Search Results (136)

Herbs offer people not just sustenance and housing but also serve as a key supplier of pharmaceuticals. This research is designed to assess the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of green-produced zirconium dioxide and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO₂ and MgO NPs) utilizing extracts from unripe Solanum trilobatum fruit. ZrO₂ and MgO NPs have garnered considerable interest owing to their superior bioavailability, lower toxicity, and many uses across the healthcare and commercial industries. Scientific approaches, such as diverse spectroscopic and microscopic approaches, validated the creation of agglomerated spherical ZrO₂ and MgO NPs, measuring between 15 and 30 and 60 and 80 nm, with a mixed-phase composition consisting of monoclinic and tetragonal phases for ZrO₂ and a face-centered cubic structure for MgO NPs. UV–vis studies revealed a distinct peak at 378 and 290 nm for ZrO₂ and MgO NPs, suggesting efficient settling through the phytonutrients in S. trilobatum. The antioxidant capacity of ZrO₂ and MgO NPs was evaluated utilizing DPPH and FRAP reducing power assays. The diabetic effectiveness of ZrO₂ and MgO NPs was examined by alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase assays. The optimum doses of 500 and 1000 μg/mL were shown to be efficient in reducing radical species. Green-produced ZrO₂ and MgO NPs exhibited a dose-dependent reaction, with greater amounts of ZrO₂ and MgO NPs exerting a more pronounced inhibitory effect on the catalytic sites of enzymes. This work suggests that ZrO₂ and MgO NPs may attach to charge-carrying entities and function as rival inhibitors, therefore decelerating the enzyme–substrate reaction and inhibiting enzymatic degradation. Molecular docking analysis of ZrO₂ and MgO NPs with three proteins (2F6D, 2QV4, and 3MNG) implicated in antidiabetic and antioxidant studies demonstrated the interaction of ZrO₂ and MgO NPs with the target proteins. The results indicated the in vitro effectiveness of phytosynthesized ZrO₂ and MgO NPs as antidiabetic antioxidant agents, which may be used in the formulation of alternative treatment strategies against diabetes and oxidative stress. In summary, the green production of ZrO₂ and MgO NPs with Solanum trilobatum unripe fruit extract is an efficient, environmentally sustainable process that yields nanomaterials with significant antioxidant and antidiabetic characteristics, underscoring their prospective uses in biomedical research. Full article

Cationic polyamine-based carbon dots (CDs) are increasingly being explored for biomedical applications. These ultrasmall (<10 nm) fluorescent nanoparticles, synthesized from organic precursors and functionalized with polyamines, possess a strong positive surface charge that enables efficient complexation and delivery of nucleic acids, making them promising candidates for gene therapy. However, the mechanisms by which the immune system, particularly macrophages, recognizes and responds to these nanomaterials remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of surface receptors in the uptake and biological effects of cationic polyamine-based CDs in macrophages. Our data showed that Fc receptors and the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were minimally involved in CD internalization and associated cellular responses in contrast to scavenger receptors (SRs). Indeed, SR inhibition reduced CD-induced cell viability loss, LDH release, and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Among SRs, SR-A1 was identified as a key receptor mediating CD recognition and toxicity, likely through activation of the MERTK signaling pathway. Importantly, these mechanisms occurred in the absence of serum, indicating that protein corona formation is not required for CD interaction with macrophage surface receptors. Overall, our findings highlight the prominent role of SRs, particularly SR-A1, as receptors recognizing cationic polyamine-based CDs on the surface of macrophages, and provide new insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying the immunotoxicity of these carbon-based nanomaterials. Full article

The biological effects of nanoparticles are closely related to their intracellular content and location, both of which are influenced by various factors. This study investigates the effects of surface charge on the uptake, intracellular distribution, and exocytosis of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) in Raw264.7 macrophages. Negatively charged 3-mercaptopropanoic acid functionalized QDs (QDs-MPA) show higher cellular uptake than positively charged 2-mercaptoethylamine functionalized QDs (QDs-MEA), and serum enhances the uptake of both types of QDs via protein corona-mediated receptor endocytosis. QDs-MEA primarily enter the cells through clathrin/caveolae-mediated pathways and predominantly accumulate in lysosomes, while QDs-MPA are mainly internalized through clathrin-mediated endocytosis and localize to both lysosomes and mitochondria. Exocytosis of QDs-MPA is faster and more efficient than that of QDs-MEA, though both exhibit limited excretion. In addition to endocytosis and exocytosis, cell division influences intracellular QD content over time. These results reveal the charge-dependent interactions between QDs and macrophages, providing a basis for designing biocompatible nanomaterials. Full article

Biocompatibility remains a central issue for introducing biomaterials and nanomedicines into the clinic, requiring safety, functionality, toxicity prevention, and the control of foreign body reactions. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate multiple biomaterial parameters and molecular interactions affecting cell functions, like apoptosis, adhesion, proliferation, or spreading, as well as intracellular signals and cellular microenvironment status. Although conventional well-established in vitro techniques are helpful at the first stages of bio and nanomaterials development, high-throughput techniques expand the screening and designing possibilities. This review presents high-throughput functional proteomics approaches, focused on protein microarrays and mass spectrometry techniques, for the evaluation of biocompatibility in the new era of biomedicine. Full article

Bio-nanocomposites represent an advanced class of materials that combine the unique properties of nanomaterials with biopolymers, enhancing mechanical, electrical and thermal properties while ensuring biodegradability, biocompatibility and sustainability. These materials are gaining increasing attention, particularly in biomedical applications, due to their ability to interact with biological systems in ways that conventional materials cannot. Graphene and graphene oxide (GO), two of the most well-known nanocarbon-based materials, have garnered substantial interest in bio-nanocomposite research because of their extraordinary properties such as high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical strength and biocompatibility. The integration of graphene-based nanomaterials within biopolymers, such as polysaccharides and proteins, forms a new class of bio-nanocomposites that can be tailored for a wide range of biological applications. This review explores the synthesis methods, properties and biotechnological applications of graphene-based bio-nanocomposites, with a particular focus on polysaccharide-based and protein-based composites. Emphasis is placed on the biotechnological potential of these materials, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound healing, antimicrobial activities and industrial food applications. Additionally, biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid, hyaluronic acid and polyethylene glycol, which play a crucial role in biotechnological applications, will be discussed. Full article

Nanoparticles introduced into biological environments rapidly acquire a coating of biomolecules, forming a biocorona that dictates their biological fate. Among these biomolecules, proteins play a key role, but their interaction with nanoparticles during the adsorption process often leads to unfolding and functional loss. Evidence suggests that protein denaturation within the biocorona alters cellular recognition, signaling pathways, and immune responses, with significant implications for nanomedicine and nanotoxicology. This review explores the dynamic nature of the protein corona, emphasizing the influence of the local biological milieu on its stability. We synthesize findings from studies examining the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles—such as surface charge, hydrophobicity, and curvature—that contribute to protein structural perturbations. Understanding the factors governing protein stability on nanoparticle surfaces is essential for designing nanomaterials with improved targeting, biocompatibility, and controlled biological interactions. This review underscores the importance of preserving protein conformational integrity in the development of nanoparticles for biomedical applications. Full article

Background: The design of multifunctional carbon based nanosystems exhibiting light-triggered hyperthermia, emission, low cytotoxicity, and drug delivery capability is of significant interest in the area of nanomaterials. In this study, we present red-emitting and photothermal carbon nanodots (Cdots-βCD/PTC) obtained by the encapsulation of hydrophobic pentacene (PTC) within Carbon nanodots (Cdots) synthesized from beta-cyclodextrin (βCD). Methods: The prepared nanostructures were investigated in terms of morphology, size, and optical properties, by absorption and emission optical spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamics light scattering, Z-potential, nuclear magnetic resonance, and infra-red spectroscopy. Molecular modelling simulation was used to investigate the geometry and the stabilization energy of the Cdots-βCD/PTC inclusion complex. Results: The as prepared Cdots-βCD/PTC demonstrated good water dispersibility, green-emission (ϕ_PL = 1.7%), and photothermal conversion (η = 17.4%) upon red-light excitation (680 nm). Furthermore, Cdots-βCD/PTC low cytotoxicity in the range 0.008 μg–0.8 μg and good interaction with albumin protein (K_SV = 2.78 ± 0.28 mL mg⁻¹) were demonstrated. Molecular simulation analysis revealed the formation of the inclusion complex with an energy of −5.32 kcal mol⁻¹, where PTC is orthogonally oriented in the βCD cavity. Conclusions: The results presented in this work highlight the potential of Cdots-βCD/PTC as a novel versatile nanosystem for biomedical applications, such as bioimaging and site-specific photothermal treatment of cancer cells. Full article

Understanding cellular interaction with nanomaterials represents a subject of great interest for the validation of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. A full characterization of a designed product includes the evaluation of its impact on specific biological systems, including the study of cell behavior as a response to that particular interaction. Copper and copper-based nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have emerged as valuable building blocks for various biomedical applications such as antibacterial and disinfecting agents for infectious diseases, and the evaluation of the metabolism of food, including the iron required for proteins and enzymes or as drug delivery systems in cancer therapy. In this study, the biological impact of manganese-doped crystalline copper oxide (CuO:Mn) nano-platelets on human normal BJ fibroblasts and human A375 skin melanoma was assessed. The particles were synthesized at room temperature via the hydrothermal method. A complete physicochemical characterization of the materials was performed by employing various techniques including X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Morphological investigations revealed a flat structure with nearly straight edges, with sizes spanning in the nanometer range. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of the CuO phase with good crystallinity, while XPS provided insights into the Mn doping. The findings indicate that nano-platelets interact with cells actively by mediating essential molecular processes. The exogenous manganese triggers increased MnSOD production in mitochondria, compensating ROS produced by external stress factors (Cu²⁺ ions), and mimics the endogenous SODs production, which compensates internal ROS production as it normally results from cell biochemistry. The effect is differentiated in normal cells compared to malignant cells and deserves investigation. Full article

Proteins are essential for all living organisms, playing key roles in biochemical reactions, structural support, signal transduction, and gene regulation. Their importance in biomedical research is highlighted by their role as drug targets in various diseases. The interactions between proteins and nanoparticles (NPs), including the protein corona’s formation, significantly affect NP behavior, biodistribution, cellular uptake, and toxicity. Comprehending these interactions is pivotal for advancing the design of NPs to augment their efficacy and safety in biomedical applications. While traditional nanomedicine design relies heavily on experimental work, the use of data science and machine learning (ML) is on the rise to predict the synthesis and behavior of nanomaterials (NMs). Nanoinformatics combines computational simulations with laboratory studies, assessing risks and revealing complex nanobio interactions. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and ML are enhancing the characterization of the protein corona and improving drug discovery. This review discusses the advantages and limitations of these approaches and stresses the importance of comprehensive datasets for better model accuracy. Future developments may include advanced deep-learning models and multimodal data integration to enhance protein function prediction. Overall, systematic research and advanced computational tools are vital for improving therapeutic outcomes and ensuring the safe use of NMs in medicine. Full article

The growing demand for viral vectors as nanoscale therapeutic agents in gene therapy necessitates efficient and scalable purification methods. This study examined the role of nanoscale biomaterials in optimizing viral vector clarification through a model system mimicking real AAV2 crude harvest material. Using lysed HEK293 cells and silica nanoparticles (20 nm) as surrogates for AAV2 crude harvest, we evaluated primary (depth filters) and secondary (membrane-based) filtration processes under different process parameters and solution conditions. These filtration systems were then assessed for their ability to recover nanoscale viral vectors while reducing DNA (without the need for endonuclease treatment), protein, and turbidity. Primary clarification demonstrated that high flux rates (600 LMH) reduced the depth filter’s ability to leverage adsorptive and electrostatic interactions, resulting in a lower DNA removal. Conversely, lower flux rates (150 LMH) enabled >90% DNA reduction by maintaining these interactions. Solution conductivity significantly influenced performance, with high conductivity screening electrostatic interactions, and the model system closely matching real system outcomes under these conditions. Secondary clarification highlighted material-dependent trade-offs. The PES membranes achieved exceptional AAV2 recovery rates exceeding 90%, while RC membranes excelled in DNA reduction (>80%) due to their respective surface charge and hydrophilic properties. The integration of the primary clarification step dramatically improved PES membrane performance, increasing the final flux from ~60 LMH to ~600 LMH. Fouling analysis revealed that real AAV2 systems experienced more severe and complex fouling compared to the model system, transitioning from intermediate blocking to irreversible cake layer formation, which was exacerbated by nanoscale impurities (~10–600 nm). This work bridges nanomaterial science and biomanufacturing, advancing scalable viral vector purification for gene therapy. Full article

Biomimetic nanoassemblies derived from natural products are considered promising nanomaterials due to their self-assembling ability and their favorable interactions with biological molecules leading to their numerous applications as therapeutic agents or as molecular probes. In this work, we have created peptide nanoconjugates of two natural products, β-Boswellic acid (BA) and β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GH). Both BA and GH are known for their medicinal value, including their role as strong antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and as anti-tumor agents. To enhance the bioavailability of these molecules, they were functionalized with three short peptides (YYIVS, MPDAHL and GSGGL) to create six conjugates with amphiphilic structures capable of facile self-assembly. The peptides were also derived from natural sources and have been known to display antioxidant activity. Depending upon the conjugate, nanofibers, nanovesicles or a mixture of both were formed upon self-assembly. The binding interactions of the nanoconjugates with α-Synuclein, a protein implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) was examined through in silico studies and FTIR, circular dichroism and imaging studies. Our results indicated that the nanoassemblies interacted with alpha-synuclein fibrils efficaciously. Furthermore, the nanoassemblies were found to demonstrate high viability in the presence of microglial cells, and were found to enhance the uptake and interactions of α-Synuclein with microglial cells. The nanoconjugates designed in this work may be potentially utilized as vectors for peptide-based drug delivery or for other therapeutic applications. Full article

Nanomaterials are materials at the nanometric scale that have distinctive functionalities and properties. Due to their unique properties relative to traditional materials, nanomaterials attract great interest from researchers. ZnO-based nanomaterials especially demonstrate versatility, accessibility, biocompatibility and low toxicity. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing eco-friendly and sustainable approaches for synthesizing nanomaterials. In the development of ecological techniques for their synthesis, using natural resources is a popular choice. Employing egg white for ZnO nanoparticle synthesis represents an environmentally method that uses a natural resource. The great advantage of green synthesis using egg white is that it is a cost-effective, renewable, and bio-degradable resource that offers biocompatibility. Egg white is rich in proteins, amino acids, and other biomolecules that possess reducing properties. These biomolecules interact with metal ions, leading to the reduction and nucleation of nanoparticles. Additionally, the proteins in egg white act as capping agents, stabilizing the nanoparticles and preventing their aggregation. The proteins of white albumen have different functional groups and maintain product attributes, such as dispersion and stability. This paper focuses on the characterization of ZnO nanoparticles obtained by the assisted synthesis of egg white. This study explores the potential of ovalbumin, the major protein in egg white, as a template for the synthesis of nanostructured ZnO. The synthesis process utilized egg white from different sources (commercially raised hens, home-raised hens, and ducks) and varying zinc nitrate concentrations (1M and 2M) to evaluate their influence on nanoparticle morphology and size. Various complementary techniques are employed to analyze the resulting nanostructures: XRD, SEM, and ATR-FTIR. Also, antibacterial properties are investigated. This study underscores the viability of different egg whites as a green resources for synthesizing nanostructured ZnO and contributes to the development of sustainable nanotechnology approaches. Full article

Peptide-based nanomaterials can be easily functionalized due to their functional groups, as well as being biocompatible, stable under physiological conditions, and nontoxic. Here, diphenylalanineamide-based nanomaterials (FFANMs) were synthesized, decorated with Ca²⁺ ions to set the surface charge, and characterized for possible use in gene delivery and drug release studies. FFANMs were characterized by SEM, TEM, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and LC-MS/MS. Corona formation and biocompatible studies were also carried out. Some of the data obtained are as follows: FFANMs have a diameter of approximately 87.93 nm. While the zeta potentials of FFANMs and Ca²⁺@FFANMs were −20.1 mV and +9.3 mV, respectively, after corona formation with HSA and IgG proteins, they were shifted to −7.6 mV and −3.7 mV, respectively. For gene delivery studies, zeta potentials of Ca²⁺@FFANMs and DNA interactions were also studied and found to shift to −9.7 mV. Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility studies of NMs were also studied on HeLa and HT29 cell lines, and decreases of about 5% and 10% in viability at the end of 24 h and 72 h incubation times were found. We think that the results obtained from this study will assist the groups working in the relevant field. Full article

Recent advances in drug discovery have established biosensors as indispensable tools, particularly valued for their precision, sensitivity, and real-time monitoring capabilities. The review begins with a brief overview of cancer drug discovery, underscoring the pivotal role of biosensors in advancing cancer research. Various types of biosensors employed in cancer drug discovery are then explored, with particular emphasis on fluorescence- and bioluminescence-based technologies such as FRET, TR-FRET, BRET, NanoBRET, and NanoBiT. These biosensors have enabled breakthrough discoveries, including the identification of Celastrol as a novel YAP-TEAD inhibitor through NanoBiT-based screening, and the development of TR-FRET assays that successfully identified Ro-31-8220 as a SMAD4R361H/SMAD3 interaction inducer. The integration of biosensors in high throughput screening and validation for cancer drug compounds is examined, highlighting successful applications such as the development of LATS biosensors that revealed VEGFR as an upstream regulator of the Hippo signaling pathway. Real-time monitoring of cellular responses through biosensors has yielded invaluable insights into cancer cell signaling pathways, as demonstrated by NanoBRET assays detecting RAF dimerization and HiBiT systems monitoring protein degradation dynamics. The review addresses challenges linked to biosensor applications, such as maintaining stability in complex tumor microenvironments and achieving consistent sensitivity in HTS applications. Emerging trends are discussed, including integrating artificial intelligence and advanced nanomaterials for enhanced biosensor performance. In conclusion, this review offers a comprehensive analysis of fluorescence- and bioluminescence-based biosensor applications in the dynamic cancer drug discovery field, presenting quantitative evidence of their impact and highlighting their potential to revolutionize targeted cancer treatments. Full article

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is an important photocatalyst that is widely studied for environmental applications, especially for water treatment by degradation of pollutants. A range of methods have been developed to produce TiO₂ in the form of nanoparticles and thin films. Solution-based synthesis methods offer the opportunity to tune the synthesis through a choice of reagents, additives and reaction media. In particular, the use of biomolecules, such as proteins and amino acids, as bio-inspired additives in TiO₂ synthesis has grown over the last decade. This review provides a discussion of the key factors in the solution-based synthesis of titania, with a focus on bio-inspired additives and their interaction with Ti precursors. In particular, the role of bio-inspired molecular and biomolecular additives in promoting the low-temperature synthesis of titania and controlling the phase and morphology of the synthesised TiO₂ is discussed, with a particular focus on the interaction of TiO₂ with amino acids as model bio-inspired additives. Understanding these interactions will help address the key challenges of obtaining the crystalline TiO₂ phase at low temperatures, with fast kinetics and under mild reaction conditions. We review examples of photocatalytic applications of TiO₂ synthesised using bio-inspired methods and discuss the ways in which bio-inspired additives enhance photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ nanomaterials. Finally, we give a perspective of the current challenges in green synthesis of TiO₂, and possible solutions based on multi-criteria discovery, design and manufacturing framework. Full article