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19 pages, 6792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilizing Cymbopogon Proximus Grass Extract for Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanorod Needles in Dye Degradation Studies

by Manal A. Awad, Awatif A. Hendi, Khalid M. O. Ortashi, Reema A. Alnamlah, Asma Alangery, Eman Ali Alshaya and Saad G. Alshammari

Molecules 2024, 29(2), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020355 - 10 Jan 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1381

Abstract

This study successfully synthesized zinc oxide nanorod needles (ZnO-NRNs) using an environmentally friendly method employing Cymbopogon Proximus extract. The resulting ZnO-NRNs exhibited exceptional physicochemical and structural properties, confirmed through various characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), [...] Read more.

This study successfully synthesized zinc oxide nanorod needles (ZnO-NRNs) using an environmentally friendly method employing Cymbopogon Proximus extract. The resulting ZnO-NRNs exhibited exceptional physicochemical and structural properties, confirmed through various characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The analysis revealed a hexagonal wurtzite structure with high crystallinity, a 3.6 eV band gap, and a notably blue-shifted absorption band. ZnO-NRNs showed impressive photocatalytic activity, degrading Rhodamine B dye by 97% under UV and visible sunlight, highlighting their photostability and reusability. This green synthesis process offers cost effectiveness and environmental sustainability for practical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Bioapplications)

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19 pages, 5975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction and Evaluation of Alginate Dialdehyde Grafted RGD Derivatives/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Cellulose Nanocrystals IPN Composite Hydrogels

by Hongcai Wang, Ruhong Yin, Xiuqiong Chen, Ting Wu, Yanan Bu, Huiqiong Yan and Qiang Lin

Molecules 2023, 28(18), 6692; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28186692 - 19 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1721

Abstract

To enhance the mechanical strength and cell adhesion of alginate hydrogel, making it satisfy the requirements of an ideal tissue engineering scaffold, the grafting of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) polypeptide sequence onto the alginate molecular chain was conducted by oxidation of sodium periodate and subsequent [...] Read more.

To enhance the mechanical strength and cell adhesion of alginate hydrogel, making it satisfy the requirements of an ideal tissue engineering scaffold, the grafting of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) polypeptide sequence onto the alginate molecular chain was conducted by oxidation of sodium periodate and subsequent reduction amination of 2-methylpyridine borane complex (2-PBC) to synthesize alginate dialdehyde grafted RGD derivatives (ADA-RGD) with good cellular affinity. The interpenetrating network (IPN) composite hydrogels of alginate/polyvinyl alcohol/cellulose nanocrystals (ALG/PVA/CNCs) were fabricated through a physical mixture of ion cross-linking of sodium alginate (SA) with hydroxyapatite/D-glucono-δ-lactone (HAP/GDL), and physical cross-linking of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by a freezing/thawing method, using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as the reinforcement agent. The effects of the addition of CNCs and different contents of PVA on the morphology, thermal stability, mechanical properties, swelling, biodegradability, and cell compatibility of the IPN composite hydrogels were investigated, and the effect of RGD grafting on the biological properties of the IPN composite hydrogels was also studied. The resultant IPN ALG/PVA/CNCs composite hydrogels exhibited good pore structure and regular 3D morphology, whose pore size and porosity could be regulated by adjusting PVA content and the addition of CNCs. By increasing the PVA content, the number of physical cross-linking points in PVA increased, resulting in greater stress support for the IPN composite hydrogels of ALG/PVA/CNCs and consequently improving their mechanical characteristics. The creation of the IPN ALG/PVA/CNCs composite hydrogels’ physical cross-linking network through intramolecular or intermolecular hydrogen bonding led to improved thermal resistance and reduced swelling and biodegradation rate. Conversely, the ADA-RGD/PVA/CNCs IPN composite hydrogels exhibited a quicker degradation rate, attributed to the elimination of ADA-RGD by alkali. The results of the in vitro cytocompatibility showed that ALG/0.5PVA/0.3%CNCs and ADA-RGD/PVA/0.3%CNCs composite hydrogels showed better proliferative activity in comparison with other composite hydrogels, while ALG/PVA/0.3%CNCs and ADA-RGD/PVA/0.3%CNCs composite hydrogels displayed obvious proliferation effects, indicating that PVA, CNCs, and ADA-RGD with good biocompatibility were conducive to cell proliferation and differentiation for the IPN composite hydrogels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Bioapplications)

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18 pages, 5016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles in a Bacterial Nanocellulose Matrix and the Study of Their Oxidizing and Reducing Properties

by Nina Melnikova, Darina Malygina, Vitaly Korokin, Hayder Al-Azzawi, Daria Zdorova, Evgeniy Mokshin, Elena Liyaskina, Irina Kurgaeva and Victor Revin

Molecules 2023, 28(6), 2604; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062604 - 13 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2523

Abstract

A soft synthesis of nanoceria with non-stoichiometric composition (33% Ce³⁺/67% Ce⁴⁺) named CeO₂ NPs in bacterial cellulose (BC) matrix in the form of aerogel and hydrogel with controlled CeO₂ NPs content was proposed. The advantage of CeO [...] Read more.

A soft synthesis of nanoceria with non-stoichiometric composition (33% Ce³⁺/67% Ce⁴⁺) named CeO₂ NPs in bacterial cellulose (BC) matrix in the form of aerogel and hydrogel with controlled CeO₂ NPs content was proposed. The advantage of CeO₂ NPs synthesis in BC is the use of systemic antacid API–trisamine as a precursor, which did not destruct cellulose at room temperature and enabled a reduction in the duration of synthesis and the number of washes. Moreover, this method resulted in the subsequent uniform distribution of CeO₂ NPs in the BC matrix due to cerium (III) nitrate sorption in the BC matrix. CeO₂ NPs (0.1–50.0%) in the BC matrix had a fluorite structure with a size of 3–5 nm; the specific surface area of the composites was 233.728 m²/g. CeO₂ NPs in the BC-CeO₂ NPs composite demonstrated SOD-like activity in the processes of oxidation and reduction of cytochrome c (cyt c³⁺/cyt c²⁺), as well as epinephrine to inhibit its auto-oxidation in aqueous solutions by 33–63% relative to the control. In vitro experiments on rat blood showed a decrease in the MDA level and an increase in the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes–SOD by 24% and G6PDH by 2.0–2.5 times. Therefore, BC-CeO₂ NPs can be proposed for wound healing as antioxidant material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Bioapplications)

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12 pages, 2035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Binding Effects of the Ecdysone Receptor−Binding Domain and PonA in Plutella xylostella

by Yanjiao Feng, Jialin Cui, Binyan Jin, Xiuzhen Li, Xiaoming Zhang, Libing Liu and Li Zhang

Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1426; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031426 - 2 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2003

Abstract

Both insect ecdysone receptors and ultraspiracle belong to the nuclear receptor family. They form a nanoscale self-assembling complex with ecdysteroids in cells, transit into the nucleus, bind with genes to initiate transcription, and perform specific biological functions to regulate the molting, metamorphosis, and [...] Read more.

Both insect ecdysone receptors and ultraspiracle belong to the nuclear receptor family. They form a nanoscale self-assembling complex with ecdysteroids in cells, transit into the nucleus, bind with genes to initiate transcription, and perform specific biological functions to regulate the molting, metamorphosis, and growth processes of insects. Therefore, this complex is an important target for the development of eco-friendly insecticides. The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is a devastating pest of cruciferous vegetable crops, wreaking havoc worldwide and causing severe economic losses, and this pest has developed resistance to most chemical insecticides. In this study, highly pure EcR and USP functional domains were obtained by constructing a prokaryotic expression system for the diamondback moth EcR and USP functional domain genes, and the differences between EcR and USP binding domain monomers and dimers were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy and zeta potential. Radioisotope experiments further confirmed that the binding affinity of PonA to the EcR/USP dimer was enhanced approximately 20-fold compared with the binding affinity to the PxGST−EcR monomer. The differences between PonA and tebufenozide in binding with EcR/USP were examined. Molecular simulations showed that the hydrogen bonding network formed by Glu307 and Arg382 on the EcR/USP dimer was a key factor in the affinity enhancement. This study provides a rapid and sensitive method for screening ecdysone agonists for ecdysone receptor studies in vitro. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Bioapplications)

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13 pages, 2398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A pH-Responsive Drug Delivery System Based on Conjugated Polymer for Effective Synergistic Chemo-/Photodynamic Therapy

by Chen Zhang, Qiong Yuan, Ziqi Zhang and Yanli Tang

Molecules 2023, 28(1), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010399 - 3 Jan 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2006

Abstract

Stimuli-responsive drug release and photodynamic therapy (PDT) have aroused extensive attention for their enormous potential in antitumor treatment. pH-responsive drug delivery systems (PFE-DOX-1 and PFE-DOX-2) based on water-soluble conjugated polymers were constructed in this work for high-performance synergistic chemo-/PDT therapy, in which the [...] Read more.

Stimuli-responsive drug release and photodynamic therapy (PDT) have aroused extensive attention for their enormous potential in antitumor treatment. pH-responsive drug delivery systems (PFE-DOX-1 and PFE-DOX-2) based on water-soluble conjugated polymers were constructed in this work for high-performance synergistic chemo-/PDT therapy, in which the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) is covalently attached to the side chains of the conjugated polymers via acid-labile imine and acylhydrazone bonds. Concurrently, the intense fluorescence of poly(fluorene-co-ethynylene) (PFE) is effectively quenched due to the energy/electron transfer (ET) between the PFE-conjugated backbone and DOX. Effective pH-responsive drug release from PFE-DOX-2 is achieved by the cleavage of acylhydrazone linkages in the acidic tumor intracellular microenvironment. Additionally, the drug release process can be monitored by the recovered fluorescence of conjugated polymers. Furthermore, the conjugated polymers can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) under light irradiation after drug release in an acidic environment, which prevents possible phototoxicity to normal tissues. It is noted that PFE-DOX-2 demonstrates remarkable antitumor cell performance, which is attributed to its efficient cell uptake and powerful synergistic chemo-/PDT therapeutic effectiveness. This report thus provides a promising strategy for in vivo anticancer treatment with the construction of a stimuli-responsive multifunctional drug delivery system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Bioapplications)

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12 pages, 3056 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disposable Electrochemical Sensors for Highly Sensitive Detection of Chlorpromazine in Human Whole Blood Based on the Silica Nanochannel Array Modified Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode

by Qianqian Han, Tongtong Zhang, Meifang Wang, Fei Yan and Jiyang Liu

Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8200; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238200 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 1930

Abstract

Rapid and highly sensitive quantitative analysis of chlorpromazine (CPZ) in human whole blood is of great importance for human health. Herein, we utilize the screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) as the electrode substrates for growth of highly electroactive and antifouling nanocomposite materials consisting of [...] Read more.

Rapid and highly sensitive quantitative analysis of chlorpromazine (CPZ) in human whole blood is of great importance for human health. Herein, we utilize the screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) as the electrode substrates for growth of highly electroactive and antifouling nanocomposite materials consisting of vertically ordered mesoporous silica films (VMSF) and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ErGO) nanosheets. The preparation of such VMSF/ErGO/SPCE could be performed by using an electrochemical method in a few seconds and the operation is controllable. Inner ErGO layer converted from graphene oxide (GO) in the growth process of VMSF provides oxygen-containing groups and two-dimensional π-conjugated planar structure for stable fabrication of outer VMSF layer. Owing to the π-π enrichment and excellent electrocatalytic abilities of ErGO, electrostatic preconcentration and antifouling capacities of VMSF, and inherent disposable and miniaturized properties of SPCE, the proposed VMSF/ErGO/SPCE sensor could be applied for quantitative determination of CPZ in human whole blood with high accuracy and sensitivity, good stability, and low sample consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Bioapplications)

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9 pages, 1685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vivo Evaluation of Anti-Nociceptive Effects of Silver Nanoparticles

by Shereen Morsi, Valeria Pittala, Mohammad Alqudah, Mohamed Haider and Khaled Greish

Molecules 2022, 27(21), 7259; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217259 - 26 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1337

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used commercially due to their antimicrobial effects. Little is known about the effect of AgNPs on neural transmission and pain response. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-nociceptive activity of AgNPs. AgNPs were prepared at [...] Read more.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used commercially due to their antimicrobial effects. Little is known about the effect of AgNPs on neural transmission and pain response. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-nociceptive activity of AgNPs. AgNPs were prepared at 16 ug/mL, white albino rats were injected with various doses of AgNPs, and challenged using a hot-plate test and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) was measured. The chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was utilized to evaluate the pedal withdrawal reflex and tail withdrawal reflex. An electrophysiological study was conducted utilizing colon longitudinal muscle strips. AgNPs increased the latency of PWL in a dose-dependent matter over the duration of 6 h. The paw withdrawal threshold in animals with CCI significantly increased after AgNPs administration. In isolated colon longitudinal muscle strips, AgNPs significantly reduced the colonic migrating motor complexes (MMCs) and contraction. This action was completely reversed after removing the AgNPs and adding acetylcholine to the preparation. In this study, AgNPs showed significant anti-nociception properties. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe this pharmacological action of AgNPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Bioapplications)

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Review

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23 pages, 2146 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanomaterials in Drug Delivery: Strengths and Opportunities in Medicine

by Chinedu O. Egwu, Chinyere Aloke, Kenneth T. Onwe, Chukwunalu Igbudu Umoke, Joseph Nwafor, Robert A. Eyo, Jennifer Adaeze Chukwu, Godswill O. Ufebe, Jennifer Ladokun, David Tersoo Audu, Anthony O. Agwu, David Chukwu Obasi and Chukwuemeka O. Okoro

Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2584; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112584 - 31 May 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3832

Abstract

There is a myriad of diseases that plague the world ranging from infectious, cancer and other chronic diseases with varying interventions. However, the dynamism of causative agents of infectious diseases and incessant mutations accompanying other forms of chronic diseases like cancer, have worsened [...] Read more.

There is a myriad of diseases that plague the world ranging from infectious, cancer and other chronic diseases with varying interventions. However, the dynamism of causative agents of infectious diseases and incessant mutations accompanying other forms of chronic diseases like cancer, have worsened the treatment outcomes. These factors often lead to treatment failure via different drug resistance mechanisms. More so, the cost of developing newer drugs is huge. This underscores the need for a paradigm shift in the drug delivery approach in order to achieve desired treatment outcomes. There is intensified research in nanomedicine, which has shown promises in improving the therapeutic outcome of drugs at preclinical stages with increased efficacy and reduced toxicity. Regardless of the huge benefits of nanotechnology in drug delivery, challenges such as regulatory approval, scalability, cost implication and potential toxicity must be addressed via streamlining of regulatory hurdles and increased research funding. In conclusion, the idea of nanotechnology in drug delivery holds immense promise for optimizing therapeutic outcomes. This work presents opportunities to revolutionize treatment strategies, providing expert opinions on translating the huge amount of research in nanomedicine into clinical benefits for patients with resistant infections and cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Bioapplications)

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15 pages, 3885 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress of Preparation Strategies in Organic Nanoparticles for Cancer Phototherapeutics

by Quanquan Xie, Jiayi Tang, Shengze Guo, Qi Zhao and Shengliang Li

Molecules 2023, 28(16), 6038; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28166038 - 13 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2684

Abstract

Phototherapy has the advantages of being a highly targeted, less toxic, less invasive, and repeatable treatment, compared with conventional treatment methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The preparation strategies are significant in order to determine the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles. [...] Read more.

Phototherapy has the advantages of being a highly targeted, less toxic, less invasive, and repeatable treatment, compared with conventional treatment methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The preparation strategies are significant in order to determine the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles. However, choosing appropriate preparation strategies to meet applications is still challenging. This review summarizes the recent progress of preparation strategies in organic nanoparticles, mainly focusing on the principles, methods, and advantages of nanopreparation strategies. In addition, typical examples of cancer phototherapeutics are introduced in detail to inform the choice of appropriate preparation strategies. The relative future trend and outlook are preliminarily proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Bioapplications)

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16 pages, 324 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Fluorescent Nanoprobes for Food Safety Detection

by Huanxiang Yuan, Yutong Li, Jiaqi Lv, Yunhe An, Di Guan, Jia Liu, Chenxiao Tu, Xiaoyu Wang and Huijuan Zhou

Molecules 2023, 28(14), 5604; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145604 - 24 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2190

Abstract

Fluorescent nanoprobes show similar fluorescence properties to traditional organic dyes, but the addition of nanotechnology accurately controls the size, shape, chemical composition, and surface chemistry of the nanoprobes with unique characteristics and properties, such as bright luminescence, high photostability, and strong biocompatibility. For [...] Read more.

Fluorescent nanoprobes show similar fluorescence properties to traditional organic dyes, but the addition of nanotechnology accurately controls the size, shape, chemical composition, and surface chemistry of the nanoprobes with unique characteristics and properties, such as bright luminescence, high photostability, and strong biocompatibility. For example, modifying aptamers or antibodies on a fluorescent nanoprobe provides high selectivity and specificity for different objects to be tested. Fluorescence intensity, life, and other parameters of targets can be changed by different sensing mechanisms based on the unique structural and optical characteristics of fluorescent nanoprobes. What’s more, the detection of fluorescent nanoprobes is cost-saving, simple, and offers great advantages in rapid food detection. Sensing mechanisms of fluorescent nanoprobes were introduced in this paper, focusing on the application progress in pesticide residues, veterinary drug residues, heavy metals, microbes, mycotoxins, and other substances in food safety detection in recent years. A brief outlook for future development was provided as well. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Bioapplications)

20 pages, 7070 KiB

Open AccessReview

Engineered Lipidic Nanomaterials Inspired by Sphingomyelin Metabolism for Cancer Therapy

by Han Zhu, Hua-Jie Chen, Hai-Yan Wen, Zhi-Gang Wang and Shu-Lin Liu

Molecules 2023, 28(14), 5366; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145366 - 12 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2183

Abstract

Sphingomyelin (SM) and its metabolites are crucial regulators of tumor cell growth, differentiation, senescence, and programmed cell death. With the rise in lipid-based nanomaterials, engineered lipidic nanomaterials inspired by SM metabolism, corresponding lipid targeting, and signaling activation have made fascinating advances in cancer [...] Read more.

Sphingomyelin (SM) and its metabolites are crucial regulators of tumor cell growth, differentiation, senescence, and programmed cell death. With the rise in lipid-based nanomaterials, engineered lipidic nanomaterials inspired by SM metabolism, corresponding lipid targeting, and signaling activation have made fascinating advances in cancer therapeutic processes. In this review, we first described the specific pathways of SM metabolism and the roles of their associated bioactive molecules in mediating cell survival or death. We next summarized the advantages and specific applications of SM metabolism-based lipidic nanomaterials in specific cancer therapies. Finally, we discussed the challenges and perspectives of this emerging and promising SM metabolism-based nanomaterials research area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Bioapplications)

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42 pages, 796 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Development of Nano-Carbon Material in Pharmaceutical Application: A Review

by Prastika K. Jiwanti, Brasstira Y. Wardhana, Laurencia G. Sutanto, Diva Meisya Maulina Dewi, Ilmanda Zalzabhila Danistya Putri and Ilmi Nur Indira Savitri

Molecules 2022, 27(21), 7578; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217578 - 4 Nov 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4070

Abstract

Carbon nanomaterials have attracted researchers in pharmaceutical applications due to their outstanding properties and flexible dimensional structures. Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have electrical properties, high thermal surface area, and high cellular internalization, making them suitable for drug and gene delivery, antioxidants, bioimaging, biosensing, and [...] Read more.

Carbon nanomaterials have attracted researchers in pharmaceutical applications due to their outstanding properties and flexible dimensional structures. Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have electrical properties, high thermal surface area, and high cellular internalization, making them suitable for drug and gene delivery, antioxidants, bioimaging, biosensing, and tissue engineering applications. There are various types of carbon nanomaterials including graphene, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, nanodiamond, quantum dots and many more that have interesting applications in the future. The functionalization of the carbon nanomaterial surface could modify its chemical and physical properties, as well as improve drug loading capacity, biocompatibility, suppress immune response and have the ability to direct drug delivery to the targeted site. Carbon nanomaterials could also be fabricated into composites with proteins and drugs to reduce toxicity and increase effectiveness in the pharmaceutical field. Thus, carbon nanomaterials are very effective for applications in pharmaceutical or biomedical systems. This review will demonstrate the extraordinary properties of nanocarbon materials that can be used in pharmaceutical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Bioapplications)

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