Research

5461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Magnetic Cationic Amylose Nanoparticles Used to Deliver Survivin-Small Interfering RNA for Gene Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Vitro

by Zhuo Wu, Xiao-Lin Xu, Jun-Zhao Zhang, Xu-Hong Mao, Ming-Wei Xie, Zi-Liang Cheng, Lie-Jing Lu, Xiao-Hui Duan, Li-Ming Zhang and Jun Shen

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(5), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7050110 - 11 May 2017

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5397

Abstract

Amylose is a promising nanocarrier for gene delivery in terms of its good biocompatibility and high transfection efficiency. Small interfering RNA against survivin (survivin-siRNA) can cause tumor apoptosis by silencing a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-specific gene at the messenger RNA level. In this study, [...] Read more.

Amylose is a promising nanocarrier for gene delivery in terms of its good biocompatibility and high transfection efficiency. Small interfering RNA against survivin (survivin-siRNA) can cause tumor apoptosis by silencing a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-specific gene at the messenger RNA level. In this study, we developed a new class of folate-functionalized, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-loaded cationic amylose nanoparticles to deliver survivin-siRNA to HCC cells. The cellular uptake of nanocomplexes, cytotoxicity, cell apoptosis, and gene suppression mediated by siRNA-complexed nanoparticles were tested. The results demonstrated that folate-functionalized, SPIO-loaded cationic amylose nanoparticles can mediate a specific and safe cellular uptake of survivin-siRNA with high transfection efficiency, resulting in a robust survivin gene downregulation in HCC cells. The biocompatible complex of cationic amylose could be used as an efficient, rapid, and safe gene delivery vector. Upon SPIO loading, it holds a great promise as a theranostic carrier for gene therapy of HCC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Magnetic Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine)

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7403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles-Complexed Cationic Amylose for In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tracking of Transplanted Stem Cells in Stroke

by Bing-Ling Lin, Jun-Zhao Zhang, Lie-Jing Lu, Jia-Ji Mao, Ming-Hui Cao, Xu-Hong Mao, Fang Zhang, Xiao-Hui Duan, Chu-Shan Zheng, Li-Ming Zhang and Jun Shen

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(5), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7050107 - 10 May 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5584

Abstract

Cell-based therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising strategy for acute ischemic stroke. In vivo tracking of therapeutic stem cells with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is imperative for better understanding cellular survival and migrational dynamics over time. In this study, we [...] Read more.

Cell-based therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising strategy for acute ischemic stroke. In vivo tracking of therapeutic stem cells with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is imperative for better understanding cellular survival and migrational dynamics over time. In this study, we develop a novel biocompatible nanocomplex (ASP-SPIONs) based on cationic amylose, by introducing spermine and the image label, ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), to label MSCs. The capacity, efficiency, and cytotoxicity of the nanocomplex in transferring SPIONs into green fluorescence protein-modified MSCs were tested; and the performance of in vivo MRI tracking of the transplanted cells in acute ischemic stroke was determined. The results demonstrated that the new class of SPIONs-complexed nanoparticles based on biodegradable amylose can serve as a highly effective and safe carrier to transfer magnetic label into stem cells. A reliable tracking of transplanted stem cells in stroke was achieved by MRI up to 6 weeks, with the desirable therapeutic benefit of stem cells on stroke retained. With the advantages of a relatively low SPIONs concentration and a short labeling period, the biocompatible complex of cationic amylose with SPIONs is highly translatable for clinical application. It holds great promise in efficient, rapid, and safe labeling of stem cells for subsequent cellular MRI tracking in regenerative medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Magnetic Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine)

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5361 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Direct Laser Writing of Magneto-Photonic Sub-Microstructures for Prospective Applications in Biomedical Engineering

by Thi Huong Au, Duc Thien Trinh, Quang Cong Tong, Danh Bich Do, Dang Phu Nguyen, Manh-Huong Phan and Ngoc Diep Lai

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(5), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7050105 - 09 May 2017

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6321

Abstract

We report on the fabrication of desired magneto-photonic devices by a low one-photon absorption (LOPA) direct laser writing (DLW) technique on a photocurable nanocomposite consisting of magnetite (

{Fe}_{3}

O_{4}

) nanoparticles and a commercial SU-8 photoresist. The magnetic nanocomposite was [...] Read more.

We report on the fabrication of desired magneto-photonic devices by a low one-photon absorption (LOPA) direct laser writing (DLW) technique on a photocurable nanocomposite consisting of magnetite (

{Fe}_{3}

O_{4}

) nanoparticles and a commercial SU-8 photoresist. The magnetic nanocomposite was synthesized by mixing

{Fe}_{3}

O_{4}

nanoparticles with different kinds of SU-8 photoresists. We demonstrated that the degree of dispersion of

{Fe}_{3}

O_{4}

nanoparticles in the nanocomposite depended on the concentration of

{Fe}_{3}

O_{4}

nanoparticles, the viscosity of SU-8 resist, and the mixing time. By tuning these parameters, the most homogeneous magnetic nanocomposite was obtained with a concentration of about 2 wt % of

{Fe}_{3}

O_{4}

nanoparticles in SU-8 2005 photoresist for the mixing time of 20 days. The LOPA-based DLW technique was employed to fabricate on demand various magneto-photonic submicrometer structures, which are similar to those obtained without

{Fe}_{3}

O_{4}

nanoparticles. The magneto-photonic 2D and 3D structures with sizes as small as 150 nm were created. We demonstrated the strong magnetic field responses of the magneto-photonic nanostructures and their use as micro-actuators when immersed in a liquid solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Magnetic Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine)

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2850 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assembly of Iron Oxide Nanocubes for Enhanced Cancer Hyperthermia and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

by Minjung Cho, Antonio Cervadoro, Maricela R. Ramirez, Cinzia Stigliano, Audrius Brazdeikis, Vicki L. Colvin, Pierluigi Civera, Jaehong Key and Paolo Decuzzi

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(4), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7040072 - 28 Mar 2017

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 6916

Abstract

Multiple formulations of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been proposed for enhancing contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and for increasing efficacy in thermal ablation therapies. However, insufficient accumulation at the disease site and low magnetic performance hamper the clinical application of IONPs. [...] Read more.

Multiple formulations of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been proposed for enhancing contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and for increasing efficacy in thermal ablation therapies. However, insufficient accumulation at the disease site and low magnetic performance hamper the clinical application of IONPs. Here, 20 nm iron oxide nanocubes were assembled into larger nanoconstructs externally stabilized by a serum albumin coating. The resulting assemblies of nanocubes (ANCs) had an average diameter of 100 nm and exhibited transverse relaxivity (r₂ = 678.9 ± 29.0 mM^‒1·s^‒1 at 1.41 T) and heating efficiency (specific absorption rate of 109.8 ± 12.8 W·g^‒1 at 512 kHz and 10 kA·m^‒1). In mice bearing glioblastoma multiforme tumors, Cy5.5-labeled ANCs allowed visualization of malignant masses via both near infrared fluorescent and magnetic resonance imaging. Also, upon systemic administration of ANCs (5 mg_Fe·kg^‒1), 30 min of daily exposure to alternating magnetic fields for three consecutive days was sufficient to halt tumor progression. This study demonstrates that intravascular administration of ANCs can effectively visualize and treat neoplastic masses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Magnetic Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine)

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Review

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1803 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Magnetic Microfluidic Biosensors

by Ioanna Giouroudi and Georgios Kokkinis

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(7), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7070171 - 06 Jul 2017

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 6709

Abstract

The development of portable biosening devices for the detection of biological entities such as biomolecules, pathogens, and cells has become extremely significant over the past years. Scientific research, driven by the promise for miniaturization and integration of complex laboratory equipment on inexpensive, reliable, [...] Read more.

The development of portable biosening devices for the detection of biological entities such as biomolecules, pathogens, and cells has become extremely significant over the past years. Scientific research, driven by the promise for miniaturization and integration of complex laboratory equipment on inexpensive, reliable, and accurate devices, has successfully shifted several analytical and diagnostic methods to the submillimeter scale. The miniaturization process was made possible with the birth of microfluidics, a technology that could confine, manipulate, and mix very small volumes of liquids on devices integrated on standard silicon technology chips. Such devices are then directly translating the presence of these entities into an electronic signal that can be read out with a portable instrumentation. For the aforementioned tasks, the use of magnetic markers (magnetic particles—MPs—functionalized with ligands) in combination with the application of magnetic fields is being strongly investigated by research groups worldwide. The greatest merits of using magnetic fields are that they can be applied either externally or from integrated microconductors and they can be well-tuned by adjusting the applied current on the microconductors. Moreover, the magnetic markers can be manipulated inside microfluidic channels by high gradient magnetic fields that can in turn be detected by magnetic sensors. All the above make this technology an ideal candidate for the development of such microfluidic biosensors. In this review, focus is given only to very recent advances in biosensors that use microfluidics in combination with magnetic sensors and magnetic markers/nanoparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Magnetic Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine)

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5515 KiB

Open AccessReview

Magnetic Nanoparticles for Antibiotics Detection

by Cecilia Cristea, Mihaela Tertis and Ramona Galatus

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(6), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7060119 - 24 May 2017

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 9036

Abstract

Widespread use of antibiotics has led to pollution of waterways, potentially creating resistance among freshwater bacterial communities. Microorganisms resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics (superbug) have dramatically increased over the last decades. The presence of antibiotics in waters, in food and beverages in both [...] Read more.

Widespread use of antibiotics has led to pollution of waterways, potentially creating resistance among freshwater bacterial communities. Microorganisms resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics (superbug) have dramatically increased over the last decades. The presence of antibiotics in waters, in food and beverages in both their un-metabolized and metabolized forms are of interest for humans. This is due to daily exposure in small quantities, that, when accumulated, could lead to development of drug resistance to antibiotics, or multiply the risk of allergic reaction. Conventional analytical methods used to quantify antibiotics are relatively expensive and generally require long analysis time associated with the difficulties to perform field analyses. In this context, electrochemical and optical based sensing devices are of interest, offering great potentials for a broad range of analytical applications. This review will focus on the application of magnetic nanoparticles in the design of different analytical methods, mainly sensors, used for the detection of antibiotics in different matrices (human fluids, the environmental, food and beverages samples). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Magnetic Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine)

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6960 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Exchange Bias Effects in Iron Oxide-Based Nanoparticle Systems

by Manh-Huong Phan, Javier Alonso, Hafsa Khurshid, Paula Lampen-Kelley, Sayan Chandra, Kristen Stojak Repa, Zohreh Nemati, Raja Das, Óscar Iglesias and Hariharan Srikanth

Nanomaterials 2016, 6(11), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6110221 - 23 Nov 2016

Cited by 127 | Viewed by 13458

Abstract

The exploration of exchange bias (EB) on the nanoscale provides a novel approach to improving the anisotropic properties of magnetic nanoparticles for prospective applications in nanospintronics and nanomedicine. However, the physical origin of EB is not fully understood. Recent advances in chemical synthesis [...] Read more.

The exploration of exchange bias (EB) on the nanoscale provides a novel approach to improving the anisotropic properties of magnetic nanoparticles for prospective applications in nanospintronics and nanomedicine. However, the physical origin of EB is not fully understood. Recent advances in chemical synthesis provide a unique opportunity to explore EB in a variety of iron oxide-based nanostructures ranging from core/shell to hollow and hybrid composite nanoparticles. Experimental and atomistic Monte Carlo studies have shed light on the roles of interface and surface spins in these nanosystems. This review paper aims to provide a thorough understanding of the EB and related phenomena in iron oxide-based nanoparticle systems, knowledge of which is essential to tune the anisotropic magnetic properties of exchange-coupled nanoparticle systems for potential applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Magnetic Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine)

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Other

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1192 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Oscillating Magnet Array−Based Nanomagnetic Gene Transfection: A Valuable Tool for Molecular Neurobiology Studies

by Mahendran Subramanian, Aimee-Jayne Tyler, Eva Maria Luther, Elena Di Daniel, Jenson Lim and Jon Dobson

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7020028 - 29 Jan 2017

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6064

Abstract

To develop treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, it is critical to understand the biology and function of neurons in both normal and diseased states. Molecular studies of neurons involve the delivery of small biomolecules into cultured neurons via transfection to study genetic variants. However, [...] Read more.

To develop treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, it is critical to understand the biology and function of neurons in both normal and diseased states. Molecular studies of neurons involve the delivery of small biomolecules into cultured neurons via transfection to study genetic variants. However, as cultured primary neurons are sensitive to temperature change, stress, and shifts in pH, these factors make biomolecule delivery difficult, particularly non-viral delivery. Herein we used oscillating nanomagnetic gene transfection to successfully transfect SH-SY5Y cells as well as primary hippocampal and cortical neurons on different days in vitro. This novel technique has been used to effectively deliver genetic material into various cell types, resulting in high transfection efficiency and viability. From these observations and other related studies, we suggest that oscillating nanomagnetic gene transfection is an effective method for gene delivery into hard-to-transfect neuronal cell types. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Magnetic Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine)

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