Search Results (1,754)

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain malignancy associated with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems provide a promising strategy to enhance treatment efficacy by circumventing barriers such as the blood–brain barrier. This study was conducted to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the in vitro anticancer potential of andrographolide–iron oxide nanoparticles (AG-IONPs) against GBM cells. Methods: Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesized through co-precipitation and subsequently functionalized with andrographolide. Morphology, size, and surface charge were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. Functionalization was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Nanoparticle stability was monitored over three months. Cytotoxicity toward DBTRG-05MG cells was evaluated using MTT assays at 24, 48, and 72 h, while anti-migratory effects were determined using scratch-wound assays. Results: TEM analysis revealed nearly spherical IONPs (7.0 ± 0.15 nm) and AG-IONPs (13.5 ± 1.25 nm). DLS indicated an increased hydrodynamic diameter following functionalization, while zeta potential values decreased from +21.22 ± 1.58 mV to +8.68 ± 0.87 mV. The successful incorporation of andrographolide was confirmed by FTIR and UV–Vis spectra. AG-IONPs demonstrated excellent colloidal stability for up to three months. Cytotoxicity assays revealed a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability, with LC₅₀ values declining from 44.01 ± 3.23 μM (24 h) to 15.82 ± 2.30 μM (72 h). Scratch-wound assays further showed significant inhibition of cell migration relative to untreated controls. Conclusions: AG-IONPs exhibit favorable physicochemical properties, long-term stability, and potent anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects against GBM cells in vitro. These findings support their potential as a multifunctional therapeutic platform, warranting further preclinical investigation. Full article

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) significantly endangers steel infrastructure, particularly in marine and buried environments, causing considerable economic and environmental damage. Sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are primary supporters of MIC, accelerating iron corrosion through hydrogen sulfide production. Conventional mitigation strategies, including protective coatings and cathodic protection, often face challenges such as limited effectiveness against SRB and the aggressiveness of saltwater corrosion. This study explores a novel approach by directly introducing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles into the microbial medium to inhibit SRB activity and reduce MIC. Iron metal coupons were immersed in seawater under three conditions: control (seawater only), seawater with SRB, and SRB with ZnO nanoparticles. These coupons were used as electrodes in microbial fuel cells to obtain real-time voltage readings. At the same time, corrosion was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), mass loss, and pH measurements. Results demonstrate that ZnO nanoparticles significantly inhibited SRB growth, as confirmed by the antibiotic susceptibility test (ABST). It was revealed that the corrosion rate increased by 21.3% in the presence of SRB compared to the control, whereas the ZnO-added electrode showed a 21.7% reduction in corrosion rate relative to the control. SEM showed prominent corrosive products on SRB-exposed coupons. ZnO-added coupons exhibited a protective layer with grass-like whisker structures, and EDX results confirmed reduced sulfur and iron sulfide deposits, indicating suppressed SRB metabolic activity. ABST confirmed ZnO’s antimicrobial properties by producing clear inhibition zones. ZnO nanoparticles offer the dual benefits of antimicrobial activity and corrosion resistance by forming protective self-coatings and inhibiting microbial growth, making them a scalable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional corrosion inhibitors. This application can significantly extend the lifespan of iron structures, particularly in environments prone to microbial corrosion, demonstrating the potential of nanomaterials in combating microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Full article

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality, hindered by drug resistance, limited targeting, and low immunotherapy response. This review presents biomimetic superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as a next-generation theranostic platform. By cloaking SPIONs with cell membranes—macrophage, neutrophil, or cancer cell—we endow them with biological targeting, immune evasion, and deep lung penetration. Coupled with magnetic field-guided retention and real-time imaging, these systems enable precision hyperthermia, on-demand drug release, and immune microenvironment reprogramming. We critically compare membrane types, outline translational challenges, and propose a regulatory-aligned safety framework. This biomimetic strategy offers a dual diagnostic–therapeutic solution for lung cancer and potentially other solid tumors. Full article

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have emerged as key materials in magnetic hyperthermia (MH), a minimally invasive cancer therapy capable of selectively inducing apoptosis, ferroptosis, and other cell death pathways while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This review synthesizes advances in the design, functionalization, and biomedical application of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for MH, highlighting strategies to optimize heating efficiency, biocompatibility, and tumor targeting. Key developments include tailoring particle size, shape, and composition; doping with metallic ions; engineering multicore nanostructures; and employing diverse surface coatings to improve colloidal stability, immune evasion, and multifunctionality. We discuss preclinical and clinical evidence for MH, its integration with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, and emerging theranostic applications enabling simultaneous imaging and therapy. Special attention is given to the role of MNPs in immunogenic cell death induction and metastasis prevention, as well as novel concepts for circulating tumor cell capture. Despite promising results in vitro and in vivo, clinical translation remains limited by insufficient tumor accumulation after systemic delivery, safety concerns, and a lack of standardized treatment protocols. Future progress will require interdisciplinary innovations in nanomaterial engineering, active targeting technologies, and real-time treatment monitoring to fully integrate MH into multimodal cancer therapy and improve patient outcomes. Full article

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) exhibit biocompatibility, ease of drug loading, and potential for generating forces and heat in a magnetic field, enhancing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This study proposes coating IONs on electrode surfaces to improve performance and neuron bonding. Methods included synthesizing IONs, grafting chondroitin sulfate (CS), and co-depositing with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). Results showed reduced impedance, increased charge storage, and improved signal quality in vivo. Full article

In this study, the use of spent coffee waste as a green precursor of polyphenolic compounds, which are subsequently employed as reducing agents for the synthesis of zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) aimed at the efficient removal of dyes from aqueous systems, has been investigated. The nanoparticles, generated in situ in the presence of controlled amounts of hydrogen peroxide, were applied in the removal of organic dyes—including methylene blue, methyl orange, and orange G—through a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalytic process. The synthesized nZVI were thoroughly characterized by nitrogen adsorption at 77 K, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). A statistical design of experiments and response surface methodology were employed to evaluate the effect of polyphenol, Fe(III), and H₂O₂ concentrations on dye removal efficiency. Results showed that under optimized conditions, a 100% removal efficiency could be achieved. This work highlights the potential of nZVI synthesized from agro-industrial waste through sustainable routes as an effective solution for water remediation, contributing to circular economy strategies and environmental protection. Full article

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are part of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and play a major role in maintaining their physiological function. During pathological processes, the ECM is remodeled and its GAG composition changes. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the GAGs that plays an important role in pathological processes such as inflammation and cancer and is therefore an interesting target for imaging. To provide iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) that bind to hyaluronic acid (HA) as specific probes for molecular imaging, a peptide with high affinity for HA was covalently bound to the surface of commercial IONP (synomag^®-D, NH2) leading to hyaluronic acid-specific iron oxide nanoparticles (HAIONPs). Affinity measurements using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) showed a very high affinity of HAIONP to HA, but not to the control chondroitin sulfate (CS). HAIONPs exhibit a very high magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS) signal amplitude, which predestines them as HA-selective tracers for magnetic particle imaging (MPI). The high relaxivity coefficient r₂ also makes HAIONP suitable for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications. HAIONP therefore offers excellent prerequisites for further development as a probe for the specific quantitative imaging of the HA content of the ECM in pathological areas. Full article

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) represent a versatile magnetic nanoparticle (NP) system with considerable, yet underexplored, potential in diverse applications, particularly in emerging biomedical fields such as magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery, and biosensing. The successful translation of MIONPs into these applications requires reproducible synthesis methods and precise control over particle uniformity in terms of size, shape, and composition. However, reproducibility in nanoparticle synthesis remains a persistent challenge, limiting the ability of researchers to replicate results and integrate MIONPs into application-oriented studies. In recent years, substantial efforts have been directed toward elucidating synthesis mechanisms and improving both reproducibility and particle uniformity, enabling notable advances in the biomedical deployment of MIONPs. This review summarizes progress in the synthesis of MIONPs, with emphasis on three widely employed precursors: iron oleate, iron acetylacetonate, and iron pentacarbonyl. The discussion focuses on key findings in NP synthesis, relevant chemical aspects, and the magnetic properties of MIONPs, which are critical for optimizing their functional performance. By consolidating recent advances, this review aims to provide a reliable framework for the preparation of high-quality MIONPs and to support their effective use in specific biomedical applications. Full article

In plant tissues, nanoparticles can stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which, in excess, cause cellular toxicity by damaging membranes, chloroplasts, and DNA. However, they can also activate antioxidant mechanisms, aiding metabolic recovery under oxidative stress. In agriculture, iron oxide (nFe) nanoparticles stand out for their gradual release of the nutrient, preventing leaching and increasing productivity. This study aims to investigate whether iron oxide nanoparticles are effective alternatives for overcoming iron deficiencies, mitigating oxidative stress and restoring metabolic functions, while maintaining photosynthesis. The high H₂O₂ concentration observed in nFe 500 mg L⁻¹ (nFe 500) suggests that Fe, after being transported by the nanoparticles to the leaves, may have acted as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes involved in H₂O₂ decomposition, reducing malondialdehyde concentration (MDA). Maintaining low oxidative stress suggests that H₂O₂ may function not only as a stress indicator but also as a signaling molecule in intracellular processes. nFe 500 suggests the ability of plants to utilize released Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺, restoring photosynthetic function in iron-deficient plants. Full article

Surface functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles, commonly used for their biocompatibility in biomedical applications, plays a critical role in optimizing iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) for magnetic hyperthermia (MH), a promising modality in cancer therapy. In this study, we provide the first comprehensive comparison of hyperbranched dendron coatings versus linear dicarboxylate ligands on IONPs, revealing their contrasting impacts on heating efficiency under varying magnetic field amplitudes (H). Dendron-coated IONPs outperform dicarboxylate-coated ones at low fields (H < 25 kA/m) due to reduced dipolar interactions and enhanced Brownian relaxation. Conversely, dicarboxylate coatings excel at high fields (H > 25 kA/m) by enabling magnetically aligned chains, which amplify hysteresis losses. Our work also introduces an approach to dynamically modulate the heating efficiency of IONPs by applying a static DC magnetic field (H_DC) in conjunction with the alternating magnetic field (AMF). We observed a coating-dependent response to H_DC in the parallel configuration (H_DC aligned with AMF), the specific absorption rate (SAR) increased by ~620 W/g_Fe for cubes and ~370 W/g_Fe for spheres at high AMF amplitudes (H > 30 kA/m) for dicarboxylate-coated IONPs. This enhancement arises from magnetically aligned chains (visualized via Transmission Electron Microscopy), which amplify extrinsic anisotropy and hysteresis losses; in contrast, for dendron-coated IONPs, their SAR values decreased under H_DC (up to ~665 W/g_Fe reduction for cubes in the perpendicular configuration), as the thick dendron shell prevents close interparticle contact, suppressing chain formation and fanning rotation modes. These findings underscore the significance of surface functionalization in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of magnetic nanoparticles. Full article

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of iron oxide are becoming increasingly popular due to their excellent physicochemical properties as well as very good adsorption and catalytic properties towards heavy metal ions (HMIs). They are used in many industries and are becoming a desirable electrode material in voltammetry. Unfortunately, they tend to aggregate and easily oxidize. To mitigate these issues, they are often coated with organic or inorganic materials, which reduce oxidation and aggregation, and introduce an additional number of active sites capable of interacting with the analyte. Another approach involves the use of carbon material as a base for nanoparticles, which also improves the parameters of nanoparticles. This review reveals a condensed concept presenting functionalized Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles from the methods of their synthesis and modification to their application in the voltammetric trace analysis of HMIs. This paper describes the effect of electrode surface modification strategies on the stability of MNPs and the homogeneity of their distribution on the carbonaceous carrier surface. The authors focused on the voltammetric procedures for the single and simultaneous determination of HMIs using different electrode materials modified with Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles. Full article

The integration of nanotechnology with green chemistry presents sustainable strategies for developing multifunctional cosmeceutical formulations. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were successfully synthesized using antioxidant-rich green tea extract via an eco-friendly method. The nanoparticles were incorporated into a novel Pickering emulsion comprising coconut oil and green tea extract, targeting UV protection and antimicrobial performance. The green-synthesized IONPs displayed strong UV absorption properties, achieving an SPF of 6.20 at 1.0 M concentration, outperforming standard TiO₂ nanoparticles (SPF 3.98). The optimized Pickering emulsion formulation showed stability and skin-friendly pH. Antimicrobial studies revealed significant inhibition of Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus, with over 97% microbial reduction observed within 2 h of exposure. This dual-functional system, combining UV protection and antimicrobial effects, demonstrates the potential of green nanomaterials for developing safe, effective, and sustainable skincare formulations. The study provides new insight into the application of iron-based green nanotechnology in surfactant-free emulsions, supporting further innovation in the field of natural photoprotective cosmeceuticals. Full article

When iron oxide nanoparticles are incubated together with a biological broth, the biomolecules compete for the binding sites at the solid–liquid interface. At the same time, the biomass rearranges in suspension, building agglomerated structures. Despite general knowledge of the forces involved in bio–nano interactions, gaps remain in the understanding of how biomolecules organize themselves in solution and onto surfaces. This work examines biomolecule adsorption onto metal oxide surfaces with the goal of strengthening this understanding, essential in industrial and natural processes. We demonstrate nearly complete separation of proteins from a biotechnological suspension for non-oxidized and highly oxidized magnetic nanoparticles. Varying the nanoparticle-to-biomass ratio, we find, can lead to different separation patterns, i.e., that selectivity using bare, low-cost materials is possible. Furthermore, we explore how preliminary “passivation” with a biological corona only partially reduces the ability to separate total protein mass from a new suspension in subsequent incubation steps. The study underscores the crucial role of concentration gradients with regard to targets and binding sites as the primary determinant of separation capacity and of biomolecule behavior in solution, highlighting the potential for using bio–nano coronae as biomolecule carriers across diverse fields, including environmental, biomedical, pharmaceutical and nutritional applications. Full article

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, pose a significant global health challenge characterized by progressive neuronal loss and limited therapeutic options. Early diagnosis remains a considerable hurdle due to the absence of reliable biomarkers and the restrictive nature of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which complicates effective drug delivery. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), particularly those based on iron oxide, have emerged as promising tools for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications in NDs, thanks to their superparamagnetism, biocompatibility, and customizable surfaces. This review examines various synthesis strategies for MNPs, encompassing physical methods (such as lithography, ball milling, and laser ablation) and chemical approaches (co-precipitation, thermal decomposition, hydrothermal synthesis, sol–gel processes, and polyacrylamide gel techniques), while highlighting how these techniques influence particle properties. This review also explores recent advancements in surface functionalization using polymers and coatings to enhance circulation time in the bloodstream and improve BBB penetration for targeted delivery. Furthermore, it emphasizes both in vitro and in vivo applications, showcasing MNPs’ effectiveness in enhancing imaging sensitivity and enabling targeted drug and gene delivery. By linking synthesis methods, functionalization techniques, and biomedical outcomes, this review illustrates the transformative potential of MNPs as next-generation theranostic agents in precision medicine for neurodegenerative diseases. Full article