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Multifunctional Bio-Nanomaterials for Health Care

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A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Medicinal Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 8948

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Subramanian Balakumar

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Guest Editor

National Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Madras, Chennai 600 025, India
Interests: nanobiomaterials for orthopedic, dentistry and opthamology; nanomaterials for photocatalysis; nanomaterials from biomass for water purification; nanomaterials for sustainable future and environment; nanomagnetism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Kai Zheng

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Guest Editor

Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
Interests: bioactive glasses; composite hydrogels; coating; nanoparticles; tissue regeneration; additive manufacturing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bio-nanotechnology pivoted the current world-class health care division by awarding excellent biomaterials to treat the injured body parts of patients. Bio-nanomaterials with increased surface area proved to enhance the faster repair/cure on successful implantation. Bio-scaffolds developed using various biocompatible polymers loaded with specialized biomaterials can be designed by various strategies and are now considered the savior of many organs between plenty of individuals. Designing biomaterial with unique care and methods and supplying it in various forms like injectable hydrogels, powder, nano-coating, nano-fibers, etc., are the thrust area of interest. The superior composites and the particular compositions reasonable for the elucidated bioactivity and osteo-integration are the curious part of scientific discussions. On the other hand, investigation on crystallographic structure and functional groups of the prepared biomaterial and mechanical stability are highly advanced and found to be predominant. Moreover, the biomaterials for superior drug delivery, wound healing, angiogenesis, anti-corrosion, etc., are also a focus. This Special Issue highly focusses on, but not limited to, structure and functional analysis, mechanical stability, bioactivity, biocompatibility, polymeric scaffolds, bio-nanocoatings, bio-nanofibres various forms of biomaterials, etc., and their characterizations and uniqueness.

Prof. Dr. Subramanian Balakumar
Dr. Kai Zheng
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

biomaterials
nano-materials
bioceramics
polymers
nanocomposites
scaffolds
coating biocompatibility
bioactivity
drug delivery
wound healing
3D printing

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 3057 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the In Vitro and In Vivo Performance of L-Carnitine-Loaded Nanoparticles in Combating Obesity

by Burcu Uner, Ahmet Dogan Ergin, Irfan Aamer Ansari, Melahat Sedanur Macit-Celebi, Siddique Akber Ansari and Hamad M. Al Kahtani

Molecules 2023, 28(20), 7115; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207115 - 16 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1481

Abstract

Addressing obesity is a critical health concern of the century, necessitating urgent attention. L-carnitine (LC), an essential water-soluble compound, plays a pivotal role in lipid breakdown via β-oxidation and facilitates the transport of long-chain fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes. However, LC’s high hydrophilicity poses challenges to its diffusion through bilayers, resulting in limited bioavailability, a short half-life, and a lack of storage within the body, mandating frequent dosing. In our research, we developed LC-loaded nanoparticle lipid carriers (LC-NLCs) using economically viable and tissue-localized nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to address these limitations. Employing the central composite design model, we optimized the formulation, employing the high-pressure homogenization (HPH) method and incorporating Poloxamer^® 407 (surfactant), Compritol^® 888 ATO (solid lipid), and oleic acid (liquid oil). A comprehensive assessment of nanoparticle physical attributes was performed, and an open-field test (OFT) was conducted on rats. We employed immunofluorescence assays targeting CRP and PPAR-γ, along with an in vivo rat study utilizing an isolated fat cell line to assess adipogenesis. The optimal formulation, with an average size of 76.4 ± 3.4 nm, was selected due to its significant efficacy in activating the PPAR-γ pathway. Our findings from the OFT revealed noteworthy impacts of LC-NLC formulations (0.1 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL) on adipocyte cells, surpassing regular L-carnitine formulations’ effects (0.1 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL) by 169.26% and 156.63%, respectively (p < 0.05). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Bio-Nanomaterials for Health Care)

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9 pages, 2838 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

One-Pot Hydrothermal Preparation of Hydroxyapatite/Zinc Oxide Nanorod Nanocomposites and Their Cytotoxicity Evaluation against MG-63 Osteoblast-like Cells

by Vignesh Raj Sivaperumal, Rajkumar Mani, Veerababu Polisetti, Kanakaraj Aruchamy and Taehwan Oh

Molecules 2023, 28(1), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010345 - 01 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1688

Abstract

In the present study, HAp-ZnO nanorod nanocomposites were successfully prepared using a customized hydrothermal reactor and studied for their compatibility against MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. The crystallinity, morphology, presence of chemical elements, and surface area properties were studied by XRD (X-ray diffraction), FE-SEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), EDS (energy dispersive spectrum) and N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherm techniques, respectively. Further, the mechanical strength and thermal analysis were carried out using the nanoindentation method and thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimeter (TG/DSC) methods, respectively. Moreover, in vitro biocompatibility studies for the prepared samples were carried out against human osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63). The crystalline nature of the samples without any impurity phases was notified from XRD results. The formation of composites with the morphology of nanorods and the presence of desired elements in the intended ratio were verified using FE-SEM and EDS spectra, respectively. The TG/DSC results revealed the improved thermal stability of the HAp matrix, promoted by the reinforcement of the ZnO nanorods. The nanoindentation study ensured a significant enhancement in the mechanical stability of the prepared composite material. Finally, it demonstrated that the HAp matrix’s mechanical strength and thermal stability were improved by the reinforcement of ZnO, and the cytotoxicity evaluation affirmed the biocompatible nature of the biomimetic hydroxyapatite in the composite. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Bio-Nanomaterials for Health Care)

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Review

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19 pages, 1266 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chronic Inflammation’s Transformation to Cancer: A Nanotherapeutic Paradigm

by Sayed Sartaj Sohrab, Riya Raj, Amka Nagar, Susan Hawthorne, Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos, Mohammad Amjad Kamal, Mai M. El-Daly, Esam I. Azhar and Ankur Sharma

Molecules 2023, 28(11), 4413; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114413 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3474

Abstract

The body’s normal immune response against any invading pathogen that causes infection in the body results in inflammation. The sudden transformation in inflammation leads to the rise of inflammatory diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune disorders, and colorectal cancer (different types of cancer develop at the site of chronic infection and inflammation). Inflammation results in two ways: short-term inflammation i.e., non-specific, involves the action of various immune cells; the other results in long-term reactions lasting for months or years. It is specific and causes angiogenesis, fibrosis, tissue destruction, and cancer progression at the site of inflammation. Cancer progression relies on the interaction between the host microenvironment and tumor cells along with the inflammatory responses, fibroblast, and vascular cells. The two pathways that have been identified connecting inflammation and cancer are the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Both have their own specific role in linking inflammation to cancer, involving various transcription factors such as Nuclear factor kappa B, Activator of transcription, Single transducer, and Hypoxia-inducible factor, which in turn regulates the inflammatory responses via Soluble mediators cytokines (such as Interleukin-6, Hematopoietin-1/Erythropoietin, and tumor necrosis factor), chemokines (such as Cyclooxygenase-2, C-X-C Motif chemokines ligand-8, and IL-8), inflammatory cells, cellular components (such as suppressor cells derived from myeloid, tumor-associated macrophage, and acidophils), and promotes tumorigenesis. The treatment of these chronic inflammatory diseases is challenging and needs early detection and diagnosis. Nanotechnology is a booming field nowadays for its rapid action and easy penetration inside the infected destined cells. Nanoparticles are widely classified into different categories based on their different factors and properties such as size, shape, cytotoxicity, and others. Nanoparticles emerged as excellent with highly progressive medical inventions to cure diseases such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, and others. Nanoparticles have shown higher binding capacity with the biomolecules in inflammation reduction and lowers the oxidative stress inside tissue/cells. In this review, we have overall discussed inflammatory pathways that link inflammation to cancer, major inflammatory diseases, and the potent action of nanoparticles in chronic inflammation-related diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Bio-Nanomaterials for Health Care)

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18 pages, 1947 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancements in Research on Constructing Physiological and Pathological Liver Models and Their Applications Utilizing Bioprinting Technology

by Zibei Ming, Xinyu Tang, Jing Liu and Banfeng Ruan

Molecules 2023, 28(9), 3683; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28093683 - 24 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1858

Abstract

In recent decades, significant progress has been made in liver tissue engineering through the use of 3D bioprinting technology. This technology offers the ability to create personalized biological structures with precise geometric design capabilities. The complex and multifaceted nature of liver diseases underscores the need for advanced technologies to accurately mimic the physiological and mechanical characteristics, as well as organ-level functions, of liver tissue in vitro. Bioprinting stands out as a superior option over traditional two-dimensional cell culture models and animal models due to its stronger biomimetic advantages. Through the use of bioprinting, it is possible to create liver tissue with a level of structural and functional complexity that more closely resembles the real organ, allowing for more accurate disease modeling and drug testing. As a result, it is a promising tool for restoring and replacing damaged tissue and organs in the field of liver tissue engineering and drug research. This article aims to present a comprehensive overview of the progress made in liver tissue engineering using bioprinting technology to provide valuable insights for researchers. The paper provides a detailed account of the history of liver tissue engineering, highlights the current 3D bioprinting methods and bioinks that are widely used, and accentuates the importance of existing in vitro liver tissue models based on 3D bioprinting and their biomedical applications. Additionally, the article explores the challenges faced by 3D bioprinting and predicts future trends in the field. The progress of 3D bioprinting technology is poised to bring new approaches to printing liver tissue in vitro, while offering powerful tools for drug development, testing, liver disease modeling, transplantation, and regeneration, which hold great academic and practical significance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Bio-Nanomaterials for Health Care)

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