Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.3
2.5
Journals
Applied Sciences
Special Issues
Nanomaterials in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy
applsci-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Applied Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Nanomaterials in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 9860

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Francesca Brero

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Institute for Nuclear Physics, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Interests: magnetic nanoparticles; NMR; MRI; radiomics; machine learning; magnetic fluid hyperthermia
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Manuel Mariani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Interests: magnetic nanoparticles; NMR; MRI; molecular magnetism; magnetic fluid hyperthermia

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to contribute to this Special Issue entitled “Nanomaterials in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy”. Starting from the new millennium, the interest in the study of nanostructured materials has progressively increased with the ability to manipulate matter at the nanoscale. This has paved the way to the creation of a plethora of novel systems characterized by extremely appealing properties exploitable in a wide number of clinical theranostic applications. For this purpose, synergetic efforts deriving from the exchange among different expertise in different branches of science such as physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and medicine are fundamental. Thus, this Special Issue addresses original research papers or review articles related to synthesis, (magnetic) characterization, and theoretical interpretation of the features of nanomaterials to improve diagnostic performance and optimize treatment strategies.

Researchers are invited to submit manuscripts on these crucial topics, highlighting the importance of new nanomaterials in improving the diagnosis, the treatment, and the monitoring of diseases with the possible final aim of their translation to clinics.

Dr. Francesca Brero
Dr. Manuel Mariani
Guest Editors

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. Applied Sciences 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 2400 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

  • nanomaterials
  • nanoparticles
  • theranostics
  • diagnosis
  • cancer therapy
  • synthesis and characterization
  • health sciences
  • drug delivery
  • functionalization
  • biocompatibility

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 1430 KiB  
Article
Micellized Naringenin Augments Hemodynamics After Myocardial Infarction by Suppressing Tubulin Detyrosination
by Noah Weingarten, Amit Iyengar, Jessica Dominic, Danika Meldrum, Andrew Belec, Sara Guevara-Plunkett, Rachel Wilson, Joyce Ho, Mrinal Patel, Chaitanya Karimanasseri, Ahmad Amirshaghaghi, Daphne Nie, Benjamin W. Lee, Deborah M. Eaton, Kenneth B. Margulies, Zhiliang Cheng, Andrew Tsourkas and Pavan Atluri
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11936; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411936 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 576
Abstract
Impaired contractility after myocardial infarction (MI) causes cardiogenic shock. MARK4 activity impairs contractility post-MI by increasing α-tubulin detyrosination. We assessed the impact of naringenin, a small-molecule MARK4 inhibitor, on contractility post-MI. Naringenin (Nar) was encapsulated in PEG-PCL to augment bioavailability. Wistar rats were [...] Read more.
Impaired contractility after myocardial infarction (MI) causes cardiogenic shock. MARK4 activity impairs contractility post-MI by increasing α-tubulin detyrosination. We assessed the impact of naringenin, a small-molecule MARK4 inhibitor, on contractility post-MI. Naringenin (Nar) was encapsulated in PEG-PCL to augment bioavailability. Wistar rats were randomized to receive either MI + micellized naringenin (0.3 mg/kg) [MI-NarMic], MI + naringenin (0.3 mg/kg) in 1% DMSO [MI-NarDMSO], MI + empty micelle [MI-Mic], MI alone [MI-Untreated], or no MI [Sham]. MI was induced via left anterior descending artery ligation. Invasive hemodynamics with pressure–volume catheterization, cardiomyocyte contractility, and ventricular protein abundance were assessed one day post-MI. A total of 45 rats underwent hemodynamic assessment. MI-NarMic rats demonstrated decreased α-tubulin detyrosination relative to MI-Untreated rats (p < 0.05). Myocytes isolated from peri-infarct tissue had increased contraction and relaxation velocities in MI-NarMic versus MI-Untreated rats (both p < 0.0001). MI-NarMic rats had higher ejection fractions than MI-Mic and MI-Untreated rats (63 ± 3% v. 48 ± 5% vs. 39 ± 4%, p < 0.05) and similar levels to Sham (61 ± 1%, p = 0.97) and MI-NarDMSO (54 ± 5%) rats (p > 0.05). MI-Nar rats had greater stroke work and lower end-diastolic pressure and tau than MI-Untreated rats (all p < 0.05). Micellized naringenin is a translatable agent with the potential to rescue hemodynamics post-MI by inhibiting MARK4 and mitigating myocardial α-tubulin detyrosination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 7803 KiB  
Article
Effect of Adding Gold Nanoparticles on the Anti-Candidal Activity and Release Profile of Itraconazole from Hydrogels
by Radosław Balwierz, Paweł Biernat, Dawid Bursy, Mariia Shanaida, Katarzyna Kasperkiewicz, Agata Jasińska-Balwierz and Wioletta Ochędzan-Siodłak
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11125; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311125 - 29 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1020
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles have been identified as a promising avenue for the development of drug carriers, particularly in the context of antimicrobial drug delivery, where limited solubility represents a significant challenge. The ability of gold nanoparticles to penetrate biofilms and disrupt fungal cell membranes [...] Read more.
Gold nanoparticles have been identified as a promising avenue for the development of drug carriers, particularly in the context of antimicrobial drug delivery, where limited solubility represents a significant challenge. The ability of gold nanoparticles to penetrate biofilms and disrupt fungal cell membranes makes them an effective tool to support antifungal therapy, especially against resistant strains. Gold nanoparticles also demonstrate synergistic effects with chemotherapeutics and can influence the release profile of the active substances. This study aimed to develop a topical hydrogel drug formulation containing itraconazole (ITZ), with the addition of gold nanoparticles, to enhance its therapeutic properties. Due to ITZ’s poor water solubility, three types of the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of different sizes were synthesized and subsequently coated with itraconazole. The resulting formulations were incorporated into carbopol gels and their ability to diffuse through semipermeable membranes was assessed. The findings demonstrated that the combination of gold nanoparticles and itraconazole elevated the diffusion coefficient to twice the level observed in gels without nanoparticles. Furthermore, the combined effect of gold nanoparticles and itraconazole against a reference Candida albicans strain was investigated. The combination of gold nanoparticles and itraconazole demonstrated a growth-inhibitory effect on this strain, indicating that this formulation could potentially be employed in the treatment of fungal infections. The study confirms that hydrogels with itraconazole and gold nanoparticles can be obtained, offering enhanced drug diffusion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5331 KiB  
Article
Experimental Proof of Concept for Using Hybrid Paper Based on Silver Nanowires, Cellulose and Poly(dimethylsiloxane) in Systems Dynamic Analysis and Healthcare Applications
by Grzegorz Dzido, Krzysztof Piotrowski, Piotr Sakiewicz, Klaudiusz Gołombek, Sonia Bańbuła, Natalia Domagała, Martyna Ratajczak, Mateusz Kunert and Agnieszka Ignaszewska
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6783; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156783 - 3 Aug 2024
Viewed by 980
Abstract
The research results and evaluation of the applicability of the original composition of hybrid paper based on silver nanowires (AgNWs), cellulose pulp (CP), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are presented and discussed. The material tested was used to manufacture sensors for mechanical deformation resulting [...] Read more.
The research results and evaluation of the applicability of the original composition of hybrid paper based on silver nanowires (AgNWs), cellulose pulp (CP), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are presented and discussed. The material tested was used to manufacture sensors for mechanical deformation resulting from external influences or related to human activity interactions. The sensors were fabricated using an AgNWs + CP suspension and additives by the vacuum filtration method. The substrate obtained was machined and then laminated with a layer of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The recorded responses to selected types of imposed mechanical interactions in the form of changes in the relative resistance of the sensor throughout the tests showed a close cause-and-effect relationship. The response of the tested systems when applying an alternating magnetic field was also observed. The results indicate that the proposed solutions can find application in the monitoring of mechanical interactions resulting from the dynamic behavior of physical objects, as well as derived from selected human vital functions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1233 KiB  
Communication
How Does the Concentration of Technetium-99m Radiolabeled Gold Nanoparticles Affect Their In Vivo Biodistribution?
by Adamantia Apostolopoulou, Evangelia-Alexandra Salvanou, Aristeidis Chiotellis, Nektarios N. Pirmettis, Ioannis C. Pirmettis, Stavros Xanthopoulos, Przemysław Koźmiński and Penelope Bouziotis
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4324; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104324 - 20 May 2024
Viewed by 1249
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) radiolabeled with therapeutic and diagnostic radioisotopes have been broadly studied as a promising platform for early diagnosis and treatment of many diseases including cancer. Our main goal for this study was the comparison of the biodistribution profiles of four different [...] Read more.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) radiolabeled with therapeutic and diagnostic radioisotopes have been broadly studied as a promising platform for early diagnosis and treatment of many diseases including cancer. Our main goal for this study was the comparison of the biodistribution profiles of four different concentrations of gold nanoconjugates radiolabeled with Technetium-99m (99mTc). More specifically, AuNPs with an average diameter of 2 nm were functionalized with a tridentate thiol ligand. Four different concentrations were radiolabeled with 99mTc-tricarbonyls with high radiolabeling yields (>85%) and were further purified, leading to radiochemical purity of >95%. In vitro stability of the radiolabeled nanoconstructs was examined in cysteine and histidine solutions as well as in human serum, exhibiting robust radiolabeling up to 24 h post-preparation. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity studies were carried out in 4T1 murine mammary cancer cells. In vivo tracking of the radiolabeled nanoconjugates at both concentrations was examined in normal mice in order to examine the effect of AuNPs’ concentration on their in vivo kinetics. Our work demonstrates that varying concentrations of radiolabeled AuNPs lead to notably different biodistribution profiles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2437 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Ionizing Radiation on Paclitaxel-Loaded Nanoparticles Based on PLGA
by Izabela M. Domańska, Ramona Figat, Aldona Zalewska, Krystyna Cieśla, Sebastian Kowalczyk, Karolina Kędra and Marcin Sobczak
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 11052; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131911052 - 7 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1435
Abstract
The effect of ionizing radiation (γ-rays and electron beam) on anticancer drug delivery systems (DDSs) properties was evaluated concerning potential sterilization. For this purpose, paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded nanoparticles were obtained using a biodegradable, self-developed copolymer of l-lactide and glycolide (PLGA), synthesized in the [...] Read more.
The effect of ionizing radiation (γ-rays and electron beam) on anticancer drug delivery systems (DDSs) properties was evaluated concerning potential sterilization. For this purpose, paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded nanoparticles were obtained using a biodegradable, self-developed copolymer of l-lactide and glycolide (PLGA), synthesized in the presence of bismuth 2-ethylhexanoate catalyst. The nanoparticles were obtained with a high encapsulation efficiency of PTX (EE = 94.2%). The average size of the nanoparticles was 253.5 nm. The influence of irradiation (sterilization dose, 25 kGy) on the microstructure and the physicochemical and thermal properties of the polymer matrix was investigated, as well as the effect of irradiation on the morphology and physicochemical properties of the pharmaceutical formulations of the nanoparticles. Additionally, an in vitro drug release study was conducted regarding any alterations in the kinetic profiles of drug release. It was confirmed that the irradiation with both types of ionizing radiation, i.e., γ-rays and electron-beam (EB), slightly decreased the average molecular weight of the polymer matrix. While only negligible changes in the microstructure and thermal properties of PLGA were observed after irradiation with EB, the average length of lactidyl blocks (lLL) in the copolymer chains irradiated with γ-rays decreased from 4.33 to 3.35. Moreover, the contribution of crystalline phase (Xc) in γ-irradiated samples decreased significantly from 35.1% to 22.7%, suggesting a dominant mechanism of chain scission over cross-linking in PLGA samples irradiated with γ-rays. In vitro drug release results demonstrate a sustained and controlled release of PTX from the nanoparticles based on PLGA. The kinetics of drug release was defined as first order with non-Fickian diffusion. Only negligible differences in the kinetic profiles of PTX release from PLGA drug carriers were observed after irradiation. The overall results suggest good resistance of PLGA nanoparticles to irradiation within the conditions used and the great potential of EB in the sterilization process of the polymeric DDSs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 7813 KiB  
Review
Copper- and Iron-Based Nanoflowers in Cancer Theranostics
by Agathi Vlachou, Despina A. Gkika, Pavlos Efthymiopoulos, George Z. Kyzas and Alexandros Tsoupras
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11294; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311294 - 4 Dec 2024
Viewed by 909
Abstract
In recent years, nanoscience and nanotechnology have gained prominence within materials science, offering new opportunities for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Advances in nanotechnology have allowed for the manipulation and size control of nanomaterials, leading to the development of a wide range of materials. [...] Read more.
In recent years, nanoscience and nanotechnology have gained prominence within materials science, offering new opportunities for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Advances in nanotechnology have allowed for the manipulation and size control of nanomaterials, leading to the development of a wide range of materials. The use of nanomaterials as chemical biology tools in cancer theranostics has been widely investigated, owing to their enhanced stability, biocompatibility, and improved cell permeability. These properties enable precise targeting while addressing the limitations of conventional cancer treatments. Nanoflowers, a specific class of nanomaterials, have recently attracted significant interest due to their promising properties for several biomedical applications. However, despite the growing attention toward nanoflowers, detailed reviews on the subject have been limited. This work focuses on two primary types of hybrid nanoflowers: iron- and copper-based ones. Within this article an overview of recent applications in cancer theranostics are thoroughly reviewed, while the synthesis processes for controlling morphology and size, underlying functions, and their characteristics and uses are also extensively explored, aiming to provide a guide for future developments in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

42 pages, 8878 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress and Challenges Regarding Magnetite-Based Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery
by Joanna Kurczewska and Bernadeta Dobosz
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14031132 - 29 Jan 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2580
Abstract
Magnetite-based nanoparticles are of constant interest in the scientific community as potential systems for biomedical applications. Over the years, the ability to synthesize diverse systems based on iron (II, III) oxide nanoparticles has been mastered to maximize their potential effectiveness in the targeted [...] Read more.
Magnetite-based nanoparticles are of constant interest in the scientific community as potential systems for biomedical applications. Over the years, the ability to synthesize diverse systems based on iron (II, III) oxide nanoparticles has been mastered to maximize their potential effectiveness in the targeted delivery of active substances in cancer therapy. The present review explores recent literature findings that detail various magnetic nanosystems. These encompass straightforward designs featuring a polymer coating on the magnetic core and more intricate matrices for delivering chemotherapeutic drugs. This paper emphasizes novel synthetic approaches that impact the efficacy and progress of anticancer investigations, specifically targeting a particular cancer type. The research also delves into combinations with alternative treatment methods and diagnostic approaches. Additionally, it highlights a critical aspect—the interaction with cells—identifying it as the least developed aspect in current research on these systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop