Potential applications of engineered nanoparticles in medicine and biology: an update

The H2O2 Self-Sufficient 3D Printed β-TCP Scaffolds with Synergistic Anti-Tumor Effect and Reinforced Osseointegration

Tumor recurrence and massive bone defects are two critical challenges for postoperative treatment of oral and maxillofacial tumor, posing serious threats to the health of patients. Herein, in order to eliminate residual tumor cells and promote osteogenesis simultaneously, the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) self-sufficient TCP-PDA-CaO2-CeO2 (TPCC) scaffolds are designed by preparing CaO2 or/and CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs)/chitosan solution and modifying the NPs into polydopamine (PDA)-modified 3D printed TCP scaffolds by rotary coating method. CaO2 NPs loaded on the scaffolds can release Ca2+ and sufficient H2O2 in the acidic tumor microenvironment (TME). The generated H2O2 can further produce hydroxyl radicals (·OH) under catalysis effect by peroxidase (POD) activity of CeO2 NPs, in which the photothermal effect of the PDA coating enhances its POD catalytic effect. Overall, NPs loaded on the scaffold chemically achieve a cascade reaction of H2O2 self-sufficiency and ·OH production, while functionally achieving synergistic effects on anti-tumor and bone promotion. In vitro and in vivo studies show that the scaffolds exhibit effective osteo-inductivity, induced osteoblast differentiation and promote osseointegration. Therefore, the multifunctional composite scaffolds not only validate the concept of chemo-dynamic therapy (CDT) cascade therapy, but also provide a promising clinical strategy for postoperative treatment of oral and maxillofacial tumor.

Design and applications of polymer-like peptides in biomedical nanogels

INTRODUCTION

Polymer nanogels are among the most promising nanoplatforms for use in biomedical applications. The substantial interest for these drug carriers is to enhance the transportation of bioactive substances, reduce the side effects, and achieve optimal action on the curative sites by targeting delivery and triggering the release of the drugs in a controlled and continuous mode.

AREA COVERED

The review discusses the opportunities, applications, and challenges of synthetic polypeptide nanogels in biomedicine, with an emphasis on the recent progress in cancer therapy. It is evidenced by the development of polypeptide nanogels for better controlled drug delivery and release, in complex in vivo microenvironments in biomedical applications.

EXPERT OPINION

Polypeptide nanogels can be developed by choosing the amino acids from the peptide structure that are suitable for the type of application. Using a stimulus - sensitive peptide nanogel, it is possible to obtain the appropriate transport and release of the drug, as well as to achieve desirable therapeutic effects, including safety, specificity, and efficiency. The final system represents an innovative way for local and sustained drug delivery at a specific site of the body.

Assessment of laser-synthesized Si nanoparticle effects on myoblast motility, proliferation and differentiation: towards potential tissue engineering applications

Due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability and their unique structural and physicochemical properties, laser-synthesized silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs) are one of the nanomaterials which have been most studied as potential theragnostic tools for non-invasive therapeutic modalities. However, their ability to modulate cell behavior and to promote proliferation and differentiation is still very little investigated or unknown. In this work, ultrapure ligand free Si-NPs of 50 ± 11.5 nm were prepared by femtosecond (fs) laser ablation in liquid. After showing the ability of Si-NPs to be internalized by murine C2C12 myoblasts, the cytotoxicity of the Si-NPs on these cells was evaluated at concentrations ranging from 14 to 224 μg mL-1. Based on these findings, three concentrations of 14, 28 and 56 μg mL-1 were thus considered to study the effect on myoblast differentiation, proliferation and motility at the molecular and phenotypical levels. It was demonstrated that up to 28 μg mL-1, the Si-NPs are able to promote the proliferation of myoblasts and their subsequent differentiation. Scratch tests were also performed revealing the positive Si-NP effect on cellular motility at 14 and 28 μg mL-1. Finally, gene expression analysis confirmed the ability of Si-NPs to promote proliferation, differentiation and motility of myoblasts even at very low concentration. This work opens up novel exciting prospects for Si-NPs made by the laser process as innovative tools for skeletal muscle tissue engineering in view of developing novel therapeutic protocols for regenerative medicine.

A generic approach based on long-lifetime fluorophores for the assessment of protein binding to polymer nanoparticles by fluorescence anisotropy

Quantitation of protein-nanoparticle interactions is essential for the investigation of the protein corona around NPs in vivo and when using synthetic polymer nanoparticles as affinity reagents for selective protein recognition in vitro. Here, a method based on steady-state fluorescence anisotropy measurement is presented as a novel, separation-free tool for the assessment of protein-nanoparticle interactions. For this purpose, a long-lifetime luminescent Ru-complex is used for protein labelling, which exhibits low anisotropy when conjugated to the protein but displays high anisotropy when the proteins are bound to the much larger polymer nanoparticles. As a proof of concept, the interaction of lysozyme with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-tert-butylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) nanoparticles is studied, and fluorescence anisotropy measurements are used to establish the binding kinetics, binding isotherm and a competitive binding assay.

Sulfide-modified nanoscale zero-valent iron as a novel therapeutic remedy for septic myocardial injury

INTRODUCTION

Myocardial injury is a serious complication in sepsis with high mortality. Zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nanoFe) displayed novel roles in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced septic mouse model. Nonetheless, its high reactivity makes it difficult for long-term storage.

OBJECTIVES

To overcome the obstacle and improve therapeutic efficiency, a surface passivation of nanoFe was designed using sodium sulfide.

METHODS

We prepared iron sulfide nanoclusters and constructed CLP mouse models. Then the effect of sulfide-modified nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nanoFe) on the survival rate, blood routine parameters, blood biochemical parameters, cardiac function, and pathological indicators of myocardium was observed. RNA-seq was used to further explore the comprehensive protective mechanisms of S-nanoFe. Finally, the stability of S-nanoFe-1d and S-nanoFe-30 d, together with the therapeutic efficacy of sepsis between S-nanoFe and nanoFe was compared.

RESULTS

The results revealed that S-nanoFe significantly inhibited the growth of bacteria and exerted a protective role against septic myocardial injury. S-nanoFe treatment activated AMPK signaling and ameliorated several CLP-induced pathological processes including myocardial inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction. RNA-seq analysis further clarified the comprehensive myocardial protective mechanisms of S-nanoFe against septic injury. Importantly, S-nanoFe had a good stability and a comparable protective efficacy to nanoFe.

CONCLUSIONS

The surface vulcanization strategy for nanoFe has a significant protective role against sepsis and septic myocardial injury. This study provides an alternative strategy for overcoming sepsis and septic myocardial injury and opens up possibilities for the development of nanoparticle in infectious diseases.

The nano-revolution in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful gynecological disease with a high prevalence, affecting millions of women worldwide. Innovative, non-invasive treatments, and new patient follow-up strategies are needed to deal with the harmful social and economic effects. In this scenario, considering the recent, very promising results already reported in the literature, a commitment to new research in the field of nanomedicine is urgently needed. Study findings clearly show the potential of this approach in both the diagnostic and therapeutic phases of endometriosis. Here, we offer a brief review of the recent exciting and effective applications of nanomedicine in both the diagnosis and therapy of endometriosis. Special emphasis will be placed on the emerging theranostic application of nanoproducts, and the combination of phototherapy and nanotechnology as new therapeutic modalities for endometriosis. The review will also provide interested readers with a guide to the selection process and parameters to consider when designing research into this type of approach.

Insight interactions of engineered nanoparticles with aquatic higher plants for phytoaccumulation, phytotoxicity, and phytoremediation applications: A review

With the growing age of human civilization, industrialization has paced up equally which is followed by the innovation of newer concepts of science and technology. One such example is the invention of engineered nanoparticles and their flagrant use in widespread applications. While ENPs serve their intended purposes, they also disrupt the ecological balance by contaminating pristine aquatic ecosystems. This review encompasses a comprehensive discussion about the potent toxicity of ENPs on aquatic ecosystems, with a particular focus on their impact on aquatic higher plants. The discussion extends to elucidating the fate of ENPs upon release into aquatic environments, covering aspects ranging from morphological and physiological effects to molecular-level phytotoxicity. Furthermore, this level of toxicity has been correlated with the determination of competent plants for the phytoremediation process towards the mitigation of this ecological stress. However, this review further illustrates the path of future research which is yet to be explored. Determination of the genotoxicity level of aquatic higher plants could explain the entire process comprehensively. Moreover, to make it suitable to be used in natural ecosystems phytoremediation potential of co-existing plant species along with the presence of different ENPs need to be evaluated. This literature will undoubtedly offer readers a comprehensive understanding of the stress induced by the irresponsible release of engineered nanoparticles (ENP) into aquatic environments, along with insights into the resilience characteristics of these pristine ecosystems.

SOD mineralized zeolitic imidazole framework-8 for the treatment of chemotherapy-related acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI), a prevalent and fatal adverse event, seriously affects cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The most important pathological mechanism of AKI is oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Currently, ROS scavenging is a promising strategy to manage the risk of chemotherapy-induced AKI. Herein, we successfully synthesized SOD@ZIF-8 nanoparticles by biomimetic mineralization, which were taken up by cells and could improve cell viability by limiting oxidative stress damage, as found in in vitro studies. Moreover, SOD@ZIF-8 nanoparticles exhibit broad-spectrum antioxidant properties in addition to significant renal accumulation in AKI mice, preventing clinically related cisplatin-induced AKI in murine models. AKI alleviation in the model was validated by measuring blood serum, staining kidney tissue, and related biomarkers. SOD@ZIF-8 nanoparticle therapeutic efficiency exceeds NAC, a small molecular antioxidant functioning through free radical scavenging. The results suggest SOD@ZIF-8 nanoparticles as a potential therapeutic option for AKI and other ROS-related disorders.

Development and Application of nanoPCR Method for Detection of Feline Panleukopenia Virus

Feline panleukopenia (FP) is a severe viral illness caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), putting sectors like companion cat breeding and endangered feline conservation at risk. The virus has a high morbidity and fatality rate and is found all over the world. We created a novel FPV assay using nanoPCR technology and assessed the method's specificity and sensitivity. The approach amplified a 345 bp nucleic acid fragment with a minimum detection limit of 7.97 × 10² copies/μL, which is about 100 times greater than traditional PCR. We collected anal swabs from 83 cats suspected of FPV infection for practical application, and the FPV-positive rate determined by the nanoPCR approach was 77.1%. In conclusion, the approach is more sensitive than conventional PCR and more convenient and cost-effective than qPCR methodology and may be utilized for the clinical detection of FPV.

Surface functionalized nanoparticles: A boon to biomedical science

The rapid development of nanomedicine has increased the likelihood that manufactured nanoparticles will one day come into contact with people and the environment. A variety of academic fields, including engineering and the health sciences, have taken a keen interest in the development of nanotechnology. Any significant development in nanomaterial-based applications would depend on the production of functionalized nanoparticles, which are believed to have the potential to be used in fields like pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. The functionalization of nanoparticles with particular recognition chemical moieties does result in multifunctional nanoparticles with greater efficacy while at the same time minimising adverse effects, according to early clinical studies. This is because of traits like aggressive cellular uptake and focused localization in tumours. To advance this field of inquiry, chemical procedures must be developed that reliably attach chemical moieties to nanoparticles. The structure-function relationship of these functionalized nanoparticles has been extensively studied as a result of the discovery of several chemical processes for the synthesis of functionalized nanoparticles specifically for drug delivery, cancer therapy, diagnostics, tissue engineering, and molecular biology. Because of the growing understanding of how to functionalize nanoparticles and the continued work of innovative scientists to expand this technology, it is anticipated that functionalized nanoparticles will play an important role in the aforementioned domains. As a result, the goal of this study is to familiarise readers with nanoparticles, to explain functionalization techniques that have already been developed, and to examine potential applications for nanoparticles in the biomedical sciences. This review's information is essential for the safe and broad use of functionalized nanoparticles, particularly in the biomedical sector.

Charge-dependent negative effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on Oryzias melastigma under ocean acidification conditions

Marine nanoplastics (NPs) have attracted increasing global attentions because of their detrimental effects on marine environments. A co-existing major environmental concern is ocean acidification (OA). However, the effects of differentially charged NPs on marine organisms under OA conditions are poorly understood. We therefore investigated the effects of OA on the embryotoxicity of both positively and negatively charged polystyrene (PS) NPs to marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma). Positively charged PS-NH₂ exhibited slighter aggregation under normal conditions and more aggregation under OA conditions than negatively charged PS-COOH. According to the integrated biomarker approach, OA reversed the toxicity of positively and negatively charged NPs towards embryos. Importantly, at environmental relevant concentrations, both types of PS-NPs could enter the embryos through chorionic pores and then transfer to the larvae. OA reversed the internalization of PS-NH₂ and PS-COOH in O. melastigma. Overall, the reversed toxicity of PS-NH₂ and PS-COOH associated with OA could be caused by the reversed bioavailability of NPs to O. melastigma, which was attributed to altered aggregation of the NPs in acidified seawater. This finding demonstrates the charge-dependent toxicity of NPs to marine fish and provides new insights into the potential hazard of NPs to marine environments under OA conditions that could be encountered in the near future.

Low dimensional nanomaterials for treating acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common severe complications among hospitalized patients. In the absence of specific drugs to treat AKI, hemodialysis remains the primary clinical treatment for AKI patients. AKI treatment has received significant attention recently due to the excellent drug delivery capabilities of low-dimensional nanomaterials (LDNs) and their unique therapeutic effects. Diverse LDNs have been proposed to treat AKI, with promising results and the potential for future clinical application. This article aims to provide an overview of the pathogenesis of AKI and the recent advances in the treatment of AKI using different types of LDNs. In addition, it is intended to provide theoretical support for the design of LDNs and implications for AKI treatment.

Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite in periodontal bone regeneration: A systematic review

Background

Periodontal diseases when persistent, results in periodontal pockets, attachment loss and progressive destruction of the alveolar bone. Grafting periodontal bone defects with bone substitute biomaterials has proven clinical success for accomplishing reconstruction of lost attachment apparatus, especially in deep intra-bony defects. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been considered indispensable in the future of health sciences and NP based alloplastic graft materials such as nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (NCHA) hold great promise for regeneration of periodontal defects. Therefore the aim of this review is to evaluate the role of NCHA as an effective substitute for periodontal bone regeneration.

Material & methods

Popular scientific databases such as PubMed (Medline), Cochrane database of clinical trials, Scopus (Elsevier), Web of science (Clarivate Analytics) and Google Scholar, were searched. The literature search was restricted to published reports in English, between January 2000 and December 2021. Database search returned 1227 results which were screened based on title, author names and publication dates.

Results

Data from the 14 included studies were reviewed and tabulated. In the present review, all the studies reported using commercially available NCHA for periodontal bone regeneration.

Conclusion

NCHA is a suitable bone substitute material for periodontal bone regeneration, with outcomes comparable to that of conventionally used graft materials such as bovine xenograft and other synthetic alloplastic materials. While grafting with NCHA in intrabony periodontal defects, after any form of periodontal flap surgery or debridement, significantly improves bone regeneration by 6 months, addition of adjuncts like EMD and PRF further enhance the outcomes.

Human tau fibrillization and neurotoxicity in the presence of magnesium oxide nanoparticle fabricated through laser ablation method

In this study, the acceleratory effect of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) on the amyloid fibrillization of human tau protein, a major protein involved in the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was investigated. The MgO NPs were fabricated through laser ablation synthesis in solution (LASiS), well-characterized, and explored further for tau aggregation and relevant neurotoxicity by different assays. The results showed that the MgO NPs have a size of around 30 nm, a hydrodynamic radius of 57.09 nm, and a zeta potential of -18.06 mV. The data from ThT and ANS fluorescence-based assays along with circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy clearly indicated that MgO NPs could significantly promote tau fibrillization, concentration-dependently. Considering the acceleratory effect of MgO NPs against tau fibrillization, cellular assays including cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and caspase-3 assays indicated that the neurotoxicity of tau amyloid fibrils formed with MgO NPs was higher than that of tau samples aged alone against N2a neuron-like cells. Therefore, it was concluded that the interaction of MgO NPs with tau can lead to acceleration of tau aggregation and underlying neurotoxicity. This study, then can provide useful information about the direct effect of MgO NPs against memory proteins and subsequent adverse effects.

Current Advancement of Immunomodulatory Drugs as Potential Pharmacotherapies for Autoimmunity Based Neurological Diseases

Dramatic advancement has been made in recent decades to understand the basis of autoimmunity-mediated neurological diseases. These diseases create a strong influence on the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), leading to various clinical manifestations and numerous symptoms. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent autoimmune neurological disease while NMO spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is less common. Furthermore, evidence supports the presence of autoimmune mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive death of motor neurons. Additionally, autoimmunity is believed to be involved in the basis of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In recent years, the prevalence of autoimmune-based neurological disorders has been elevated and current findings strongly suggest the role of pharmacotherapies in controlling the progression of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, this review focused on the current advancement of immunomodulatory drugs as novel approaches in the management of autoimmune neurological diseases and their future outlook.

Cationic Carbon Nanoparticles Induce Inflammasome-Dependent Pyroptosis in Macrophages via Lysosomal Dysfunction

Carbon nanomaterials, including carbon dots (CDs), form a growing family of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) with widespread applications. As the rapid expansion of nanotechnologies raises safety concerns, interaction of NPs with the immune system is receiving a lot of attention. Recent studies have reported that engineered NPs may induce macrophage death by pyroptosis. Therefore, this study investigated whether cationic CDs induce pyroptosis in human macrophages and assessed the role of inflammasome and lysosome in this process. Cationic CDs were synthetized by microwave-assisted pyrolysis of citric acid and high molecular weight branched polyethyleneimine. The NPs evoked a dose-dependent viability loss in THP-1-derived macrophages. A cell leakage, an increase in IL-1β secretion and an activation of caspase-1 were also observed in response to the NPs. Inhibition of caspase-1 decreased CD-induced cell leakage and IL-1β secretion, while restoring cell viability. Besides, CDs triggered swelling and loss of integrity of lysosome, and inhibition of the lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B decreased CD-induced IL-1β secretion. Thus, our data provide evidence that cationic CDs induce inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis in macrophages via lysosomal dysfunction.

Polymeric biomaterials for wound healing applications: a comprehensive review

Chronic wounds have been a global health threat over the past few decades, requiring urgent medical and research attention. The factors delaying the wound-healing process include obesity, stress, microbial infection, aging, edema, inadequate nutrition, poor oxygenation, diabetes, and implant complications. Biomaterials are being developed and fabricated to accelerate the healing of chronic wounds, including hydrogels, nanofibrous, composite, foam, spongy, bilayered, and trilayered scaffolds. Some recent advances in biomaterials development for healing both chronic and acute wounds are extensively compiled here. In addition, various properties of biomaterials for wound-healing applications and how they affect their performance are reviewed. Based on the recent literature, trilayered constructs appear to be a convincing candidate for the healing of chronic wounds and complete skin regeneration because they mimic the full thickness of skin: epidermis, dermis, and the hypodermis. This type of scaffold provides a dense superficial layer, a bioactive middle layer, and a porous lower layer to aid the wound-healing process. The hydrophilicity of scaffolds aids cell attachment, cell proliferation, and protein adhesion. Other scaffold characteristics such as porosity, biodegradability, mechanical properties, and gas permeability help with cell accommodation, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and the release of bioactive factors.

Synergistic Antifungal Efficiency of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles with Itraconazole against Multidrug-Resistant Candidal Strains

Fungal infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains are considered one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Moreover, antifungal medications used in conventional antifungal treatment revealed poor therapeutic effectiveness and possible side effects such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and myelotoxicity. Therefore, the current study was developed to determine the antifungal effectiveness of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their synergistic efficiency with antifungal drugs against multidrug-resistant candidal strains. The AgNPs were greenly synthesized using the aqueous peel extract of Punica granatum. In addition, AgNPs were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV/Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and zeta potential analysis. In this regard, UV-vis analysis indicated SPR of AgNPs at 396 nm, while the particle size distribution revealed that the average particle size was 18.567 ± 1.46 nm. The surface charge of AgNPs was found to be −15.6 mV, indicating their stability in aqueous solutions. The biofabricated AgNPs indicated antifungal activity against Candida tropicalis, C. albicans, and C. glabrata strains showing inhibitory zone diameters of 23.78 ± 0.63, 21.38 ± 0.58, and 16.53 ± 0.21 mm, respectively while their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found to be 2.5 µg/mL against C. tropicalis strain. AgNPs and itraconazole revealed the highest synergistic activity against the multidrug-resistant strain, C. glabrata, recording a synergism percentage of 74.32%. In conclusion, the biogenic AgNPs in combination with itraconazole drug exhibited potential synergistic activity against different candidal strains indicating their potential usage in the bioformulation of highly effective antifungal agents.

Immobilization of Urease onto Nanochitosan Enhanced the Enzyme Efficiency: Biophysical Studies and in Vitro Clinical Application on Nephropathy Diabetic Iraqi Patients

Immobilization of enzymes is an effective method for improving the properties and applications of modern enzymes. There are several supports for enzyme immobilization. Because of its unique features, such as inertness and high surface area, chitosan was widely used to immobilize enzymes. Immobilization of urease onto chitosan is a promising approach to treating high urea levels in the blood, however, the immobilization conditions for the best kinetics and enzyme efficiency are still challenging. Herein, we tried to immobilize urease onto nanochitosan (chitosan NPs) through a cross-linker and study the kinetics (km and $v_{\max }$ values) and thermodynamics (Ea, ∆H, ∆S, and ∆G) parameters of the enzyme reaction before and after immobilization at different substrate concentration (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg/dl) and incubation temperature (15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°C) under selected optimum conditions. The immobilized urease chitosan NPs was characterized in our previous work using Fourier transform infrared $\text{infrared}$ (FTIR), Atomic force $\text{force}$ microscopy (AFM), and $\text{and}$ imaged here by scanning electron microscopy $\text{microscopy}$ (SEM). Results revealed that the highest efficiency % of immobilization (70.38%) was observed at 750 mg/ml chitosan NPs and phosphate buffer pH 7 at 40°C. With an increase of Km value for the immobilized enzyme, however, the efficiency of the enzyme was significantly higher than the free enzyme, $p<0.001$ . In addition, the activation energy of the reaction catalyzed by the immobilized enzyme was lower than that of the free enzyme, which suggests that the active site geometry of the immobilized enzyme was more favorable to accommodate the substrate and thus required less energy than that of the free enzyme. The reaction was endothermic by means of positive ∆H. The immobilized urease enzyme was in vitro applied to blood samples of Iraq nephropathy diabetic patients (n = 35) to investigate the effect on serum urease activity and urea level compared to healthy volunteers. Interestingly, the activity of serum urease significantly increased after adding the immobilized enzyme and the level of urea significantly decreased ( $p<0.0001$ ) by ∼1.5 folds. Thus, applying an immobilized urease $\text{urease}$ to remove urea from blood could be effective in the blood detoxification or dialysis regeneration system of artificial kidney machines.

Exposure to atmospheric Ag, TiO2, Ti and SiO2 engineered nanoparticles modulates gut inflammatory response and microbiota in mice

The development of nanotechnologies is leading to greater abundance of engineered nanoparticles (EN) in the environment, including in the atmospheric air. To date, it has been shown that the most prevalent EN found in the air are silver (Ag), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), titanium (Ti), and silicon dioxide (SiO₂). As the intestinal tract is increasingly recognized as a target for adverse effects induced by inhalation of air particles, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of these 4 atmospheric EN on intestinal inflammation and microbiota. We assessed the combined toxicity effects of Ag, Ti, TiO₂, and SiO₂ following a 28-day inhalation protocol in male and female mice. In distal and proximal colon, and in jejunum, EN mixture inhalation did not induce overt histological damage, but led to a significant modulation of inflammatory cytokine transcript abundance, including downregulation of Tnfα, Ifnγ, Il1β, Il17a, Il22, IL10, and Cxcl1 mRNA levels in male jejunum. A dysbiosis was observed in cecal microbiota of male and female mice exposed to the EN mixture, characterized by sex-dependent modulations of specific bacterial taxa, as well as sex-independent decreased abundance of the Eggerthellaceae family. Under dextran sodium sulfate-induced inflammatory conditions, exposure to the EN mixture increased the development of colitis in both male and female mice. Moreover, the direct dose-response effects of individual and mixed EN on gut organoids was studied and Ag, TiO₂, Ti, SiO₂, and EN mixture were found to generate specific inflammatory responses in the intestinal epithelium. These results indicate that the 4 most prevalent atmospheric EN could have the ability to disturb intestinal homeostasis through direct modulation of cytokine expression in gut epithelium, and by altering the inflammatory response and microbiota composition following inhalation.

Recent progression of cyanobacteria and their pharmaceutical utility: an update

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are Gram-negative photosynthetic eubacteria that are found everywhere. This largest group of photosynthetic prokaryotes is rich in structurally novel and biologically active compounds; several of which have been utilized as prospective drugs against cancer and other ailments, as well. Consequently, the integument of nanoparticles-synthetic approaches in cyanobacterial extracts should increase pharmacological activity. Moreover, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are small materials with diameters below 100 nm that are classified into different classes based on their forms, sizes, and characteristics. Indeed, the biosynthesized AgNPs are generated with a variety of organisms, algae, plants, bacteria, and a few others, for the medicinal purposes, as the bioactive compounds of curio and some proteins from cyanobacteria have the potentiality in the treatment of a wide range of infectious diseases. The critical focus of this review is on the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of cyanobacteria. This would be useful in the pharmaceutical industries in the future drug development cascades.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Morphological, Histological and Ultrastructural Changes in Hordeum vulgare (L.) Roots That Have Been Exposed to Negatively Charged Gold Nanoparticles

In recent years, there has been an impressive development of nanotechnology. This has resulted in the increasing release of nanomaterials (NM) into the environment, thereby causing the risk of an uncontrolled impact on living organisms, including plants. More studies indicated the biotoxic effect of NM on plants, including crops. The interaction of nanoparticles (NP) with food crops is extremely important as they are a link to the food chain. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of negatively charged gold nanoparticles (-) AuNP (at two concentrations; 25 µg/mL or 50 µg/mL) on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) root development. Morphological, histological and ultrastructural analyses (with the use of stereomicroscope, bright filed microscope and transmission electron microscope) revealed that regardless of the concentration, (-) AuNP did not enter into the plant body. However, the dose of (-) AuNP proved to be important for the plant’s response because different morphological, histological and ultrastructural changes were observed in the treated roots. The NP treatment caused: red root colouration, a local increase in the root diameter and a decreased formation of the root hair cells (on morphological level), damage to the rhizodermal cells, vacuolisation of the cortical cells, a detachment of the cell files between the cortical cells, atypical divisions of the cells, disorder of the meristem organisation (on the histological level), the appearance of periplasmic space, numerous vesicles and multivesicular bodies, electron-dense spots in cytoplasm, alterations in the structure of the mitochondria, breakdown of the tonoplast and the plasmalemma (on the ultrastructural level).

Applications of Chitosan-Alginate-Based Nanoparticles-An Up-to-Date Review

Chitosan and alginate are two of the most studied natural polymers that have attracted interest for multiple uses in their nano form. The biomedical field is one of the domains benefiting the most from the development of nanotechnology, as increasing research interest has been oriented to developing chitosan-alginate biocompatible delivery vehicles, antimicrobial agents, and vaccine adjuvants. Moreover, these nanomaterials of natural origin have also become appealing for environmental protection (e.g., water treatment, environmental-friendly fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides) and the food industry. In this respect, the present paper aims to discuss some of the newest applications of chitosan-alginate-based nanomaterials and serve as an inception point for further research in the field.

Facile and single-step entrapment of chloramphenicol in ZIF-8 and evaluation of its performance in killing infectious bacteria with high loading content and controlled release of the drug

CLN@ZIF-8 was prepared by trapping chloramphenicol during ZIF-8 synthesis with high DLC and DLE. It showed H2O2-sensitive controlled release with higher drug release under the simulated infectious conditions and short-time antibacterial activity.

Insight into the influence of the polymerization time of polydopamine nanoparticles on their size, surface properties and nanomedical applications

In the last decade, novel strategies to synthesize polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) have been continuously developed owing to useful applications of this synthetic melanin analog in nanotechnology.

Attenuating Effect of Vitamin E against Silver Nano Particles Toxicity in Submandibular Salivary Glands

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are extensively used in many industries due to their superior antimicrobial properties. However, it is evident from many studies that AgNPs has cytotoxic potential through its effect on excessive formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study was to examine the toxic effect of AgNPs on the submandibular salivary glands and the attenuating effect of vitamin E, as a natural antioxidant, against this toxicity. Thirty Albino rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 10): control group, AgNPs group receiving 2 mg/kg daily for 28 days, and AgNPs and vitamin E group receiving AgNPs the same as the previous group in addition to vitamin E at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Microscopic, ultrastructural, and cytokeratin immune-reactivity examination of the glands were performed. The AgNPs group showed noticeable degeneration in all structures of the gland as evident in the histological and ultrastructural examination. The AgNPs and vitamin E group revealed an improvement of the glandular elements. A significant increase in cytokeratin immune expression was found after comparison of both groups (p = 0.01). This current study shows that vitamin E has powerful antioxidant properties, which can combat the cytotoxic effect caused by AgNPs. Further studies are deemed necessary to confirm this finding using other immunohistochemical markers, such as myosin and E-cadherin.

Potential of Nanoparticles Integrated with Antibacterial Properties in Preventing Biofilm and Antibiotic Resistance

Nanotechnology has become an emerging technology in the medical field and is widely applicable for various clinical applications. The potential use of nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents is greatly explored and taken into consideration as alternative methods to overcome the challenges faced by healthcare workers and patients in preventing infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Among microorganisms, bacterial infections remain a major hurdle and are responsible for high morbidity and mortality globally, especially involving those with medical conditions and elderly populations. Over time, these groups are more vulnerable to developing resistance to antibiotics, as bacterial biofilms are difficult to destroy or eliminate via antibiotics; thus, treatment becomes unsuccessful or ineffective. Mostly, bacterial biofilms and other microbes can be found on medical devices and wounds where they disperse their contents which cause infections. To inhibit biofilm formations and overcome antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial-loaded nanoparticles alone or combined with other substances could enhance the bactericidal activity of nanomaterials. This includes killing the pathogens effectively without harming other cells or causing any adverse effects to living cells. This review summarises the mechanisms of actions employed by the different types of nanoparticles which counteract infectious agents in reducing biofilm formation and improve antibiotic therapy for clinical usage.

Facts and Figures on Materials Science and Nanotechnology Progress and Investment

As the twenty-first century unfolds, nanotechnology is no longer just a buzzword in the field of materials science, but rather a tangible reality. This is evident from the surging number of commercial nanoproducts and their corresponding revenue generated in different industry sectors. However, it is important to recognize that sustainable growth of nanotechnology is heavily dependent on government funding and relevant national incentive programs. Consequently, proper analyses on publicly available nanotechnology data sets comprising information on the past two decades can be illuminating, facilitate development, and amend previous strategies as we move forward. Along these lines, classical statistics and machine learning (ML) allow processing large data sets to scrutinize patterns in materials science and nanotechnology research. Herein, we provide an analysis on nanotechnology progress and investment from an unbiased, computational vantage point and using orthogonal approaches. Our data reveal both well-established and surprising correlations in the nanotechnology field and its actors, including the interplay between the number of research institutes-industry, publications-patents, collaborative research, and top contributors to nanoproducts. Overall, data suggest that, supported by incentive programs set out by stakeholders (researchers, funding agencies, policy makers, and industry), nanotechnology could experience an exponential growth and become a centerpiece for economical welfare. Indeed, the recent success of COVID-19 vaccines is also likely to boost public trust in nanotechnology and its global impact over the coming years.

The in vivo fate of tobacco mosaic virus nanoparticle theranostic agents modified by the addition of a polydopamine coat

Plant virus nanoparticles (VNPs) have multiple advantages over their synthetic counterparts including the cost-effective large-scale manufacturing of uniform particles that are easy to functionalize. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is one of the most promising VNP scaffolds, reflecting its high aspect ratio and ability to carry and/or display multivalent therapeutic ligands and contrast agents. Here we investigated the circulation, protein corona, immunogenicity, and organ distribution/clearance of TMV particles internally co-labeled with cyanine 5 (Cy5) and chelated gadolinium (Gd) for dual tracking by fluorescence imaging and optical emission spectrometry, with or without an external coating of polydopamine (PDA) to confer photothermal and photoacoustic capabilities. The PDA-coated particles (Gd-Cy5-TMV-PDA) showed a shorter plasma circulation time and broader distribution to organs of the reticuloendothelial system (liver, lungs, and spleen) than uncoated Gd-Cy5-TMV particles (liver and spleen only). The Gd-Cy5-TMV-PDA particles were surrounded by 2-10-fold greater protein corona (containing mainly immunoglobulins) compared to Gd-Cy5-TMV particles. However, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed that PDA-coated particles bind 2-fold lesser to anti-TMV antibodies elicited by particle injection than uncoated particles, suggesting that the PDA coat enables evasion from systemic antibody surveillance. Gd-Cy5-TMV-PDA particles were cleared from organs after 8 days compared to 5 days for the uncoated particles. The slower tissue clearance of the coated particles makes them ideal for theranostic applications by facilitating sustained local delivery in addition to multimodal imaging and photothermal capabilities. We have demonstrated the potential of PDA-coated proteinaceous nanoparticles for multiple biomedical applications.

Genotoxic Potential of Nanoparticles: Structural and Functional Modifications in DNA

The rapid advancement of nanotechnology enhances the production of different nanoparticles that meet the demand of various fields like biomedical sciences, industrial, material sciences and biotechnology, etc. This technological development increases the chances of nanoparticles exposure to human beings, which can threaten their health. It is well known that various cellular processes (transcription, translation, and replication during cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell differentiation) in which genetic materials (DNA and RNA) are involved play a vital role to maintain any structural and functional modification into it. When nanoparticles come into the vicinity of the cellular system, chances of uptake become high due to their small size. This cellular uptake of nanoparticles enhances its interaction with DNA, leading to structural and functional modification (DNA damage/repair, DNA methylation) into the DNA. These modifications exhibit adverse effects on the cellular system, consequently showing its inadvertent effect on human health. Therefore, in the present study, an attempt has been made to elucidate the genotoxic mechanism of nanoparticles in the context of structural and functional modifications of DNA.

Functionalized Nanoparticles Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages as Cancer Therapy

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in regulating antitumor immune responses. As an important part of the TME, alternatively activated type 2 (M2) macrophages drive the development of primary and secondary tumors by promoting tumor cell proliferation, tumor angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling and overall immunosuppression. Immunotherapy approaches targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in order to reduce the immunosuppressive state in the TME have received great attention. Although these methods hold great potential for the treatment of several cancers, they also face some limitations, such as the fast degradation rate of drugs and drug-induced cytotoxicity of organs and tissues. Nanomedicine formulations that prevent TAM signaling and recruitment to the TME or deplete M2 TAMs to reduce tumor growth and metastasis represent encouraging novel strategies in cancer therapy. They allow the specific delivery of antitumor drugs to the tumor area, thereby reducing side effects associated with systemic application. In this review, we give an overview of TAM biology and the current state of nanomedicines that target M2 macrophages in the course of cancer immunotherapy, with a specific focus on nanoparticles (NPs). We summarize how different types of NPs target M2 TAMs, and how the physicochemical properties of NPs (size, shape, charge and targeting ligands) influence NP uptake by TAMs in vitro and in vivo in the TME. Furthermore, we provide a comparative analysis of passive and active NP-based TAM-targeting strategies and discuss their therapeutic potential.

Beneficial Effects of Green Tea EGCG on Skin Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Review

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is associated with various health benefits. In this review, we searched current work about the effects of EGCG and its wound dressings on skin for wound healing. Hydrogels, nanoparticles, micro/nanofiber networks and microneedles are the major types of EGCG-containing wound dressings. The beneficial effects of EGCG and its wound dressings at different stages of skin wound healing (hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and tissue remodeling) were summarized based on the underlying mechanisms of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, angiogenesis and antifibrotic properties. This review expatiates on the rationale of using EGCG to promote skin wound healing and prevent scar formation, which provides a future clinical application direction of EGCG.

Nanoparticles in Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review

In recent years, nanoparticles (NPs) have been receiving more attention in dentistry. Their advantageous physicochemical and biological properties can improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of numerous oral diseases, including dental caries, periodontal diseases, pulp and periapical lesions, oral candidiasis, denture stomatitis, hyposalivation, and head, neck, and oral cancer. NPs can also enhance the mechanical and microbiological properties of dental prostheses and implants and can be used to improve drug delivery through the oral mucosa. This paper reviewed studies from 2015 to 2020 and summarized the potential applications of different types of NPs in the many fields of dentistry.

Functionalization of Photosensitized Silica Nanoparticles for Advanced Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer

BODIPY dyes have recently attracted attention as potential photosensitizers. In this work, commercial and novel photosensitizers (PSs) based on BODIPY chromophores (haloBODIPYs and orthogonal dimers strategically designed with intense bands in the blue, green or red region of the visible spectra and high singlet oxygen production) were covalently linked to mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) further functionalized with PEG and folic acid (FA). MSNs approximately 50 nm in size with different functional groups were synthesized to allow multiple alternatives of PS-PEG-FA decoration of their external surface. Different combinations varying the type of PS (commercial Rose Bengal, Thionine and Chlorine e6 or custom-made BODIPY-based), the linkage design, and the length of PEG are detailed. All the nanosystems were physicochemically characterized (morphology, diameter, size distribution and PS loaded amount) and photophysically studied (absorption capacity, fluorescence efficiency, and singlet oxygen production) in suspension. For the most promising PS-PEG-FA silica nanoplatforms, the biocompatibility in dark conditions and the phototoxicity under suitable irradiation wavelengths (blue, green, or red) at regulated light doses (10-15 J/cm2) were compared with PSs free in solution in HeLa cells in vitro.

Application of nanoparticles in bone tissue engineering; a review on the molecular mechanisms driving osteogenesis

The introduction of nanoparticles into bone tissue engineering strategies is beneficial to govern cell fate into osteogenesis and the regeneration of large bone defects. The present study explored the role of nanoparticles to advance osteogenesis with a focus on the cellular and molecular pathways involved. Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Embase, Scopus, and Science Direct databases were explored for those published articles relevant to the involvement of nanoparticles in osteogenic cellular pathways. As multifunctional compounds, nanoparticles contribute to scaffold-free and scaffold-based tissue engineering strategies to progress osteogenesis and bone regeneration. They regulate inflammatory responses and osteo/angio/osteoclastic signaling pathways to generate an osteogenic niche. Besides, nanoparticles interact with biomolecules, enhance their half-life and bioavailability. Nanoparticles are promising candidates to promote osteogenesis. However, the interaction of nanoparticles with the biological milieu is somewhat complicated, and more considerations are recommended on the employment of nanoparticles in clinical applications because of NP-induced toxicities.

Nanomaterials and Essential Oils as Candidates for Developing Novel Treatment Options for Bovine Mastitis

Nanomaterials have been used for diagnosis and therapy in the human medical field, while their application in veterinary medicine and animal production is still relatively new. Nanotechnology, however, is a rapidly growing field, offering the possibility of manufacturing new materials at the nanoscale level, with the formidable potential to revolutionize the agri-food sector by offering novel treatment options for prevalent and expensive illnesses such as bovine mastitis. Since current treatments are becoming progressively more ineffective in resistant bacteria, the development of innovative products based on both nanotechnology and phytotherapy may directly address a major global problem, antimicrobial resistance, while providing a sustainable animal health solution that supports the production of safe and high-quality food products. This review summarizes the challenges encountered presently in the treatment of bovine mastitis, emphasizing the possibility of using new-generation nanomaterials (e.g., biological synthesized nanoparticles and graphene) and essential oils, as candidates for developing novel treatment options for bovine mastitis.

Recent Advances in Nanoscale Metal-Organic Frameworks Towards Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity: An Overview

Abstract

The fight against cancer has always been a prevalent research topic. Nanomaterials have the ability to directly penetrate cancer cells and potentially achieve minimally invasive, precise and efficient tumor annihilation. As such, nanoscale metal organic frameworks (nMOFs) are becoming increasingly attractive as potential therapeutic agents in the medical field due to their high structural variability, good biocompatibility, ease of surface functionalization as well as their porous morphologies with tunable cavity sizes. This overview addresses five different common strategies used to find cancer therapies, while summarizing the recent progress in using nMOFs as cytotoxic cancer cell agents largely through in vitro studies, although some in vivo investigations have also been reported. Chemo and targeted therapies rely on drug encapsulation and delivery inside the cell, whereas photothermal and photodynamic therapies depend on photosensitizers. Concurrently, immunotherapy actively induces the body to destroy the tumor by activating an immune response. By choosing the appropriate metal center, ligands and surface functionalization, nMOFs can be utilized in all five types of therapies. In the last section, the future prospects and challenges of nMOFs with respect to the various therapies will be presented and discussed.

Graphic Abstract

Surface Chemistry, Crystal Structure, Size and Topography Role in the Albumin Adsorption Process on TiO2 Anatase Crystallographic Faces and Its 3D-Nanocrystal: A Molecular Dynamics Study

TiO2 is widely used in biomaterial implants. The topography, chemical and structural properties of titania surfaces are an important aspect to study. The size of TiO2 nanoparticles synthetized by sol–gel method can influence the responses in the biological environment, and by using appropriate heat treatments different contents of different polymorphs can be formed. Protein adsorption is a crucial step for the biological responses, involving, in particular, albumin, the most abundant blood protein. In this theoretical work, using molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics methods, the adsorption process of an albumin subdomain is reported both onto specific different crystallographic faces of TiO2 anatase and also on its ideal three-dimensional nanosized crystal, using the simulation protocol proposed in my previous theoretical studies about the adsorption process on hydrophobic ordered graphene-like or hydrophilic amorphous polymeric surfaces. The different surface chemistry of anatase crystalline faces and the nanocrystal topography influence the adsorption process, in particular the interaction strength and protein fragment conformation, then its biological activity. This theoretical study can be a useful tool to better understand how the surface chemistry, crystal structure, size and topography play a key role in protein adsorption process onto anatase surface so widely used as biomaterial.

Advanced Material Against Human (Including Covid-19) and Plant Viruses: Nanoparticles As a Feasible Strategy

The SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak revealed that these nano-pathogens have the ability to rapidly change lives. Undoubtedly, SARS-CoV-2 as well as other viruses can cause important global impacts, affecting public health, as well as, socioeconomic development. But viruses are not only a public health concern, they are also a problem in agriculture. The current treatments are often ineffective, are prone to develop resistance, or cause considerable adverse side effects. The use of nanotechnology has played an important role to combat viral diseases. In this review three main aspects are in focus: first, the potential use of nanoparticles as carriers for drug delivery. Second, its use for treatments of some human viral diseases, and third, its application as antivirals in plants. With these three themes, the aim is to give to readers an overview of the progress in this promising area of biotechnology during the 2017-2020 period, and to provide a glance at how tangible is the effectiveness of nanotechnology against viruses. Future prospects are also discussed. It is hoped that this review can be a contribution to general knowledge for both specialized and non-specialized readers, allowing a better knowledge of this interesting topic.

Carbon Nanomaterials Embedded in Conductive Polymers: A State of the Art

Carbon nanomaterials are at the forefront of the newest technologies of the third millennium, and together with conductive polymers, represent a vast area of indispensable knowledge for developing the devices of tomorrow. This review focusses on the most recent advances in the field of conductive nanotechnology, which combines the properties of carbon nanomaterials with conjugated polymers. Hybrid materials resulting from the embedding of carbon nanotubes, carbon dots and graphene derivatives are taken into consideration and fully explored, with discussion of the most recent literature. An introduction into the three most widely used conductive polymers and a final section about the most recent biological results obtained using carbon nanotube hybrids will complete this overview of these innovative and beyond belief materials.

Emerging Trends in Nanomedicine for Improving Ocular Drug Delivery: Light-Responsive Nanoparticles, Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles, and Contact Lenses

Vision is the most dominant of our senses, and it is crucial in every stage of our lives. Ocular diseases, regardless of whether they cause vision impairment or not, lead to personal and financial hardships. The anatomy and physiology of the eye strongly limit the efficacy of current ocular drug delivery strategies. Nanotechnology has been the ground for the development of powerful strategies in several fields, namely in medicine. This review highlights emerging nanotechnology-based solutions for improving ocular drug delivery and thus the bioavailability and efficacy of drugs. We focus our review on ambitious but promising approaches currently emerging to leverage the efficacy of nanoparticle-based systems in ocular therapy: (i) light-responsive nanoparticles, which enable spatiotemporal control of drug release; (ii) mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which offer high surface area-to-volume ratio, simple surface modification, good biocompatibility, and improved bioavailability; and (iii) contact lenses, which serve as a compliant method of nanoparticles use and as drug delivery systems for the treatment of ocular diseases.