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Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine

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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 (10 July 2024) | Viewed by 20532

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Lucia Baldino

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Guest Editor

Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
Interests: nanotechnology; liposomes; niosomes; transfersomes; aerogels; biomaterials; nanomedicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanosomes are small vesicles that are used in precision nanomedicine to deliver therapeutic drugs to specific cells or tissues. They are designed to improve the efficacy and safety of drug delivery systems. Nanosomes have a unique structure consisting of a liposomal bilayer around a hydrophilic core. The core contains either a therapeutic drug or a functional biomolecule that can selectively target specific cells or tissues. The use of nanosomes in precision nanomedicine has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. These nanovesicles can pass through biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, and target specific cells or tissues, thus reducing the side effects associated with traditional drug delivery systems. Furthermore, nanosomes can be modified to carry multiple therapeutic drugs, allowing for personalized medicine tailored to individual patient's needs. Thanks to the continuous research and development, nanosomes represent a promise in revolutionizing the way to treat diseases, improving patients' lives through precision nanomedicine.

This special issue aims to collect reviews and papers on new advances or breakthroughs in the design, synthesis, production methods, fundamental understanding and applications of Nanosomes. We welcome outstanding researchers from all over the world to submit their latest, original and innovative works to the journal before the submission deadline.

Dr. Lucia Baldino
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. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

nanosomes
nanomedicine
liposomes, niosomes
transfersomes
exosomes
nanocarrier
drug delivery
targeted delivery
disease treatment
cancer therapy

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

3 pages, 169 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine

by Lucia Baldino

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(21), 1717; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14211717 - 27 Oct 2024

Viewed by 507

Abstract

Nanosomes are vesicles that can be used in precision nanomedicine to deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients to specific cells or tissues; they are designed to improve the efficacy and safety of drug delivery systems [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine)

Research

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12 pages, 4195 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of PEGylated Vancomycin-Loaded Niosomes by a Continuous Supercritical CO₂ Assisted Process

by Lucia Baldino, Domenico Riccardi and Ernesto Reverchon

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(10), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100846 - 13 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1216

Abstract

Niosomes are arousing significant interest thanks to their low cost, high biocompatibility, and negligible toxicity. In this work, a supercritical CO₂-assisted process was performed at 100 bar and 40 °C to produce niosomes at different Span 80/Tween 80 weight ratios. The formulation of cholesterol and 80:20 Span 80/Tween 80 was selected to encapsulate vancomycin, used as a model active compound, to perform a drug release rate comparison between PEGylated and non-PEGylated niosomes. In both cases, nanometric vesicles were obtained, i.e., 214 ± 59 nm and 254 ± 73 nm for non-PEGylated and PEGylated niosomes, respectively, that were characterized by a high drug encapsulation efficiency (95% for non-PEGylated and 98% for PEGylated niosomes). However, only PEGylated niosomes were able to prolong the vancomycin release time up to 20-fold with respect to untreated drug powder, resulting in a powerful strategy to control the drug release rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine)

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14 pages, 9167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction of Metal Organic Framework-Derived Fe-N-C Oxidase Nanozyme for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Alkaline Phosphatase

by Mengmeng Pan, Ming Wang, Linjiao Yang, Yongli Song, Ming Jiang, Xu Yu and Li Xu

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(18), 2496; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13182496 - 5 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1548

Abstract

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a phosphomonoester hydrolase and serves as a biomarker in various diseases. However, current detection methods for ALP rely on bulky instruments, extended time, and complex operations, which are particularly challenging in resource-limited regions. Herein, we synthesized a MOF-derived Fe-N-C nanozyme to create biosensors for the coulometric and visual detection of ALP. Specifically, we found the Fe-N-C nanozyme can efficiently oxidize 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to generate blue-colored tetramethyl benzidine (TMB_ox) without the need for H₂O₂. To construct the biosensor, we incorporated the ALP enzymatic catalytic reaction to inhibit the oxidation of TMB by Fe-N-C oxidase nanozyme. This biosensor showed rapid and highly sensitive detection of ALP in both buffer and clinical samples. The limit of detection (LOD) of our approach could be achieved at 3.38 U L⁻¹, and the linear range was from 5 to 60 U L⁻¹. Moreover, we also developed a visual detection for ALP by using a smartphone-based assay and facilitated practical and accessible point-and-care testing (POCT) in resource-limited areas. The visual detection method also achieved a similar LOD of 2.12 U L⁻¹ and a linear range of 5–60 U L⁻¹. Our approach presents potential applications for other biomarker detections by using ALP-based ELISA methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine)

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12 pages, 3182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Antioxidant Transfersomes by a Supercritical CO₂ Assisted Process for Transdermal Delivery Applications

by Raffaella Squittieri, Lucia Baldino and Ernesto Reverchon

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(12), 1812; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13121812 - 6 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1671

Abstract

Transfersomes are deformable vesicles that can transport drugs across difficult-to-permeate barriers in human tissues. In this work, nano-transfersomes were produced for the first time by a supercritical CO₂ assisted process. Operating at 100 bar and 40 °C, different amounts of phosphatidylcholine (2000 and 3000 mg), kinds of edge activators (Span^® 80 and Tween^® 80), and phosphatidylcholine to edge activator weight ratio (95:5, 90:10, 80:20) were tested. Formulations prepared using Span^® 80 and phosphatidylcholine at an 80:20 weight ratio produced stable transfersomes (−30.4 ± 2.4 mV ζ-potential) that were characterized by a mean diameter of 138 ± 55 nm. A prolonged ascorbic acid release of up to 5 h was recorded when the largest amount of phosphatidylcholine (3000 mg) was used. Moreover, a 96% ascorbic acid encapsulation efficiency and a quasi-100% DPPH radical scavenging activity of transfersomes were measured after supercritical processing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine)

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21 pages, 5067 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Catalytic Nanomedicine as a Therapeutic Approach to Brain Tumors: Main Hypotheses for Mechanisms of Action

by Tessy López-Goerne and Francisco J. Padilla-Godínez

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(9), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13091541 - 4 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1733

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary malignant tumor of the brain. Although there are currently a wide variety of therapeutic approaches focused on tumor elimination, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and tumor field therapy, among others, the main approach involves surgery to remove the GBM. However, since tumor growth occurs in normal brain tissue, complete removal is impossible, and patients end up requiring additional treatments after surgery. In this line, Catalytic Nanomedicine has achieved important advances in developing bionanocatalysts, brain-tissue-biocompatible catalytic nanostructures capable of destabilizing the genetic material of malignant cells, causing their apoptosis. Previous work has demonstrated the efficacy of bionanocatalysts and their selectivity for cancer cells without affecting surrounding healthy tissue cells. The present review provides a detailed description of these nanoparticles and their potential mechanisms of action as antineoplastic agents, covering the most recent research and hypotheses from their incorporation into the tumor bed, internalization via endocytosis, specific chemotaxis by mitochondrial and nuclear genetic material, and activation of programmed cell death. In addition, a case report of a patient with GBM treated with the bionanocatalysts following tumor removal surgery is described. Finally, the gaps in knowledge that must be bridged before the clinical translation of these compounds with such a promising future are detailed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine)

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17 pages, 6402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Poly Dopamine@poly (Lactic Acid-Co-Glycolic Acid) Nanohybrids for Cancer Therapy via a Triple Collaboration Strategy

by Yunhao Li, Yujuan Gao, Zian Pan, Fan Jia, Chenlu Xu, Xinyue Cui, Xuan Wang and Yan Wu

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(9), 1447; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13091447 - 24 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2015 | Correction

Abstract

Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor among women and has a higher risk of early recurrence, distant metastasis, and poor prognosis. Systemic chemotherapy is still the most widely used treatment for patients with breast cancer. However, unavoidable side effects and acquired resistance severely limit the efficacy of treatment. The multi-drug combination strategy has been identified as an effective tumor therapy pattern. In this investigation, we demonstrated a triple collaboration strategy of incorporating the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) and anti-angiogenesis agent combretastatin A4 (CA4) into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based co-delivery nanohybrids (PLGA/DC NPs) via an improved double emulsion technology, and then a polydopamine (PDA) was modified on the PLGA/DC NPs’ surface through the self-assembly method for photothermal therapy. In the drug-loaded PDA co-delivery nanohybrids (PDA@PLGA/DC NPs), DOX and CA4 synergistically induced tumor cell apoptosis by interfering with DNA replication and inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, respectively. The controlled release of DOX and CA4-loaded PDA@PLGA NPs in the tumor region was pH dependent and triggered by the hyperthermia generated via laser irradiation. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that PDA@PLGA/DC NPs enhanced cytotoxicity under laser irradiation, and combined therapeutic effects were obtained when DOX, CA4, and PDA were integrated into a single nanoplatform. Taken together, the present study demonstrates a nanoplatform for combined DOX, CA4, and photothermal therapy, providing a potentially promising strategy for the synergistic treatment of breast cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine)

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13 pages, 1698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solution of the Drug Resistance Problem of Escherichia coli with Silver Nanoparticles: Efflux Effect and Susceptibility to 31 Antibiotics

by Ekaterina Nefedova, Nikolay N. Shkil, Nikolay A. Shkil, Diana Garibo, Roberto Luna Vazquez-Gomez, Alexey Pestryakov and Nina Bogdanchikova

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(6), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13061088 - 17 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1861

Abstract

The current work is a continuation of our studies focused on the application of nanoparticles of metallic silver (AgNPs) to address the global problem of antibiotic resistance. In vivo, fieldwork was carried out with 200 breeding cows with serous mastitis. Ex vivo analyses showed that after the cow was treated with an antibiotic-containing drug Dienomast^TM, E. coli sensibility to 31 antibiotics decreased by 27.3%, but after treatment with AgNPs, it increased by 21.2%. This could be explained by the 8.9% increase in the portion of isolates showing an efflux effect after Dienomast^TM treatment, while treatment with Argovit-C^TM resulted in a 16.0% drop. We verified the likeness of these results with our previous ones on S. aureus and Str. dysgalactiae isolates from mastitis cows processed with antibiotic-containing medicines and Argovit-C^TM AgNPs. The obtained results contribute to the recent struggle to restore the efficiency of antibiotics and to preserve the wide range of antibiotics on the world market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine)

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25 pages, 44880 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

ROS- and pH-Responsive Polydopamine Functionalized Ti₃C₂T_x MXene-Based Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Nanocarriers with High Antibacterial Activity

by Wei-Jin Zhang, Shuwei Li, Veena Vijayan, Jun Seok Lee, Sung Soo Park, Xiuguo Cui, Ildoo Chung, Jaejun Lee, Suk-kyun Ahn, Jung Rae Kim, In-Kyu Park and Chang-Sik Ha

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(24), 4392; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12244392 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3232

Abstract

Premature drug release and poor controllability is a challenge in the practical application of tumor therapy, which may lead to poor chemotherapy efficacy and severe adverse effects. In this study, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-cleavable nanoparticle system (MXene-TK-DOX@PDA) was designed for effective chemotherapy drug delivery and antibacterial applications. Doxorubicin (DOX) was conjugated to the surface of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalized MXene via an ROS-cleavable diacetoxyl thioketal (TK) linkage. Subsequently, the surfaces of the MXene nanosheets were coated with pH-responsive polydopamine (PDA) as a gatekeeper. PDA endowed the MXene-TK-DOX@PDA nanoparticles with superior biocompatibility and stability. The MXene-TK-DOX@PDA nanoparticles had an ultrathin planar structure and a small lateral size of approximately 180 nm. The as-synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency, superior photothermal stability, and a remarkable extinction coefficient (23.3 L g⁻¹ cm⁻¹ at 808 nm). DOX exhibited both efficient ROS-responsive and pH-responsive release performance from MXene-TK-DOX@PDA nanoparticles due to the cleavage of the thioketal linker. In addition, MXene-TK-DOX@PDA nanoparticles displayed high antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) within 5 h. Taken together, we hope that MXene-TK-DOX@PDA nanoparticles will enrich the drug delivery system and significantly expand their applications in the biomedical field Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine)

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Review

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17 pages, 3480 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polydopamine Nanosystems in Drug Delivery: Effect of Size, Morphology, and Surface Charge

by Arianna Menichetti, Dario Mordini and Marco Montalti

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(3), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14030303 - 1 Feb 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2625

Abstract

Recently, drug delivery strategies based on nanomaterials have attracted a lot of interest in different kinds of therapies because of their superior properties. Polydopamine (PDA), one of the most interesting materials in nanomedicine because of its versatility and biocompatibility, has been widely investigated in the drug delivery field. It can be easily functionalized to favor processes like cellular uptake and blood circulation, and it can also induce drug release through two kinds of stimuli: NIR light irradiation and pH. In this review, we describe PDA nanomaterials’ performance on drug delivery, based on their size, morphology, and surface charge. Indeed, these characteristics strongly influence the main mechanisms involved in a drug delivery system: blood circulation, cellular uptake, drug loading, and drug release. The understanding of the connections between PDA nanosystems’ properties and these phenomena is pivotal to obtain a controlled design of new nanocarriers based on the specific drug delivery applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine)

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34 pages, 11250 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances of Composite Nanomaterials for Antibiofilm Application

by Ruilian Qi, Yuanyuan Cui, Jian Liu, Xiaoyu Wang and Huanxiang Yuan

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(19), 2725; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13192725 - 8 Oct 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1991

Abstract

A biofilm is a microbial community formed by bacteria that adsorb on the surface of tissues or materials and is wrapped in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) such as polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids. As a protective barrier, the EPS can not only prevent the penetration of antibiotics and other antibacterial agents into the biofilm, but also protect the bacteria in the biofilm from the attacks of the human immune system, making it difficult to eradicate biofilm-related infections and posing a serious threat to public health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new and efficient antibiofilm drugs. Although natural enzymes (lysozyme, peroxidase, etc.) and antimicrobial peptides have excellent bactericidal activity, their low stability in the physiological environment and poor permeability in biofilms limit their application in antibiofilms. With the development of materials science, more and more nanomaterials are being designed to be utilized for antimicrobial and antibiofilm applications. Nanomaterials have great application prospects in antibiofilm because of their good biocompati-bility, unique physical and chemical properties, adjustable nanostructure, high permeability and non-proneness to induce bacterial resistance. In this review, with the application of composite nanomaterials in antibiofilms as the theme, we summarize the research progress of three types of composite nanomaterials, including organic composite materials, inorganic materials and organic–inorganic hybrid materials, used as antibiofilms with non-phototherapy and phototherapy modes of action. At the same time, the challenges and development directions of these composite nanomaterials in antibiofilm therapy are also discussed. It is expected we will provide new ideas for the design of safe and efficient antibiofilm materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine)

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