Synthesis and Application of Nanomaterials in Medicine and Related Sciences

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2020) | Viewed by 66389

Special Issue Editors


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Division of Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Metallurgy, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: trace element analysis using spectrometric methods (ICP OES, ICP MS, FAAS, and ETAAS); speciation and fractionation analysis of metals and metalloids using chromatographic separation; application of chemical vapor generation (CVG) techniques for analytical atomic and mass spectrometry; analytical and spectroscopic characteristics of cold atmospheric pressure plasmas (CAPPs); application of CAPPs in biology, medicine, and technology
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E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Chemistry, Division of Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Metallurgy, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: cold atmospheric pressure plasmas (CAPPs); analytical chemistry; nanotechnology; plasma medicine; plasma spectroscopy; analytical atomic spectrometry; microplasmas; materials engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Chemistry, Division of Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Metallurgy, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: cold atmospheric pressure plasmas (CAPPs); electrotechnics, glow discharge (GD); microbiology; nanomaterials; nanotechnology; plasma medicine; toxicity of nanomaterials; impact of nanomaterials on environment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of synthesis methods of various organic and inorganic nanomaterials, which differ due to morphology, functionality, toxicity, stability, and biological properties, certainly opens a broad route to their practical and innovative applications in medicine and related sciences such as clinical diagnostics and therapies, biomedical analyses, and pharmacology. Their small size and optical properties, and the possibility of surface modification, make different nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, quantum dots, as well as carbon based nanostructures, especially applicable in anticancer therapy, drug delivery systems, bioimaging of cells and tissues, and regeneration of tissues and organs. The unique spectroscopic properties of certain nanomaterials and their specific responses in the presence of biological substances make them very useful for the production of electrodes or sensors used for their detection and monitoring. Finally, some nanomaterials exhibit antimicrobial activity; hence, they can be applied for alternative antimicrobial therapies and treatment.

The present Special Issue is dedicated to all researchers and academics who deal with the synthesis, characterization, and practical applications of nanomaterials in new medical therapies, diagnostics, and analyses due to their biological activity with therapeutic relevance and other desirable physicochemical properties. Basic research aimed at elucidating mechanisms of action of these nanomaterials are also of interest for this Issue.

Prof. Dr. Pawel Pohl
Dr. Piotr Jamroz
Dr. Anna Dzimitrowicz
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Nanomedicine
  • Anti-cancer therapy
  • Anti microbial therapy
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Disease detection
  • Cancer detection
  • Drug delivery systems
  • Magnetic and fluorescence imaging contrast agents
  • Sensing and monitoring of biological substances.

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 2776 KiB  
Article
In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of PEGylated PEI for Anti-IL-8/CxCL-1 siRNA Delivery to the Lungs
by Alan J. Hibbitts, Joanne M. Ramsey, James Barlow, Ronan MacLoughlin and Sally-Ann Cryan
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(7), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10071248 - 27 Jun 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4049
Abstract
Inhalation offers a means of rapid, local delivery of siRNA to treat a range of autoimmune or inflammatory respiratory conditions. This work investigated the potential of a linear 10 kDa Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-modified 25 kDa branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) (PEI-LPEG) to effectively deliver siRNA [...] Read more.
Inhalation offers a means of rapid, local delivery of siRNA to treat a range of autoimmune or inflammatory respiratory conditions. This work investigated the potential of a linear 10 kDa Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-modified 25 kDa branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) (PEI-LPEG) to effectively deliver siRNA to airway epithelial cells. Following optimization with anti- glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) siRNA, PEI and PEI-LPEG anti-IL8 siRNA nanoparticles were assessed for efficacy using polarised Calu-3 human airway epithelial cells and a twin stage impinger (TSI) in vitro lung model. Studies were then advanced to an in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated rodent model of inflammation. In parallel, the suitability of the siRNA-loaded nanoparticles for nebulization using a vibrating mesh nebuliser was assessed. The siRNA nanoparticles were nebulised using an Aerogen® Pro vibrating mesh nebuliser and characterised for aerosol output, droplet size and fine particle fraction. Only PEI anti-IL8 siRNA nanoparticles were capable of significant levels of IL-8 knockdown in vitro in non-nebulised samples. However, on nebulization through a TSI, only PEI-PEG siRNA nanoparticles demonstrated significant decreases in gene and protein expression in polarised Calu-3 cells. In vivo, both anti-CXCL-1 (rat IL-8 homologue) nanoparticles demonstrated a decreased CXCL-1 gene expression in lung tissue, but this was non-significant. However, PEI anti-CXCL-1 siRNA-treated rats were found to have significantly less infiltrating macrophages in their bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Overall, the in vivo gene and protein inhibition findings indicated a result more reminiscent of the in vitro bolus delivery rather than the in vitro nebulization data. This work demonstrates the potential of nebulised PEI-PEG siRNA nanoparticles in modulating pulmonary inflammation and highlights the need to move towards more relevant in vitro and in vivo models for respiratory drug development. Full article
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17 pages, 6281 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles (AgCl-NPs) Using a Pulicaria vulgaris Gaertn. Aerial Part Extract and Their Application as Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antioxidant Agents
by Majid Sharifi-Rad and Pawel Pohl
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(4), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10040638 - 29 Mar 2020
Cited by 55 | Viewed by 4172
Abstract
In this study, very simple and fast one-step synthesis of biogenic silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCl-NPs) using a Pulicaria vulgaris Gaertn. aerial part extract from an aqueous solution of silver nitrate at room temperature is proposed. The proceedings of the reaction were investigated by [...] Read more.
In this study, very simple and fast one-step synthesis of biogenic silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCl-NPs) using a Pulicaria vulgaris Gaertn. aerial part extract from an aqueous solution of silver nitrate at room temperature is proposed. The proceedings of the reaction were investigated by UV–Vis spectroscopy. AgCl-NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Antibacterial and antifungal activities of these nanoparticles were evaluated by disk diffusion and microdilution methods against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and C. glabrata. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the synthesized AgCl-NPs was determined by the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The antimicrobial test confirmed the bactericidal activity of biosynthesized AgCl-NPs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. They also exhibited good antifungal activities with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 40 to 60 µg/mL against Candida glabrata and Candida albicans, respectively. In addition, biosynthesized AgCl-NPs were established to have remarkable antioxidant activity. All this pointed out that the proposed new biosynthesis approach resulted in production of AgCl-NPs with convenient biomedical applications. Full article
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12 pages, 2168 KiB  
Article
Amplified Fluorescence by ZnO Nanoparticles vs. Quantum Dots for Bovine Mastitis Acute Phase Response Evaluation in Milk
by Narsingh R. Nirala and Giorgi Shtenberg
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(3), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10030549 - 18 Mar 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2961
Abstract
Bovine mastitis (BM) is a prominent inflammatory disease affecting the dairy industry worldwide, originated by pathogenic agent invasion onto the mammary gland. The early detection of new BM cases is of high importance for infection control within the herd. During inflammation, various biomarkers [...] Read more.
Bovine mastitis (BM) is a prominent inflammatory disease affecting the dairy industry worldwide, originated by pathogenic agent invasion onto the mammary gland. The early detection of new BM cases is of high importance for infection control within the herd. During inflammation, various biomarkers are released into the blood circulation, which are consequently found in milk. Herein, the lysosomal activity of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAGase), a predominant BM indicator, was utilized for highly sensitive clinical state differentiation. The latter is achieved by the precise addition of tetraethyl orthosilicate-coated zinc oxide nanostructures (quantum dots or nanoparticles, individually) onto a conventional assay. Enhanced fluorescence due to the nanomaterial accumulative near-field effect is achieved within real milk samples, contaminated with Streptococcus dysgalactiae, favoring quantum dots over nanoparticles (>7-fold and 3-fold, respectively), thus revealing significant differentiation between various somatic cell counts. The main advantage of the presented sensing concept, besides its clinically relevant concentrations, is the early bio-diagnostic detection of mastitis (subclinical BM) by using a simple and cost-effective experimental setup. Moreover, the assay can be adapted for BM recovery prognosis evaluation, and thus impact on udder health status, producing an alternative means for conventional diagnosis practices. Full article
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12 pages, 1349 KiB  
Article
Oriented Cell Alignment Induced by a Nanostructured Titanium Surface Enhances Expression of Cell Differentiation Markers
by Maria Antonia Llopis-Grimalt, Andreu Miquel Amengual-Tugores, Marta Monjo and Joana Maria Ramis
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(12), 1661; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9121661 - 22 Nov 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4206
Abstract
A key factor for dental implant success is a good sealing between the implant surface and both soft (gum) and hard (bone) tissues. Surface nanotopography can modulate cell response through mechanotransduction. The main objective of this research was the development of nanostructured titanium [...] Read more.
A key factor for dental implant success is a good sealing between the implant surface and both soft (gum) and hard (bone) tissues. Surface nanotopography can modulate cell response through mechanotransduction. The main objective of this research was the development of nanostructured titanium (Ti) surfaces that promote both soft and hard tissue integration with potential application in dental implants. Nanostructured Ti surfaces were developed by electrochemical anodization—nanopores (NPs) and nanonets (NNs)—and characterized by atomic force microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, and contact angle analysis. In addition, nanoparticle release and apoptosis activation were analyzed on cell culture. NP surfaces showed nanoparticle release, which increased in vitro cell apoptosis. Primary human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) were used to test cell adhesion, cytotoxicity, metabolic activity, and differentiation markers. Finally, cell orientation on the different surfaces was analyzed using a phalloidin staining. NN surfaces induced an oriented alignment of both cell types, leading in turn to an improved expression of differentiation markers. Our results suggest that NN structuration of Ti surfaces has great potential to be used for dental implant abutments to improve both soft and hard tissue integration. Full article
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16 pages, 8675 KiB  
Article
Fluorescein- and EGFR-Antibody Conjugated Silica Nanoparticles for Enhancement of Real-time Tumor Border Definition Using Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
by Anna Watermann, Rita Gieringer, Anna-Maria Bauer, Sven Kurch, Ralf Kiesslich, Wolfgang Tremel, Jan Gosepath and Juergen Brieger
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(10), 1378; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9101378 - 26 Sep 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3798
Abstract
Intraoperative definition of tumor free resection margins in head and neck cancer is challenging. In the current proof-of-principle study we evaluated a novel silica nanoparticle-based agent for its potential use as contrast enhancer. We synthesized silica nanoparticles with an average size of 45 [...] Read more.
Intraoperative definition of tumor free resection margins in head and neck cancer is challenging. In the current proof-of-principle study we evaluated a novel silica nanoparticle-based agent for its potential use as contrast enhancer. We synthesized silica nanoparticles with an average size of 45 nm and modified these particles with the fluorescence stain fluorescein isocyanate (FITC) for particle detection and with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting antibodies for enhanced tumor specificity. The nanoparticles exhibited good biocompatibility and could be detected in vitro and in vivo by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Additionally, we show in an ex vivo setting that these modified nanoparticles specifically bind to tumor samples and could be detected using a handheld confocal fluorescence endomicroscope. From a clinical point of view, we believe that this method could be used for tumor border contrast enhancement and for better intraoperative definition of R-0 tumor resection. Full article
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14 pages, 2318 KiB  
Article
Gold Plate Electrodes Functionalized by Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Film for Potentiometric Thallium(I) Detection
by Saad S. M. Hassan, Sabah. M. Abdelbasir, M. Abdelwahab Fathy, Abd El-Galil E. Amr, Mohamed A. Al-Omar and Ayman H. Kamel
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(8), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9081160 - 14 Aug 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3390
Abstract
Solid-contact potentiometric ion-selective electrodes (SC-ISEs) for thallium determination have been designed using multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the ion-to-electron transducer. Dispersed MWCNTs were drop-casted over a gold plate electrode. Two different crown ethers were used in the sensing membrane for the recognition of [...] Read more.
Solid-contact potentiometric ion-selective electrodes (SC-ISEs) for thallium determination have been designed using multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the ion-to-electron transducer. Dispersed MWCNTs were drop-casted over a gold plate electrode. Two different crown ethers were used in the sensing membrane for the recognition of thallium (I). Sensorsbased on dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) as a neutral carrier and NaTPB as an anionic additive exhibited a near Nernstian response of 57.3 mV/decade towards Tl+ ions over the activity range 4.5 × 10−6–7.0 × 10−4 M, with a limit of detection of 3.2 × 10−7 M. The time required to achieve 95% of the steadyequilibrium potential was <10 s. The complex formation constant (log βML) between dibenzo-18-crown-6 and thallium (I) (i.e., 5.99) was measured using the sandwich membrane technique. The potential response was pH independent over the range 3.0–9.5. The introduction of MWCNTs as an electron-ion-transducer layer between gold plate and the sensing membrane lead to a smaller membrane resistance and a large double layer capacitance, which was proven using impedance spectra and chronopotentiometry (i.e., 114.9 ± 12 kΩ, 52.1 ± 3.3 pF, 200 ± 13.2 kΩ, and 50 ± 4.2 µF). Additionally, reduction ofthe water layer between the sensing membrane and the underlying conductor wastested. Thus, it is clear that MWCNTs can be used as a transducing layer in SC-ISEs. The proposed sensor was introduced as an indicator electrode for potentiometric titration of single and ternary mixtures of I, Br, and S2− anions. Full article
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23 pages, 4855 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Surface Functionalization on the Biophysical Properties of Silver Nanoparticles
by Agnieszka Borowik, Kamila Butowska, Kinga Konkel, Rafał Banasiuk, Natalia Derewonko, Dariusz Wyrzykowski, Mykola Davydenko, Vsevolod Cherepanov, Viktor Styopkin, Yuriy Prylutskyy, Paweł Pohl, Aleksandra Krolicka and Jacek Piosik
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(7), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9070973 - 3 Jul 2019
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4631
Abstract
Among metal-based nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are particularly appealing because of their stability, functionality, and documented antimicrobial properties. AgNPs also offer the possibility of different surface modifications. In this work, we functionalized AgNPs with thiobarbituric acid or 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid residues to improve the [...] Read more.
Among metal-based nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are particularly appealing because of their stability, functionality, and documented antimicrobial properties. AgNPs also offer the possibility of different surface modifications. In this work, we functionalized AgNPs with thiobarbituric acid or 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid residues to improve the nanoparticles’ biological activities. Subsequently, we assessed the physicochemical properties of newly synthesized AgNPs using a wide range of biophysical methodologies, including UV/vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, atomic force and scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering and isothermal titration calorimetry. Next, we examined the effect of nanoparticles functionalization on AgNPs mutagenicity and toxicity. Our study revealed that AgNPs’ surface modification affects nanoparticles aggregation, and also impacts nanoparticles’ interaction with model acridine mutagen ICR-191. AgNPs coated with MUA showed the most interesting interactions with tested ICR-191, slightly modulating its toxicity properties by decreasing the viability in treated cells. Full article
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17 pages, 5681 KiB  
Article
A Wrinkled Ag/CNTs-PDMS Composite Film for a High-Performance Flexible Sensor and Its Applications in Human-Body Single Monitoring
by Yanpeng Yang, Chengzhi Luo, Junji Jia, Yafei Sun, Qiang Fu and Chunxu Pan
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(6), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9060850 - 3 Jun 2019
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6123
Abstract
In this paper, a flexible Ag/CNTs-PDMS (polydimethylsi-loxane) composite film sensor based on the novel design philosophy was prepared. Its force-electric effect mechanism is based on the generation of micro-cracks in the Ag film during external forcing, leading to resistance variation. Experimental results find [...] Read more.
In this paper, a flexible Ag/CNTs-PDMS (polydimethylsi-loxane) composite film sensor based on the novel design philosophy was prepared. Its force-electric effect mechanism is based on the generation of micro-cracks in the Ag film during external forcing, leading to resistance variation. Experimental results find that Ag film thickness has a strong influence on the sensor’s sensitivity, which exhibits a tendency of first increasing and then decreasing the Ag film thickness, and also has an optimal thickness of 4.9 μm for the maximum sensitivity around 30. The sensitive mechanism can be theoretically explained by using the quantum tunneling effect. Due to the use of the wrinkled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) film, this sensor has advantages, such as high sensitivity, large strain range, good stability and durability, cheap price, and suitability for large-scale production. Preliminary applications on human-body monitoring reveal that the sensor can detect weak tremors and breathe depth and rate, and the corresponding heartbeat response. It provides possibilities to diagnose early Parkinson’s disease and exploit an early warning system for sudden infant death syndrome and sleep apnea in adults. In addition, as a force-electric effect sensor, it is expected to have broad application areas, such as a man-machine cooperation, and a robotic system. Full article
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18 pages, 4960 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs) Using Ricinus communis Leaf Ethanol Extract, Their Characterization, and Biological Applications
by Hamed A. Ghramh, Khalid Ali Khan, Essam H. Ibrahim and William N. Setzer
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(5), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9050765 - 18 May 2019
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5601
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the collective biological properties of Ricinus communis ethanol leaf extract (RcExt) and extract-fabricated gold nanoparticles (RcExt-AuNPs). AuNPs were synthesized using RcExt. Fingerprint data of the biochemicals putatively found in RcExt were obtained using gas chromatography–mass [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to explore the collective biological properties of Ricinus communis ethanol leaf extract (RcExt) and extract-fabricated gold nanoparticles (RcExt-AuNPs). AuNPs were synthesized using RcExt. Fingerprint data of the biochemicals putatively found in RcExt were obtained using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet-visible (HPLC/UV-VIS) analyses. RcExt-AuNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier- transform infrared radiation (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cytotoxic activity on the Hela and HepG2 tumor cell lines was tested through cell viability, antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens through a well diffusion assay, hemolytic activity on red blood cells through absorbance reading, and stimulatory/inhibitory effects on splenic cells by cell viability. AuNPs of 200 nm size were synthesized. GC-MS/MS analysis revealed 12 peaks and HPLC/UV-VIS analysis resulted in 18, 13, and five peaks at the wavelengths of 220, 254, and 300 nm, respectively. Cytotoxicity screening revealed that RcExt had stimulatory effects (6.08%) on Hela cells and an inhibitory effect (−28.33%) on HepG2 cells, whereas RcExt-AuNPs showed inhibitory effects (−58.64% and −42.74%) on Hela and HepG2 cells, respectively. Antimicrobial activity of RcExt-AuNPs against tested pathogens was significantly higher (average diameters of inhibition zones were higher (ranging from 9.33 mm to 16.33 mm)) than those of RcExt (ranging from 6.00 mm to 7.33 mm). RcExt and RcExt-AuNPs showed 4.15% and 100% lytic effects, respectively. Inhibitory effects on splenic cells for RcExt-AuNPs were observed to be significantly higher (−30.56% to −72.62%) than those of RcExt (−41.55% to −62.25%) between concentrations of 25 to 200 µg/mL. RcExt-AuNPs were inhibitory against HepG2 and Hela cells, while RcExt inhibited HepG2 but stimulated Hela cells. RcExt-AuNPs showed comparatively more antimicrobial activity. RcExt was safe while RcExt-AuNPs harmful to red blood cells (RBCs). RcExt and RcExt-AuNPs showed inhibitory effects on splenic cells irrespective of dose. Full article
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20 pages, 6702 KiB  
Article
Microstructured and Degradable Bacterial Cellulose–Gelatin Composite Membranes: Mineralization Aspects and Biomedical Relevance
by Selestina Gorgieva and Silvo Hribernik
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(2), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9020303 - 22 Feb 2019
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5066
Abstract
Bacterial cellulose (BC)–gelatin (GEL) membranes were processed by successive periodate oxidation and a freeze-thawing/carbodiimide crosslinking procedure, first facilitating a Schiff-base reaction among respective aldehyde and hydroxyl groups, and later GEL stabilization and microstructuring. The formation of highly microporous structures within the GEL portion, [...] Read more.
Bacterial cellulose (BC)–gelatin (GEL) membranes were processed by successive periodate oxidation and a freeze-thawing/carbodiimide crosslinking procedure, first facilitating a Schiff-base reaction among respective aldehyde and hydroxyl groups, and later GEL stabilization and microstructuring. The formation of highly microporous structures within the GEL portion, with significant differences between bottom and top, was elucidated, and pores in the 27.6 ± 3 µm–108 ± 5 µm range were generated, exceeding the threshold value of ~10 µm sufficient for cell trafficking. During a relatively short (6 h) exhaustion procedure in supersaturated simulated body fluid solution, the membranes accommodated the combination of biologically relevant minerals, i.e., flake-like octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and (amorphous) apatite, onto their surface, forming a membrane with intensive swelling (650–1650%) and up to 90% weight loss in a 4-week period. The membranes´ 6-day eluates did not evoke any cytotoxic effects toward human fibroblast, MRC-5 cells. The same type of cells retained their morphology in direct contact with the membrane, attaching to the GEL porous site, while not attaching to the GEL thin-coated BC side, most probably due to combined, ablation effect of dominant β-sheet conformation and carbodiimide crosslinking. Together with arrested proliferation through the BC side, the membranes demonstrated beneficial properties for potential guided tissue regeneration (GTR) applications. Full article
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Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 1841 KiB  
Review
On Facing the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) with Combination of Nanomaterials and Medicine: Possible Strategies and First Challenges
by Vishnu Sankar Sivasankarapillai, Akhilash M. Pillai, Abbas Rahdar, Anumol P. Sobha, Sabya Sachi Das, Athanasios C. Mitropoulos, Mahboobeh Heidari Mokarrar and George Z. Kyzas
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(5), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10050852 - 28 Apr 2020
Cited by 116 | Viewed by 13223
Abstract
Global health is facing the most dangerous situation regarding the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome called coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is widely known as the abbreviated COVID-19 pandemic. This is due to the highly infectious nature of the disease and its possibility to [...] Read more.
Global health is facing the most dangerous situation regarding the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome called coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is widely known as the abbreviated COVID-19 pandemic. This is due to the highly infectious nature of the disease and its possibility to cause pneumonia induced death in approximately 6.89% of infected individuals (data until 27 April 2020). The pathogen causing COVID-19 is called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is believed to be originated from the Wuhan Province in China. Unfortunately, an effective and approved vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 virus is still not available, making the situation more dangerous and currently available medical care futile. This unmet medical need thus requires significant and very urgent research attention to develop an effective vaccine to address the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In this review, the state-of-the-art drug design strategies against the virus are critically summarized including exploitations of novel drugs and potentials of repurposed drugs. The applications of nanochemistry and general nanotechnology was also discussed to give the status of nanodiagnostic systems for COVID-19. Full article
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19 pages, 1858 KiB  
Review
An Up-To-Date Review on Biomedical Applications of Palladium Nanoparticles
by Thi Tuong Vy Phan, Thanh-Canh Huynh, Panchanathan Manivasagan, Sudip Mondal and Junghwan Oh
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10010066 - 27 Dec 2019
Cited by 125 | Viewed by 7954
Abstract
Palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) have intrinsic features, such as brilliant catalytic, electronic, physical, mechanical, and optical properties, as well as diversity in shape and size. The initial researches proved that PdNPs have impressive potential for the development of novel photothermal agents, photoacoustic agents, antimicrobial/antitumor [...] Read more.
Palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) have intrinsic features, such as brilliant catalytic, electronic, physical, mechanical, and optical properties, as well as diversity in shape and size. The initial researches proved that PdNPs have impressive potential for the development of novel photothermal agents, photoacoustic agents, antimicrobial/antitumor agents, gene/drug carriers, prodrug activators, and biosensors. However, very few studies have taken the benefit of the unique characteristics of PdNPs for applications in the biomedical field in comparison with other metals like gold, silver, or iron. Thus, this review aims to highlight the potential applications in the biomedical field of PdNPs. From that, the review provides the perceptual vision for the future development of PdNPs in this field. Full article
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