Submit to Materials Review for Materials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Inorganic Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy: Fabrication, Physical Properties, Biomedical Applications and Fate

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 March 2020) | Viewed by 37389

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jelena Kolosnjaj-Tabi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute of Pharmacology and Structural Biology, 205 Route de Narbonne, 31400 Toulouse, France
Interests: inorganic nanoparticles; endocytosis; particokinetics; pulsed electric fields; vectorization; magnetic hyperthermia; photothermal therapy; tumor microenvironment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Inorganic nanoparticles, such as those made of iron oxide, gold, silver, cobalt ferrite, copper sulphide, as well as quantum dots, and fullerenes (namely carbon nanotubes), exhibit distinct magnetic, optical, and/or electrical properties. These properties can be tuned (as nanoparticles characteristics, such as size, shape, structure, composition, domains interactions and surface modifications can directly affect nanoparticles physical properties) and could even be amplified in composite materials (e.g., core-shell and hierarchically assembled nanostructures).

The physical properties, coupled to nanoparticles potential to carry considerable amounts of chemicals and biomolecules—either as core payloads or as surface coatings, make inorganic nanoparticles extremely versatile and useful for prospective biomedical applications. The latter include (but are not limited to) biomedical imaging, biochemical sensing, cancer therapy and regenerative medicine.

A large body of preclinical (yet often proof-of-concept) studies indicates that inorganic nanoparticles could be used to create particularly powerful biomedical tools. Inorganic nanoparticles might thus complement, if not improve the effects of conventional therapeutic agents. Indeed, provided they are safe to humans and not harmful to the environment, both on the short and the long term.

This Special Issue will focus on inorganic nanoparticles with prospective therapeutic functionalities, and will address the recent progress in nanoparticles synthesis, physicochemical properties and use in targeted therapy. In addition, nanoparticles interactions between their inner and outer components (including the neighboring environment) will be considered, in view of the fact that all these issues should be considered and harnessed in order to create the next generation biomedical devices.

In this context, it is our pleasure to invite you to submit communications, research papers, or review articles on the topic of (multifunctional) inorganic nanoparticles, nanoparticles synthesis/fabrication, modification, biomedical applications and their in vivo fate.

Dr. Jelena Kolosnjaj-Tabi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Inorganic nanoparticles
Nanoparticles synthesis
Nanoparticles assembly
Hyperthermia
Cancer therapy
Protein corona
Biomedical Imaging
Theranostic agents
Particokinetics

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 2795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

[60]Fullerene for Medicinal Purposes, A Purity Criterion towards Regulatory Considerations

by Sanaz Keykhosravi, Ivo B. Rietveld, Diana Couto, Josep Lluis Tamarit, Maria Barrio, René Céolin and Fathi Moussa

Materials 2019, 12(16), 2571; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12162571 - 12 Aug 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4316

Abstract

Since the early nineties countless publications have reported promising medicinal applications for [60]fullerene (C₆₀) related to its unparalleled affinity towards free radicals. Yet, until now no officially approved C₆₀-based drug has reached the market, notably because of the alleged dangers of C₆₀. Nevertheless, since the publication of the effects of C₆₀ on the lifespan of rodents, a myriad of companies started selling C₆₀ worldwide for human consumption without any approved clinical trial. Nowadays, several independent teams have confirmed the safety of pure C₆₀ while demonstrating that previously observed toxicity was due to impurities present in the used samples. However, a purity criterion for C₆₀ samples is still lacking and there are no regulatory recommendations on this subject. In order to avoid a public health issue and for regulatory considerations, a quality-testing strategy is urgently needed. Here we have evaluated several analytical tools to verify the purity of commercially available C₆₀ samples. Our data clearly show that differential scanning calorimetry is the best candidate to establish a purity criterion based on the sc-fcc transition of a C₆₀ sample (T_onset ≥ 258 K, ∆_sc-fccH ≥ 8 J g⁻¹). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inorganic Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy: Fabrication, Physical Properties, Biomedical Applications and Fate)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2146 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

One-Pot Method for Preparation of Magnetic Multi-Core Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery

by Črt Dragar, Tanja Potrč, Sebastjan Nemec, Robert Roškar, Stane Pajk, Petra Kocbek and Slavko Kralj

Materials 2019, 12(3), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12030540 - 12 Feb 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3507

Abstract

The development of various magnetically-responsive nanostructures is of great importance in biomedicine. The controlled assembly of many small superparamagnetic nanocrystals into large multi-core clusters is needed for effective magnetic drug delivery. Here, we present a novel one-pot method for the preparation of multi-core clusters for drug delivery (i.e., magnetic nanocarriers). The method is based on hot homogenization of a hydrophobic phase containing a nonpolar surfactant into an aqueous phase, using ultrasonication. The solvent-free hydrophobic phase that contained tetradecan-1-ol, γ-Fe₂O₃ nanocrystals, orlistat, and surfactant was dispersed into a warm aqueous surfactant solution, with the formation of small droplets. Then, a pre-cooled aqueous phase was added for rapid cooling and the formation of solid magnetic nanocarriers. Two different nonpolar surfactants, polyethylene glycol dodecyl ether (B4) and our own N¹,N¹-dimethyl-N²-(tricosan-12-yl)ethane-1,2-diamine (SP11), were investigated for the preparation of MC-B4 and MC-SP11 magnetic nanocarriers, respectively. The nanocarriers formed were of spherical shape, with mean hydrodynamic sizes <160 nm, good colloidal stability, and high drug loading (7.65 wt.%). The MC-B4 nanocarriers showed prolonged drug release, while no drug release was seen for the MC-SP11 nanocarriers over the same time frame. Thus, the selection of a nonpolar surfactant for preparation of magnetic nanocarriers is crucial to enable drug release from nanocarrier. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inorganic Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy: Fabrication, Physical Properties, Biomedical Applications and Fate)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 4576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increasing Uptake of Silica Nanoparticles with Electroporation: From Cellular Characterization to Potential Applications

by Erick Phonesouk, Séverine Lechevallier, Audrey Ferrand, Marie-Pierre Rols, Christine Bezombes, Marc Verelst and Muriel Golzio

Materials 2019, 12(1), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12010179 - 07 Jan 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3744

Abstract

In the fields of biology and medicine, nanoproducts such as nanoparticles (NPs) are specifically interesting as theranostic tools, since they offer the double capacity to locally deliver active drugs and to image exactly where the product is delivered. Among the many described possibilities, silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) represent a good choice because of their ease of synthesis, the possibility of their vast functionalization, and their good biocompatibility. However, SiNPs’ passive cell internalization by endocytosis only distributes NPs into the cell cytoplasm and is unable to target the nucleus if SiNPs are larger than a few nanometers. In this study, we demonstrate that the cell penetration of SiNPs of 28–30 nm in diameter can be strongly enhanced using a physical method, called electroporation or electropermeabilization (EP). The uptake of fluorescently labelled silica nanoparticles was improved in two different cancer cell lines, namely, HCT-116 (human colon cancer) cells and RL (B-lymphoma) cells. First, we studied cells’ capability for the regular passive uptake of SiNPs in vitro. Then, we set EP parameters in order to induce a more efficient and rapid cell loading, also comprising the nuclear compartment, while preserving the cell viability. In the final approach, we performed in vivo experiments, and evidenced that the labeling was long-lasting, as confirmed by fluorescence imaging of labeled tumors, which enabled a 30-day follow-up. This kind of SiNPs delivery, achieved by EP, could be employed to load extensive amounts of active ingredients into the cell nucleus, and concomitantly allow the monitoring of the long-term fate of nanoparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inorganic Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy: Fabrication, Physical Properties, Biomedical Applications and Fate)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

21 pages, 2797 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Overview of Carbon Nanotubes for Biomedical Applications

by Juliette Simon, Emmanuel Flahaut and Muriel Golzio

Materials 2019, 12(4), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12040624 - 20 Feb 2019

Cited by 213 | Viewed by 10996

Abstract

The unique combination of mechanical, optical and electrical properties offered by carbon nanotubes has fostered research for their use in many kinds of applications, including the biomedical field. However, due to persisting outstanding questions regarding their potential toxicity when considered as free particles, the research is now focusing on their immobilization on substrates for interface tuning or as biosensors, as load in nanocomposite materials where they improve both mechanical and electrical properties or even for direct use as scaffolds for tissue engineering. After a brief introduction to carbon nanotubes in general and their proposed applications in the biomedical field, this review will focus on nanocomposite materials with hydrogel-based matrices and especially their potential future use for diagnostics, tissue engineering or targeted drug delivery. The toxicity issue will also be briefly described in order to justify the safe(r)-by-design approach offered by carbon nanotubes-based hydrogels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inorganic Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy: Fabrication, Physical Properties, Biomedical Applications and Fate)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

24 pages, 5151 KiB

Open AccessReview

Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Functionalization for Biomedical Applications in the Central Nervous System

by Shoeb Anwar Mohammed Khawja Ansari, Eleonora Ficiarà, Federico Alessandro Ruffinatti, Ilaria Stura, Monica Argenziano, Ornella Abollino, Roberta Cavalli, Caterina Guiot and Federico D’Agata

Materials 2019, 12(3), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12030465 - 02 Feb 2019

Cited by 170 | Viewed by 10457

Abstract

Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) are of great interest in biomedicine, due to their wide range of applications. During recent years, one of the most challenging goals is the development of new strategies to finely tune the unique properties of MNPs, in order to improve their effectiveness in the biomedical field. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the methods of synthesis and functionalization of MNPs focusing on Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs). Firstly, synthesis strategies for fabricating IONPs of different composition, sizes, shapes, and structures are outlined. We describe the close link between physicochemical properties and magnetic characterization, essential to developing innovative and powerful magnetic-driven nanocarriers. In conclusion, we provide a complete background of IONPs functionalization, safety, and applications for the treatment of Central Nervous System disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inorganic Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy: Fabrication, Physical Properties, Biomedical Applications and Fate)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

37 pages, 3529 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Nanoheterostructures (NHS) and Their Applications in Nanomedicine: Focusing on In Vivo Studies

by Alessandra Quarta, Clara Piccirillo, Giacomo Mandriota and Riccardo Di Corato

Materials 2019, 12(1), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12010139 - 03 Jan 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3825

Abstract

Inorganic nanoparticles have great potential for application in many fields, including nanomedicine. Within this class of materials, inorganic nanoheterostructures (NHS) look particularly promising as they can be formulated as the combination of different domains; this can lead to nanosystems with different functional properties, which, therefore, can perform different functions at the same time. This review reports on the latest development in the synthesis of advanced NHS for biomedicine and on the tests of their functional properties in in vivo studies. The literature discussed here focuses on the diagnostic and therapeutic applications with special emphasis on cancer. Considering the diagnostics, a description of the NHS for cancer imaging and multimodal imaging is reported; more specifically, NHS for magnetic resonance, computed tomography and luminescence imaging are considered. As for the therapeutics, NHS employed in magnetic hyperthermia or photothermal therapies are reported. Examples of NHS for cancer theranostics are also presented, emphasizing their dual usability in vivo, as imaging and therapeutic tools. Overall, NHS show a great potential for biomedicine application; further studies, however, are necessary regarding the safety associated to their use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inorganic Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy: Fabrication, Physical Properties, Biomedical Applications and Fate)

► Show Figures