Emerging Applications of Nanobiosensors in Pathogen Detection in Water and Food

Apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of bone marrow cells by green-synthesized silver but not albumin nanoparticles

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) made by traditional means have a deleterious effect on bone marrow (BM) cells. Alternatively, green-synthesized NPs are cost-effective, ecofriendly, and may be less toxic. Also, albumin is a biocompatible blood protein involved in several physiological processes, employed in drug delivery without posing adverse effects, and is thought to be ideal NPs or coating for reducing the metallic NP's toxicity. We prepared albumin NPs (AlbNPs), biosynthesized silver NPs (AgNPs) using the metabolite of the Escherichia coli D8 strain and coated them with albumin (Ag/AlbNPs). These NPs were characterized and intraperitoneally administered to rats to compare their effect on rat BM cells. The flow cytometry results revealed that AgNPs significantly reduced viability, increased apoptosis, downregulated the antiapoptotic Bcl2 gene expression, and upregulated the apoptotic genes Bax and p53 in BM cells, while treatment with AlbNPs maintained these parameters. Principally, AgNPs caused significant DNA fragmentation, since all parameters observed by the comet assay (tail length, tail DNA content, tail moment, and olive moment) were significantly higher in AgNP-treated groups than in control and AlbNP-treated groups. Investigation of the cell cycle revealed that treatment with AgNP, but not AlbNPs, downregulated the expression of the regulatory genes Cdk2, Cdk4, and the cyclins A1 (Ccna1) and D1 (Ccnd1), which resulted in the arrest of the progression of the cell cycle at GO/G1, as demonstrated by flow cytometry. Coating AgNPs with albumin increased their size, and decreased their intracellular concentration, resulting in reduced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. However, these results for the Ag/AlbNP-treated group were still not comparable to those treated with pure AlbNPs. In conclusion, in contrast to AlbNPs, green AgNPs are toxic to bone marrow cells. Their coating with albumin, however, reduces this toxicity. To avoid this metal NP toxicity, it is recommended to use compatible degradable NPs instead of metal NPs for medication delivery to BM.

Recent Advances in Paper-Based Nano-Biosensors for Waterborne Pathogen Detection: Challenges and Solutions

Ensuring safe access to water and public health requires the availability of sensitive and fast response detection tools. Traditional detection tools present challenges of duration, procedure intricacy, and the need for trained staff. An advanced approach involves utilizing biosensors and nanomaterials, which have the capacity to detect the target analyte with high sensitivity and specificity in a short time. To date, researchers have created new techniques and materials to improve the sensitivity, detection limit, durability, and real-time analytical capabilities of biosensors. This critical review provides a thorough analysis of recent advances in paper-based nano-biosensors used for detecting waterborne pathogens, along with challenges faced in entering the market and potential solutions. The objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities of biosensors in detecting waterborne diseases, by evaluating technologies based on their range of concentrations and limits of detection. The review analyzed multiple biosensors and evaluated the underlying mechanisms that contribute to their effectiveness in detecting waterborne diseases. The discussion also addressed the influence of including nanomaterials on enhancing the performance of biosensors, specifically in relation to specificity, selectivity, and durability. Additionally, the challenges of translating the proof-of-concept biosensor into market products are discussed with potential solutions. The major findings reveal various biosensor technologies with distinct advantages and limitations. The thorough examination of biosensor technologies and the integration of nanomaterials offers valuable insights for academics, professionals, and policymakers involved in water quality monitoring. Additionally, it advocates for additional research to improve the performance of biosensors and address existing challenges.

Emerging trends in nano-sensors: A new frontier in food safety and quality assurance

The rapid evolution of nanotechnology has catalyzed significant advancements in the design and application of nano-sensors, particularly within the food industry, where ensuring safety and quality is of paramount concern. This review explores the multifaceted role of nano-sensors constructed from diverse nanomaterials in detecting foodborne pathogens and toxins, offering a comprehensive analysis of their operational principles, sensitivity, and specificity. Nano-sensors leverage unique physical and chemical properties at the nanoscale to enhance the detection of microbial contamination, actively contributing to food safety protocols. With applications ranging from real-time monitoring of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, to assessing environmental factors affecting food quality, these innovative devices demonstrate unparalleled advantages over conventional detection methods. Recent research illustrates the integration of nano-sensors with biosensing techniques, enabling multiplex analysis and rapid detection. Furthermore, the review addresses current challenges in the commercialization and regulatory landscape of nano-sensor technology, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to optimize their performance and facilitate widespread adoption in food safety systems. Overall, the incorporation of nano-sensors represents a transformative approach to safeguarding public health by proactively managing food safety risks and enhancing the efficiency of food quality assurance processes.

Advancing microbiota therapeutics: the role of synthetic biology in engineering microbial communities for precision medicine

Over recent years, studies on microbiota research and synthetic biology have explored novel approaches microbial manipulation for therapeutic purposes. However, fragmented information is available on this aspect with key insights scattered across various disciplines such as molecular biology, genetics, bioengineering, and medicine. This review aims to the transformative potential of synthetic biology in advancing microbiome research and therapies, with significant implications for healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. By merging computer science, engineering, and biology, synthetic biology allows for precise design and modification of biological systems via cutting edge technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, metabolic engineering, and synthetic oligonucleotide synthesis, thus paving the way for targeted treatments such as personalized probiotics and engineered microorganisms. The review will also highlight the vital role of gut microbiota in disorders caused by its dysbiosis and suggesting microbiota-based therapies and innovations such as biosensors for real-time gut health monitoring, non-invasive diagnostic tools, and automated bio foundries for better outcomes. Moreover, challenges including genetic stability, environmental safety, and robust regulatory frameworks will be discussed to understand the importance of ongoing research to ensure safe and effective microbiome interventions.

Insight into Antiviral Activity of Ag/TiO2 Nanocomposites Against Influenza H1N1 Virus and Its Antiviral Mechanism

Purpose

Synthesis and characterization of silver (Ag)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposite (ATA) to investigate its antiviral activity against the H1N1 influenza virus and antiviral mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

A water-dispersible ATA was prepared by a photocatalytic reduction process from AgNO3 and TiO2. The characterization of ATA was performed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The antiviral activities and the antiviral mechanism of ATA were investigated in detail by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and biological techniques such as cell cytotoxicity, 50% tissue culture infectious dose detection, western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Results

These results showed the successful synthesis of ATA nanocomposite with uniform particle size and distribution. It demonstrated the highly efficient antiviral activity of ATA in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as indicated by the reduction of viral titer and the reduction of cytopathic effects caused by viral infection. In the presence of ATA, the structure of the H1N1 influenza virus is directly destroyed and even disintegrated, with the damaged surface membrane proteins and fuzzy contour. It reduces the infection efficiency of influenza by suppressing the activity and expression of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. The results of mechanistic studies suggested that ATA nanocomposite primarily interferes with virus attachment to viral receptors on the cell surface.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that ATA may be a good antiviral candidate against the influenza virus. Compared with AgNPs alone, our synthesized ATA nanocomposites can achieve similar viral inactivation rates using only a much smaller concentration of AgNPs, greatly reducing the amount of AgNPs and their potential side effects. It has great practical value for attaching ATA to the high-efficiency particulate air network in the air purifier, which can kill the virus attached to it and limit its spread.

Detection of foodborne pathogens in contaminated food using nanomaterial-based electrochemical biosensors

Foodborne pathogens are a grave concern for the for food, medical, environmental, and economic sectors. Their ease of transmission and resistance to treatments, such as antimicrobial agents, make them an important challenge. Food tainted with these pathogens is swiftly rejected, and if ingested, can result in severe illnesses and even fatalities. This review provides and overview of the current status of various pathogens and their metabolites transmitted through food. Despite a plethora of studies on treatments to eradicate and inhibit these pathogens, their indiscriminate use can compromise the sensory properties of food and lead to contamination. Therefore, the study of detection methods such as electrochemical biosensors has been proposed, which are devices with advantages such as simplicity, fast response, and sensitivity. However, these biosensors may also present some limitations. In this regard, it has been reported that nanomaterials with high conductivity, surface-to-volume ratio, and robustness have been observed to improve the detection of foodborne pathogens or their metabolites. Therefore, in this work, we analyze the detection of pathogens transmitted through food and their metabolites using electrochemical biosensors based on nanomaterials.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles disrupt the mammary epithelial barrier via Z-DNA binding protein 1-triggered PANoptosis

Lactation women, a highly concerned demographic in society, face health risks that deserve attention. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are widely utilized in food and daily products due to their excellent physicochemical properties, leading to the potential exposure of lactating women to ZnO NPs. Hence, assessing the potential risks associated with ZnO NP exposure during lactation is critical. While studies have confirmed that exposure to ZnO NPs during lactation can induce toxic responses in multiple organs through blood circulation, the effects of lactational exposure on mammary tissue remain unclear. This research investigated the impairment of mammary tissue induced by ZnO NPs and its potential mechanisms. Through administering multiple injections of ZnO NPs into the tail vein of lactating ICR mice, our study revealed that ZnO NPs can deposit in the mammary tissues, downregulating key components of mammary epithelial barrier such as ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-3. In vivo, we also found that ZnO NPs can simultaneously induce apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, called PANoptosis. Additionally, using EpH4-Ev cells to simulate an in vitro mammary epithelial barrier model, we observed that ZnO NPs effectively disrupted the integrity of mammary epithelial barrier and induced PANoptosis. Furthermore, we confirmed that PANoptosis was responsible for the mammary epithelial barrier disruption induced by ZnO NPs. Moreover, we identified that ZBP1 was the primary mechanism of ZnO NPs inducing PANoptosis. These discoveries are designed to enhance our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying mammary epithelial barrier disruption caused by ZnO NPs, and we aim to highlight the potential hazards associated with daily usage and therapeutic exposure to ZnO NPs during lactation.

Electrospun nanofiber-based sensors for the detection of chemical and biological contaminants/hazards in the food industries

Food contamination reveals a major health risk globally and presents a significant challenge for the food industry. It can stem from biological contaminants like pathogens, parasites, and viruses, or chemical contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, drugs, and hormones. There is also the possibility of naturally occurring hazardous chemicals. Consequently, the development of sensing platforms has become crucial to accurately and rapidly identify contaminants and hazards in food products. Electrospun nanofibers (NFs) offer a promising solution due to their unique three-dimensional architecture, large specific surface area, and ease of preparation. Moreover, NFs exhibit excellent biocompatibility, degradability, and adaptability, making monitoring more convenient and environmentally friendly. These characteristics also significantly reduce the detection process of contaminants. NF-based sensors have the ability to detect a wide range of biological, chemicals, and physical hazards. Recent research on NFs-based sensors for the detection of various food contaminants/hazards, such as pathogens, pesticide/drugs residues, toxins, allergens, and heavy metals, is presented in this review.