An intelligent DNA nanorobot for detection of MiRNAs cancer biomarkers using molecular programming to fabricate a logic-responsive hybrid nanostructure

AI-enhanced biomedical micro/nanorobots in microfluidics

Human beings encompass sophisticated microcirculation and microenvironments, incorporating a broad spectrum of microfluidic systems that adopt fundamental roles in orchestrating physiological mechanisms. In vitro recapitulation of human microenvironments based on lab-on-a-chip technology represents a critical paradigm to better understand the intricate mechanisms. Moreover, the advent of micro/nanorobotics provides brand new perspectives and dynamic tools for elucidating the complex process in microfluidics. Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) has endowed micro/nanorobots (MNRs) with unprecedented benefits, such as material synthesis, optimal design, fabrication, and swarm behavior. Using advanced AI algorithms, the motion control, environment perception, and swarm intelligence of MNRs in microfluidics are significantly enhanced. This emerging interdisciplinary research trend holds great potential to propel biomedical research to the forefront and make valuable contributions to human health. Herein, we initially introduce the AI algorithms integral to the development of MNRs. We briefly revisit the components, designs, and fabrication techniques adopted by robots in microfluidics with an emphasis on the application of AI. Then, we review the latest research pertinent to AI-enhanced MNRs, focusing on their motion control, sensing abilities, and intricate collective behavior in microfluidics. Furthermore, we spotlight biomedical domains that are already witnessing or will undergo game-changing evolution based on AI-enhanced MNRs. Finally, we identify the current challenges that hinder the practical use of the pioneering interdisciplinary technology.

Composition, preparation methods, and applications of nanoniosomes as codelivery systems: a review of emerging therapies with emphasis on cancer

Nanoniosome-based drug codelivery systems have become popular therapeutic instruments, demonstrating tremendous promise in cancer therapy, infection treatment, and other therapeutic domains. An emerging form of vesicular nanocarriers, niosomes are self-assembling vesicles composed of nonionic surfactants, along with cholesterol or other amphiphilic molecules. This comprehensive review focuses on how nanosystems may aid in making anticancer and antibacterial pharmaceuticals more stable and soluble. As malleable nanodelivery instruments, the composition, types, preparation procedures, and variables affecting the structure and stability of niosomes are extensively investigated. In addition, the advantages of dual niosomes for combination therapy and the administration of multiple medications simultaneously are highlighted. Along with categorizing niosomal drug delivery systems, a comprehensive analysis of various preparation techniques, including thin-layer injection, ether injection, and microfluidization, is provided. Dual niosomes for cancer treatment are discussed in detail regarding the codelivery of two medications and the codelivery of a drug with organic, plant-based bioactive compounds or gene agents. In addition, niogelosomes and metallic niosomal carriers for targeted distribution are discussed. The review also investigates the simultaneous delivery of bioactive substances and gene agents, including siRNA, microRNA, shRNA, lncRNA, and DNA. Additional sections discuss the use of dual niosomes for cutaneous drug delivery and treating leishmanial infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The study concludes by delineating the challenges and potential routes for nanoniosome-based pharmaceutical codelivery systems, which will be useful for nanomedicine practitioners and researchers.

Biosynthesis cobalt-doped nickel nanoparticles and their toxicity against disease

The nanostructures have the great potential for novel medical and drug delivery applications. In present paper a green approach for the preparation of pure nickel oxide (NiO) and 5% cobalt-doped NiO (Co╫NiO) nanoparticles (NPs) by using Prosopis fracta extract have been study. The product of Co╫NiO NPs was proved through the PXRD, Raman, UV-Vis, FESEM, and EDX analyses. The results of XRD, EDX, and UV-Visible spectra displayed well doped cobalt in NiO NP. The particle sizes of Co╫NiO NPs were observed to be about 80 nm. The MTT test results for the cytotoxicity of Co╫NiO NPs on breast cancer cells (MCF-7) affirmed the stronger impact of doped NiO-NPs on cancer cells compared to NiO NPs. Thus, it is indicated that the doping process on NiO NPs caused an increase in its inhibitory effect against MCF-7 cells. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Cobalt-doped NiO nanoparticles were prepared using ecofriendly synthesis method and their cytotoxicity studied against MCF-7 cells.

Template-Assisted Assembly of Hybrid DNA/RNA Nanostructures Using Branched Oligodeoxy- and Oligoribonucleotides

A template-assisted assembly approach to a C24 fullerene-like double-stranded DNA polyhedral shell is proposed. The assembly employed a supramolecular oligonucleotide dendrimer as a 3D template that was obtained via the hybridization of siRNA strands and a single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide joined to three- or four-way branched junctions. A four-way branched oligonucleotide building block (a starlet) was designed for the assembly of the shell composed of three identical self-complementary DNA single strands and a single RNA strand for hybridization to the DNA oligonucleotides of the template. To prevent premature auto-hybridization of the self-complementary oligonucleotides in the starlet, a photolabile protecting group was introduced via the N3-substituted thymidine phosphoramidite. Cleavable linkers such as a disulfide linkage, RNase A sensitive triribonucleotides, and di- and trideoxynucleotides were incorporated into the starlet and template at specific points to guide the post-assembly disconnection of the shell from the template, and enzymatic disassembly of the template and the shell in biological media. At the same time, siRNA strands were modified with 2'-OMe ribonucleotides and phosphorothioate groups in certain positions to stabilize toward enzymatic digestion. We report herein a solid-phase synthesis of branched oligodeoxy and oligoribonucleotide building blocks for the DNA/RNA dendritic template and the branched DNA starlet for a template-assisted construction of a C24 fullerene-like DNA shell after initial molecular modeling, followed by the assembly of the shell around the DNA-coated RNA dendritic template, and visualization of the resulting nanostructure by transmission electron microscopy.

Plant extract-mediated synthesis Cobalt doping in zinc oxide nanoparticles and their in vitro cytotoxicity and antibacterial performance

In this research, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles doped with different percentages of produced cobalt using the green synthesis method. ZnO nanoparticles showed good cellular and microbial toxicity due to their high surface-to-volume ratio. Adding cobalt metal to the nanostructure can lead to the appearance of a new feature. To investigate the effect of adding cobalt metal, synthesized ZnO nanoparticles containing 3 and 6% cobalt were synthesized using plant extract. The resulting nanostructures were characterized by a Raman spectroscopy, UV-Visible spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, and Field emission scanning electron microscopy. Ultimately, the synthesized samples' cytotoxicity and antimicrobial tests were performed. XRD confirmed the formation of a hexagonal wurtzite ZnO structure. XRD and electron imaging showed that doping resulted in a decrease in average crystal size. The results showed that with cobalt doping, the particle size decreased slightly. The cytotoxicity and antimicrobial effects results showed that in all three studies, cobalt doping leads to an increase in the toxicity of this nanostructure compared to non-doped nanoparticles.

Niosome as an Effective Nanoscale Solution for the Treatment of Microbial Infections

Numerous disorders go untreated owing to a lack of a suitable drug delivery technology or an appropriate therapeutic moiety, particularly when toxicities and side effects are a major concern. Treatment options for microbiological infections are not fulfilled owing to significant adverse effects or extended therapeutic options. Advanced therapy options, such as active targeting, may be preferable to traditional ways of treating infectious diseases. Niosomes can be defined as microscopic lamellar molecules formed by a mixture of cholesterol, nonionic surfactants (alkyl or dialkyl polyglycerol ethers), and sometimes charge-inducing agents. These molecules comprise both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties of varying solubilities. In this review, several pathogenic microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Candida spp. have been evaluated. Also, the development of a proper niosomal formulation for the required application was discussed. This review also reviews that an optimal formulation is dependent on several aspects, including the choice of nonionic surfactant, fabrication process, and fabrication parameters. Finally, this review will give information on the effectiveness of niosomes in treating acute microbial infections, the mechanism of action of niosomes in combating microbial pathogens, and the advantages of using niosomes over other treatment modalities.

Nanoconstructs for theranostic application in cancer: Challenges and strategies to enhance the delivery

Nanoconstructs are made up of nanoparticles and ligands, which can deliver the loaded cargo at the desired site of action. Various nanoparticulate platforms have been utilized for the preparation of nanoconstructs, which may serve both diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. Nanoconstructs are mostly used to overcome the limitations of cancer therapies, such as toxicity, nonspecific distribution of the drug, and uncontrolled release rate. The strategies employed during the design of nanoconstructs help improve the efficiency and specificity of loaded theranostic agents and make them a successful approach for cancer therapy. Nanoconstructs are designed with a sole purpose of targeting the requisite site, overcoming the barriers which hinders its right placement for desired benefit. Therefore, instead of classifying modes for delivery of nanoconstructs as actively or passively targeted systems, they are suitably classified as autonomous and nonautonomous types. At large, nanoconstructs offer numerous benefits, however they suffer from multiple challenges, too. Hence, to overcome such challenges computational modelling methods and artificial intelligence/machine learning processes are being explored. The current review provides an overview on attributes and applications offered by nanoconstructs as theranostic agent in cancer.

Mapping Temporally Ordered Inputs to Binary Message Outputs with a DNA Temporal Logic Circuit

Molecular circuits and devices with temporal signal processing capability are of great significance for the analysis of complex biological processes. Mapping temporal inputs to binary messages is a process of history-dependent signal responses, which can help understand the signal-processing behavior of organisms. Here, we propose a DNA temporal logic circuit based on DNA strand displacement reactions, which can map temporally ordered inputs to corresponding binary message outputs. The presence or absence of the output signal is determined by the type of substrate reaction with the input so that different orders of inputs correspond to different binary outputs. We demonstrate that a circuit can be generalized to more complex temporal logic circuits by increasing or decreasing the number of substrates or inputs. We also show that our circuit had excellent responsiveness to temporally ordered inputs, flexibility, and expansibility in the case of symmetrically encrypted communications. We envision that our scheme can provide some new ideas for future molecular encryption, information processing, and neural networks.