Functional Nanomaterials for Theranostic Applications

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2024) | Viewed by 9635

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Tatung University, Taipei, Taiwan
Interests: biomaterials; nanomedicine; calcium phosphate
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Interests: biomaterial modification; hydrogels; cell/drug carriers; hybrid nanoparticles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

In recent decades, widespread efforts have been devoted to synthesizing various sizes and shapes of inorganic nanoparticles and to exploring their properties with respect to geometrical shapes. Moreover, the physicochemical, optical, and biological functions of inorganic nanoparticles are tunable depending on the fabrication method. In addition to possessing a simple fabrication process, their high biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity make inorganic-based nanoparticles attractive alternatives for advanced cellular labeling, diagnostics, and therapeutics. These unique features of inorganic nanoparticles endow them with considerable potential to serve as a practical biomaterial.

This Special Issue aims to cover diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the field of inorganic-based nanomaterials. The synthesis, fabrication, characterization, and functionalization of inorganic-based nanomaterials are very welcome. We cordially invite scientists and academicians all over the world to submit original research papers and review articles on the developments and biomedical application of inorganic-based nanoparticles. The main research areas include, but are not limited to:·       

  • Inorganic-based nanoparticles;·       
  • Hybrid nanoparticles;·       
  • Drug delivery;·       
  • Cellular probe;·       
  • Biocompatibility;·       
  • Functionalization and surface modification;·       
  • Diagnostic and therapeutic applications;·      
  • Nanomedicine.

Dr. Hsi-Chin Wu
Prof. Dr. Shiao-Wen Tsai
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Nanomaterials 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 2900 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-based nanoparticles
  • hybrid nanoparticles
  • multifunctional nanoparticles
  • theranostics
  • targeted therapy
  • drug delivery
  • nanotechnology
  • nanomedicine

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 14059 KiB  
Article
Comparative Studies of the Structural and Physicochemical Properties of the First Fullerene Derivative FD-C60 (Fullerenol) and Second Fullerene Derivate SD-C60 (3HFWC)
by Djuro Koruga, Ivana Stanković, Lidija Matija, Dietmar Kuhn, Bastian Christ, Sofia Dembski, Nenad Jevtić, Jelena Janać, Vladimir Pavlović and Bart De Wever
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(5), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14050480 - 6 Mar 2024
Viewed by 817
Abstract
In order to maximally reduce the toxicity of fullerenol (the first derivative of C60, FD-C60), and increase its biomedical efficiency, the second derivative SD-C60 (3HFWC, Hyper-Harmonized Hydroxylated Fullerene Water Complex) was created. Several different methods were applied in [...] Read more.
In order to maximally reduce the toxicity of fullerenol (the first derivative of C60, FD-C60), and increase its biomedical efficiency, the second derivative SD-C60 (3HFWC, Hyper-Harmonized Hydroxylated Fullerene Water Complex) was created. Several different methods were applied in the comparative characterization of FD-C60 and SD-C60 with the same OH groups in their core. FD-C60 as an individual structure was about 1.3 nm in size, while SD-C60 as an individual structure was 10–30 nm in size. Based on ten physicochemical methods and techniques, FD-C60 and SD-C60 were found to be two different substances in terms of size, structure, and physicochemical properties; FD-C60, at 100 °C, had endothermic characteristics, while SD-C60, at 133 °C, had exothermic characteristics; FD-C60 did not have water layers, while SD-C60 had water layers; the zeta potential of FD-C60 was −25.85 mV, while it was −43.29 mV for SD-C60. SD-C60 is a promising substance for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials for Theranostic Applications)
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20 pages, 9641 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Stereocomplexation and Crystallinity on the Degradation of Polylactide Nanoparticles
by Chuan Yin, Jenny Hemstedt, Karl Scheuer, Maja Struczyńska, Christine Weber, Ulrich S. Schubert, Jörg Bossert and Klaus D. Jandt
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(5), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14050440 - 28 Feb 2024
Viewed by 722
Abstract
Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) are frequently researched and used in drug delivery. The degradation of PNPs is highly dependent on various properties, such as polymer chemical structure, size, crystallinity, and melting temperature. Hence, a precise understanding of PNP degradation behavior is essential for optimizing [...] Read more.
Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) are frequently researched and used in drug delivery. The degradation of PNPs is highly dependent on various properties, such as polymer chemical structure, size, crystallinity, and melting temperature. Hence, a precise understanding of PNP degradation behavior is essential for optimizing the system. This study focused on enzymatic hydrolysis as a degradation mechanism by investigation of the degradation of PNP with various crystallinities. The aliphatic polyester polylactide ([C3H4O2]n, PLA) was used as two chiral forms, poly l-lactide (PlLA) and poly d-lactide (PdLA), and formed a unique crystalline stereocomplex (SC). PNPs were prepared via a nanoprecipitation method. In order to further control the crystallinity and melting temperatures of the SC, the polymer poly(3-ethylglycolide) [C6H8O4]n (PEtGly) was synthesized. Our investigation shows that the PNP degradation can be controlled by various chemical structures, crystallinity and stereocomplexation. The influence of proteinase K on PNP degradation was also discussed in this research. AFM did not reveal any changes within the first 24 h but indicated accelerated degradation after 7 days when higher EtGly content was present, implying that lower crystallinity renders the particles more susceptible to hydrolysis. QCM-D exhibited reduced enzyme adsorption and a slower degradation rate in SC-PNPs with lower EtGly contents and higher crystallinities. A more in-depth analysis of the degradation process unveiled that QCM-D detected rapid degradation from the outset, whereas AFM exhibited delayed changes of degradation. The knowledge gained in this work is useful for the design and creation of advanced PNPs with enhanced structures and properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials for Theranostic Applications)
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13 pages, 3217 KiB  
Article
Competing Magnetic Interactions and Field-Induced Metamagnetic Transition in Highly Crystalline Phase-Tunable Iron Oxide Nanorods
by Supun B. Attanayake, Amit Chanda, Thomas Hulse, Raja Das, Manh-Huong Phan and Hariharan Srikanth
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(8), 1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13081340 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1704
Abstract
The inherent existence of multi phases in iron oxide nanostructures highlights the significance of them being investigated deliberately to understand and possibly control the phases. Here, the effects of annealing at 250 °C with a variable duration on the bulk magnetic and structural [...] Read more.
The inherent existence of multi phases in iron oxide nanostructures highlights the significance of them being investigated deliberately to understand and possibly control the phases. Here, the effects of annealing at 250 °C with a variable duration on the bulk magnetic and structural properties of high aspect ratio biphase iron oxide nanorods with ferrimagnetic Fe3O4 and antiferromagnetic α-Fe2O3 are explored. Increasing annealing time under a free flow of oxygen enhanced the α-Fe2O3 volume fraction and improved the crystallinity of the Fe3O4 phase, identified in changes in the magnetization as a function of annealing time. A critical annealing time of approximately 3 h maximized the presence of both phases, as observed via an enhancement in the magnetization and an interfacial pinning effect. This is attributed to disordered spins separating the magnetically distinct phases which tend to align with the application of a magnetic field at high temperatures. The increased antiferromagnetic phase can be distinguished due to the field-induced metamagnetic transitions observed in structures annealed for more than 3 h and was especially prominent in the 9 h annealed sample. Our controlled study in determining the changes in volume fractions with annealing time will enable precise control over phase tunability in iron oxide nanorods, allowing custom-made phase volume fractions in different applications ranging from spintronics to biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials for Theranostic Applications)
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15 pages, 1662 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of Dendronized Gold Nanoparticles Bearing Charged Peripheral Groups with Antimicrobial Potential
by Gabriel Perli, Diego L. Bertuzzi, Dênio E. P. Souto, Miguel D. Ramos, Carolyne B. Braga, Samile B. Aguiar and Catia Ornelas
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(15), 2610; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12152610 - 29 Jul 2022
Viewed by 2029
Abstract
Dendronized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized bearing charged peripheral groups. Two novel AB3-type dendrons were synthesized with a thiol group at the focal point followed by their attachment to AuNPs. Dendrons were designed to have nine charged peripheral groups (carboxyl or [...] Read more.
Dendronized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized bearing charged peripheral groups. Two novel AB3-type dendrons were synthesized with a thiol group at the focal point followed by their attachment to AuNPs. Dendrons were designed to have nine charged peripheral groups (carboxyl or amine), glycol solubilizing, units and one thiol moiety at the focal point. Both dendrons and all intermediates were synthesized in high yields and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). The amine- and carboxyl-terminated dendrons were used to functionalize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) previously stabilized with citrate. The nanoparticles’ diameters and their colloidal stability were investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The size and morphology of the dendronized AuNPs were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed individual particles with no aggregation after replacement of citrate by the dendrons, in agreement with the DLS data. The absorption spectroscopy reveals a prominent plasmonic band at 560 nm for all AuNPs. The zeta potential further confirmed the expected charged structures of the dendronized AuNPs. Considering all the physical–chemical properties of the charged dendronized AuNPs developed in this work, these AuNPs might be used as a weapon against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials for Theranostic Applications)
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Review

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35 pages, 1358 KiB  
Review
Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis and Their Antimicrobial Activity
by Johana Zúñiga-Miranda, Julio Guerra, Alexander Mueller, Arianna Mayorga-Ramos, Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco, Carlos Barba-Ostria, Jorge Heredia-Moya and Linda P. Guamán
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(22), 2919; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13222919 - 8 Nov 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3918
Abstract
The rise of antimicrobial resistance caused by inappropriate use of these agents in various settings has become a global health threat. Nanotechnology offers the potential for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) with antimicrobial activity, such as iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). The use of [...] Read more.
The rise of antimicrobial resistance caused by inappropriate use of these agents in various settings has become a global health threat. Nanotechnology offers the potential for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) with antimicrobial activity, such as iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). The use of IONPs is a promising way to overcome antimicrobial resistance or pathogenicity because of their ability to interact with several biological molecules and to inhibit microbial growth. In this review, we outline the pivotal findings over the past decade concerning methods for the green synthesis of IONPs using bacteria, fungi, plants, and organic waste. Subsequently, we delve into the primary challenges encountered in green synthesis utilizing diverse organisms and organic materials. Furthermore, we compile the most common methods employed for the characterization of these IONPs. To conclude, we highlight the applications of these IONPs as promising antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials for Theranostic Applications)
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