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Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Nanoscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2024 | Viewed by 22162

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Giovanna Iezzi

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Guest Editor
Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
Interests: biomaterials; bone regeneration; bioengineering; biomedical engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue delves into the functional properties and applications of nanomaterials in medical research, particularly their applications in molecular, cellular, and biological studies. Nanomaterials, due to their size, unique physical and chemical properties, have opened up new possibilities for medical applications, including drug delivery, imaging, and cancer therapy. This Issue contains articles describing various types of nanomaterials and their functional properties, such as their ability to pass through cell membranes, target specific cell types, and modulate gene expression.

Additionally, the use of nanomaterials in molecular diagnostics and monitoring has received extensive attention in recent years. Nanoparticles can be designed and synthesized to detect biomolecules, including nucleic acids and proteins, and to provide information on disease progression at the molecular level.

Furthermore, nanomaterials have great potential in cellular engineering and regeneration. They can be employed to stimulate cell growth, modulate cell behavior, and promote cellular regeneration, which can provide new methods for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This Issue also highlights the challenges associated with the use of nanomaterials in medical research, such as potential toxicity and environmental impact, and emphasized the need for continued efforts to optimize the functionality and safety of nanomaterials. Overall, this Issue shows how nanomaterials are revolutionizing medical research and providing new strategies for understanding and treating diseases at the molecular and cellular levels.

Potential Hot Topic:

  • Study of kinetic models of nanomaterials
  • Synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles
  • Development of nanocarriers for drug release
  • Nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery to cancer cells
  • Functionalized nanomaterials for targeted gene therapy
  • Nanomaterials for cellular imaging and tracking
  • Nanoparticle-mediated RNA delivery for cellular reprogramming
  • Nanoscale drug release systems for optimized therapeutic outcomes
  • Real-time monitoring of cellular dynamics using nanosensors
  • 3D-printed nanomaterial scaffolds for tissue engineering
  • Multimodal imaging using nanomaterials for integrated cellular analysis
  • Developing biocompatible nanomaterials for biological applications
  • Assessing the immunogenicity of nanomaterial-based therapies

We welcome the submission of original articles, reviews, and communications by experts in this field. This Special Issue is supervised by Prof. Giovanna Iezzi, who is assisted by our Topical Advisory Panel Member: Dr. Emira D’Amico and Dr. Tania Vanessa Pierfelice (University of Chieti-Pescara).

Prof. Dr. Giovanna Iezzi
Guest Editor

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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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • nanomaterials
  • medical research
  • molecular imaging
  • cell signaling
  • cellular metabolism
  • tissue regeneration
  • biocompatibility
  • molecular biology
  • nanomedicine
  • functional nanomaterials
  • drug and gene delivery
  • tissue engineering
  • cancer therapy

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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14 pages, 4032 KiB  
Article
Fast Colorimetric Detection of H2O2 and Glucose: A Way Based on Magnetic Nanoparticles Composed of Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O Isolated from Burkholderia cepacia CG-1
by Mingyu Jia, Jueyu Wang, Yuxuan Liu, Daizong Cui and Min Zhao
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 12518; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312518 - 21 Nov 2024
Viewed by 259
Abstract
In this study, Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were successfully extracted from the strain Burkholderia cepacia CG-1. We subsequently characterized their composition, structure, and morphology, revealing that these nanoparticles consisted of Fe3(PO4) [...] Read more.
In this study, Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were successfully extracted from the strain Burkholderia cepacia CG-1. We subsequently characterized their composition, structure, and morphology, revealing that these nanoparticles consisted of Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O with an average diameter of 66.87 ± 0.56 nm. Our measurements indicated magnetic parameters of 151 Oe for coercivity, 2 emu/g for saturation remanence, and 16 emu/g for saturation magnetization. Our findings confirmed that these magnetic nanoparticles exhibited intrinsic peroxidase-like activity, catalyzing the oxidation of 3,3,5,5-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H2O2. Compared to horseradish peroxidase (HRP), the peroxidase mimic demonstrated greater stability under various physicochemical conditions. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the peroxidase-like catalysis of Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O, we employed fluorescence spectroscopy and electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis. The results revealed that the peroxidase-like activity of Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O stemmed from the generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH). Furthermore, we established a platform for the colorimetric detection of H2O2 and glucose. Our method was capable of detecting H2O2 concentrations as low as 1.0 × 10−3 mmol/L. Impressively, this sensitive method was successfully applied to determine glucose levels in human serum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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13 pages, 6164 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Antimicrobial Properties of Copper-Doped Graphitic Nanoplatelets
by Jun-Kyu Kang, Seo Jeong Yoon, Honghyun Park, Seung-Jae Lee, Jaehoon Baek, In-Yup Jeon and So-Jung Gwak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12414; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212414 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 432
Abstract
Recent clinical outbreaks of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, along with the emergence of unwanted microorganisms in industrial settings, have significantly reduced efficiency. Graphene has recently attracted significant attention as a potential antimicrobial agent because of [...] Read more.
Recent clinical outbreaks of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, along with the emergence of unwanted microorganisms in industrial settings, have significantly reduced efficiency. Graphene has recently attracted significant attention as a potential antimicrobial agent because of its low toxicity, ease of production and functionalization, and high solubility in water. The presence of oxygen functional groups allows the interaction of the compound with bacteria and other biomolecules, making it an interesting candidate for antimicrobial therapy. Moreover, integrating graphene into copper coatings has been shown to enhance their antimicrobial properties. However, the implementation of copper–graphene composite coatings is currently limited by the difficulty of uniformly distributing graphene within the copper matrix. Copper (Cu)-doped graphitic nanoplatelets (CuGnPs), one option to overcome this challenge, are made via a mechanochemical reaction between solid graphite and Cu powder. The configuration of C–Cu bonds within CuGnPs can be identified using a range of analytical techniques, including transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. To evaluate the antibacterial activity of the Cu-GnPs, we employed Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus. Various amounts (250, 500, 750, and 1000 μg/mL) of prepared CuGnP samples were incubated in a bacterial suspension for 3 or 6 h at 150 rpm and 37 °C for a colony-forming unit assay. Three hours and six hours of treatment of the bacteria with CuGnPs led to a significant difference in bacterial survival compared with that of the control. It was observed that CuGnPs, with copper bound to graphene oxide, more effectively inhibited the proliferation of E. coli compared with nanoplatelets containing graphene oxide alone. These findings suggest that the unique properties of CuGnPs, such as C–Cu bonds, high surface area, and the coexistence of micropores and mesopores, are valuable for exerting strong antimicrobial effects making CuGnPs effective at preventing bacterial colonization on industrial surfaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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13 pages, 7596 KiB  
Article
A Two-Step Synthesis of Porous Nitrogen-Doped Graphene for Electrochemical Capacitors
by Jiahao Li, Zhenjia Wu, Rong Huang, Anbang Ge and Jie Ying
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12297; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212297 - 15 Nov 2024
Viewed by 425
Abstract
Porous nitrogen-doped graphene (PNG) materials with high conductivity, high surface area, and chemical stability have displayed superior performance in electrochemical capacitors. However, previously reported methods for fabricating PNG render the processes expensive, hard to control, limited in production, and unsafe as well, thus [...] Read more.
Porous nitrogen-doped graphene (PNG) materials with high conductivity, high surface area, and chemical stability have displayed superior performance in electrochemical capacitors. However, previously reported methods for fabricating PNG render the processes expensive, hard to control, limited in production, and unsafe as well, thus largely restricting their practical applications. Herein, we present a facile two-step calcination method to prepare PNG using petroleum asphalt as the carbon source to provide the original three-dimensional porous structure directly and using environmentally friendly and high nitrogen content urea as the nitrogen source without adding any etching agent. The porous structure in PNG can largely increase its specific surface area, and the introduction of nitrogen atoms can effectively increase the degree of defects and improve the wettability of PNG. As a result, PNG displays a high specific capacitance of 157 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and cycling stability while maintaining 98.68% initial capacitance after 10,000 cycles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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12 pages, 2756 KiB  
Article
C60 Fullerene Reduces the Development of Post-Traumatic Dysfunction in Rat Soleus Muscle
by Yuriy Prylutskyy, Dmytro Nozdrenko, Olexandr Motuziuk, Svitlana Prylutska, Kateryna Bogutska, Olga Abramchuk, Alevtyna Morenko, Daria Franskevych, Peter Scharff and Uwe Ritter
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12206; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212206 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 357
Abstract
Traumatic skeletal muscle injury is a complex pathology caused by high-energy trauma to muscle tissue. Previously, a positive effect was established when C60 fullerene was administered against the background of muscle ischemia, mechanical muscle injury, and other muscle dysfunctions, which probably protected [...] Read more.
Traumatic skeletal muscle injury is a complex pathology caused by high-energy trauma to muscle tissue. Previously, a positive effect was established when C60 fullerene was administered against the background of muscle ischemia, mechanical muscle injury, and other muscle dysfunctions, which probably protected the muscle tissue from damage caused by oxidative stress. Using tensiometry and biochemical analysis, the biomechanical parameters of skeletal muscle contraction and biochemical indices of the blood of rats 15 days after traumatic injury of the soleus muscle caused by myocyte destruction by compression were studied. The intraperitoneal administration of C60 fullerene aqueous solution (C60FAS) in a daily dose of 1 mg/kg improved its contractile function by 28–40 ± 2% and the values of the investigated biochemical indices of the animals’ blood by 15–34 ± 2% relative to the trauma group. The obtained results indicate the potential ability of C60 fullerenes, as powerful antioxidants, to reduce the development of post-traumatic dysfunction of the soleus muscle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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14 pages, 2987 KiB  
Article
A Visual Distance-Based Capillary Immunoassay Using Biomimetic Polymer Nanoparticles for Highly Sensitive and Specific C-Reactive Protein Quantification
by Ruodong Huang, Zhenbo Liu, Xinlin Jiang, Junqi Huang, Ping Zhou, Zongxia Mou, Dong Ma and Xin Cui
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(18), 9771; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25189771 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 698
Abstract
The low-cost daily monitoring of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels is crucial for screening acute inflammation or infections as well as managing chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we synthesized novel 2-Methacryloyloxy ethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-based biomimetic nanoparticles with a large surface area to develop [...] Read more.
The low-cost daily monitoring of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels is crucial for screening acute inflammation or infections as well as managing chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we synthesized novel 2-Methacryloyloxy ethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-based biomimetic nanoparticles with a large surface area to develop a visual CRP-quantification assay using affordable glass capillaries. The PMPC nanoparticles, synthesized via reflux precipitation polymerization, demonstrated multivalent binding capabilities, enabling rapid and specific CRP capture. In the presence of CRP, PMPC nanoparticles formed sandwich structures with magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with CRP antibodies, thereby enhancing detection sensitivity and specificity. These sandwich complexes were magnetically accumulated into visible and quantifiable stacks within the glass capillaries, allowing for the rapid, sensitive, and specific quantification of CRP concentrations with a detection limit of 57.5 pg/mL and a range spanning from 0 to 5000 ng/mL. The proposed visual distance-based capillary biosensor shows great potential in routine clinical diagnosis as well as point-of-care testing (POCT) in resource-limited settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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17 pages, 7299 KiB  
Article
A Biosensor for Simultaneous Detection of Epinephrine and Ascorbic Acid Based on Fe(III)–Polyhistidine-Functionalized Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube Composites
by Bingkai Han, Yuan Chen, Hongtao Wang, Jilong Yan, Guang Liu, Ziru Huang and Chenghang Zhou
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7883; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147883 - 18 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 751
Abstract
Epinephrine (EP) is a very important chemical transmitter in the transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system of mammals. Ascorbic acid (AA) is considered to be the most important extracellular fluid antioxidant and has important antioxidant properties in the cell. In [...] Read more.
Epinephrine (EP) is a very important chemical transmitter in the transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system of mammals. Ascorbic acid (AA) is considered to be the most important extracellular fluid antioxidant and has important antioxidant properties in the cell. In this study, a series of transition metal–polyhistidine-carboxylated multi-wall carbon nanotube nanocomposites were synthesized, and their simultaneous catalytic effects on epinephrine and ascorbic acid were investigated. The results showed that nanocomposites based on iron ions had the highest catalytic activity. The prepared biosensor expressed high selectivity toward EP and AA with LOD values of 0.1 μΜ (AA) and 0.01 μΜ (EP), and sensitivity values of 4.18 μA mM−1 with a range of 0.001–5 mM (AA), 50.98 μA mM−1 with a range of 0.2–100 μM (EP), and 265.75 μA mM−1 with a range of 0.1–1.0 mM (EP). Moreover, it showed good stability, good repeatability and high selectivity in real sample detection. This work is a reference for the design of new electrochemical enzyme-free biosensors and the detection of biomarkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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21 pages, 4985 KiB  
Article
Apt-Conjugated PDMS-ZnO/Ag-Based Multifunctional Integrated Superhydrophobic Biosensor with High SERS Activity and Photocatalytic Sterilization Performance
by Sihan Qian, Wenshi Zhao, Rui Guo, Xiaohan Wang, Huasong Dai, Jihui Lang, Naveen Reddy Kadasala, Yuhong Jiang and Yang Liu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7675; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147675 - 12 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 864
Abstract
Sensitive detection and efficient inactivation of pathogenic bacteria are crucial for halting the spread and reproduction of foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Herein, a novel Apt-modified PDMS-ZnO/Ag multifunctional biosensor has been developed for high-sensitivity surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection along with photocatalytic sterilization towards Salmonella [...] Read more.
Sensitive detection and efficient inactivation of pathogenic bacteria are crucial for halting the spread and reproduction of foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Herein, a novel Apt-modified PDMS-ZnO/Ag multifunctional biosensor has been developed for high-sensitivity surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection along with photocatalytic sterilization towards Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium). The distribution of the electric field in PDMS-ZnO/Ag with different Ag sputtering times was analyzed using a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm. Due to the combined effect of electromagnetic enhancement and chemical enhancement, PDMS-ZnO/Ag exhibited outstanding SERS sensitivity. The limit of detection (LOD) for 4-MBA on the optimal SERS substrate (PZA-40) could be as little as 10−9 M. After PZA-40 was modified with the aptamer, the LOD of the PZA-40-Apt biosensor for detecting S. typhimurium was only 10 cfu/mL. Additionally, the PZA-40-Apt biosensor could effectively inactivate S. typhimurium under visible light irradiation within 10 min, with a bacterial lethality rate (Lb) of up to 97%. In particular, the PZA-40-Apt biosensor could identify S. typhimurium in food samples in addition to having minimal cytotoxicity and powerful biocompatibility. This work provides a multifunctional nanoplatform with broad prospects for selective SERS detection and photocatalytic sterilization of pathogenic bacteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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20 pages, 7615 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesized Chitosan Nanoparticles for Controlling Multidrug-Resistant mecA- and blaZ-Positive Staphylococcus aureus and aadA1-Positive Escherichia coli
by Aminur Rahman, Md Abdul Kafi, Geunyoung Beak, Sanjay Kumar Saha, Kumar Jyotirmoy Roy, Ahsan Habib, Tania Faruqe, Mahbubul Pratik Siddique, Md. Shafiqul Islam, Khandker Saadat Hossain and Jeong-Woo Choi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4746; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094746 - 26 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1845
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has recently been considered an emerging catastrophe globally. The public health and environmental threats were aggravated by the injudicious use of antibiotics in animal farming, aquaculture, and croup fields, etc. Consequently, failure of antibiotic therapies is common because of the emergence [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance has recently been considered an emerging catastrophe globally. The public health and environmental threats were aggravated by the injudicious use of antibiotics in animal farming, aquaculture, and croup fields, etc. Consequently, failure of antibiotic therapies is common because of the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in the environment. Thus, the reduction in antibiotic spillage in the environment could be an important step for overcoming this situation. Bear in mind, this research was focused on the green synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles (ChiNPs) using Citrus lemon (Assam lemon) extract as a cross-linker and application in controlling MDR bacteria to reduce the antibiotic spillage in that sector. For evaluating antibacterial activity, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were isolated from environmental specimens, and their multidrug-resistant pattern were identified both phenotypically by disk diffusion and genotypically by detecting methicillin- (mecA), penicillin- (blaZ), and streptomycin (aadA1)-resistance encoding genes. The inhibitory zone’s diameter was employed as a parameter for determining the antibacterial effect against MDR bacteria revealing 30 ± 0.4 mm, 34 ± 0.2 mm, and 36 ± 0.8 mm zones of inhibition against methicillin- (mecA) and penicillin (blaZ)-resistant S. aureus, and streptomycin (aadA1)-resistant E. coli, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration at 0.31 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration at 0.62 mg/mL of yielded ChiNPs were used as the broad-spectrum application against MDR bacteria. Finally, the biocompatibility of ChiNPs was confirmed by showing a negligible decrease in BHK-21 cell viability at doses less than 2 MIC, suggesting their potential for future application in antibiotic-free farming practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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29 pages, 3834 KiB  
Article
Cannabidiol-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Ameliorate the Inhibition of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Free Radicals in an In Vitro Inflammation-Induced Cell Model
by Khent Primo Alcantara, John Wilfred T. Malabanan, Nonthaneth Nalinratana, Worathat Thitikornpong, Pornchai Rojsitthisak and Pranee Rojsitthisak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4744; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094744 - 26 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1742
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from Cannabis sativa. It has demonstrated promising effects in combating inflammation and holds potential as a treatment for the progression of chronic inflammation. However, the clinical application of CBD is limited due to its poor [...] Read more.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from Cannabis sativa. It has demonstrated promising effects in combating inflammation and holds potential as a treatment for the progression of chronic inflammation. However, the clinical application of CBD is limited due to its poor solubility and bioavailability. This study introduces an effective method for preparing CBD-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (CBD-SLNs) using a combination of low-energy hot homogenization and ultrasonication. We enhanced this process by employing statistical optimization with response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized CBD-SLN formulation utilizes glyceryl monostearate as the primary lipid component of the nanocarrier. The CBD-SLN formulation is screened as a potential tool for managing chronic inflammation. Stable, uniformly dispersed spherical nanoparticles with a size of 123 nm, a surface charge of −32.1 mV, an encapsulation efficiency of 95.16%, and a drug loading of 2.36% were obtained. The CBD-SLNs exhibited sustained release properties, ensuring prolonged and controlled CBD delivery, which could potentially amplify its therapeutic effects. Additionally, we observed that CBD-SLNs significantly reduced both reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and proinflammatory cytokines in chondrocyte and macrophage cell lines, with these inhibitory effects being more pronounced than those of free CBD. In conclusion, CBD-SLNs demonstrated superiority over free CBD, highlighting its potential as an effective delivery system for CBD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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26 pages, 10477 KiB  
Article
Novel Fe3O4 Nanoparticles with Bioactive Glass–Naproxen Coating: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Bioactivity
by Thalita Marcolan Valverde, Viviane Martins Rebello dos Santos, Pedro Igor Macário Viana, Guilherme Mattos Jardim Costa, Alfredo Miranda de Goes, Lucas Resende Dutra Sousa, Viviane Flores Xavier, Paula Melo de Abreu Vieira, Daniel de Lima Silva, Rosana Zacarias Domingues, José Maria da Fonte Ferreira and Ângela Leão Andrade
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4270; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084270 - 12 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1332
Abstract
Immune response to biomaterials, which is intimately related to their surface properties, can produce chronic inflammation and fibrosis, leading to implant failure. This study investigated the development of magnetic nanoparticles coated with silica and incorporating the anti-inflammatory drug naproxen, aimed at multifunctional biomedical [...] Read more.
Immune response to biomaterials, which is intimately related to their surface properties, can produce chronic inflammation and fibrosis, leading to implant failure. This study investigated the development of magnetic nanoparticles coated with silica and incorporating the anti-inflammatory drug naproxen, aimed at multifunctional biomedical applications. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques that confirmed the presence of magnetite and the formation of a silica-rich bioactive glass (BG) layer. In vitro studies demonstrated that the nanoparticles exhibited bioactive properties, forming an apatite surface layer when immersed in simulated body fluid, and biocompatibility with bone cells, with good viability and alkaline phosphatase activity. Naproxen, either free or encapsulated, reduced nitric oxide production, an inflammatory marker, while the BG coating alone did not show anti-inflammatory effects in this study. Overall, the magnetic nanoparticles coated with BG and naproxen showed promise for biomedical applications, especially anti-inflammatory activity in macrophages and in the bone field, due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteogenic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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17 pages, 9157 KiB  
Article
Plant Cell-Engineered Gold Nanoparticles Conjugated to Quercetin Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1 Entry
by James Elste, Sangeeta Kumari, Nilesh Sharma, Erendira Palomino Razo, Eisa Azhar, Feng Gao, Maria Cuevas Nunez, Wasim Anwar, John C. Mitchell, Vaibhav Tiwari and Shivendra Sahi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(19), 14792; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914792 - 30 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2154
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed considerable promise in the antiviral properties of metal nanomaterials, specifically when biologically prepared. This study demonstrates for the first time the antiviral roles of the plant cell-engineered gold nanoparticles (pAuNPs) alone and when conjugated with quercetin (pAuNPsQ). We show [...] Read more.
Recent studies have revealed considerable promise in the antiviral properties of metal nanomaterials, specifically when biologically prepared. This study demonstrates for the first time the antiviral roles of the plant cell-engineered gold nanoparticles (pAuNPs) alone and when conjugated with quercetin (pAuNPsQ). We show here that the quercetin conjugated nanoparticles (pAuNPsQ) preferentially inhibit the cell entry of two medically important viruses—severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) using different mechanisms. Interestingly, in the case of SARS-CoV-2, the pre-treatment of target cells with pAuNPsQ inhibited the viral entry, but the pre-treatment of the virus with pAuNPsQ did not affect viral entry into the host cell. In contrast, pAuNPsQ demonstrated effective blocking capabilities against HSV-1 entry, either during the pre-treatment of target cells or by inducing virus neutralization. In addition, pAuNPsQ also significantly affected HSV-1 replication, evidenced by the plaque-counting assay. In this study, we also tested the chemically synthesized gold nanoparticles (cAuNPs) of identical size and shape and observed comparable effects. The versatility of plant cell-based nanomaterial fabrication and its modification with bioactive compounds opens a new frontier in therapeutics, specifically in designing novel antiviral formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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19 pages, 18813 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on the Digestive System, Gonad Morphology, and Physiology of Butterfly Splitfin (Ameca splendens)
by Maciej Kamaszewski, Kacper Kawalski, Wiktoria Wiechetek, Hubert Szudrowicz, Jakub Martynow, Dobrochna Adamek-Urbańska, Bogumił Łosiewicz, Adrian Szczepański, Patryk Bujarski, Justyna Frankowska-Łukawska, Aleksander Chwaściński and Ercüment Aksakal
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(19), 14598; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914598 - 27 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1577
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the morphology and enzymatic activity of butterfly splitfin (Ameca splendens). Individuals of both sexes, aged about five months, were exposed to AgNPs at concentrations of 0 [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the morphology and enzymatic activity of butterfly splitfin (Ameca splendens). Individuals of both sexes, aged about five months, were exposed to AgNPs at concentrations of 0 (control group), 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/dm3 for 42 days. On the last day of the experiment, the fish were euthanized, subjected to standard histological processing (anterior intestine, liver, and gonads), and analysed for digestive enzyme activity in the anterior intestine and oxidative stress markers in the liver. Fish in the AgNP 0.01 and 0.1 groups had the lowest anterior intestinal fold and enterocyte height. However, there were no statistically significant changes in the digestive enzyme activity in the anterior intestine. Analysis of enzymatic activity in the liver showed an increase in superoxide dismutase activity in fish in the AgNP 0.1 group. Histological analyses showed that AgNPs inhibited meiotic divisions at prophase I in a non-linear manner in ovaries and testes. In the AgNP 0.1 and 1.0 groups, the area occupied by spermatocytes was lower compared to the other groups. These results indicate that exposure to AgNPs may lead to disturbances in morphology and enzymatic activity in the liver and intestine and may lead to disruption of reproduction in populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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25 pages, 5093 KiB  
Article
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Protect Cortical Astrocytes from Oxygen–Glucose Deprivation through Activation of the Ca2+ Signaling System
by Elena G. Varlamova, Alexey S. Baryshev, Sergey V. Gudkov, Valentina A. Babenko, Egor Y. Plotnikov and Egor A. Turovsky
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 14305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241814305 - 19 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1497
Abstract
Most of the works aimed at studying the cytoprotective properties of nanocerium are usually focused on the mechanisms of regulation of the redox status in cells while the complex effects of nanocerium on calcium homeostasis, the expression of pro-apoptotic and protective proteins are [...] Read more.
Most of the works aimed at studying the cytoprotective properties of nanocerium are usually focused on the mechanisms of regulation of the redox status in cells while the complex effects of nanocerium on calcium homeostasis, the expression of pro-apoptotic and protective proteins are generally overlooked. There is a problem of a strong dependence of the effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on their size, method of preparation and origin, which significantly limits their use in medicine. In this study, using the methods of molecular biology, immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy and inhibitory analysis, the cytoprotective effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles obtained by laser ablation on cultured astrocytes of the cerebral cortex under oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) and reoxygenation (ischemia-like conditions) are shown. The concentration effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on ROS production by astrocytes in an acute experiment and the effects of cell pre-incubation with nanocerium on ROS production under OGD conditions were studied. The dose dependence for nanocerium protection of cortical astrocytes from a global increase in calcium ions during oxygen–glucose deprivation and cell death were demonstrated. The concentration range of cerium oxide nanoparticles at which they have a pro-oxidant effect on cells has been identified. The effect of nanocerium concentrations on astrocyte preconditioning, accompanied by increased expression of protective proteins and limited ROS production induced by oxygen–glucose deprivation, has been investigated. In particular, a correlation was found between an increase in the concentration of cytosolic calcium under the action of nanocerium and the suppression of cell death. As a result, the positive and negative effects of nanocerium under oxygen–glucose deprivation and reoxygenation in astrocytes were revealed at the molecular level. Nanocerium was found to act as a “double-edged sword” and to have a strictly defined concentration therapeutic “window”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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Review

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25 pages, 3485 KiB  
Review
Application and Development of Cell Membrane Functionalized Biomimetic Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke
by Ying Li, Chuang Wu, Rui Yang, Jiannan Tang, Zhanqing Li, Xue Yi and Zhongxiong Fan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8539; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158539 - 5 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1415
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a serious neurological disease involving multiple complex physiological processes, including vascular obstruction, brain tissue ischemia, impaired energy metabolism, cell death, impaired ion pump function, and inflammatory response. In recent years, there has been significant interest in cell membrane-functionalized biomimetic nanoparticles [...] Read more.
Ischemic stroke is a serious neurological disease involving multiple complex physiological processes, including vascular obstruction, brain tissue ischemia, impaired energy metabolism, cell death, impaired ion pump function, and inflammatory response. In recent years, there has been significant interest in cell membrane-functionalized biomimetic nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic approach. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms and importance of using these nanoparticles to treat acute ischemic stroke with a special emphasis on their potential for actively targeting therapies through cell membranes. We provide an overview of the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and present advances in the study of biomimetic nanoparticles, emphasizing their potential for drug delivery and precision-targeted therapy. This paper focuses on bio-nanoparticles encapsulated in bionic cell membranes to target ischemic stroke treatment. It highlights the mechanism of action and research progress regarding different types of cell membrane-functionalized bi-onic nanoparticles such as erythrocytes, neutrophils, platelets, exosomes, macrophages, and neural stem cells in treating ischemic stroke while emphasizing their potential to improve brain tissue’s ischemic state and attenuate neurological damage and dysfunction. Through an in-depth exploration of the potential benefits provided by cell membrane-functionalized biomimetic nanoparticles to improve brain tissue’s ischemic state while reducing neurological injury and dysfunction, this study also provides comprehensive research on neural stem cells’ potential along with that of cell membrane-functionalized biomimetic nanoparticles to ameliorate neurological injury and dysfunction. However, it is undeniable that there are still some challenges and limitations in terms of biocompatibility, safety, and practical applications for clinical translation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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25 pages, 3076 KiB  
Review
Role of Clay Substrate Molecular Interactions in Some Dairy Technology Applications
by Abdelkrim Azzouz, Vasilica Alisa Arus and Nicoleta Platon
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25020808 - 9 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1722
Abstract
The use of clay materials in dairy technology requires a multidisciplinary approach that allows correlating clay efficiency in the targeted application to its interactions with milk components. For profitability reasons, natural clays and clay minerals can be used as low-cost and harmless food-compatible [...] Read more.
The use of clay materials in dairy technology requires a multidisciplinary approach that allows correlating clay efficiency in the targeted application to its interactions with milk components. For profitability reasons, natural clays and clay minerals can be used as low-cost and harmless food-compatible materials for improving key processes such as fermentation and coagulation. Under chemical stability conditions, clay materials can act as adsorbents, since anionic clay minerals such as hydrotalcite already showed effectiveness in the continuous removal of lactic acid via in situ anion exchange during fermentation and ex situ regeneration by ozone. Raw and modified bentonites and smectites have also been used as adsorbents in aflatoxin retention and as acidic species in milk acidification and coagulation. Aflatoxins and organophilic milk components, particularly non-charged caseins around their isoelectric points, are expected to display high affinity towards high silica regions on the clay surface. Here, clay interactions with milk components are key factors that govern adsorption and surface physicochemical processes. Knowledge about these interactions and changes in clay behavior according to the pH and chemical composition of the liquid media and, more importantly, clay chemical stability is an essential requirement for understanding process improvements in dairy technology, both upstream and downstream of milk production. The present paper provides a comprehensive review with deep analysis and synthesis of the main findings of studies in this area. This may be greatly useful for mastering milk processing efficiency and envisaging new prospects in dairy technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Nanomaterials in Molecular Science)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Planned Paper I: Evaluation and improvement of antioxidant activity of pretreatment lignin nanoparticles-Dr. Li(Submission date to be determined)

Planned Paper II: Solvothermal synthesis of PVP encapsulated, amine-functionalized Copper-ferrite and its use as an MRI contrast agent- Dr. Laszlo Frogach, Dr. Domokos Máthé, Dr. Krisztián Szigeti and Dr. Fatemeh Heydari

Planned Paper III: Nanoscale Sensors for the Rapid Detection of Organophosphates - Dr. Sherine O. Obare

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