Understanding the mechanisms of silica nanoparticles for nanomedicine

Nanoparticle-mediated dsRNA delivery for precision insect pest control: a comprehensive review

Nanoparticle-based delivery systems have emerged as powerful tools in the field of pest management, offering precise and effective means of delivering double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a potent agent for pest control through RNA interference (RNAi). This comprehensive review aims to evaluate and compare various types of nanoparticles for their suitability in dsRNA delivery for pest management applications. The review begins by examining the unique properties and advantages of different nanoparticle materials, including clay, chitosan, liposomes, carbon, gold and silica. Each material's ability to protect dsRNA from degradation and its potential for targeted delivery to pests are assessed. Furthermore, this review delves into the surface modification strategies employed to enhance dsRNA delivery efficiency. Functionalization with oligonucleotides, lipids, polymers, proteins and peptides is discussed in detail, highlighting their role in improving stability, cellular uptake, and specificity of dsRNA delivery.This review also provides valuable guidance on choosing the most suitable nanoparticle-based system for delivering dsRNA effectively and sustainably in pest management. Moreover, it identifies existing knowledge gaps and proposes potential research directions aimed at enhancing pest control strategies through the utilization of nanoparticles and dsRNA.

Stimuli-responsive biodegradable silica nanoparticles: From native structure designs to biological applications

Due to their inherent advantages, silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have greatly potential applications as bioactive materials in biosensors/biomedicine. However, the long-term and nonspecific accumulation in healthy tissues may give rise to toxicity, thereby impeding their widespread clinical application. Hence, it is imperative and noteworthy to develop biodegradable and clearable SiNPs for biomedical purposes. Recently, the design of multi-stimuli responsive SiNPs to improve degradation efficiency under specific pathological conditions has increased their clinical trial potential as theranostic nanoplatform. This review comprehensively summaries the rational design and recent progress of biodegradable SiNPs under various internal and external stimuli for rapid in vivo degradation and clearance. In addition, the factors that affect the biodegradation of SiNPs are also discussed. We believe that this systematic review will offer profound stimulus and timely guide for further research in the field of SiNP-based nanosensors/nanomedicine.

Polymeric nanocomposite hydrogel scaffold for jawbone regeneration: The role of rosuvastatin calcium-loaded silica nanoparticles

Bones are subject to different types of damages ranging from simple fatigue to profound defects. In serious cases, the endogenous healing mechanism is not capable of healing the damage or restoring the normal structure and function of the bony tissue. The aim of this research was to achieve a sustained delivery of rosuvastatin and assess its efficacy in healing bone tissue damage. Rosuvastatin was entrapped into silica nanoparticles and the system was loaded into an alginate hydrogel to be implanted in the damaged tissue. Silica nanoparticles were formulated based on a modified Stöber technique and alginate hydrogel was prepared via sprinkling alginate onto silica nanoparticle dispersion followed by addition of CaCl2 to promote crosslinking and hydrogel rigidification. The selected nanoparticle formulation possessed high % drug content (100.22± 0.67%), the smallest particle size (221.00± 7.30 nm) and a sustained drug release up to 4 weeks (98.72± 0.52%). The fabricated hydrogel exhibited a further delay in drug release (81.52± 4.81% after 4 weeks). FT-IR indicated the silica nanoparticle formation and hydrogel crosslinking. SEM visualized the porous and dense surface of hydrogel. In-vivo testing on induced bone defects in New Zealand rabbits revealed the enhanced rate of new bone tissue formation, its homogeneity in color as well as similarity in structure to the original tissue.

Amorphous silica nanoparticles cause abnormal cytokinesis and multinucleation through dysfunction of the centralspindlin complex and microfilaments

BACKGROUND

With the large-scale production and application of amorphous silica nanoparticles (aSiNPs), its adverse health effects are more worthy of our attention. Our previous research has demonstrated for the first time that aSiNPs induced cytokinesis failure, which resulted in abnormally high incidences of multinucleation in vitro, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was firstly to explore whether aSiNPs induced multinucleation in vivo, and secondly to investigate the underlying mechanism of how aSiNPs caused abnormal cytokinesis and multinucleation.

METHODS

Male ICR mice with intratracheal instillation of aSiNPs were used as an experimental model in vivo. Human hepatic cell line (L-02) was introduced for further mechanism study in vitro.

RESULTS

In vivo, histopathological results showed that the rate of multinucleation was significantly increased in the liver and lung tissue after aSiNPs treatment. In vitro, immunofluorescence results manifested that aSiNPs directly caused microfilaments aggregation. Following mechanism studies indicated that aSiNPs increased ROS levels. The accumulation of ROS further inhibited the PI3k 110β/Aurora B pathway, leading to a decrease in the expression of centralspindlin subunits MKLP1 and CYK4 as well as downstream cytokines regulation related proteins Ect2, Cep55, CHMP2A and RhoA. Meanwhile, the particles caused abnormal co-localization of the key mitotic regulatory kinase Aurora B and the centralspindlin complex by inhibiting the PI3k 110β/Aurora B pathway. PI3K activator IGF increased the phosphorylation level of Aurora B and improved the relative ratio of the centralspindlin cluster. And ROS inhibitors NAC reduced the ratio of multinucleation, alleviated the PI3k 110β/Aurora B pathway inhibition, and then increased the expression of MKLP1, CYK4 and cytokinesis-related proteins, whilst NAC restored the clustering of the centralspindlin.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that aSiNPs led to multinucleation formation both in vivo and in vitro. ASiNPs exposure caused microfilaments aggregation and inhibited the PI3k 110β/Aurora B pathway through excessive ROS, which then hindered the centralspindlin cluster as well as restrained the expression of centralspindlin subunits and cytokinesis-related proteins, which ultimately resulted in cytokinesis failure and the formation of multinucleation.

Silica nanoparticles mediated insect pest management

Silicon is known for mitigating the biotic and abiotic stresses of crop plants. Many studies have proved beneficial effects of bulk silicon against biotic stresses in general and insect pests in particular. However, the beneficial effects of silica nanoparticles in crop plants against insect pests were barely studied and reported. By virtue of its physical and chemical nature, silica nanoparticles offer various advantages over bulk silicon sources for its applications in the field of insect pest management. Silica nanoparticles can act as insecticide for killing target insect pest or it can act as a carrier of insecticide molecule for its sustained release. Silica nanoparticles can improve plant resistance to insect pests and also aid in attracting natural enemies via enhanced volatile compounds emission. Silica nanoparticles are safe to use and eco-friendly in nature in comparison to synthetic pesticides. This review provides insights into the applications of silica nanoparticles in insect pest management along with discussion on its synthesis, side effects and future course of action.

Effect of Non-Modified as Well as Surface-Modified SiO2 Nanoparticles on Red Blood Cells, Biological and Model Membranes

Nanoparticles are extremely promising components that are used in diagnostics and medical therapies. Among them, silica nanoparticles are ultrafine materials that, due to their unique physicochemical properties, have already been used in biomedicine, for instance, in cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of three types of nanoparticles (SiO2, SiO2-SH, and SiO2-COOH) in relation to red blood cells, as well as the impact of silicon dioxide nanoparticles on biological membranes and liposome models of membranes. The results obtained prove that hemolytic toxicity depends on the concentration of nanoparticles and the incubation period. Silica nanoparticles have a marginal impact on the changes in the osmotic resistance of erythrocytes, except for SiO2-COOH, which, similarly to SiO2 and SiO2-SH, changes the shape of erythrocytes from discocytes mainly towards echinocytes. What is more, nanosilica has an impact on the change in fluidity of biological and model membranes. The research gives a new view of the practical possibilities for the use of large-grain nanoparticles in biomedicine.

Flowing through Gastrointestinal Barriers with Model Nanoparticles: From Complex Fluids to Model Human Intestinal Epithelium Permeation

Most nanomaterial-based medicines are intravenously applied since oral administration comprises challenging-related biological obstacles, such as interactions with distinct digestive fluids and their transport through the intestinal barrier. Moreover, there is a lack of nanoparticle-based studies that faithfully consider the above-cited obstacles and boost oral-administered nanomedicines' rational design. In this study, the physicochemical stability of fluorescent model silica nanoparticles (f-SiO₂NPs) passing through all simulated gastrointestinal fluids (salivary, gastric, and intestinal) and their absorption and transport across a model human intestinal epithelium barrier are investigated. An aggregation/disaggregation f-SiO₂NPs process is identified, although these particles remain chemically and physically stable after exposure to digestive fluids. Further, fine imaging of f-SiO₂NPs through the absorption and transport across the human intestinal epithelium indicates that nanoparticle transport is time-dependent. The above-presented protocol shows tremendous potential for deciphering fundamental gastrointestinal nanoparticles' evolution and can contribute to rational oral administration-based nanomedicine design.

Magnesium Supplementation Alleviates the Toxic Effects of Silica Nanoparticles on the Kidneys, Liver, and Adrenal Glands in Rats

Concerns regarding the possible hazards to human health have been raised by the growing usage of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in a variety of applications, including industrial, agricultural, and medical applications. This in vivo subchronic study was conducted to assess the following: (1) the toxicity of orally administered SiNPs on the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands; (2) the relationship between SiNPs exposure and oxidative stress; and (3) the role of magnesium in mitigating these toxic effects. A total of 24 Sprague Dawley male adult rats were divided equally into four groups, as follows: control group, magnesium (Mg) group (50 mg/kg/d), SiNPs group (100 mg/kg/d), and SiNPs+ Mg group. Rats were treated with SiNPs by oral gavage for 90 days. The liver transaminases, serum creatinine, and cortisol levels were evaluated. The tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. Additionally, the weight of the organs and the histopathological changes were examined. Our results demonstrated that SiNPs exposure caused increased weight in the kidneys and adrenal glands. Exposure to SiNPs was also associated with significant alterations in liver transaminases, serum creatinine, cortisol, MDA, and GSH. Additionally, histopathological changes were significantly reported in the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands of SiNPs-treated rats. Notably, when we compared the control group with the treated groups with SiNPs and Mg, the results revealed that magnesium could mitigate SiNPs-induced biochemical and histopathologic changes, confirming its effective role as an antioxidant that reduced the accumulation of SiNPs in tissues, and that it returns the levels of liver transaminases, serum creatinine, cortisol, MDA, and GSH to almost normal values.

Silica Nanoparticles Cause Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in-vitro Model-Using Microglia

INTRODUCTION

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have been widely used in food, cosmetics, medicine and other fields; however, there have been growing concerns regarding their potential adverse effects on health. A large number of studies have confirmed that SiNPs with small particle diameters can pass through the blood brain barrier, causing irreversible damage to the nervous system. This study aims to further explore the molecular mechanism of neurotoxicity of SiNPs and provide a toxicological basis for the medical application of SiNPs.

METHODS

We conducted an in vitro study using neuroimmune cells (mouse microglial cells, BV2) of the central nervous system to study inflammation and ferroptosis after exposure to SiNPs. We detected cell viability, morphology and ultrastructure, antioxidant function, inflammation, and ferroptosis-related proteins to explore the role of pyroptosis and ferroptosis in the damage of BV2 cells induced by SiNPs. We further explored the relationship between the inflammatory response and ferroptosis induced by SiNPs by silencing the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) gene and inhibiting ferroptosis.

RESULTS

The results showed that SiNPs could invade the cytoplasm, change the ultrastructure, activate NLRP3 inflammasomes, release a large number of inflammatory factors, and trigger inflammatory reaction. We also found that SiNPs could disrupt cellular antioxidant function, increase intracellular ferrous ion level and induce ferroptosis. In addition, both inflammation and ferroptosis are alleviated in NLRP3 gene-silenced cells.

CONCLUSION

SiNPs could induce BV2 cytotoxicity through inflammatory response and ferroptosis, which may be mediated by the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasomes.

A review on functional nanoarchitectonics nanocomposites based on octahedral metal atom clusters (Nb6, Mo6, Ta6, W6, Re6): inorganic 0D and 2D powders and films

This review is dedicated to various functional nanoarchitectonic nanocomposites based on molecular octahedral metal atom clusters (Nb₆, Mo₆, Ta₆, W₆, Re₆). Powder and film nanocomposites with two-dimensional, one-dimensional and zero-dimensional morphologies are presented, as well as film matrices from organic polymers to inorganic layered oxides. The high potential and synergetic effects of these nanocomposites for biotechnology applications, photovoltaic, solar control, catalytic, photonic and sensor applications are demonstrated. This review also provides a basic level of understanding how nanocomposites are characterized and processed using different techniques and methods. The main objective of this review would be to provide guiding significance for the design of new high-performance nanocomposites based on transition metal atom clusters.

Recent progress in the applications of silica-based nanoparticles

Functionalized silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) have attracted great attention due to their promising distinctive, versatile, and privileged physiochemical characteristics. These enhanced properties make this type of functionalized nanoparticles particularly appropriate for different applications. A lack of reviews that summarizes the fabrications of such nanomaterials and their different applications in the same work has been observed in the literature. Therefore, in this work, we will discuss the recent signs of progress in the fabrication of functionalized silica nanoparticles and their attractive applications that have been extensively highlighted (advanced catalysis, drug-delivery, biomedical applications, environmental remediation applications, and wastewater treatment). These applications have been selected for demonstrating the role of the surface modification step on the various properties of the silica surface. In addition, the current challenges in the applications of functionalized silica nanoparticles and corresponding strategies to discuss these issues and future perspectives for additional improvement have been addressed.

Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Techniques: Technical Principles and Applications in Nanomedicine

Simple Summary

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a consolidated imaging tool for the multiparametric assessment of tissues in various pathologies from degenerative and inflammatory diseases to cancer. In recent years, the continuous technological evolution of the equipment has led to the development of sequences that provide not only anatomical but also functional and metabolic information. In addition, there is a growing and emerging field of research in clinical applications using MRI to exploit the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of nanocompounds. This review illustrates the application of the most advanced magnetic resonance techniques in the field of nanomedicine.

Abstract

In the last decades, nanotechnology has been used in a wide range of biomedical applications, both diagnostic and therapeutic. In this scenario, imaging techniques represent a fundamental tool to obtain information about the properties of nanoconstructs and their interactions with the biological environment in preclinical and clinical settings. This paper reviews the state of the art of the application of magnetic resonance imaging in the field of nanomedicine, as well as the use of nanoparticles as diagnostic and therapeutic tools, especially in cancer, including the characteristics that hinder the use of nanoparticles in clinical practice.

High Doses of Silica Nanoparticles Obtained by Microemulsion and Green Routes Compromise Human Alveolar Cells Morphology and Stiffness Differently

Among all the inorganic nanomaterials used in commercial products, industry, and medicine, the amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) appeared to be often tolerated in living organisms. However, despite several toxicity studies, some concerns about the exposure to high doses of SiO2 NPs with different sizes were raised. Then, we used the microemulsion method to obtain stable SiO2 NPs having different sizes (110 nm, 50 nm, and 25 nm). In addition, a new one-pot green synthetic route using leaves extract of Laurus nobilis was performed, obtaining monodispersed ultrasmall SiO2 NPs without the use of dangerous chemicals. The NPs achieved by microemulsion were further functionalized with amino groups making the NPs surface positively charged. Then, high doses of SiO2 NPs (1 mg/mL and 3 mg/mL) achieved from the two routes, having different sizes and surface charges, were used to assess their impact on human alveolar cells (A549), being the best cell model mimicking the inhalation route. Cell viability and caspase-3 induction were analyzed as well as the cellular uptake, obtaining that the smallest (25 nm) and positive-charged NPs were more able to induce cytotoxicity, reaching values of about 60% of cell death. Surprisingly, cells incubated with green SiO2 NPs did not show strong toxicity, and 70% of them remained vital. This result was unusual for ultrasmall nanoobjects, generally highly toxic. The actin reorganization, nuclear morphology alteration, and cell membrane elasticity analyses confirmed the trend achieved from the biological assays. The obtained data demonstrate that the increase in cellular softness, i.e., the decrease in Young’s modulus, could be associated with the smaller and positive NPs, recording values of about 3 kPa. On the contrary, green NPs triggered a slight decrease of stiffness values (c.a. 6 kPa) compared to the untreated cells (c.a. 8 kPa). As the softer cells were implicated in cancer progression and metastasization, this evidence strongly supported the idea of a link between the cell elasticity and physicochemical properties of NPs that, in turn, influenced the interaction with the cell membrane. Thus, the green SiO2 NPs compromised cells to a lesser extent than the other SiO2 NPs types. In this scenario, the elasticity evaluation could be an interesting tool to understand the toxicity of NPs with the aim of predicting some pathological phenomena associated with their exposure.

Aptamer-Enabled Nanomaterials for Therapeutics, Drug Targeting and Imaging

A wide variety of nanomaterials have emerged in recent years with advantageous properties for a plethora of therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Such applications include drug delivery, imaging, anti-cancer therapy and radiotherapy. There is a critical need for further components which can facilitate therapeutic targeting, augment their physicochemical properties, or broaden their theranostic applications. Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids which have been selected or evolved to bind specifically to molecules, surfaces, or cells. Aptamers can also act as direct biologic therapeutics, or in imaging and diagnostics. There is a rich field of discovery at the interdisciplinary interface between nanomaterials and aptamer science that has significant potential across biomedicine. Herein, we review recent progress in aptamer-enabled materials and discuss pending challenges for their future biomedical application.

Green synthesis of silica nanoparticles from olive residue and investigation of their anticancer potential

Aim: To synthesize silica nanoparticles (SNPs) from olive residue with anticancer properties. Methods: SNPs were synthesized from olive residue ash (ORA). After characterization, cytotoxicity of the SNPs was assessed in vitro, with measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Results: The average diameter of the synthesized SNPs was 30-40 nm, and zeta potential analysis suggested they were stable. The synthesized SNPs were less cytotoxic than commercially available SNPs against fibroblast cells, and the cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells was significantly higher compared with fibroblast cells. SNPs showed greater uptake into cancer cells where there was greater production of free radicals. Conclusion: SNPs synthesized from ORA have potential anticancer applications because they are more cytotoxic toward cancer cells than fibroblast cells.

Raltitrexed-Modified Gold and Silver Nanoparticles for Targeted Cancer Therapy: Cytotoxicity Behavior In Vitro on A549 and HCT-116 Human Cancer Cells

Two different raltitrexed gold and silver nanoparticles for the delivery of an antitumoral drug into cancer cells were synthesized and characterized. A cysteine linker was used for the covalent bonding of raltitrexed to the surface of nanoparticles. To evaluate the efficacy of the antifolate-derivative nanoparticles, their cytotoxicity was assayed in vitro with A549 human lung adenocarcinoma and HCT-116 colorectal carcinoma human cells. Modified nanoparticles are a biocompatible material, and administration of silver raltitrexed nanoparticles strongly inhibited the viability of the cancer cells; gold raltitrexed nanoparticles do not show any type of cytotoxic effect. The results suggest that silver raltitrexed nanoparticles could be a potential delivery system for certain cancer cells.

Dendritic Polymers as Promising Additives for the Manufacturing of Hybrid Organoceramic Nanocomposites with Ameliorated Properties Suitable for an Extensive Diversity of Applications

As the field of nanoscience is rapidly evolving, interest in novel, upgraded nanomaterials with combinatory features is also inevitably increasing. Hybrid composites, offer simple, budget-conscious and environmental-friendly solutions that can cater multiple needs at the same time and be applicable in many nanotechnology-related and interdisciplinary studies. The physicochemical idiocrasies of dendritic polymers have inspired their implementation as sorbents, active ingredient carriers and templates for complex composites. Ceramics are distinguished for their mechanical superiority and absorption potential that render them ideal substrates for separation and catalysis technologies. The integration of dendritic compounds to these inorganic hosts can be achieved through chemical attachment of the organic moiety onto functionalized surfaces, impregnation and absorption inside the pores, conventional sol-gel reactions or via biomimetic mediation of dendritic matrices, inducing the formation of usually spherical hybrid nanoparticles. Alternatively, dendritic polymers can propagate from ceramic scaffolds. All these variants are covered in detail. Optimization techniques as well as established and prospected applications are also presented.

Understanding the mechanisms of silica nanoparticles for nanomedicine

As a consequence of recent progression in biomedicine and nanotechnology, nanomedicine has emerged rapidly as a new discipline with extensive application of nanomaterials in biology, medicine, and pharmacology. Among the various nanomaterials, silica nanoparticles (SNPs) are particularly promising in nanomedicine applications due to their large specific surface area, adjustable pore size, facile surface modification, and excellent biocompatibility. This paper reviews the synthesis of SNPs and their recent usage in drug delivery, biomedical imaging, photodynamic and photothermal therapy, and other applications. In addition, the possible adverse effects of SNPs in nanomedicine applications are reviewed from reported in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, the potential opportunities and challenges for the future use of SNPs are discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies