Nanotechnology, Science and Applications最新文献

Background: Recent advancements in nanomedicine and nanotechnology have expanded the scope of multifunctional nanostructures, offering innovative solutions for targeted drug delivery and diagnostic agents in oncology and nuclear medicine. Nanoparticles, particularly those derived from natural sources, hold immense potential in overcoming biological barriers to enhance therapeutic efficacy and diagnostic accuracy. Papain, a natural plant protease derived from Carica papaya, emerges as a promising candidate for green nanotechnology-based applications due to its diverse medicinal properties, including anticancer properties.

Purpose: This study presents a novel approach in nanomedicine and oncology, exploring the potential of green nanotechnology by developing and evaluating technetium-99m radiolabeled papain nanoparticles (^99mTc-P-NPs) for imaging breast tumors. The study aimed to investigate the efficacy and specificity of these nanoparticles in breast cancer models through preclinical in vitro and in vivo assessments.

Methods: Papain nanoparticles (P-NPs) were synthesized using a radiation-driven method and underwent thorough characterization, including size, surface morphology, surface charge, and cytotoxicity assessment. Subsequently, P-NPs were radiolabeled with technetium-99m (^99mTc), and in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to evaluate cellular uptake at tumor sites, along with biodistribution, SPECT/CT imaging, autoradiography, and immunohistochemistry assays, using breast cancer models.

Results: The synthesized P-NPs exhibited a size mean diameter of 9.3 ± 1.9 nm and a spherical shape. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of native papain and P-NPs showed low cytotoxicity in HUVEC, MDA-MB231, and 4T1 cells. The achieved radiochemical yield was 94.2 ± 3.1% that were sufficiently stable (≥90%) for 6 h. The tumor uptake achieved in the 4T1 model was 2.49 ± 0.32% IA/g at 2 h and 1.51 ± 0.20% IA/g at 6 h. In the spontaneous breast cancer model, 1.19 ± 0.20% IA/g at 2 h and 0.86 ± 0.31% IA/g at 6 h. SPECT/CT imaging has shown substantial tumor uptake of the new nanoradiopharmaceutical and clear tumor visualization. ^99mTc-P-NPs exhibited a high affinity to tumoral cells confirmed by ex vivo autoradiography and immunohistochemistry assays.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the potential of green nanotechnology-driven papain nanoparticles as promising agents for molecular imaging of breast and other tumors through SPECT/CT imaging. The results represent a substantial step forward in the application of papain nanoparticles as carriers of diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides to deliver diagnostic/therapeutic payloads site-specifically to tumor sites for the development of a new generation of nanoradiopharmaceuticals.

Purpose: Breast cancer is a significant global health issue, contributing to 15% of cancer-related deaths. Our laboratory has pioneered a novel approach, combining Ayurvedic principles with green nanotechnology, to develop a scientifically rigorous medical modality referred to as Nano-Ayurvedic Medicine, recently approved by the US Patents and Trademarks Office. Here in we report a new Nano-Ayurvedic medicine agent derived from gold nanoparticles encapsulated with phytochemicals from Ginkgo biloba plant (GB-AuNPs).

Methods: We have developed biocompatible gold nanoparticles using electron-rich phytochemicals from Ginkgo biloba as reducing agent cocktail. Ginkgo biloba phytochemical-encapsulated gold nanoparticles (GB-AuNPs) were fully characterized, and their anticancer activity, including immunomodulatory profiles, were evaluated against breast (MDAMB-231) cancer cell lines.

Results: Characterization revealed spherical morphology for GB-AuNPs and possessed optimum in vitro stability through high zeta potential of -34 mV for optimum in vivo stability. The core size of GB-AuNPs of 19 nm allows for penetration into tumor cells through both EPR effects as well as through the receptor-mediated endocytosis. The Antitumor efficacy of this nano-ayurvedic medicine agent revealed strong antitumor effects of GB-AuNPs towards MDAMB-231. Our investigations reveal that GB-AuNPs enhance anti-tumor cytokines (IL-12, TNF-α, IFN-γ) and reduce pro-tumor cytokines (IL-10, IL-6), promoting the conversion of protumor M2 macrophages into M1-like macrophage antitumor phenotype. Cellular studies show that GB-AuNPs offer superior anti-tumor efficacy and a better safety profile against breast tumors compared to cisplatin.

Conclusion: Our investigations have demonstrated that the nano-ayurvedic medicine agent, GB-AuNPs, treats cancers through an immunomodulatory mechanism facilitated by elevated levels of anti-tumor cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-12) with concomitant downregulation of pro-tumor cytokines expression (IL-6 and IL-10). The green nanotechnology approach for the development of nano-ayurvedic medicine agent (GB-AuNPs), as described in this paper, presents new and attractive opportunities for treating human cancers and other debilitating diseases and disorders.

Purpose: The use of nanotechnology in medicine has gained attention in developing drug delivery systems. GO has the potential to deliver microRNA (miRNA) mimics or antisense structures. MiRNAs regulate gene expression and their dysregulation is implicated in diseases, including cancer. This study aims to observe changes in morphology, viability, mRNA expression of mTOR/PI3K/Akt and PTEN genes in U87, U118, U251, A172 and T98 glioblastoma cells and xenograft models after GO self-assembly with mimic miRNA-7.

Methods: Colloidal suspension of graphene oxide (GO) was used for obtaining the GO-mimic miRNA-7 nanosystems by self-assembly method. The ultrastructure, size distribution and ATR-FTIR and UV-Vis spectrum were analyzed. The Zeta potential was measured to verify the stability of obtained nanosystem. The entrapment efficiency, loading capacity and released kinetics of mimic miRNA-7 form GO-mimic miRNA-7 nanosystems were analyzed. The transfection efficiency into the glioblastoma cell lines U87, U118, U251, A172 and T98 of mimic miRNA-7 delivered by GO nanosystems was measure by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The changes at mRNA expression level of mTOR, PI3K, AKT1 and PTEN genes was measured by qPCR analysis. The xenograft model of U87 and A172 tumour tissue was performed to analyze the effect at tumor size and volume after GO- mimic miRNA-7 nanosystem administration.

Results: The ultrastructure of GO-mimic miRNA-7 nanosystems showed high affinity of mimic miRNA into the GO. The results of transfection efficiency, cell morphology and viability showed that GO -miRNA-7 effectively deliver mimics miRNA-7 into U87, U118, U251, A172 and T98 glioblastoma cells. This approach can reverse miRNA-7 expression's downstream effects and target the mTOR PI3K/Akt pathway observed at gene expression level, reducing xenograft tumour size and volume.

Conclusion: The findings of the study could have significant implications for the development of advanced and precise GO based nanosystems specifically designed for miRNA therapy in cancer treatment.

Purpose: Antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) mixture assessed against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), in addition to examining MgONPs varnish impact on the preservation of the tooth color and inhibition of methylene blue diffusion to the enamel.

Methods: MgONPs mixture was prepared in deionized water (DW), absolute ethanol (E), and rosin with ethanol (RE), named varnish. The antibacterial and antibiofilm capacities of MgONPs mixtures were tested by agar well diffusion, colony-forming unit (CFU), and biofilm inhibition microtiter methods in triplicate and compared to sodium fluoride varnish (NaF) and chlorhexidine mouthwash (ChX). A spectrophotometer was used to record basic tooth color. The artificial demineralization was initiated for 96 h. Then, experimental materials were applied to the corresponding group, and 10-day pH cycles proceeded. Then, the color was recorded in the same ambient environment. The methylene blue diffusion was evaluated by staining the samples for 24 h. After that, the diffusion test was calculated by a digital camera attached to the stereomicroscope.

Results: The agar well diffusion test expressed a significant inhibition zone with all MgONPs mixtures (p = 0.000), and maximum inhibition zone diameter associated with MgONPs-RE. The same finding was observed in the CFU test. Additionally, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% MgONPs-RE varnish showed strong biofilm inhibition capacity (p = 0.039) compared to NaF and ChX groups that inhibit biofilm formation moderately (p = 0.003). The study shows that the 5% MgONPs-RE varnish maintains basic tooth color with minimal methylene blue diffusion compared to NaF varnish (p = 0.00).

Conclusion: Evaluating MgONPs as a mixture revealed antibacterial and antibiofilm capacity against S. mutans with a higher effect of MgONPs-RE varnish. Also, examining the topical effect of MgONPs-RE varnish on the preservation of the tooth color after pH cycle challenges and methylene blue diffusion to enamel confirmed the high performance of MgONPs-RE varnish at 5%.

Purpose: Mastitis in dairy cows is a worldwide problem faced by dairy producers. Treatment mainly involves antibiotic therapy, however, due to widespread antibiotic resistance among bacteria, such treatments are no longer effective. For this reason, scientists are searching for new solutions to combat mastitis, which is caused by bacteria, fungi, and algae. One of the most promising solutions, nanotechnology, is attracting research due to its biocidal properties. The purpose of this research was to determine the biocidal properties of nanocomposites as a potential alternative to antibiotics in the control of mastitis, as well as to determine whether the use of nanoparticles and what concentration is safe for the breeder and the animal.

Patients and methods: In this study, the effects of Ag, Au, Cu, Fe, and Pt nanoparticles and their complexes were evaluated in relation to the survival of bacteria and fungi isolated from cattle diagnosed with mastitis, their physicochemical properties, and their toxicity to bovine and human mammary epithelial cells BME-UV1 and HMEC (human microvascular endothelial cells). Moreover, E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans, and Prototheca sp. invasion was assessed using the alginate bead (bioprinted) model. The NPs were tested at concentrations of 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.125, 1.56 mg/l for Au, Ag, Cu and Fe NPs, and 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 mg/l for Pt.

Results: With the exception of Fe and Pt, all exhibited biocidal properties against isolates, while the AgCu complex had the best effect. In addition, nanoparticles showed synergistic effects, while the low concentrations had no toxic effect on BME-UV1 and HMEC cells.

Conclusion: Synergistic effects of nanoparticles and no toxicity to bovine and human cells might, in the future, be an effective alternative in the fight against microorganisms responsible for mastitis, and the implementation of research results in practice would reduce the percentage of dairy cows suffering from mastitis. The problem of increasing antibiotic resistance is posing a global threat to human's and animal's health, and requires comprehensive research to evaluate the potential use of nanoparticles - especially their complexes - as well as to determine whether nanoparticles are safe for the breeders and the animals. The conducted series of studies allows further consideration of the use of the obtained results in practice, creating a potentially new alternative to antibiotics in the treatment and prevention of mastitis in dairy cattle.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is an inflammatory skin condition with synthetic treatments that induce adverse effects and are ineffective. One of the proposed causes for the development of the condition is the outside-in hypothesis, which states that eczema is caused by a disruption in the skin barrier. These disruptions include developing dry cracked skin, which promotes the production of histamine. Bulbine frutescens (BF) is traditionally used to treat wounds and eczema; however, limited research has been conducted to scientifically validate this. Furthermore, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been used to repair damaged skin; however, no research has been conducted on AuNPs synthesized using BF.

Purpose: The study aimed to determine whether BF alleviated skin damage through wound healing, reducing the production of histamine and investigate whether AuNPs synthesized using BF would enhance biological activity.

Methods: Four extracts and four synthesized AuNPs were prepared using BF and their antiproliferative and wound healing properties against human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) were evaluated. Thereafter, the selected samples antiproliferative activity and antihistamine activity against phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulated granulocytes were evaluated.

Results: Of the eight samples, the freeze-dried leaf juice (BFE; p < 0.01) extract and its AuNPs (BFEAuNPs; p < 0.05) displayed significant wound closure at 100 µg/mL and were further evaluated. The selected samples displayed a fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of >200 µg/mL against PMA stimulated granulocytes. Compared to the untreated (media with PMA) control (0.30 ± 0.02 ng/mL), BFEAuNPs significantly inhibited histamine production at a concentration of 100 (p < 0.01) and 50 µg/mL (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: BFE and BFEAuNPs stimulated wound closure, while BFEAuNPs significantly inhibited histamine production. Further investigation into BFEAuNPs in vivo wound healing activity and whether it can target histamine-associated receptors on mast cells as a potential mechanism of action should be considered.

Chitosan is a functional polymer in the pharmaceutical field, including for nanoparticle drug delivery systems. Chitosan-based nanoparticles are a promising carrier for a wide range of therapeutic agents and can be administered in various routes. Solubility is the main problem for its production and utilization in large-scale industries. Chitosan modifications have been employed to enhance its solubility, including chemical modification. Many reviews have reported the chemical modification but have not focused on the specific characteristics obtained. This review focused on the modification to improve chitosan solubility. Additionally, this review also focused on the application of chitosan derivatives in nanoparticle drug delivery systems since very few similar reviews have been reported. The specific method for chitosan derivative-based nanoparticles was also reported and the latest report of chitosan, chitosan derivative, and chitosan toxicity were also described.

Currently, protein-based nanoparticles are in high demand as drug delivery systems due to their exceptional qualities, including nontoxicity, nonantigenicity, and biodegradability. Other qualities include high nutritional value, abundance of renewable resources, excellent drug binding capacity, greater stability during storage and in vivo, as well as ease of upgrading during manufacture. Examples of protein suitable for this purpose include ovalbumin (OVA) derived from egg white, human serum albumin (HSA), and bovine serum albumin (BSA). To create albumin nanoparticles, six different processes have been investigated in depth and are frequently used in drug delivery systems. These included desolvation, thermal gelation, emulsification, NAB technology, self-assembly, and nanospray drying. Several experimental conditions in the synthesis of albumin nanoparticles can affect the physicochemical characterization. Therefore, this study aimed to provide an overview of various experimental conditions capable of affecting the physicochemical characteristics of BSA nanoparticles formed using the desolvation method. By considering the variation in optimal experimental conditions, a delivery system of BSA nanoparticles with the best physicochemical characterization results could be developed.

Background: Frovatriptan succinate (FVT) is an effective medication used to treat migraines; however, available oral formulations suffer from low permeability; accordingly, several formulations of FVT were prepared.

Objective: Prepare, optimize, and evaluate FVT-BE formulation to develop enhanced intranasal binary nano-ethosome gel.‎.

Methods: Binary ethosomes were prepared using different concentrations of phospholipid PLH90, ethanol, propylene glycol, and cholesterol by thin film hydration and characterized by particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. Furthermore, in-vitro, in-vivo, ex-vivo, pharmacokinetics, and histopathological studies were done.

Results: Regarding FVT-loaded BE, formula (F9) demonstrated the best parameters from the other formulas; with the lowest particle size (154.1±4.38‎ nm), lowest PDI (‎0.213±0.05), highest zeta potential (‎-46.94±1.05), and highest entrapment efficiency (89.34±2.37%). Regarding gel formulation, G2 showed the best gel formula with drug content (‎99.82±0.02‎%) and spreadability (12.88 g/cm²). In-vitro study results showed that, in the first 30 minutes, around 22.3% of the medication is released, whereas, after 24 hours, about 98.56% is released in G2.

Conclusion: Based on enhancing the bioavailability and sustaining the drug release, it can be concluded that the Frovatriptan-Loaded Binary ethosome Gel as nano-delivery was developed as a promising non-invasive drug delivery system for treating migraine.

Introductions: Ink based on metallic nanoparticles has been widely used so far for the fabrication of electronic circuits and devices using printing technology. This study aimed at the analysis of the effect of the silver shell thickness of nickel@silver core@shell (Ni@Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) on the fabrication and conductive properties of deposited coatings.

Methods: The process of the synthesis of Ni@Ag NPs with various silver shell thicknesses was developed. The physicochemical properties (size, stability against aggregation process) of synthesized Ni@Ag nanoparticles were analyzed. The films based on ink containing Ni@Ag NPs with different silver shell thicknesses were fabricated and sintered in a temperature range of 120-300 °C and at times from 15 to 90 min. The dependence of their conductive properties on the applied temperature and time as well as silver shell thickness was evaluated.

Results: Ni NPs were coated with 10, 20, 30, 35, 45, and 55 nm silver shell thickness. The resistivity of coatings based on obtained NPs depends on the thickness of the Ag shell and the sintering temperature. After sintering at 300 °C, the highest decrease in its value (at an optimal sintering time of 60 min) from about 100 µΩ·cm to 9 µΩ·cm was observed when the thickness of the shell increased from 10 to 55 nm. At the lowest sintering temperature (120 °C) the highest conductivity (about 50% of that for bulk nickel) was obtained for films based on Ni@Ag NPs with 45 and 55 nm of the silver shell thickness.

Discussions: The analysis of the resistivity of the sintered films showed that higher conductivity was obtained for the coatings formed from Ni@Ag NPs with the thicker Ag shell; moreover, thicker shells allowed a lowering of sintering temperature due to higher conductivity and a lower melting point of silver in comparison to nickel NPs.