Biomedical applications of carbon nanomaterials: Drug and gene delivery potentials

Advances in engineered nanosystems: immunomodulatory interactions for therapeutic applications

Advances in nanotechnology have led to significant progress in the design and fabrication of nanoparticles (NPs) with improved therapeutic properties. NPs have been explored for modulating the immune system, serving as carriers for drug delivery or vaccine adjuvants, or acting as therapeutics themselves against a wide range of deadly diseases. The combination of NPs with immune system-targeting moieties has facilitated the development of improved targeted immune therapies. Targeted delivery of therapeutic agents using NPs specifically to the disease-affected cells, distinguishing them from other host cells, offers the major advantage of concentrating the therapeutic effect and reducing systemic side effects. Furthermore, the properties of NPs, including size, shape, surface charge, and surface modifications, influence their interactions with the targeted biological components. This review aims to provide insights into these diverse emerging and innovative approaches that are being developed and utilized for modulating the immune system using NPs. We reviewed various types of NPs composed of different materials and their specific application for modulating the immune system. Furthermore, we focused on the mechanistic effects of these therapeutic NPs on primary immune components, including T cells, B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and complement systems. Additionally, a recent overview of clinically approved immunomodulatory nanomedicines and potential future perspectives, offering new paradigms of this field, is also highlighted.

Polymer Waste Valorization into Advanced Carbon Nanomaterials for Potential Energy and Environment Applications

The rise in universal population and accompanying demands have directed toward an exponential surge in the generation of polymeric waste. The estimate predicts that world-wide plastic production will rise to ≈590 million metric tons by 2050, whereas 5000 million more tires will be routinely abandoned by 2030. Handling this waste and its detrimental consequences on the Earth's ecosystem and human health presents a significant challenge. Converting the wastes into carbon-based functional materials viz. activated carbon, graphene, and nanotubes is considered the most scientific and adaptable method. Herein, this world provides an overview of the various sources of polymeric wastes, modes of build-up, impact on the environment, and management approaches. Update on advances and novel modifications made in methodologies for converting diverse types of polymeric wastes into carbon nanomaterials over the last 5 years are given. A remarkable focus is made to comprehend the applications of polymeric waste-derived carbon nanomaterials (PWDCNMs) in the CO2 capture, removal of heavy metal ions, supercapacitor-based energy storage and water splitting with an emphasis on the correlation between PWDCNMs' properties and their performances. This review offers insights into emerging developments in the upcycling of polymeric wastes and their applications in environment and energy.

Assessments of carbon nanotubes toxicities in zebrafish larvae using multiple physiological and molecular endpoints

In recent years, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have become one of the most promising materials for the technology industry. However, due to the extensive usage of these materials, they may be released into the environment, and cause toxicities to the organism. Here, their acute toxicities in zebrafish embryos and larvae were evaluated by using various assessments that may provide us with a novel perspective on their effects on aquatic animals. Before conducting the toxicity assessments, the CNTs were characterized as multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, which improved their solubility and dispersibility. Based on the results, abnormalities in zebrafish behaviors were observed in the exposed groups, indicated by a reduction in tail coiling frequency and alterations in the locomotion as the response toward photo and vibration stimuli that might be due to the disruption in the neuromodulatory system and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by MWCNTs. Next, based on the respiratory rate assay, exposed larvae consumed more oxygen, which may be due to the injuries in the larval gill by the MWCNTs. Finally, even though no irregularity was observed in the exposed larval cardiac rhythm, abnormalities were shown in their cardiac physiology and blood flow with significant downregulation in several cardiac development-related gene expressions. To sum up, although the following studies are necessary to understand the exact mechanism of their toxicity, the current study demonstrated the environmental implications of MWCNTs in particularly low concentrations and short-term exposure, especially to aquatic organisms.

Effects of Nanomaterials on Synthesis and Degradation of the Extracellular Matrix

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is accompanied by the continuous synthesis and degradation of the ECM components. This dynamic process plays an important role in guiding cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as in tissue development, body repair, and maintenance of homeostasis. Nanomaterials, due to their photoelectric and catalytic properties and special structure, have garnered much attention in biomedical fields for use in processes such as tissue engineering and disease treatment. Nanomaterials can reshape the cell microenvironment by changing the synthesis and degradation of ECM-related proteins, thereby indirectly changing the behavior of the surrounding cells. This review focuses on the regulatory role of nanomaterials in the process of cell synthesis of different ECM-related proteins and extracellular protease. We discuss influencing factors and possible related mechanisms of nanomaterials in ECM remodeling, which may provide different insights into the design and development of nanomaterials for the treatment of ECM disorder-related diseases.

A review on the chemical and biological sensing applications of silver/carbon dots nanocomposites with their interaction mechanisms

The development of new nanocomposites has a significant impact on modern instrumentation and analytical methods for chemical analysis. Due to their unique properties, carbon dots (CDs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), distinguished by their unique physical, electrochemical, and optical properties, have captivated significant attention. Thus, combining AgNPs and CDs may produce Ag/CDs nanocomposites with improved performances than the individual material. This comprehensive review offers an in-depth exploration of the synthesis, formation mechanism, properties, and the recent surge in chemical and biological sensing applications of Ag/CDs with their sensing mechanisms. Detailed insights into synthesis methods to produce Ag/CDs are unveiled, followed by information on their physicochemical and optical properties. The crux of this review lies in its spotlight on the diverse landscape of chemical and biological sensing applications of Ag/CDs, with a particular focus on fluorescence, electrochemical, colorimetric, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and surface plasmon resonance sensing techniques. The elucidation of sensing mechanisms of the nanocomposites with various target analytes adds depth to the discussion. Finally, this review culminates with a concise summary and a glimpse into future perspectives of Ag/CDs aiming to achieve highly efficient and enduring Ag/CDs for various applications.

p-Phenylenediamine-derived carbon nanodots for probing solvent interactions

Carbon nanodots, the luminescent nanoparticles of carbon with size restriction below 10 nm, have attracted inordinate attention in materials science due to their widespread applications in optoelectronic and biological fields. Low toxicity and facile synthesis pathways render them favourites in the above-mentioned areas in the context of green chemistry. This work presents fine applications of p-phenylenediamine-derived carbon nanodots (PD-CNDs) achieved via a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. Adequate characterization using X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic and microscopic studies confirmed spherical particles with an average particle size of 2.8 nm, functionalised with amino, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups. The carbon framework was functionalised with pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogens. Upon 365 nm UV light illumination, an aqueous dispersion of PD-CNDs showed red-orange fluorescence. Detailed spectral analysis using UV-visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy identified edge states and surface groups as luminescent centres, with a significant contribution arising from the latter. The investigation conducted using a collection of solvents, categorized into polar and nonpolar, indicated the potential of the system for applications based on its solvatochromic nature. The feature enabled the determination of different polarity parameters of the solvents, as well as dielectric constants of solvents and solvent mixtures, with considerable accuracy. The system was potent for predicting the composition of a given pair of solvents. The service of the system is also extended for moisture sensing in organic solvents within an error percentage < 1. High quantum yield values (0.61) combined with solvent composition-dependent optical features ensure broader applications of the system to probe solvent interactions.

Carbon-based nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Carbon nanomaterials have attracted significant attention in the biomedical field, including for biosensing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering applications. Based on their inherent properties such as their unique structure and high conductivity, carbon nanomaterials can overcome the current limitations in biomedical research such as poor stability of biomolecules, low sensitivity and selectivity of biosensors, and difficulty in precise drug delivery. In addition, recently, several novel nanomaterials have been integrated with carbon nanomaterials to develop carbon-based nanocomposites for application in biomedical research. In this review, we discuss recent studies on carbon-based nanocomposites and their biomedical applications. First, we discuss the representative carbon nanomaterials and nanocomposites composed of carbon and other novel nanomaterials. Next, applications of carbon nanomaterials and nanocomposites in the biomedical field are discussed according to topics in the biomedical field. We have discussed the recent studies on biosensors, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. In conclusion, we believe that this review provides the potential and applicability of carbon nanomaterials and their nanocomposites and suggests future directions of the application of carbon-based nanocomposites in biomedical applications.

Nanoinformatics based insights into the interaction of blood plasma proteins with carbon based nanomaterials: Implications for biomedical applications

In the past three decades, interest in using carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) in biomedical application has witnessed remarkable growth. Despite the rapid advancement, the translation of laboratory experimentation to clinical applications of nanomaterials is one of the major challenges. This might be attributed to poor understanding of bio-nano interface. Arguably, the most significant barrier is the complexity that arises by interplay of several factors like properties of nanomaterial (shape, size, surface chemistry), its interaction with suspending media (surface hydration and dehydration, surface reconstruction and release of free surface energy) and the interaction with biomolecules (conformational change in biomolecules, interaction with membrane and receptor). Tailoring a nanomaterial that minimally interacts with protein and lipids in the medium while effectively acts on target site in biological milieu has been very difficult. Computational methods and artificial intelligence techniques have displayed potential in effectively addressing this problem. Through predictive modelling and deep learning, computer-based methods have demonstrated the capability to create accurate models of interactions between nanoparticles and cell membranes, as well as the uptake of nanomaterials by cells. Computer-based simulations techniques enable these computational models to forecast how making particular alterations to a material's physical and chemical properties could enhance functional aspects, such as the retention of drugs, the process of cellular uptake and biocompatibility. We review the most recent progress regarding the bio-nano interface studies between the plasma proteins and CBNs with a special focus on computational simulations based on molecular dynamics and density functional theory.

ROS regulation in gliomas: implications for treatment strategies

Gliomas are one of the most common primary malignant tumours of the central nervous system (CNS), of which glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most common and destructive type. The glioma tumour microenvironment (TME) has unique characteristics, such as hypoxia, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tumour neovascularization. Therefore, the traditional treatment effect is limited. As cellular oxidative metabolites, ROS not only promote the occurrence and development of gliomas but also affect immune cells in the immune microenvironment. In contrast, either too high or too low ROS levels are detrimental to the survival of glioma cells, which indicates the threshold of ROS. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of ROS production and scavenging, the threshold of ROS, and the role of ROS in the glioma TME can provide new methods and strategies for glioma treatment. Current methods to increase ROS include photodynamic therapy (PDT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and chemodynamic therapy (CDT), etc., and methods to eliminate ROS include the ingestion of antioxidants. Increasing/scavenging ROS is potentially applicable treatment, and further studies will help to provide more effective strategies for glioma treatment.

A review on adsorption of heavy metals from wastewater using carbon nanotube and graphene-based nanomaterials

The rampant rise in world population, industrialization, and urbanization expedite the contamination of water sources. The presence of the non-biodegradable character of heavy metals in waterways badly affects the ecological balance. In this modern era, the unavailability of getting clear water as well as the downturn in water quality is a major concern. Therefore, the effective removal of heavy metals has become much more important than before. In recent years, the attention to better wastewater remediation was directed towards adsorption techniques with novel adsorbents such as carbon nanomaterials. This review paper primarily emphasizes the fundamental concepts, structures, and unique surface properties of novel adsorbents, the harmful effects of various heavy metals, and the adsorption mechanism. This review will give an insight into the current status of research in the realm of sustainable wastewater treatment, applications of carbon nanomaterials, different types of functionalized carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, and their adsorption capacity. The importance of MD simulations and density functional theory (DFT) in the elimination of heavy metals from aqueous media is also discussed. In addition to that, the effect of factors on heavy metal adsorption such as electric field and pressure is addressed.

Disturbing cytoskeleton by engineered nanomaterials for enhanced cancer therapeutics

Cytoskeleton plays a significant role in the shape change, migration, movement, adhesion, cytokinesis, and phagocytosis of tumor cells. In clinical practice, some anti-cancer drugs achieve cytoskeletal therapeutic effects by acting on different cytoskeletal protein components. However, in the absence of cell-specific targeting, unnecessary cytoskeletal recombination in organisms would be disastrous, which would also bring about severe side effects during anticancer process. Nanomedicine have been proven to be superior to some small molecule drugs in cancer treatment due to better stability and targeting, and lower side effects. Therefore, this review summarized the recent developments of various nanomaterials disturbing cytoskeleton for enhanced cancer therapeutics, including carbon, noble metals, metal oxides, black phosphorus, calcium, silicon, polymers, peptides, and metal-organic frameworks, etc. A comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of cytoskeleton therapy as well as the future prospects and challenges towards clinical application were also discussed. We aim to drive on this emerging topic through refreshing perspectives based on our own work and what we have also learnt from others. This review will help researchers quickly understand relevant cytoskeletal therapeutic information to further advance the development of cancer nanomedicine.

DFT investigation of temozolomide drug delivery by pure and boron doped C24 fullerene-like nanocages

In this paper, the DFT/M05-2X-D3/6-31+G(d,p) theoretical chemistry method is used to probe the adsorption ability of pure and boron doped C24 toward the temozolomide (TMZ) anticancer drug. The study is conducted in both gas and aqueous phases. The positive values of the Gibbs free energy of formation (12.03, 9.14 and 2.51 kcal mol-1) show that the adsorption of TMZ on C24 is not allowed. However, the boron-doped C24 (BC23) forms a very stable molecular complex with TMZ in the gas phase, characterized by the adsorption energy and Gibbs free energy values of -32.07 and -21.27 kcal mol-1 respectively. Analysis of Hirshfeld's atomic charge revealed the transfer of 0.6395e from TMZ to BC23, which is confirmed by the value of the dipole moment of the complex (13.42 D in the gas phase) as well as its molecular electrostatic potential map. The change in the frontier molecular orbital energy difference of BC23 is found to be 21.67% proving the good sensitivity of the cage toward the drug. The TMZ-BC23 molecular complex is very stable in water though the sensitivity of the cage is hugely reduced in that solvent. The reliability of these results was confirmed by checking the outcomes at both wB97XD/6-31+G(d,p) and B3LYP-D3/6-31+G(d,p) levels. This work shows that pristine BC23 is a better adsorbent of TMZ than some reported nanomaterials from the theoretical chemistry point of view.

Sorafenib-Loaded PLGA Carriers for Enhanced Drug Delivery and Cellular Uptake in Liver Cancer Cells

Introduction

Currently, conventional treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not selective enough for tumor tissue and lead to multidrug resistance and drug toxicity. Although sorafenib (SOR) is the standard first-line systemic therapy approved for the clinical treatment of HCC, its poor aqueous solubility and rapid clearance result in low absorption efficiency and severely limit its use for local treatment.

Methods

Herein, we present the synthesis of biodegradable polymeric Poly (D, L-Lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) particles loaded with SOR (PS) by emulsion-solvent evaporation process. The particles are carefully characterized focusing on particle size, surface charge, morphology, drug loading content, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro stability, drug release behaviour and tested on HepG2 cells. Additionally, PLGA particles have been coupled on side emitting optical fibers (seOF) integrated in a microfluidic device for light-triggered local release.

Results

PS have a size of 248 nm, tunable surface charge and a uniform and spherical shape without aggregation. PS shows encapsulation efficiency of 89.7% and the highest drug loading (8.9%) between the SOR-loaded PLGA formulations. Treating HepG2 cells with PS containing SOR at 7.5 µM their viability is dampened to 40%, 30% and 17% after 48, 129 and 168 hours of incubation, respectively.

Conclusion

The high PS stability, their sustained release profile and the rapid cellular uptake corroborate the enhanced cytotoxicity effect on HepG2. With the prospect of developing biomedical tools to control the spatial and temporal release of drugs, we successfully demonstrated the potentiality of seOF for light-triggered local release of the carriers. Our prototypical system paves the way to new devices integrating microfluidics, optical fibers, and advanced carriers capable to deliver minimally invasive locoregional cancer treatments.

Potential Role of Carbon Nanomaterials in the Treatment of Malignant Brain Gliomas

Malignant gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults up to an extent of 78% of all primary malignant brain tumors. However, total surgical resection is almost unachievable due to the considerable infiltrative ability of glial cells. The efficacy of current multimodal therapeutic strategies is, furthermore, limited by the lack of specific therapies against malignant cells, and, therefore, the prognosis of these in patients is still very unfavorable. The limitations of conventional therapies, which may result from inefficient delivery of the therapeutic or contrast agent to brain tumors, are major reasons for this unsolved clinical problem. The major problem in brain drug delivery is the presence of the blood-brain barrier, which limits the delivery of many chemotherapeutic agents. Nanoparticles, thanks to their chemical configuration, are able to go through the blood-brain barrier carrying drugs or genes targeted against gliomas. Carbon nanomaterials show distinct properties including electronic properties, a penetrating capability on the cell membrane, high drug-loading and pH-dependent therapeutic unloading capacities, thermal properties, a large surface area, and easy modification with molecules, which render them as suitable candidates for deliver drugs. In this review, we will focus on the potential effectiveness of the use of carbon nanomaterials in the treatment of malignant gliomas and discuss the current progress of in vitro and in vivo researches of carbon nanomaterials-based drug delivery to brain.

Carbon Nanomaterials: Emerging Roles in Immuno-Oncology

Cancer immunotherapy has made breakthrough progress in cancer treatment. However, only a subset of patients benefits from immunotherapy. Given their unique structure, composition, and interactions with the immune system, carbon nanomaterials have recently attracted tremendous interest in their roles as modulators of antitumor immunity. Here, we focused on the latest advances in the immunological effects of carbon nanomaterials. We also reviewed the current preclinical applications of these materials in cancer therapy. Finally, we discussed the challenges to be overcome before the full potential of carbon nanomaterials can be utilized in cancer therapies to ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Role of flavonoids in age-related macular degeneration

A common eye disorder known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) eventually results in blindness and vision loss. AMD has a complicated and poorly understood aetiology. The main pathological processes associated with AMD include oxidative damage, inflammation, and neovascularization. Flavonoids are naturally occurring bioactive substances with extensive distribution and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neovascularization inhibitory properties. Several in vitro and in vivo AMD-related models pertinent to vision and this ocular ailment have been used to assess the mechanisms of action of various flavonoids. This article will discuss the research progress of flavonoids in AMD, especially the characteristics and mechanism of flavonoids in treating AMD.

Caenorhabditis elegans as a Prediction Platform for Nanotechnology-Based Strategies: Insights on Analytical Challenges

Nanotechnology-based strategies have played a pivotal role in innovative products in different technological fields, including medicine, agriculture, and engineering. The redesign of the nanometric scale has improved drug targeting and delivery, diagnosis, water treatment, and analytical methods. Although efficiency brings benefits, toxicity in organisms and the environment is a concern, particularly in light of global climate change and plastic disposal in the environment. Therefore, to measure such effects, alternative models enable the assessment of impacts on both functional properties and toxicity. Caenorhabditis elegans is a nematode model that poses valuable advantages such as transparency, sensibility in responding to exogenous compounds, fast response to perturbations besides the possibility to replicate human disease through transgenics. Herein, we discuss the applications of C. elegans to nanomaterial safety and efficacy evaluations from one health perspective. We also highlight the directions for developing appropriate techniques to safely adopt magnetic and organic nanoparticles, and carbon nanosystems. A description was given of the specifics of targeting and treatment, especially for health purposes. Finally, we discuss C. elegans potential for studying the impacts caused by nanopesticides and nanoplastics as emerging contaminants, pointing out gaps in environmental studies related to toxicity, analytical methods, and future directions.

Bio-based antimicrobial compositions and sensing technologies to improve food safety

Microbial contamination of food products is a significant challenge that impacts food safety and quality. This review focuses on bio-based technologies for enhancing the decontamination of raw foods during postharvest processing, preventing cross-contamination, and rapidly detecting microbial risks. The bio-based antimicrobial compositions include bio-based antimicrobial delivery systems and coatings. The antimicrobial delivery systems are developed using cell-based carriers, microbubbles, and lipid-based colloidal particles. The antimicrobial coatings are engineered by incorporating biopolymers with conventional antimicrobials or cell-based antimicrobial carriers. The bio-based sensing approaches focus on replacing antibodies with more stable and cost-effective bio-receptors, including antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages, DNAzymes, and engineered liposomes. Together, these approaches can reduce microbial contamination risks and enhance the in-situ detection of microbes.

Functionalized Carbon Nanoparticles as Theranostic Agents and Their Future Clinical Utility in Oncology

Over the years, research of nanoparticle applications in pre-clinical and clinical applications has greatly advanced our therapeutic and imaging approaches to many diseases, most notably neoplastic disorders. In particular, the innate properties of inorganic nanomaterials, such as gold and iron oxide, as well as carbon-based nanoparticles, have provided the greatest opportunities in cancer theranostics. Carbon nanoparticles can be used as carriers of biological agents to enhance the therapeutic index at a tumor site. Alternatively, they can also be combined with external stimuli, such as light, to induce irreversible physical damaging effects on cells. In this review, the recent advances in carbon nanoparticles and their use in cancer theranostics will be discussed. In addition, the set of evaluations that will be required during their transition from laboratory investigations toward clinical trials will be addressed.

Biotechnological advancements towards water, food and medical healthcare: A review

The global health status is highly affected by the growing pace of urbanization, new lifestyles, climate changes, and resource exploitation. Modern technologies pave a promising way to deal with severe concerns toward sustainable development. Herein, we provided a comprehensive review of some popular biotechnological advancements regarding the progress achieved in water, food, and medicine, as the most substantial fields related to public health. The emergence of novel organic/inorganic materials has brought about significant improvement in conventional water treatment techniques, anti-fouling approaches, anti-microbial agents, food processing, biosensors, drug delivery systems, and implants. Particularly, a growing interest has been devoted to nanomaterials and their application for developing novel structures or improving the characteristics of standard components. Also, bioinspired materials have been widely used to improve the performance, efficiency, accuracy, stability, safety, and cost-effectiveness of traditional systems. On the other side, the fabrication of innovative devices for precisely monitoring and managing various ecosystem and human health issues is of great importance. Above all, exceptional advancements in designing ion-selective electrodes (ISEs), microelectromechanical systems (MEMs), and implantable medical devices have altered the future landscape of environmental and biomedical research. This review paper aimed to shed light on the wide-ranging materials and devices that have been developed for health applications and mainly focused on the impact of nanotechnology in this field.

In vitro genotoxicity assessment of graphene quantum dots nanoparticles: A metabolism-dependent response

Nanomaterials are progressively being applied in different areas, including biomedical uses. Carbon nanomaterials are relevant for biomedical sciences because of their biocompatibility properties. Graphene quantum dots (GQD) have a substantial potential in drug-delivery nanostructured biosystems, but there is still a lack of toxicological information regarding their effects on human health and the environment. We thus evaluated the mutagenicity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of this nanomaterial using alternative methods applied in regulatory toxicology guidelines. The Ames test was carried out in the presence and absence of exogenous metabolization. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strains TA97a, TA98, TA100, TA102, TA104, and TA1535 were exposed to GQD with concentrations ranging from 1 to 1000 μg/plate. The mammal cell viability assays were carried out with HepG2 and 3T3BalbC cell lineages and the in vitro Cytokinesis-Block Micronucleus assay (CBMN) was applied for 24 h of exposure in non-cytotoxic concentrations. Mutagenicity was induced in the TA97a strain in the absence of exogenous metabolization, but not in its presence. Mutagenicity was also detected in the TA102 strain in the assay with exogenous metabolization, suggesting redox misbalance mutagenicity. The WST-1 and LDH assays demonstrated that GQD decreased cell viability, especially in 3T3BalbC cells, which showed more sensitivity to the nanomaterial. GQD also increased micronuclei formation in 3T3BalbC and caused a cytostatic effect. No significant impact on HepG2 micronuclei formation was observed. Different metabolic systems interfered with the mutagenic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic effects of GQD, indicating that liver metabolism has a central role in the detoxification of this nanomaterial.

Carbon-based nanostructures for cancer therapy and drug delivery applications

Synthesis, design, characterization, and application of carbon-based nanostructures (CBNSs) as drug carriers have attracted a great deal of interest over the past half of the century because of their promising chemical, thermal, physical, optical, mechanical, and electrical properties and their structural diversity. CBNSs are well-known in drug delivery applications due to their unique features such as easy cellular uptake, high drug loading ability, and thermal ablation. CBNSs, including carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, nanodiamond, graphene, and carbon quantum dots have been quite broadly examined for drug delivery systems. This review not only summarizes the most recent studies on developing carbon-based nanostructures for drug delivery (e.g. delivery carrier, cancer therapy and bioimaging), but also tries to deal with the challenges and opportunities resulting from the expansion in use of these materials in the realm of drug delivery. This class of nanomaterials requires advanced techniques for synthesis and surface modifications, yet a lot of critical questions such as their toxicity, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and fate of CBNSs in biological systems must be answered.

Therapeutic and diagnostic applications of nanoparticles in the management of COVID-19: a comprehensive overview

In December 2019, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan, China. Comprehensive strategies for quick identification, prevention, control, and remedy of COVID-19 have been implemented until today. Advances in various nanoparticle-based technologies, including organic and inorganic nanoparticles, have created new perspectives in this field. These materials were extensively used to control COVID-19 because of their specific attribution to preparing antiviral face masks, various safety sensors, etc. In this review, the most current nanoparticle-based technologies, applications, and achievements against the coronavirus were summarized and highlighted. This paper also offers nanoparticle preventive, diagnostic, and treatment options to combat this pandemic.

Recent Development of Nano-Carbon Material in Pharmaceutical Application: A Review

Carbon nanomaterials have attracted researchers in pharmaceutical applications due to their outstanding properties and flexible dimensional structures. Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have electrical properties, high thermal surface area, and high cellular internalization, making them suitable for drug and gene delivery, antioxidants, bioimaging, biosensing, and tissue engineering applications. There are various types of carbon nanomaterials including graphene, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, nanodiamond, quantum dots and many more that have interesting applications in the future. The functionalization of the carbon nanomaterial surface could modify its chemical and physical properties, as well as improve drug loading capacity, biocompatibility, suppress immune response and have the ability to direct drug delivery to the targeted site. Carbon nanomaterials could also be fabricated into composites with proteins and drugs to reduce toxicity and increase effectiveness in the pharmaceutical field. Thus, carbon nanomaterials are very effective for applications in pharmaceutical or biomedical systems. This review will demonstrate the extraordinary properties of nanocarbon materials that can be used in pharmaceutical applications.

Future Prospects for Clinical Applications of Nanocarbons Focusing on Carbon Nanotubes

Over the past 15 years, numerous studies have been conducted on the use of nanocarbons as biomaterials towards such applications as drug delivery systems, cancer therapy, and regenerative medicine. However, the clinical use of nanocarbons remains elusive, primarily due to short- and long-term safety concerns. It is essential that the biosafety of each therapeutic modality be demonstrated in logical and well-conducted experiments. Accordingly, the fundamental techniques for assessing nanocarbon biomaterial safety have become more advanced. Optimal controls are being established, nanocarbon dispersal techniques are being refined, the array of biokinetic evaluation methods has increased, and carcinogenicity examinations under strict conditions have been developed. The medical implementation of nanocarbons as a biomaterial is in sight. With a particular focus on carbon nanotubes, these perspectives aim to summarize the contributions to date on nanocarbon applications and biosafety, introduce the recent achievements in evaluation techniques, and clarify the future prospects and systematic introduction of carbon nanomaterials for clinical use through practical yet sophisticated assessment methods.

MicroRNA-29b/graphene oxide–polyethyleneglycol–polyethylenimine complex incorporated within chitosan hydrogel promotes osteogenesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in regulating a number of physiologic and pathologic processes including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) osteogenic differentiation, making them a candidate used to promote osteogenesis. However, due to intrinsic structure and characteristics, “naked” miRNAs are unstable in serum and could not pass across the cellular membrane. Nano delivery systems seem to be a solution to these issues. Recently, graphene oxide (GO)-based nanomaterials are considered to be promising for gene delivery due to their unique physiochemical characteristics such as high surface area, biocompatibility, and easy modification. In this work, a GO-based nanocomplex functionalized by polyethyleneglycol (PEG) and polyethylenimine (PEI) was prepared for loading and delivering miR-29b, which participates in multiple steps of bone formation. The nanocomplex revealed good biocompatibility, miRNA loading capacity, and transfection efficiency. The miR-29b/GO-PEG-PEI nanocomplex was capsulated into chitosan (CS) hydrogel for osteogenesis. In vitro and in vivo evaluation indicated that miR-29b/GO-PEG-PEI@CS composite hydrogel was able to promote BMSC osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration. All these results indicate that PEG/PEI functionalized GO could serve as a promising candidate for miRNA cellular delivery, and the miR-29b/GO-PEG-PEI@CS hydrogel has the potential for repairing bone defects in vivo.

The Application of Carbon Nanomaterials in Sensing, Imaging, Drug Delivery and Therapy for Gynecologic Cancers: An Overview

Gynecologic cancers are one of the main health concerns of women throughout the world, and the early diagnosis and effective therapy of gynecologic cancers will be particularly important for the survival of female patients. As a current hotspot, carbon nanomaterials have attracted tremendous interest in tumor theranostics, and their application in gynecologic cancers has also been developed rapidly with great achievements in recent years. This Overview Article summarizes the latest progress in the application of diverse carbon nanomaterials (e.g., graphenes, carbon nanotubes, mesoporous carbon, carbon dots, etc.) and their derivatives in the sensing, imaging, drug delivery, and therapy of different gynecologic cancers. Important research contributions are highlighted in terms of the relationships among the fabrication strategies, architectural features, and action mechanisms for the diagnosis and therapy of gynecologic cancers. The current challenges and future strategies are discussed from the viewpoint of the real clinical application of carbon-based nanomedicines in gynecologic cancers. It is anticipated that this review will attract more attention toward the development and application of carbon nanomaterials for the theranostics of gynecologic cancers.

Bone Regeneration in Osteoporosis via Carbon Nanotube-Based Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2

We constructed a bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)@Carbon nanotube (CNT) delivery system to explore the feasibility of a nanodrug delivery system in the treatment of osteoporosis (OP). Osteoblasts were cultured and OP mouse models were constructed to evaluate the osteogenesis of nano-BMP-2 in OP therapy. In physicochemical property tests, we found that BMP-2 was effectively loaded into CNT to form nanoparticles (NPs) with a particle size of 100 nm. Additionally, we found that nano-BMP-2 had good stability and could effectively prolong BMP-2 release time. In cellular experiments, we found that nano-BMP-2 could penetrate osteoblasts more effectively than BMP-2 alone, and with the increase of BMP-2 loading, the amount of BMP-2 penetrating osteoblasts increased with an optimal loading of 100 μg. We determined that nano-BMP-2 could increase proliferation activity of osteoblasts to better promote OP repair. In our vivo experiments, we found that nano-BMP-2 was effectively excreted through the kidney and mainly distributed in bone tissue. Moreover, CNT effectively prolonged the half-life of BMP-2 and was safe to introduce through intramuscular injection and did not cause obvious inflammatory reactions. Following treatment, nano-BMP-2 increased body weight, femur weight, and femoral head diameter in OP mouse models. Furthermore, bone trabecular was arranged in a close and orderly fashion and was uniform in thickness in OP mice treated with nano-BMP-2. OP mice had improved bone mineral density, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, and cortical bone thickness in their metaphyseal regions, implying nano-BMP-2 treatment led to improved OP symptoms. Therefore, BMP-2@CNT may be a beneficial choice for treatment of OP.

Conductive Materials with Elaborate Micro/Nanostructures for Bioelectronics

Bioelectronics, an emerging field with the mutual penetration of biological systems and electronic sciences, allows the quantitative analysis of complicated biosignals together with the dynamic regulation of fateful biological functions. In this area, the development of conductive materials with elaborate micro/nanostructures has been of great significance to the improvement of high-performance bioelectronic devices. Thus, here, a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of relevant research studies on the fabrication and properties of conductive materials with micro/nanostructures and their promising applications and future opportunities in bioelectronic applications is presented. In addition, a critical analysis of the current opportunities and challenges regarding the future developments of conductive materials with elaborate micro/nanostructures for bioelectronic applications is also presented.

Nanofertilizer Possibilities for Healthy Soil, Water, and Food in Future: An Overview

Conventional fertilizers and pesticides are not sustainable for multiple reasons, including high delivery and usage inefficiency, considerable energy, and water inputs with adverse impact on the agroecosystem. Achieving and maintaining optimal food security is a global task that initiates agricultural approaches to be revolutionized effectively on time, as adversities in climate change, population growth, and loss of arable land may increase. Recent approaches based on nanotechnology may improve in vivo nutrient delivery to ensure the distribution of nutrients precisely, as nanoengineered particles may improve crop growth and productivity. The underlying mechanistic processes are yet to be unlayered because in coming years, the major task may be to develop novel and efficient nutrient uses in agriculture with nutrient use efficiency (NUE) to acquire optimal crop yield with ecological biodiversity, sustainable agricultural production, and agricultural socio-economy. This study highlights the potential of nanofertilizers in agricultural crops for improved plant performance productivity in case subjected to abiotic stress conditions.

Meta-Analysis of the Diagnostic Value of Tracer Staining Technology Based on Nanocarbon Suspension in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy of Breast Cancer

Objective. To evaluate the diagnostic value of the nanometer carbon suspension tracer staining technique in sentinel lymph node biopsy of breast cancer is the objective of this study. Methods. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library (Central), and Web of Science (SCI Expanded), and Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang, and CBM) were systematically searched for studies on the diagnostic value of nanocarbon suspension in sentinel lymph node biopsy of breast cancer. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of each study using the QUADAS-2 tool. The extracted valid data were calculated using Meta-Disc1.4 software and tested for heterogeneity. STATA14.0 software was selected for sensitivity analysis of the included studies, and publication bias was assessed using Deeks’ forest plot asymmetry test. Results. A total of 10 studies were obtained. The pooled data were as follows: sensitivity, 0.92 (0.88~0.95); specificity, 0.99 (0.98~1.00); positive likelihood ratio, 69.24 (30.34~158.02); negative likelihood ratio, 0.09 (0.06~0.13); and the combined diagnostic odds ratio, 747.40 (285.77~1954.76), $\text{AUC}=0.9881$ . Nanocarbon suspension tracers have an accuracy rate of 98.81% in the diagnosis of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer. Conclusion. Tracer staining technology based on nanocarbon suspension can accurately assess the status of lymph nodes in sentinel lymph node biopsy of breast cancer and has good stability and operability, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Template-Free Synthesis of Porous Fluorescent Carbon Nanomaterials with Gluten for Intracellular Imaging and Drug Delivery

A series of carbon nanomaterials, including carbon dots, carbon nanorings (CNRs), and porous carbon nanoballs, were facilely prepared by a template-free hydrothermal treatment of gluten as the sole carbon source. Driven by the hydrophobicity interaction, a concentration-dependent self-assembly of gluten was observed in an aqueous solution, leading to the subsequent formation of different morphologies of carbon nanomaterials in a hydrothermal treatment. Among these carbon nanomaterials, the CNRs exhibit bright photoluminescence with a quantum yield of 47.0%. Furthermore, CNRs also have a large surface area and low toxicity, making them an excellent drug carrier for chemotherapeutics. A model drug molecule doxorubicin (DOX) was successfully loaded on the CNRs, and the CNRs-DOX complexes exhibit a pH-dependent DOX release behavior. Compared with free DOX, the CNRs-DOX complexes can induce a higher level of apoptosis and lower level of necrosis, showing promise as anticancer agents.

Novel Tumor-Targeting Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment—A Review

Being one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, cancer represents an ongoing interdisciplinary challenge for the scientific community. As currently used treatments may face limitations in terms of both efficiency and adverse effects, continuous research has been directed towards overcoming existing challenges and finding safer specific alternatives. In particular, increasing interest has been gathered around integrating nanotechnology in cancer management and subsequentially developing various tumor-targeting nanoparticles for cancer applications. In this respect, the present paper briefly describes the most used cancer treatments in clinical practice to set a reference framework for recent research findings, further focusing on the novel developments in the field. More specifically, this review elaborates on the top recent studies concerning various nanomaterials (i.e., carbon-based, metal-based, liposomes, cubosomes, lipid-based, polymer-based, micelles, virus-based, exosomes, and cell membrane-coated nanomaterials) that show promising potential in different cancer applications.

Advanced metal and carbon nanostructures for medical, drug delivery and bio-imaging applications

Nanoparticles (NPs) offer great promise for biomedical, environmental, and clinical applications due to their several unique properties as compared to their bulk counterparts. In this review article, we overview various types of metal NPs and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in monolithic form as well as embedded into polymer matrices for specific drug delivery and bio-imaging fields. The second part of this review covers important carbon nanostructures that have gained tremendous attention recently in such medical applications due to their ease of fabrication, excellent biocompatibility, and biodegradability at both cellular and molecular levels for phototherapy, radio-therapeutics, gene-delivery, and biotherapeutics. Furthermore, various applications and challenges involved in the use of NPs as biomaterials are also discussed following the future perspectives of the use of NPs in biomedicine. This review aims to contribute to the applications of different NPs in medicine and healthcare that may open up new avenues to encourage wider research opportunities across various disciplines.

Multifunctional carbon nanomaterials for diagnostic applications in infectious diseases and tumors

Infectious diseases (such as Corona Virus Disease 2019) and tumors pose a tremendous challenge to global public health. Early diagnosis of infectious diseases and tumors can lead to effective control and early intervention of the patient's condition. Over the past few decades, carbon nanomaterials (CNs) have attracted widespread attention in different scientific disciplines. In the field of biomedicine, carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon quantum dots and fullerenes have the ability of improving the accuracy of the diagnosis by the improvement of the diagnostic approaches. Therefore, this review highlights their applications in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and tumors over the past five years. Recent advances in the field of biosensing, bioimaging, and nucleic acid amplification by such CNs are introduced and discussed, emphasizing the importance of their unique properties in infectious disease and tumor diagnosis and the challenges and opportunities that exist for future clinical applications. Although the application of CNs in the diagnosis of several diseases is still at a beginning stage, biosensors, bioimaging technologies and nucleic acid amplification technologies built on CNs represent a new generation of promising diagnostic tools that further support their potential application in infectious disease and tumor diagnosis.

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Carbon nanomaterials (CNs) are systematically introduced in this review.

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This review studies the application of CNs in infectious diseases and tumors diagnosis.

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CNs act as potent nanostructures for biosensing, bioimaging, & nucleic acid amplification.

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New CN-based detection methods were introduced to detect SARS-CoV-2.

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The challenges and prospects of CN-based diagnostic assays are also discussed.

Recent Progress in Nanostructured Smart Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy: A Review

Traditional treatment approaches for cancer involve intravenous chemotherapy or other forms of drug delivery. These therapeutic measures suffer from several limitations such as nonspecific targeting, poor biodistribution, and buildup of drug resistances. However, significant technological advancements have been made in terms of superior modes of drug delivery over the last few decades. Technical capability in analyzing the molecular mechanisms of tumor biology, nanotechnology─particularly the development of biocompatible nanoparticles, surface modification techniques, microelectronics, and material sciences─has increased. As a result, a significant number of nanostructured carriers that can deliver drugs to specific cancerous sites with high efficiency have been developed. This particular maneuver that enables the introduction of a therapeutic nanostructured substance in the body by controlling the rate, time, and place is defined as the nanostructured drug delivery system (NDDS). Because of their versatility and ability to incorporate features such as specific targeting, water solubility, stability, biocompatibility, degradability, and ability to reverse drug resistance, they have attracted the interest of the scientific community, in general, and nanotechnologists as well as biomedical scientists. To keep pace with the rapid advancement of nanotechnology, specific technical aspects of the recent NDDSs and their prospects need to be reported coherently. To address these ongoing issues, this review article provides an overview of different NDDSs such as lipids, polymers, and inorganic nanoparticles. In addition, this review also reports the challenges of current NDDSs and points out the prospective research directions of these nanocarriers. From our focused review, we conclude that still now the most advanced and potent field of application for NDDSs is lipid-based, while other significantly potential fields include polymer-based and inorganic NDDSs. However, despite the promises, challenges remain in practical implementations of such NDDSs in terms of dosage and stability, and caution should be exercised regarding biocompatibility of materials. Considering these aspects objectively, this review on NDDSs will be particularly of interest for small-to-large scale industrial researchers and academicians with expertise in drug delivery, cancer research, and nanotechnology.

Graphene Oxide versus Carbon Nanofibers in Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Films: Degradation in Simulated Intestinal Environments

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a microbial biodegradable polymer with a broad range of promising industrial applications. The effect of incorporation of low amounts (1% w/w) of carbon nanomaterials (CBNs) such as 1D carbon nanofibers (CNFs) or 2D graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets into the PHBV polymer matrix affects its degradation properties, as it is reported here for the first time. The study was performed in simulated gut conditions using two different media: an acidic aqueous medium (pH 6) and Gifu anaerobic medium. The results of this study showed that the incorporation of low amounts of filamentous 1D hydrophobic CNFs significantly increased the degradability of the hydrophobic PHBV after 3 months in simulated intestinal conditions as confirmed by weight loss (~20.5% w/w in acidic medium) and electron microscopy. We can attribute these results to the fact that the long hydrophobic carbon nanochannels created in the PHBV matrix with the incorporation of the CNFs allowed the degradation medium to penetrate at ultrafast diffusion speed increasing the area exposed to degradation. However, the hydrogen bonds formed between the 2D hydrophilic GO nanosheets and the hydrophobic PHBV polymer chains produced a homogeneous composite structure that exhibits lower degradation (weight loss of ~4.5% w/w after three months in acidic aqueous medium). Moreover, the water molecules present in both degradation media can be linked to the hydroxyl (-OH) and carboxyl (-COOH) groups present on the basal planes and at the edges of the GO nanosheets, reducing their degradation potential.

Harnessing Intranasal Delivery Systems of Sumatriptan for the Treatment of Migraine

Sumatriptan (ST) is a commonly prescribed drug for treating migraine. The efficiency of several routes of ST administration has been investigated. Recently, the intranasal route with different delivery systems has gained interest owing to its fast-acting and effectiveness. The present study is aimed at reviewing the available studies on novel delivery systems for intranasal ST administration. The oral route of ST administration is common but complicated with some problems. Gastroparesis in patients with migraine may reduce the absorption and effectiveness of ST upon oral use. Furthermore, the gastrointestinal (GI) system and hepatic metabolism can alter the pharmacokinetics and clinical effects of ST. The bioavailability of conventional nasal liquids is low due to the deposition of a large fraction of the delivered dose of a drug in the nasal cavity. Several delivery systems have been utilized in a wide range of preclinical and clinical studies to enhance the bioavailability of ST. The beneficial effects of the dry nasal powder of ST (AVP-825) have been proven in clinical studies. Moreover, other delivery systems based on microemulsions, microspheres, and nanoparticles have been introduced, and their higher bioavailability and efficacy were demonstrated in preclinical studies. Based on the extant findings, harnessing novel delivery systems can improve the bioavailability of ST and enhance its effectiveness against migraine attacks. However, further clinical studies are needed to approve the safety and efficacy of employing such systems in humans.

Nanotechnology in Plant Metabolite Improvement and in Animal Welfare

Plant tissue culture plays an important role in plant biotechnology due to its potential for massive production of improved crop varieties and high yield of important secondary metabolites. Several efforts have been made to ameliorate the effectiveness and production of plant tissue culture, using biotic and abiotic factors. Nowadays, the addition of nanoparticles as elicitors has, for instance, gained worldwide interest because of its success in microbial decontamination and enhancement of secondary metabolites. Nanoparticles are entities in the nanometric dimension range: they possess unique physicochemical properties. Among all nanoparticles, silver-nanoparticles (AgNPs) are well-known for their antimicrobial and hormetic effects, which in appropriate doses, led to the improvement of plant biomass as well as secondary metabolite accumulation. This review is focused on the evaluation of the integration of nanotechnology with plant tissue culture. The highlight is especially conveyed on secondary metabolite enhancement, effects on plant growth and biomass accumulation as well as their possible mechanism of action. In addition, some perspectives of the use of nanomaterials as potential therapeutic agents are also discussed. Thus, the information provided will be a good tool for future research in plant improvement and the large-scale production of important secondary metabolites. Elicitation of silver-nanoparticles, as well as nanomaterials, function as therapeutic agents for animal well-being is expected to play a major role in the process. However, nanosized supramolecular aggregates have received an increased resonance also in other fields of application such as animal welfare. Therefore, the concluding section of this contribution is dedicated to the description and possible potential and usage of different nanoparticles that have been the object of work and expertise also in our laboratories.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Inhibit TRPC4-Mediated Muscarinic Cation Current in Mouse Ileal Myocytes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are characterized by a combination of rather unique physical and chemical properties, which makes them interesting biocompatible nanostructured materials for various applications, including in the biomedical field. SWCNTs are not inert carriers of drug molecules, as they may interact with various biological macromolecules, including ion channels. To investigate the mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of SWCNTs on the muscarinic receptor cation current (mI_CAT), induced by intracellular GTPγs (200 μM), in isolated mouse ileal myocytes, we have used the patch-clamp method in the whole-cell configuration. Here, we use molecular docking/molecular dynamics simulations and direct patch-clamp recordings of whole-cell currents to show that SWCNTs, purified and functionalized by carboxylation in water suspension containing single SWCNTs with a diameter of 0.5–1.5 nm, can inhibit mI_CAT, which is mainly carried by TRPC4 cation channels in ileal smooth muscle cells, and is the main regulator of cholinergic excitation–contraction coupling in the small intestinal tract. This inhibition was voltage-independent and associated with a shortening of the mean open time of the channel. These results suggest that SWCNTs cause a direct blockage of the TRPC4 channel and may represent a novel class of TRPC4 modulators.

Physical and chemical properties of carbon nanotubes in view of mechanistic neuroscience investigations. Some outlook from condensed matter, materials science and physical chemistry

The open border between non-living and living matter, suggested by increasingly emerging fields of nanoscience interfaced to biological systems, requires a detailed knowledge of nanomaterials properties. An account of the wide spectrum of phenomena, belonging to physical chemistry of interfaces, materials science, solid state physics at the nanoscale and bioelectrochemistry, thus is acquainted for a comprehensive application of carbon nanotubes interphased with neuron cells. This review points out a number of conceptual tools to further address the ongoing advances in coupling neuronal networks with (carbon) nanotube meshworks, and to deepen the basic issues that govern a biological cell or tissue interacting with a nanomaterial. Emphasis is given here to the properties and roles of carbon nanotube systems at relevant spatiotemporal scales of individual molecules, junctions and molecular layers, as well as to the point of view of a condensed matter or materials scientist. Carbon nanotube interactions with blood-brain barrier, drug delivery, biocompatibility and functionalization issues are also regarded.

Review of Nanofluids and Their Biomedical Applications

Numerous researchers have reported significant improvements in nanofluid (NF) heat transfer (HT), suspension stability, thermal conductivity (TC), and rheological and mass transfer properties. As a result, nanofluids (NFs) play an important role in a variety of applications, including the health and biomedical engineering industries. The majority of the nanofluids (NFs) literature focuses on analyzing and comprehending the behavior of nanofluid models as heating or cooling mechanisms in various fields. This article represents a comprehensive study on nanofluids (NFs). It involves commonly used nanoparticles (NPs), magnetic nanofluids (MNFs), thermal conductivity (TC) enhancement, heat transfer (HT) enhancement, nanofluids (NFs) synthesis methods, stability evaluation methods, stability enhancement, nanofluids (NFs) applications in the biomedical field, and their impact on health and the environment. Nanofluids (NFs) play vital role in biomedical applications. It can be implemented in drug delivery systems, hyperthermia, sterilization processes, bioimaging, lubrication of orthopedic implants, and micro-pumping systems for drugs and hormones.

CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer therapy: A review with a special focus on tumor angiogenesis

Tumor angiogenesis is a critical target for cancer treatment and its inhibition has become a common anticancer approach following chemotherapy. However, due to the simultaneous activation of different compensatory molecular mechanisms that enhance tumor angiogenesis, clinically authorized anti-angiogenic medicines are ineffective. Additionally, medications used to treat cancer have an effect on normal body cells; nonetheless, more research is needed to create new cancer therapeutic techniques. With advances in molecular biology, it is now possible to use gene-editing technology to alter the genome and study the functional changes resulting from genetic manipulation. With the development of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, it has become a very powerful tool for altering the genomes of many organisms. It was determined that CRISPR/Cas9, which first appeared in bacteria as a part of an adaptive immune system, could be used, in modified forms, to alter genomes and function. In conclusion, CRISPR/Cas9 could be a major step forward to cancer management by providing patients with an effective method for dealing with cancers by dissecting the carcinogenesis pathways, identifying new biologic targets, and perhaps arming cancer cells with drugs. Hence, this review will discuss the current applications of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in tumor angiogenesis research for the purpose of cancer treatment.

The technology of transdermal delivery nanosystems: from design and development to preclinical studies

Transdermal administration has gained much attention due to the remarkable advantages such as patient compliance, drug escape from first-pass elimination, favorable pharmacokinetic profile and prolonged release properties. However, the major limitation of these systems is the limited skin penetration of the stratum corneum, the skin's most important barrier, which protects the body from the insertion of substances from the environment. Transdermal drug delivery systems are aiming to the disruption of the stratum corneum in order for the active pharmaceutical ingredients to enter successfully the circulation. Therefore, nanoparticles are holding a great promise because they can act as effective penetration enhancers due to their small size and other physicochemical properties that will be analyzed thoroughly in this report. Apart from the investigation of the physicochemical parameters, a comparison between the different types of nanoparticles will be performed. The complexity of skin anatomy and the unclear mechanisms of penetration should be taken into consideration to reach some realistic conclusions regarding the way that the described parameters affect the skin permeability. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is among the few reports on the literature describing the technology of transdermal delivery systems and how this technology affects the biological activity.

Carbon Nanomaterials Modified Biomimetic Dental Implants for Diabetic Patients

Dental implants are used broadly in dental clinics as the most natural-looking restoration option for replacing missing or highly diseased teeth. However, dental implant failure is a crucial issue for diabetic patients in need of dentition restoration, particularly when a lack of osseointegration and immunoregulatory incompetency occur during the healing phase, resulting in infection and fibrous encapsulation. Bio-inspired or biomimetic materials, which can mimic the characteristics of natural elements, are being investigated for use in the implant industry. This review discusses different biomimetic dental implants in terms of structural changes that enable antibacterial properties, drug delivery, immunomodulation, and osseointegration. We subsequently summarize the modification of dental implants for diabetes patients utilizing carbon nanomaterials, which have been recently found to improve the characteristics of biomimetic dental implants, including through antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities, and by offering drug delivery properties that are essential for the success of dental implants.