Nanodelivery of antiretroviral drugs to nervous tissues

Despite the development of effective combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), the neurocognitive impairments associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remain challenging. The presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCFB) impedes the adequate penetration of certain antiretroviral drugs into the brain. In addition, reports have shown that some antiretroviral drugs cause neurotoxicity resulting from their interaction with nervous tissues due to long-term systemic exposure. Therefore, the research into the effective therapeutic modality that would cater for the HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and ART toxicity is now receiving broad research attention. Thus, this review explores the latest information in managing HAND using a nanoparticle drug delivery system (NDDS). We discussed the neurotoxicity profile of various approved ART. Also, we explained the applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in medicine, their different synthesis methods and their interaction with nervous tissues. Lastly, while proposing AgNPs as useful nanoparticles in properly delivering ART to enhance effectiveness and minimize neurocognitive disorders, we hypothesize that the perceived toxicity of AgNPs could be minimized by taking appropriate precautions. One such precaution is using appropriate reducing and stabilizing agents such as trisodium citrate to reduce silver ion Ag + to ground state Ag0 during the synthesis. Also, the usage of medium-sized, spherical-shaped AgNPs is encouraged in AgNPs-based drug delivery to the brain due to their ability to deliver therapeutic agents across BBB. In addition, characterization and functionalization of the synthesized AgNPs are required during the drug delivery approach. Putting all these factors in place would minimize toxicity and enhance the usage of AgNPs in delivering therapeutic agents across the BBB to the targeted brain tissue and could cater for the HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and neurotoxic effects of antiretroviral drugs (ARDs).

Bioactive inorganic particles-based biomaterials for skin tissue engineering

The challenge for treatment of severe cutaneous wound poses an urgent clinical need for the development of biomaterials to promote skin regeneration. In the past few decades, introduction of inorganic components into material system has become a promising strategy for improving performances of biomaterials in the process of tissue repair. In this review, we provide a current overview of the development of bioactive inorganic particles-based biomaterials used for skin tissue engineering. We highlight the three stages in the evolution of the bioactive inorganic biomaterials applied to wound management, including single inorganic materials, inorganic/organic composite materials, and inorganic particles-based cell-encapsulated living systems. At every stage, the primary types of bioactive inorganic biomaterials are described, followed by citation of the related representative studies completed in recent years. Then we offer a brief exposition of typical approaches to construct the composite material systems with incorporation of inorganic components for wound healing. Finally, the conclusions and future directions are suggested for the development of novel bioactive inorganic particles-based biomaterials in the field of skin regeneration.

Antibacterial properties of functionalized silk fibroin and sericin membranes for wound healing applications in oral and maxillofacial surgery

Oral wounds are among the most troublesome injuries which easily affect the patients' quality of life. To date, the development of functional antibacterial dressings for oral wound healing remains a challenge. In this regard, we investigated antibacterial silk protein-based membranes for the application as wound dressings in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The present study includes five variants of casted membranes, i.e., i) membranes-silver nanoparticles (CM-Ag), ii) membranes-gentamicin (CM-G), iii) membranes-control (without functionalization) (CM-C), iv) membranes-silk sericin control (CM-SSC), and v) membranes-silk fibroin/silk sericin (CM-SF/SS), and three variants of nonwovens, i.e., i) silver nanoparticles (NW-Ag), ii) gentamicin (NW-G), iii) control (without functionalization) (NW-C). The surface structure of the samples was visualized with scanning electron microscopy. In addition, antibacterial testing was accomplished using agar diffusion assay, colony forming unit (CFU) analysis, and qrt-PCR. Following antibacterial assays, biocompatibility was evaluated by cell proliferation assay (XTT), cytotoxicity assay (LDH), and live-dead assay on L929 mouse fibroblasts. Findings indicated significantly lower bacterial colony growth and DNA counts for CM-Ag with a reduction of bacterial counts by 3log levels (99.9% reduction) in CFU and qrt-PCR assay compared to untreated control membranes (CM-C and CM-SSC) and membranes functionalized with gentamicin (CM-G and NW-G) (p < 0.001). Similarly, NW-G yielded significantly lower DNA and colony growth counts compared to NW-Ag and NW-C (p < 0.001). In conclusion, CM-Ag represented 1log level better antibacterial activity compared to NW-G, whereas NW-G showed better cytocompatibility for L929 cells. As data suggest, these two membranes have the potential of application in the field of bacteria-free oral wound healing. However, provided that loading strategy and cytocompatibility are adjusted according to the antibacterial agents' characteristic and fabrication technique of the membranes.

Dietary exposure of copper and zinc oxides nanoparticles affect the fitness, enzyme activity, and microbial community of the model insect, silkworm Bombyx mori

Copper and Zinc oxides nanoparticles (CuO and ZnO NPs, respectively) are among the most produced and commonly used engineered nanomaterials. They can be released into the environment, thereby causing health concerns and risks to biodiversity that indicate a need to evaluate their toxicological effects in a complex situation. Here, we used the insect model organism silkworm Bombyx mori to address the concerns about the biological effects associated with dietary exposure of CuO and ZnO NPs. ICP-MS analysis revealed significant accumulation of Cu and Zn (the latter being more accumulated) in silkworms' tissues (gut, fat body, silk gland, and malpighian tubule), and some elimination through feces in the respective NPs-exposed groups. NPs-exposures led to a decrease in larval body mass, survivorship, and cocoon production, where the effects of ZnO NPs were more pronounced. We also found that NPs-exposure induced gene expression changes (Attacin, lysozyme, SOD, and Dronc) and altered the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GST, and CAT), as well as impaired nutrient metabolism (alpha-amylase). Given their antibacterial property, CuO and ZnO NPs decreased species richness and diversity of the gut bacterial community and shifted their configuration to overt microbiome i.e., decreased abundance of probiotics (e.g., Acetobacter) and increased pathobionts (e.g., Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Escherichia, Enterococcus, Ralstonia, etc.) proportions. Overall, this integrated study revealed the unintended negative effects of CuO and ZnO NPs on silkworms and highlighted the potential to inevitably affect all living things due to intensive and possible mishandling of nanomaterials.

Progress in Alternative Strategies to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance: Focus on Antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance, and, in a broader perspective, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), continues to evolve and spread beyond all boundaries. As a result, infectious diseases have become more challenging or even impossible to treat, leading to an increase in morbidity and mortality. Despite the failure of conventional, traditional antimicrobial therapy, in the past two decades, no novel class of antibiotics has been introduced. Consequently, several novel alternative strategies to combat these (multi-) drug-resistant infectious microorganisms have been identified. The purpose of this review is to gather and consider the strategies that are being applied or proposed as potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics. These strategies include combination therapy, techniques that target the enzymes or proteins responsible for antimicrobial resistance, resistant bacteria, drug delivery systems, physicochemical methods, and unconventional techniques, including the CRISPR-Cas system. These alternative strategies may have the potential to change the treatment of multi-drug-resistant pathogens in human clinical settings.

Biological Synthesis of Nanocatalysts and Their Applications

Over the past few decades, the synthesis and potential applications of nanocatalysts have received great attention from the scientific community. Many well-established methods are extensively utilized for the synthesis of nanocatalysts. However, most conventional physical and chemical methods have some drawbacks, such as the toxicity of precursor materials, the requirement of high-temperature environments, and the high cost of synthesis, which ultimately hinder their fruitful applications in various fields. Bioinspired synthesis is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and requires a low energy/temperature ambient. Various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae are used as nano-factories and can provide a novel method for the synthesis of different types of nanocatalysts. The synthesized nanocatalysts can be further utilized in various applications such as the removal of heavy metals, treatment of industrial effluents, fabrication of materials with unique properties, biomedical, and biosensors. This review focuses on the biogenic synthesis of nanocatalysts from various green sources that have been adopted in the past two decades, and their potential applications in different areas. This review is expected to provide a valuable guideline for the biogenic synthesis of nanocatalysts and their concomitant applications in various fields.

Advances in Nanotechnology towards Development of Silver Nanoparticle-Based Wound-Healing Agents

Since antiquity, silver-based therapies have been used in wound healing, wound care and management of infections to provide adequate healing. These therapies are associated with certain limitations, such as toxicity, skin discolouration and bacterial resistance, which have limited their use. As a result, new and innovative wound therapies, or strategies to improve the existing therapies, are sought after. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have shown the potential to circumvent the limitations associated with conventional silver-based therapies as described above. AgNPs are effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms and are less toxic, effective at lower concentrations and produce no skin discolouration. Furthermore, AgNPs can be decorated or coupled with other healing-promoting materials to provide optimum healing. This review details the history and impact of silver-based therapies leading up to AgNPs and AgNP-based nanoformulations in wound healing. It also highlights the properties of AgNPs that aid in wound healing and that make them superior to conventional silver-based wound treatment therapies.

Recent perspectives of nanotechnology in burn wounds management: a review

OBJECTIVE

The burden of the management of problematic skin wounds characterised by a compromised skin barrier is growing rapidly. Almost six million patients are affected in the US alone, with an estimated market of $25 billion annually. There is an urgent requirement for efficient mechanism-based treatments and more efficacious drug delivery systems. Novel strategies are needed for faster healing by reducing infection, moisturising the wound, stimulating the healing mechanisms, speeding up wound closure and reducing scar formation.

METHODS

A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted on the recent perspectives of nanotechnology in burn wounds management. Pubmed, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsychINFO databases were all systematically searched. Authors independently rated the reporting of the qualitative studies included. A comprehensive literature search was conducted covering various resources up to 2018-2019. Traditional techniques aim to simply cover the wound without playing any active role in wound healing. However, nanotechnology-based solutions are being used to create multipurpose biomaterials, not only for regeneration and repair, but also for on-demand delivery of specific molecules. The chronic nature and associated complications of nonhealing wounds have led to the emergence of nanotechnology-based therapies that aim at facilitating the healing process and ultimately repairing the injured tissue.

CONCLUSION

Nanotechnology-based therapy is in the forefront of next-generation therapy that is able to advance wound healing of hard-to-heal wounds. In this review, we will highlight the developed nanotechnology-based therapeutic agents and assess the viability and efficacy of each treatment. Herein we will explore the unmet needs and future directions of current technologies, while discussing promising strategies that can advance the wound-healing field.

Nanomaterials Versus The Microbial Compounds With Wound Healing Property

Age and diabetes related slow-healing or chronic wounds may result in morbidity and mortality through persistent biofilms infections and prolonged inflammatory phase. Nano-materials [metal/metal oxide NPs (39%), lipid vehicles (21%), polymer NPs (19%), ceramic nanoparticles (NPs) (14%), and carbon nanomaterials (NMs) (7%)] can be introduced as a possible next-generation therapy because of either their intrinsic wound healing activity or via carrying bioactive compounds including, antibiotics, antioxidants, growth factor or stem cell. The nanomaterials have been shown to implicate in all four stages of wound healing including hemostasis (polymer NPs, ceramic NPs, nanoceria-6.1%), inflammation (liposome/vesicles/solid lipid NPs/polymer NPs/ceramic NPs/silver NPs/gold NPs/nanoceria/fullerenes/carbon-based NPs-32.7%), proliferation (vesicles/liposome/solid lipid NPs/gold NPs/silver NPs/iron oxide NPs/ceramic NPs/copper NPs/self-assembling elastin-like NPs/nanoceria/micelle/dendrimers/polymer NPs-57.1%), remodeling (iron oxide NPs/nanoceria-4.1%). Natural compounds from alkaloids, flavonoids, retinoids, volatile oil, terpenes, carotenoids, or polyphenolic compounds with proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, or antimicrobial characteristics are also well known for their potential to accelerate the wound healing process. In the current paper, we survey the potential and properties of nanomaterials and microbial compounds in improving the process of wound and scar healing. Finally, we review the potential biocompounds for incorporation to nano-material in perspective to designate more effective or multivalent wound healing natural or nano-based drugs.

The In Vivo, In Vitro and In Ovo Evaluation of Quantum Dots in Wound Healing: A Review

Wound is defined as primarily damaged or disruption of skin contributed to the loss of its microstructure stability and which undergoes complex wound healing process. However, there are tons of factors that could affect the wound healing process such as infection and slow angiogenesis. Involvement of nanotechnologies therapies in wound care research aims to facilitates this healing process. Quantum dots (QDs) are an advanced nanomaterial technology found to be useful in clinical and biomedical applications. This review has been carried out to provide a summary of the application of QDs in acute or chronic wound healing. A thorough searching was done via Web of Science and SCOPUS database to obtain relevant articles including the in vivo, in vitro and in ovo studies. The results demonstrated a similar effect of different types of QDs, or an improvement of QDs in wound healing, antibacterial and angiogenesis properties. This review demonstrated the effectiveness of QDs for the wound healing process mainly by their antibacterial activity. Uniquely, the antibacterial effect unraveled an increasing trend over time influenced by the various concentration of QDs. In conclusion, the application of QDs support the wound healing phases and proven to be effective in vivo, in vitro and in ovo. However, the future QDs work should focus on the molecular level for the details of cellular interactions and pathways.

Biofabrication of Copper Nanoparticles: A Next-generation Antibacterial Agent Against Wound-associated Pathogens

Objectives

Impaired wound healing is a major complication. A few factors such as blood glucose level, poor circulation, immune system deficiency, and infection are the root causes of impaired wound healing. The aim of the present study was to bio-synthesize copper nanoparticles with potential antibacterial activity against wound-associated pathogens.

Materials and Methods

Copper nanoparticles were fabricated using the sol-gel method with the mixing of Syzigium cumini leaf extract in metal salt solution. The particles were then later characterized using UV spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, FTIR, and XRD, and evaluated for their antibacterial activity and its MIC against four wound-associated pathogens.

Results

The results obtained from TEM, SEM, and XRD characterization showed that the particle size was below 100 nm and of spherical shape. FTIR analysis showed the possibility of various biomolecules, which have a role in capping and stabilizing copper nanoparticles. The particles synthesized showed antibacterial activity against four wound-associated pathogens (P. mirabilis, S. saprophyticus, S. pyogenes, and P. aeruginosa).

Conclusion

The biosynthesized copper nanoparticles showed potent antimicrobial activity, thus the antibacterial activity of the synthesized copper nanoparticles could be used in several biomedical applications. Additionally, they can be exploited as a better therapeutic agent for treating infection seen in impaired diabetic wounds. The particles synthesized by the biological route are eco-friendly, less toxic, feasible, and cost effective.

A Cooperative Copper Metal-Organic Framework-Hydrogel System Improves Wound Healing in Diabetes

Chronic non-healing wounds remain a major clinical challenge that would benefit from the development of advanced, regenerative dressings that promote wound closure within a clinically relevant time frame. The use of copper ions has shown promise in wound healing applications possibly by promoting angiogenesis. However, reported treatments that use copper ions require multiple applications of copper salts or oxides to the wound bed, exposing the patient to potentially toxic levels of copper ions and resulting in variable outcomes. Herein we set out to assess whether copper metal organic framework nanoparticles (HKUST-1 NPs) embedded within an antioxidant thermoresponsive citrate-based hydrogel would decrease copper ion toxicity and accelerate wound healing in diabetic mice. HKUST-1 and poly-(polyethyleneglycol citrate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) (PPCN) were synthesized and characterized. HKUST-1 NP stability in a protein solution with and without embedding them in PPCN hydrogel was determined. Copper ion release, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and in vitro migration processes were measured. Wound closure rates and wound blood perfusion were assessed in vivo using the splinted excisional dermal wound diabetic mouse model. HKUST-1 NP disintegrated in protein solution while HKUST-1 NPs embedded in PPCN (H-HKUST-1) were protected from degradation and copper ions were slowly released. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis due to copper ion release were significantly reduced while dermal cell migration in vitro and wound closure rates in vivo were significantly enhanced. In vivo, H-HKUST-1 induced angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization during wound healing in diabetic mice. These results suggest that a cooperatively stabilized, copper ion-releasing H-HKUST-1 hydrogel is a promising innovative dressing for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Influence of antibiotic adsorption on biocidal activities of silver nanoparticles

Excessive use of antibiotics has posed two major challenges in public healthcare. One of them is associated with the development of multi-drug resistance while the other one is linked to side effects. In the present investigation, the authors report an innovative approach to tackle the challenges of multi-drug resistance and acute toxicity of antibiotics by using antibiotics adsorbed metal nanoparticles. Monodisperse silver nanoparticles (SNPs) have been synthesised by two-step process. In the first step, SNPs were prepared by chemical reduction of AgNO3 with oleylamine and in the second step, oleylamine capped SNPs were phase-transferred into an aqueous medium by ligand exchange. Antibiotics - tetracycline and kanamycin were further adsorbed on the surface of SNPs. Antibacterial activities of SNPs and antibiotic adsorbed SNPs have been investigated on gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis), and gram-negative (Proteus vulgaris, Shigella sonnei, Pseudomonas fluorescens) bacterial strains. Synergistic effect of SNPs on antibacterial activities of tetracycline and kanamycin has been observed. Biocidal activity of tetracycline is improved by 0-346% when adsorbed on SNPs; while for kanamycin, the improvement is 110-289%. This synergistic effect of SNPs on biocidal activities of antibiotics may be helpful in reducing their effective dosages.

Understanding cochleate formation: insights into structural development

Understanding the structure and the self-assembly process of cochleates has become increasingly necessary considering the advances of this drug delivery system towards the pharmaceutical industry. It is well known that the addition of cations like calcium to a dispersion of anionic lipids such as phosphatidylserines results in stable, multilamellar cochleates through a spontaneous assembly. In the current investigation we have studied the intermediate structures generated during this self-assembly of cochleates. To achieve this, we have varied the process temperature for altering the rate of cochleate formation. Our findings from electron microscopy studies showed the formation of ribbonlike structures, which with proceeding interaction associate to form lipid stacks, networks and eventually cochleates. We also observed that the variation in lipid acyl chains did not make a remarkable difference to the type of structure evolved during the formation of cochleates. More generally, our observations provide a new insight into the self-assembly process of cochleates based on which we have proposed a pathway for cochleate formation from phosphatidylserine and calcium. This knowledge could be employed in using cochleates for a variety of possible biomedical applications in the future.

A comprehensive study of the harmful effects of ZnO nanoparticles using Drosophila melanogaster as an in vivo model

This study planned to determine the range of biological effects associated with ZnO-NP exposure using Drosophila melanogaster as an in vivo model. In addition, ZnCl2 was used to determine the potential role of Zn ions alone. Toxicity, internalization through the intestinal barrier, gene expression changes, ROS production, and genotoxicity were the end-points evaluated. No toxicity or oxidative stress induction was observed in D. melanogaster larvae, whether using ZnO-NPs or ZnCl2. Internalization of ZnO-NPs through the intestinal barrier was observed. No significant changes in the frequency of mutant clones (wing-spot test) or percentage of DNA in tail (comet assay) were observed although significant changes in Hsp70 and p53 gene expression were detected. Our study shows that ZnO-NPs do not induce toxicity or genotoxicity in D. melanogaster, although uptake occurs and altered gene expression is observed.

Nanomaterials for wound healing: scope and advancement

Innovative methods for treating impaired and hard-to-heal wounds are needed. Novel strategies are needed for faster healing by reducing infection, moisturizing the wound, stimulating the healing mechanisms, speeding up the wound closure and reducing scar formation. In the past few years, nanotechnology has been constantly revolutionizing the treatment and management of wound care, by offering novel solutions which include but are not limited to: state-of-the-art materials, so called 'smart' biomaterials and theranostic nanoparticles. Nanotechnology-based therapy has recently announced itself as a possible next-generation therapy that is able to advance wound healing to cure chronic wounds. In this communication, the recent progress in advanced therapy for cutaneous wound healing during last 5 years using a nanotechnology-based approach is summarized.

Supramolecular nanoscale assemblies for cancer diagnosis and therapy

Nanocarriers based on polymers, metals and lipids have been extensively developed for cancer therapy and diagnosis due to their ability to enhance drug accumulation in cancer cells and decrease undesired drug toxicity in healthy tissues. Overcoming multidrug resistance by designing proper drug nanocarriers will improve outcome of existing oncologic treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this article the relation between physicochemical properties and capacity of a nanosystem to deliver therapeutic agents into pathological sites is discussed. Most promising examples of drug delivery systems are reviewed, and, in particular, the design of a carbohydrate based matrix with entrapped gold nanoparticles is highlighted.

Facile preparation of an immobilized surfactant-free palladium nanocatalyst for metal hydride trapping: a novel sensing platform for TXRF analysis

In this work, a simple route for the synthesis of surfactant-free immobilized palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) and their use as effective nanocatalysts for metal hydride decomposition is described. A mixture of ethanol : water was used as the reducing agent. Ethanol was added in a large excess to reduce the ionic Pd and stabilize the obtained Pd NPs. Ethanol is adsorbed on the surface of Pd allowing steric stabilization. Freshly prepared Pd NPs were immobilized onto quartz substrates modified with 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane. Pd interacts with the thiol group of the alkoxysilane that is adsorbed on the surface of NPs without the dissociation of the S-H bond. Different parameters affecting the synthesis of Pd NPs and their immobilization onto quartz substrates were evaluated. A comprehensive characterization of the synthesized Pd NPs was carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whereas total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry was applied in order to evaluate their catalytic activity for solid-gas reactions. Immobilized Pd NPs were applied as nanocatalysts for the dissociative chemisorption of arsine at room temperature, yielding the formation of As-Pd bonds. Quartz substrates coated with nanosized Pd could be used as novel sensing platforms for total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis. Arsenic can be detected in situ in natural water with a limit of detection of 0.08 μg L(-1).

Exploitation of viral properties for intracellular delivery

Nanotechnology is an expanding area of study with potentially pivotal applications in a discipline as medicine where new biomedical active molecules or strategies are continuously developing. One of the principal drawbacks for the application of new therapies is the difficulty to cross membranes that represent the main physiological barrier in our body and in all living cells. Membranes are selectively permeable and allow the selective internalization of substances; generally, they form a highly impermeable barrier to most polar and charged molecules, and represent an obstacle for drug delivery, limiting absorption to specific routes and mechanisms. Viruses provide attracting suggestions for the development of targeted drug carriers as they have evolved naturally to deliver their genomes to host cells with high fidelity.

A detailed understanding of virus structure and their mechanisms of entry into mammalian cells will facilitate the development and analysis of virus‐based materials for medical applications. Copyright © 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Functionalized carbon dots enable simultaneous bone crack detection and drug deposition

Decorated carbon dots enable simultaneous bone crack viewing and drug deposition.