Green synthesis of NiO NPs for metagenome-derived laccase stabilization: Detoxifying pollutants and wastes

Laccases play a crucial role in neutralizing environmental pollutants, including antibiotics and phenolic compounds, by converting them into less harmful substances via a unique oxidation process. This study introduces an environmentally sustainable remediation technique, utilizing NiO nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized through green chemistry to immobilize a metagenome-derived laccase, PersiLac1, enhancing its application in pollutant detoxification. Salvadora persica leaf extract was used for the synthesis of NiO nanoparticles, utilizing its phytochemical constituents as reducing and capping agents, followed by characterization through different analyses. Characterization of NiO nanoparticles revealed distinctive FTIR absorption peaks indicating the nanoparticulate structure, while FESEM showed structured NiO with robust interconnections and dimensionality of about 50nm, confirmed by EDX analysis to have a consistent distribution of Ni and O. The immobilized PersiLac1 demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, with 85.55 % activity at 80 °C and reduced enzyme leaching, retaining 67.93 % activity across 15 biocatalytic cycles. It efficiently reduced rice straw (RS) phenol by 67.97 % within 210 min and degraded 70-78 % of tetracycline (TC) across a wide pH range (4.0-8.0), showing superior performance over the free enzyme. Immobilized laccase achieved up to 71 % TC removal at 40-80 °C, significantly outperforming the free enzyme. Notably, 54 % efficiency was achieved at 500 mg/L TC by immobilized laccase at 120 min. This research showed the potential of green-synthesized NiO nanoparticles to effectively immobilize laccase, presenting an eco-friendly approach to purify pollutants such as phenols and antibiotics. The durability and reusability of the immobilized enzyme, coupled with its ability to reduce pollutants, indicates a viable method for cleaning the environment. Nonetheless, the production costs and scalability of NiO nanoparticles for widespread industrial applications pose significant challenges. Future studies should focus on implementation at an industrial level and examine a wider range of pollutants to fully leverage the environmental clean-up capabilities of this innovative technology.

Role of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in treating and diagnosing microbial infections

This review article highlights the innovative role of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in addressing global healthcare challenges related to microbial infections. MOFs, comprised of metal nodes and organic ligands, offer unique properties that can be applied in the treatment and diagnosis of these infections. Traditional methods, such as antibiotics and conventional diagnostics, face issues such as antibiotic resistance and diagnostic limitations. MOFs, with their highly porous and customizable structure, can encapsulate and deliver therapeutic or diagnostic molecules precisely. Their large surface area and customizable pore structures allow for sensitive detection and selective recognition of microbial pathogens. They also show potential in delivering therapeutic agents to infection sites, enabling controlled release and possible synergistic effects. However, challenges like optimizing synthesis techniques, enhancing stability, and developing targeted delivery systems remain. Regulatory and safety considerations for clinical translation also need to be addressed. This review not only explores the potential of MOFs in treating and diagnosing microbial infections but also emphasizes their unique approach and discusses existing challenges and future directions.

Composition, preparation methods, and applications of nanoniosomes as codelivery systems: a review of emerging therapies with emphasis on cancer

Nanoniosome-based drug codelivery systems have become popular therapeutic instruments, demonstrating tremendous promise in cancer therapy, infection treatment, and other therapeutic domains. An emerging form of vesicular nanocarriers, niosomes are self-assembling vesicles composed of nonionic surfactants, along with cholesterol or other amphiphilic molecules. This comprehensive review focuses on how nanosystems may aid in making anticancer and antibacterial pharmaceuticals more stable and soluble. As malleable nanodelivery instruments, the composition, types, preparation procedures, and variables affecting the structure and stability of niosomes are extensively investigated. In addition, the advantages of dual niosomes for combination therapy and the administration of multiple medications simultaneously are highlighted. Along with categorizing niosomal drug delivery systems, a comprehensive analysis of various preparation techniques, including thin-layer injection, ether injection, and microfluidization, is provided. Dual niosomes for cancer treatment are discussed in detail regarding the codelivery of two medications and the codelivery of a drug with organic, plant-based bioactive compounds or gene agents. In addition, niogelosomes and metallic niosomal carriers for targeted distribution are discussed. The review also investigates the simultaneous delivery of bioactive substances and gene agents, including siRNA, microRNA, shRNA, lncRNA, and DNA. Additional sections discuss the use of dual niosomes for cutaneous drug delivery and treating leishmanial infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The study concludes by delineating the challenges and potential routes for nanoniosome-based pharmaceutical codelivery systems, which will be useful for nanomedicine practitioners and researchers.

"Antimicrobial properties of tissue conditioner modified with chitosan and green-synthesized silver nanoparticles: a promising approach for preventing denture stomatitis"

BACKGROUND

Chitosan is known to inhibit the growth of many bacteria and fungi. Tissue conditioners are commonly used to prevent bone destruction under dentures. However, over time, these materials can become a suitable substrate for microbial growth. One approach to improving dental materials is the use of nanoparticles. This study examined the antifungal properties of chitosan and green technique-synthesized silver nanoparticles in combination with tissue conditioners.

METHODS

Tissue conditioner materials were mixed with chitosan and silver nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.097%, 0.19%, and 0.37%, along with 1.25 ppm Nystatin, and their antimicrobial properties against Candida albicans were investigated. The growth rate was measured after 24 h of incubation at 37 °C. Non-parametric tests, such as the Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction, were used for data analysis after verifying that the groups did not have a normal distribution.

RESULTS

Compared with the control and Nystatin groups, the Chitosan-silver groups showed a significant decrease in the number of CFUs of Candida albicans.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of chitosan and silver nanoparticles with tissue conditioner materials is a promising alternative for preventing and treating denture stomatitis. These findings suggest that using very small amounts of nanoparticles in dental materials could effectively prevent microbial growth, which could improve the longevity and efficacy of dental prosthetics and materials.

Green synthesis of Ag and Cu-doped Bismuth oxide nanoparticles: Revealing synergistic antimicrobial and selective cytotoxic potentials for biomedical advancements

BACKGROUND

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative realm of exploration across diverse scientific domains. A particular focus lies on metal oxide nanoparticles, which boast distinctive physicochemical attributes on the nanoscale. Of note, green synthesis has emerged as a promising avenue, leveraging plant extracts as both reduction and capping agents. This approach offers environmentally friendly and cost-effective avenues for generating monodispersed nanoparticles with precise morphologies.

METHODS

In this investigation, we embarked on the synthesis of Bismuth oxide nanoparticles, both in their pure form and doped with silver (Ag) and copper (Cu). This synthesis harnessed the potential of Biebersteinia multifida extract as a versatile reducing agent. To comprehensively characterize the synthesized nanoparticles, a suite of analytical techniques was employed, including energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The synthesized nanoparticles underwent a rigorous assessment. Their antibacterial attributes were probed, revealing a pronounced enhancement in antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria upon metal nanoparticle doping. Furthermore, their potential for combating cancer was scrutinized, with the nanoparticles exhibiting selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, U87, compared to normal 3T3 cells. Notably, among the doped nanoparticles, Cu-doped variants demonstrated the highest potency, further underscoring their promising potential.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the present study underscores the efficacy of green synthesized Bismuth oxide nanoparticles, particularly those doped with Ag and Cu, in augmenting antibacterial efficacy, bolstering biofilm inhibition, and manifesting selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells. These findings portend a promising trajectory for these nanoparticles in the spheres of biomedicine and therapeutics. As we look ahead, a deeper elucidation of their mechanistic underpinnings and in vivo investigations are essential to fully unlock their potential for forthcoming biomedical applications.

Niosome as an Effective Nanoscale Solution for the Treatment of Microbial Infections

Numerous disorders go untreated owing to a lack of a suitable drug delivery technology or an appropriate therapeutic moiety, particularly when toxicities and side effects are a major concern. Treatment options for microbiological infections are not fulfilled owing to significant adverse effects or extended therapeutic options. Advanced therapy options, such as active targeting, may be preferable to traditional ways of treating infectious diseases. Niosomes can be defined as microscopic lamellar molecules formed by a mixture of cholesterol, nonionic surfactants (alkyl or dialkyl polyglycerol ethers), and sometimes charge-inducing agents. These molecules comprise both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties of varying solubilities. In this review, several pathogenic microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Candida spp. have been evaluated. Also, the development of a proper niosomal formulation for the required application was discussed. This review also reviews that an optimal formulation is dependent on several aspects, including the choice of nonionic surfactant, fabrication process, and fabrication parameters. Finally, this review will give information on the effectiveness of niosomes in treating acute microbial infections, the mechanism of action of niosomes in combating microbial pathogens, and the advantages of using niosomes over other treatment modalities.

Advances of liposomal mediated nanocarriers for the treatment of dermatophyte infections

Due to the adverse effects associated with long-term administration of antifungal drugs used for treating dermatophytic lesions like tinea unguium, there is a critical need for novel antifungal therapies that exhibit improved absorption and minimal adverse effects. Nanoformulations offer a promising solution in this regard. Topical formulations may penetrate the upper layers of the skin, such as the stratum corneum, and release an appropriate amount of drugs in therapeutic quantities. Liposomes, particularly nanosized ones, used as topical medication delivery systems for the skin, may have various roles depending on their size, lipid and cholesterol content, ingredient percentage, lamellarity, and surface charge. Liposomes can enhance permeability through the stratum corneum, minimize systemic effects due to their localizing properties, and overcome various challenges in cutaneous drug delivery. Antifungal medications encapsulated in liposomes, including fluconazole, ketoconazole, croconazole, econazole, terbinafine hydrochloride, tolnaftate, and miconazole, have demonstrated improved skin penetration and localization. This review discusses the traditional treatment of dermatophytes and liposomal formulations. Additionally, promising liposomal formulations that may soon be available in the market are introduced. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of dermatophyte infections and the role of liposomes in enhancing treatment.

α-Fe2 O3 @Ag and Fe3 O4 @Ag Core-Shell Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis, Magnetic Properties and Cytotoxic Performance

This work provides the synthetic route for the arrangement of Fe₃ O₄ @Ag and α-Fe₂ O₃ @Ag core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) with cytotoxic capabilities. The production of Fe₃ O₄ @Ag and α-Fe₂ O₃ @Ag core-shell NPs was facilitated utilizing S. persica bark extracts. The results of Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) supported the green synthesis and characterization of Fe₃ O₄ @Ag and α-Fe₂ O₃ @Ag NPs. The particle size was measured by the TEM analysis to be about 30 and 50 nm, respectively; while the results of FESEM showed that α-Fe₂ O₃ @Ag and Fe₃ O₄ @Ag particles contained multifaceted particles with a size of 50-60 nm and 20-25 nm, respectively. The outcomes of VSM were indicative of a saturation magnetization of 37 and 0.18 emu/g at room temperature, respectively. The potential cytotoxicity of the synthesized core-shell nanoparticles towards breast cancer (MCF-7) and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells was evaluated by an MTT assay. α-Fe₂ O₃ @Ag NPs were able to destroy 100 % of MCF-7 cell at doses above 80 μg/mL, and it was confirmed that Fe₃ O₄ @Ag NPs at a volume of 160 μg/mL can destroy 90 % of MCF-7 cells. Thus, the applicability of the prepared nanoparticles of these nanoparticles in biological and medical fields has been demonstrated.

Management of Brain Cancer and Neurodegenerative Disorders with Polymer-Based Nanoparticles as a Biocompatible Platform

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) serves as a protective barrier for the central nervous system (CNS) against drugs that enter the bloodstream. The BBB is a key clinical barrier in the treatment of CNS illnesses because it restricts drug entry into the brain. To bypass this barrier and release relevant drugs into the brain matrix, nanotechnology-based delivery systems have been developed. Given the unstable nature of NPs, an appropriate amount of a biocompatible polymer coating on NPs is thought to have a key role in reducing cellular cytotoxicity while also boosting stability. Human serum albumin (HSA), poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), Polylactide (PLA), poly (alkyl cyanoacrylate) (PACA), gelatin, and chitosan are only a few of the significant polymers mentioned. In this review article, we categorized polymer-coated nanoparticles from basic to complex drug delivery systems and discussed their application as novel drug carriers to the brain.

Evaluation of cytotoxicity, loading, and release activity of paclitaxel loaded-porphyrin based metal-organic framework (PCN-600)

Considering the inducement side impacts and precipitation of continual doses in conventional therapeutic treatments, there is an urgent need in the field of drug delivery for novel designs of biocompatible carriers with wide loading dimensions and particularly the ability to control their drug release. In this work, we succeeded in synthesizing an iron-based organic metal framework based on iron-porphyrin (PCN-600) through a solvothermal method to function as a drug delivery system (DDS). According to SEM results, PCN-600 crystals a hexagonal-rod shaped morphology with the length of 300 nm and width of 100-300 nm. As an anticancer drug, Paclitaxel (PTX) was successfully loaded into the porphyrin-based metal-organic framework (PCN-600) via in-situ encapsulation; the loading efficiency was measured to be about 87.3%. In addition, PTX-encapsulated PCN-600 displayed a controlled and sustained release for up to 24 h of release assessment at the physiological microenvironment of pH = 7.4.

Recent Advances in Nanotechnology for the Management of Klebsiella pneumoniae-Related Infections

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important human pathogen that causes diseases such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, bacteremia, and sepsis. The rise of multidrug-resistant strains has severely limited the available treatments for K. pneumoniae infections. On the other hand, K. pneumoniae activity (and related infections) urgently requires improved management strategies. A growing number of medical applications are using nanotechnology, which uses materials with atomic or molecular dimensions, to diagnose, eliminate, or reduce the activity of different infections. In this review, we start with the traditional treatment and detection method for K. pneumoniae and then concentrate on selected studies (2015-2022) that investigated the application of nanoparticles separately and in combination with other techniques against K. pneumoniae.

Comparative review of piezoelectric biomaterials approach for bone tissue engineering

Bone as a minerals' reservoir and rigid tissue of the body generating red and white blood cells supports various organs. Although the self-regeneration property of bone, it cannot regenerate spontaneously in severe damages and still remains as a challenging issue. Tissue engineering offers several techniques for regenerating damaged bones, where various biomaterials are examined to fabricate scaffolds for bone repair. Piezoelectric characteristic plays a crucial role in repairing and regenerating damaged bone by mimicking the bone niche behavior. Piezoelectric biomaterials show significant potential for bone tissue engineering. Herein we try to have a comparative review on piezoelectric and non-piezoelectric biomaterials used in bone tissue engineering, classified them, and discussed their effects on implanted cells and manufacturing techniques. Especially, Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and its composites are the most practically used piezoelectric biomaterials for bone regeneration. PVDF and its composites have been summarized and discussed to repair damaged bone tissues.

Nano-Based Theranostic Platforms for Breast Cancer: A Review of Latest Advancements

Breast cancer (BC) is a highly metastatic multifactorial disease with various histological and molecular subtypes. Due to recent advancements, the mortality rate in BC has improved over the past five decades. Detection and treatment of many cancers are now possible due to the application of nanomedicine in clinical practice. Nanomedicine products such as Doxil^® and Abraxane^® have already been extensively used for BC adjuvant therapy with favorable clinical outcomes. However, these products were designed initially for generic anticancer purposes and not specifically for BC treatment. With a better understanding of the molecular biology of BC, several novel and promising nanotherapeutic strategies and devices have been developed in recent years. In this context, multi-functionalized nanostructures are becoming potential carriers for enhanced chemotherapy in BC patients. To design these nanostructures, a wide range of materials, such as proteins, lipids, polymers, and hybrid materials, can be used and tailored for specific purposes against BC. Selective targeting of BC cells results in the activation of programmed cell death in BC cells and can be considered a promising strategy for managing triple-negative BC. Currently, conventional BC screening methods such as mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are either costly or expose the user to hazardous radiation that could harm them. Therefore, there is a need for such analytical techniques for detecting BC that are highly selective and sensitive, have a very low detection limit, are durable, biocompatible, and reproducible. In detecting BC biomarkers, nanostructures are used alone or in conjunction with numerous molecules. This review intends to highlight the recent advances in nanomedicine in BC treatment and diagnosis, emphasizing the targeting of BC cells that overexpress receptors of epidermal growth factors. Researchers may gain insight from these strategies to design and develop more tailored nanomedicine for BC to achieve further improvements in cancer specificity, antitumorigenic effects, anti-metastasis effects, and drug resistance reversal effects.

Opportunities and challenges of using high-sensitivity nanobiosensors to detect long noncoding RNAs: A preliminary review

The two types ofncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), are responsible for several biological processes within cells, such as the immune responses, cell growth and invasion, and regulation of the cell cycle. Rapidly expanding class of ncRNAs, lncRNAsinteract with other molecules to form chromatin-remodeling complexes. These potential hallmarks of diseases contribute to transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of several genes, possibly via cross-talk with other RNAs. Aberrant expression of lncRNAshas drawn increasing attention to the pathophysiology of different diseases, includingcancer and cardiovasculardiseases. Unfortunately, circulating lncRNAs are presented in the bloodstream at very low levels, making sensitive detection difficult. Currently, there are few methods for detecting these ncRNAs from which quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is the most routinely used technique. These techniqueslack sensitivity for intracellular detection of lncRNAs. Moreover, they are tedious and require a large sample size. Currently, nanotechnology has taken over the diagnostic field because of the tunable properties and modification opportunities. Furthermore, these conventional techniques can be merged with nanotechnology to improve detection sensitivity.This review highlights some of the most recent findings on nanotechnology-based methods and possible obstacles intheir application for moreaccurate sensing of lncRNAs.

Polyacrylic Acid Nanoplatforms: Antimicrobial, Tissue Engineering, and Cancer Theranostic Applications

Polyacrylic acid (PAA) is a non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer that gained lots of interest in recent years. PAA nano-derivatives can be obtained by chemical modification of carboxyl groups with superior chemical properties in comparison to unmodified PAA. For example, nano-particles produced from PAA derivatives can be used to deliver drugs due to their stability and biocompatibility. PAA and its nanoconjugates could also be regarded as stimuli-responsive platforms that make them ideal for drug delivery and antimicrobial applications. These properties make PAA a good candidate for conventional and novel drug carrier systems. Here, we started with synthesis approaches, structure characteristics, and other architectures of PAA nanoplatforms. Then, different conjugations of PAA/nanostructures and their potential in various fields of nanomedicine such as antimicrobial, anticancer, imaging, biosensor, and tissue engineering were discussed. Finally, biocompatibility and challenges of PAA nanoplatforms were highlighted. This review will provide fundamental knowledge and current information connected to the PAA nanoplatforms and their applications in biological fields for a broad audience of researchers, engineers, and newcomers. In this light, PAA nanoplatforms could have great potential for the research and development of new nano vaccines and nano drugs in the future.

Polylysine for skin regeneration: A review of recent advances and future perspectives

There have been several attempts to find promising biomaterials for skin regeneration, among which polylysine (a homopolypeptide) has shown benefits in the regeneration and treatment of skin disorders. This class of biomaterials has shown exceptional abilities due to their macromolecular structure. Polylysine-based biomaterials can be used as tissue engineering scaffolds for skin regeneration, and as drug carriers or even gene delivery vectors for the treatment of skin diseases. In addition, polylysine can play a preservative role in extending the lifetime of skin tissue by minimizing the appearance of photodamaged skin. Research on polylysine is growing today, opening new scenarios that expand the potential of these biomaterials from traditional treatments to a new era of tissue regeneration. This review aims to address the basic concepts, recent trends, and prospects of polylysine-based biomaterials for skin regeneration. Undoubtedly, this class of biomaterials needs further evaluations and explorations, and many critical questions have yet to be answered.

Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Antibody Conjugation, and HER2-Receptor Targeting for Breast Cancer Therapy

Breast cancer is becoming one of the main lethal carcinomas in the recent era, and its occurrence rate is increasing day by day. There are different breast cancer biomarkers, and their overexpression takes place in the metastasis of cancer cells. The most prevalent breast cancer biomarker is the human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (HER2). As this biomarker is overexpressed in malignant breast tissues, it has become the main focus in targeted therapies to fight breast cancer. There is a cascade of mechanisms involved in metastasis and cell proliferation in cancer cells. Nanotechnology has become extremely advanced in targeting and imaging cancerous cells. Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor NPs, and they are used for bioimaging, biolabeling, and biosensing. They are synthesized by different approaches such as top-down, bottom-up, and synthetic methods. Fully human monoclonal antibodies synthesized using transgenic mice having human immunoglobulin are used to target malignant cells. For the HER2 receptor, herceptin® (trastuzumab) is the most specific antibody (Ab), and it is conjugated with QDs by using different types of coupling mechanisms. This quantum dot monoclonal antibody (QD-mAb) conjugate is localized by injecting it into the blood vessel. After the injection, it goes through a series of steps to reach the intracellular space, and bioimaging of specifically the HER2 receptor occurs, where apoptosis of the cancer cells takes place either by the liberation of Ab or the free radicals.

In vitro and in vivo anticancer effect of pH-responsive paclitaxel-loaded niosomes

In this study, paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded pH-responsive niosomes modified with ergosterol were developed. This new formulation was characterized in terms of size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and in vitro release at pH 5.2 and 7.4. The in vitro efficacy of free PTX and niosome/PTX was assessed using MCF7, Hela, and HUVEC cell lines. In order to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of niosomal PTX in rats as compared to free PTX, the animals were intraperitoneally administered with 2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg niosomal PTX for two weeks. Results showed that the pH-responsive niosomes had a nanometric size, spherical morphology, 77% EE, and pH-responsive release in pH 5.2 and 7.4. Compared with free PTX, we found markedly lower IC50s when cancer cells were treated for 48 h with niosomal PTX, which also showed high efficacy against human cancers derived from cervix and breast tumors. Moreover, niosomal PTX induced evident morphological changes in these cell lines. In vivo administration of free PTX at the dose of 2.5 mg/kg significantly increased serum biochemical parameters and liver lipid peroxidation in rats compared to the control rats. The situation was different when niosomal PTX was administered to the rats: the 5 mg/kg dosage of niosomal PTX significantly increased serum biochemical parameters, but the group treated with the 2.5 mg/kg dose of niosomal PTX showed fewer toxic effects than the group treated with free PTX at the same dosage. Overall, our results provide proof of concept for encapsulating PTX in niosomal formulation to enhance its therapeutic efficacy.

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) plant gum: From biological applications to advanced nanomedicine

Natural polymers are an efficient class of eco-friendly and biodegradable polymers, because they are readily available, come from natural sources, inexpensive and can be chemically modified with the correct reagents. Guar gum (GG) is a natural polymer with great potential to be used in pharmaceutical formulations due to its unique composition and lack of toxicity. GG can be designed to suit the needs of the biological and medical engineering sectors. In the development of innovative drug delivery systems, GG is commonly utilized as a rate-controlling excipient. In this review, different properties of GG including chemical composition, extraction methods and its usefulness in diabetes, cholesterol lowering, weight control, tablet formulations as well as its food application were discussed. The other purpose of this study is to evaluate potential use of GG and its derivatives for advanced nanomedicine such as drug delivery, tissue engineering and nanosensing. It should be noted that some applicable patents in medical area have also been included in the rest of this survey to extend knowledge about guar gum and its polymeric nature.

Phytosomes as Innovative Delivery Systems for Phytochemicals: A Comprehensive Review of Literature

Nowadays, medicinal herbs and their phytochemicals have emerged as a great therapeutic option for many disorders. However, poor bioavailability and selectivity might limit their clinical application. Therefore, bioavailability is considered a notable challenge to improve bio-efficacy in transporting dietary phytochemicals. Different methods have been proposed for generating effective carrier systems to enhance the bioavailability of phytochemicals. Among them, nano-vesicles have been introduced as promising candidates for the delivery of insoluble phytochemicals. Due to the easy preparation of the bilayer vesicles and their adaptability, they have been widely used and approved by the scientific literature. The first part of the review is focused on introducing phytosome technology as well as its applications, with emphasis on principles of formulations and characterization. The second part provides a wide overview of biological activities of commercial and non-commercial phytosomes, divided by systems and related pathologies. These results confirm the greater effectiveness of phytosomes, both in terms of biological activity or reduced dosage, highlighting curcumin and silymarin as the most formulated compounds. Finally, we describe the promising clinical and experimental findings regarding the applications of phytosomes. The conclusion of this study encourages the researchers to transfer their knowledge from laboratories to market, for a further development of these products.

Nanomaterials in the Management of Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections

The exploration of multiplexed bacterial virulence factors is a major problem in the early stages of Escherichia coli infection therapy. Traditional methods for detecting Escherichia coli (E. coli), such as serological experiments, immunoassays, polymerase chain reaction, and isothermal microcalorimetry have some drawbacks. As a result, detecting E. coli in a timely, cost-effective, and sensitive manner is critical for various areas of human safety and health. Intelligent devices based on nanotechnology are paving the way for fast and early detection of E. coli at the point of care. Due to their specific optical, magnetic, and electrical capabilities, nanostructures can play an important role in bacterial sensors. Another one of the applications involved use of nanomaterials in fighting microbial infections, including E. coli mediated infections. Various types of nanomaterials, either used directly as an antibacterial agent such as metallic nanoparticles (NPs) (silver, gold, zinc, etc.), or as a nanocarrier to deliver and target the antibiotic to the E. coli and its infected area. Among different types, polymeric NPs, lipidic nanocarriers, metallic nanocarriers, nanomicelles, nanoemulsion/ nanosuspension, dendrimers, graphene, etc. proved to be effective vehicles to deliver the drug in a controlled fashion at the targeted site with lower off-site drug leakage and side effects.

Theranostic Advances of Bionanomaterials against Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Preliminary Review

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most frequent complication during pregnancy. This complex disease is characterized by glucose intolerance and consequent hyperglycemia that begins or is first diagnosed in pregnancy, and affects almost 7% of pregnant women. Previous reports have shown that GDM is associated with increased pregnancy complications and might cause abnormal fetal development. At present, treatments are not suitable for the prevention and management of these patients. As an alternative therapeutic opportunity and a leading scientific technique, nanotechnology has helped enlighten the health of these affected women. Theranostic nanomaterials with unique properties and small sizes (at least <100 nm in one of their dimensions) have been recently engineered for clinics and pharmaceutics. Reducing materials to the nanoscale has successfully changed their properties and enabled them to uniquely interact with cell biomolecules. Several biosensing methods have been developed to monitor glucose levels in GDM patients. Moreover, cerium oxide nanoparticles (NPs), selenium NPs, polymeric NPs, and drug-loaded NPs loaded with therapeutic agents have been used for GDM treatment. Still, there are some challenges associated with the detection limits and toxicity of such nanomaterials. This preliminary review covers the aspects from a fast-developing field to generating nanomaterials and their applications in GDM diagnosis and treatment.

Active Targeted Nanoparticles for Delivery of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) Inhibitors: A Preliminary Review

Nanotechnology has revolutionized novel drug delivery strategies through establishing nanoscale drug carriers, such as niosomes, liposomes, nanomicelles, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, and nanoparticles (NPs). Owing to their desirable cancer-targeting efficacy and controlled release, these nanotherapeutic modalities are broadly used in clinics to improve the efficacy of small-molecule inhibitors. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family members engage in various intracellular processes, including DNA repair, gene transcription, signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, cell division, and antioxidant response. PARP inhibitors are synthetic small-molecules that have emerged as one of the most successful innovative strategies for targeted therapy in cancer cells harboring mutations in DNA repair genes. Despite these advances, drug resistance and unwanted side effects are two significant drawbacks to using PARP inhibitors in the clinic. Recently, the development of practical nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems has tremendously improved the efficacy of PARP inhibitors. NPs can specifically accumulate in the leaky vasculature of the tumor and cancer cells and release the chemotherapeutic moiety in the tumor microenvironment. On the contrary, NPs are usually unable to permeate across the body's normal organs and tissues; hence the toxicity is zero to none. NPs can modify the release of encapsulated drugs based on the composition of the coating substance. Delivering PARP inhibitors without modulation often leads to the toxic effect; therefore, a delivery vehicle is essential to encapsulate them. Various nanocarriers have been exploited to deliver PARP inhibitors in different cancers. Through this review, we hope to cast light on the most innovative advances in applying PARP inhibitors for therapeutic purposes.

Preparation of pH-Responsive Vesicular Deferasirox: Evidence from In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Evaluations

pH-sensitive nanocarriers can effectively deliver anticancer drugs to tumors and reduce the adverse effects of conventional chemotherapy. In this light, we prepared a novel pH-responsive deferasirox (DFX)-loaded vesicle and comprehensively performed in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies to examine the properties of the newly synthesized formulation. Physiochemical assessment of the developed formulations showed that they have an average size (107 ± 2 nm), negative zeta potential (-29.1 ± 1.5 mV), high encapsulation efficiency (84.2 ± 2.6%), and a pH-responsive release. Using the molecular dynamics simulation, the structural and dynamic properties of ergosterol-containing niosomes (ST60/Ergo) in the presence of DFX molecules were analyzed and showed a good interaction between DFX and vesicle components. Cytotoxic assessment showed that niosomal DFX exhibited a greater cytotoxic effect than free DFX in both human cancer cells (MCF-breast cancer and Hela cervical cancer) and induced evident morphological features of apoptotic cell death. No marked difference between the ability of free and niosomal DFX was found in activating caspase-3 in Hela cells. Eight weeks of intraperitoneal administrations of free DFX at three doses caused a significant increase in serum biochemical parameters and liver lipid peroxidation. Treatment with 5 mg/kg dose of niosomal DFX caused a significant increase in serum creatinine (P < 0.05); however, other parameters remained unchanged. On the other hand, administration of niosomal DFX at the highest dose (10 mg/kg) significantly increased serum creatinine (P < 0.05), BUN, and serum liver enzymes compared to the control rats (P < 0.001). Based on the results, the application of pH-responsive DFX-loaded niosomes, as a novel drug delivery platform, may yield promising results in cancer treatment.

Biosynthesis of spinel nickel ferrite nanowhiskers and their biomedical applications

Greener methods for the synthesis of various nanostructures with well-organized characteristics and biomedical applicability have demonstrated several advantages, including simplicity, low toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. Spinel nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanowhiskers with rod-like structures were synthesized using a simple and green method; these nanostructures were evaluated by X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray energy diffraction spectroscopy. Additionally, the prepared nanowhiskers could significantly reduce the survival of Leishmania major promastigotes, at a concentration of 500 μg/mL; the survival of promastigotes was reduced to ≃ 26%. According to the results obtained from MTT test (in vitro), it can be proposed that further studies should be conducted to evaluate anti-leishmaniasis activity of these types of nanowhiskers in animal models.

DNA Based and Stimuli-Responsive Smart Nanocarrier for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer: Applications and Challenges

The rapid development of multidrug co-delivery and nano-medicines has made spontaneous progress in tumor treatment and diagnosis. DNA is a unique biological molecule that can be tailored and molded into various nanostructures. The addition of ligands or stimuli-responsive elements enables DNA nanostructures to mediate highly targeted drug delivery to the cancer cells. Smart DNA nanostructures, owing to their various shapes, sizes, geometry, sequences, and characteristics, have various modes of cellular internalization and final disposition. On the other hand, functionalized DNA nanocarriers have specific receptor-mediated uptake, and most of these ligand anchored nanostructures able to escape lysosomal degradation. DNA-based and stimuli responsive nano-carrier systems are the latest advancement in cancer targeting. The data exploration from various studies demonstrated that the DNA nanostructure and stimuli responsive drug delivery systems are perfect tools to overcome the problems existing in the cancer treatment including toxicity and compromised drug efficacy. In this light, the review summarized the insights about various types of DNA nanostructures and stimuli responsive nanocarrier systems applications for diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Nanomaterials for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers: A Review

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a category of cancers that typically arise from the nose-, mouth-, and throat-lining squamous cells. The later stage of HNC diagnosis significantly affects the patient's survival rate. This makes it mandatory to diagnose this cancer with a suitable biomarker and imaging techniques at the earlier stages of growth. There are limitations to traditional technologies for early detection of HNC. Furthermore, the use of nanocarriers for delivering chemo-, radio-, and phototherapeutic drugs represents a promising approach for improving the outcome of HNC treatments. Several studies with nanostructures focus on the development of a targeted and sustained release of anticancer molecules with reduced side effects. Besides, nanovehicles could allow co-delivering of anticancer drugs for synergistic activity to counteract chemo- or radioresistance. Additionally, a new generation of smart nanomaterials with stimuli-responsive properties have been developed to distinguish between unique tumor conditions and healthy tissue. In this light, the present article reviews the mechanisms used by different nanostructures (metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, quantum dots, liposomes, nanomicelles, etc.) to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment, provides an up-to-date picture of the state of the art in this field, and highlights the major challenges for future improvements.

Application of Nanotechnology for Sensitive Detection of Low-Abundance Single-Nucleotide Variations in Genomic DNA: A Review

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the simplest and most common type of DNA variations in the human genome. This class of attractive genetic markers, along with point mutations, have been associated with the risk of developing a wide range of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Several existing methods to detect SNPs and mutations in body fluids have faced limitations. Therefore, there is a need to focus on developing noninvasive future polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-free tools to detect low-abundant SNPs in such specimens. The detection of small concentrations of SNPs in the presence of a large background of wild-type genes is the biggest hurdle. Hence, the screening and detection of SNPs need efficient and straightforward strategies. Suitable amplification methods are being explored to avoid high-throughput settings and laborious efforts. Therefore, currently, DNA sensing methods are being explored for the ultrasensitive detection of SNPs based on the concept of nanotechnology. Owing to their small size and improved surface area, nanomaterials hold the extensive capacity to be used as biosensors in the genotyping and highly sensitive recognition of single-base mismatch in the presence of incomparable wild-type DNA fragments. Different nanomaterials have been combined with imaging and sensing techniques and amplification methods to facilitate the less time-consuming and easy detection of SNPs in different diseases. This review aims to highlight some of the most recent findings on the aspects of nanotechnology-based SNP sensing methods used for the specific and ultrasensitive detection of low-concentration SNPs and rare mutations.

Nanotechnology in Bladder Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

Bladder cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer of the urinary tract in men and the fourth most common cancer in women, and its incidence rises with age. There are many conventional methods for diagnosis and treatment of BC. There are some current biomarkers and clinical tests for the diagnosis and treatment of BC. For example, radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and surgical, but residual tumor cells mostly cause tumor recurrence. In addition, chemotherapy after transurethral resection causes high side effects, and lack of selectivity, and low sensitivity in sensing. Therefore, it is essential to improve new procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of BC. Nanotechnology has recently sparked an interest in a variety of areas, including medicine, chemistry, physics, and biology. Nanoparticles (NP) have been used in tumor therapies as appropriate tools for enhancing drug delivery efficacy and enabling therapeutic performance. It is noteworthy, nanomaterial could be reduced the limitation of conventional cancer diagnosis and treatments. Since, the major disadvantages of therapeutic drugs are their insolubility in an aqueous solvent, for instance, paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the important therapeutic agents utilized to treating BC, due to its ability to prevent cancer cell growth. However, its major problem is the poor solubility, which has confirmed to be a challenge when improving stable formulations for BC treatment. In order to reduce this challenge, anti-cancer drugs can be loaded into NPs that can improve water solubility. In our review, we state several nanosystem, which can effective and useful for the diagnosis, treatment of BC. We investigate the function of metal NPs, polymeric NPs, liposomes, and exosomes accompanied therapeutic agents for BC Therapy, and then focused on the potential of nanotechnology to improve conventional approaches in sensing.

Development of a multifunctional system based on CoFe2O4@polyacrylic acid NPs conjugated to folic acid and loaded with doxorubicin for cancer theranostics

In this work, a multifunctional theranostic nanocomposite based on CoFe₂O₄@polyacrylic acid (PAA)-Folic Acid (FA) Doxorubicin (Dox)_loadNPs was designed for the multifunctional cancer treatment. Several techniques such as TEM, DLS,ζ-potential, vibrating sample magnetometer, XRD, and UV-Vis spectrophotometer were applied for investigating physicochemical properties of the nanosystem. The percentage of the loaded drug, loading efficiency,in vitrorelease (pH 5.4 and 7.4),invitroMRI measurements, and MTT assay (4T1 and 9A9 cell lines) were evaluated. Results showed that the percentage of loaded drug and loading efficiency was 53.33 ± 3.5 and 80.00 ± 5.3%, respectively, showing the system's high ability for Dox encapsulation. Release study showed that Dox loaded in the CoFe₂O₄@PAA-FA(Dox)_loadNPs released faster at pH 5.4 than pH 7.4.In vitro, MRI measurements confirmed that CoFe₂O₄@PAA NPs could be used as a contrast agent in MRI measurements withr₂ = 18.2 mM^-1s^-1. MTT assay demonstrated the biocompatibility of NPs, also showed a more efficient therapeutic effect for CoFe₂O₄@PAA-FA(Dox)_loadNPs than free Dox and CoFe₂O₄@PAA(Dox)_loadNPs.

Multi-Functionalized Nanomaterials and Nanoparticles for Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare type of cancer, and its treatment, as well as diagnosis, is challenging, owing to mutations in the tumor-suppressor genes and lack of targeted, efficient, cost-effective therapy, exhibiting a significant need for novel approaches to address these concerns. For this purpose, nanotechnology has revolutionized the field of medicine with versatile potential capabilities for both the diagnosis, as well as the treatment, of retinoblastoma via the targeted and controlled delivery of anticancer drugs via binding to the overexpressed retinoblastoma gene. Nanotechnology has also generated massive advancements in the treatment of retinoblastoma based on the use of surface-tailored multi-functionalized nanocarriers; overexpressed receptor-based nanocarriers ligands (folate, galactose, and hyaluronic acid); lipid-based nanocarriers; and metallic nanocarriers. These nanocarriers seem to benchmark in mitigating a plethora of malignant retinoblastoma via targeted delivery at a specified site, resulting in programmed apoptosis in cancer cells. The effectiveness of these nanoplatforms in diagnosing and treating intraocular cancers such as retinoblastoma has not been properly discussed, despite the increasing significance of nanomedicine in cancer management. This article reviewed the recent milestones and future development areas in the field of intraocular drug delivery and diagnostic platforms focused on nanotechnology.

Biochemical, Ameliorative and Cytotoxic Effects of Newly Synthesized Curcumin Microemulsions: Evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Curcumin is known to exhibit antioxidant and tissue-healing properties and has recently attracted the attention of the biomedical community for potential use in advanced therapies. This work reports the formulation and characterization of oil-in-water F127 microemulsions to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin Microemulsions showed a high encapsulation efficiency and prolonged release. To investigate the interactions of curcumin with one unit of the polymeric chain of surfactant F127, ethyl butyrate, and sodium octanoate, as well as the interaction between ethyl butyrate and one unit of the F127 polymer chain, the Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at the M06-2X level of theory, were performed in water solution. The MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of free and encapsulated curcumin on non-malignant and malignant cell lines. Combination effects were calculated according to Chou-Talalay's principles. Results of in vitro studies indicated that MCF7 and HepG2 cells were more sensitive to curcumin microemulsions. Moreover, a synergistic relationship was observed between curcumin microemulsions and cisplatin in all affected fractions of MCF7 and HepG2 cells (CI < 0.9). For in vivo investigation, thioacetamide-intoxicated rats received thioacetamide (100 mg/kg Sc) followed by curcumin microemulsions (30 mg/kg Ip). Thioacetamide-intoxicated rats showed elevated serum liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels, and a significant reduction in liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities (p < 0.05). Curcumin microemulsions reduced liver enzymes and serum creatinine and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in thioacetamide-treated rats in comparison to the untreated thioacetamide-intoxicated group. Histopathological investigations confirmed the biochemical findings. Overall, the current results showed the desirable hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and anti-cancer effects of curcumin microemulsions.

Plant-Based Gums and Mucilages Applications in Pharmacology and Nanomedicine: A Review

Gums are carbohydrate biomolecules that have the potential to bind water and form gels. Gums are regularly linked with proteins and minerals in their construction. Gums have several forms, such as mucilage gums, seed gums, exudate gums, etc. Plant gums are one of the most important gums because of their bioavailability. Plant-derived gums have been used by humans since ancient times for numerous applications. The main features that make them appropriate for use in different applications are high stabilization, viscosity, adhesive property, emulsification action, and surface-active activity. In many pharmaceutical formulations, plant-based gums and mucilages are the key ingredients due to their bioavailability, widespread accessibility, non-toxicity, and reasonable prices. These compete with many polymeric materials for use as different pharmaceuticals in today's time and have created a significant achievement from being an excipient to innovative drug carriers. In particular, scientists and pharmacy industries around the world have been drawn to uncover the secret potential of plant-based gums and mucilages through a deeper understanding of their physicochemical characteristics and the development of safety profile information. This innovative unique class of drug products, useful in advanced drug delivery applications, gene therapy, and biosynthesis, has been developed by modification of plant-based gums and mucilages. In this review, both fundamental and novel medicinal aspects of plant-based gums and mucilages, along with their capacity for pharmacology and nanomedicine, were demonstrated.

Nanomaterials for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Arthritis

Nanomaterials have received increasing attention due to their unique chemical and physical properties for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common complex multifactorial joint-associated autoimmune inflammatory disorder. RA is characterized by an inflammation of the synovium with increased production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) and by the destruction of the articular cartilage and bone, and it is associated with the development of cardiovascular disorders such as heart attack and stroke. While a number of imaging tools allow for the monitoring and diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis, and despite ongoing work to enhance their sensitivity and precision, the proper assessment of RA remains difficult particularly in the early stages of the disease. Our goal here is to describe the benefits of applying various nanomaterials as next-generation RA imaging and detection tools using contrast agents and nanosensors and as improved drug delivery systems for the effective treatment of the disease.

Nanomaterials for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

The diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain challenging due to the lack of convenient assessment techniques and to the resistance to conventional antimicrobial therapy, showing the need for novel approaches to address such problems. In this regard, nanotechnology has a strong potential for both the diagnosis and therapy of UTIs via controlled delivery of antimicrobials upon stable, effective and sustained drug release. On one side, nanoscience allowed the production of various nanomaterial-based evaluation tools as precise, effective, and rapid procedures for the identification of UTIs. On the other side, nanotechnology brought tremendous breakthroughs for the treatment of UTIs based on the use of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) for instance, owing to the antimicrobial properties of metals, or of surface-tailored nanocarriers, allowing to overcome multidrug-resistance and prevent biofilm formation via targeted drug delivery to desired sites of action and preventing the development of cytotoxic processes in healthy cells. The goal of the current study is therefore to present the newest developments for the diagnosis and treatment of UTIs based on nanotechnology procedures in relation to the currently available techniques.

Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Diagnosis and Treatments of Human Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is a type of bone cancer that begins in the cells that form bones.OSA is a rare mesenchymal bone neoplasm derived from mesenchymal stem cells. Genome disorganization, chromosomal modifications, deregulation of tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair defects are the factors most responsible for OSA development. Despite significant advances in the diagnosing and treatment of OSA, patients' overall survival has not improved within the last twenty years. Lately, advances in modern nanotechnology have spurred development in OSA management and offered several advantages to overcome the drawbacks of conventional therapies. This technology has allowed the practical design of nanoscale devices combined with numerous functional molecules, including tumor-specific ligands, antibodies, anti-cancer drugs, and imaging probes. Thanks to their small sizes, desirable drug encapsulation efficiency, and good bioavailability, functionalized nanomaterials have found wide-spread applications for combating OSA progression. This review invokes the possible utility of engineered nanomaterials in OSA diagnosis and treatment, motivating the researchers to seek new strategies for tackling the challenges associated with it.

Biochemical effects of deferasirox and deferasirox-loaded nanomicellesin iron-intoxicated rats

Deferasirox (DFX) was formulated into oil-in-water microemulsions in the presence of pluronicto improve its oral bioavailability. The size of the DFX-loadedmicroemulsions system measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) was about 9 nm. The anti-proliferative and anti-lipid peroxidation effects of DFX and DFX-loaded microemulsions were assessed on Human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells. Our in vitro results showed that HUVEC cells are more susceptible to free DFX as compared to DFX-loaded microemulsions. Although both free and encapsulated DFX attenuated FeCl₃-induced lipid peroxidation, after 6 and 12 h treatment, DFX-loaded microemulsions did not appear a better ameliorator than DFX. To compare the in vivo efficacy of free DFX and DFX-loaded microemulsions in iron- intoxicated rats, the animals were orally administered with 25 mg/kg DFX, or 25 mg/kg DFX microemulsions, respectively. In vivo gavage handling of free DFX significantly increased serum biochemical parameters. There was also a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in rats who received free DFX compared to those in the control rats. Treatment with DFX-loaded microemulsions restored the elevated levels of serum AST, ALT, and creatinine levels and also reduced liver MDA content. Histopathological analysis of renal and hepatic tissues was in line with the biochemical results. In conclusion, DFX-loaded microemulsions induce less toxicity than free DFX and appear a more desirable and safer drug carrier in combating the iron-overload complications. Theoretical simulations are performed to get better insight regarding interactions between DFX and surfactant F127.

Progress in the Application of Nanoparticles and Graphene as Drug Carriers and on the Diagnosis of Brain Infections

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is the protective sheath around the brain that protects the sensitive microenvironments of the brain. However, certain pathogens, viruses, and bacteria disrupt the endothelial barrier and cause infection and hence inflammation in meninges. Macromolecular therapeutics are unable to cross the tight junctions, thereby limiting their bioavailability in the brain. Recently, nanotechnology has brought a revolution in the field of drug delivery in brain infections. The nanostructures have high targeting accuracy and specificity to the receptors in the case of active targeting, which have made them the ideal cargoes to permeate across the BBB. In addition, nanomaterials with biomimetic functions have been introduced to efficiently cross the BBB to be engulfed by the pathogens. This review focuses on the nanotechnology-based drug delivery approaches for exploration in brain infections, including meningitis. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, or, rarely, protozoa or parasites may be the cause of brain infections. Moreover, inflammation of the meninges, called meningitis, is presently diagnosed using laboratory and imaging tests. Despite attempts to improve diagnostic instruments for brain infections and meningitis, due to its complicated and multidimensional nature and lack of successful diagnosis, meningitis appears almost untreatable. Potential for overcoming the difficulties and limitations related to conventional diagnostics has been shown by nanoparticles (NPs). Nanomedicine now offers new methods and perspectives to improve our knowledge of meningitis and can potentially give meningitis patients new hope. Here, we review traditional diagnosis tools and key nanoparticles (Au-NPs, graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), QDs, etc.) for early diagnosis of brain infections and meningitis.