Current Methods for Synthesis and Potential Applications of Cobalt Nanoparticles: A Review

Aluminum oxide, cobalt aluminum oxide, and aluminum-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles as an effective antimicrobial agent against pathogens

Since the clock of antimicrobial resistance was set, modern medicine has shed light on a new cornerstone in technology to overcome the worldwide dread of the post-antimicrobial era. Research organizations are exploring the use of nanotechnology to modify metallic crystals from macro to nanoscale size, demonstrating significant interest in the field of antimicrobials. Herein, the antimicrobial activities of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), cobalt aluminum oxide (CoAl2O4), and aluminum doped zinc oxide (Zn0.9Al0.1O) nanoparticles were examined against some nosocomial pathogens. The study confirmed the formation and characterization of Al2O3, CoAl2O4, and Zn0.9Al0.1O nanoparticles using various techniques, revealing the generation of pure nanoscale nanoparticles. With inhibition zones ranging from 9 to 14 mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations varying from 4 mg/mL to 16 mg/mL, the produced nanoparticles showed strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Meanwhile, the bactericidal concentrations ranged from 8 mg/mL to 40 mg/mL. In culture, Zn0.9Al0.1O NPs demonstrated a unique ability to inhibit the development of nosocomial infections with high bactericidal activity (8 mg/mL). Transmission electron microscope images revealed changes in cell shape, bacterial cell wall morphology, cytoplasmic membrane, and protoplasm due to the introduction of tested nanoparticles. These results pave the way for the use of these easily bacterial wall-piercing nanoparticles in combination with potent antibiotics to overcome the majority of bacterial strains' resistance.

Promising biomedical systems based on copper nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and applications

Copper and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuNPs) have unique physicochemical properties that make them highly promising for biomedical applications. This review discusses the application of CuNPs in biomedicine, including diagnosis, therapy, and theranostics. Recent synthesis methods, with an emphasis on green approaches, are described, and the latest techniques for nanoparticle characterization are critically analyzed. CuNPs, including Cu2O, CuO, and Cu, have significant potential as anti-cancer agents, drug delivery systems, and photodynamic therapy enhancers, among other applications. While challenges such as ensuring biocompatibility and stability must be addressed, the state-of-the-art research reviewed here provides strong evidence for the efficacy and versatility of CuNPs. These multifunctional properties have been extensively researched and documented, showcasing the immense potential of CuNPs in biomedicine. Overall, the evidence suggests that CuNPs are a promising avenue for future research and development in biomedicine. We strongly support further progress in the development of synthesis and application strategies to enhance the effectiveness and safety of CuNPs for clinical purposes.

Synthesis and activation of pH-sensitive metal-organic framework Sr(BDC)∞ for oral drug delivery

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are widely used in the biomedical industry. In this study, we developed a new method for obtaining a metal-organic structure of strontium and terephthalic acid, Sr(BDC), and an alternative activation method for removing DMF from the pores. Sr(BDC) MOFs were successfully prepared and characterized by XRD, FTIR, TGA, and SEM. The importance of the activation steps was confirmed by TGA, which showed that the Sr(BDC)(DMF) sample can contain up to a quarter of the solvent (DMF) before activation. In our study, IR spectroscopy confirmed the possibility of removing DMF by ethanol treatment from the Sr-BDC crystals. A comparative analysis of the effect of the activation method on the specific surface and pore size of Sr-BDC and its sorption properties using the model drug doxorubicin showed that due to the undeveloped surface of the Sr-(BDC)(DMF) sample, it is not possible to obtain an adsorption isotherm and determine the pore size distribution, thus showing the importance of the activation step. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis assays were carried out to study the biological activity of MOFs, and we observed relatively low toxicity in the tested concentration range after 48 h, with over 92% cell survival for Sr(BDC)(DMF) and Sr(BDC)(260 °C), with a decrease only in the highest concentration (800 mg L-1). Similar results were observed in our apoptosis assays, as they revealed low apoptotic population generation of 2.52%, 3.23%, and 2.77% for Sr(BDC)(DMF), Sr(BDC) and Sr(BDC)(260 °C), respectively. Overall, the findings indicate that ethanol-activated Sr(BDC) shows potential as a safe and effective material for drug delivery.

How Synthesis of Algal Nanoparticles Affects Cancer Therapy? - A Complete Review of the Literature

The necessity to engineer sustainable nanomaterials for the environment and human health has recently increased. Due to their abundance, fast growth, easy cultivation, biocompatibility and richness of secondary metabolites, algae are valuable biological source for the green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs). The aim of this review is to demonstrate the feasibility of using algal-based NPs for cancer treatment. Blue-green, brown, red and green micro- and macro-algae are the most commonly participating algae in the green synthesis of NPs. In this process, many algal bioactive compounds, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols, can catalyze the reduction of metal ions to NPs. In addition, many driving factors, including pH, temperature, duration, static conditions and substrate concentration, are involved to facilitate the green synthesis of algal-based NPs. Here, the biosynthesis, mechanisms and applications of algal-synthesized NPs in cancer therapy have been critically discussed. We also reviewed the effective role of algal synthesized NPs as anticancer treatment against human breast, colon and lung cancers and carcinoma.

Prevalence of Cobalt in the Environment and Its Role in Biological Processes

Cobalt (Co) is an essential trace element for humans and other animals, but high doses can be harmful to human health. It is present in some foods such as green vegetables, various spices, meat, milk products, seafood, and eggs, and in drinking water. Co is necessary for the metabolism of human beings and animals due to its key role in the formation of vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, the biological reservoir of Co. In high concentrations, Co may cause some health issues such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, bleeding, low blood pressure, heart diseases, thyroid damage, hair loss, bone defects, and the inhibition of some enzyme activities. Conversely, Co deficiency can lead to anorexia, chronic swelling, and detrimental anemia. Co nanoparticles have different and various biomedical applications thanks to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. In addition, Co and cobalt oxide nanoparticles can be used in lithium-ion batteries, as a catalyst, a carrier for targeted drug delivery, a gas sensor, an electronic thin film, and in energy storage. Accumulation of Co in agriculture and humans, due to natural and anthropogenic factors, represents a global problem affecting water quality and human and animal health. Besides the common chelating agents used for Co intoxication, phytoremediation is an interesting environmental technology for cleaning up soil contaminated with Co. The occurrence of Co in the environment is discussed and its involvement in biological processes is underlined. Toxicological aspects related to Co are also examined in this review.

A Review of the Current State of Magnetic Force Microscopy to Unravel the Magnetic Properties of Nanomaterials Applied in Biological Systems and Future Directions for Quantum Technologies

Magnetism plays a pivotal role in many biological systems. However, the intensity of the magnetic forces exerted between magnetic bodies is usually low, which demands the development of ultra-sensitivity tools for proper sensing. In this framework, magnetic force microscopy (MFM) offers excellent lateral resolution and the possibility of conducting single-molecule studies like other single-probe microscopy (SPM) techniques. This comprehensive review attempts to describe the paramount importance of magnetic forces for biological applications by highlighting MFM's main advantages but also intrinsic limitations. While the working principles are described in depth, the article also focuses on novel micro- and nanofabrication procedures for MFM tips, which enhance the magnetic response signal of tested biomaterials compared to commercial nanoprobes. This work also depicts some relevant examples where MFM can quantitatively assess the magnetic performance of nanomaterials involved in biological systems, including magnetotactic bacteria, cryptochrome flavoproteins, and magnetic nanoparticles that can interact with animal tissues. Additionally, the most promising perspectives in this field are highlighted to make the reader aware of upcoming challenges when aiming toward quantum technologies.

Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-A Universal Material for Biomedicine

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a very promising platform for applications in various industries. In recent years, a variety of methods have been developed for the preparation and modification of MOFs, providing a wide range of materials for different applications in life science. Despite the wide range of different MOFs in terms of properties/sizes/chemical nature, they have not found wide application in biomedical practices at present. In this review, we look at the main methods for the preparation of MOFs that can ensure biomedical applications. In addition, we also review the available options for tuning the key parameters, such as size, morphology, and porosity, which are crucial for the use of MOFs in biomedical systems. This review also analyses possible applications for MOFs of different natures. Their high porosity allows the use of MOFs as universal carriers for different therapeutic molecules in the human body. The wide range of chemical species involved in the synthesis of MOFs makes it possible to enhance targeting and prolongation, as well as to create delivery systems that are sensitive to various factors. In addition, we also highlight how injectable, oral, and even ocular delivery systems based on MOFs can be used. The possibility of using MOFs as therapeutic agents and sensitizers in photodynamic, photothermal, and sonodynamic therapy was also reviewed. MOFs have demonstrated high selectivity in various diagnostic systems, making them promising for future applications. The present review aims to systematize the main ways of modifying MOFs, as well as the biomedical applications of various systems based on MOFs.

Biopolymeric Nanoparticles-Multifunctional Materials of the Future

Nanotechnology plays an important role in biological research, especially in the development of delivery systems with lower toxicity and greater efficiency. These include not only metallic nanoparticles, but also biopolymeric nanoparticles. Biopolymeric nanoparticles (BPNs) are mainly developed for their provision of several advantages, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and minimal toxicity, in addition to the general advantages of nanoparticles. Therefore, given that biopolymers are biodegradable, natural, and environmentally friendly, they have attracted great attention due to their multiple applications in biomedicine, such as drug delivery, antibacterial activity, etc. This review on biopolymeric nanoparticles highlights their various synthesis methods, such as the ionic gelation method, nanoprecipitation method, and microemulsion method. In addition, the review also covers the applications of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles in different areas-especially in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and agricultural domains. In conclusion, the present review highlights recent advances in the synthesis and applications of biopolymeric nanoparticles and presents both fundamental and applied aspects that can be used for further development in the field of biopolymeric nanoparticles.