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15 pages, 2348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biosynthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles by Marine Streptomyces sp. SMGL39 with Antibiofilm Activity: In Vitro and In Silico Study

by Sara A. Attea, Mosad A. Ghareeb, Ayda K. Kelany, Heba K. A. Elhakim, Khaled S. Allemailem, Sarah I. Bukhari, Fatma B. Rashidi and Ahmed A. Hamed

Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4784; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194784 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1052

Abstract

One of the major global health threats in the present era is antibiotic resistance. Biosynthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) can combat microbial infections and can be synthesized without harmful chemicals. In the present investigation, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to discover Streptomyces [...] Read more.

One of the major global health threats in the present era is antibiotic resistance. Biosynthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) can combat microbial infections and can be synthesized without harmful chemicals. In the present investigation, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to discover Streptomyces sp. SMGL39, an actinomycete isolate utilized to reduce ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO₄.7H₂O) to biosynthesize FeNPs, which were then characterized using UV–Vis, XRD, FTIR, and TEM analyses. Furthermore, in our current study, the biosynthesized FeNPs were tested for antimicrobial and antibiofilm characteristics against different Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and fungal strains. Additionally, our work examines the biosynthesized FeNPs’ molecular docking and binding affinity to key enzymes, which contributed to bacterial infection cooperation via quorum sensing (QS) processes. A bright yellow to dark brown color shift indicated the production of FeNPs, which have polydispersed forms with particle sizes ranging from 80 to 180 nm and UV absorbance ranging from 220 to 280 nm. Biosynthesized FeNPs from actinobacteria significantly reduced the microbial growth of Fusarium oxysporum and L. monocytogenes, while they showed weak antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and no activity against E. coli, MRSA, or Aspergillus niger. On the other hand, biosynthesized FeNPs showed strong antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa while showing mild and weak activity against B. subtilis and E. coli, respectively. The collaboration of biosynthesized FeNPs and key enzymes for bacterial infection exhibits hydrophobic and/or hydrogen bonding, according to this research. These results show that actinobacteria-biosynthesized FeNPs prevent biofilm development in bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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12 pages, 7261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vanillic Acid Nanocomposite: Synthesis, Characterization Analysis, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Potentials

by Baskar Venkidasamy, Umadevi Subramanian, Hesham S. Almoallim, Sulaiman Ali Alharbi, Rahul Raj Chennam Lakshmikumar and Muthu Thiruvengadam

Molecules 2024, 29(13), 3098; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133098 - 28 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1057

Abstract

Recently, nanoparticles have received considerable attention owing to their efficiency in overcoming the limitations of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs. In our study, we synthesized a vanillic acid nanocomposite using both chitosan and silver nanoparticles, tested its efficacy against lung cancer cells, and analyzed its [...] Read more.

Recently, nanoparticles have received considerable attention owing to their efficiency in overcoming the limitations of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs. In our study, we synthesized a vanillic acid nanocomposite using both chitosan and silver nanoparticles, tested its efficacy against lung cancer cells, and analyzed its antimicrobial effects. We used several characterization techniques such as ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to determine the stability, morphological characteristics, and properties of the biosynthesized vanillic acid nanocomposites. Furthermore, the vanillic acid nanocomposites were tested for their antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The data showed that the nanocomposite effectively inhibited microbes, but its efficacy was less than that of the individual silver and chitosan nanoparticles. Moreover, the vanillic acid nanocomposite exhibited anticancer effects by increasing the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins (BAX, Casp3, Casp7, cyt C, and p53) and decreasing the gene expression of Bcl-2. Overall, vanillic acid nanocomposites possess promising potential against microbes, exhibit anticancer effects, and can be effectively used for treating diseases such as cancers and infectious diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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14 pages, 4006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Double-Cabin Galvanic Cell-Synthesizing Nanoporous, Flower-like, Pb-Containing Pd–Au Nanoparticles for Nonenzymatic Formaldehyde Sensor

by Zhao Huang, Zhongsen Tang and Long Chao

Molecules 2024, 29(12), 2772; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29122772 - 11 Jun 2024

Viewed by 828

Abstract

In this work, a novel formaldehyde sensor was constructed based on nanoporous, flower-like, Pb-containing Pd–Au nanoparticles deposited on the cathode in a double-cabin galvanic cell (DCGC) with a Cu plate as the anode, a multiwalled carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode as the cathode, [...] Read more.

In this work, a novel formaldehyde sensor was constructed based on nanoporous, flower-like, Pb-containing Pd–Au nanoparticles deposited on the cathode in a double-cabin galvanic cell (DCGC) with a Cu plate as the anode, a multiwalled carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode as the cathode, a 0.1 M HClO₄ aqueous solution as the anolyte, and a 3.0 mM PdCl₂ + 1.0 mM HAuCl₄ + 5.0 mM Pb(ClO₄)₂ + 0.1 M HClO₄ aqueous solution as the catholyte, respectively. Electrochemical studies reveal that the stripping of bulk Cu can induce underpotential deposition (UPD) of Pb during the galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) process, which affects the composition and morphology of Pb-containing Pd–Au nanoparticles. The electrocatalytic activity of Pb-containing nanoparticles toward formaldehyde oxidation was examined in an alkaline solution, and the experimental results showed that formaldehyde mainly caused direct oxidation on the surface of Pb-containing Pd–Au nanoparticles while inhibiting the formation of CO poison to a large degree. The proposed formaldehyde sensor exhibits a linear amperometric response to formaldehyde concentrations from 0.01 mM to 5.0 mM, with a sensitivity of 666 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻², a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.89 μM at triple signal-to-noise, rapid response, high anti-interference ability, and good repeatability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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16 pages, 2147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Graphene Oxide Strengthens Gelatine through Non-Covalent Interactions with Its Amorphous Region

by Hak Jin Sim, Katarina Marinkovic, Ping Xiao and Hui Lu

Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2700; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112700 - 6 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 877

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) has attracted huge attention in biomedical sciences due to its outstanding properties and potential applications. In this study, we synthesized GO using our recently developed 1-pyrenebutyric acid-assisted method and assessed how the GO as a filler influences the mechanical properties [...] Read more.

Graphene oxide (GO) has attracted huge attention in biomedical sciences due to its outstanding properties and potential applications. In this study, we synthesized GO using our recently developed 1-pyrenebutyric acid-assisted method and assessed how the GO as a filler influences the mechanical properties of GO–gelatine nanocomposite dry films as well as the cytotoxicity of HEK-293 cells grown on the GO–gelatine substrates. We show that the addition of GO (0–2%) improves the mechanical properties of gelatine in a concentration-dependent manner. The presence of 2 wt% GO increased the tensile strength, elasticity, ductility, and toughness of the gelatine films by about 3.1-, 2.5-, 2-, and 8-fold, respectively. Cell viability, apoptosis, and necrosis analyses showed no cytotoxicity from GO. Furthermore, we performed circular dichroism, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses to decipher the interactions between GO and gelatine. The results show, for the first time, that GO enhances the mechanical properties of gelatine by forming non-covalent intermolecular interactions with gelatine at its amorphous or disordered regions. We believe that our findings will provide new insight and help pave the way for potential and wide applications of GO in tissue engineering and regenerative biomedicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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17 pages, 3111 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-Grafted Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Micelles Co-Loaded with Quercetin and DNA

by Radostina Kalinova, Pavel Videv, Svetla Petrova, Jordan Doumanov and Ivaylo Dimitrov

Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2540; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112540 - 28 May 2024

Viewed by 1171

Abstract

The synergistic effect of drug and gene delivery is expected to significantly improve cancer therapy. However, it is still challenging to design suitable nanocarriers that are able to load simultaneously anticancer drugs and nucleic acids due to their different physico-chemical properties. In the [...] Read more.

The synergistic effect of drug and gene delivery is expected to significantly improve cancer therapy. However, it is still challenging to design suitable nanocarriers that are able to load simultaneously anticancer drugs and nucleic acids due to their different physico-chemical properties. In the present work, an amphiphilic block copolymer comprising a biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) block and a multi-alkyne-functional biodegradable polycarbonate (PC) block was modified with a number of poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) side chains applying the highly efficient azide–alkyne “click” chemistry reaction. The resulting cationic amphiphilic copolymer with block and graft architecture (MPEG-b-(PC-g-PDMAEMA)) self-associated in aqueous media into nanosized micelles which were loaded with the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer drug quercetin. The drug-loaded nanoparticles were further used to form micelleplexes in aqueous media through electrostatic interactions with DNA. The obtained nanoaggregates—empty and drug-loaded micelles as well as the micelleplexes intended for simultaneous DNA and drug codelivery—were physico-chemically characterized. Additionally, initial in vitro evaluations were performed, indicating the potential application of the novel polymer nanocarriers as drug delivery systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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14 pages, 3468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tripeptide-Assisted Gold Nanocluster Formation for Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ Sensing

by Jonghae Youn, Peiyuan Kang, Justin Crowe, Caleb Thornsbury, Peter Kim, Zhenpeng Qin and Jiyong Lee

Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2416; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112416 - 21 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 818

Abstract

Fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have shown promise as metal ion sensors. Further research into surface ligands is crucial for developing sensors that are both selective and sensitive. Here, we designed simple tripeptides to form fluorescent AuNCs, capitalizing on tyrosine’s reduction capability under alkaline [...] Read more.

Fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have shown promise as metal ion sensors. Further research into surface ligands is crucial for developing sensors that are both selective and sensitive. Here, we designed simple tripeptides to form fluorescent AuNCs, capitalizing on tyrosine’s reduction capability under alkaline conditions. We investigated tyrosine’s role in both forming AuNCs and sensing metal ions. Two tripeptides, tyrosine–cysteine–tyrosine (YCY) and serine–cysteine–tyrosine (SCY), were used to form AuNCs. YCY peptides produced AuNCs with blue and red fluorescence, while SCY peptides produced blue-emitting AuNCs. The blue fluorescence of YCY- and SCY-AuNCs was selectively quenched by Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺, whereas red-emitting YCY-AuNC fluorescence remained stable with 13 different metal ions. The number of tyrosine residues influenced the sensor response. DLS measurements revealed different aggregation propensities in the presence of various metal ions, indicating that chelation between the peptide and target ions led to aggregation and fluorescence quenching. Highlighting the innovation of our approach, our study demonstrates the feasibility of the rational design of peptides for the formation of fluorescent AuNCs that serve as highly selective and sensitive surface ligands for metal ion sensing. This method marks an advancement over existing methods due to its dual capability in both synthesizing gold nanoclusters and detecting analytes, specifically Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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16 pages, 4325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metal–Organic Framework-Capped Gold Nanorod Hybrids for Combinatorial Cancer Therapy

by Chong Zhao, Hongxiang Liu, Sijun Huang, Yi Guo and Li Xu

Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2384; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102384 - 18 May 2024

Viewed by 1284

Abstract

Recently, nanomaterials have attracted extensive attention in cancer-targeting therapy and as drug delivery vehicles owing to their unique surface and size properties. Multifunctional combinations of nanomaterials have become a research hotspot as researchers aim to provide a full understanding of their nanomaterial characteristics. [...] Read more.

Recently, nanomaterials have attracted extensive attention in cancer-targeting therapy and as drug delivery vehicles owing to their unique surface and size properties. Multifunctional combinations of nanomaterials have become a research hotspot as researchers aim to provide a full understanding of their nanomaterial characteristics. In this study, metal–organic framework-capped gold nanorod hybrids were synthesized. Our research explored their ability to kill tumor cells by locally increasing the temperature via photothermal conclusion. The specific peroxidase-like activity endows the hybrids with the ability to disrupt the oxidative balance in vitro. Simultaneously, chemotherapeutic drugs are administered and delivered by loading and transportation for effective combinatorial cancer treatment, thereby enhancing the curative effect and reducing the unpredictable toxicity and side effects of large doses of chemotherapeutic drugs. These studies can improve combinatorial cancer therapy and enhance cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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13 pages, 2826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Gold Nanoparticles via Anodic Stripping of Copper Underpotential Deposition in Bulk Gold Electrodeposition for High-Performance Electrochemical Sensing of Bisphenol A

by Zhao Huang, Zihan Chen, Dexuan Yan, Shuo Jiang, Libo Nie, Xinman Tu, Xueen Jia, Thomas Wågberg and Long Chao

Molecules 2023, 28(24), 8036; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28248036 - 11 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1340

Abstract

Bisphenol A is one of the most widely used industrial compounds. Over the years, it has raised severe concern as a potential hazard to the human endocrine system and the environment. Developing robust and easy-to-use sensors for bisphenol A is important in various [...] Read more.

Bisphenol A is one of the most widely used industrial compounds. Over the years, it has raised severe concern as a potential hazard to the human endocrine system and the environment. Developing robust and easy-to-use sensors for bisphenol A is important in various areas, such as controlling and monitoring water purification and sewage water systems, food safety monitoring, etc. Here, we report an electrochemical method to fabricate a bisphenol A (BPA) sensor based on a modified Au nanoparticles/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite electrocatalyst electrode (AuCu-UPD/MWCNTs/GCE). Firstly, the Au-Cu alloy was prepared via a convenient and controllable Cu underpotential/bulk Au co-electrodeposition on a multiwalled modified carbon nanotubes glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Then, the AuCu-UPD/MWCNTs/GCE was obtained via the electrochemical anodic stripping of Cu underpotential deposition (UPD). Our novel prepared sensor enables the high-electrocatalytic and high-performance sensing of BPA. Under optimal conditions, the modified electrode showed a two-segment linear response from 0.01 to 1 µM and 1 to 20 µM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.43 nM based on differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Determination of BPA in real water samples using Au_Cu-UPD/MWCNTs/GCE yielded satisfactory results. The proposed electrochemical sensor is promising for the development of a simple, low-cost water quality monitoring system for the detection of BPA in ambient water samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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23 pages, 6505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insight into the Morphological Properties of Nano-Kaolinite (Nanoscrolls and Nanosheets) on Its Qualification as Delivery Structure of Oxaliplatin: Loading, Release, and Kinetic Studies

by Mashael Daghash Alqahtani, Nourhan Nasser, May N. Bin Jumah, Saleha A. AlZahrani, Ahmed A. Allam, Mostafa R. Abukhadra and Stefano Bellucci

Molecules 2023, 28(13), 5158; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135158 - 1 Jul 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1931

Abstract

Natural kaolinite underwent advanced morphological-modification processes that involved exfoliation of its layers into separated single nanosheets (KNs) and scrolled nanoparticles as nanotubes (KNTs). Synthetic nanostructures have been characterized as advanced and effective oxaliplatin-medication (OXAP) delivery systems. The morphological-transformation processes resulted in a remarkable [...] Read more.

Natural kaolinite underwent advanced morphological-modification processes that involved exfoliation of its layers into separated single nanosheets (KNs) and scrolled nanoparticles as nanotubes (KNTs). Synthetic nanostructures have been characterized as advanced and effective oxaliplatin-medication (OXAP) delivery systems. The morphological-transformation processes resulted in a remarkable enhancement in the loading capacity to 304.9 mg/g (KNs) and 473 mg/g (KNTs) instead of 29.6 mg/g for raw kaolinite. The loading reactions that occurred by KNs and KNTs displayed classic pseudo-first-order kinetics (R² > 0.90) and conventional Langmuir isotherms (R² = 0.99). KNTs exhibit a higher active site density (80.8 mg/g) in comparison to KNs (66.3 mg/g) and raw kaolinite (6.5 mg/g). Furthermore, compared to KNs and raw kaolinite, each site on the surface of KNTs may hold up to six molecules of OXAP (n = 5.8), in comparison with five molecules for KNs. This was accomplished by multi-molecular processes, including physical mechanisms considering both the Gaussian energy (<8 KJ/mol) and the loading energy (<40 KJ/mol). The release activity of OXAP from KNs and KNTs exhibits continuous and regulated profiles up to 100 h, either by KNs or KNTs, with substantially faster characteristics for KNTs. Based on the release kinetic investigations, the release processes have non-Fickian transport-release features, indicating cooperative-diffusion and erosion-release mechanisms. The synthesized structures have a significant cytotoxicity impact on HCT-116 cancer cell lines (KNs (71.4% cell viability and 143.6 g/mL IC-50); KNTs (11.3% cell viability and 114.3 g/mL IC-50). Additionally, these carriers dramatically increase OXAP’s cytotoxicity (2.04% cell viability, 15.4 g/mL IC-50 (OXAP/KNs); 0.6% cell viability, 4.5 g/mL IC-50 (OXAP/KNTs)). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 4788 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antibiotic Alternatives: Multifunctional Ultra-Small Metal Nanoclusters for Bacterial Infectious Therapy Application

by Yuxian Wang, Meng Gu, Jiangyang Cheng, Yusong Wan, Liying Zhu, Zhen Gao and Ling Jiang

Molecules 2024, 29(13), 3117; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133117 - 30 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1219

Abstract

The prevalence of major bacterial infections has emerged as a significant menace to human health and life. Conventional treatment methods primarily rely on antibiotic therapy, but the overuse of these drugs has led to a decline in their efficacy. Moreover, bacteria have developed [...] Read more.

The prevalence of major bacterial infections has emerged as a significant menace to human health and life. Conventional treatment methods primarily rely on antibiotic therapy, but the overuse of these drugs has led to a decline in their efficacy. Moreover, bacteria have developed resistance towards antibiotics, giving rise to the emergence of superbugs. Consequently, there is an urgent need for novel antibacterial agents or alternative strategies to combat bacterial infections. Nanoantibiotics encompass a class of nano-antibacterial materials that possess inherent antimicrobial activity or can serve as carriers to enhance drug delivery efficiency and safety. In recent years, metal nanoclusters (M NCs) have gained prominence in the field of nanoantibiotics due to their ultra-small size (less than 3 nm) and distinctive electronic and optical properties, as well as their biosafety features. In this review, we discuss the recent progress of M NCs as a new generation of antibacterial agents. First, the main synthesis methods and characteristics of M NCs are presented. Then, we focus on reviewing various strategies for detecting and treating pathogenic bacterial infections using M NCs, summarizing the antibacterial effects of these nanoantibiotics on wound infections, biofilms, and oral infections. Finally, we propose a perspective on the remaining challenges and future developments of M NCs for bacterial infectious therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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41 pages, 13888 KiB

Open AccessReview

Light-Responsive and Dual-Targeting Liposomes: From Mechanisms to Targeting Strategies

by Ahmed M. Agiba, José Luis Arreola-Ramírez, Verónica Carbajal and Patricia Segura-Medina

Molecules 2024, 29(3), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29030636 - 30 Jan 2024

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3910

Abstract

In recent years, nanocarriers have played an ever-increasing role in clinical and biomedical applications owing to their unique physicochemical properties and surface functionalities. Lately, much effort has been directed towards the development of smart, stimuli-responsive nanocarriers that are capable of releasing their cargos [...] Read more.

In recent years, nanocarriers have played an ever-increasing role in clinical and biomedical applications owing to their unique physicochemical properties and surface functionalities. Lately, much effort has been directed towards the development of smart, stimuli-responsive nanocarriers that are capable of releasing their cargos in response to specific stimuli. These intelligent-responsive nanocarriers can be further surface-functionalized so as to achieve active tumor targeting in a sequential manner, which can be simply modulated by the stimuli. By applying this methodological approach, these intelligent-responsive nanocarriers can be directed to different target-specific organs, tissues, or cells and exhibit on-demand controlled drug release that may enhance therapeutic effectiveness and reduce systemic toxicity. Light, an external stimulus, is one of the most promising triggers for use in nanomedicine to stimulate on-demand drug release from nanocarriers. Light-triggered drug release can be achieved through light irradiation at different wavelengths, either in the UV, visible, or even NIR region, depending on the photophysical properties of the photo-responsive molecule embedded in the nanocarrier system, the structural characteristics, and the material composition of the nanocarrier system. In this review, we highlighted the emerging functional role of light in nanocarriers, with an emphasis on light-responsive liposomes and dual-targeted stimuli-responsive liposomes. Moreover, we provided the most up-to-date photo-triggered targeting strategies and mechanisms of light-triggered drug release from liposomes and NIR-responsive nanocarriers. Lastly, we addressed the current challenges, advances, and future perspectives for the deployment of light-responsive liposomes in targeted drug delivery and therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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16 pages, 2268 KiB

Open AccessReview

Flavonoid-Loaded Biomaterials in Bone Defect Repair

by Jiali Yang, Lifeng Zhang, Qiteng Ding, Shuai Zhang, Shuwen Sun, Wencong Liu, Jinhui Liu, Xiao Han and Chuanbo Ding

Molecules 2023, 28(19), 6888; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28196888 - 30 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2250

Abstract

Skeletons play an important role in the human body, and can form gaps of varying sizes once damaged. Bone defect healing involves a series of complex physiological processes and requires ideal bone defect implants to accelerate bone defect healing. Traditional grafts are often [...] Read more.

Skeletons play an important role in the human body, and can form gaps of varying sizes once damaged. Bone defect healing involves a series of complex physiological processes and requires ideal bone defect implants to accelerate bone defect healing. Traditional grafts are often accompanied by issues such as insufficient donors and disease transmission, while some bone defect implants are made of natural and synthetic polymers, which have characteristics such as good porosity, mechanical properties, high drug loading efficiency, biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, their antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and bone repair promoting abilities are limited. Flavonoids are natural compounds with various biological activities, such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Their good anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activities make them beneficial for the treatment of bone defects. Several researchers have designed different types of flavonoid-loaded polymer implants for bone defects. These implants have good biocompatibility, and they can effectively promote the expression of angiogenesis factors such as VEGF and CD31, promote angiogenesis, regulate signaling pathways such as Wnt, p38, AKT, Erk and increase the levels of osteogenesis-related factors such as Runx-2, OCN, OPN significantly to accelerate the process of bone defect healing. This article reviews the effectiveness and mechanism of biomaterials loaded with flavonoids in the treatment of bone defects. Flavonoid-loaded biomaterials can effectively promote bone defect repair, but we still need to improve the overall performance of flavonoid-loaded bone repair biomaterials to improve the bioavailability of flavonoids and provide more possibilities for bone defect repair. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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14 pages, 723 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polymer-Based Wound Dressings Loaded with Ginsenoside Rg3

by Jiali Yang, Lifeng Zhang, Xiaojuan Peng, Shuai Zhang, Shuwen Sun, Qiteng Ding, Chuanbo Ding and Wencong Liu

Molecules 2023, 28(13), 5066; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135066 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1857

Abstract

The skin, the largest organ in the human body, mainly plays a protective role. Once damaged, it can lead to acute or chronic wounds. Wound healing involves a series of complex physiological processes that require ideal wound dressings to promote it. The current [...] Read more.

The skin, the largest organ in the human body, mainly plays a protective role. Once damaged, it can lead to acute or chronic wounds. Wound healing involves a series of complex physiological processes that require ideal wound dressings to promote it. The current wound dressings have characteristics such as high porosity and moderate water vapor permeability, but they are limited in antibacterial properties and cannot protect wounds from microbial infections, which can delay wound healing. In addition, several dressings contain antibiotics, which may have bad impacts on patients. Natural active substances have good biocompatibility; for example, ginsenoside Rg3 has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and other biological activities, which can effectively promote wound healing. Some researchers have developed various polymer wound dressings loaded with ginsenoside Rg3 that have good biocompatibility and can effectively promote wound healing and reduce scar formation. This article will focus on the application and mechanism of ginsenoside Rg3-loaded dressings in wounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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