Advances In Nanoparticles Research Articles

Recent advances in nanoparticles as antibacterial agent.

Recently, the rapid increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens has caused serious health problems. Researchers are searching for alternative antimicrobial substances to control or prevent infections caused by pathogens. Different strategies are used to develop effective antibacterial agents, and in this respect, nanoparticles are undoubtedly promising materials. Nanoparticles act by bypassing drug resistance mechanisms in bacteria and inhibiting biofilm formation or other important processes related to their virulence potential. Nanoparticles can penetrate the cell wall and membrane of bacteria and act by disrupting important molecular mechanisms. In combination with appropriate antibiotics, NPs may show synergy and help prevent the developing global bacterial resistance crisis. Furthermore, due to characteristics such as enhanced biocompatibility and biodegradability, polymer-based nanoparticles enable the development of a wide range of medical products. Antibacterial applications of nanoparticles range from antimicrobial synthetic textiles to biomedical and surgical devices when nanoparticles are embedded/loaded/coated into different materials. In this review, the antibacterial mechanisms of nanoparticles and their potential for use in the medical field are discussed.

Nanoparticle-Based Modification of the DNA Methylome: A Therapeutic Tool for Atherosclerosis?

Cardiovascular epigenomics is a relatively young field of research, yet it is providing novel insights into gene regulation in the atherosclerotic arterial wall. That information is already pointing to new avenues for atherosclerosis (AS) prevention and therapy. In parallel, advances in nanoparticle (NP) technology allow effective targeting of drugs and bioactive molecules to the vascular wall. The partnership of NP technology and epigenetics in AS is just beginning and promises to produce novel exciting candidate treatments. Here, we briefly discuss the most relevant recent advances in the two fields. We focus on AS and DNA methylation, as the DNA methylome of that condition is better understood in comparison with the rest of the cardiovascular disease field. In particular, we review the most recent advances in NP-based delivery systems and their use for DNA methylome modification in inflammation. We also address the promises of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors for prevention and therapy. Furthermore, we emphasize the unique challenges in designing therapies that target the cardiovascular epigenome. Lastly, we touch the issue of human exposure to industrial NPs and its impact on the epigenome as a reminder of the undesired effects that any NP-based therapy must avoid to be apt for secondary prevention of AS.

Recent advances in nanoparticles towards sustainability and their application in organic transformations in aqueous media.

Nanoparticles (NPs) play a crucial role in organic transformation and are becoming increasingly attractive in the field of catalysis as they show good catalytic activity in organic as well as aqueous media. Numerous NPs have been utilized for several organic transformations in aqueous media, which have led to dedicated efforts for the complete coverage of the application of metal, metal oxide, bimetallic and supported NPs in water-mediated organic transformations in the last decades. This review aims to provide current highlights on the application of various types of metal NPs for organic transformations in aqueous media. The remarkable benefits associated with the catalytic application of NPs in water allows for various transformations to be performed under very mild and green conditions. Lastly, the author's perspectives are briefly considered, including future developments and crucial challenges in the ever-growing field of nanocatalysis.

Nanomaterials for magnetic hyperthermia

Abstract Background Cancer remains as one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. Recent advances in nanoparticles based therapy mark a new era on cancer treatment. Many groups have investigated biological/physical effects of nanoparticles on tumour cells and how these vary with physical parameters such as particle size, shape, concentration and distribution. Magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) can be an alternative or an add-value therapy with demonstrated effectiveness. MHT uses magnetic nanoparticles, which can be directly applied to the tumour, where, by applying an external ac magnetic field, will promote a localized temperature increment that can be controlled. Methods LiFe5O8 nanocrystallites were synthesized by a novel and eco-friendly sol-gel process, using powder coconut water (PCW) has a mediated reaction medium. The dried powders were heat-treated between 400 and 1000 °C, being analysed their structure, morphology and magnetic properties; cytotoxicity and magnetic hyperthermia assays were performed. Results The heat-treated LiFe5O8 powder led to crystallite sizes from 50 nm to 200 nm. Increasing the temperature of the heat treatment, secondary phases tend to disappear. The cytotoxicity results revealed a non-cytotoxicity property, for concentrations below 5 mg/mL. The sample HT at 1000 °C, revealed hysteresis and magnetic saturation of 73 emu.g−1 at 300 K and a specific absorption rate(SAR) of about 80 W/g. Conclusions It was possible to synthesize LiFe5O8 by a novel, eco-friendly and sustainable route. The nanoparticles have a high heat efficiency, especially the sample heat-treated at 1000 °C, with SAR values similar to Fe3O4, showing potential to be used in the treatment of cancer, by MHT.

Recent Advances in Nanoparticles Confined in Two‐Dimensional Materials as High‐Performance Electrocatalysts for Energy‐Conversion Technologies

AbstractRecently, the fast‐growing advanced electrochemical energy‐conversion technologies for environmentally friendly production or utilization of energy requires highly active and stable electrocatalysts and many strategies have been accordingly proposed to achieve this goal. Of them, confinement strategy holds great potential because it can create unique microenvironment for electrocatalysts. Thanks to the exceptional physical and chemical properties, the two‐dimensional materials (2D materials) as building block are powerful in constructing inimitable “confined space” which will endow electrocatalysts with many intriguing characteristics, such as admirable electron conductivity, enhanced stability and anti‐poisoning capability, and more accessible active sites as well. Despite numerous efforts have been devoted and some progress has been made in confinement research, there exist substantial challenges to be tackled with regard to respectable activity, stability, and mass production of the confined electrocatalysts. In this Minireview, the concept of “nanoparticles confined in two‐dimensional materials (denoted as NCTDM)” and their up‐to‐date synthetical strategies, including host‐guest assembly method and in‐situ formation method have been firstly discussed. In addition, with special emphasis on their application, the NCTDM as a new type of high‐performance electrocatalysts for electrochemical energy‐conversion technologies such as water splitting, fuel cells and electrochemical reduction of CO2 to C1 molecules have been systematically introduced.

Trends in targeted delivery of nanomaterials in colon cancer diagnosis and treatment

Colon cancer is an adenocarcinoma, which subsequently develops into malignant tumors, if not treated properly. The current colon cancer therapy mainly revolves around chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, but the search continues for more effective interventions. With the advancement of nanoparticles (NPs), it is now possible to diagnose and treat colon cancers with different types, shapes, and sizes of NPs. Nanoformulations such as quantum dots, iron oxide, polymeric NPs, dendrimers, polypeptides, gold NPs, silver NPs, platinum NPs, and cerium oxide have been either extensively used alone or in combination with other nanomaterials or drugs in colon cancer diagnosis, and treatments. These nanoformulations possess high biocompatibility and bioavailability, which makes them the most suitable candidates for cancer treatment. The size and shape of NPs are critical to achieving an effective drug delivery in cancer treatment and diagnosis. Most NPs currently are under different testing phases (in vitro, preclinical, and clinical), whereas some of them have been approved for therapeutic applications. We have comprehensively reviewed the recent advances in the applications of NPs-based formulations in colon cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Recent advances in bionanomaterials for liver cancer diagnosis and treatment.

According to the World Health Organization, liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer associated with death worldwide. It demands effective treatment and diagnostic strategies to hinder its recurrence, complexities, aggressive metastasis and late diagnosis. With recent progress in nanotechnology, several nanoparticle-based diagnostic and therapeutic modalities have entered into clinical trials. With further developments in nanoparticle mediated liver cancer diagnosis and treatment, the approach holds promise for improved clinical liver cancer management. In this review, we discuss the key advances in nanoparticles that have potential for liver cancer diagnosis and treatment. We also discuss the potential of nanoparticles to overcome the limitations of existing therapeutic modalities.

Advances in nanoparticles tailored lignocellulosic biochars for removal of heavy metals with special reference to cadmium (II) and chromium (VI)

Environmental degradation due to heavy metals has been studied worldwide due to their non-biodegradable and persistent nature. Among various heavy metals, chromium (VI) (Cr (VI)) and cadmium (Cd (II)) are toxic and enter into aquatic systems from anthropogenic activities. Therefore, considerable efforts have been made for the growth of a well-organized and cost-effective method for the removal of heavy metals. Among various methods, biosorption is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and readily available. Biochar is porous, carboneous material produced from biomass by thermal decomposition under a limited supply of oxygen at a temperature below 900 ℃. The biomass comprises mainly of 35–50% cellulose, 20–35% hemicellulose, and 10–25% lignin, extractives, and ash. These components are accountable for most of the unique properties of the biochar. Further, the conversion of biomasses into biochar depends upon feedstock, particle size, temperature, reaction time, etc. The biomass with high carbon and lignin content produces biochar with high yield. Biochar has huge affinity for pollutants due to porous arrangement and functional groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, and phenolic. Therefore, biochars have been modified with different materials including nanoparticles to improve the removal capacity for pollutants. The sorption efficiency of biochar was found to be improved after modification with nanoparticles. Biochar-based nanocomposite has superior physical and chemical properties that arise due to a combination of advantages of both constituent particles. Thus, the fabrication of biochar based nanomaterials has been reported for the removal of Cd (II) and Cr (VI) from aqueous systems.

Advances in Nanoparticles as Anticancer Drug Delivery Vector: Need of this Century.

Nanotechnology has contributed a great deal to the field of medical science. Smart drugdelivery vectors, combined with stimuli-based characteristics, are becoming increasingly important. The use of external and internal stimulating factors can have enormous benefits and increase the targeting efficiency of nanotechnology platforms. The pH values of tumor vascular tissues are acidic in nature, allowing the improved targeting of anticancer drug payloads using drug-delivery vectors. Nanopolymers are smart drug-delivery vectors that have recently been developed and recommended for use by scientists because of their potential targeting capabilities, non-toxicity and biocompatibility, and make them ideal nanocarriers for personalized drug delivery. The present review article provides an overview of current advances in the use of nanoparticles (NPs) as anticancer drug-delivery vectors. This article reviews the molecular basis for the use of NPs in medicine, including personalized medicine, personalized therapy, emerging vistas in anticancer therapy, nanopolymer targeting, passive and active targeting transports, pH-responsive drug carriers, biological barriers, computer-aided drug design, future challenges and perspectives, biodegradability and safety. This article will benefit academia, researchers, clinicians, and government authorities by providing a basis for further research advancements.

Highly Efficient AuPd Catalyst for Synthesizing Polybenzoxazole with Controlled Polymerization

Summary Using nanoparticles (NPs) to catalyze chemical reactions for the formation of functional polymers with controlled polymerization is an important field of chemical research. In this article, we report an AuPd NP system as an active and stable catalyst to catalyze one-pot reaction of formic acid, 1,5-diisopropoxy-2,4-dinitrobenzene, and terephthaldehyde, leading to the controlled polymerization and the formation of polybenzoxazole (PBO) (Mw = 3.6 kDa). The one-pot reaction is AuPd NP size and composition dependent, and 8-nm Au39Pd61 NPs are the best catalyst for the polymerization. The highly pure PBO shows excellent thermal stability up to 600°C and improved chemical and mechanical stability under challenging environmental conditions compared with commercial PBO (Zylon, Mw = 40 kDa). The reported NP-catalyzed one-pot reaction to polymerization is not limited to the formation of PBO but can be extended as a general approach to rigid polymers that are important for ballistic fiber, anti-flame, and smart-textile applications.

Use of Nanoparticles in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

Advances in nanoparticle (NP) production and demand for control over nanoscale systems have had significant impact on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). NPs with low toxicity, contrasting agent properties, tailorable characteristics, targeted/stimuli-response delivery potential, and precise control over behavior (via external stimuli such as magnetic fields) have made it possible their use for improving engineered tissues and overcoming obstacles in TERM. Functional tissue and organ replacements require a high degree of spatial and temporal control over the biological events and also their real-time monitoring. Presentation and local delivery of bioactive (growth factors, chemokines, inhibitors, cytokines, genes etc.) and contrast agents in a controlled manner are important implements to exert control over and monitor the engineered tissues. This need resulted in utilization of NP based systems in tissue engineering scaffolds for delivery of multiple growth factors, for providing contrast for imaging and also for controlling properties of the scaffolds. Depending on the application, materials, as polymers, metals, ceramics and their different composites can be utilized for production of NPs. In this review, we will cover the use of NP systems in TERM and also provide an outlook for future potential use of such systems.

Zwitterionic Polymer-Gated Au@TiO2 Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Imaging-Guided Combined Cancer Therapy.

With advances in nanoparticle (NP) synthesis and engineering, nanoscale agents with both therapeutic and diagnostic functions have been increasingly exploited for cancer management. Herein, we synthesized a new type of zwitterionic polymer-gated Au@TiO2 core-shell nanoparticles, which showed that they could selectively target and efficiently eliminate cancer cells via photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), pH/NIR-induced drug release, and cationic therapy.Methods: In the present study, the multifunctional therapeutic agent [Mn@P(CitAPDMAEMA)@Au@TiO2@DOX] was prepared to treat cancer with imaging-guided combination method. Firstly, Au@TiO2 core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized. Taking advantage of broad and strong photoabsorption and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, Au@TiO2 core-shell NPs facilitated the single light-induced PTT and PDT. Next, a chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into Au@TiO2 core-shell NPs. Then, a biocompatible zwitterionic polymer P(CitAPDMAEMA) was grafted to improve the hemocompatibility of NPs and prolong the circulation time. The polymer also served as a capping or switching material for pH-triggered drug release. In addition, the cationic nature of P(CitAPDMAEMA) eased the binding to human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells and effectively inhibited their growth in acidic environments (termed cationic therapy). Moreover, with Mn2+ ions immanently chelated, Mn@P(CitAPDMAEMA)@Au@TiO2@DOX NPs were able to provide enhanced contrast under T1- or T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Results: The in vitro and in vivo anticancer experiments demonstrated the tumor was effectively inhibited with minimal side effects by the multifunctional NPs.Conclusions: As far as we know, this is the first presentation of four therapeutic methods into one nanomaterial, which will open up a new dimension for the design of combined treatment.

Multifunctional Nanocomposites for Targeted, Photothermal, and Chemotherapy

In the past decades, advances in nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis and engineering have greatly propelled the application of nanoscale agents for therapeutic and diagnostic functions, promoting an emer...

Advances and Opportunities in Nanoparticle- and Nanomaterial-Based Vaccines against Bacterial Infections.

As the dawn of the postantibiotic era we approach, antibacterial vaccines are becoming increasingly important for managing bacterial infection and reducing the need for antibiotics. Despite the success of vaccination, vaccines remain unavailable for many pressing microbial diseases, including tuberculosis, chlamydia, and staphylococcus infections. Amid continuing research efforts in antibacterial vaccine development, the advancement of nanomaterial engineering has brought forth new opportunities in vaccine designs. With increasing knowledge in antibacterial immunity and immunologic adjuvants, innovative nanoparticles are designed to elicit the appropriate immune responses for effective antimicrobial defense. Rationally designed nanoparticles are demonstrated to overcome delivery barriers to shape the adaptive immunity. This article reviews the advances in nanoparticle- and nanomaterial-based antibacterial vaccines and summarizes the development of nanoparticulate adjuvants for immune potentiation against microbial pathogens. In addition, challenges and progress in ongoing antibacterial vaccine development are discussed to highlight the opportunities for future vaccine designs.

Utilizing the power of Cerenkov light with nanotechnology.

The characteristic blue glow of Cerenkov luminescence (CL) arises from the interaction between a charged particle travelling faster than the phase velocity of light and a dielectric medium, such as water or tissue. As CL emanates from a variety of sources, such as cosmic events, particle accelerators, nuclear reactors and clinical radionuclides, it has been used in applications such as particle detection, dosimetry, and medical imaging and therapy. The combination of CL and nanoparticles for biomedicine has improved diagnosis and therapy, especially in oncological research. Although radioactive decay itself cannot be easily modulated, the associated CL can be through the use of nanoparticles, thus offering new applications in biomedical research. Advances in nanoparticles, metamaterials and photonic crystals have also yielded new behaviours of CL. Here, we review the physics behind Cerenkov luminescence and associated applications in biomedicine. We also show that by combining advances in nanotechnology and materials science with CL, new avenues for basic and applied sciences have opened.

Recent Advances in Nanoparticles Enhanced Oil Recovery: Rheology, Interfacial Tension, Oil Recovery, and Wettability Alteration

Chemically enhanced oil recovery methods are utilized to increase the oil recovery by improving the mobility ratio, altering the wettability, and/or lowering the interfacial tension between water and oil. Surfactants and polymers have been used for this purpose for the last few decades. Recently, nanoparticles have attracted the attention due to their unique properties. A large number of nanoparticles have been investigated for enhanced oil recovery applications either alone or in combination with surfactants and/or polymers. This review discusses the various types of nanoparticles that have been utilized in enhanced oil recovery. The review highlights the impact of nanoparticles on wettability alteration, interfacial tension, and rheology. The review also covers the factors affecting the oil recovery using nanoparticles and current challenges in field implementation.

Current Advances of Tubulin Inhibitors in Nanoparticle Drug Delivery and Vascular Disruption/Angiogenesis.

Extensive research over the last decade has resulted in a number of highly potent tubulin polymerization inhibitors acting either as microtubule stabilizing agents (MSAs) or microtubule destabilizing agents (MDAs). These inhibitors have potent cytotoxicity against a broad spectrum of human tumor cell lines. In addition to cytotoxicity, a number of these tubulin inhibitors have exhibited abilities to inhibit formation of new blood vessels as well as disrupt existing blood vessels. Tubulin inhibitors as a vascular disrupting agents (VDAs), mainly from the MDA family, induce rapid tumor vessel occlusion and massive tumor necrosis. Thus, tubulin inhibitors have become increasingly popular in the field of tumor vasculature. However, their pharmaceutical application is halted by a number of limitations including poor solubility and toxicity. Thus, recently, there has been considerable interests in the nanoparticle drug delivery of tubulin inhibitors to circumvent those limitations. This article reviews recent advances in nanoparticle based drug delivery for tubulin inhibitors as well as their tumor vasculature disruption properties.

Nanoparticles and radiotracers: advances toward radionanomedicine.

In this study, we cover the convergence of radiochemistry for imaging and therapy with advances in nanoparticle (NP) design for biomedical applications. We first explore NP properties relevant for therapy and theranostics and emphasize the need for biocompatibility. We then explore radionuclide-imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and Cerenkov luminescence (CL) with examples utilizing radiolabeled NP for imaging. PET and SPECT have served as diagnostic workhorses in the clinic, while preclinical NP design examples of multimodal imaging with radiotracers show promise in imaging and therapy. CL expands the types of radionuclides beyond PET and SPECT tracers to include high-energy electrons (β- ) for imaging purposes. These advances in radionanomedicine will be discussed, showing the potential for radiolabeled NPs as theranostic agents. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:872-890. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1402 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

Application of nanomaterials for imaging pancreatic islets

While pancreatic islet transplantation has emerged as one of the most promising therapies for diabetes mellitus, determining the fate of islet grafts remains a challenge. Transplanted islets are damaged by hypoxic stress and immune responses in the period shortly following transplantation. Understanding the mechanisms of islet graft loss is difficult without real-time monitoring in vivo. Recently, nanotechnology has emerged in studies of biomedical imaging. Nanoparticles can enhance the versatility of different imaging modalities. Moreover, nanoparticles provide potential probes to image transplanted islets by optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. The nanoparticles are delivered to islet grafts using different methods, such as non-specific uptake, conjugation to the islet membranes and targeting to a membrane receptor or transporter. If applied clinically, these methods would provide information about the viability and function of transplanted islets, which will enhance graft survival. This review focuses on recent advances in nanoparticles for in vivo imaging of islet transplantation.

Recent advances in nanoparticle based aptasensors for food contaminants.

Food safety and hazard analysis is a prime concern of human life, thus quality assessment of food and water is the need of the day. Recent advances in nano-biotechnology play a significant role in providing possible solutions for developing highly sensitive and affordable detection tools for food analysis. Nanomaterials based aptasensors hold great potential to overcome the drawbacks of conventional analytical techniques. Aptamers comprise a novel class of highly specific bio-recognition elements which are produced by SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) process. They bind to target molecules by folding into 3D structures that can discriminate different chiral compounds. The flexibility in making modifications in aptamers contribute to the design of biosensors, enabling the generation of bio-recognition elements for a wide variety of target molecules. Nanomaterials such as metal nanoparticles, metal nanoclusters, metal oxide nanoparticles, metal and carbon quantum dots, graphene, carbon nanotubes and nanocomposites enable higher sensitivity by signal amplification and introduce several novel transduction principles such as enhanced chemiluminescence, fluorescence, Raman signals, electrochemical signals, enhanced catalytic activity, and super-paramagnetic properties to the biosensor. Although there are a few reviews published recently which deal with the potential of aptamers in various fields, none are devoted exclusively to the potential of aptasensors based on nanomaterials for the analysis of food contaminants. Hence, the current review discusses several transduction systems and their principles used in aptamer based nanosensors which have been developed in the past five years, the challenges faced in their designing, along with their strengths and limitations.