An introduction to nanotechnologies: what's in it for us?

Medical and Dental Applications of Titania Nanoparticles: An Overview

Currently, titanium oxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles are successfully employed in human food, drugs, cosmetics, advanced medicine, and dentistry because of their non-cytotoxic, non-allergic, and bio-compatible nature when used in direct close contact with the human body. These NPs are the most versatile oxides as a result of their acceptable chemical stability, lower cost, strong oxidation properties, high refractive index, and enhanced aesthetics. These NPs are fabricated by conventional (physical and chemical) methods and the latest biological methods (biological, green, and biological derivatives), with their advantages and disadvantages in this epoch. The significance of TiO₂ NPs as a medical material includes drug delivery release, cancer therapy, orthopedic implants, biosensors, instruments, and devices, whereas their significance as a dental biomaterial involves dentifrices, oral antibacterial disinfectants, whitening agents, and adhesives. In addition, TiO₂ NPs play an important role in orthodontics (wires and brackets), endodontics (sealers and obturating materials), maxillofacial surgeries (implants and bone plates), prosthodontics (veneers, crowns, bridges, and acrylic resin dentures), and restorative dentistry (GIC and composites).

Review on Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Materials: Bioimaging, Biosensing, Drug Delivery, Tissue Engineering, Antimicrobial, and Agro-Food Applications

In the last few decades, the vast potential of nanomaterials for biomedical and healthcare applications has been extensively investigated. Several case studies demonstrated that nanomaterials can offer solutions to the current challenges of raw materials in the biomedical and healthcare fields. This review describes the different nanoparticles and nanostructured material synthesis approaches and presents some emerging biomedical, healthcare, and agro-food applications. This review focuses on various nanomaterial types (e.g., spherical, nanorods, nanotubes, nanosheets, nanofibers, core-shell, and mesoporous) that can be synthesized from different raw materials and their emerging applications in bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, antimicrobial, and agro-foods. Depending on their morphology (e.g., size, aspect ratio, geometry, porosity), nanomaterials can be used as formulation modifiers, moisturizers, nanofillers, additives, membranes, and films. As toxicological assessment depends on sizes and morphologies, stringent regulation is needed from the testing of efficient nanomaterials dosages. The challenges and perspectives for an industrial breakthrough of nanomaterials are related to the optimization of production and processing conditions.

Smart Bioinks for the Printing of Human Tissue Models

3D bioprinting has tremendous potential to revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine by automating the process of tissue engineering. A significant number of new and advanced bioprinting technologies have been developed in recent years, enabling the generation of increasingly accurate models of human tissues both in the healthy and diseased state. Accordingly, this technology has generated a demand for smart bioinks that can enable the rapid and efficient generation of human bioprinted tissues that accurately recapitulate the properties of the same tissue found in vivo. Here, we define smart bioinks as those that provide controlled release of factors in response to stimuli or combine multiple materials to yield novel properties for the bioprinting of human tissues. This perspective piece reviews the existing literature and examines the potential for the incorporation of micro and nanotechnologies into bioinks to enhance their properties. It also discusses avenues for future work in this cutting-edge field.

Novel Biogenic Silver Nanoparticle-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Inhibit the Biofilm Formation and Virulence Activities of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Strain

Emerging antibiotic-resistant bacteria result in increased mortality and have negative economic impacts. It is necessary to discover new strategies to create alternative antibacterial agents that suppress the bacterial resistance mechanism and limit the spread of serious infectious bacterial diseases. Silver nanoparticles may represent a new medicinal agents as alternative antibiotics affect different bacterial mechanisms such as virulence and resistance. In addition to that of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and ampicillin, for the first time, the inhibitory effect of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Desertifilum sp. (D-SNPs) was evaluated against five pathogenic bacteria using the agar well diffusion method. Also, the influence of D-SNPs and AgNO₃ on bacterial antioxidant and metabolic activities was studied. The antibacterial activity of D-SNPs and AgNO₃ against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains was studied at the morphological and molecular level. D-SNPs and AgNO₃ have the ability to inhibit the growth of the five bacterial strains and resulted in an imbalance in the CAT, GSH, GPx and ATPase levels. MRSA treated with D-SNPs and AgNO₃ showed different morphological changes such as apoptotic bodies formation and cell wall damage. Moreover, both caused genotoxicity and denaturation of MRSA cellular proteins. Additionally, TEM micrographs showed the distribution of SNPs synthesized by MRSA. This result shows the ability of MRSA to reduce silver nitrate into silver nanoparticles. These data indicate that D-SNPs may be a significant alternative antibacterial agent against different bacteria, especially MDR bacteria, by targeting the virulence mechanism and biofilm formation, leading to bacterial death.

Nanomaterials and nanocomposite applications in veterinary medicine

Nowadays, nanotechnology has made huge, significant advancements in biotechnology and biomedicine related to human and animal science, including increasing health safety, production, and the elevation of national income. There are various fields of nanomaterial applications in veterinary medicine such as efficient diagnostic and therapeutic tools, drug delivery, animal nutrition, breeding and reproduction, and valuable additives. Additional benefits include the detection of pathogens, protein, biological molecules, antimicrobial agents, feeding additives, nutrient delivery, and reproductive aids. There are many nanomaterials and nanocomposites that can be used in nanomedicine such as metal nanoparticles, liposomes, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots. In the near future, nanotechnology research will have the ability to produce novel tools for improving animal health and production. Therefore, this chapter was undertaken to spotlight novel methods created by nanotechnology for application in the improvement of animal health and production. In addition, the toxicity of nanomaterials is fully discussed to avoid the suspected health hazards of toxicity for animal health safety.

In vitro evaluation of nano zinc oxide (nZnO) on mitigation of gaseous emissions

BACKGROUND

Enteric methane (CH4) accounts for about 70% of total CH4 emissions from the ruminant animals. Researchers are exploring ways to mitigate enteric CH4 emissions from ruminants. Recently, nano zinc oxide (nZnO) has shown potential in reducing CH4 and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production from the liquid manure under anaerobic storage conditions. Four different levels of nZnO and two types of feed were mixed with rumen fluid to investigate the efficacy of nZnO in mitigating gaseous production.

METHODS

All experiments with four replicates were conducted in batches in 250 mL glass bottles paired with the ANKOMRF wireless gas production monitoring system. Gas production was monitored continuously for 72 h at a constant temperature of 39 ± 1 °C in a water bath. Headspace gas samples were collected using gas-tight syringes from the Tedlar bags connected to the glass bottles and analyzed for greenhouse gases (CH4 and carbon dioxide-CO2) and H2S concentrations. CH4 and CO2 gas concentrations were analyzed using an SRI-8610 Gas Chromatograph and H2S concentrations were measured using a Jerome 631X meter. At the same time, substrate (i.e. mixed rumen fluid+ NP treatment+ feed composite) samples were collected from the glass bottles at the beginning and at the end of an experiment for bacterial counts, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) analysis.

RESULTS

Compared to the control treatment the H2S and GHGs concentration reduction after 72 h of the tested nZnO levels varied between 4.89 to 53.65%. Additionally, 0.47 to 22.21% microbial population reduction was observed from the applied nZnO treatments. Application of nZnO at a rate of 1000 μg g- 1 have exhibited the highest amount of concentration reductions for all three gases and microbial population.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that both 500 and 1000 μg g- 1 nZnO application levels have the potential to reduce GHG and H2S concentrations.

Theranostics Aspects of Various Nanoparticles in Veterinary Medicine

Nanoscience and nanotechnology shows immense interest in various areas of research and applications, including biotechnology, biomedical sciences, nanomedicine, and veterinary medicine. Studies and application of nanotechnology was explored very extensively in the human medical field and also studies undertaken in rodents extensively, still either studies or applications in veterinary medicine is not up to the level when compared to applications to human beings. The application in veterinary medicine and animal production is still relatively innovative. Recently, in the era of health care technologies, Veterinary Medicine also entered into a new phase and incredible transformations. Nanotechnology has tremendous and potential influence not only the way we live, but also on the way that we practice veterinary medicine and increase the safety of domestic animals, production, and income to the farmers through use of nanomaterials. The current status and advancements of nanotechnology is being used to enhance the animal growth promotion, and production. To achieve these, nanoparticles are used as alternative antimicrobial agents to overcome the usage alarming rate of antibiotics, detection of pathogenic bacteria, and also nanoparticles being used as drug delivery agents as new drug and vaccine candidates with improved characteristics and performance, diagnostic, therapeutic, feed additive, nutrient delivery, biocidal agents, reproductive aids, and finally to increase the quality of food using various kinds of functionalized nanoparticles, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, micellar nanoparticles, and metal nanoparticles. It seems that nanotechnology is ideal for veterinary applications in terms of cost and the availability of resources. The main focus of this review is describes some of the important current and future principal aspects of involvement of nanotechnology in Veterinary Medicine. However, we are not intended to cover the entire scenario of Veterinary Medicine, despite this review is to provide a glimpse at potential important targets of nanotechnology in the field of Veterinary Medicine. Considering the strong potential of the interaction between the nanotechnology and Veterinary Medicine, the aim of this review is to provide a concise description of the advances of nanotechnology in Veterinary Medicine, in terms of their potential application of various kinds of nanoparticles, secondly we discussed role of nanomaterials in animal health and production, and finally we discussed conclusion and future perspectives of nanotechnology in veterinary medicine.

Emphasized Mechanistic Antimicrobial Study of Biofunctionalized Silver Nanoparticles on Model Proteus mirabilis

Antimicrobial study of biofunctionalized silver nanoparticles has been done with the emphasis on its mechanism on both gram positive and negative bacteria. The biofunctionalized silver nanoparticles are employed considering their importance in green chemistry with respect to easy synthesis, usefulness, and economic synthetic procedure involved. The stability of these nanoparticles was determined by zeta potential analyzer. The probable mechanism of antibacterial activity was performed on Proteus mirabilis by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX) study which does not show the presence of silver. The free radicals generated by silver nanoparticles were responsible for lethal antibacterial activity by rupturing the cell surface which causes improper nutrient and signal supply. Free radical scavenging efficacy of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. AgNP enhanced the membrane leakage of reducing sugars by destroying the proteins existing on the cell wall. These nanoparticles are found to be toxic against human pathogens and are highly effective on Staphylococcus aureus. The effect of silver nanoparticles is concentration dependent and independent of the type of strains used.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles on Endometritis Caused by Prevotella melaninogenica and Arcanobacterum pyogenes in Dairy Cattle

Bovine postpartum diseases remain one of the most significant and highly prevalent illnesses with negative effects on the productivity, survival, and welfare of dairy cows. Antibiotics are generally considered beneficial in the treatment of endometritis; however, frequent usage of each antibiotic drug is reason for the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) of the pathogenic microorganisms, representing a major impediment for the successful diagnosis and management of infectious diseases in both humans and animals. We synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with an average size of 10 nm using the novel biomolecule apigenin as a reducing and stabilizing agent, and evaluated the efficacy of the AgNPs on the MDR pathogenic bacteria Prevotella melaninogenica and Arcanobacterium pyogenes isolated from uterine secretion samples. AgNPs inhibited cell viability and biofilm formation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, the metabolic toxicity of the AgNPs was assessed through various cellular assays. The major toxic effect of cell death was caused by an increase in oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl content, and nitric oxide. The formation of ROS is considered to be the primary mechanism of bacterial death. Therefore, the biomolecule-mediated synthesis of AgNPs shows potential as an alternative antimicrobial therapy for bovine metritis and endometritis.

Nanotechnology in dentistry: Unleashing the hidden gems

Nanotechnology in dentistry refers to new generation research carried out to develop newer technologies, restorative materials and drugs of Nano dimensions. The word “Nano” refers to Nanoscale particles. Although the science of nanotechnology in dentistry is recent and less developed, but still has vast potential to show advancement and improvement in the field of dentistry. As nanotechnology is making firm grip in other fields such as drug delivery system and reducing toxicity by the emergence of more biocompatible materials. Clinicians, researchers, and manufacturers are taking keen interest and participation in the advancement of this field. This paper is an attempt in unleashing the hidden gems of nanotechnology-focusing latest developments in field restorative and surgical dentistry to enhance the quality and biocompatibility of newer generation dental materials and technology. This paper will also focus on potential hurdles encountered in the development of newer materials by utilizing the science of nanotechnology and their potential safety issues concern.

Biomedical applications of nano-titania in theranostics and photodynamic therapy

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is one of the most abundantly used nanomaterials for human life. It is used in sunscreen, photovoltaic devices, biomedical applications and as a food additive and environmental scavenger.

MICROWAVE-ASSISTED RAPID BIOSYNTHESIS OF STABLE SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING CLOVE BUDS (SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM) SOLUTION

This is an extended work on the biosynthesis of noble metal nanoparticles using dried clove buds. Here microwave assistance is taken not only for accelerating the reaction rate but also for denaturing the proteins and other enzymes, which will prevent obtaining desired functionalized nanoparticles. FTIR studies infer that nanoparticles thus obtained are found adsorbed with water soluble organic moieties, mostly flavonoids. The bathochromic shift from 320 nm in ultra-violet range indicates the involvement of water soluble bio-moieties of the clove in the formation of AgNP . X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum confirmed that the AgNP are crystalline in nature. The surface morphology is studied using FESEM, TEM and AFM techniques infer that the AgNP are well dispersed, roughly spherical in shape and are in the range of 30–60 nm. The AgNP with the organic moiety will have synergic antimicrobial action.

The potential for microchip-automated technology to improve enrichment practices

The greatest limitation involved with providing enrichment and evaluating its effects on captive mammals is a lack of available staff time [Hoy et al., 2009]. One method to overcome this is through the use of automated husbandry systems to dispense enrichment to individual animals by using implantable radio frequency microchips. An international multi-institutional survey was conducted to determine whether the personnel involved with management, research, and husbandry of captive mammals would support the development of such automated husbandry systems. The survey was also designed to establish which applications of the system would be considered to be most beneficial. Overall, there was a very high level of interest by survey respondents in adopting automated husbandry systems and all potential applications were considered beneficial to varying degrees. These results, together with the relatively low cost of installation and operation, demonstrate that in the future automated enrichment could be an important and effective means of enhancing captive animal management.

Rosette nanotubes inhibit bovine neutrophil chemotaxis

Migration of activated neutrophils that have prolonged lifespan into inflamed organs is an important component of host defense but also contributes to tissue damage and mortality. In this report, we used biologically-inspired RGD-tagged rosette nanotubes (RNT) to inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis. We hypothesize that RGD-RNT will block neutrophil migration through inhibition of MAPK. In this report, RNT conjugated to lysine (K–RNT) and arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine-lysine (RGDSK-RNT) were co-assembled in a molar ratio of 95/5. The effect of the resulting composite RNT (RGDSK/K–RNT) on neutrophil chemotaxis, cell signaling and apoptosis was then investigated. Exposure to RGDSK/K–RNT reduced bovine neutrophil migration when compared to the non-treated group (p < 0.001). Similar effect was seen following treatment with ERK1/2 or p38 MAPK inhibitors. Phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK was inhibited at 5 min by RGDSK/K–RNT (p < 0.05). The RGDSD/K-RNT did not affect the migration of neutrophils pre-treated with αvβ3 integrin antibody suggesting that both bind to the same receptor. RGDSK/K–RNT did not induce apoptosis in bovine neutrophils, which was suppressed by pre-exposing them to LPS (p < 0.001). We conclude that RGDSK/K–RNT inhibit phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK and inhibit chemotaxis of bovine neutrophils.

Bio-nanotechnology and photodynamic therapy--state of the art review

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and bio-nanotechnology (NT) show striking similarities in clinical design and mechanistics. The PDT paradigm of photosensitizer application, light activation and singlet oxygen generation does in fact occur on the nanoscale level as does the resultant outcomes. NT has the ability to explain as well as modify each of the critical steps of PDT particularly photosensitizer design and delivery, light source miniaturization and optimization, location and intensity of the photodynamic reaction as well as offering a far greater insight into dosimetry and mechanisms of action. This review will explore the current and potential future interactions and modifications NT may have on PDT.