Synthesis of nanoparticles via microfluidic devices and integrated applications

Nanotherapeutics in Kidney Disease: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions

The treatment and management of kidney diseases present a significant global challenge, affecting over 800 million individuals and necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies that transcend symptomatic relief. The application of nanotechnology to therapies for kidney diseases, while still in its early stages, holds transformative potential for improving treatment outcomes. Recent advancements in nanoparticle-based drug delivery leverage the unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles for targeted and controlled therapeutic delivery to the kidneys. Current research is focused on understanding the functional and phenotypic changes in kidney cells during both acute and chronic conditions, allowing for the identification of optimal target cells. In addition, the development of tailored nanomedicines enhances their retention and binding to key renal membranes and cell populations, ultimately improving localization, tolerability, and efficacy. However, significant barriers remain, including inconsistent nanoparticle synthesis and the complexity of kidney-specific targeting. To overcome these challenges, the field requires advanced synthesis techniques, refined targeting strategies, and the establishment of animal models that accurately reflect human kidney diseases. These efforts are critical for the clinical application of nanotherapeutics, which promise novel solutions for kidney disease management. This review evaluates a substantial body of in vivo research, highlighting the prospects, challenges, and opportunities presented by nanotechnology-mediated therapies and their potential to transform kidney disease treatment.

Microfluidics for Nanomedicine Delivery

Nanomedicine is revolutionizing precision medicine, providing targeted, personalized treatment options. Lipid-based nanomedicines offer distinct benefits including high potency, targeted delivery, extended retention in the body, reduced toxicity, and lower required doses. These characteristics make lipid-based nanoparticles ideal for drug delivery in areas such as gene therapy, cancer treatment, and mRNA vaccines. However, traditional bulk synthesis methods for LNPs often produce larger particle sizes, significant polydispersity, and low encapsulation efficiency, which can reduce the therapeutic effectiveness. These issues primarily result from uneven mixing and limited control over particle formation during the synthesis. Microfluidic technology has emerged as a solution, providing precise control over particle size, uniformity, and encapsulation efficiency. In this mini review, we introduce the state-of-the-art microfluidic systems for lipid-based nanoparticle synthesis and functionalization. We include the working principles of different types of microfluidic systems, the use of microfluidic systems for LNP synthesis, cargo encapsulation, and nanomedicine delivery. In the end, we briefly discuss the clinical use of LNPs enabled by microfluidic devices.

Hydrogel-based nanoparticles: revolutionizing brain tumor treatment and paving the way for future innovations

Brain tumor treatment remains a significant challenge due to their high mortality and resistance to current therapies. This paper discusses the promising potential of hydrogel-based nanoparticles as innovative drug delivery systems for brain tumor therapy. Extensive characterization techniques reveal the ability of these Nano-systems to demonstrate prolonged blood circulation and targeted delivery, leading to improved survival rates. Designed with optimized physicochemical characteristics, these nanoparticles effectively cross the blood-brain barrier, circumventing a major impediment to drug delivery to the brain. By delivering drugs directly to the tumor bed, these nanoparticles enhance therapeutic outcomes and minimize adverse effects. In addition, this review investigates the techniques for characterizing, visualizing, and modifying these nanoparticles, as well as the standing challenges and promising research avenues for their clinical application. Further investigations are encouraged by this review to investigate potential advancements in hydrogel-based nanoparticle therapeutic approaches for brain tumors. This includes investigating tailored hydrogels, hybrid systems, computational modeling, and the integration of gene therapy and immunotherapy techniques. The study also addresses the need for enhanced synthesis techniques, stability, scalability, and cost-cutting measures to overcome obstacles and advance the clinical use of hydrogel-based nanoparticles in treating brain tumors.

Advances in nephroprotection: the therapeutic role of selenium, silver, and gold nanoparticles in renal health

Renal toxicity is a disorder that causes considerable issues in healthcare systems world, highlighting the critical importance of creating alternative treatments. Metallic nanoparticles have recently emerged as promising therapeutic agents for nephroprotection because of their remarkable properties. Numerous disciplines, including medicine, biotechnology, and the food industry, are currently investigating and exploring metallic nanoparticles, such as selenium, silver, and gold, with promising outcomes. In this overview, we provide the most current findings on cutting-edge nephroprotection through metallic nanoparticles, especially selenium, silver, and gold nanoparticles. While outlining the benefits, we outline possible methods for developing metallic nanoparticles, characterization techniques, and nephroprotection therapies. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) minimize oxidative stress, a primary cause of nephrotoxicity through cell regeneration which protects kidneys. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have anti-inflammatory capabilities that help alleviate kidney damage and nephrotoxicity. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which are biocompatible and immune-modifying, reduce inflammation and promote renal cell regeneration, indicating nephroprotective advantages. Renal protection via the use of metallic nanoparticles represents a promising new frontier in the fight against kidney disease and other renal disorders. Metallic nanoparticles of selenium, silver, and gold can protect the kidneys by lowering oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and improving cell repair. Through their mechanisms, these nanoparticles effectively safeguard and repair kidney function, making them suitable for treating renal diseases. The potential applications of selenium, silver, and gold nanoparticles, as well as their complex modes of action and renal penetration, provide fresh hope for improving renal health and quality of life in patients with kidney disease. The current study highlights therapeutic ability, stability, nephroprotection, and toxicity profiles, as well as the importance of continuous research in this dynamic and evolving field.

Vortex-Mixing Microfluidic Fabrication of Micafungin-Loaded Magnetite-Salicylic Acid-Silica Nanocomposite with Sustained-Release Capacity

Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using a vortex microfluidic system and subsequently functionalized with a primary shell of salicylic acid, recognized for its ability to increase the stability and biocompatibility of coated materials. In the second stage, the vortex platform was placed in a magnetic field to facilitate the growth and development of a porous silica shell. The selected drug for this study was micafungin, an antifungal agent well regarded for its effectiveness in combating fungal infections and identified as a priority compound by the World Health Organization (WHO). The resulting nanocomposite system was characterized using various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). The synthesis method produced nanoparticles with dimensions of 5-7 nm, highlighting the advantages of the chosen approach. A desorption profile was established using a continuous-flow, UV-Vis analysis system, indicating that the bioactive compound was released slowly; after two hours, approximately 50% of the loaded micafungin was detected in the release medium. Furthermore, the results obtained from the FT-ICR MS analysis provided molecular-level confirmation, thereby supporting the release mechanism of micafungin from the nanosystem.

The potential of copper oxide nanoparticles in nanomedicine: A comprehensive review

Nanotechnology is a modern scientific discipline that uses nanoparticles of metals like copper, silver, gold, platinum, and zinc for various applications. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) are effective in biomedical settings, such as killing bacteria, speeding up reactions, stopping cancer cells, and coating surfaces. These inorganic nanostructures have a longer shelf life than their organic counterparts and are chemically inert and thermally stable. However, commercial synthesis of NPs often involves harmful byproducts and hazardous chemicals. Green synthesis for CuONPs offers numerous benefits, including being clean, harmless, economical, and environmentally friendly. Using naturally occurring organisms like bacteria, yeast, fungi, algae, and plants can make CuONPs more environmentally friendly. CuONPs are expected to be used in nanomedicine due to their potent antimicrobial properties and disinfecting agents for infectious diseases. This comprehensive review looks to evaluate research articles published in the last ten years that investigate the antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, wound healing, dental application and catalytic properties of copper nanoparticles generated using biological processes. Utilising the scientific approach of large-scale data analytics. However, their toxic effects on vertebrates and invertebrates raise concerns about their use for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Therefore, biocompatibility and non-toxicity are crucial for selecting nanoparticles for clinical research.

Crafting Docetaxel-Loaded Albumin Nanoparticles Through a Novel Thermal-Driven Self-Assembly/Microfluidic Combination Technology: Formulation, Process Optimization, Stability, and Bioavailability

Background

The commercial docetaxel (DTX) formulation causes severe side effects due to polysorbate 80 and ethanol. Novel surfactant-free nanoparticle (NP) systems are needed to improve bioavailability and reduce side effects. However, controlling the particle size and stability of NPs and improving the batch-to-batch variation are the major challenges.

Methods

DTX-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (DTX-BSA-NPs) were prepared by a novel thermal-driven self-assembly/microfluidic technology. Single-factor analysis and orthogonal test were conducted to obtain the optimal formulation of DTX-BSA-NPs in terms of particle size, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and drug loading (DL). The effects of oil/water flow rate and pump pressure on the particle size, EE, and DL were investigated to optimize the preparation process of DTX-BSA-NPs. The drug release, physicochemical properties, stability, and pharmacokinetics of NPs were evaluated.

Results

The optimized DTX-BSA-NPs were uniform, with a particle size of 118.30 nm, EE of 89.04%, and DL of 8.27%. They showed a sustained release of 70% over 96 hours and an increased stability. There were some interactions between the drug and excipients in DTX-BSA-NPs. The half-life, mean residence time, and area under the curve (AUC) of DTX-BSA-NPs increased, but plasma clearance decreased when compared with DTX.

Conclusion

The thermal-driven self-assembly/microfluidic combination method effectively produces BSA-based NPs that improve the bioavailability and stability of DTX, offering a promising alternative to traditional formulations.

Nanoparticles for efficient drug delivery and drug resistance in glioma: New perspectives

Gliomas are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system, with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) having the highest incidence, and their therapeutic efficacy depends primarily on the extent of surgical resection and the efficacy of postoperative chemotherapy. The role of the intracranial blood-brain barrier and the occurrence of the drug-resistant gene O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase have greatly limited the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents in patients with GBM and made it difficult to achieve the expected clinical response. In recent years, the rapid development of nanotechnology has brought new hope for the treatment of tumors. Nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great potential in tumor therapy due to their unique properties such as light, heat, electromagnetic effects, and passive targeting. Furthermore, NPs can effectively load chemotherapeutic drugs, significantly reduce the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, and improve chemotherapeutic efficacy, showing great potential in the chemotherapy of glioma. In this article, we reviewed the mechanisms of glioma drug resistance, the physicochemical properties of NPs, and recent advances in NPs in glioma chemotherapy resistance. We aimed to provide new perspectives on the clinical treatment of glioma.

A Scalable Microfluidic Platform for Nanoparticle Formulation: For Exploratory- and Industrial-Level Scales

Nanoparticle synthesis on microfluidic platforms provides excellent reproducibility and control over bulk synthesis. While there have been plenty of platforms for producing nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled physicochemical properties, such platforms often operate in a narrow range of predefined flow rates. The flow rate limitation restricts either up-scalability for industrial production or down-scalability for exploratory research use. Here, we present a universal flow rate platform that operates over a wide range of flow rates (0.1-75 mL/min) for small-scale exploratory research and industrial-level synthesis of NPs without compromising the mixing capabilities. The wide range of flow rate is obtained by using a coaxial flow with a triangular microstructure to create a vortex regardless of the flow regime (Reynolds number). The chip synthesizes several types of NPs for gene and protein delivery, including polyplex, lipid NPs, and solid polymer NPs via self-assembly and precipitation, and successfully expresses GFP plasmid DNA in human T cells.

Recent Advancements and Unexplored Biomedical Applications of Green Synthesized Ag and Au Nanoparticles: A Review

Green synthesis of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) has acquired huge popularity owing to their potential applications in various fields. A large number of research articles exist in the literature describing the green synthesis of Ag and Au NPs for biomedical applications. However, these findings are scattered, making it time-consuming for researchers to locate promising advancements in Ag and Au NPs synthesis and their unexplored biomedical applications. Unlike other review articles, this systematic study not only highlights recent advancements in the green synthesis of Ag and Au NPs but also explores their potential unexplored biomedical applications. The article discusses the various synthesis approaches for the green synthesis of Ag and Au NPs highlighting the emerging developments and novel strategies. Then, the article reviews the important biomedical applications of green synthesized Ag and Au NPs by critically evaluating the expected advantages. To expose future research direction in the field, the article describes the unexplored biomedical applications of the NPs. Finally, the articles discuss the challenges and limitations in the green synthesis of Ag and Au NPs and their biomedical applications. This article will serve as a valuable reference for researchers, working on green synthesis of Ag and Au NPs for biomedical applications.

Magnetic nanoparticles fabricated/integrated with microfluidics for biological applications: A review

Nanostructured materials have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential in biological applications, such as cell and biomolecular sorting, as well as early detection of metastatic cancer. Among these materials, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) stand out for their easy functionalization, high specific surface area, chemical stability, and superparamagnetic properties. However, conventional fabrication methods can lead to inconsistencies in MNPs' characteristics and performance, highlighting the need for a cost-effective, controllable, and reproducible synthesis approach. In this review, we will discuss the utilization of microfluidic technology as a cutting-edge strategy for the continuous and regulated synthesis of MNPs. This approach has proven effective in producing MNPs with a superior biomedical performance by offering precise control over particle size, shape, and surface properties. We will examine the latest research findings on developing and integrating MNPs synthesized through continuous microfluidic processes for a wide range of biological applications. By providing an overview of the current state of the field, this review aims to showcase the advantages of microfluidics in the fabrication and integration of MNPs, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize diagnostic and therapeutic methods within the realm of biotechnology.

A review of recent progress in the application of Raman spectroscopy and SERS detection of microplastics and derivatives

The global environmental concern surrounding microplastic (MP) pollution has raised alarms due to its potential health risks to animals, plants, and humans. Because of the complex structure and composition of microplastics (MPs), the detection methods are limited, resulting in restricted detection accuracy. Surface enhancement of Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a spectral technique, offers several advantages, such as high resolution and low detection limit. It has the potential to be extensively employed for sensitive detection and high-resolution imaging of microplastics. We have summarized the research conducted in recent years on the detection of microplastics using Raman and SERS. Here, we have reviewed qualitative and quantitative analyses of microplastics and their derivatives, as well as the latest progress, challenges, and potential applications.