Polyethylene Glycol Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles: Hybrid Nanofluid Formulation, Properties and Drug Delivery Prospects

Biocompatible gelatin-coated ferrite nanoparticles: A magnetic approach to advanced drug delivery

Nanotechnology has transformed drug delivery, offering opportunities to enhance treatment outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. This study focuses on gelatin-coated cobalt and manganese ferrite nanoparticles for potential drug delivery applications. The synthesis involved a co-precipitation method, and the nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Results revealed stable structures, distinct chemical features introduced by gelatin coating, and unique magnetic properties. The hemolysis assay demonstrated reduced hemolytic activity with gelatin coating, enhancing biocompatibility. Drug release studies indicated differential release profiles, with gelatin-coated cobalt ferrite exhibiting higher drug release compared to gelatin-coated manganese ferrite. The Higuchi model supported diffusion-controlled drug release for gelatin-coated cobalt ferrite. These findings suggest the potential of gelatin-coated ferrite nanoparticles for controlled and targeted drug delivery, highlighting their significance in advancing nanomedicine.

Fabrication of a novel HKUST-1/CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 electrode for the electrochemical detection of ciprofloxacin in physiological samples

In this work, a novel HKUST-1/CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 electrode was successfully prepared via the hydrothermal method and the high-temperature calcination method, which can be applied as an electrochemical sensor for the precise detection of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in physiological samples. The novel electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and its electrochemical performance was further evaluated via the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. The results demonstrated that the HKUST-1/CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 electrode exhibited an optimal linear range of 0.05-180 μmol L-1 for the CIP detection, which demonstrated a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0026 μmol L-1 and a low limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.0087 μmol L-1, respectively. Additionally, the novel semiconductor sensors exhibited exceptional selectivity, stability and repeatability in the determination of CIP. The recovery rate of CIP was found to range from 98.00% to 104.00% in serum, with the relative standard deviations (RSD) below 2.62% (n = 5), while the recovery rate of CIP was found to range from 96.00% to 105.00%, with the RSD less than 3.23% (n = 5) in urine. The current study extends to the application of the semiconductor-based electrochemical sensors and offers a new approach for the clinical pharmaceutical analysis to ensure medication safety, which could provide valuable insights into the potential of semiconductor sensors for future clinical applications.

Advances in the application of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs and SPIONs) in three-dimensional cell culture systems

BACKGROUND

The field of tissue engineering has remarkably progressed through the integration of nanotechnology and the widespread use of magnetic nanoparticles. These nanoparticles have resulted in innovative methods for three-dimensional (3D) cell culture platforms, including the generation of spheroids, organoids, and tissue-mimetic cultures, where they play a pivotal role. Notably, iron oxide nanoparticles and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have emerged as indispensable tools for non-contact manipulation of cells within these 3D environments. The variety and modification of the physical and chemical properties of magnetic nanoparticles have profound impacts on cellular mechanisms, metabolic processes, and overall biological function. This review article focuses on the applications of magnetic nanoparticles, elucidating their advantages and potential pitfalls when integrated into 3D cell culture systems. This review aims to shed light on the transformative potential of magnetic nanoparticles in terms of tissue engineering and their capacity to improve the cultivation and manipulation of cells in 3D environments.

Chemically synthesized ciprofloxacin-PEG-FeO nanotherapeutic exhibits strong antibacterial and controlled cytotoxic effects

Aim: To develop a biocompatible conjugated ciprofloxacin-PEG-FeO nanodelivery system with increased efficacy of available therapeutics in a controlled manner. Materials & methods: FeO nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical and biological methods and modified as ciprofloxacin-PEG-FeO nanoformulations. After initial antibacterial and cytotoxicity studies, the effective and biocompatible nanoformulations was further fabricated as nanotherapeutics for in vivo studies in mouse models. Results: Chemically synthesized ciprofloxacin-PEG-FeO nanoformulations demonstrated boosted antibacterial activity against clinically isolated bacterial strains. Nanoformulations were also found to be compatible with baby hamster kidney 21 cells and red blood cells. In in vivo studies, nanotherapeutic showed wound-healing effects with eradication of Staphylococcus aureus infection. Conclusion: The investigations indicate that the developed nanotherapeutic can eradicate localized infections and enhance wound healing with controlled cytotoxicity.

Ciprofloxacin loaded PEG coated ZnO nanoparticles with enhanced antibacterial and wound healing effects

Antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide health problem that demands alternative antibacterial strategies. Modified nano-composites can be an effective strategy as compared to traditional medicine. The current study was designed to develop a biocompatible nano-drug delivery system with increased efficacy of current therapeutics for biomedical applications. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized by chemical and green methods by mediating with Moringa olifera root extract. The ZnO-NPs were further modified by drug conjugation and coating with PEG (CIP-PEG-ZnO-NPs) to enhance their therapeutic potential. PEGylated ZnO-ciprofloxacin nano-conjugates were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. During antibacterial screenings chemically and green synthesized CIP-PEG-ZnO-NPs revealed significant activity against clinically isolated Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The sustainable and prolonged release of antibiotics was noted from the CIP-PEG conjugated ZnO-NPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were found compatible with RBCs and Baby hamster kidney cell lines (BHK21) during hemolytic and MTT assays respectively. Based on initial findings a broad-spectrum nano-material was developed and tested for biomedical applications that eradicated Staphylococcus aureus from the infectious site and showed wound-healing effects during in vivo applications. ZnO-based nano-drug carrier can offer targeted drug delivery, and improved drug stability and efficacy resulting in better drug penetration.

Studies on the Functional Properties of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Distributed in Silyl-Alkyl Bridged Polyaniline-Based Nanofluids

In the present work, a new kind of nanocomposite (NC)-based solid component was prepared for formulating nanofluids (NFs). The NC comprised metal oxide (titanium dioxide, TiO2) dispersed in a conducting polymer with polyaniline (PANI) and chemically linked silyl-alkyl units in it (PSA) that were designated as T-PSA NC. The NFs with ethylene glycol (EG) as a base fluid were prepared with T-PSA NCs with various compositions of TiO2 and PSA as well for various concentrations of T-PSA NCs. The scanning electron microscopic evaluation of the NC revealed that PSA deposition on TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) decreased particle agglomeration. The PSA coating on the TiO2 NPs did not influence the crystalline structure of the TiO2 NPs, according to the X-ray diffraction patterns. The thermophysical characterization and molecular interaction features of the NFs at 303 K including a novel inorganic-organic T-PSA NC, were detailed. Furthermore, the stability of the T-PSA NC-based NFs was investigated experimentally using the zeta potential, and the particle size distribution change was analyzed using the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. The T-PSA NCs had particle sizes that were significantly bigger than pristine PSA and pure TiO2. Most of the preparation conditions used to produce the T-PSA NCs resulted in moderately stable suspensions in EG. The results revealed that the ultrasonic velocity increased with the increase in the concentration of T-PSA NC mass % in the NFs, the refractive index and thermal conductivity increased with the increase in the concentration, and the surface tension exhibited a linear change when the ratio of mass % concentration of the T-PSA NCs increased. The combined presence of components that synergistically contribute to the electro, thermal, optical, and rheological properties is expected to attract advanced applications for NFs.

How Magnetic Composites are Effective Anticancer Therapeutics? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Chemotherapy is the most prominent route in cancer therapy for prolonging the lifespan of cancer patients. However, its non-target specificity and the resulting off-target cytotoxicities have been reported. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies using magnetic nanocomposites (MNCs) for magnetothermal chemotherapy may potentially improve the therapeutic outcome by increasing the target selectivity. In this review, magnetic hyperthermia therapy and magnetic targeting using drug-loaded MNCs are revisited, focusing on magnetism, the fabrication and structures of magnetic nanoparticles, surface modifications, biocompatible coating, shape, size, and other important physicochemical properties of MNCs, along with the parameters of the hyperthermia therapy and external magnetic field. Due to the limited drug-loading capacity and low biocompatibility, the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as drug delivery system has lost traction. In contrast, MNCs show higher biocompatibility, multifunctional physicochemical properties, high drug encapsulation, and multi-stages of controlled release for localized synergistic chemo-thermotherapy. Further, combining various forms of magnetic cores and pH-sensitive coating agents can generate a more robust pH, magneto, and thermo-responsive drug delivery system. Thus, MNCs are ideal candidate as smart and remotely guided drug delivery system due to a) their magneto effects and guide-ability by the external magnetic fields, b) on-demand drug release performance, and c) thermo-chemosensitization under an applied alternating magnetic field where the tumor is selectively incinerated without harming surrounding non-tumor tissues. Given the important effects of synthesis methods, surface modifications, and coating of MNCs on their anticancer properties, we reviewed the most recent studies on magnetic hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery systems in cancer therapy, and magnetothermal chemotherapy to provide insights on the current development of MNC-based anticancer nanocarrier.

In Vitro Studies of Pegylated Magnetite Nanoparticles in a Cellular Model of Viral Oncogenesis: Initial Studies to Evaluate Their Potential as a Future Theranostic Tool

Magnetic nanosystems represent promising alternatives to the traditional diagnostic and treatment procedures available for different pathologies. In this work, a series of biological tests are proposed, aiming to validate a magnetic nanoplatform for Kaposi's sarcoma treatment. The selected nanosystems were polyethylene glycol-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (MAG.PEG), which were prepared by the hydrothermal method. Physicochemical characterization was performed to verify their suitable physicochemical properties to be administered in vivo. Exhaustive biological assays were conducted, aiming to validate this platform in a specific biomedical field related to viral oncogenesis diseases. As a first step, the MAG.PEG cytotoxicity was evaluated in a cellular model of Kaposi's sarcoma. By phase contrast microscopy, it was found that cell morphology remained unchanged regardless of the nanoparticles' concentration (1-150 µg mL^-1). The results, arising from the crystal violet technique, revealed that the proliferation was also unaffected. In addition, cell viability analysis by MTS and neutral red assays revealed a significant increase in metabolic and lysosomal activity at high concentrations of MAG.PEG (100-150 µg mL^-1). Moreover, an increase in ROS levels was observed at the highest concentration of MAG.PEG. Second, the iron quantification assays performed by Prussian blue staining showed that MAG.PEG cellular accumulation is dose dependent. Furthermore, the presence of vesicles containing MAG.PEG inside the cells was confirmed by TEM. Finally, the MAG.PEG steering was achieved using a static magnetic field generated by a moderate power magnet. In conclusion, MAG.PEG at a moderate concentration would be a suitable drug carrier for Kaposi's sarcoma treatment, avoiding adverse effects on normal tissues. The data included in this contribution appear as the first stage in proposing this platform as a suitable future theranostic to improve Kaposi's sarcoma therapy.

PEG-Coated MnZn Ferrite Nanoparticles with Hierarchical Structure as MRI Contrast Agent

In this work, MnZn ferrite nanoparticles with hierarchical morphology were synthesized hydrothermally, and their surface characteristics were improved by the PEGylation process. In vitro MRI studies were also conducted to evaluate the ability of the synthesized nanoparticles as a contrast agent. All results were compared with those obtained for MnZn ferrite nanoparticles with normal structure. Microstructural evaluations showed that in ferrite with hierarchical morphology, the spherical particles with an average size of ~20 nm made a distinctive structure consisting of rows of nanoparticles which is a relatively big assembly like a dandelion. The smaller particle size and dandelion-like morphology led to an increase in specific surface area for the hierarchical structure (~69 m²/g) in comparison to the normal one (~30 m²/g) with an average particle size of ~40 nm. In vitro MRI, cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility assays confirmed the PEG-coated MnZn ferrite nanoparticles with hierarchical structure synthesized in the current study can be considered as an MRI contrast agent.

Chitosan/Gamma-Alumina/Fe3O4@5-FU Nanostructures as Promising Nanocarriers: Physiochemical Characterization and Toxicity Activity

Today, cancer treatment is an important issue in the medical world due to the challenges and side effects of ongoing treatment procedures. Current methods can be replaced with targeted nano-drug delivery systems to overcome such side effects. In the present work, an intelligent nano-system consisting of Chitosan (Ch)/Gamma alumina (γAl)/Fe3O4 and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) was synthesized and designed for the first time in order to influence the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cell line in the treatment of breast cancer. Physico-chemical characterization of the nanocarriers was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM analysis revealed smooth and homogeneous spherical nanoparticles. The high stability of the nanoparticles and their narrow size distribution was confirmed by DLS. The results of the loading study demonstrated that these nano-systems cause controlled, stable, and pH-sensitive release in cancerous environments with an inactive targeting mechanism. Finally, the results of MTT and flow cytometry tests indicated that this nano-system increased the rate of apoptosis induction on cancerous masses and could be an effective alternative to current treatments.

Nanoparticle Sphericity Investigation of Cu-Al2O3-H2O Hybrid Nanofluid Flows between Inclined Channels Filled with a Porous Medium

With the porous medium-filling inclined channels, we investigate the nanoparticle sphericity of Cu-Al₂O₃-H₂O hybrid nanofluid flows. We consider the constant flow rate through the channels as well as the uniform heat flux on wall channels. We provide analytical solutions for both the velocity and temperature fields. Several parameters are considered in the analytical solutions, including the mixed convection variable, the Peclet number, the channel tilt angle, and nanoparticle sphericity and volume fractions. The significant findings of this study are that the effective thermal conductivity increases when increasing the temperature in the same nanoparticle volume fractions. Nanoparticles with a smaller average sphericity size have a greater specific surface area and contain a greater concentration of small particles, which enhances the internal heat transfer of nanofluids. The other noteworthy observation of this study is that when the nanoparticle volume fraction increases from 0.1 to 0.2, although the heat transfer enhancement rate has slowed down, it has also increased by about 25%. The hybrid nanofluids have suitable stability, and the enhanced heat transfer effect is better with the increase in nanoparticle compositions.

Zwitterionic polymer coated sorafenib-loaded Fe3O4 composite nanoparticles induced ferroptosis for cancer therapy

Ferroptosis, as a form of cell death different from apoptosis, is very promising for the treatment of cancer in nonapoptotic systems. Since iron is a key component in the induction of ferroptosis in cells, the use of iron-based nanomaterials in treating cancer through ferroptosis is of great significance. Therefore, in this study, magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) were coated with the zwitterionic polymer poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC), and then loaded with sorafenib (SRF) to obtain drug-loaded composite nanoparticles MNP@PMPC-SRF. Fe₃O₄ provided a large number of ferric/ferrous ions as an iron source, releasing Fe²⁺ for the regulation of the ferroptosis process and enhancing the effect of the induced cellular ferroptosis on the treatment of colon cancer with SRF. The zwitterionic polymer PMPC effectively extended the blood circulation time, resulting in an enhanced tumor accumulation of the nanodrug. MNP@PMPC-SRF exhibited good biocompatibility for in vivo application and showed an excellent tumor inhibitory effect on HCT116 tumor-bearing nude mice.

Irradiation Effects in Polymer Composites for Their Conversion into Hybrids

In this paper several aspects of profound modifications caused by high energy exposures are presented as possible candidates for the efficient adjusting processing of polymer materials. The class of hybrid composites receives special attention due to the large spectrum of formulations, where the interphase interaction decisively influences the material properties. They represent potential start points for the intimate uniformity of hybrid morphologies. Their radiation processing turns composites onto hybrid morphology with expected features, because the transferred energy is spent for the modification of components and for their compatibility. The essential changes achieved in radiation processed composites explain the new material behavior and durability based on the peculiar restructuring of polymer molecules that occurred in the polymer phase. During high energy irradiation, the interaction between intermediates born in the constitutive phases may convert the primary composites into hybrids, integrating them into large applicability spheres. During the radiation exposure, the resulting hybrids gain a continuous dispersion by means of new chemical bonds. This type of compounds achieves some specific structural modifications in the polymer phase, becoming stable hybrid composites. The functional properties of hybrids definitely influence the material behavior due to the molecular changes based on the structural reasons. The radiolysis of the vulnerable component becomes an appropriate opportunity for the creation of new material with improved stability. The radiation treatment is a proper conversion procedure by which common mixtures may become continuously reorganized. This review presents several examples for the radiation modifications induced by radiation exposure that allow the compatibilization and binding of components as well as the creation of new structures with improved properties. This approach provides the reference patterns for the extension of radiation processing over the well-conducted adjustments of polymer composites, when certain material features are compulsorily required. From this review, several solutions for the adjustment of regular polymer composites into hybrid systems may become conceivable by the extended radiation processing.

Recent Advances of Magnetic Gold Hybrids and Nanocomposites, and Their Potential Biological Applications

Magnetic gold nanoparticles (mGNP) have become a great interest of research for nanomaterial scientists because of their significant magnetic and plasmonic properties applicable in biomedical applications. Various synthetic approaches and surface modification techniques have been used for mGNP including the most common being the coprecipitation, thermal decomposition, and microemulsion methods in addition to the Brust Schiffrin technique, which involves the reduction of metal precursors in a two-phase system (water and toluene) in the presence of alkanethiol. The hybrid magnetic–plasmonic nanoparticles based on iron core and gold shell are being considered as potential theranostic agents. In this critical review, in addition to future works, we have summarized recent developments for synthesis and surface modification of mGNP with their applications in modern biomedical science such as drug and gene delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, and neuro-regeneration, neuro-degenerative and arthritic disorders. This review includes techniques and biological applications of mGNP majorly based on research from the previous six years.

Transport of Magnetic Polyelectrolyte Capsules in Various Environments

Microcapsules consisting of eleven layers of polyelectrolyte and one layer of iron oxide nanoparticles were fabricated. Two types of nanoparticles were inserted as one of the layers within the microcapsule’s walls: Fe2O3, ferric oxide, having a mean diameter (Ø) of 50 nm and superparamagnetic Fe3O4 having Ø 15 nm. The microcapsules were suspended in liquid environments at a concentration of 108 caps/mL. The suspensions were pumped through a tube over a permanent magnet, and the accumulation within a minute was more than 90% of the initial concentration. The design of the capsules, the amount of iron embedded in the microcapsule, and the viscosity of the transportation fluid had a rather small influence on the accumulation capacity. Magnetic microcapsules have broad applications from cancer treatment to molecular communication.

In vivo delivery of nuclear targeted drugs for lung cancer using novel synthesis and functionalization of iron oxide nanocrystals

Iron nanoparticles are typically made from inorganic precursors, but for the first time, we synthesized-Fe2O3-NCs from goat blood (a bio-precursor) employing the RBC lysis method (a molecular level approach).

Recovery of syringic acid from aqueous solution by magnetic Fe–Zn/ZIF and its slow release from the CA-coated carrier based on the 3Rs concept

The excessive utilization of syringic acid (SA) has caused severe environmental pollution and economic waste.

Carbon-Based Nanofluids and Their Advances towards Heat Transfer Applications-A Review

Nanofluids have opened the doors towards the enhancement of many of today's existing thermal applications performance. This is because these advanced working fluids exhibit exceptional thermophysical properties, and thus making them excellent candidates for replacing conventional working fluids. On the other hand, nanomaterials of carbon-base were proven throughout the literature to have the highest thermal conductivity among all other types of nanoscaled materials. Therefore, when these materials are homogeneously dispersed in a base fluid, the resulting suspension will theoretically attain orders of magnitude higher effective thermal conductivity than its counterpart. Despite this fact, there are still some challenges that are associated with these types of fluids. The main obstacle is the dispersion stability of the nanomaterials, which can lead the attractive properties of the nanofluid to degrade with time, up to the point where they lose their effectiveness. For such reason, this work has been devoted towards providing a systematic review on nanofluids of carbon-base, precisely; carbon nanotubes, graphene, and nanodiamonds, and their employment in thermal systems commonly used in the energy sectors. Firstly, this work reviews the synthesis approaches of the carbon-based feedstock. Then, it explains the different nanofluids fabrication methods. The dispersion stability is also discussed in terms of measuring techniques, enhancement methods, and its effect on the suspension thermophysical properties. The study summarizes the development in the correlations used to predict the thermophysical properties of the dispersion. Furthermore, it assesses the influence of these advanced working fluids on parabolic trough solar collectors, nuclear reactor systems, and air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Lastly, the current gap in scientific knowledge is provided to set up future research directions.

Quercetin nanoformulations: a promising strategy for tumor therapy

Phytochemicals as dietary constituents are being widely explored for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Quercetin, a major constituent of various dietary products, has attracted extensive interest due to its anti-proliferative capability, reversal of multidrug resistance, autophagy promotion and tumor microenvironment modulation on different cancer types. Although quercetin has shown potent medical value, its application as an antitumor drug is limited. Problems like poor solubility, bioavailability and stability, short half-life and weak tumor-targeting biodistribution make quercetin an unreliable candidate for cancer therapy. Nanoparticle based platforms have shown a number of advantages in delivering a hydrophobic drug like quercetin to diseased tissues. Quercetin nanoparticles have demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency, stability, sustained release, prolonged circulation time, improved accumulation at tumor sites and therapeutic efficiency. Moreover, a combination of quercetin with other diagnostic or therapeutic agents in one nanocarrier has achieved enhancements in detecting or treating tumors. In this review, we have tried to summarize the pharmacological activities of quercetin with regard to tumor cells and microenvironments in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, various nanoformulations have been highlighted for quercetin delivery for cancer treatment. These results suggest that quercetin nanoparticles may be a promising antitumor therapeutic agent.