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Application of Nanostructures in Biology and Medicine

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Nanoscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 May 2024) | Viewed by 15013

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Radiophysics, Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
Interests: nanoscience; 2D materials; quantum dots; epitaxy; photoluminescence; nanophotonics; photodetectors; light-emitting devices; quantum information technology; single-photon detectors; molecular dynamics; functional electronics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

At present, nanomaterials are used in a wide range of applications, in all spheres of civil needs, including energy, medicine and industry. Moreover, they are considered one of the most promising classes of materials for the next generation of technological development. The interest in the possibilities of application of nanoparticles and nanodevices allows a deeper study of the physical properties of these new materials, and provides a starting point for the development of a huge number of practically important areas, starting from synthetic biology, drug delivery platforms and brain–computer interfaces to nanoelectronics, nanophotonics and quantum communications technologies.

This Special Issue focuses on recent research in all fields of applied nanoscience, including but not limited to materials science, molecular and cell biology, genetics, and biotechnology. Special attention will be paid to the state-of-the-art methods of the synthesis and characterization of advanced materials, nanoparticles and biological objects. Computer-based theoretical modeling of nano-objects and their emerging applications is also welcomed.

Since IJMS is a journal of molecular science, pure clinical studies will not suitable for the journal; however, clinical or pure model submissions with biomolecular experiments are welcomed.

Dr. Kirill A. Lozovoy
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • materials science
  • synthetic biology
  • biotechnology
  • cell biology
  • metagenomics
  • bioimaging
  • nanostructures
  • nanodevices
  • green nanotechnology

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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25 pages, 2764 KiB  
Review
Microparticles in the Development and Improvement of Pharmaceutical Formulations: An Analysis of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
by Rita Y. P. da Silva, Danielle L. B. de Menezes, Verônica da S. Oliveira, Attilio Converti and Ádley A. N. de Lima
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(6), 5441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065441 - 13 Mar 2023
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3590
Abstract
Microparticulate systems such as microparticles, microspheres, microcapsules or any particle in a micrometer scale (usually of 1–1000 µm) are widely used as drug delivery systems, because they offer higher therapeutic and diagnostic performance compared to conventional drug delivery forms. These systems can be [...] Read more.
Microparticulate systems such as microparticles, microspheres, microcapsules or any particle in a micrometer scale (usually of 1–1000 µm) are widely used as drug delivery systems, because they offer higher therapeutic and diagnostic performance compared to conventional drug delivery forms. These systems can be manufactured with many raw materials, especially polymers, most of which have been effective in improving the physicochemical properties and biological activities of active compounds. This review will focus on the in vivo and in vitro application in the last decade (2012 to 2022) of different active pharmaceutical ingredients microencapsulated in polymeric or lipid matrices, the main formulation factors (excipients and techniques) and mostly their biological activities, with the aim of introducing and discussing the potential applicability of microparticulate systems in the pharmaceutical field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanostructures in Biology and Medicine)
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20 pages, 1241 KiB  
Review
Management and Mitigation of Vibriosis in Aquaculture: Nanoparticles as Promising Alternatives
by Nuan Anong Densaad Kah Sem, Shafinaz Abd Gani, Chou Min Chong, Ikhsan Natrah and Suhaili Shamsi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(16), 12542; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241612542 - 8 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4416
Abstract
Vibriosis is one of the most common diseases in marine aquaculture, caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Vibrio, that has been affecting many species of economically significant aquatic organisms around the world. The prevention of vibriosis in aquaculture is difficult, and [...] Read more.
Vibriosis is one of the most common diseases in marine aquaculture, caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Vibrio, that has been affecting many species of economically significant aquatic organisms around the world. The prevention of vibriosis in aquaculture is difficult, and the various treatments for vibriosis have their limitations. Therefore, there is an imperative need to find new alternatives. This review is based on the studies on vibriosis, specifically on the various treatments and their limitations, as well as the application of nanoparticles in aquaculture. One of the promising nanoparticles is graphene oxide (GO), which has been used in various applications, particularly in biological applications such as biosensors, drug delivery, and potential treatment for infectious diseases. GO has been shown to have anti-bacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but no research has been published that emphasizes its impact on Vibrio spp. The review aims to explore the potential use of GO for treatment against vibriosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanostructures in Biology and Medicine)
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17 pages, 2052 KiB  
Article
Application of Iron Nanoparticles Synthesized from a Bioflocculant Produced by Yeast Strain Pichia kudriavzevii Obtained from Kombucha Tea SCOBY in the Treatment of Wastewater
by Phakamani H. Tsilo, Albertus K. Basson, Zuzingcebo G. Ntombela, Nkosinathi G. Dlamini and Rajasekhar V. S. R. Pullabhotla
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(19), 14731; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914731 - 29 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1692
Abstract
Studying the production of Iron (Fe) nanoparticles using natural substances is an intriguing area of research in nanotechnology, as these nanoparticles possess biocompatibility and natural stability, which make them useful for a variety of industrial applications. The study utilized Fe nanoparticles that were [...] Read more.
Studying the production of Iron (Fe) nanoparticles using natural substances is an intriguing area of research in nanotechnology, as these nanoparticles possess biocompatibility and natural stability, which make them useful for a variety of industrial applications. The study utilized Fe nanoparticles that were synthesized using a bioflocculant and applied to eliminate different kinds of pollutants and dyes found in wastewater and solutions. The study involved the generation of Fe nanoparticles through a bioflocculant obtained from Pichia kudriavzevii, which were evaluated for their flocculation and antimicrobial capabilities. The impact of the Fe nanoparticles on human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cell lines was studied to assess their potential cytotoxicity effects. An array of spectroscopic and microscopic methods was employed to characterize the biosynthesized Fe nanoparticles, including SEM-EDX, FT-IR, TEM, XRD, UV-vis, and TGA. A highly efficient flocculating activity of 85% was achieved with 0.6 mg/mL dosage of Fe nanoparticles. The biosynthesized Fe nanoparticles demonstrated a noteworthy concentration-dependent cytotoxicity effect on HEK 293 cell lines with the highest concentration used resulting in 34% cell survival. The Fe nanoparticles exhibited strong antimicrobial properties against a variety of evaluated Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. The efficiency of removing dyes by the nanoparticles was found to be higher than 65% for the tested dyes, with the highest being 93% for safranine. The Fe nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable efficiency in removing various pollutants from wastewater. In comparison to traditional flocculants and the bioflocculant, biosynthesized Fe nanoparticles possess significant potential for eliminating both biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from wastewater samples treated. Hence, the Fe nanoparticles synthesized in this way have the potential to substitute chemical flocculants in the treatment of wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanostructures in Biology and Medicine)
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14 pages, 3274 KiB  
Article
Two-Photon-Excited FLIM of NAD(P)H and FAD—Metabolic Activity of Fibroblasts for the Diagnostics of Osteoimplant Survival
by Tatiana B. Lepekhina, Viktor V. Nikolaev, Maxim E. Darvin, Hala Zuhayri, Mikhail S. Snegerev, Aleksandr S. Lozhkomoev, Elena I. Senkina, Andrey P. Kokhanenko, Kirill A. Lozovoy and Yury V. Kistenev
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(4), 2257; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25042257 - 13 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1645
Abstract
Bioinert materials such as the zirconium dioxide and aluminum oxide are widely used in surgery and dentistry due to the absence of cytotoxicity of the materials in relation to the surrounding cells of the body. However, little attention has been paid to the [...] Read more.
Bioinert materials such as the zirconium dioxide and aluminum oxide are widely used in surgery and dentistry due to the absence of cytotoxicity of the materials in relation to the surrounding cells of the body. However, little attention has been paid to the study of metabolic processes occurring at the implant–cell interface. The metabolic activity of mouse 3T3 fibroblasts incubated on yttrium-stabilized zirconium ceramics cured with aluminum oxide (ATZ) and stabilized zirconium ceramics (Y-TZP) was analyzed based on the ratio of the free/bound forms of cofactors NAD(P)H and FAD obtained using two-photon microscopy. The results show that fibroblasts incubated on ceramics demonstrate a shift towards the free form of NAD(P)H, which is observed during the glycolysis process, which, according to our assumptions, is related to the porosity of the surface of ceramic structures. Consequently, despite the high viability and good proliferation of fibroblasts assessed using an MTT test and a scanning electron microscope, the cells are in a state of hypoxia during incubation on ceramic structures. The FLIM results obtained in this work can be used as additional information for scientists who are interested in manufacturing osteoimplants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanostructures in Biology and Medicine)
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30 pages, 4150 KiB  
Review
Tumor versus Tumor Cell Targeting in Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics
by Jesús David Urbano-Gámez, Cinzia Guzzi, Manuel Bernal, Juan Solivera, Iñigo Martínez-Zubiaurre, Carlos Caro and María Luisa García-Martín
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105213 - 10 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1315
Abstract
The application of metal-based nanoparticles (mNPs) in cancer therapy and diagnostics (theranostics) has been a hot research topic since the early days of nanotechnology, becoming even more relevant in recent years. However, the clinical translation of this technology has been notably poor, with [...] Read more.
The application of metal-based nanoparticles (mNPs) in cancer therapy and diagnostics (theranostics) has been a hot research topic since the early days of nanotechnology, becoming even more relevant in recent years. However, the clinical translation of this technology has been notably poor, with one of the main reasons being a lack of understanding of the disease and conceptual errors in the design of mNPs. Strikingly, throughout the reported studies to date on in vivo experiments, the concepts of “tumor targeting” and “tumor cell targeting” are often intertwined, particularly in the context of active targeting. These misconceptions may lead to design flaws, resulting in failed theranostic strategies. In the context of mNPs, tumor targeting can be described as the process by which mNPs reach the tumor mass (as a tissue), while tumor cell targeting refers to the specific interaction of mNPs with tumor cells once they have reached the tumor tissue. In this review, we conduct a critical analysis of key challenges that must be addressed for the successful targeting of either tumor tissue or cancer cells within the tumor tissue. Additionally, we explore essential features necessary for the smart design of theranostic mNPs, where ‘smart design’ refers to the process involving advanced consideration of the physicochemical features of the mNPs, targeting motifs, and physiological barriers that must be overcome for successful tumor targeting and/or tumor cell targeting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanostructures in Biology and Medicine)
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21 pages, 3898 KiB  
Article
Highly Efficient Separation of Ethanol Amines and Cyanides via Ionic Magnetic Mesoporous Nanomaterials
by Yuxin Zhao, Fangchao Yang, Jina Wu, Gang Qu, Yuntao Yang, Yang Yang and Xiaosen Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6470; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126470 - 12 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 874
Abstract
Simple and efficient sample pretreatment methods are important for analysis and detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) in environmental and biological samples. Despite many commercial materials or reagents that have been already applied in sample preparation, such as SPE columns, few materials with [...] Read more.
Simple and efficient sample pretreatment methods are important for analysis and detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) in environmental and biological samples. Despite many commercial materials or reagents that have been already applied in sample preparation, such as SPE columns, few materials with specificity have been utilized for purification or enrichment. In this study, ionic magnetic mesoporous nanomaterials such as poly(4-VB)@M-MSNs (magnetic mesoporous silicon nanoparticles modified by 4-vinyl benzene sulfonic acid) and Co2+@M-MSNs (magnetic mesoporous silicon nanoparticles modified by cobalt ions) with high absorptivity for ethanol amines (EAs, nitrogen mustard degradation products) and cyanide were successfully synthesized. The special nanomaterials were obtained by modification of magnetic mesoporous particles prepared based on co-precipitation using -SO3H and Co2+. The materials were fully characterized in terms of their composition and structure. The results indicated that poly(4-VB)@M-MSNs or Co2+@M-MSNs had an unambiguous core-shell structure with a BET of 341.7 m2·g−1 and a saturation magnetization intensity of 60.66 emu·g−1 which indicated the good thermal stability. Poly(4-VB)@M-MSNs showed selective adsorption for EAs while the Co2+@M-MSNs were for cyanide, respectively. The adsorption capacity quickly reached the adsorption equilibrium within the 90 s. The saturated adsorption amounts were MDEA = 35.83 mg·g−1, EDEA = 35.00 mg·g−1, TEA = 17.90 mg·g−1 and CN= 31.48 mg·g−1, respectively. Meanwhile, the adsorption capacities could be maintained at 50–70% after three adsorption–desorption cycles. The adsorption isotherms were confirmed as the Langmuir equation and the Freundlich equation, respectively, and the adsorption mechanism was determined by DFT calculation. The adsorbents were applied for enrichment of targets in actual samples, which showed great potential for the verification of chemical weapons and the destruction of toxic chemicals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanostructures in Biology and Medicine)
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4 pages, 1335 KiB  
Editorial
Application of Nanostructures in Biology and Medicine
by Kirill Lozovoy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(18), 9931; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25189931 - 14 Sep 2024
Viewed by 433
Abstract
At present, nanomaterials are used in a wide range of applications in all spheres of civil needs, including energy, medicine, and industry [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanostructures in Biology and Medicine)
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