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Effects of Nanoparticles on Living Organisms 2.0

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 9818

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Yoshitaka Miyamoto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
Interests: cell therapy; regenerative therapy; cell biotechnology; 3D culture; nanoparticles; bioimaging; biobank; cryopreservation; stem cell; health technology assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to examine the effects of nanoparticles on living organisms (human or animal, organs, tissues, and cells). Nanoparticles are used in food, agriculture, drug discovery, and medicine (prevention and diagnosis). For example, in the medical field, it is used as a contrast agent in MRI and PET to reveal the internal structure of blood vessels, organs, and tissues. In the drug discovery field, drugs must be safe and effective, and must be able to be delivered to the target site. Therefore, we need to understand the properties and behavior of nanoparticles. Otherwise, they can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as immunological, inflammatory, and allergic diseases.

Nanoparticles that have adsorbed or absorbed toxic substances, particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5), and inorganic dust in the environment significantly impact living organisms in terms of health effects, exposure, toxicity, and body dynamics and deposition. In the current social discourse, particulate matter is cited as key to the risk of viral infections (SARS-Cov-2 virus: COVID-19) and serious illnesses.

Here, we call for reports on the effects of nanoparticles on living organisms (nanoparticles functionalization, in vitro/in vivo evaluation, 3D models, ADME, toxicity, and biomedical applications, etc.) at the molecular level. Therefore, this Special Issue seeks to publish high-quality articles, including original research, reviews, short communications, and clinical trials.

Dr. Yoshitaka Miyamoto
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Current Issues in Molecular Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanoparticles
  • particulate matter
  • medicine
  • prevention
  • diagnosis
  • drug delivery
  • environment
  • nanoparticles functionalization
  • in vitro/in vivo evaluation
  • 3D model
  • ADME
  • toxicity
  • biomedical applications
  • respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
  • immunological, inflammatory, and allergic diseases

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 8506 KiB  
Article
Gene Delivery via Octadecylamine-Based Nanoparticles for iPSC Generation from CCD1072-SK Fibroblast Cells
by Hanife Sevgi Varlı, Meryem Akkurt Yıldırım, Kadriye Kızılbey and Nelisa Türkoğlu
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(11), 12588-12607; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46110747 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 423
Abstract
This study presents a novel biotechnological approach using octadecylamine-based solid lipid nanoparticles (OCTNPs) for the first-time reprogramming of human CCD1072-SK fibroblast cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). OCTNPs, with an average size of 178.9 nm and a positive zeta potential of 22.8 [...] Read more.
This study presents a novel biotechnological approach using octadecylamine-based solid lipid nanoparticles (OCTNPs) for the first-time reprogramming of human CCD1072-SK fibroblast cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). OCTNPs, with an average size of 178.9 nm and a positive zeta potential of 22.8 mV, were synthesized, thoroughly characterized, and utilized as a non-viral vector to efficiently deliver reprogramming factors, achieving a remarkable transfection efficiency of 82.0%. iPSCs were characterized through immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and RT-qPCR, confirming the expression of key pluripotency markers such as OCT4, SOX2, and KLF4, with alkaline phosphatase activity further validating their pluripotent state. Following this comprehensive characterization, the iPSCs were successfully differentiated into cardiomyocyte-like cells using 5-azacytidine. Our research highlights the innovative application of OCTNPs as a safe and effective alternative to viral vectors, addressing key limitations of iPSC reprogramming. The novel application of OCTNPs for efficient gene delivery demonstrates a powerful tool for advancing stem cell technologies, minimizing risks associated with viral vectors. These findings pave the way for further innovations in biotechnological applications, particularly in tissue engineering and personalized medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nanoparticles on Living Organisms 2.0)
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24 pages, 10387 KiB  
Article
Effective Use of Euphorbia milii DCM Root Extract Encapsulated by Thermosensitive Immunoliposomes for Targeted Drug Delivery in Prostate Cancer Cells
by Keamogetswe Riet, Ayodeji Adegoke, Samson Mashele and Mamello Sekhoacha
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(11), 12037-12060; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46110714 - 27 Oct 2024
Viewed by 500
Abstract
The delivery of anticancer drugs using nanotechnology is a promising approach aimed at improving the therapeutic efficacy and reducing the toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. Liposomes were prepared using HSPC: DSPE–PEG–2000: DSPE–PEG2000–maleimide in the ratio of 4:1:0.2 and conjugated with a PSA antibody. Euphorbia [...] Read more.
The delivery of anticancer drugs using nanotechnology is a promising approach aimed at improving the therapeutic efficacy and reducing the toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. Liposomes were prepared using HSPC: DSPE–PEG–2000: DSPE–PEG2000–maleimide in the ratio of 4:1:0.2 and conjugated with a PSA antibody. Euphorbia milii extract (EME), doxorubicin (Dox), and docetaxel (Doc) encapsulated in temperature–sensitive immunoliposomes were investigated for their activities against the prostate cancer LNCap and DU145 cell lines. Organic extracts of EME leaves, roots, and stems were screened against both cell lines, inhibiting more than 50% of cell culture at concentrations of 10 μg/mL. The immunoliposomes incorporating the EME and docetaxel were active against the LNCap cells when exposed to heat at 39–40 °C. The liposomes not exposed to heat were inactive against the LNCap cells. The developed heat-sensitive immunoliposomes used for the delivery of both the EME and chemotherapeutic agents was able to successfully release the entrapped contents upon heat exposure above the phase transition temperature of the liposome membrane. The heat-sensitive immunoliposomes conjugated with a PSA antibody encapsulated the extract successfully and showed better cell antiproliferation efficacy against the prostate cancer cell lines in the presence of heat. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nanoparticles on Living Organisms 2.0)
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15 pages, 1869 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Evaluation of DNA Damage Induction by Silver (Ag), Gold (Au), Silica (SiO2), and Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) Nanoparticles in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
by Milda Babonaitė, Emilija Striogaitė, Goda Grigorianaitė and Juozas Rimantas Lazutka
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(7), 6986-7000; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46070417 - 4 Jul 2024
Viewed by 916
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly applied in a wide range of technological and medical applications. While their use offers numerous benefits, it also raises concerns regarding their safety. Therefore, understanding their cytotoxic effects and DNA-damaging properties is crucial for ensuring the safe application of [...] Read more.
Nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly applied in a wide range of technological and medical applications. While their use offers numerous benefits, it also raises concerns regarding their safety. Therefore, understanding their cytotoxic effects and DNA-damaging properties is crucial for ensuring the safe application of NPs. In this study, DNA-damaging properties of PVP-coated silver, silica, aluminum oxide (13 nm and 50 nm), and gold (5 nm and 40 nm) NPs in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were investigated. NPs‘ internalization and induction of reactive oxygen species were evaluated using flow cytometry. Cytotoxic properties were determined using a dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining technique while DNA-damaging properties were assessed using an alkaline comet assay. We observed that Ag, SiO2, and both sizes of Al2O3 NPs were efficiently internalized by human PBMCs, but only PVP-AgNPs (at 10–30 µg/mL) and SiO2 NPs (at concentrations > 100 µg/mL) induced significant DNA damage after a 24 h exposure. In contrast, the uptake of both sizes of gold nanoparticles was limited, though they were able to cause significant DNA damage after a 3 h exposure. These findings highlight the different responses of human PBMCs to various NPs, emphasizing the importance of their size, composition, and internalization rates in nanotoxicology testing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nanoparticles on Living Organisms 2.0)
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12 pages, 1228 KiB  
Article
The Cytotoxicity of Cotyledon orbiculata Aqueous Extract and the Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Derived from the Extract
by Caroline Tyavambiza, Mervin Meyer, Adedoja Dorcas Wusu, Abram Madiehe and Samantha Meyer
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(12), 10109-10120; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45120631 - 14 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1301
Abstract
Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become popular because of their promising biological activities. However, for most of these nanoparticles, the cytotoxic effects have not been determined and their safety is not guaranteed. In a previous study, we successfully synthesized AgNPs (Cotyledon [...] Read more.
Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become popular because of their promising biological activities. However, for most of these nanoparticles, the cytotoxic effects have not been determined and their safety is not guaranteed. In a previous study, we successfully synthesized AgNPs (Cotyledon-AgNPs) using an extract of Cotyledon orbiculata, a medicinal plant traditionally used in South Africa to treat skin conditions. Cotyledon-AgNPs were shown to have significant antimicrobial and wound-healing activities. Fibroblast cells treated with extracts of C. orbiculata and Cotyledon-AgNPs demonstrated an enhanced growth rate, which is essential in wound healing. These nanoparticles therefore have promising wound-healing activities. However, the cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles is not known. In this study, the toxic effects of C. orbiculata extract and Cotyledon-AgNPs on the non-cancerous skin fibroblast (KMST-6) were determined using in vitro assays to assess oxidative stress and cell death. Both the C. orbiculata extract and the Cotyledon-AgNPs did not show any significant cytotoxic effects in these assays. Gene expression analysis was also used to assess the cytotoxic effects of Cotyledon-AgNPs at a molecular level. Of the eighty-four molecular toxicity genes analysed, only eight (FASN, SREBF1, CPT2, ASB1, HSPA1B, ABCC2, CASP9, and MKI67) were differentially expressed. These genes are mainly involved in fatty acid and mitochondrial energy metabolism. The results support the finding that Cotyledon-AgNPs have low cytotoxicity at the concentrations tested. The upregulation of genes such as FASN, SERBF1, and MKI-67 also support previous findings that Cotyledon-AgNPs can promote wound healing via cell growth and proliferation. It can therefore be concluded that Cotyledon-AgNPs are not toxic to skin fibroblast cells at the concentration that promotes wound healing. These nanoparticles could possibly be safely used for wound healing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nanoparticles on Living Organisms 2.0)
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12 pages, 2943 KiB  
Article
Biodistribution of Fluorescent Albumin Nanoparticles among Organs of Laboratory Animals after Intranasal and Peroral Administration
by Olga Morozova, Elena Isaeva and Dmitry Klinov
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(10), 8227-8238; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45100519 - 11 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1374
Abstract
Natural, environmental and engineered nanoparticles (NP) penetrate into cells by endocytosis and induce innate immunity. The behaviour of the nanomaterials both in vitro and in vivo should be assessed. Our goal was to study protein NP stability in biological fluids and distribution in [...] Read more.
Natural, environmental and engineered nanoparticles (NP) penetrate into cells by endocytosis and induce innate immunity. The behaviour of the nanomaterials both in vitro and in vivo should be assessed. Our goal was to study protein NP stability in biological fluids and distribution in organs of animals after intranasal and oral administration. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was labelled with the fluorescent dye RhoB and NP were fabricated by nanoprecipitation. The fluorescent protein NPwere administered intranasally and orally in laboratory-outbred mice ICR and rabbits. RhoB-BSA NP distribution in organs was detected using spectrofluorometry and fluorescent microscopy. Innate immunity was evaluated using reverse transcription with random hexanucleotide primer and subsequent real-time PCR with specific fluorescent hydrolysis probes. The labelled BSA NP were shown to remain stable in blood sera and nasopharyngeal swabs for 5 days at +37 °C. In vivo the maximal accumulation was found in the brain in 2 days posttreatment without prevalent accumulation in olfactory bulbs. For the intestine, heart and liver, the BSA NP accumulation was similar in 1 and 2 days, whereas for kidney samples even decreased after 1 day. Both intranasal and peroral administration of RhoB-BSA NP did not induce innate immunity. Thus, after intranasal or oral instillation RhoB-BSA NP were found mainly in the brain and intestine without interferon gene expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nanoparticles on Living Organisms 2.0)
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Review

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18 pages, 3031 KiB  
Review
Hyaluronic Acid in Nanopharmaceuticals: An Overview
by Sina Matalqah, Zainab Lafi and Sara Yousef Asha
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(9), 10444-10461; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46090621 - 20 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1535
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring, long, unbranched polysaccharide that plays a critical role in maintaining skin structure and hydration. Its unique properties make it a valuable component in the field of nanopharmaceuticals. The combination of HA into nanopharmaceuticals enhances its ability [...] Read more.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring, long, unbranched polysaccharide that plays a critical role in maintaining skin structure and hydration. Its unique properties make it a valuable component in the field of nanopharmaceuticals. The combination of HA into nanopharmaceuticals enhances its ability to interact with various therapeutic agents, improving the delivery and efficacy of drugs. HA-based nanoparticles, including solid lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric nanogels, offer controlled release, enhanced stability, and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. These innovations significantly improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce side effects, making HA an essential tool in modern medicine. In general, HA-modified liposomes enhance drug encapsulation and targeting, while HA-modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) provide a solid lipid core for drug encapsulation, offering controlled release and stability. This article provides an overview of the potential applications and recent advancements of HA in nanopharmaceuticals, emphasizing its significant impact on the evolving field of targeted drug delivery and advanced therapeutic strategies. By delving into the unique properties of HA and its compatibility with various therapeutic agents, this review underscores the promising potential of HA in revolutionizing nanopharmaceuticals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nanoparticles on Living Organisms 2.0)
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33 pages, 9114 KiB  
Review
The Utilization of Plant-Material-Loaded Vesicular Drug Delivery Systems in the Management of Pulmonary Diseases
by Bongani Sannyboy Lukhele, Kokoette Bassey and Bwalya Angel Witika
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(12), 9985-10017; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45120624 - 12 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2564
Abstract
Medicinal plants have been utilized to treat a variety of conditions on account of the bioactive properties that they contain. Most bioactive constituents from plants are of limited effectiveness, due to poor solubility, limited permeability, first-pass metabolism, efflux transporters, chemical instability, and food–drug [...] Read more.
Medicinal plants have been utilized to treat a variety of conditions on account of the bioactive properties that they contain. Most bioactive constituents from plants are of limited effectiveness, due to poor solubility, limited permeability, first-pass metabolism, efflux transporters, chemical instability, and food–drug interactions However, when combined with vesicular drug delivery systems (VDDS), herbal medicines can be delivered at a predetermined rate and can exhibit site-specific action. Vesicular drug delivery systems are novel pharmaceutical formulations that make use of vesicles as a means of encapsulating and transporting drugs to various locations within the body; they are a cutting-edge method of medication delivery that combats the drawbacks of conventional drug delivery methods. Drug delivery systems offer promising strategies to overcome the bioavailability limitations of bioactive phytochemicals. By improving their solubility, protecting them from degradation, enabling targeted delivery, and facilitating controlled release, drug delivery systems can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of phytochemicals and unlock their full potential in various health conditions. This review explores and collates the application of plant-based VDDS with the potential to exhibit protective effects against lung function loss in the interest of innovative and effective treatment and management of respiratory illnesses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nanoparticles on Living Organisms 2.0)
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