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Biomedical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2023) | Viewed by 17995

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sultan Akhtar

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Guest Editor

Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
Interests: nanomaterials; material analysis; characterization; SEM/TEM

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have shown great potential in biomedical analysis and the treatment of various diseases due to their fascinating intrinsic physicochemical properties along with high surface area and multifunctional properties. MNPs such as silver (Ag), gold (Au), titanium (TiO2), and iron oxides (Fe3O4) are the most emerging trend to design bioengineering materials, which could be used as modern diagnostic tools and devices to combat fatal diseases and bio infections. However, the individual MNPs could be toxic and hazardous materials for living cells. Thus, a big challenge is how to make the MNPs biocompatible and biodegradable for various biomedical applications. The concept of encapsulation of metal NPs in host molecules or films can be considered a potential approach to address this problem. The modern MNPs are composed of inorganic or metal oxide core and a shell made of either organic/inorganic material or metal oxide. In this regard, several methods have been introduced to produce novel MNPs; in particular, the biological routes garnered great interest due to their non-toxic nature, simplicity, sustainability, eco-friendliness, and control on particle size.

The present Special Issue of Nanomaterials entitled “Biomedical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles” is aimed at presenting the current state-of-the-art approaches or strategies for the synthesis of innovative metallic nanoparticles for biomedical applications. In this issue, we focus on the current trends in the synthesis of MNPs for biomedical purposes and the parameters that can be tuned to obtain the nanoparticles with desired morphology, composition, and crystallinity for better biological activities. We cordially invite you to publish your relevant latest research in this issue. The journal is now open to submissions for consideration.

Dr. Sultan Akhtar
Guest Editor

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Keywords

metal nanoparticles
synthesis routes
chemical properties
physical properties
characterization tools
anticancer applications
biomedical applications

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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29 pages, 5582 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Multifaceted Assessment of Porous Silica Nanocomposites: Unraveling Physical, Structural, and Biological Transformations Induced by Microwave Field Modification

by Aleksandra Strach, Mateusz Dulski, Daniel Wasilkowski, Krzysztof Matus, Karolina Dudek, Jacek Podwórny, Patrycja Rawicka, Vladlens Grebnevs, Natalia Waloszczyk, Anna Nowak, Paulina Poloczek and Sylwia Golba

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(4), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14040337 - 8 Feb 2024

Viewed by 970

Abstract

In response to the persistent challenge of heavy and noble metal environmental contamination, our research explores a new idea to capture silver through porous spherical silica nanostructures. The aim was realized using microwave radiation at varying power (P = 150 or 800 W) and exposure times (t = 60 or 150 s). It led to the development of a silica surface with enhanced metal-capture capacity. The microwave-assisted silica surface modification influences the notable changes within the carrier but also enforces the crystallization process of silver nanoparticles with different morphology, structure, and chemical composition. Microwave treatment can also stimulate the formation of core–shell bioactive Ag/Ag₂CO₃ heterojunctions. Due to the silver nanoparticles’ sphericity and silver carbonate’s presence, the modified nanocomposites exhibited heightened toxicity against common microorganisms, such as E. coli and S. epidermidis. Toxicological assessments, including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) determinations, underscored the efficacy of the nanocomposites. This research represents a significant stride in addressing pollution challenges. It shows the potential of microwave-modified silicas in the fight against environmental contamination. Microwave engineering underscores a sophisticated approach to pollution remediation and emphasizes the pivotal role of nanotechnology in shaping sustainable solutions for environmental stewardship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles)

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15 pages, 2982 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Unraveling the Mechanisms of Ch-SeNP Cytotoxicity against Cancer Cells: Insights from Targeted and Untargeted Metabolomics

by Hector Estevez, Estefania Garcia-Calvo, Maria L. Mena, Roberto Alvarez-Fernandez Garcia and Jose L. Luque-Garcia

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(15), 2204; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13152204 - 29 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1142

Abstract

Although chitosan-stabilized selenium nanoparticles (Ch-SeNPs) have emerged as a promising chemical form of selenium for anticancer purposes, gathering more profound knowledge related to molecular dysfunctions contributes significantly to the promotion of their evolution as a chemotherapeutic drug. In this sense, metabolites are the end products in the flow of gene expression and, thus, the most sensitive to changes in the physiological state of a biological system. Therefore, metabolomics provides a functional readout of the biochemical activity and cell state. In the present study, we evaluated alterations in the metabolomes of HepG2 cells after the exposure to Ch-SeNPs to elucidate the biomolecular mechanisms involved in their therapeutic effect. A targeted metabolomic approach was conducted to evaluate the levels of four of the main energy-related metabolites (adenosine triphosphate (ATP); adenosine diphosphate (ADP); nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺); and 1,4-dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)), revealing alterations as a result of exposure to Ch-SeNPs related to a shortage in the energy supply system in the cell. In addition, an untargeted metabolomic experiment was performed, which allowed for the study of alterations in the global metabolic profile as a consequence of Ch-SeNP exposure. The results indicate that the TCA cycle and glycolytic pathways were impaired, while alternative pathways such as glutaminolysis and cysteine metabolism were upregulated. Additionally, increased fructose levels suggested the induction of hypoxia-like conditions. These findings highlight the potential of Ch-SeNPs to disrupt cancer cell metabolism and provide insights into the mechanisms underlying their antitumor effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles)

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13 pages, 2327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibiofilm Activity of 3D-Printed Nanocomposite Resin: Impact of ZrO₂ Nanoparticles

by Abdulrahman Khattar, Jawad A. Alghafli, Mohammed A. Muheef, Ali M. Alsalem, Mohammed A. Al-Dubays, Hussain M. AlHussain, Hussain M. AlShoalah, Soban Q. Khan, Doaa M. AlEraky and Mohammed M. Gad

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13030591 - 1 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1624

Abstract

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a commonly used material, as it is biocompatible and relatively cheap. However, its mechanical properties and weak antibiofilm activity are major concerns. With the development of new technology, 3D-printed resins are emerging as replacements for PMMA. Few studies have investigated the antibiofilm activity of 3D-printed resins. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antibiofilm activity and surface roughness of a 3D-printed denture base resin modified with different concentrations of zirconium dioxide nanoparticles (ZrO₂ NPs). A total of 60 resin disc specimens (15 × 2 mm) were fabricated and divided into six groups (n = 10). The groups comprised a heat-polymerized resin (PMMA) group, an unmodified 3D-printed resin (NextDent) group, and four 3D-printed resin groups that were modified with ZrO₂ NPs at various concentrations (0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt%). All specimens were polished using a conventional method and then placed in a thermocycler machine for 5000 cycles. Surface roughness (Ra, µm) was measured using a non-contact profilometer. The adhesion of Candida albicans (C. albicans) was measured using a fungal adhesion assay that consisted of a colony forming unit assay and a cell proliferation assay. The data were analyzed using Shapiro–Wilk and Kruskal–Wallis tests. A Mann–Whitney U test was used for pairwise comparison, and p-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The lowest Ra value (0.88 ± 0.087 µm) was recorded for the PMMA group. In comparison to the PMMA group, the 3% ZrO₂ NPs 3D-printed group showed a significant increase in Ra (p < 0.025). For the 3D-printed resins, significant differences were found between the groups with 0% vs. 3% ZrO₂ NPs and 3% vs. 5% ZrO₂ NPs (p < 0.025). The highest Ra value (0.96 ± 0.06 µm) was recorded for the 3% ZrO₂ NPs group, and the lowest Ra values (0.91 ± 0.03 µm) were recorded for the 0.5% and 5% ZrO₂ NPs groups. In terms of antifungal activity, the cell proliferation assay showed a significant decrease in the C. albicans count for the 0.5% ZrO₂ NPs group when compared with PMMA and all other groups of 3D-printed resins. The group with the lowest concentration of ZrO₂ NPs (0.5%) showed the lowest level of C. albicans adhesion of all the tested groups and showed the lowest Candida count (0.29 ± 0.03). The addition of ZrO₂ NPs in low concentrations did not affect the surface roughness of the 3D-printed resins. These 3D-printed resins with low concentrations of nanocomposites could be used as possible materials for the prevention and treatment of denture stomatitis, due to their antibiofilm activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles)

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12 pages, 1105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of ZrO₂ Nanoparticle Addition on the Optical Properties of Denture Base Materials Fabricated Using Additive Technologies

by Abdulrahman Khattar, Majed H. Alsaif, Jawad A. Alghafli, Ali A. Alshaikh, Ali M. Alsalem, Ibrahim A. Almindil, Abdulsalam M. Alsalman, Ali J. Alboori, Abdullah M. Al-Ajwad, Hussain M Almuhanna, Soban Q. Khan, Hamad S. AlRumaih and Mohammed M. Gad

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4190; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234190 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1766

Abstract

This study investigated the translucency of 3D-printed denture base resins modified with zirconium dioxide nanoparticles (ZrO₂NPs) under thermal cycling. A total of 110 specimens were fabricated and divided into 3 groups according to the materials, i.e., heat-polymerized resin, and 3D-printed resins (NextDent, and ASIGA). The 3D-printed resins were modified with 0, 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt.% of ZrO₂NPs. All the specimens were subjected to 5000 thermal cycles. The translucency was measured using a spectrophotometer. The results showed that the heat-polymerized resin had considerably higher translucency than the 3D-printed resins. Compared to the unmodified group, the translucency decreased significantly after adding 5% ZrO₂NPs to NextDent and 3% ZrO₂NPs to ASIGA resins. The highest translucency was achieved for NextDent by adding 0.5% ZrO₂NPs and for ASIGA without any ZrO₂NPs. It was found that the average concentration level in ASIGA was significantly higher than that in NextDent. These findings revealed that 3D-printed resins have lower translucency than heat-polymerized acrylic resin, and adding ZrO₂NPs at low concentrations did not affect the translucency of the 3D-printed resins. Therefore, in terms of translucency, 3D-printed nanocomposite denture base resins could be considered for clinical applications when ZrO₂NPs are added at low concentrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles)

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13 pages, 4176 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Parts of the Okra Plant (Abelmoschus esculentus) on the Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Evaluation of Synthesis Conditions, Nonlinear Optical and Antibacterial Properties

by G. Roshan Deen, Fatima Al Hannan, Fryad Henari and Sultan Akhtar

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4174; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234174 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1815

Abstract

In this work, stable and spherical silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized in situ from silver salt (silver nitrate) using the aqueous extract of the okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus) at room temperature and ambient pH conditions. The influences of different parts of the plant (such as the leaves, stems, and pods) on the chemical-reducing effectiveness of silver nitrate to silver nanoparticles were investigated. The aqueous extract of the leaves was found to be more effective in the chemical reduction of silver nanoparticles and in stabilizing them at the same time. The silver nanoparticles produced were stable and did not precipitate even after storage for 1 month. The extract of the stem was less effective in the reduction capacity followed by the extract of the pods. The results indicate that the different amounts of phytochemicals present in the leaves, stems, and pods of the okra plant are responsible for the chemical reduction and stabilizing effect. The silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 460 nm confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were spherical with an average size of 16 nm and polycrystalline with face-centered cubic (fcc) structures. The z-scan technique was used to study the nonlinear refraction and absorption coefficients of AgNPs at wavelengths of 488 and 514 nm under C.W. mode excitation. The nonlinear refraction index and nonlinear absorption coefficients were calculated in the theoretical equations in the experimental data. The antibacterial properties of the nanoparticles were evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles)

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15 pages, 6234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Multifunctional Bimetallic Ag-CuO Nanohybrids and Their Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm and Antiproliferative Potential

by Hayfa Habes Almutairi, Nazish Parveen and Sajid Ali Ansari

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4167; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234167 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1283

Abstract

The rapidly growing global problem of infectious pathogens acquiring resistance to conventional antibiotics is an instigating reason for researchers to continue the search for functional as well as broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Hence, we aimed in this study to synthesis silver–copper oxide (Ag-CuO) nanohybrids as a function of Ag concentration (0.05, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 g) via the one-step hydrothermal method. The bimetallic Ag-CuO nanohybrids Ag-C-1, Ag-C-2, Ag-C-3 and Ag-C-4 were characterized for their physico-chemical properties. The SEM results showed pleomorphic Ag-CuO crystals; however, the majority of the particles were found in spherical shape. TEM results showed that the Ag-CuO nanohybrids in formulations Ag-C-1 and Ag-C-3 were in the size range of 20–35 nm. Strong signals of Ag, Cu and O in the EDX spectra revealed that the as-synthesized nanostructures are bimetallic Ag-CuO nanohybrids. The obtained Ag-C-1, Ag-C-2, Ag-C-3 and Ag-C-4 nanohybrids have shown their MICs and MBCs against E. coli and C. albicans in the range of 4–12 mg/mL and 2–24 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, dose-dependent toxicity and apoptosis process stimulation in the cultured human colon cancer HCT-116 cells have proven the Ag-CuO nanohybrids as promising antiproliferative agents against mammalian cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles)

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11 pages, 1420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Encapsulation of Imazalil in HKUST-1 with Versatile Antimicrobial Activity

by Hongqiang Dong, Yuke He, Chen Fan, Zhongqiang Zhu, Chunrong Zhang, Xinju Liu, Kun Qian and Tao Tang

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3879; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12213879 - 3 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1944

Abstract

Based on high surface areas, adjustable porosity and microbicide activity, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) HKUST-1 are widely used as drug release carriers for their slow degradation characteristics under slightly acidic conditions. In this work, porous HKUST-1 was reacted rapidly by cholinium salt (as the deprotonation agent and template) in an aqueous solution at room temperature. A novel antimicrobial system based on an imazalil encapsulated metal organic framework (imazalil IL-3@HKUST-1) was established. Imazalil IL-3@HKUST-1 could achieve synergism in inhibiting pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Moreover, six days after treatment, the slow and constant release of imazalil from imazalil IL@HKUST-1 exhibited better sustainability and microbicidal activity than imazalil. We believe that the method may provide a new strategy for related plant diseases caused by bacteria or fungi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles)

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14 pages, 5960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Capping Agents on Gold Nanostar Stability, Functionalization, and Colorimetric Biosensing Capability

by Tozivepi Aaron Munyayi, Barend Christiaan Vorster and Danielle Wingrove Mulder

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(14), 2470; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12142470 - 19 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1894

Abstract

Capping agents (organic ligands, polymers, and surfactants) are pivotal for stabilizing nanoparticles; however, they may influence the surface chemistry, as well as the physico-chemical and biological characteristics, of gold nanostar (AuNS)-based biosensors. In this study, we proved that various capping agents affected capped and bioconjugated AuNS stability, functionality, biocatalysis, and colorimetric readouts. Capped and bioconjugated AuNSs were applied as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-based H₂O₂ sensors using glucose oxidase (GOx) as a model enzyme. Furthermore, our analyses revealed that the choice of capping agent influenced the properties of the AuNSs, their stability, and their downstream applications. Our analyses provide new insights into factors governing the choice of capping agents for gold nanostars and their influences on downstream applications with conjugated enzymes in confined environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles)

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16 pages, 7338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3D-Printed Nanocomposite Denture-Base Resins: Effect of ZrO₂ Nanoparticles on the Mechanical and Surface Properties In Vitro

by Ali A. Alshaikh, Abdulrahman Khattar, Ibrahim A. Almindil, Majed H. Alsaif, Sultan Akhtar, Soban Q. Khan and Mohammed M. Gad

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(14), 2451; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12142451 - 18 Jul 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3197

Abstract

Due to the low mechanical performances of 3D-printed denture base resins, ZrO₂ nanoparticles (ZrO₂NPs) were incorporated into different 3D-printed resins and their effects on the flexure strength, elastic modulus, impact strength, hardness, and surface roughness were evaluated. A total of 286 specimens were fabricated in dimensions per respective test and divided according to materials into three groups: heat-polymerized as a control group and two 3D-printed resins (NextDent and ASIGA) which were modified with 0.5 wt.%, 1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, and 5 wt.% ZrO₂NPs. The flexure strength and elastic modulus, impact strength, hardness, and surface roughness (µm) were measured using the three-point bending test, Charpy’s impact test, Vickers hardness test, and a profilometer, respectively. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). The results showed that, in comparison to heat-polymerized resin, the unmodified 3D-printed resins showed a significant decrease in all tested properties (p < 0.001) except surface roughness (p = 0.11). In between 3D-printed resins, the addition of ZrO₂NPs to 3D-printed resins showed a significant increase in flexure strength, impact strength, and hardness (p < 0.05) while showing no significant differences in surface roughness and elastic modulus (p > 0.05). Our study demonstrated that the unmodified 3D-printed resins showed inferior mechanical behavior when compared with heat-polymerized acrylic resin while the addition of ZrO₂NPs improved the properties of 3D-printed resins. Therefore, the introduced 3D-printable nanocomposite denture-base resins are suitable for clinical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles)

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Review

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14 pages, 2924 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fabrication of Au–Ag Bimetallic Nanoparticles Using Pulsed Laser Ablation for Medical Applications: A Review

by Muidh Alheshibri

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(22), 2940; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13222940 - 13 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1482

Abstract

In recent years, the synthesis of Au–Ag bimetallic nanoparticles has garnered immense attention due to their potential applications in diverse fields, particularly in the realm of medicine and healthcare. The development of efficient synthesis methods is crucial in harnessing their unique properties for medical applications. Among the synthesis methods, pulsed laser ablation in a liquid environment has emerged as a robust and versatile method for precisely tailoring the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles. This manuscript provides an overview of the fundamentals of the pulsed laser ablation in a liquid method, elucidating the critical factors involved. It comprehensively explores the pivotal factors influencing Au–Ag bimetallic nanoparticle synthesis, delving into the material composition, laser parameters, and environmental conditions. Furthermore, this review highlights the promising strides made in antibacterial, photothermal, and diagnostic applications. Despite the remarkable progress, the manuscript also outlines the existing limitations and challenges in this advanced synthesis technique. By providing a thorough examination of the current state of research, this review aims to pave the way for future innovations in the field, driving the development of novel, safe, and effective medical technologies based on Au–Ag bimetallic nanoparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles)

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