied in different fields of science. However, its application in environmental waste treatment and many other managements, such as remediation, is starting to gain attention due to its low cost and high productivity. Nano-agrochemicals are a combination of nanotechnology with agrochemicals that have resulted in nano-fertilizers, nano-herbicides, nano-fungicides, nano-pesticides, and nano-insecticides being developed. They have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and optical capabilities. Green approaches using plants, fungi, bacteria, and algae have been implemented due to the high rate of harmful chemicals and severe situations used in the manufacturing of the NPs. This review summarizes the data on Zn interaction with plants and contributes towards the knowledge of Zn NPs and its impact on plants.

Structural changes in selected human proteins induced by exposure to quantum dots, their biological relevance and possible biomedical applications

Quantum dots (QDs) are semi-conductor luminescent nanocrystals usually of 2-10 nm diameter, attracting the significant attention in biomedical studies since emerged. Due to their unique optical and electronic properties, i.e. wide absorption spectra, narrow tunable emission bands or stable, bright photoluminescence, QDs seem to be ideally suited for multi-colour, simultaneous bioimaging and cellular labeling at the molecular level as new-generation probes. A highly reactive surface of QDs allows for conjugating them to biomolecules, what enables their direct binding to areas of interest inside or outside the cell for biosensing or targeted delivery. Particularly protein-QDs conjugates are current subjects of research, as features of QDs can be combined with protein specific functionalities and therefore used as a complex in variety of biomedical applications. It is known that QDs are able to interact with cells, organelles and macromolecules of the human body after administration. QDs are reported to cause changes at proteins level, including unfolding and three-dimensional structure alterations which might hamper proteins from performing their physiological functions and thereby limit the use of QD-protein conjugates in vivo. Moreover, these changes may trigger unwanted cellular outcomes as the effect of different signaling pathways activation. In this review, characteristics of QDs interactions with certain human proteins are presented and discussed. Besides that, the following manuscript provides an overview on structural changes of specific proteins exposed to QDs and their biological and biomedical relevance.

Synergistic effect of GO/SrFe12O19 as magnetic hybrid nanocatalyst for regioselective ring-opening of epoxides with amines under eco-friendly conditions

Highly efficient magnetically separable hybrid GO/SrFe12O19 nanocomposite was synthesized, as catalyst for epoxide ring-opening, via dispersing M-type strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12O19) on graphene oxide (GO) sheets.

Recent update on electrospinning and electrospun nanofibers: current trends and their applications

Electrospinning is a versatile and viable technique for generating ultrathin fibers. Remarkable progress has been made in techniques for creating electro-spun and non-electro-spun nanofibers. Nanofibers were the center of attention for industries and researchers due to their simplicity in manufacture and setup. The review discusses a thorough overview of both electrospinning and non-electrospinning processes, including their setup, fabrication process, components, and applications. The review starts with an overview of the field of nanotechnology, the background of electrospinning, the surge in demand for nanofiber production, the materials needed to make nanofibers, and the critical process variables that determine the characteristics of nanofibers. Additionally, the diverse applications of electrospun nanofibers, such as smart mats, catalytic supports, filtration membranes, energy storage/heritage components, electrical devices (batteries), and biomedical scaffolds, are then covered. Further, the review concentrates on the most recent and pertinent developments in nanofibers that are connected to the use of nanofibers, focusing on the most illustrative cases. Finally, challenges and their possible solutions, marketing, and the future prospects of nanofiber development are discussed.

Electrospinning is a versatile and viable technique for generating ultrathin fibers.

Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Acacia caesia Bark Extract and Its Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Activities

This paper presents the green synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles and their microbial and photocatalytic application. The green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles was carried out using Zinc nitrate hexahydrate and the bark extract of Acacia caesia (L.) Willd. The nanoparticles were synthesized at an optimum temperature of 65 °C followed by calcination at 400 °C. The samples were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, FTIR and EDX analysis. UV-visible spectroscopy showed a characteristic peak at 338 nm and the bandgap energy was found to be 3 eV which is specific for ZnO. SEM confirmed the presence of ZnO on its nanoscale. EDX gave the elemental details of Zinc constituting to 37.77% and Oxygen comprising 20.77% of its atomic weight. XRD analysis gave the diffractogram indexed at various angles corresponding to ZnO nanoparticles. It also revealed the average crystalline size to be 32.32 nm and the shape was found to be hexagonal. The functional group present in the nanoparticles was characterized using FTIR, which gave a characteristic peak at 485 cm−1. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited significant photocatalytic (methyl blue under UV irradiation). The presence of nanoparticles induces changes in its kinetics, whose rate constants and correlation coefficients were analyzed during the photocatalytic degradation of the model pollutant Methyl Blue. Studies on antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus), antifungal (Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans) and anti-inflammatory (COX assay) properties were also carried out. The nanoparticles were synthesized in an eco-friendly and cost-effective method. The study opens new horizons in the field of water treatment, biosensors and nanotechnology.

Assessment of the Antigenotoxic Effects of Alginate and ZnO/Alginate-Nanocomposites Extracted from Brown Alga Fucus vesiculosus in Mice

Mitomycin C (MMC) is an alkylating chemotherapy drug that could induce DNA damage and genetic alteration. It has been used as a model mutagen for in vivo and in vitro studies. The current study aimed to evaluate the protective role of Zinc oxide alginate–nanocomposites (ZnO-Alg/NCMs) against MMC–induced genotoxicity in mice. Animals were treated as follows: the control group, the groups treated with Algin (400 mg/kg b.w), the groups treated with ZnO-Alg/NCMs (400 mg/kg b.w), the group treated with MMC, and the groups treated with MMC plus Algin or ZnO-Alg/NCMs. Pre-treatment with Algin and ZnO-Alg/NCMs was repeated for one or seven days. Zinc oxide alginate-nanocomposites (ZnO-Alg/NCMs) were synthesized with the aim of incorporating the intrinsic properties of their constituents as an antigenotoxic substance. In this study, alginate was extracted from the brown marine alga Fucus vesiculosus, Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by using water extract of the same alga, and loaded in alginate to synthesize ZnO-Alg/NCMs. ZnO-NPs and ZnO-Alg/NCMs were characterized by TEM, SEM, EDX, and Zeta potential. The obtained results confirmed that by TEM and SEM, ZnO-NPs are rod shaped which modified, when loaded in alginate matrix, into spherical shape. The physical stability of ZnO-Alg/NCMs was reported to be higher than ZnO-NPs due to the presence of more negative charges on ZnO-Alg/NCMs. The EDX analysis indicated that the amount of zinc was higher in ZnO-NPs than ZnO-Alg/NCMs. The in vivo results showed that treatment with MMC induced genotoxic disturbances. The combined treatment with Algin and ZnO-Alg/NCMs succeeded in inducing significant protection against MMC. It could be concluded that ZnO-Algin/NCMs is a promising candidate to protect against MMC–induced genotoxicity.

Combining Nanotechnology and Gas Plasma as an Emerging Platform for Cancer Therapy: Mechanism and Therapeutic Implication

Nanomedicine and plasma medicine are innovative and multidisciplinary research fields aiming to employ nanotechnology and gas plasma to improve health-related treatments. Especially cancer treatment has been in the focus of both approaches because clinical response rates with traditional methods that remain improvable for many types of tumor entities. Here, we discuss the recent progress of nanotechnology and gas plasma independently as well as in the concomitant modality of nanoplasma as multimodal platforms with unique capabilities for addressing various therapeutic issues in oncological research. The main features, delivery vehicles, and nexus between reactivity and therapeutic outcomes of nanoparticles and the processes, efficacy, and mechanisms of gas plasma are examined. Especially that the unique feature of gas plasma technology, the local and temporally controlled deposition of a plethora of reactive oxygen, and nitrogen species released simultaneously might be a suitable additive treatment to the use of systemic nanotechnology therapy approaches. Finally, we focus on the convergence of plasma and nanotechnology to provide a suitable strategy that may lead to the required therapeutic outcomes.

In vitro and Microbiological Assay of Functionalized Hybrid Nanomaterials To Validate Their Efficacy in Nanotheranostics: A Combined Spectroscopic and Computational Study

Functionalized nanoparticles reveal new frontiers in therapeutics and diagnostics, simultaneously referred to as theranostics. Functionalization of an inorganic nanoparticle (NP) with an organic ligand determines the interaction of the functionalized NPs with various cellular components, leading to the desired therapeutic effect, while diminishing adverse side effects. Apart from the therapeutic effect of the nanoparticles, other physical properties of the organic-inorganic complex (nanohybrid) including fluorescence, X-ray or MRI contrast offer diagnosis of the anomalous target cell. In this study we functionalized Mn₃ O₄ NPs with organic citrate (C-Mn₃ O₄ ) and folic acid (FA-Mn₃ O₄ ) ligands and investigated their antimicrobial activities using Staphylococcus hominis as a model bacteria, which can be remediated through their membrane rupture. While high-resolution transmission microscopy (HR-TEM), XRD, DLS, absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy were used for structural characterisation of the functionalised NPs, zeta potential measurements and temperature-dependent reactive oxygen speices (ROS) generation reveal their drug action. We used high-end density functional theory (DFT) calculations to rationalise the specificity of the drug action of the NPs. Picosecond-resolved FRET studies confirm the enhanced affinity of FA-Mn₃ O₄ to the bacteria relative to C-Mn₃ O₄ , leading to enhanced antimicrobial activity. We have shown that the functionalised nanoparticles offer significant X-ray contrast in in-vitro studies, indicating the FA-Mn₃ O₄ NPs to be a potential theranostic agent against bacterial infection.

Milking microalgae in conjugation with nano-biorefinery approach utilizing wastewater

In today's era, we need to replace chemical or physical processes of nanoparticle synthesis with biosynthesis processes to avoid environmental damage. These bioderived nanoparticles can help in addressing the problems of wastewater treatment and biofuels production. This review gives an insight into solving multiple problems using a nano-biorefinery approach in conjugation with wastewater treatment. The major advantage of using a bio-derivative method in nanoparticle synthesis is its low toxicity towards the environment. The current review discusses the development of nanoscience and its biogenic importance. It covers the usage of microalgae for (A) Nanoparticle's biosynthesis (B) Mechanism of nanoparticle biosynthesis (C) Nanoparticles in bio-refinery processes (D) Wastewater treatment with microalgae and bio-derived nanoparticles (E) A hypothetical mechanistic approach, which utilizes the photothermal effect of metallic nanoparticles to extract lipids from the cells without cell damage. The term "cell milking" has been around for quite some time, and the hypothesis discussed in the present study can help in this context. The current hypothesized process can pave ways for futuristic endeavors to conjugate nanoparticles and microalgae for viable and commercial production of biofuel, nanoparticles, and many other molecules.

Assessment of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicity, and Biodistribution of a High Dose of Titanate Nanotubes Following Intravenous Injection in Mice: A Promising Nanosystem of Medical Interest

Titanate nanotubes (TiNTs) produced by the static hydrothermal process present a promising nanosystem for nanomedicine. However, the behavior of these nanotubes in vivo is not yet clarified. In this work, for the first time, we investigated the toxicity of these materials, their pharmacokinetic profile, and their biodistribution in mice. A high dose of TiNTs (45 mg/kg) was intravenously injected in mice and monitored from 6 h to 45 days. The histological examination of organs and the analysis of liver and kidney function markers and then the inflammatory response were in agreement with a long-term innocuity of these nanomaterials. The parameters of pharmacokinetics revealed the rapid clarification of TiNTs from the bloodstream after 6 h of the intravenous injection which then mainly accumulated in the liver and spleen, and their degradation and clearance in these tissues were relatively slow (>4 weeks). Interestingly, an important property of these materials is their slow dissolution under the lysosome acid environment, rendering them biodegradable. It is noteworthy that TiNTs were directly eliminated in urine and bile ducts without obvious toxicity in mice. Altogether, all these typical in vivo tests studying the TiNT pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and biodistribution are supporting the use of these biocompatible nanomaterials in the biomedical field, especially as a nanocarrier-based drug delivery system.

Metal Oxide Nanoparticles: Evidence of Adverse Effects on the Male Reproductive System

Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) are inorganic materials that have become a valuable tool for many industrial sectors, especially in healthcare, due to their versatility, unique intrinsic properties, and relatively inexpensive production cost. As a consequence of their wide applications, human exposure to MONPs has increased dramatically. More recently, their use has become somehow controversial. On one hand, MONPs can interact with cellular macromolecules, which makes them useful platforms for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. On the other hand, research suggests that these MONPs can cross the blood–testis barrier and accumulate in the testis. Although it has been demonstrated that some MONPs have protective effects on male germ cells, contradictory reports suggest that these nanoparticles compromise male fertility by interfering with spermatogenesis. In fact, in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that exposure to MONPs could induce the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, resulting in oxidative stress, which is the main suggested molecular mechanism that leads to germ cells’ toxicity. The latter results in subsequent damage to proteins, cell membranes, and DNA, which ultimately may lead to the impairment of the male reproductive system. The present manuscript overviews the therapeutic potential of MONPs and their biomedical applications, followed by a critical view of their potential risks in mammalian male fertility, as suggested by recent scientific literature.

Nanotherapeutic approaches to target mitochondria in cancer

Treatment of cancer cells exemplifies a difficult test in the light of challenges associated with the nature of cancer cells and the severe side effects too. After making a large number of trials using both traditional and advanced therapies (immunotherapy and hormone therapy), approaches to design new therapies have reached a saturation level. However, nanotechnology-based approaches exhibit higher efficacy and great potential to bypass many of such therapeutic limitations. Because of their higher target specificity, the use of nanoparticles offers incredible potential in cancer therapeutics. Mitochondria, acting as a factory of energy production in cells, reveal an important role in the death as well as the survival of cells. Because of its significant involvement in the proliferation of cancer cells, it is being regarded as an important target for cancer therapeutics. Numerous studies reveal that nanotechnology-based approaches to directly target the mitochondria may help in improving the survival rate of cancer patients. In the current study, we have detailed the significance of mitochondria in the development of cancer phenotype, as well as indicated it as the potential targets for cancer therapy. Our study further highlights the importance of different nanoparticle-based approaches to target mitochondria of cancer cells and the associated outcomes of different studies. Though, nanotechnology-based approaches to target mitochondria of cancer cells demonstrate a potential and efficient way in cancer therapeutics. Yet, further study is needed to overcome the linked limitations.

The multifactorial roles of microglia and macrophages in the maintenance and progression of glioblastoma

The functional characteristics of glial cells, in particular microglia, have attained considerable importance in several diseases, including glioblastoma, the most hostile and malignant type of intracranial tumor. Microglia performs a highly significant role in the brain's inflammatory response mechanism. They exhibit anti-tumor properties via phagocytosis and the activation of a number of different cytotoxic substances. Some tumor-derived factors, however, transform these microglial cells into immunosuppressive and tumor-supportive, facilitating survival and progression of tumorigenic cells. Glioma-associated microglia and/or macrophages (GAMs) accounts for a large proportion of glioma infiltrating cells. Once within the tumor, GAMs exhibit a distinct phenotype of initiation that subsequently supports the growth and development of tumorigenic cells, angiogenesis and stimulates the infiltration of healthy brain regions. Interventions that suppress or prohibit the induction of GAMs at the tumor site or attenuate their immunological activities accommodating anti-tumor actions are likely to exert positive impact on glioblastoma treatment. In the present paper, we aim to summarize the most recent knowledge of microglia and its physiology, as well as include a very brief description of different molecular factors involved in microglia and glioblastoma interplay. We further address some of the major signaling pathways that regulate the baseline motility of glioblastoma progression. Finally, we discussed a number of therapeutic approaches regarding glioblastoma treatment.

Toxicity and biodistribution assessment of curcumin-coated iron oxide nanoparticles: Multidose administration

AIM

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been widely used in diagnosis, drug delivery, and therapy. However, the biodistribution and toxicity profile of IONPs remain debatable and incomplete, thus limiting their further use. We predict that coating iron oxide nanoparticles using curcumin (Cur-IONPs) will provide an advantage for their safety profile.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, an evaluation of the multidose effect (6 doses of 5 mg/kg Cur-IONPs to male BALB/c mice, on alternating days for two weeks) on the toxicity and biodistribution of Cur-IONPs was conducted.

KEY FINDINGS

Serum biochemical analysis demonstrated no significant difference in enzyme levels in the liver and kidney between the Cur-IONP-treated and control groups. Blood glucose level measurements showed a nonsignificant change between groups. However, the serum iron concentration was found to initially increase significantly but then decreased at 10 days after the final injection. Histopathological examination of the liver, spleen, kidneys, and brain showed no abnormalities or differences between the Cur-IONP-treated and control groups. There were no abnormal changes in mouse body weight. The biodistribution results showed that Cur-IONPs accumulated mainly in the liver, spleen, and brain, while almost no Cur-IONPs were found in the kidney. The iron content in the liver remained high even 10 days after the final injection, while the iron content in the spleen and brain had returned to normal levels by this time point, indicating their complete clearance.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results are significant and promising for the further application of Cur-IONPs as theragnostic nanoparticles.