Nanotechnology, Science and Applications最新文献

Mangiferin, a naturally occurring C-glucosylxanthone derived from various parts of the mango tree (Mangifera indica), has gained significant attention for its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-diabetic activities. This mini-review provides an updated overview of the phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, and medicinal properties of mangiferin. However, the low solubility (0.111 mg/mL) and oral bioavailability (less than 2%) of mangiferin pose significant challenges for its clinical application. To address these issues, the development of nanoformulations such as nanoparticles, micelles, and liposomes has been explored, which was proven to improve mangiferin's solubility, stability, and targeted delivery. These nanocarriers enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of mangiferin, making it a promising candidate for various therapeutic applications. The review ends with the discussion of the safety of mangiferin and its formulations in addition to the potential for clinical translation.

Introduction: Drug delivery systems typically need to be equipped with targeting moieties in order to be efficiently internalized by cells. Alternatively, magnetic nanoparticles (MNs) combined with active compounds may be driven by magnetic field to the site of action. Delivery of hydrophobic drugs using this approach is challenging as it would require coupling of MNs and hydrophobic environment within nanocarriers and triggering of the drug release.

Methods: We propose an approach enabling a magnetically induced forced uptake of core-shell nanocapsules carrying hydrophobic actives together with hydrophobized MNs. Such capsules, formed in a facile emulsification process, are composed of amphiphilic cationic or anionic chitosan (shell) and oil-dispersible MNs (oil core). The capsules were characterized using DLS, cryo-TEM. They were loaded with a model fluorescent dye, Nile Red, and pulled into cells applying a static magnetic field. Then, they were treated with an alternating magnetic field to disrupt the capsules thanks to the action of MNs.

Results: Cryo-TEM imaging confirmed the presence of MNs inside the capsules (d≈200 nm). Confocal microscopy imaging showed the efficient capsules' intracellular uptake only after exposition to static magnetic field (some spontaneous uptake was observed for anionic capsules). Then, application of alternating magnetic fields induced rapture of the capsules inside the cells and release of the cargo.

Discussion: This approach is very versatile as various lipophilic compounds could be encapsulated, then transported to desired tissues without active or passive targeting and kept there using static magnetic field, limiting undesired side effects of a therapy to the whole organism. The proposed capsules with MNs respond efficiently to magnetic field stimulation - they can be magnetically navigated into the cells and release their cargo after application of alternating magnetic field. This approach opens opportunities for controlled intracellular delivery of hydrophobic actives using easily applicable magnetic stimuli for both delivery and release.

Introduction: As vitamin K₁ (phylloquinone, PK) displays vasoprotective effect, low dietary intake and poor bioavailability of PK may result in insufficient systemic levels for maintaining vascular health. This study aimed to test whether PK in hyaluronan-based nanocapsules (PK-Oil-HyC12) improves PK pharmacokinetics and endothelial function compared to PK in oil emulsion (PK-Oil).

Methods: PK pharmacokinetics in plasma, liver and aorta were analysed after single, oral administration of PK (10 mg/kg) in oil (PK-Oil) or encapsulated in hyaluronan-based nanocapsules with oil core (PK-Oil-HyC12) in mice using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization method. PK-Oil-HyC12 absorption and nanocapsules distribution in lymphatic system was determined using a cycloheximide-based chylomicron flow blockage and intravital confocal microscopy. The endothelial function was analyzed in vivo by MRI in mice with dietary PK deficiency after 7-day supplementation with PK-Oil or PK-Oil-HyC12 (0.5 mg PK/kg).

Results: After a single, oral dose of PK-Oil-HyC12 in mice total exposure of PK (AUC values) was 2-4 times higher as compared to PK-Oil in plasma and liver, with no difference in PK content in the aorta. The efficient absorption and distribution of nanocapsules occurred mainly via a chylomicron-independent lymphatic route. Importantly, 7-day PK-Oil-HyC12 supplementation restored impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the aorta of PK-deficient mice, while PK-Oil was ineffective.

Conclusion: The improved bioavailability of PK, when administered in the form of hyaluronan-based nanocapsules, afforded the rapid replenishment of systemic PK and the reversal of endothelial dysfunction induced by low PK levels.

Introduction: The use of metal oxide nanoparticles as anticancer agents is of great interest due to their unique properties that allow targeted delivery at low concentrations with minimal toxicity to healthy cells.

Methods: In this work, CdO-CuO-ZnO mixed metal oxide nanocomposites were synthesized by the co-precipitation method, and their structural and optical properties, along with their anticancer activity, were investigated. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrometer/high resistance material, and vibrating sample magnetometers (VSM).

Results: X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements showed that CdO exhibits a cubic structure, CuO possesses a monoclinic structure, ZnO displays a hexagonal structure, and the mixture showed peaks corresponding to all three oxides. TEM images revealed that the prepared nanoparticles have quasi-spherical shapes. Anticancer studies confirmed that the CdO-CuO-ZnO nanocomposite demonstrates excellent cytotoxicity, with moderate activity against human colon (Caco-2) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines, exhibiting IC50 values of 10.57 μg/mL and 6.61 μg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion: Our study shows that the prepared CdO-CuO-ZnO nanocomposite has massive potential in cancer therapy.

Aflatoxin contamination poses a significant challenge to global food safety, public health, and agricultural sustainability. Traditional methods for mitigating aflatoxins, such as chemical and physical detoxification techniques, often raise concerns about environmental harm, nutrient loss, and potential toxicity. In contrast, green-synthesized nanomaterials have emerged as an environmentally friendly and effective solution for controlling aflatoxins. This study explores the potential of green-synthesized nanomaterials for aflatoxin mitigation, focusing on their mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and long-term applicability in agricultural and food safety contexts. A comprehensive review of 116 articles on the latest developments in green nanotechnology was used, focusing on the creation, characterization, and application of nanoparticles, including silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron-based nanomaterials. Green nanoparticles reduce aflatoxin load primarily through their antioxidant properties, which neutralize oxidative stress, and their high adsorption capacity, which binds aflatoxins and reduces their bioavailability. Photocatalytic degradation, adsorption, and enzymatic detoxification were also evaluated. The results indicate that green-synthesized nanoparticles exhibit high efficacy, biocompatibility, and minimal environmental impact, especially when compared to traditional detoxification methods. However, challenges such as nanoparticle stability, large-scale production, regulatory issues, and potential long-term toxicity still require further investigation. To advance this field, future studies should focus on refining green synthesis processes, enhancing nanoparticle stability, and exploring the integration of nanotechnology with biosensors and smart packaging for real-time aflatoxin monitoring. By advancing these sustainable technologies, this research aims to contribute to the development of effective and safe methods for aflatoxin mitigation, thereby supporting global food security, public health, and environmental sustainability.

This mini-review paper gives a brief summary of recent works in the development of bimetallic core@shell nanoparticles composed of nickel (as a core) and a silver shell (Ni@Ag NPs). We present the methods of Ni@Ag NPs synthesis, ink preparation, and their coatings formation. We also place emphasis on the selection and optimization of the sintering process of materials based on Ni@Ag NPs. Finally, the challenges in the application of Ni@Ag NPs in printed conductive structures are presented.

Background: Nanotechnology can be used to treat a diversity of cancers with different physiological properties. Skin cancers are common among people affected by an excessive solar radiation of the ultraviolet (UV) range.

Introduction: This paper describes a mathematical formulation and simulation approach for the magnetic hyperthermia therapy of skin cancer using gold-coated iron oxide (Fe₃O₄@Au) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs).

Methods: The authors created an artificial 3D geometry model of skin cancer with tissue-mimicking materials, constructed a mesh, and solved all the required physics for electro-thermal simulation using FEM-based software. The heat transfer in the skin tissue was modeled using the Pennes bioheat equation, and the Helmholtz-type equation of quasi-static magnetic field produced by a three-turned coil surrounding the tumor.

Results: The simulated magnetic field pattern was compared with that of the analytical solution along the symmetry axis of the helical coil with good agreement. The obtained results show that the tumor damage is maximum in the tumor center and decreases towards its outer boundaries. Additionally, the impact of varying values of blood perfusion rate, blood density, blood specific heat capacity, heat dissipation produced by Fe₃O₄@Au MNPs, and metabolic heat generation has been examined for thermal therapy. The performed simulations show that all these parameters influences heating characteristics of tumor tissues by gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles.

Conclusion: Gold-iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles succeeded to damage 90-99% skin cancer. Among all the contributing parameters, the blood perfusion is the most sensitive parameter in thermal therapy of skin tumor.

Recommendations: On the bases of results obtained, we recommend physicians to use Fe₃O₄@Au MNPs in real time medical skin cancer treatments.

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate in vitro anti-aging activities of 29 Dendrobium spp. and develop and characterize microemulsions (MEs) for topical application.

Methods: Antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), H₂O₂ scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The anti-collagenase (MMP-1 and MMP-2) and anti-elastase activities were also evaluated. Cytotoxicity and human intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined using resazurin reduction and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA) assays, respectively. D. kentrophyllum extract-loaded microemulsion (DKME) was then prepared and optimized. The stability of DKME was studied using a heating-cooling cycle.

Results: D. kentrophyllum appeared to be the best candidate anti-aging agent because of its antioxidant, anti-collagenase, and anti-elastase activities. The extract was safe for human skin cells at a concentration of 6.25-100 μg/mL. It also decreased the intracellular ROS-induced ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation compared to that in the control. DKME comprising Tween 80:ethanol (5:1), water, and isononyl isononanoate showed a suitable appearance, droplet size, polydisperse index, zeta potential, pH, and viscosity. This formulation demonstrated desirable physical and chemical stability, with non-cytotoxic effects.

Conclusion: DKME is considered a promising anti-aging product. However, an in vivo study of this optimized formulation might be evaluated in further study for anti-aging purposes.

Background: This study investigated the effects of pure iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs), citrate-stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄CA NPs), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), applied at various time regimes, on the germination, growth, and ex vitro development of chrysanthemum synthetic seeds. The genetic and metabolic stability of the plants was also assessed.

Methods: Nodal segments of Chrysanthemum × morifolium /Ramat./ Hemsl. 'Richmond', with a single axillary bud, were encapsulated in 3% calcium alginate with the addition of IAA (1 mg·L^-1) and/or NPs (7.7 mg·L^-1). The synthetic seeds were cultured in vitro for 30 or 60 days on a water-agar medium and then transplanted to the greenhouse for further analyses.

Results: Results indicated that IAA and Fe₃O₄CA NPs applied singularly significantly enhanced germination rates (83.33-92.18%) compared with the IAA- and NP-free control (56.67-64.18%), regardless of treatment time. The simultaneous use of IAA and Fe₃O₄CA NPs promoted longer shoot development after 30 days of treatment but showed negative effects after extended exposure. The same combination improved rooting efficiency compared to IAA alone. Supplementation with NPs improved acclimatization rates for younger plants but had variable effects on older plants. Leaf growth metrics were enhanced with Fe₃O₄CA NPs in plants after 30 days of treatment, yet no significant differences were observed in leaf dimensions after 60 days. The content of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and chlorophyll was affected by the exposure duration. Biochemical analyses revealed increased total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ABTS) in treated plants, particularly with IAA and Fe₃O₄CA NPs. Start codon targeted (SCoT) analyses showed no polymorphisms among treated plants, confirming their genetic stability.

Conclusion: The study found that the combination of IAA and Fe₃O₄CA NPs improved germination and shoot development in chrysanthemum synthetic seeds, while maintaining genetic stability, although prolonged exposure negatively affected plant growth metrics.

Introduction: Natural polymers have emerged as versatile and sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymers in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. This study focuses on the extraction of arabinoxylan (AX) from maize husk and its potential as a promising excipient to enhance the solubility and oral bioavailability of Aripiprazole (APZ), a poorly water-soluble antipsychotic drug, offering a robust strategy for overcoming challenges associated with hydrophobic drugs.

Methods: APZ-loaded AX nanoparticles were synthesized using the ionotropic gelation technique. The formulation with the highest encapsulation efficiency designated as FN4 was selected for detailed characterization. Various analytical techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), were employed to assess the morphological, crystalline, and thermal properties of the nanoparticles. In vitro release studies were conducted on both simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8) to evaluate drug dissolution behaviour. The everted sac method was utilized to assess the permeation and transport of APZ from the AX-based nanoparticles.

Results: The FN4 formulation exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 88.9% ± 1.77%, with a particle size of 284.4 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.346, and a zeta potential of 20.7 mV. SEM analysis revealed a uniform distribution of polyhedral-shaped nanoparticles. XRD and DSC analyses indicated that APZ was in an amorphous state within the nanoparticles. Drug release was more pronounced at pH 6.8, with the AX nanoparticles showing sustained release. The everted sac method demonstrated enhanced permeation of APZ across intestinal membranes, supporting the potential of AX nanoparticles in improving drug absorption.

Discussion: The AX-based nanoparticle formulation significantly improved the solubility, pH-dependent release profile, and sustained release of APZ, offering a promising strategy to enhance the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. These findings suggest that AX nanoparticles could serve as an effective delivery system for enhancing the therapeutic potential of hydrophobic drugs like APZ.