Antimicrobial magnetic nanoparticles based-therapies for controlling infectious diseases

Nanomaterial-based drug-delivery system as an aid to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in treating oral biofilm

Diverse microorganisms live as biofilm in the mouth accounts for oral diseases and treatment failure. For decades, the prevention and treatment of oral biofilm is a global challenge. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) holds promise for oral biofilm elimination due to its several traits, including broad-spectrum antimicrobial capacity, lower possibility of resistance and low cytotoxicity. However, the physicochemical properties of photosensitizers and the biological barrier of oral biofilm have limited the efficiency of aPDT. Nanomaterials has been used to fabricate nanocarriers to improve photosensitizer properties and thus enhance antimicrobial effect. In this review, we have discussed the challenges of aPDT used in dentistry, categorized the nanomaterial-delivery system and listed the possible mechanisms involved in nanomaterials when enhancing aPDT effect.

Zinc Oxide-Based Nanomaterials for Microbiostatic Activities: A Review

The world is fighting infectious diseases. Therefore, effective antimicrobials are required to prevent the spread of microbes and protect human health. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-materials are known for their antimicrobial activities. Because of their distinctive physical and chemical characteristics, they can be used in medical and environmental applications. ZnO-based composites are among the leading sources of antimicrobial research. They are effective at killing (microbicidal) and inhibiting the growth (microbiostatic) of numerous microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Although most studies have focused on the microbicidal features, there is a lack of reviews on their microbiostatic effects. This review provides a detailed overview of available reports on the microbiostatic activities of ZnO-based nano-materials against different microorganisms. Additionally, the factors that affect the efficacy of these materials, their time course, and a comparison of the available antimicrobials are highlighted in this review. The basic properties of ZnO, challenges of working with microorganisms, and working mechanisms of microbiostatic activities are also examined. This review underscores the importance of further research to better understand ZnO-based nano-materials for controlling microbial growth.

Photodynamic Antibacterial Therapy of Gallic Acid-Derived Carbon-Based Nanoparticles (GACNPs): Synthesis, Characterization, and Hydrogel Formulation

Carbon-based nanoparticles (CNPs) have gained recognition because of their good biocompatibility, easy preparation, and excellent phototherapy properties. In biomedicine applications, CNPs are widely applied as photodynamic agents for antibacterial purposes. Photodynamic therapy has been considered a candidate for antibacterial agents because of its noninvasiveness and minimal side effects, especially in the improvement in antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria, compared with conventional antibiotic medicines. Here, we developed CNPs from an active polyhydroxy phenolic compound, namely, gallic acid, which has abundant hydroxyl groups that can yield photodynamic effects. Gallic acid CNPs (GACNPs) were rapidly fabricated via a microwave-assisted technique at 200 °C for 20 min. GACNPs revealed notable antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The minimum inhibitory concentrations of GACNPs in S. aureus and E. coli were equal at approximately 0.29 mg/mL and considerably lower than those in gallic acid solution. Furthermore, the GACNP-loaded hydrogel patches demonstrated an attractive photodynamic effect against S. aureus, and it was superior to that of Ag hydrofiber®, a commercial material. Therefore, the photodynamic properties of GACNPs can be potentially used in the development of antibacterial hydrogels for wound healing applications.

Green One-Step Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Obtained from Schinus areira Leaf Extract: Characterization and Antibacterial Mechanism Analysis

The increased emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious health problem worldwide. In this sense, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received increasing attention for their antimicrobial activity. In this context, the goal of this study was to produce AgNPs by a green synthesis protocol using an aqueous leaf extract of Schinus areira as biocomposite to later characterize their antimicrobial action. The nanomaterials obtained were characterized by UV‒vis spectroscopy, DLS, TEM, and Raman, confirming the presence of quasi-spherical AgNPs with a negative surface charge and diameter around 11 nm. Afterward, the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration of the AgNPs against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were obtained, showing high antibacterial activity. In both of the examined bacteria, the AgNPs were able to raise intracellular ROS levels. In E. coli, the AgNPs can harm the bacterial membrane as well. Overall, it can be concluded that it was possible to obtain AgNPs with colloidal stability and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Our findings point to at least two separate mechanisms that can cause cell death, one of which involves bacterial membrane damage and the other of which involves intracellular ROS induction.

Design, preparation and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with chitosan/Schiff base and their use as a reusable nanocatalyst for the green synthesis of 1H-isochromenes under mild conditions

In this study, a Schiff base complex magnetic nanocatalyst was designed and prepared. The structure of the Fe3O4@CS-SB-CaMgFe2O4 nanocatalyst was characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD, VSM, FE-SEM, EDX, elemental mapping, BET, and TGA techniques. The synthesis of 1H-isochromene compounds has attracted the attention of chemists due to their biological and medicinal properties. The 1H-isochromene derivatives were synthesized in the presence of the Fe3O4@CS-SB-CaMgFe2O4 nanocatalyst with excellent efficiency and short reaction time as well as according to the rules of green chemistry. This reaction was carried out using Fe3O4@CS-SB-CaMgFe2O4 as a catalyst to develop a simple method with low activation energy at room temperature under optimal conditions. This catalyst provides a promising route for the synthesis of 1H-isochromene multiple times through its recyclability without significant loss of catalytic activity. This nanocatalyst possesses several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, facile separation, environmental friendliness, and recyclability, for the efficient production of 1H-isochromenes. The obtained compounds were further analyzed using spectroscopic techniques, such as melting point, FT-IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR analyses, to confirm their structures. The spectra of the synthesized compounds were recorded and analyzed, and a plausible mechanism for their synthesis was proposed. The characterization results and structural elucidation provide valuable insights into the preparation of these compounds.

Nanomaterials as a Potential Target for Infectious Parasitic Agents

Despite the technological advancement in the era of personalized medicine and therapeutics development, infectious parasitic causative agents remain one of the most challenging areas of research and development. The disadvantages of conventional parasitic prevention and control are the emergence of multiple drug resistance as well as the non-specific targeting of intracellular parasites, which results in high dose concentration needs and subsequently intolerable cytotoxicity. Nanotechnology has attracted extensive interest to reduce medication therapy adverse effects including poor bioavailability and drug selectivity. Numerous nanomaterials-based delivery systems have previously been shown in animal models to be effective in the treatment of various parasitic infections. This review discusses a variety of nanomaterials-based antiparasitic procedures and techniques as well as the processes that allow them to be targeted to different parasitic infections. This review focuses on the key prerequisites for creating novel nanotechnology-based carriers as a potential option in parasite management, specifically in the context of human-related pathogenic parasitic agents.

Superparamagnetic Hybrid Nanospheres Based on Chitosan Obtained by Double Crosslinking in a Reverse Emulsion for Cancer Treatment

Nowadays, the Magnetically Targeted Drug Delivery System (MTDDS) is among the most attractive and promising strategies for delivering drugs to the target site. The present study aimed to obtain a biopolymer-magnetite-drug nanosystem via a double crosslinking (ionic and covalent) technique in reverse emulsion, which ensures the mechanical stability of the polymer support in the form of original hybrid nanospheres (NSMs) loaded with biologically active principles (the 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)) as a potential treatment for cancer. Obtained NSMs were characterized in terms of structure (FT-IR), size (DLS), morphology (SEM), swelling, and 5-FU entrapment/release properties, which were dependent on the synthesis parameters (polymer concentration, dispersion speed, and amount of ionic crosslinking agent). SEM analysis results revealed that NSMs presented a spherical shape and are homogeneous and separated. Moreover, NSMs' ability to load/release 5-FU was tested in vitro, the results confirming, as expected, their dependence on the varied synthesis process and NSM swelling ability in physiological liquids. The drug transport mechanism through the polymer matrix of its release is the Fickian type. The morphological, bio-material characteristics and the ability to include and release an antitumor drug highlight the utility of the NSMs obtained for targeting and treating some tumor diseases.

Potential applications of green-synthesized iron oxide NPs for environmental remediation

Water pollution is a significant issue worldwide due to an increase in anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals and dyes are among the most problematic contaminants that threaten the environment and negatively impact human health. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) synthesized using green methods have shown potential in these areas due to their significant adsorption capacity and photocatalytic potential. The size and morphology of biogenic IONPs can be tailored depending upon the concentration of the reducing medium and metal salt precursor. Green-synthesized IONPs have been found to be effective, economical, and environmentally friendly with their large surface area, making them suitable for removing toxic matter from contaminated water. Furthermore, they exhibit antibacterial potential against harmful microorganisms. The study emphasizes the importance of using such environmentally friendly tools to remove heavy metal ions and organic compounds from contaminated water. The underlying mechanism for the adsorption of heavy metal ions, photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds, and antimicrobial action has been explored in detail. The future prospective for the beneficial utilization of biogenic IONPs has also been signified to provide a detailed overview.

Recent advances in metal nanoparticles to treat periodontitis

The gradual deterioration of the supporting periodontal tissues caused by periodontitis, a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease, is thought to be triggered by the colonization of dysbiotic plaque biofilms in a vulnerable host. One of the most prevalent dental conditions in the world, periodontitis is now the leading factor in adult tooth loss. When periodontitis does develop, it is treated by scraping the mineralized deposits and dental biofilm off the tooth surfaces. Numerous studies have shown that non-surgical treatment significantly improves clinical and microbiological indices in individuals with periodontitis. Although periodontal parameters have significantly improved, certain bacterial reservoirs often persist on root surfaces even after standard periodontal therapy. Periodontitis has been treated with local or systemic antibiotics as well as scaling and root planning. Since there aren't many brand-new antibiotics on the market, several researchers are currently concentrating on creating alternate methods of combating periodontal germs. There is a delay in a study on the subject of nanoparticle (NP) toxicity, which is especially concerned with mechanisms of action, while the area of nanomedicine develops. The most promising of them are metal NPs since they have potent antibacterial action. Metal NPs may be employed as efficient growth inhibitors in a variety of bacteria, making them useful for the treatment of periodontitis. In this way, the new metal NPs contributed significantly to the development of efficient anti-inflammatory and antibacterial platforms for the treatment of periodontitis. The current therapeutic effects of several metallic NPs on periodontitis are summarized in this study. This data might be used to develop NP-based therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of periodontal infections.

Biocompatibility and Antimicrobial Profile of Acid Usnic-Loaded Electrospun Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)-Magnetite Nanofibers

The highest amount of the world's polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is designated for fiber production (more than 60%) and food packaging (30%) and it is one of the major polluting polymers. Although there is a great interest in recycling PET-based materials, a large amount of unrecycled material is derived mostly from the food and textile industries. The aim of this study was to obtain and characterize nanostructured membranes with fibrillar consistency based on recycled PET and nanoparticles (Fe3O4@UA) using the electrospinning technique. The obtained fibers limit microbial colonization and the development of biofilms. Such fibers could significantly impact modern food packaging and the design of improved textile fibers with antimicrobial effects and good biocompatibility. In conclusion, this study suggests an alternative for PET recycling and further applies it in the development of antimicrobial biomaterials.

Role of bioactive magnetic nanoparticles in the prevention of wound pathogenic biofilm formation using smart nanocomposites

BACKGROUND

Biofilm formation and its resistance to various antibiotics is a serious health problem in the treatment of wound infections. An ideal wound dressing should have characteristics such as protection of wound from microbial infection, suitable porosity (to absorb wound exudates), proper permeability (to maintain wound moisture), nontoxicity, and biocompatibility. Although silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been investigated as antimicrobial agents, their limitations in penetrating into the biofilm, affecting their efficiency, have consistently been an area for further research.

RESULTS

Consequently, in this study, the optimal amounts of natural and synthetic polymers combination, along with AgNPs, accompanied by iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), were utilized to fabricate a smart bionanocomposite that meets all the requirements of an ideal wound dressing. Superparamagnetic IONPs (with the average size of 11.8 nm) were synthesized through co-precipitation method using oleic acid to improve their stability. It was found that the addition of IONPs to bionanocomposites had a synergistic effect on their antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. Cytotoxicity assay results showed that nanoparticles does not considerably affect eukaryotic cells compared to prokaryotic cells. Based on the images obtained by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), significant AgNPs release was observed when an external magnetic field (EMF) was applied to the bionanocomposites loaded with IONPs, which increased the antibacterial activity and inhibited the formation of biofilm significantly.

CONCLUSION

These finding indicated that the nanocomposite recommended can have an efficient properties for the management of wounds through prevention and treatment of antibiotic-resistant biofilm.

Green synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles using Alliaceae waste (Allium sativum) for a sustainable landscape enhancement using support vector regression

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using green chemistry methods has gained significant attention in the field of landscape enhancement. Researchers have paid close attention to the development of very effective green chemistry approaches for the production of metal nanoparticles (NPs). The primary goal is to create an environmentally sustainable technique for generating NPs. At the nanoscale, ferro- and ferrimagnetic minerals such as magnetite exhibit superparamagnetic properties (Fe3O4). Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) have received increased interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology due to their physiochemical properties, small particle size (1-100 nm), and low toxicity. Biological resources such as bacteria, algae, fungus, and plants have been used to manufacture affordable, energy-efficient, non-toxic, and ecologically acceptable metallic NPs. Despite the growing demand for Fe3O4 nanoparticles in a variety of applications, typical chemical production processes can produce hazardous byproducts and trash, resulting in significant environmental implications. The purpose of this study is to look at the ability of Allium sativum, a member of the Alliaceae family recognized for its culinary and medicinal benefits, to synthesize Fe3O4 NPs. Extracts of Allium sativum seeds and cloves include reducing sugars like glucose, which may be used as decreasing factors in the production of Fe3O4 NPs to reduce the requirement for hazardous chemicals and increase sustainability. The analytic procedures were carried out utilizing machine learning as support vector regression (SVR). Furthermore, because Allium sativum is widely accessible and biocompatible, it is a safe and cost-effective material for the manufacture of Fe3O4 NPs. Using the regression indices metrics of root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2), the X-ray diffraction (XRD) study revealed the lighter, smoother spherical forms of NPs in the presence of aqueous garlic extract and 70.223 nm in its absence. The antifungal activity of Fe3O4 NPs against Candida albicans was investigated using a disc diffusion technique but exhibited no impact at doses of 200, 400, and 600 ppm. This characterization of the nanoparticles helps in understanding their physical properties and provides insights into their potential applications in landscape enhancement.

Bioinspired Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticles Based on Iron Oxides Using Orange Waste and Their Application as Photo-Activated Antibacterial Agents

Magnetic nanoparticles based on iron oxides (MNPs-Fe) have been proposed as photothermal agents (PTAs) within antibacterial photothermal therapy (PTT), aiming to counteract the vast health problem of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. We present a quick and easy green synthesis (GS) to prepare MNPs-Fe harnessing waste. Orange peel extract (organic compounds) was used as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent in the GS, which employed microwave (MW) irradiation to reduce the synthesis time. The produced weight, physical-chemical features and magnetic features of the MNPs-Fe were studied. Moreover, their cytotoxicity was assessed in animal cell line ATCC RAW 264.7, as well as their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. We found that the 50GS-MNPs-Fe sample (prepared by GS, with 50% v/v of NH₄OH and 50% v/v of orange peel extract) had an excellent mass yield. Its particle size was ~50 nm with the presence of an organic coating (terpenes or aldehydes). We believe that this coating improved the cell viability in extended periods (8 days) of cell culture with concentrations lower than 250 µg·mL^-1, with respect to the MNPs-Fe obtained by CO and single MW, but it did not influence the antibacterial effect. The bacteria inhibition was attributed to the plasmonic of 50GS-MNPs-Fe (photothermal effect) by irradiation with red light (630 nm, 65.5 mW·cm^-2, 30 min). We highlight the superparamagnetism of the 50GS-MNPs-Fe over 60 K in a broader temperature range than the MNPs-Fe obtained by CO (160.09 K) and MW (211.1 K). Therefore, 50GS-MNPs-Fe could be excellent candidates as broad-spectrum PTAs in antibacterial PTT. Furthermore, they might be employed in magnetic hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging, oncological treatments, and so on.

Metal Nanoparticles to Combat Candida albicans Infections: An Update

Candidiasis is an opportunistic mycosis with high annual incidence worldwide. In these infections, Candida albicans is the chief pathogen owing to its multiple virulence factors. C. albicans infections are usually treated with azoles, polyenes and echinocandins. However, these antifungals may have limitations regarding toxicity, relapse of infections, high cost, and emergence of antifungal resistance. Thus, the development of nanocarrier systems, such as metal nanoparticles, has been widely investigated. Metal nanoparticles are particulate dispersions or solid particles 10-100 nm in size, with unique physical and chemical properties that make them useful in biomedical applications. In this review, we focus on the activity of silver, gold, and iron nanoparticles against C. albicans. We discuss the use of metal nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for antifungal drugs or natural compounds to increase their biocompatibility and effectiveness. Promisingly, most of these nanoparticles exhibit potential antifungal activity through multi-target mechanisms in C. albicans cells and biofilms, which can minimize the emergence of antifungal resistance. The cytotoxicity of metal nanoparticles is a concern, and adjustments in synthesis approaches or coating techniques have been addressed to overcome these limitations, with great emphasis on green synthesis.

Green synthesis of MgO nanoparticles and its antibacterial properties

Magnesium oxide nanostructured particles (NP) were prepared using a simple solution combustion technique using different leaf extracts such as Mangifera indica (Mango - Ma), Azadirachta indica (Neem-Ne), and Carica papaya (Papaya-Pa) as surfactants. The highly crystalline phase of MgO nanostructures was confirmed by PXRD and FTIR studies for 2 h 500°C calcined samples. To analyze the characteristics of obtained material-MaNP, NeNP, and PaNP for dosimetry applications, thermoluminescence (TL) studies were carried out for Co-60 gamma rays irradiated samples in the dose range 10-50 KGy; PaNP and NeNP exhibited well-defined glow curve when compared with MaNP samples. In addition, it was observed that the TL intensity decreases, with increase in gamma dose and the glow peak temperature is shifted towards the higher temperature with the increase in heating rate. The glow peak was segregated using glow curve deconvolution and thermal cleaning method. Kinetic parameters estimated using Chen's method, trap depth (E), and frequency factor (s) were found to be 0.699, 7.408, 0.4929, and 38.71, 11.008, and 10.71 for PaNP, NeNP, and MaNP respectively. The well-resolved glow curve, good linear behavior in the dose range of 10-50, KGy, and less fading were observed in PaNP as compared with MaNP and NeNP. Further, the antibacterial activity was checked against human pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A visible zone of clearance was observed at 200 and 100 μg/mL by the PaNP and NeNP, indicating the death of colonies by the nanoparticles. Therefore, PaNP nanomaterial is a potential phosphor material for dosimetry and antibacterial application compared to NeNP and MaNP.

New strategies in the treatment of diseases caused by Acanthamoeba based on nanoparticles: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Acanthamoeba is one of the opportunistic parasites with a global prevalence. Currently, due to the side effects and the emergence of drug resistance to this parasite, much research has been performed on the use of nano-drugs to treat Acanthamoeba-caused diseases. Therefore, this systematic review study aims to evaluate new strategies for treating diseases caused by Acanthamoeba based on nanoparticles (NPs).

METHODS

We designed a systematic review based on the articles published in English between 2000 and 2022. Our search strategy was based on syntax and specific tags for each database, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, and Cochrane. From the articles, those that had inclusion criteria were selected, and their data were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

In this study, 26 studies were selected. Metallic nanoparticles were mostly used against the Acanthamoeba species (80.7%). 19.2% of the studies used polymeric nanoparticles, and 3.8% used emulsion nanoparticles. Most studies (96.1%) were performed in vitro, and only one study (3.8%) was carried out in vivo. Silver NPs were the most used metallic nanoparticles in the studies. The best effect of the anti-Acanthamoeba compound was observed for green synthesized nanoparticles based on stabilization by plant gums, loaded with citrus fruits flavonoids hesperidin (HDN) and naringin (NRG) with a 100% growth inhibition at a concentration of 50 μg/mL.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that chlorhexidine and other plant metabolites loaded with silver and gold nanoparticles increase the anti-Acanthambae activity of these nanoparticles. However, green synthesized nanoparticles based on stabilization by plant gums, loaded with citrus fruits flavonoids hesperidin (HDN) and naringin (NRG), showed the best anti-Acanthambae effect. Nevertheless, further studies should be performed to determine their safety for human use.

Antibacterial effects and cellular mechanisms of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles coated by piroctone olamine against some cariogenic bacteria

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

•

We revealed the promising antibacterial effects of Fe3O4@PONP against some cariogenic bacteria.

•

It triggered the ROS production and protein leakage as the possible antibacterial mode of action of anti-infective agents.

•

Additional surveys are necessary to elucidate the accurate mechanisms of these nanoparticles.

Micro/Nanosystems for Magnetic Targeted Delivery of Bioagents

Targeted delivery of pharmaceuticals is promising for efficient disease treatment and reduction in adverse effects. Nano or microstructured magnetic materials with strong magnetic momentum can be noninvasively controlled via magnetic forces within living beings. These magnetic carriers open perspectives in controlling the delivery of different types of bioagents in humans, including small molecules, nucleic acids, and cells. In the present review, we describe different types of magnetic carriers that can serve as drug delivery platforms, and we show different ways to apply them to magnetic targeted delivery of bioagents. We discuss the magnetic guidance of nano/microsystems or labeled cells upon injection into the systemic circulation or in the tissue; we then highlight emergent applications in tissue engineering, and finally, we show how magnetic targeting can integrate with imaging technologies that serve to assist drug delivery.

Antimicrobial Peptides Controlling Resistant Bacteria in Animal Production

In the last few decades, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been a worldwide concern. The excessive use of antibiotics affects animal and human health. In the last few years, livestock production has used antibiotics as food supplementation. This massive use can be considered a principal factor in the accelerated development of genetic modifications in bacteria. These modifications are responsible for AMR and can be widespread to pathogenic and commensal bacteria. In addition, these antibiotic residues can be dispersed by water and sewer water systems, the contamination of soil and, water and plants, in addition, can be stocked in tissues such as muscle, milk, eggs, fat, and others. These residues can be spread to humans by the consumption of water or contaminated food. In addition, studies have demonstrated that antimicrobial resistance may be developed by vertical and horizontal gene transfer, producing a risk to public health. Hence, the World Health Organization in 2000 forbid the use of antibiotics for feed supplementation in livestock. In this context, to obtain safe food production, one of the potential substitutes for traditional antibiotics is the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In general, AMPs present anti-infective activity, and in some cases immune response. A limited number of AMP-based drugs are now available for use in animals and humans. This use is still not widespread due to a few problems like in-vivo effectiveness, stability, and high cost of production. This review will elucidate the different AMPs applications in animal diets, in an effort to generate safe food and control AMR.

Inorganic Nanoparticles in Bone Healing Applications

Modern biomedicine aims to develop integrated solutions that use medical, biotechnological, materials science, and engineering concepts to create functional alternatives for the specific, selective, and accurate management of medical conditions. In the particular case of tissue engineering, designing a model that simulates all tissue qualities and fulfills all tissue requirements is a continuous challenge in the field of bone regeneration. The therapeutic protocols used for bone healing applications are limited by the hierarchical nature and extensive vascularization of osseous tissue, especially in large bone lesions. In this regard, nanotechnology paves the way for a new era in bone treatment, repair and regeneration, by enabling the fabrication of complex nanostructures that are similar to those found in the natural bone and which exhibit multifunctional bioactivity. This review aims to lay out the tremendous outcomes of using inorganic nanoparticles in bone healing applications, including bone repair and regeneration, and modern therapeutic strategies for bone-related pathologies.

Different Nanotechnology Approaches for Ciprofloxacin Delivery Against Multidrug-Resistant Microbes

The percentages of organisms exhibiting antimicrobial resistance, especially resistance to multiple antibiotics, are incessantly increasing. Studies investigated that many bacteria are being resistant to ciprofloxacin. This review addresses the current knowledge on nano-based ciprofloxacin delivery approaches to improve its effectiveness and overcome the resistance issues. Ciprofloxacin delivery can be modified by encapsulating with or incorporating in different polymeric nanoparticles such as chitosan, PLGA, albumin, arginine, and other organic and inorganic nanostructure systems. Most of these nano-approaches are promising as an alternative strategy to improve the therapeutic effectiveness of ciprofloxacin in the future.

Immobilization of fibrinolytic protease from Mucor subtilissimus UCP 1262 in magnetic nanoparticles

This work reports the immobilization of a fibrinolytic protease (FP) from Mucor subtilissimus UCP 1262 on Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) produced by precipitation of FeCl₃·6H₂O and FeCl₂·4H₂O, coated with polyaniline and activated with glutaraldehyde. The FP was obtained by solid state fermentation, precipitated with 40-60% ammonium sulfate, and purified by DEAE-Sephadex A50 ion exchange chromatography. The FP immobilization procedure allowed for an enzyme retention of 52.13%. The fibrinolytic protease immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs/FP) maintained more than 60% of activity at a temperature of 40 to 60 °C and at pH 7 to 10, when compared to the non-immobilized enzyme. MNPs and MNPs/FP did not show any cytotoxicity against HEK-293 and J774A.1 cells. MNPs/FP was not hemolytic and reduced the hemolysis induced by MNPs from 2.07% to 1.37%. Thrombus degradation by MNPs/FP demonstrated that the immobilization process guaranteed the thrombolytic activity of the enzyme. MNPs/FP showed a total degradation of the γ chain of human fibrinogen within 90 min. These results suggest that MNPs/FP may be used as an alternative strategy to treat cardiovascular diseases with a targeted release through an external magnetic field.

Nanocarriers for Inner Ear Disease Therapy

Hearing loss is a common disease due to sensory loss caused by the diseases in the inner ear. The development of delivery systems for inner ear disease therapy is important to achieve high efficiency and reduce side effects. Currently, traditional drug delivery systems exhibit the potential to be used for inner ear disease therapy, but there are still some drawbacks. As nanotechnology is developing these years, one of the solutions is to develop nanoparticle-based delivery systems for inner ear disease therapy. Various nanoparticles, such as soft material and inorganic-based nanoparticles, have been designed, tested, and showed controlled delivery of drugs, improved targeting property to specific cells, and reduced systemic side effects. In this review, we summarized recent progress in nanocarriers for inner ear disease therapy. This review provides useful information on developing promising nanocarriers for the efficient treatment of inner ear diseases and for further clinical applications for inner ear disease therapy.

Polymeric Nanomaterials for Efficient Delivery of Antimicrobial Agents

Bacterial infections have threatened the lives of human beings for thousands of years either as major diseases or complications. The elimination of bacterial infections has always occupied a pivotal position in our history. For a long period of time, people were devoted to finding natural antimicrobial agents such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), antibiotics and silver ions or synthetic active antimicrobial substances including antimicrobial peptoids, metal oxides and polymers to combat bacterial infections. However, with the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR), bacterial infection has become one of the most urgent problems worldwide. The efficient delivery of antimicrobial agents to the site of infection precisely is a promising strategy for reducing bacterial resistance. Polymeric nanomaterials have been widely studied as carriers for constructing antimicrobial agent delivery systems and have shown advantages including high biocompatibility, sustained release, targeting and improved bioavailability. In this review, we will highlight recent advances in highly efficient delivery of antimicrobial agents by polymeric nanomaterials such as micelles, vesicles, dendrimers, nanogels, nanofibers and so forth. The biomedical applications of polymeric nanomaterial-based delivery systems in combating MDR bacteria, anti-biofilms, wound healing, tissue engineering and anticancer are demonstrated. Moreover, conclusions and future perspectives are also proposed.

Marine organisms: Pioneer natural sources of polysaccharides/proteins for green synthesis of nanoparticles and their potential applications

Current innovations in the marine bionanotechnology arena are supporting and stimulating developments in other fields, including nanomedicine, pharmaceuticals, sensors, environmental trends, food, and agriculture aspects. Many oceanic creatures, particularly algae, plants, bacteria, yeast, fungi, cyanobacteria, actinomyces, invertebrates, animals and sponges can survive under extreme circumstances. They can biogenerate a broad spectrum of phytochemicals/metabolites, including proteins, peptides, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, carbohydrate polymers, polysaccharides, sulfated polysaccharides, polysaccharide-protein complexes such as carrageenan, fucoidanase, fucoidan, carboxymethyl cellulose, poly-γ-glutamic acid, sugar residues with proteins, melanin, haemocyanin, etc). These products exhibit exclusive advantages that offer pioneering roles in the eco-friendly fabrication of several nanoparticles (NPs) i.e., Ag, Au, Ru, Fe₂O₃, Cobalt (III) Oxide (Co₂O₃), ZnO and Ag@AgCl within a single phase. Importantly, marine organisms can biosynthesize NPs in two modes, namely extracellular and intracellular. Biosynthesized NPs can be characterized using various methodologies among them, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Taken together, this review focuses on the green synthesis of metallic, metallic oxides and nonmetallic NPs utilizing extracts/derivatives from marine organisms based on eco-friendly green biogenic procedures. Moreover, significant attention is given to the medicinal and industrial importance of such marine organisms mediated NPs.

New insight on some selected nanoparticles as an effective adsorbent toward diminishing the health risk of deltamethrin contaminated water

Deltamethrin is a widely used insecticide that kills a wide variety of insects and ticks. Deltamethrin resistance develops as a result of intensive, repeated use, as well as increased environmental contamination and a negative impact on public health. Its negative impact on aquatic ecology and human health necessitated the development of a new technique for environmental remediation and wastewater treatment, such as the use of nanotechnology. The co-precipitation method was used to create Zn-Fe/LDH, Zn-AL-GA/LDH, and Fe-oxide nanoparticles (NPs), which were then characterized using XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, and HR-TEM. The kinetic study of adsorption test revealed that these NPs were effective at removing deltamethrin from wastewater. The larval packet test, which involved applying freshly adsorbed deltamethrin nanocomposites (48 hours after adsorption), and the comet assay test were used to confirm that deltamethrin had lost its acaricidal efficacy. The kinetics of the deltamethrin adsorption process was investigated using several kinetic models at pH 7, initial concentration of deltamethrin 40 ppm and temperature 25°C. Within the first 60 min, the results indicated efficient adsorption performance in deltamethrin removal, the maximum adsorption capacity was 27.56 mg/L, 17.60 mg/L, and 3.06 mg/L with the Zn-Al LDH/GA, Zn-Fe LDH, and Fe Oxide, respectively. On tick larvae, the results of the freshly adsorbed DNC bioassay revealed larval mortality. This suggests that deltamethrin's acaricidal activity is still active. However, applying DNCs to tick larvae 48 hours after adsorption had no lethal effect, indicating that deltamethrin had lost its acaricidal activity. The latter result corroborated the results of the adsorption test's kinetic study. Furthermore, the comet assay revealed that commercial deltamethrin caused 28.51% DNA damage in tick cells, which was significantly higher than any DNC. In conclusion, the NPs used play an important role in deltamethrin decontamination in water, resulting in reduced public health risk. As a result, these NPs could be used as a method of environmental remediation.

The contribution of nano-based strategies in overcoming ceftriaxone resistance: a literature review

Antimicrobial drug resistance, including resistance to multiple antibiotics, is continuously increasing. According to research findings, many bacteria resistant to other antibiotics were susceptible to ceftriaxone. However, over the last few years, ceftriaxone resistance has become growing and extremely worrisome challenge to the global healthcare system and several strategies have been initiated to contain the spread of antimicrobial drug resistance. Its extended use for therapeutic or preventative measures in humans and farm animals resulted in the development and spread of resistance. Recent advances in nanotechnology also offer novel formulations based on distinct types of nanostructure particles with different sizes and shapes, and flexible antimicrobial properties. For ceftriaxone, several nanostructured formulations through conjugation, intercalation, encapsulation with lipid carrier, and polymeric films have been investigated by different groups with promising results in combating the development of resistance. This review addressed the existing knowledge and practice on the contribution of nano-based delivery approaches in overcoming ceftriaxone resistance. Evidences have been generated from published research articles using major search electronic databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Science Direct.

Current advances in drug delivery of nanoparticles for respiratory disease treatment

Cases of respiratory diseases have been increasing around the world, affecting the health and quality of life of millions of people every year. Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are responsible for many hospital admissions and deaths, requiring sophisticated treatments that facilitate the delivery of therapeutics to specific target sites with controlled release. In this context, different nanoparticles (NPs) have been explored to match this demand, such as lipid, liposome, protein, carbon-based, polymeric, metallic, oxide, and magnetic NPs. The use of NPs as drug delivery systems can improve the efficacy of commercial drugs due to their advantages related to sustained drug release, targeting effects, and patient compliance. The current review presents an updated summary of recent advances regarding the use of NPs as drug delivery systems to treat diseases related to the respiratory tract, such as CRDs and ARIs. The latest applications presented in the literature were considered, and the opportunities and challenges of NPs in the drug delivery field are discussed.

Recent developments in biomolecule-based nanoencapsulation systems for antimicrobial delivery and biofilm disruption

Biomolecules are very attractive nanomaterial components, generally, due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, abundance, renewability, and sustainability, as compared to other resources for nanoparticle-based delivery systems. Biomolecule-based nanoencapsulation and nanodelivery systems can be designed and engineered for antimicrobial cargos in order to surmount classical and current challenges, including the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains of microorganisms, the low effectiveness and limitations in the applicability of the present antimicrobials, and biofilm formation. This feature article highlights the recent applications and capabilities of biomacromolecule-based nanomaterials for the delivery and activity enhancement of antimicrobials, and disruption of biofilms. Unique properties of some nanomaterials, arising from specific biomacromolecules, were also emphasized. We expect that this review will be helpful to researchers in engineering new types of antimicrobial nanocarriers, hybrid particles and colloidal systems with tailored properties.

Nanostrategies to Develop Current Antiviral Vaccines

Infectious diseases are a worldwide concern. They are responsible for increasing the mortality rate and causing economic and social problems. Viral epidemics and pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, force the scientific community to consider molecules with antiviral activity. A number of viral infections still do not have a vaccine or efficient treatment and it is imperative to search for vaccines to control these infections. In this context, nanotechnology in association with the design of vaccines has presented an option for virus control. Nanovaccines have displayed an impressive immune response using a low dosage. This review aims to describe the advances and update the data in studies using nanovaccines and their immunomodulatory effect against human viruses.

Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Inner Ear Infections

The inner ear is sensitive to various infections of viral, bacterial, or fungal origin, which, if left untreated, may lead to hearing loss or progress through the temporal bone and cause intracranial infectious complications. Due to its isolated location, the inner ear is difficult to treat, imposing an acute need for improving current therapeutic approaches. A solution for enhancing antimicrobial treatment performance is the use of nanoparticles. Different inorganic, lipidic, and polymeric-based such particles have been designed, tested, and proven successful in the controlled delivery of medication, improving drug internalization by the targeted cells while reducing the systemic side effects. This paper makes a general presentation of common inner ear infections and therapeutics administration routes, further focusing on newly developed nanoparticle-mediated treatments.

Eugenol-Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles Modulate Virulence and Persistence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Strains

Efficient antibiotics to cure Pseudomonas aeruginosa persistent infections are currently insufficient and alternative options are needed. A promising lead is to design therapeutics able to modulate key phenotypes in microbial virulence and thus control the progression of the infectious process without selecting resistant mutants. In this study, we developed a nanostructured system based on Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) and eugenol, a natural plant-compound which has been previously shown to interfere with microbial virulence when utilized in subinhibitory concentrations. The obtained functional NPs are crystalline, with a spherical shape and 10-15 nm in size. The subinhibitory concentrations (MIC 1/2) of the eugenol embedded magnetite NPs (Fe₃O₄@EUG) modulate key virulence phenotypes, such as attachment, biofilm formation, persister selection by ciprofloxacin, and the production of soluble enzymes. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the ability of functional magnetite NPs to modulate P. aeruginosa virulence and phenotypic resistance; our data highlights the potential of these bioactive nanostructures to be used as anti-pathogenic agents.

OBP-functionalized/hybrid superparamagnetic nanoparticles for Candida albicans treatment

Infections caused by the opportunistic yeast Candida albicans are one of the major life threats for hospitalized and immunocompromised patients, as a result of antibiotic and long-term antifungal treatment abuse. Odorant binding proteins can be considered interesting candidates to develop systems able to reduce the proliferation and virulence of this yeast, because of their intrinsic antimicrobial properties and complexation capabilities toward farnesol, the major quorum sensing molecule of Candida albicans. In the present study, a hybrid system characterized by a superparamagnetic iron oxide core functionalized with bovine odorant binding protein (bOBP) was successfully developed. The nanoparticles were designed to be suitable for magnetic protein delivery to inflamed areas of the body. The inorganic superparamagnetic core was characterized by an average diameter of 6.5 ± 1.1 nm and a spherical shape. Nanoparticles were functionalized by using 11-phosphonoundecanoic acid as spacer and linked to bOBP via amide bonds, resulting in a concentration level of 26.0 ± 1.2 mg bOBP/g SPIONs. Finally, both the biocompatibility of the developed hybrid system and the fungistatic activity against Candida albicans by submicromolar OBP levels were demonstrated by in vitro experiments.

Comparative toxicity of green and chemically synthesized CuO NPs during pregnancy and lactation in rats and offspring: Part I -hepatotoxicity

Widespread applications of nanomaterials in food and health sciences have inevitable toxicological outcomes. Among nanomaterials, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are commonly used in all fields due to its distinctive characteristics. The study was designed to investigate the comparative hepatotoxic effect of green (GNPs) and chemically synthesized (CNPs) CuO NPs on spargue-dawely rats and their offspring. NPs (50 and 100 mg/kg) were orally administered to rats twice a week starting before mating. After birth the parents were continued dosing while pups were only on mother feed. Antioxidant, lipid peroxidation, genotoxicity, and histology were performed on liver tissue. In addition serum biochemistry of parents and offspring was also performed. The levels of catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione were significantly lowered only in CNPs treated parents while lipid peroxidation level was increased in these groups. Maximum genotoxicity (2.3%) in terms of percent tail DNA was observed in parent rats administered with high CNPs dose while other groups did not exhibit significant variation in genetoxic parameters. Gender and dose dependent effects were observed on liver function tests especially ALP and ALT in parents however no obvious differences were observed in offspring. Furthermore, dose dependent dilation and congestion of sinusoids was observed on CNPs administration. In GNPs treated rats and offspring histological alterations were observed. The study concludes that chemically synthesized CuO NPs exhibit dose dependent toxic effects on liver as compared to green synthesized CuO NPs. Furthermore lactation does not play significant role in the hepatotoxicity of offspring though minor oxidative stress was observed only on CNPs administration. The study also shows that pharmacological application of green synthesized NPs can be accomplished due to their biocompatible nature.

Microbial Interkingdom Biofilms and the Quest for Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Fungal and bacterial species interact with each other within polymicrobial biofilm communities in various niches of the human body. Interactions between these species can greatly affect human health and disease. Diseases caused by polymicrobial biofilms pose a major challenge in clinical settings because of their enhanced virulence and increased drug tolerance. Therefore, different approaches are being explored to treat fungal-bacterial biofilm infections. This review focuses on the main mechanisms involved in polymicrobial drug tolerance and the implications of the polymicrobial nature for the therapeutic treatment by highlighting clinically relevant fungal-bacterial interactions. Furthermore, innovative treatment strategies which specifically target polymicrobial biofilms are discussed.

Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Doped with Gd: Phase Transformations as a Result of Thermal Annealing

The aim of this work is to study the effect of the phase composition of the synthesized Fe2O3-Gd2O3 nanoparticles on the efficiency of using magnetic hyperthermia as a basis for experiments. This class of structures is one of the most promising materials for biomedical applications and magnetic resonance imaging. In the course of the study, the dynamics of phase transformations of nanoparticles Fe2O3 → Fe2O3/GdFeO3 → GdFeO3 were established depending on the annealing temperature. It has been determined that the predominance of the GdFeO3 phase in the structure of nanoparticles leads to an increase in their size from 15 to 40 nm. However, during experiments to determine the resistance to degradation and corrosion, it was found that GdFeO3 nanoparticles have the highest corrosion resistance. During the hyperthermal tests, it was found that a change in the phase composition of nanoparticles, as well as their size, leads to an increase in the heating rate of nanoparticles, which can be further used for practical purposes.

Recent advances in functionalized nanomaterials for the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections

The growing problem of resistant infections due to antibiotic misuse is a worldwide concern that poses a grave threat to healthcare systems. Thus, it is necessary to discover new strategies to combat infectious diseases. In this review, we provide a selective overview of recent advances in the use of nanocomposites as alternatives to antibiotics in antimicrobial treatments. Metals and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have been associated with inorganic and organic supports to improve their antibacterial activity and stability as well as other properties. For successful antibiotic treatment, it is critical to achieve a high drug concentration at the infection site. In recent years, the development of stimuli-responsive systems has allowed the vectorization of antibiotics to the site of infection. These nanomaterials can be triggered by various mechanisms (such as changes in pH, light, magnetic fields, and the presence of bacterial enzymes); additionally, they can improve antibacterial efficacy and reduce side effects and microbial resistance. To this end, various types of modified polymers, lipids, and inorganic components (such as metals, silica, and graphene) have been developed. Applications of these nanocomposites in diverse fields ranging from food packaging, environment, and biomedical antimicrobial treatments to diagnosis and theranosis are discussed.

Anti-bacterial activity of gold nanocomposites as a new nanomaterial weapon to combat photogenic agents: recent advances and challenges

Gold nanocomposites are being widely used in numerous biomedical applications owing to their excellent stability and miniaturization. Gold nanocomposites are notable because of their flexibility of functionalization and synthesis, ease of detection, and low toxicity. Cost-effectiveness, long-term stability, non-cytotoxicity, and biocompatibility are the main aspects of ideal nanocomposites. Antibacterial nanocomposites are being developed extensively in the food industry, environmental applications, and biological and medical devices. This review focuses on the applications of metal-based nanoparticles, mainly gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), as antibacterial agents in medical approaches. Additionally, the antibacterial mechanisms of AuNPs and their roles in fighting antibiotic-resistant microorganisms are highlighted in the present review.

Gold nanocomposites are being widely used in numerous biomedical applications owing to their excellent stability and miniaturization.

Best served small: nano battles in the war against wound biofilm infections

The global challenge of antimicrobial resistance is of increasing concern, and alternatives to currently used antibiotics or methods to improve their stewardship are sought worldwide. Microbial biofilms, complex 3D communities of bacteria and/or fungi, are difficult to treat with antibiotics for several reasons. These include their protective coats of extracellular matrix proteins which are difficult for antibiotics to penetrate. Nanoparticles (NP) are one way to rise to this challenge; whilst they exist in many forms naturally there has been a profusion in synthesis of these small (<100 nm) particles for biomedical applications. Their small size allows them to penetrate the biofilm matrix, and as well as some NP being inherently antimicrobial, they also can be modified by doping with antimicrobial payloads or coated to increase their effectiveness. This mini-review examines the current role of NP in treating wound biofilms and the rise in multifunctionality of NP.

Green Synthesis of Co-Zn Spinel Ferrite Nanoparticles: Magnetic and Intrinsic Antimicrobial Properties

Spinel ferrite magnetic nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention because of their high and flexible magnetic properties and biocompatibility. In this work, a set of magnetic nanoparticles of cobalt ferrite doped with zinc was synthesized via the eco-friendly sol-gel auto-combustion method. Obtained particles displayed a room-temperature ferromagnetic behavior with tuned by chemical composition values of saturation magnetization and coercivity. The maximal values of saturation magnetization ~74 Am²/kg were found in cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with a 15–35% molar fraction of cobalt replaced by zinc ions. At the same time, the coercivity exhibited a gradually diminishing trend from ~140 to ~5 mT whereas the concentration of zinc was increased from 0 to 100%. Consequently, nanoparticles produced by the proposed method possess highly adjustable magnetic properties to satisfy the requirement of a wide range of possible applications. Further prepared nanoparticles were tested with bacterial culture to display the influence of chemical composition and magnetic structure on nanoparticles-bacterial cell interaction.

Anti-biofilm Fe3O4@C18-[1,3,4]thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ium-2-thiolate Derivative Core-shell Nanocoatings

The derivatives 5,7-dimethyl[1,3,4]thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ium-2-thiolate (1) and 7-methyl-5-phenyl[1,3,4]thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ium-2-thiolate (2) were fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their supramolecular structure is built through both π–π stacking and C=S–π interactions for both compounds. The embedment of the tested compounds into Fe₃O₄@C₁₈ core-shell nanocoatings increased the protection degree against Candida albicans biofilms on the catheter surface, suggesting that these bioactive nanocoatings could be further developed as non-cytotoxic strategies for fighting biofilm-associated fungal infections.

Tackling Multidrug Resistance in Streptococci - From Novel Biotherapeutic Strategies to Nanomedicines

The pyogenic streptococci group includes pathogenic species for humans and other animals and has been associated with enduring morbidity and high mortality. The main reason for the treatment failure of streptococcal infections is the increased resistance to antibiotics. In recent years, infectious diseases caused by pyogenic streptococci resistant to multiple antibiotics have been raising with a significant impact to public health and veterinary industry. The rise of antibiotic-resistant streptococci has been associated to diverse mechanisms, such as efflux pumps and modifications of the antimicrobial target. Among streptococci, antibiotic resistance emerges from previously sensitive populations as result of horizontal gene transfer or chromosomal point mutations due to excessive use of antimicrobials. Streptococci strains are also recognized as biofilm producers. The increased resistance of biofilms to antibiotics among streptococci promote persistent infection, which comprise circa 80% of microbial infections in humans. Therefore, to overcome drug resistance, new strategies, including new antibacterial and antibiofilm agents, have been studied. Interestingly, the use of systems based on nanoparticles have been applied to tackle infection and reduce the emergence of drug resistance. Herein, we present a synopsis of mechanisms associated to drug resistance in (pyogenic) streptococci and discuss some innovative strategies as alternative to conventional antibiotics, such as bacteriocins, bacteriophage, and phage lysins, and metal nanoparticles. We shall provide focused discussion on the advantages and limitations of agents considering application, efficacy and safety in the context of impact to the host and evolution of bacterial resistance.

Facile synthesis and potential application of Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 and Ni0.6Zn0.2Ce0.2Fe2O4 magnetic nanocubes as a new strategy in sewage treatment

Disinfection using chlorine has paramount importance in the treatment of either drinking water or sewage since it can kill and inhibit all waterborne pathogens, but it may result in carcinogenic substances when interacting with organic matter. An eco-friendly sol-gel process with citrate was used to prepare the nano-cubic activated nickel-zinc ferrite magnetic nanostructures (Ni_0.6Zn_0.4Fe₂O₄ and Ni_0.6Zn_0.2Ce_0.2Fe₂O₄). The activated nanomagnetic samples were characterized using XRD, HR-TEM, HR-SEM, FTIR, and VSM techniques. The structural and magnetic results showed that the nano-cubes magnetic-structures exhibited higher crystalline degrees and an increase in the total magnetization, enabling spinel nano-ferrite to possess potentials for excellent industry various applications. Likewise, the VSM results reveal that Ce₂O₃ had a significant influence on the magnetic behavior such as the coercivity (Hc; 69.226-133.15) saturation and magnetization (Ms; 24.562-52.174). The results revealed that all Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) had an outstanding inhibitory effect on microbes tested. The manufactured particles showed a remarkable ability to eliminate pathogenic bacteria in real sewage samples. The results obtained endorsed that the manufactured magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are powerful nano-weapons with an excellent anticipated output for the deactivation of pathogenic microbes during sewage treatment, with, nickel-zinc-cerium ferrite being more effective in inhibiting microbial growth than nickel-zinc-cerium ferrite.

Highlights in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as a Multifunctional Controlled Drug Delivery Nanoplatform for Infectious Diseases Treatment

Infectious diseases are a major global concern being responsible for high morbidity and mortality mainly due to the development and enhancement of multidrug-resistant microorganisms exposing the fragility of medicines and vaccines commonly used to these treatments. Taking into account the scarcity of effective formulation to treat infectious diseases, nanotechnology offers a vast possibility of ground-breaking platforms to design new treatment through smart nanostructures for drug delivery purposes. Among the available nanosystems, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) stand out due their multifunctionality, biocompatibility and tunable properties make them emerging and actual nanocarriers for specific and controlled drug release. Considering the high demand for diseases prevention and treatment, this review exploits the MSNs fabrication and their behavior in biological media besides highlighting the most of strategies to explore the wide MSNs functionality as engineered, smart and effective controlled drug release nanovehicles for infectious diseases treatment. Graphical Abstract Schematic representation of multifunctional MSNs-based nanoplatforms for infectious diseases treatment.