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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 30638

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ayae Sugawara-Narutaki

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Guest Editor

Department of Energy Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
Interests: self-assembly; block copolymer; nanoparticle; hydrogel; biomaterial
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Technologies used to create materials with controlled structures at the nanoscale have made remarkable progress in recent years. This Special Issue solicits a wide range of papers that utilize nanostructures to impart functions to biomedicine and biomaterials. We envision papers that design and synthesize drug delivery carriers, diagnostic materials, scaffold materials, etc. based on novel ideas using nanoparticles formed by polymers and inorganic compounds, nanoparticles with anisotropic structures, nanofibers, nanosheets, or nanostructures formed on the surface of materials. Authors are expected to discuss the correlation between nanostructures and physical properties or functions in their papers. Physical properties and functions may include the controlled release of drugs, biodegradability, surface potential, rheology, material–cell interactions etc. The aim of this Special Issue is to assemble the latest interdisciplinary work on nanostructured materials for biomedicine, as well as to exchange ideas and encourage new lines of research.

Prof. Dr. Ayae Sugawara-Narutaki
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.

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Keywords

nanostructured material from polymer/inorganic substances
diagnostic/theranostic material
drug delivery carrier
tissue engineering scaffold
structure–property–function relationship

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

22 pages, 7564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Poly(levodopa)-Functionalized Polysaccharide Hydrogel Enriched in Fe₃O₄ Particles for Multiple-Purpose Biomedical Applications

by Anna Michalicha, Anna Tomaszewska, Vladyslav Vivcharenko, Barbara Budzyńska, Magdalena Kulpa-Greszta, Dominika Fila, Robert Pązik and Anna Belcarz

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(9), 8002; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24098002 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2783

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in interest in the use of curdlan, a naturally derived polymer, for medical applications. However, it is relatively inactive, and additives increasing its biomedical potential are required; for example, antibacterial compounds, magnetic particles, or hemostatic agents. The stability of such complex constructs may be increased by additional functional networks, for instance, polycatecholamines. The article presents the production and characterization of functional hydrogels based on curdlan enriched with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) or Fe₃O₄–based heterostructures and poly(L-DOPA) (PLD). Some of the prepared modified hydrogels were nontoxic, relatively hemocompatible, and showed high antibacterial potential and the ability to convert energy with heat generation. Therefore, the proposed hydrogels may have potential applications in temperature-controlled regenerative processes as well as in oncology therapies as a matrix of increased functionality for multiple medical purposes. The presence of PLD in the curdlan hydrogel network reduced the release of the NPs but slightly increased the hydrogel’s hemolytic properties. This should be taken into account during the selection of the final hydrogel application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine)

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15 pages, 3453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fluro-Protein C-Phycocyanin Docked Silver Nanocomposite Accelerates Cell Migration through NFĸB Signaling Pathway

by Harishkumar Madhyastha, Radha Madhyastha, Eshika Chakraborty, Kaushita Banerjee, Kamal Shah, Yuichi Nakajima, Nagendra Singh Chauhan, Sajitha Lulu Sudhakaran, Kaoru Ohe, Gothandam Kodiveri Muthukaliannan, Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan, Masugi Maruyama and Nozomi Watanabe

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(4), 3184; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24043184 - 6 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2113

Abstract

Currently, there is a great demand for the development of nanomedicine aided wound tissue regeneration via silver doped nanoceuticals. Unfortunately, very little research is being carried out on antioxidants-doped silver nanometals and their interaction on the signaling axis during the bio-interface mechanism. In this study, c-phycocyanin primed silver nano hybrids (AgcPCNP) were prepared and analyzed for properties such as cytotoxicity, metal decay, nanoconjugate stability, size expansion, and antioxidant features. Fluctuations in the expression of marker genes during cell migration phenomena in in vitro wound healing scenarios were also validated. Studies revealed that physiologically relevant ionic solutions did not exhibit any adverse effects on the nanoconjugate stability. However, acidic, alkali, and ethanol solutions completely denatured the AgcPCNP conjugates. Signal transduction RT²PCR array demonstrated that genes associated with NFĸB- and PI3K-pathways were significantly (p < 0.5%) altered between AgcPCNP and AgNP groups. Specific inhibitors of NFĸB (Nfi) and PI3K (LY294002) pathways confirmed the involvement of NFĸB signaling axes. In vitro wound healing assay demonstrated that NFĸB pathway plays a prime role in the fibroblast cell migration. In conclusion, the present investigation revealed that surface functionalized AgcPCNP accelerated the fibroblast cell migration and can be further explored for wound healing biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine)

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15 pages, 5633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Reconstitution of the Melanin Pathway’s Catalytic Activities Using Tyrosinase Nanoparticles

by Isabella Osuna, Monika B. Dolinska and Yuri V. Sergeev

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010639 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2224

Abstract

The melanogenesis pathway is characterized by a series of reactions catalyzed by key enzymes, such as tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TYRP2), and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1), to produce melanin pigment. However, in vitro studies of the catalytic activity were incomplete because of a lack of commercially available enzyme substrates, such as dopachrome. Herein, human recombinant intra-melanosomal domains of key enzymes were produced in Trichoplusia ni (T. ni) larvae and then purified using a combination of chromatography techniques in catalytically active form. Using Michaelis–Menten kinetics, the diphenol oxidase activity of tyrosinase achieved the maximum production of native dopachrome at 10 min of incubation at 37 °C for TYR immobilized to magnetic beads (TYR-MB). The presence of dopachrome was confirmed spectrophotometrically at 475 nm through HPLC analysis and in the TYRP2-catalyzed reaction, yielding 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA). In the TYRP1-driven oxidation of DHICA, the formation of 5,6-indolequinone-2-carboxylic acid (IQCA) was confirmed at ~560 nm. This is the first in vitro reconstitution of the reactions from the melanogenic pathway based on intra-melanosomal domains. In the future, this approach could be used for quantitative in vitro analysis of the melanin pathway, biochemical effects associated with inherited disease-related mutations, and drug screens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine)

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16 pages, 6343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Toxicity in H9c2 Rat Cardiomyoblasts

by Criselda Mendoza-Milla, Fernanda Isabel Macías Macías, Kimberly Abigail Velázquez Delgado, Manuel Alejandro Herrera Rodríguez, Zaira Colín-Val, María del Pilar Ramos-Godinez, Agustina Cano-Martínez, Anita Vega-Miranda, Diana Xochiquetzal Robledo-Cadena, Norma Laura Delgado-Buenrostro, Yolanda Irasema Chirino, José Ocotlán Flores-Flores and Rebeca López-Marure

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(21), 12940; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232112940 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2604

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are widely used in the cosmetic industry. They are nano-optical and nano-electrical devices, and their antimicrobial properties are applied in food packaging and medicine. ZnO NPs penetrate the body through inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure and spread through circulation to various systems and organs. Since the cardiovascular system is one of the most vulnerable systems, in this work, we studied ZnO NPs toxicity in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts. Cardiac cells were exposed to different concentrations of ZnO NPs, and then the morphology, proliferation, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), redox state, and protein expression were measured. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining showed strong morphological damage. ZnO NPs were not observed inside cells, suggesting that Zn²⁺ ions were internalized, causing the damage. ZnO NPs strongly inhibited cell proliferation and MTT reduction at 10 and 20 μg/cm² after 72 h of treatment. ZnO NPs at 20 μg/cm² elevated DCF fluorescence, indicating alterations in the cellular redox state associated with changes in ΔΨm and cell death. ZnO NPs also reduced the intracellular expression of troponin I and atrial natriuretic peptide. ZnO NPs are toxic for cardiac cells; therefore, consumption of products containing them could cause heart damage and the development of cardiovascular diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine)

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12 pages, 5793 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Gold Nanoparticles Produced Using Rhodococcus Actinobacteria at Elevated Chloroauric Acid Concentrations

by Maria S. Kuyukina, Marina V. Makarova, Irena B. Ivshina, Konstantin P. Kazymov and Boris M. Osovetsky

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(21), 12939; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232112939 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1921

Abstract

The growing industrial and medical use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) requires environmentally friendly methods for their production using microbial biosynthesis. The ability of actinobacteria of the genus Rhodococcus to synthesize AuNPs in the presence of chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄) was studied. The effect of elevated (0.8–3.2 mM) concentrations of HAuCl₄ on bacterial viability, morphology, and intracellular accumulation of AuNPs by different Rhodococcus species was shown. An increase in surface roughness, a shift of the zeta potential to the positive region, and the formation of cell aggregates of R. erythropolis IEGM 766 and R. ruber IEGM 1135 during nanoparticle synthesis were revealed as bacterial adaptations to toxic effects of HAuCl₄. The possibility to biosynthesize AuNPs at a five times higher concentration of chloroauric acid compared to chemical synthesis, for example, using the citrate method, suggests greater efficiency of the biological process using Rhodococcus species. The main parameters of biosynthesized AuNPs (size, shape, surface roughness, and surface charge) were characterized using atomic force microscopy, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, and also scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy-dispersive spectrometry. Synthesized by R. erythropolis spherical AuNPs have smaller (30–120 nm) dimensions and are positively (12 mV) charged, unlike AuNPs isolated from R. ruber cells (40–200 nm and −22 mV, respectively). Such differences in AuNPs size and surface charge are due to different biomolecules, which originated from Rhodococcus cells and served as capping agents for nanoparticles. Biosynthesized AuNPs showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (Micrococcus luteus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Due to the positive charge and high dispersion, the synthesized by R. erythropolis AuNPs are promising for biomedicine, whereas the AuNPs formed by R. ruber IEGM 1135 are prone to aggregation and can be used for biotechnological enrichment of gold-bearing ores. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine)

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19 pages, 4730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity of Biocompatible Bacterial Cellulose Films via Dual Synergistic Action of Curcumin and Triangular Silver Nanoplates

by Eduardo Lanzagorta Garcia, Marija Mojicevic, Dusan Milivojevic, Ivana Aleksic, Sandra Vojnovic, Milena Stevanovic, James Murray, Olivia Adly Attallah, Declan Devine and Margaret Brennan Fournet

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(20), 12198; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232012198 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2255

Abstract

Curcumin and triangular silver nanoplates (TSNP)-incorporated bacterial cellulose (BC) films present an ideal antimicrobial material for biomedical applications as they afford a complete set of requirements, including a broad range of long-lasting potency and superior efficacy antimicrobial activity, combined with low toxicity. Here, BC was produced by Komagataeibacter medellinensis ID13488 strain in the presence of curcumin in the production medium (2 and 10%). TSNP were incorporated in the produced BC/curcumin films using ex situ method (21.34 ppm) and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli ATCC95922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 bacterial strains. Biological activity of these natural products was assessed in cytotoxicity assay against lung fibroblasts and in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans and Danio rerio as model organisms. Derived films have shown excellent antimicrobial performance with growth inhibition up to 67% for E. coli and 95% for S. aureus. In a highly positive synergistic interaction, BC films with 10% curcumin and incorporated TSNP have shown reduced toxicity with 80% MRC5 cells survival rate. It was shown that only 100% concentrations of film extracts induce low toxicity effect on model organisms’ development. The combined and synergistic advanced anti-infective functionalities of the curcumin and TSNP incorporated in BC have a high potential for development for application within the clinical setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine)

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21 pages, 5308 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Culture of Cartilage Tissue on Nanogel-Cross-Linked Porous Freeze-Dried Gel Scaffold for Regenerative Cartilage Therapy: A Vibrational Spectroscopy Evaluation

by Tetsuya Adachi, Nao Miyamoto, Hayata Imamura, Toshiro Yamamoto, Elia Marin, Wenliang Zhu, Miyuki Kobara, Yoshihiro Sowa, Yoshiro Tahara, Narisato Kanamura, Kazunari Akiyoshi, Osam Mazda, Ichiro Nishimura and Giuseppe Pezzotti

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8099; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158099 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2707

Abstract

This study presents a set of vibrational characterizations on a nanogel-cross-linked porous freeze-dried gel (NanoCliP-FD gel) scaffold for tissue engineering and regenerative therapy. This scaffold is designed for the in vitro culture of high-quality cartilage tissue to be then transplanted in vivo to enable recovery from congenital malformations in the maxillofacial area or crippling jaw disease. The three-dimensional scaffold for in-plate culture is designed with interface chemistry capable of stimulating cartilage formation and maintaining its structure through counteracting the dedifferentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) during the formation of cartilage tissue. The developed interface chemistry enabled high efficiency in both growth rate and tissue quality, thus satisfying the requirements of large volumes, high matrix quality, and superior mechanical properties needed in cartilage transplants. We characterized the cartilage tissue in vitro grown on a NanoCliP-FD gel scaffold by human periodontal ligament-derived stem cells (a type of MSC) with cartilage grown by the same cells and under the same conditions on a conventional (porous) atelocollagen scaffold. The cartilage tissues produced by the MSCs on different scaffolds were comparatively evaluated by immunohistochemical and spectroscopic analyses. Cartilage differentiation occurred at a higher rate when MSCs were cultured on the NanoCliP-FD gel scaffold compared to the atelocollagen scaffold, and produced a tissue richer in cartilage matrix. In situ spectroscopic analyses revealed the cell/scaffold interactive mechanisms by which the NanoCliP-FD gel scaffold stimulated such increased efficiency in cartilage matrix formation. In addition to demonstrating the high potential of human periodontal ligament-derived stem cell cultures on NanoCliP-FD gel scaffolds in regenerative cartilage therapy, the present study also highlights the novelty of Raman spectroscopy as a non-destructive method for the concurrent evaluation of matrix quality and cell metabolic response. In situ Raman analyses on living cells unveiled for the first time the underlying physiological mechanisms behind such improved chondrocyte performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine)

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Review

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19 pages, 2339 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Functional Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Sensing Using Self-Assembled Monolayers

by Caroline R. Basso, Bruno P. Crulhas, Gustavo R. Castro and Valber A. Pedrosa

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(13), 10819; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241310819 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1780

Abstract

Functional nanomaterials have attracted attention by producing different structures in any field. These materials have several potential applications, including medicine, electronics, and energy, which provide many unique properties. These nanostructures can be synthesized using various methods, including self-assembly, which can be used for the same applications. This unique nanomaterial is increasingly being used for biological detection due to its unique optical, electrical, and mechanical properties, which provide sensitive and specific sensors for detecting biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. This review highlights recent advances in the field and discusses the fabrication and characterization of the corresponding materials, which can be further applied in optical, magnetic, electronic, and sensor fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine)

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19 pages, 3205 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Green Metallic Nanoparticles for Enhanced Drug Delivery in Photodynamic Therapy: A Therapeutic Approach

by Alexander Chota, Blassan P. George and Heidi Abrahamse

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(5), 4808; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054808 - 2 Mar 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3192

Abstract

Globally, cancer is one of the leading causes of death among men and women, it is characterized by the unregulated proliferation of tumor cells. Some of the common risk factors associated with cancer development include the consistent exposure of body cells to carcinogenic agents such as alcohol, tobacco, toxins, gamma rays and alpha particles. Besides the above-mentioned risk factors, conventional therapies such as radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have also been linked to the development of cancer. Over the past decade, tremendous efforts have been invested in the synthesis of eco-friendly green metallic nanoparticles (NPs), and their medical application. Comparatively, metallic NPs have greater advantages over conventional therapies. Additionally, metallic NPs can be functionalized with different targeting moieties e.g., liposomes, antibodies, folic acid, transferrin, and carbohydrates. Herein, we review and discuss the synthesis, and therapeutic potential of green synthesized metallic NPs for enhanced cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT). Finally, the advantages of green hybridized activatable NPs over conventional photosensitizers (PSs) and the future perspectives of nanotechnology in cancer research are discussed in the review. Furthermore, we anticipate that the insights offered in this review will inspire the design and development of green nano-formulations for enhanced image-guided PDT in cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine)

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30 pages, 2503 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nano-Hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffolds Loaded with Bioactive Factors and Drugs for Bone Tissue Engineering

by Xiaojing Mo, Dianjian Zhang, Keda Liu, Xiaoxi Zhao, Xiaoming Li and Wei Wang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(2), 1291; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021291 - 9 Jan 2023

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 8350

Abstract

Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) is similar to human bone mineral in structure and biochemistry and is, therefore, widely used as bone biomaterial and a drug carrier. Further, n-HAp composite scaffolds have a great potential role in bone regeneration. Loading bioactive factors and drugs onto n-HAp composites has emerged as a promising strategy for bone defect repair in bone tissue engineering. With local delivery of bioactive agents and drugs, biological materials may be provided with the biological activity they lack to improve bone regeneration. This review summarizes classification of n-HAp composites, application of n-HAp composite scaffolds loaded with bioactive factors and drugs in bone tissue engineering and the drug loading methods of n-HAp composite scaffolds, and the research direction of n-HAp composite scaffolds in the future is prospected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine)

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