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Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications in Biomedicine

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A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 24499

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Prof. Dr. Ying-Jie Zhu

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Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
Interests: microwave-assisted synthesis of nanomaterials; biomaterials; biomimetic materials; drug delivery; nanostructured materials; nanowires; self-assembly; fire-resistant paper
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Heng Li

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Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
Interests: hydroxyapatite; nanowires; biocompatible electronic devices; battery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanostructured materials are a class of materials whose constituting building units have sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nm in one, two or three dimensions. Over the past several decades, nanostructured materials have drawn extensive attention worldwide due to their unique and attractive properties. The high surface-to-volume ratio, ability for surface functionalization, and other superior properties of nanostructured materials provide promising applications in a variety of fields including nanomedicine. As a result, nanostructured materials have become a popular and rapidly evolving research field, and have demonstrated promising potential in solving various biomedical problems that cannot be addressed via traditional techniques. Various types of inorganic and organic nanostructured materials—including quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanospheres, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, nanosheets, mesoporous materials, and nanocomposites—have been synthesized and investigated for applications in various biomedical fields, such as drug delivery, bone defect repair, orthopedic surgery, tooth repair, skin wound healing, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, anti-tumor therapy, biosensing, bioimaging, diagnosis and therapy.

This Special Issue on “Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications in Biomedicine” aims to gather original interdisciplinary research on the recent progress in nanostructured materials for biomedical applications. This Special Issue focuses on all aspects of research regarding the design strategy, synthesis, characterization, functionalization and biomedical applications of nanostructured materials. It is our great pleasure to invite researchers in the relevant fields to contribute original research manuscripts, including full research papers, short communications, and reviews within the scope of this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Ying-Jie Zhu
Dr. Heng Li
Guest Editors

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Keywords

nanostructured materials
biomaterials
dental materials
biomedicine
biomedical applications
drug delivery
bone defect repair
orthopedic surgery
skin wound healing
anti-tumor
biosensing
bioimaging
diagnosis
therapy

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 9884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multifunctional Biocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Prospects for Regenerative Medicine and Controlled Drug Delivery

by Mohamed Aaddouz, Ridouan El Yousfi, Rachid Sabbahi, Khalil Azzaoui, Meryem Idrissi Yahyaoui, Abdeslam Asehraou, Belkheir Hammouti, Fouad Laoutid, Mohammed M. Alanazi and Elmiloud Mejdoubi

Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3483; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153483 - 25 Jul 2024

Viewed by 967

Abstract

This article presents a new method for preparing multifunctional composite biomaterials with applications in advanced biomedical fields. The biomaterials consist of dicalcium phosphate (DCPD) and bioactive silicate glasses (SiO₂/Na₂O and SiO₂/K₂O), containing the antibiotic streptomycin sulfate. Materials were deeply characterized by X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential analysis, UV–visible spectrophotometry, and ion-exchange measurement were applied in a simulating body fluid (SBF) solution. The main results include an in situ chemical transformation of dicalcium phosphate into an apatitic phase under the influence of silicate solutions and the incorporation of the antibiotic. The zeta potential showed a decrease in surface charge from ζ = −24.6 mV to ζ = −16.5 mV. In addition, a controlled and prolonged release of antibiotics was observed over a period of 37 days, with a released concentration of up to 755 ppm. Toxicity tests in mice demonstrated good tolerance of the biomaterials, with no significant adverse effects. Moreover, these biomaterials have shown potent antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains, including Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting their potential use in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and orthopedic and dental implants. By integrating the antibiotic into the biomaterial composites, we achieved controlled release and prolonged antibacterial efficacy. This research contributes to advancing biomaterials by exploring innovative synthetic routes and showcasing their promise in regenerative medicine and controlled drug delivery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications in Biomedicine)

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18 pages, 6575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sol–Gel Synthesis of Silica–Poly (Vinylpyrrolidone) Hybrids with Prooxidant Activity and Antibacterial Properties

by Albena Bachvarova-Nedelcheva, Yoanna Kostova, Lilia Yordanova, Elena Nenova, Pavletta Shestakova, Iliana Ivanova and Elitsa Pavlova

Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2675; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112675 - 5 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1020

Abstract

The present work deals with the sol–gel synthesis of silica–poly (vinylpyrrolidone) hybrid materials. The nanohybrids (Si-PVP) have been prepared using an acidic catalyst at ambient temperature. Tetramethyl ortosilane (TMOS) was used as a silica precursor. Poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) was introduced into the reaction mixture as a solution in ethanol with a concentration of 20%. The XRD established that the as-prepared material is amorphous. The IR and ²⁹Si MAS NMR spectra proved the formation of a polymerized silica network as well as the hydrogen bonding interactions between the silica matrix and OH hydrogens of the silanol groups. The TEM showed spherical particle formation along with increased agglomeration tendency. The efficacy of SiO₂/PVP nanoparticles as a potential antimicrobial agent against a wide range of bacteria was evaluated as bacteriostatic, using agar diffusion and spot tests. Combined effects of hybrid nanomaterial and antibiotics could significantly reduce the bactericidal concentrations of both the antibiotic and the particles, and they could also eliminate the antibiotic resistance of the pathogen. The registered prooxidant activity of the newly synthesized material was confirmative and explicatory for the antibacterial properties of the tested substance and its synergetic combination with antibiotics. The effect of new hybrid material on Crustacea Daphnia magna was also estimated as harmless under concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications in Biomedicine)

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18 pages, 2945 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Luminescent Alendronic Acid-Conjugated Micellar Nanostructures for Potential Application in the Bone-Targeted Delivery of Cholecalciferol

by Federica Rizzi, Annamaria Panniello, Roberto Comparelli, Ilaria Arduino, Elisabetta Fanizza, Rosa Maria Iacobazzi, Maria Grazia Perrone, Marinella Striccoli, Maria Lucia Curri, Antonio Scilimati, Nunzio Denora and Nicoletta Depalo

Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2367; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102367 - 17 May 2024

Viewed by 1064

Abstract

Vitamin D, an essential micronutrient crucial for skeletal integrity and various non-skeletal physiological functions, exhibits limited bioavailability and stability in vivo. This study is focused on the development of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-grafted phospholipid micellar nanostructures co-encapsulating vitamin D3 and conjugated with alendronic acid, aimed at active bone targeting. Furthermore, these nanostructures are rendered optically traceable in the UV–visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum via the simultaneous encapsulation of vitamin D3 with carbon dots, a newly emerging class of fluorescents, biocompatible nanoparticles characterized by their resistance to photobleaching and environmental friendliness, which hold promise for future in vitro bioimaging studies. A systematic investigation is conducted to optimize experimental parameters for the preparation of micellar nanostructures with an average hydrodynamic diameter below 200 nm, ensuring colloidal stability in physiological media while preserving the optical luminescent properties of the encapsulated carbon dots. Comprehensive chemical-physical characterization of these micellar nanostructures is performed employing optical and morphological techniques. Furthermore, their binding affinity for the principal inorganic constituent of bone tissue is assessed through a binding assay with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, indicating significant potential for active bone-targeting. These formulated nanostructures hold promise for novel therapeutic interventions to address skeletal-related complications in cancer affected patients in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications in Biomedicine)

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17 pages, 4032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pioglitazone Phases and Metabolic Effects in Nanoparticle-Treated Cells Analyzed via Rapid Visualization of FLIM Images

by Biagio Todaro, Luca Pesce, Francesco Cardarelli and Stefano Luin

Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2137; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092137 - 4 May 2024

Viewed by 4229

Abstract

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) has proven to be a useful method for analyzing various aspects of material science and biology, like the supramolecular organization of (slightly) fluorescent compounds or the metabolic activity in non-labeled cells; in particular, FLIM phasor analysis (phasor-FLIM) has the potential for an intuitive representation of complex fluorescence decays and therefore of the analyzed properties. Here we present and make available tools to fully exploit this potential, in particular by coding via hue, saturation, and intensity the phasor positions and their weights both in the phasor plot and in the microscope image. We apply these tools to analyze FLIM data acquired via two-photon microscopy to visualize: (i) different phases of the drug pioglitazone (PGZ) in solutions and/or crystals, (ii) the position in the phasor plot of non-labelled poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs), and (iii) the effect of PGZ or PGZ-containing NPs on the metabolism of insulinoma (INS-1 E) model cells. PGZ is recognized for its efficacy in addressing insulin resistance and hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and polymeric nanoparticles offer versatile platforms for drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and controlled release kinetics. This study lays the foundation for a better understanding via phasor-FLIM of the organization and effects of drugs, in particular, PGZ, within NPs, aiming at better control of encapsulation and pharmacokinetics, and potentially at novel anti-diabetics theragnostic nanotools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications in Biomedicine)

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18 pages, 6131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Rapid Self−Assembling Peptide Hydrogel for Delivery of TFF3 to Promote Gastric Mucosal Injury Repair

by Jialei Chen, Jing Luo, Di Su, Na Lu, Jiawei Zhao and Zhongli Luo

Molecules 2024, 29(9), 1944; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29091944 - 24 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1146

Abstract

Self-assembled peptide-based nanobiomaterials exhibit promising prospects for drug delivery applications owing to their commendable biocompatibility and biodegradability, facile tissue uptake and utilization, and minimal or negligible unexpected toxicity. TFF3 is an active peptide autonomously secreted by gastric mucosal cells, possessing multiple biological functions. It acts on the surface of the gastric mucosa, facilitating the repair process of gastric mucosal damage. However, when used as a drug, TFF3 faces significant challenges, including short retention time in the gastric mucosal cavity and deactivation due to degradation by stomach acid. In response to this challenge, we developed a self−assembled short peptide hydrogel, Rqdl10, designed as a delivery vehicle for TFF3. Our investigation encompasses an assessment of its properties, biocompatibility, controlled release of TFF3, and the mechanism underlying the promotion of gastric mucosal injury repair. Congo red/aniline blue staining revealed that Rqdl10 promptly self-assembled in PBS, forming hydrogels. Circular dichroism spectra indicated the presence of a stable β-sheet secondary structure in the Rqdl10 hydrogel. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy observations demonstrated that the Rqdl10 formed vesicle-like structures in the PBS, which were interconnected to construct a three-dimensional nanostructure. Moreover, the Rqdl10 hydrogel exhibited outstanding biocompatibility and could sustainably and slowly release TFF3. The utilization of the Rqdl10 hydrogel as a carrier for TFF3 substantially augmented its proliferative and migratory capabilities, while concurrently bolstering its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic attributes following gastric mucosal injury. Our findings underscore the immense potential of the self-assembled peptide hydrogel Rqdl10 for biomedical applications, promising significant contributions to healthcare science. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications in Biomedicine)

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19 pages, 6964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects of AgNPs and Biochar: A Potential Combination for Combating Lung Cancer and Pathogenic Bacteria

by Maha N. Abu Hajleh, Muhamad Al-limoun, Amjad Al-Tarawneh, Tahani J. Hijazin, Moath Alqaraleh, Khaled Khleifat, Osama Y. Al-Madanat, Yaseen Al Qaisi, Ahmad AlSarayreh, Ali Al-Samydai, Haitham Qaralleh and Emad A. S. Al-Dujaili

Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4757; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124757 - 14 Jun 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2070

Abstract

The synthesis of reliable biological nanomaterials is a crucial area of study in nanotechnology. In this study, Emericella dentata was employed for the biosynthesis of AgNPs, which were then combined with synthesized biochar, a porous structure created through biomass pyrolysis. The synergistic effects of AgNPs and biochar were evaluated through the assessment of pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-apoptotic gene expression, and antibacterial activity. Solid biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated by XRD and SEM, with SEM images revealing that most of the AgNPs ranged from 10 to 80 nm, with over 70% being less than 40 nm. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of stabilizing and reducing functional groups in the AgNPs. The nanoemulsion’s zeta potential, hydrodynamic diameter, and particle distribution index were found to be −19.6 mV, 37.62 nm, and 0.231, respectively. Biochar, on the other hand, did not have any antibacterial effects on the tested bacterial species. However, when combined with AgNPs, its antibacterial efficacy against all bacterial species was significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the combined material significantly reduced the expression of anti-apoptotic genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to individual treatments. This study suggests that low-dose AgNPs coupled with biochar could be a more effective method to combat lung cancer epithelial cells and pathogenic bacteria compared to either substance alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications in Biomedicine)

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Review

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17 pages, 1439 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis: An Effective Tool to Characterize Extracellular Vesicles

by Gabrielle Kowkabany and Yuping Bao

Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4672; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194672 - 1 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1311

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed particles that have attracted much attention for their potential in disease diagnosis and therapy. However, the clinical translation is limited by the dosing consistency due to their heterogeneity. Among various characterization techniques, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) offers distinct benefits for EV characterization. In this review, we will discuss the NTA technique with a focus on factors affecting the results; then, we will review the two modes of the NTA techniques along with suitable applications in specific areas of EV studies. EVs are typically characterized by their size, size distribution, concentration, protein markers, and RNA cargos. The light-scattering mode of NTA offers accurate size, size distribution, and concentration information in solution, which is useful for comparing EV isolation methods, storage conditions, and EV secretion conditions. In contrast, fluorescent mode of NTA allows differentiating EV subgroups based on specific markers. The success of fluorescence NTA heavily relies on fluorescent tags (e.g., types of dyes and labeling methods). When EVs are labeled with disease-specific markers, fluorescence NTA offers an effective tool for disease detection in biological fluids, such as saliva, blood, and serum. Finally, we will discuss the limitations and future directions of the NTA technique in EV characterization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications in Biomedicine)

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21 pages, 2024 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancements in the Synthesis and Functionalization of Zinc Oxide-Based Nanomaterials for Enhanced Oral Cancer Therapy

by Jinjin Pei, Prabhu Manickam Natarajan, Vidhya Rekha Umapathy, Bhuminathan Swamikannu, Nandini Manickam Sivaraman, Lakshmi Krishnasamy and Chella Perumal Palanisamy

Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2706; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112706 - 6 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1416

Abstract

The fabrication of zinc oxide-based nanomaterials (including natural and synthetic polymers like sulfated polysaccharide, chitosan, and polymethyl methacrylate) has potential to improve oral cancer treatment strategies. This comprehensive review explores the diverse synthesis methods employed to fabricate zinc oxide nanomaterials tailored for oral cancer applications. Several synthesis processes, particularly sol–gel, hydrothermal, and chemical vapor deposition approaches, are thoroughly studied, highlighting their advantages and limitations. The review also examines how synthesis parameters, such as precursor selection, the reaction temperature, and growth conditions, influence both the physicochemical attributes and biological efficacy of the resulting nanomaterials. Furthermore, recent advancements in surface functionalization and modification strategies targeted at improving the targeting specificity and pharmaceutical effectiveness of zinc oxide-based nanomaterials in oral cancer therapy are elucidated. Additionally, the review provides insights into the existing issues and prospective views in the field, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize synthesis methodologies and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of zinc oxide-based nanoparticles in oral cancer therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications in Biomedicine)

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32 pages, 3046 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancements in Nanosystems for Ocular Drug Delivery: A Focus on Pediatric Retinoblastoma

by Kevin Y. Wu, Xingao C. Wang, Maude Anderson and Simon D. Tran

Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2263; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102263 - 11 May 2024

Viewed by 1883

Abstract

The eye’s complex anatomical structures present formidable barriers to effective drug delivery across a range of ocular diseases, from anterior to posterior segment pathologies. Emerging as a promising solution to these challenges, nanotechnology-based platforms—including but not limited to liposomes, dendrimers, and micelles—have shown the potential to revolutionize ophthalmic therapeutics. These nanocarriers enhance drug bioavailability, increase residence time in targeted ocular tissues, and offer precise, localized delivery, minimizing systemic side effects. Focusing on pediatric ophthalmology, particularly on retinoblastoma, this review delves into the recent advancements in functionalized nanosystems for drug delivery. Covering the literature from 2017 to 2023, it comprehensively examines these nanocarriers’ potential impact on transforming the treatment landscape for retinoblastoma. The review highlights the critical role of these platforms in overcoming the unique pediatric eye barriers, thus enhancing treatment efficacy. It underscores the necessity for ongoing research to realize the full clinical potential of these innovative drug delivery systems in pediatric ophthalmology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications in Biomedicine)

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23 pages, 7526 KiB

Open AccessReview

Calcium Phosphate-Based Nanomaterials: Preparation, Multifunction, and Application for Bone Tissue Engineering

by Xin Chen, Huizhang Li, Yinhua Ma and Yingying Jiang

Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4790; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124790 - 15 Jun 2023

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4470

Abstract

Calcium phosphate is the main inorganic component of bone. Calcium phosphate-based biomaterials have demonstrated great potential in bone tissue engineering due to their superior biocompatibility, pH-responsive degradability, excellent osteoinductivity, and similar components to bone. Calcium phosphate nanomaterials have gained more and more attention for their enhanced bioactivity and better integration with host tissues. Additionally, they can also be easily functionalized with metal ions, bioactive molecules/proteins, as well as therapeutic drugs; thus, calcium phosphate-based biomaterials have been widely used in many other fields, such as drug delivery, cancer therapy, and as nanoprobes in bioimaging. Thus, the preparation methods of calcium phosphate nanomaterials were systematically reviewed, and the multifunction strategies of calcium phosphate-based biomaterials have also been comprehensively summarized. Finally, the applications and perspectives of functionalized calcium phosphate biomaterials in bone tissue engineering, including bone defect repair, bone regeneration, and drug delivery, were illustrated and discussed by presenting typical examples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications in Biomedicine)

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24 pages, 5834 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cell Membrane Biomimetic Nanoparticles with Potential in Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

by Xinyu Zhong, Yue Na, Shun Yin, Chang Yan, Jinlian Gu, Ning Zhang and Fang Geng

Molecules 2023, 28(5), 2336; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28052336 - 3 Mar 2023

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3748

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is to blame for about 60% of dementia cases worldwide. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) prevents many medications for AD from having clinical therapeutic effects that can be used to treat the affected area. Many researchers have turned their attention to cell membrane biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) to solve this situation. Among them, NPs can extend the half-life of drugs in the body as the “core” of the wrapped drug, and the cell membrane acts as the “shell” of the wrapped NPs to functionalize the NPs, which can further improve the delivery efficiency of nano-drug delivery systems. Researchers are learning that cell membrane biomimetic NPs can circumvent the BBB’s restriction, prevent harm to the body’s immune system, extend the period that NPs spend in circulation, and have good biocompatibility and cytotoxicity, which increases efficacy of drug release. This review summarized the detailed production process and features of core NPs and further introduced the extraction methods of cell membrane and fusion methods of cell membrane biomimetic NPs. In addition, the targeting peptides for modifying biomimetic NPs to target the BBB to demonstrate the broad prospects of cell membrane biomimetic NPs drug delivery systems were summarized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications in Biomedicine)

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