Novel electrochemical sensor for mononitrotoluenes using silver oxide quantum dots

Nanodiamonds: A Cutting-Edge Approach to Enhancing Biomedical Therapies and Diagnostics in Biosensing

Nanodiamonds (NDs) have garnered attention in the field of nanomedicine due to their unique properties. This review offers a comprehensive overview of NDs synthesis methods, properties, and their uses in biomedical applications. Various synthesis techniques, such as detonation, high-pressure, high-temperature, and chemical vapor deposition, offer distinct advantages in tailoring NDs' size, shape, and surface properties. Surface modification methods further enhance NDs' biocompatibility and enable the attachment of bioactive molecules, expanding their applicability in biological systems. NDs serve as promising nanocarriers for drug delivery, showcasing biocompatibility and the ability to encapsulate therapeutic agents for targeted delivery. Additionally, NDs demonstrate potential in cancer treatment through hyperthermic therapy and vaccine enhancement for improved immune responses. Functionalization of NDs facilitates their utilization in biosensors for sensitive biomolecule detection, aiding in precise diagnostics and rapid detection of infectious diseases. This review underscores the multifaceted role of NDs in advancing biomedical applications. By synthesizing NDs through various methods and modifying their surfaces, researchers can tailor their properties for specific biomedical needs. The ability of NDs to serve as efficient drug delivery vehicles holds promise for targeted therapy, while their applications in hyperthermic therapy and vaccine enhancement offer innovative approaches to cancer treatment and immunization. Furthermore, the integration of NDs into biosensors enhances diagnostic capabilities, enabling rapid and sensitive detection of biomolecules and infectious diseases. Overall, the diverse functionalities of NDs underscore their potential as valuable tools in nanomedicine, paving the way for advancements in healthcare and biotechnology.

Translation of nanotechnology-based implants for orthopedic applications: current barriers and future perspective

The objective of bioimplant engineering is to develop biologically compatible materials for restoring, preserving, or altering damaged tissues and/or organ functions. The variety of substances used for orthopedic implant applications has been substantially influenced by modern material technology. Therefore, nanomaterials can mimic the surface properties of normal tissues, including surface chemistry, topography, energy, and wettability. Moreover, the new characteristics of nanomaterials promote their application in sustaining the progression of many tissues. The current review establishes a basis for nanotechnology-driven biomaterials by demonstrating the fundamental design problems that influence the success or failure of an orthopedic graft, cell adhesion, proliferation, antimicrobial/antibacterial activity, and differentiation. In this context, extensive research has been conducted on the nano-functionalization of biomaterial surfaces to enhance cell adhesion, differentiation, propagation, and implant population with potent antimicrobial activity. The possible nanomaterials applications (in terms of a functional nanocoating or a nanostructured surface) may resolve a variety of issues (such as bacterial adhesion and corrosion) associated with conventional metallic or non-metallic grafts, primarily for optimizing implant procedures. Future developments in orthopedic biomaterials, such as smart biomaterials, porous structures, and 3D implants, show promise for achieving the necessary characteristics and shape of a stimuli-responsive implant. Ultimately, the major barriers to the commercialization of nanotechnology-derived biomaterials are addressed to help overcome the limitations of current orthopedic biomaterials in terms of critical fundamental factors including cost of therapy, quality, pain relief, and implant life. Despite the recent success of nanotechnology, there are significant hurdles that must be overcome before nanomedicine may be applied to orthopedics. The objective of this review was to provide a thorough examination of recent advancements, their commercialization prospects, as well as the challenges and potential perspectives associated with them. This review aims to assist healthcare providers and researchers in extracting relevant data to develop translational research within the field. In addition, it will assist the readers in comprehending the scope and gaps of nanomedicine's applicability in the orthopedics field.

Bioengineered synthesis of phytochemical-adorned green silver oxide (Ag2O) nanoparticles via Mentha pulegium and Ficus carica extracts with high antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities

Silver oxide nanoparticles have various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. However, conventional nanofabrication of Ag₂O is associated with the use of toxic chemicals and organic solvents. To circumvent this hurdle, herein silver oxide quantum dots (Ag₂O-QDs) were synthesized quickly (3 min) via the use of ultrasonic irradiation and plant-extract. Additionally, due to ultrasonic irradiation's effect on cell-wall destruction and augmentation of extraction efficiency, ultrasonic was also used in the preparation of Mentha pulegium and Ficus carica extracts (10 min, r.t) as natural eco-friendly reducing/capping agents. The UV-Vis result indicated a broad absorption peak at 400-500 nm. TEM/SEM analysis showed that ultrasound introduced a uniform spherical particle and significantly reduced particle size compared to the conventional heating method (∼ 9 nm vs. ∼ 100 nm). Silver and oxygen elements were found in the bio-synthesized Ag₂O by EDS. The FTIR and phenol/flavonoid tests revealed the presence of phenol and flavonoid associated with the nanoparticles. Moreover, nanoparticles exhibited antioxidant/antibacterial/antifungal activities. The MIC and MBC results showed the Ag₂O QDs synthesized with M. pulegium extract have the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli (MBC = MIC:15.6 ppm), which were significantly different from uncoated nanoparticles (MBC = MIC:500 ppm). The data reflects the role of phyto-synthesized Ag₂O-QDs using ultrasonic-irradiation to develop versatile and green biomedical products.

Recent Advances and Perspective of Nanotechnology-Based Implants for Orthopedic Applications

Bioimplant engineering strives to provide biological replacements for regenerating, retaining, or modifying injured tissues and/or organ function. Modern advanced material technology breakthroughs have aided in diversifying ingredients used in orthopaedic implant applications. As such, nanoparticles may mimic the surface features of real tissues, particularly in terms of wettability, topography, chemistry, and energy. Additionally, the new features of nanoparticles support their usage in enhancing the development of various tissues. The current study establishes the groundwork for nanotechnology-driven biomaterials by elucidating key design issues that affect the success or failure of an orthopaedic implant, its antibacterial/antimicrobial activity, response to cell attachment propagation, and differentiation. The possible use of nanoparticles (in the form of nanosized surface or a usable nanocoating applied to the implant’s surface) can solve a number of problems (i.e., bacterial adhesion and corrosion resilience) associated with conventional metallic or non-metallic implants, particularly when implant techniques are optimised. Orthopaedic biomaterials’ prospects (i.e., pores architectures, 3D implants, and smart biomaterials) are intriguing in achieving desired implant characteristics and structure exhibiting stimuli-responsive attitude. The primary barriers to commercialization of nanotechnology-based composites are ultimately discussed, therefore assisting in overcoming the constraints in relation to certain pre-existing orthopaedic biomaterials, critical factors such as quality, implant life, treatment cost, and pain alleviation.

Spherical silver oxide nanoparticles for fabrication of electrochemical sensor for efficient 4-Nitrotoluene detection and assessment of their antimicrobial activity

This research article reports an economic and affordable microwave-assisted synthesis of spherical silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag₂O NPs) (80-90 nm) for an efficient electrochemical sensing of a hazardous organic pollutant 4-nitrotoluene (4-NT). Such well-characterized Ag₂O NPs were utilized to modify gold (Au) electrode in order to fabricate Ag₂O-NPs/Au sensor to detect 4-NT using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) techniques. Ag₂O-NPs/Au sensor exhibited a distinguished electrical response as a function of varying 4-NT concentration in neutral medium samples. Ag₂O-NPs/Au sensor demonstrated an ultrahigh sensitivity as 15.33 μA (μM)^-1 cm^-2, a low detection limit of 62.3 nM, and linear response in detection ranges of 0.6-5.9 μM and 37-175 μM. The sensing performance of fabricated Ag₂O-NPs/Au sensor is reproducible, reusable, selective in presence of other chemical species, and validated using real samples. The Ag₂O/Au sensor had much rapid and easy fabrication process and offered much lower LOD for 4-NT detection than many previously reported sensors. Along with efficient electrochemical activity, the spherical Ag₂O NPs also exhibit remarkable antimicrobial activity against harmful gram negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and gram positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. Herein projected efficient Ag₂O-NPs/Au electrochemical sensor for 4-NT is affordable with the capability of scaling up to perform point-of-care 4-NT testing needed for successful environmental monitoring and water quality assurance.

Internet of medical things (IoMT)-integrated biosensors for point-of-care testing of infectious diseases

On global scale, the current situation of pandemic is symptomatic of increased incidences of contagious diseases caused by pathogens. The faster spread of these diseases, in a moderately short timeframe, is threatening the overall population wellbeing and conceivably the economy. The inadequacy of conventional diagnostic tools in terms of time consuming and complex laboratory-based diagnosis process is a major challenge to medical care. In present era, the development of point-of-care testing (POCT) is in demand for fast detection of infectious diseases along with “on-site” results that are helpful in timely and early action for better treatment. In addition, POCT devices also play a crucial role in preventing the transmission of infectious diseases by offering real-time testing and lab quality microbial diagnosis within minutes. Timely diagnosis and further treatment optimization facilitate the containment of outbreaks of infectious diseases. Presently, efforts are being made to support such POCT by the technological development in the field of internet of medical things (IoMT). The IoMT offers wireless-based operation and connectivity of POCT devices with health expert and medical centre. In this review, the recently developed POC diagnostics integrated or future possibilities of integration with IoMT are discussed with focus on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases like malaria, dengue fever, influenza A (H1N1), human papilloma virus (HPV), Ebola virus disease (EVD), Zika virus (ZIKV), and coronavirus (COVID-19). The IoMT-assisted POCT systems are capable enough to fill the gap between bioinformatics generation, big rapid analytics, and clinical validation. An optimized IoMT-assisted POCT will be useful in understanding the diseases progression, treatment decision, and evaluation of efficacy of prescribed therapy.

Amperometric sensing of catechol by using a nanocomposite prepared from Ag/Ag2O nanoparticles and N,S-doped carbon quantum dots

This work describes the synthesis of a nanocomposite consisting of Ag₂O, silver nanoparticles and N,S-doped carbon quantum dots (Ag₂O/Ag@NS-CQD). The NS-CQD were prepared by hydrothermal treatment of p-aminobenzenesulfonic acid. They act as both the reducing and stabilizing agent for synthesis of Ag₂O/Ag@NS-CQD. The composite was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified by coating it with Ag₂O/Ag@NS-CQD. It exhibits excellent amperometric response to catechol, typically at a low working potential of around 0.25 V. Under the best experimental conditions, the sensor has a wide linear response (0.2 to 180 μM) and a low detection limit (13 nM; at S/N = 3). The method was applied to analysis of spiked water samples and gave satisfactory results. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of the preparation of the Ag/Ag2O@N,S-doped carbon quantum dots composite using p-aminobenzenesulfonic acid and silver nitrate as the starting materials. The corresponding modified glassy carbon electrode exhibits the excellent amperometric sensing performance toward catechol at pH 7.0 with low detection limit and good selectivity.