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Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2022) | Viewed by 49512

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Simona Cavalu

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
Interests: biomaterials for tissue regeneration; nanoparticles production and characterization techniques; hybrid nanocomposites for medical applications; drug delivery systems; dental materials; polymeric biomaterials; implantology and implant retrieval; in vivo and in vitro biocompatibility tests

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The capability to produce nanoparticles in the same size domain as proteins has led to a wide range of applications in the biomedical field, for example, nanoparticle-based strategies for optical diagnosis, cancer therapies, nanomedicine, contrast agents, nano-carriers as a vehicle for nucleic acid delivery, gene and drug delivery systems, nano-biosensors, to name but a few. The various applications require precisely defined nanoparticle characteristics related to reaction conditions, particle morphology, chemical composition, and crystallinity, which can be tailored by fabrication strategy, either “top-down” or “bottom-up”. Special attention is paid to “green synthesis” techniques and eco-friendly protocols. Even if rapidly developing nanotechnologies offer many benefits, possible toxicity, as a side effect, has to be considered not only to prevent nanoparticle intoxication, but to prepare custom-made health treatments.

This Special Issue invites articles in the form of research papers, communications, and reviews. Potential topics include, but are not limited to the following:

Novel techniques for nanoparticles synthesis and characterization
Nanoparticles functionalization for biomedical applications
Nano-carriers for drug and gene controlled delivery
Nanocomposites for orthopedic and dental applications
Polymeric nanoparticles
Magnetic nanoparticles
Nanoparticles for contrast agents in Medical Imaging
Antimicrobial agents
Nanoparticles in endodontics
Nanoparticles in cosmetics
Other studies related to nanotechnology associated with biomedical applications.

Prof. Dr. Simona Cavalu
Guest Editor

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. Materials 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 2600 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

nanoparticles synthesis
nano-carriers
magnetic nanoparticles
polymeric nanoparticles
antimicrobial nanoparticles
biomedical applications.

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

10 pages, 2287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advantages of Cubosomal Formulation for Gatifloxacin Delivery in the Treatment of Bacterial Keratitis: In Vitro and In Vivo Approach Using Clinical Isolate of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

by Mohamed Nasr, Sameh Saber, Alaa Y. Bazeed, Heba A. Ramadan, Asmaa Ebada, Adela Laura Ciorba, Simona Cavalu and Heba I. Elagamy

Materials 2022, 15(9), 3374; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15093374 - 8 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1625

Abstract

The objective of this study was to enhance the corneal permeation of gatifloxacin (GTX) using cubosomal nanoparticle as a delivery system. Cubosomal nanoparticle loaded with GTX was prepared and subjected for in vitro and in vivo investigations. The prepared GTX-loaded cubosomal particles exhibited nanoparticle size of 197.46 ± 9.40 nm and entrapment efficiency of 52.8% ± 2.93. The results of ex vivo corneal permeation of GTX-loaded cubosomal dispersion show approximately 1.3-fold increase compared to GTX aqueous dispersion. The incorporation of GTX into cubosomal particles resulted in a fourfold reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value for the GTX cubosomal particles relative to GTX aqueous dispersion. Furthermore, the enhanced corneal penetration of GTX-loaded cubosomal dispersion compared was evident by a significant decrease in the area % of corneal opacity in MRSA infected rats. Moreover, these results were confirmed by photomicrographs of histological structures of corneal tissues from rats treated with GTX-cubosomal dispersion which did not present any change compared to that of the normal rat corneas. In conclusion, treatment of ocular bacterial infections and reduction in the probability of development of new resistant strains of MRSA could be accomplished with GTX-loaded cubosomal nanoparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles)

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18 pages, 4225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Properties of Composites Based on Silicate Glasses and Different Silver and Gold Structures

by Zsejke-Réka Tóth, János Kiss, Milica Todea, Gábor Kovács, Tamás Gyulavári, Alina Sesarman, Giorgiana Negrea, Dan C. Vodnar, Anna Szabó, Lucian Baia and Klára Magyari

Materials 2022, 15(5), 1655; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15051655 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1860

Abstract

Using an ideal biomaterial to treat injured bones can accelerate the healing process and simultaneously exhibit antibacterial properties; thus protecting the patient from bacterial infections. Therefore, the aim of this work was to synthesize composites containing silicate-based bioactive glasses and different types of noble metal structures (i.e., AgI pyramids, AgIAu composites, Au nanocages, Au nanocages with added AgI). Bioactive glass was used as an osteoconductive bone substitute and Ag was used for its antibacterial character, while Au was included to accelerate the formation of new bone. To investigate the synergistic effects in these composites, two syntheses were carried out in two ways: AgIAu composites were added in either one step or AgI pyramids and Au nanocages were added separately. All composites showed good in vitro bioactivity. Transformation of AgI in bioactive glasses into Ag nanoparticles and other silver species resulted in good antibacterial behavior. It was observed that the Ag nanoparticles remained in the Au nanocages, which was also beneficial in terms of antibacterial properties. The presence of Au nanoparticles contributed to the composites achieving high cell viability. The most outstanding result was obtained by the consecutive addition of noble metals into the bioactive glasses, resulting in both a high antibacterial effect and good cell viability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles)

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18 pages, 5189 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Additives Imparting Antimicrobial Properties to Acrylic Bone Cements

by Alina Robu, Aurora Antoniac, Elena Grosu, Eugeniu Vasile, Anca Daniela Raiciu, Florin Iordache, Vasile Iulian Antoniac, Julietta V. Rau, Viktoriya G. Yankova, Lia Mara Ditu and Vicentiu Saceleanu

Materials 2021, 14(22), 7031; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14227031 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3240

Abstract

PMMA bone cements are mainly used to fix implanted prostheses and are introduced as a fluid mixture, which hardens over time. The problem of infected prosthesis could be solved due to the development of some new antibacterial bone cements. In this paper, we show the results obtained to develop four different modified PMMA bone cements by using antimicrobial additives, such as gentamicin, peppermint oil incorporated in hydroxyapatite, and silver nanoparticles incorporated in a ceramic glass matrix (2 and 4%). The structure and morphology of the modified bone cements were investigated by SEM and EDS. We perform experimental measurements on wettability, hydration degree, and degradation degree after immersion in simulated body fluid. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay using the human MG-63 cell line. Antimicrobial properties were checked against standard strains Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The addition of antimicrobial agents did not significantly affect the hydration and degradation degree. In terms of biocompatibility assessed by the MTT test, all experimental PMMA bone cements are biocompatible. The performance of bone cements with peppermint essential oil and silver nanoparticles against these two pathogens suggests that these antibacterial additives look promising to be used in clinical practice against bacterial infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles)

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12 pages, 1909 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Hyaluronate-Based Liposomes to Augment the Oral Delivery and the Bioavailability of Berberine

by Hussam I. Kutbi, Hani Z. Asfour, Ahmed K. Kammoun, Alaa Sirwi, Simona Cavalu and Heba A. Gad

Materials 2021, 14(19), 5759; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14195759 - 2 Oct 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2222

Abstract

Various perspectives had been utilized to enhance the poor intestinal permeability and bioavailability of drugs with low water solubility. Berberine (Brb) is a unique molecule that possesses multiple therapeutic activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic effects. To improve Brb permeability and bioavailability, this study presents a newly developed formulation, namely Brb hyaluronate-based liposomes, prepared by using film hydration method and characterized by dynamic light scattering measurements, entrapment efficiency percentage (EE%), transmission electron microscope (TEM), in vitro drug release and physical stability. The bioavailability of the selected formulations was assessed in vivo after oral administration to rats. The results revealed an enhanced effect of hyaluronic acid on the entrapment efficiency, reaching 78.1 ± 0.1% with mean size 520.7 ± 19.9 nm. Sustained release of Brb was recorded up to 24 h in comparison to Brb solution. Physical stability was maintained for three months at refrigeration temperature. Results of pharmacokinetics studies indicated the potential of the liposomal formulation to increase the oral bioavailability of Brb and to accelerate its entry into the bloodstream. The obtained results are accredited to the lipophilic nature of the prepared system, resembling the structural features of bio-membrane, in addition to their small size that enhances intestinal penetration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles)

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17 pages, 5417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Nanotubes for Improved Performances of Endodontic Sealer

by Andreea Marica, Luminita Fritea, Florin Banica, Cosmin Sinescu, Ciprian Iovan, Iosif Hulka, Gerlinde Rusu and Simona Cavalu

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4248; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154248 - 29 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2601

Abstract

In order to overcome the limitations of current endodontic sealers, especially against resistant bacteria, recent developments in the field of nanotechnology have proved the necessity to reconsider the composition and physico-chemical properties of classical sealers. Nanoparticles with their unique features in terms of small size and high specific surface area, are the best choice for incorporation of antiseptic agents and effective delivery. The aim of our study is to prepare a novel platform for antibacterial drug delivery in dental adhesive systems used in endodontics. For this purpose, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) encapsulating chlorhexidine (CHX) and colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared and incorporated into commercial sealer and investigated in terms of bonding performance to dentin and effectiveness against E. faecalis, S. aureus and Candida albicans, which are responsible for the majority of the failures in endodontic treatments. In this context, the challenges related to the long-term biological effects of CHX/AgNPs loaded MWCNTs are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles)

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16 pages, 10256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nano Selenium—Enriched Probiotics as Functional Food Products against Cadmium Liver Toxicity

by Simona Ioana Vicas, Vasile Laslo, Adrian Vasile Timar, Cornel Balta, Hildegard Herman, Alina Ciceu, Sami Gharbia, Marcel Rosu, Bianca Mladin, Laurentiu Chiana, József Prokisch, Maria Puschita, Eftimie Miutescu, Simona Cavalu, Coralia Cotoraci and Anca Hermenean

Materials 2021, 14(9), 2257; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14092257 - 27 Apr 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2694

Abstract

Since cadmium is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems for humans, it is necessary to find bioremediation solutions to reduce its harmful effects. The main goal of our work was to develop a functional food based on elemental selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) obtained by green synthesis using Lactobacillus casei and to validate their ability to annihilate the hepatic toxic effects induced by cadmium. The characterization of SeNPs was assessed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, DLS and TEM. In order to investigate the dose-dependent protective effects of SeNPs on Cd liver toxicity, mice were assigned to eight experimental groups and fed by gavage, with 5 mg/kg b.w. cadmium, respectively, with co-administration with SeNPs or lacto-SeNPs (LSeNPs) in 3 doses (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days. The protective effect was demonstrated by the restoration of blood hepatic markers (AST, ALT, GGT and total bilirubin) and antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of mice plasma by the FRAP assay, revealed the highest antioxidant capacity for the 0.2 mg/kg LSeNPs group. Histopathological analysis demonstrated the morphological alteration in the group that received only cadmium and was restored after the administration of SeNPs or LSeNPs, while the immunohistochemical analysis of the bcl family revealed anti-apoptotic effects; the Q-PCR analysis showed an upregulation of hepatic inflammatory markers for the group exposed to Cd and a decreased value for the groups receiving oral SeNPs/ LSeNPs in a dose-dependent manner. The best protective effects were obtained for LSeNPs. A functional food that includes both probiotic bacteria and elemental SeNPs could be successfully used to annihilate Cd-induced liver toxicity, and to improve both nutritional values and health benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles)

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19 pages, 6570 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nano-Scale Modifications of Amniotic Membrane Induced by UV and Antibiotic Treatment: Histological, AFM and FTIR Spectroscopy Evidence

by Simona Cavalu, George Roiu, Ovidiu Pop, Denisa A. Petricas Heredea, Traian Octavian Costea and Claudia Florida Costea

Materials 2021, 14(4), 863; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14040863 - 11 Feb 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2924

Abstract

The efficiency of amniotic membrane (AM) transplantation in different types of ocular surface disorders is due to its outstanding properties such as antifibrotic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic, working as a versatile scaffold to promote corneal tissue epithelialization. A proper preparation, preservation and clinical application are crucial for the best outcomes in the treatment of different severe ocular disorders, taking into account its fragility. In this context, by combining high-sensitivity tools such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with histological and immunohistochemical examination, we aimed to investigate the ultrastructural modifications of the amniotic membrane (AM) upon UV exposure and/or antibiotic treatment, with relevance for clinical applications in ocular surface surgery. From the morphological point of view, we noticed a loss of cuboidal cells in the basal membrane, accompanied by the splitting of collagen fibers upon UV and/or gentamicin treatment, while structural alteration of proteins was evidenced by the FTIR quantitative analysis of the secondary structure. A decrease in α-helix and β-sheet content, accompanied by increased content in less ordered structures (turns, random and side chains), was noticed after all the treatments. At the nano-scale, AFM details showed modifications of collagen fibrils in terms of their thickness and network compaction upon gentamicin and/or UV treatment. The enzymatic digestion assay demonstrated that UV exposure significantly reduces the degradation rate of the AM, while gentamicin treatment promotes an accelerated enzymatic digestion upon UV exposure. In order to highlight the clinical impact of the research, a clinical case is presented showing the relevance of amniotic membrane transplantation in pterygium surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles)

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Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 1885 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanotechnology in the Diagnostic and Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

by Florin Graur, Aida Puia, Emil Ioan Mois, Septimiu Moldovan, Alexandra Pusta, Cecilia Cristea, Simona Cavalu, Cosmin Puia and Nadim Al Hajjar

Materials 2022, 15(11), 3893; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15113893 - 30 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2720

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common liver malignancy and is among the top five most common cancers. Despite the progress of surgery and chemotherapy, the results are often disappointing, in part due to chemoresistance. This type of tumor has special characteristics that allow the improvement of diagnostic and treatment techniques used in clinical practice, by combining nanotechnology. This article presents a brief review of the literature focused on nano-conditioned diagnostic methods, targeted therapy, and therapeutic implications for the pathology of hepatocellular carcinoma. Within each subdomain, several modern technologies with significant impact were highlighted: serological, imaging, or histopathological diagnosis; intraoperative detection; carrier-type nano-conditioned therapy, thermal ablation, and gene therapy. The prospects offered by nanomedicine will strengthen the hope of more efficient diagnoses and therapies in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles)

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31 pages, 4478 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Exploring the Journey of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) toward Biomedical Applications

by Fahadul Islam, Sheikh Shohag, Md. Jalal Uddin, Md. Rezaul Islam, Mohamed H. Nafady, Aklima Akter, Saikat Mitra, Arpita Roy, Talha Bin Emran and Simona Cavalu

Materials 2022, 15(6), 2160; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15062160 - 15 Mar 2022

Cited by 134 | Viewed by 8188

Abstract

The field of nanotechnology is concerned with the creation and application of materials having a nanoscale spatial dimensioning. Having a considerable surface area to volume ratio, nanoparticles have particularly unique properties. Several chemical and physical strategies have been used to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). Still, biological methods using green or natural routes in various underlying substances (e.g., plant extracts, enzymes, and microorganisms) can be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than chemical and/or physical methods in the long run. ZnO-NPs are now being studied as antibacterial agents in nanoscale and microscale formulations. The purpose of this study is to analyze the prevalent traditional method of generating ZnO-NPs, as well as its harmful side effects, and how it might be addressed utilizing an eco-friendly green approach. The study’s primary focus is on the potential biomedical applications of green synthesized ZnO-NPs. Biocompatibility and biomedical qualities have been improved in green-synthesized ZnO-NPs over their traditionally produced counterparts, making them excellent antibacterial and cancer-fighting drugs. Additionally, these ZnO-NPs are beneficial when combined with the healing processes of wounds and biosensing components to trace small portions of biomarkers linked with various disorders. It has also been discovered that ZnO-NPs can distribute and sense drugs. Green-synthesized ZnO-NPs are compared to traditionally synthesized ones in this review, which shows that they have outstanding potential as a potent biological agent, as well as related hazardous properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles)

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30 pages, 37649 KiB

Open AccessReview

Electrospun Nanofibers Revisited: An Update on the Emerging Applications in Nanomedicine

by Nehal E. Elsadek, Abdalrazeq Nagah, Tarek M. Ibrahim, Hitesh Chopra, Ghada A. Ghonaim, Sherif E. Emam, Simona Cavalu and Mohamed S. Attia

Materials 2022, 15(5), 1934; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15051934 - 4 Mar 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3400

Abstract

Electrospinning (ES) has become a straightforward and customizable drug delivery technique for fabricating drug-loaded nanofibers (NFs) using various biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers. One of NF’s pros is to provide a controlled drug release through managing the NF structure by changing the spinneret type and nature of the used polymer. Electrospun NFs are employed as implants in several applications including, cancer therapy, microbial infections, and regenerative medicine. These implants facilitate a unique local delivery of chemotherapy because of their high loading capability, wide surface area, and cost-effectiveness. Multi-drug combination, magnetic, thermal, and gene therapies are promising strategies for improving chemotherapeutic efficiency. In addition, implants are recognized as an effective antimicrobial drug delivery system overriding drawbacks of traditional antibiotic administration routes such as their bioavailability and dosage levels. Recently, a sophisticated strategy has emerged for wound healing by producing biomimetic nanofibrous materials with clinically relevant properties and desirable loading capability with regenerative agents. Electrospun NFs have proposed unique solutions, including pelvic organ prolapse treatment, viable alternatives to surgical operations, and dental tissue regeneration. Conventional ES setups include difficult-assembled mega-sized equipment producing bulky matrices with inadequate stability and storage. Lately, there has become an increasing need for portable ES devices using completely available off-shelf materials to yield highly-efficient NFs for dressing wounds and rapid hemostasis. This review covers recent updates on electrospun NFs in nanomedicine applications. ES of biopolymers and drugs is discussed regarding their current scope and future outlook. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles)

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32 pages, 1579 KiB

Open AccessReview

Applications of Phyto-Nanotechnology for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders

by Tanima Bhattacharya, Giselle Amanda Borges e Soares, Hitesh Chopra, Md. Mominur Rahman, Ziaul Hasan, Shasank S. Swain and Simona Cavalu

Materials 2022, 15(3), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15030804 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 116 | Viewed by 8446

Abstract

The strategies involved in the development of therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders are very complex and challenging due to the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a closely spaced network of blood vessels and endothelial cells that functions to prevent the entry of unwanted substances in the brain. The emergence and advancement of nanotechnology shows favourable prospects to overcome this phenomenon. Engineered nanoparticles conjugated with drug moieties and imaging agents that have dimensions between 1 and 100 nm could potentially be used to ensure enhanced efficacy, cellular uptake, specific transport, and delivery of specific molecules to the brain, owing to their modified physico-chemical features. The conjugates of nanoparticles and medicinal plants, or their components known as nano phytomedicine, have been gaining significance lately in the development of novel neuro-therapeutics owing to their natural abundance, promising targeted delivery to the brain, and lesser potential to show adverse effects. In the present review, the promising application, and recent trends of combined nanotechnology and phytomedicine for the treatment of neurological disorders (ND) as compared to conventional therapies, have been addressed. Nanotechnology-based efforts performed in bioinformatics for early diagnosis as well as futuristic precision medicine in ND have also been discussed in the context of computational approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles)

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37 pages, 4089 KiB

Open AccessReview

Metal Nanoparticles and Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Improved Performances of Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors with Biomedical Applications

by Luminita Fritea, Florin Banica, Traian Octavian Costea, Liviu Moldovan, Luciana Dobjanschi, Mariana Muresan and Simona Cavalu

Materials 2021, 14(21), 6319; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14216319 - 22 Oct 2021

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 4603

Abstract

Monitoring human health for early detection of disease conditions or health disorders is of major clinical importance for maintaining a healthy life. Sensors are small devices employed for qualitative and quantitative determination of various analytes by monitoring their properties using a certain transduction method. A “real-time” biosensor includes a biological recognition receptor (such as an antibody, enzyme, nucleic acid or whole cell) and a transducer to convert the biological binding event to a detectable signal, which is read out indicating both the presence and concentration of the analyte molecule. A wide range of specific analytes with biomedical significance at ultralow concentration can be sensitively detected. In nano(bio)sensors, nanoparticles (NPs) are incorporated into the (bio)sensor design by attachment to the suitably modified platforms. For this purpose, metal nanoparticles have many advantageous properties making them useful in the transducer component of the (bio)sensors. Gold, silver and platinum NPs have been the most popular ones, each form of these metallic NPs exhibiting special surface and interface features, which significantly improve the biocompatibility and transduction of the (bio)sensor compared to the same process in the absence of these NPs. This comprehensive review is focused on the main types of NPs used for electrochemical (bio)sensors design, especially screen-printed electrodes, with their specific medical application due to their improved analytical performances and miniaturized form. Other advantages such as supporting real-time decision and rapid manipulation are pointed out. A special attention is paid to carbon-based nanomaterials (especially carbon nanotubes and graphene), used by themselves or decorated with metal nanoparticles, with excellent features such as high surface area, excellent conductivity, effective catalytic properties and biocompatibility, which confer to these hybrid nanocomposites a wide biomedical applicability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles)

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23 pages, 3413 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surface Fabrication for Innovative Cranial and Maxillofacial Surgery

by Simona Cavalu, Iulian Vasile Antoniac, Aurel Mohan, Florian Bodog, Cristian Doicin, Ileana Mates, Mihaela Ulmeanu, Roman Murzac and Augustin Semenescu

Materials 2020, 13(23), 5391; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13235391 - 27 Nov 2020

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 3187

Abstract

A novel strategy to improve the success of soft and hard tissue integration of titanium implants is the use of nanoparticles coatings made from basically any type of biocompatible substance, which can advantageously enhance the properties of the material, as compared to its similar bulk material. So, most of the physical methods approaches involve the compaction of nanoparticles versus micron-level particles to yield surfaces with nanoscale grain boundaries, simultaneously preserving the chemistry of the surface among different topographies. At the same time, nanoparticles have been known as one of the most effective antibacterial agents and can be used as effective growth inhibitors of various microorganisms as an alternative to antibiotics. In this paper, based on literature research, we present a comprehensive review of the mechanical, physical, and chemical methods for creating nano-structured titanium surfaces along with the main nanoparticles used for the surface modification of titanium implants, the fabrication methods, their main features, and the purpose of use. We also present two patented solutions which involve nanoparticles to be used in cranioplasty, i.e., a cranial endoprosthesis with a sliding system to repair the traumatic defects of the skull, and a cranial implant based on titanium mesh with osteointegrating structures and functional nanoparticles. The main outcomes of the patented solutions are: (a) a novel geometry of the implant that allow both flexible adaptation of the implant to the specific anatomy of the patient and the promotion of regeneration of the bone tissue; (b) porous structure and favorable geometry for the absorption of impregnated active substances and cells proliferation; (c) the new implant model fit 100% on the structure of the cranial defect without inducing mechanical stress; (d) allows all kinds of radiological examinations and rapid osteointegration, along with the patient recover in a shorter time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Physico-Chemical Properties and Biomedical Applications of Nanoparticles)

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