Application Of Nanomaterials Research Articles

Strategies Employed to Design Biocompatible Metal Nanoparticles for Medical Science and Biotechnology Applications.

The applicability of nanomaterials has evolved in biomedical domains thanks to advances in biocompatibility strategies and the mitigation of cytotoxic effects, allowing diagnostics, imaging, and therapeutic approaches. The application of nanoparticles (NP), particularly metal nanoparticles (mNPs), such as gold (Au) and silver (Ag), includes inherent challenges related to the material characteristics, surface modification, and bioconjugation techniques. By tailoring the surface properties through appropriate coating with biocompatible molecules or functionalization with active biomolecules, researchers can reach a harmonious interaction with biological systems or samples (mostly fluids or tissues). Thus, this review highlights the mechanisms associated with the obtention of biocompatible mNP and presents a comprehensive overview of methods that facilitate safe and efficient production. Therefore, we consider this review to be a valuable resource for all researchers navigating this dynamic field.

Application of nanomaterials in Li-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become an important energy storage solution in mobile devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage. This research focuses on the key applications of nanomaterials in LIBs, which are attracting attention due to their unique electrochemical properties. This research first introduces the fundamentals and current challenges of LIBs, followed by a detailed list of various nanomaterials, including two-dimensional materials, metal oxides, carbon-based materials, and their wide-ranging applications in LIBs. The research on nanomaterials has revealed significant enhancements in battery performance, including increased capacity, extended cycle life, and improved charge and discharge rates. Furthermore, this research highlights the sustainability and environmental potential of nanomaterials and their important role in mitigating the scarcity of lithium resources. Finally, it will summarize the potential impact of these studies, highlight the research significance of nanomaterials in the field of battery technology, and provide useful guidance and inspiration for the future development of renewable energy storage and electric transportation. This research will help drive innovation in battery technology and pave the way for a more sustainable energy future.

Applications of Inorganic Nanomaterials against Tuberculosis: A Comprehensive Review.

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a significant global health threat, with millions of new infections recorded annually. Current treatment strategies, such as Directly Observed Treatment (DOT), face challenges, including patient non-compliance and the emergence of drug-resistant TB strains. In response to these obstacles, innovative approaches utilizing inorganic/metallic nanomaterials have been developed to enhance drug delivery to target alveolar macrophages, where Mycobacterium tuberculosis resides. These nanomaterials have shown effectiveness against various strains of TB, offering benefits such as improved drug efficacy, minimized side effects, and sustained drug release at the infection site. This comprehensive review explores the applications of different metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and metal-metal oxide hybrid nanoparticles in the management of TB, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. The synergistic effects of combining inorganic nanoparticles with conventional anti-TB drugs have demonstrated promising results in combating TB infections. Further research and development in this field hold great promise for overcoming the challenges faced in current TB therapy and improving patient outcomes.

Application of silicon-based nanomaterials for improving the performance of battery

This research discussed the improvement of using silicon-based nanomaterial in batteries compared to graphite batteries because not only in electric vehicles, but also mobile phone users are requiring for longer battery life and faster charging speed and phones cannot increase into an unacceptable weight. This research first introduces how lithium-ion batteries work and analyses the failure of lithium metallic battery: high cost and low security because of dendrites growth. Secondly, this paper discussed how mobile phone manufacturers improved their batteries by using silicon: Honors silicon carbon battery and Xiaomis silicon-oxygen anode battery. Both have increased the energy density and charging speed and lighter the weight at the same time. In general, silicon can improve battery performance through its high capacity for lithium-ion, and silicon can easily be found in a natural environment which will lead to lower manufacturing costs. As a result, this research can provide a new design approach for the structural design and application performance of nanomaterials in the field of battery applications.

Characterization of TiO2 nanoparticles for nanomaterial applications: Crystallite size, microstrain and phase analysis using multiple techniques

This study aimed to verify the suitability of TiO2 nanoparticles as nanomaterials in terms of crystallite size, microstrain and phase. The TiO2 nanoparticles were tested experimentally in suspensions of mono ethylene glycol and distilled water (MEG-DW) at ratios of 10:90, 25:75, and 40:60. The nanoparticles were dispersed in the base liquid via a two-step process, resulting in the formation of TiO2-3%/MEG-10, TiO2-3%/MEG-25, and TiO2-3%/MEG-40 nanofluids. The results revealed average crystallite sizes of approximately 20.10, 22.10, and 39.6 nm for the three nanofluid samples, as determined by the Scherrer equation, Williamson–Hall (W–H) plot, and TEM-ImageJ software. These results confirm that the TiO2 nanoparticles meet the nanomaterial criteria with a sub-100 nm size. The microstrain analysis yielded values of 0.000020, 0.000299, and 0.001386 for the three samples and further investigation confirmed the presence of rutile. The high-temperature stability of the rutile phase makes the TiO2 nanofluids suitable for use in industrial heating systems.

Application of Nanomaterial-Based Sonodynamic Therapy in Tumor Therapy.

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has attracted significant attention in recent years as it is an innovative approach to tumor treatment. It involves the utilization of sound waves or ultrasound (US) to activate acoustic sensitizers, enabling targeted drug release for precise tumor treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of SDT, encompassing its underlying principles and therapeutic mechanisms, the applications of nanomaterials, and potential synergies with combination therapies. The review begins by introducing the fundamental principle of SDT and delving into the intricate mechanisms through which it facilitates tumor treatment. A detailed analysis is presented, outlining how SDT effectively destroys tumor cells by modulating drug release mechanisms. Subsequently, this review explores the diverse range of nanomaterials utilized in SDT applications and highlights their specific contributions to enhancing treatment outcomes. Furthermore, the potential to combine SDT with other therapeutic modalities such as photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy is discussed. These combined approaches aim to synergistically improve therapeutic efficacy while mitigating side effects. In conclusion, SDT emerges as a promising frontier in tumor treatment that offers personalized and effective treatment options with the potential to revolutionize patient care. As research progresses, SDT is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of oncology by providing patients with a broader spectrum of efficacious and tailored treatment options.

Portable wireless electrochemical sensing of breviscapine using core-shell ZIFs-derived Co nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanotube polyhedra-modified electrode.

Acore-shell ZIF-67@ZIF-8-derived Co nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanotube polyhedra (Co/C-NCNP) hybrid nanostructure was preparedby a pyrolysis method. The synthesized Co/C-NCNP was modified on the screen-printed carbon electrode and used for the portable wireless sensitive determination of breviscapine (BVC) by differential pulse voltammetry. The Co/C-NCNP had a large surface area and excellent catalytic activity with increasing Co sites to combine with BVC for selective determination, which led to the improvement of the sensitivity of the electrochemical sensor. Under optimized conditions, the constructed sensor had linear ranges from 0.15 to 20.0µmol/L and 20.0 to 100.0µmol/L with the limit of detection of 0.014µmol/L (3S0/S). The sensor was successfully applied to BVC tablet sample analysis with satisfactory results. This work provided the potential applications of zeolitic imidazolate framework-derived nanomaterials in the fabrication of electrochemical sensors for the sensitive detection of drug samples.

Synthesis and application of multifunctional magnetic mesoporous nanomaterials with redox reaction and NIR response in tumor treatment

In recent years, the novel minimally invasive combination therapy for tumors has garnered widespread attention due to its controllable therapeutic target, effective combination therapy outcome, and minimal toxic side effects. This study integrated inorganic nanospheres of ferric oxide (Fe3O4) with mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN), along with polymeric organic polymers—polyaniline (PANI) and hyaluronic acid (HA)—to create a multifunctional tumor treatment platform (Fe3O4@MSN@PANI@HA), aiming to enhance the efficacy of therapies that have monotherapy limitations. The Fe2+ within the Fe3O4@MSN@PANI@HA nanoparticles can react with the unique hydrogen peroxide present in the tumor microenvironment to generate hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which possess cytotoxic properties that can selectively eradicate tumor cells, thereby facilitating chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Moreover, Fe3O4@MSN@PANI@HA nanoparticles, when loaded with the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), yield Fe3O4@MSN@PANI@HA-DOX nanoparticles. It has been demonstrated that these nanoparticles exhibit commendable drug-loading efficiency and controlled drug-release capabilities, contributing to the chemotherapy of tumors. The inclusion of PANI in the Fe3O4@MSN@PANI@HA nanoparticles endows them with an exceptional photothermal conversion capability. Upon exposure to an 808-nm near-infrared laser (NIR), the photothermal conversion efficiency of the composite nanomaterials reaches 42.76 %, thereby enabling photothermal therapy (PTT) through the thermal ablation of tumor cells. The HA component of the composite nanoparticles provides excellent biocompatibility and a sustained drug-release effect. Simultaneously, it could target tumor cells by recognizing specific receptors that are overexpressed on the cell surfaces, directing the transport of the composite nanoparticles to the tumor site, and selectively destroying tumor cells. This paper confirms the potent therapeutic impact of composite nanoparticles on tumors and offers a novel perspective for designing multifunctional composite nanomaterials.

Application and design considerations of ROS-based nanomaterials in diabetic kidney disease.

Diabetic nephropathy (DKD) is a common chronic complication of diabetes mellitus and an important cause of cardiovascular-related death. Oxidative stress is a key mechanism leading to diabetic nephropathy. However, the current main therapeutic approach remains combination therapy and lacks specific therapies targeting oxidative stress. With the development of nanotechnology targeting ROS, therapeutic fluids regarding their treatment of diabetic nephropathy have attracted attention. In this review, we provide a brief overview of various ROS-based nanomaterials for DKD, including ROS-scavenging nanomaterials, ROS-associated nanodelivery materials, and ROS-responsive nanomaterials. In addition, we summarize and discuss key factors that should be considered when designing ROS-based nanomaterials, such as biosafety, efficacy, targeting, and detection and monitoring of ROS.

Potential applications of nanomedicine in the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and leads to severe disability and even death in patients, causing a heavy social burden worldwide. Among the therapeutics for PD, pharmacotherapy is usually the first-line therapy and is typically the basic treatment for other therapeutics, such as surgery, exercise therapy and psychological intervention. Unfortunately, the existing PD therapeutic agents fail to cure the disease due to their low efficacy, cytotoxicity, severe side effects and poor cell targeting. With the development of nanotechnology and the emergence of nanomedicine, the application of nanomaterials has helped improve the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for PD. In the following review, the current pharmacotherapy for PD and its pros and cons are described. A summary of the nanomaterial types commonly used in nanomedicine and their applications in PD treatment is provided. Additionally, challenges related to using nanomaterials for PD pharmacotherapy are discussed.

Nanomaterials in Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy and Antibacterial Sonodynamic Therapy

AbstractAntibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and antibacterial sonodynamic therapy (aSDT) utilize sensitizers (photosensitizers/sonosensitizers) to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) for antibacterial treatment under the stimulation of light/ultrasound, which have the characteristics of broad‐spectrum antibacterial properties, low drug‐resistance, and effective targeting of infected tissues. Nanomaterials in aPDT/aSDT are primarily used as nano‐sensitizers or nano‐carriers of sensitizers. They enhance the stability and permeability of sensitizers, improve targeting of sensitizers, strengthen photodynamic/sonodynamic properties of sensitizers (modification of sensitizers absorption efficiency and light/ultrasonic response stress by modulation of nanoparticle shape, size, and structure). Also, they improve modifiability of sensitizers (controlling the release rate and time of the sensitizer as needed to optimize the therapeutic effect), enhance programmability and multifunctionality of sensitizers (flexible application of nanotechnology for designing sensitizers with multiple functions, such as drug delivery, targeted therapy, and therapeutic monitoring), and expand possibilities for combination therapies (the nano‐carriers can be loaded with other therapeutic agents, enabling combination therapies). Nanomaterials are expected to further promote the development of aPDT/aSDT and achieve improved antibacterial effects. This review summarizes the progress in nanomaterials in aPDT/aSDT in recent years and based on the current development strategies to provide a theoretical reference for the application of nanomaterials in aPDT/aSDT.

Research Progress on Liposome Pulmonary Delivery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Nucleic Acid Vaccine and Its Mechanism of Action.

Traditional vaccines have played an important role in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, but they still have problems such as low immunogenicity, poor stability, and difficulty in inducing lasting immune responses. In recent years, the nucleic acid vaccine has emerged as a relatively cheap and safe new vaccine. Compared with traditional vaccines, nucleic acid vaccine has some unique advantages, such as easy production and storage, scalability, and consistency between batches. However, the direct administration of naked nucleic acid vaccine is not ideal, and safer and more effective vaccine delivery systems are needed. With the rapid development of nanocarrier technology, the combination of gene therapy and nanodelivery systems has broadened the therapeutic application of molecular biology and the medical application of biological nanomaterials. Nanoparticles can be used as potential drug-delivery vehicles for the treatment of hereditary and infectious diseases. In addition, due to the advantages of lung immunity, such as rapid onset of action, good efficacy, and reduced adverse reactions, pulmonary delivery of nucleic acid vaccine has become a hot spot in the field of research. In recent years, lipid nanocarriers have become safe, efficient, and ideal materials for vaccine delivery due to their unique physical and chemical properties, which can effectively reduce the toxic side effects of drugs and achieve the effect of slow release and controlled release, and there have been a large number of studies using lipid nanocarriers to efficiently deliver target components into the body. Based on the delivery of tuberculosis (TB) nucleic acid vaccine by lipid carrier, this article systematically reviews the advantages and mechanism of liposomes as a nucleic acid vaccine delivery carrier, so as to lay a solid foundation for the faster and more effective development of new anti-TB vaccine delivery systems in the future.

Genetically engineered bacteriophages as novel nanomaterials: applications beyond antimicrobial agents.

Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are viruses that replicate in bacteria and archaea. Phages were initially discovered as antimicrobial agents, and they have been used as therapeutic agents for bacterial infection in a process known as "phage therapy." Recently, phages have been investigated as functional nanomaterials in a variety of areas, as they can function not only as therapeutic agents but also as biosensors and tissue regenerative materials. Phages are nontoxic to humans, and they possess self-assembled nanostructures and functional properties. Additionally, phages can be easily genetically modified to display specific peptides or to screen for functional peptides via phage display. Here, we demonstrated the application of phage nanomaterials in the context of tissue engineering, sensing, and probing.

Application of nanomaterials in lithium-ion batteries

With the rapid development of society, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) need higher performance to meet its application in different fields. Nanotechnology has been used in the research of high-performance LIBs for many years, due to its improvement of physical, chemical and electrical properties of materials. The application of nanomaterials in LIBs electrodes is the main research direction, mainly focusing on the structural characterization and electrochemical performance analysis of electrode materials. Therefore, in this research, some recent studies on nanoelectrode materials in LIBs are analzyed, focusing on demonstrating the excellent properties brought about by the unique structure of nanoelectrode materials, and their preparation methods are also briefly introduced. The results show that nanoelectrode materials have a great contribution to improving the cycle performance and rate capacity of LIBs. The prospect is expounded through the role of nanotechnology in the application field of LIBs in the future and the changes it may bring.

Underlying mechanism of hetero-ring doping GQDs for OLEDs, photovoltaic and nanomedical applications

Underlying mechanism of hetero-ring doping GQDs for OLEDs, photovoltaic and nanomedical applications

A point-of-care testing assay for clonorchiasis using a EuNPs-CsTR1 fluorescent probe-based immunoassay.

Clonorchis sinensis is one of the most important fish-borne zoonotic parasitic worms in humans, and is distributed in several countries with more than 15 million people infected globally. However, the lack of a point-of-care testing (POCT) method is still the critical barrier to effectively prevent clonorchiasis. With the application of novel fluorescent nanomaterials, the development of on-site testing methods with high signal enhancement can provide a simple, precise and inexpensive tool for disease detection. In this study, Eu-(III) nanoparticles (EuNPs) were used as indicative probes, combined with C. sinensis tandem repeat sequence 1 (CSTR1) antigen to capture specific antibodies. Afterward, the complex binds to mouse anti-human IgG immobilized on the test line (T-line) producing a fluorescent signal under UV light. The EuNPs-fluorescent immunoassay (EuNPs-FIA) was successfully constructed, allowing sample detection within 10 min. It enabled both qualitative determination with the naked eye under UV light and quantitative detection by scanning the fluorescence intensity on the test line and control line (C-line). A total of 133 clinical human sera (74 negative, 59 clonorchiasis, confirmed by conventional Kato-Katz (KK) methods and PCR via testing fecal samples corresponding to each serum sample) were used in this study. For qualitative analysis, the cut-off value of fluorescence for positive serum was 31.57 by testing 74 known negative human samples. The assay had no cross-reaction with other 9 parasite-infected sera, and could recognize the mixed infection sera of C. sinensis and other parasites. The sensitivity and specificity of EuNPs-FIA were both 100% compared with KK smear method. Taking advantage of its high precision and user-friendly procedure, the established EuNPs-FIA provides a powerful tool for the diagnosis and epidemiological survey of clonorchiasis.

A Universal Biomacromolecule-Enabled Assembly Strategy for Constructing Multifunctional Aerogels with 90% Inorganic Mass Loading from Inert Nano-Building Blocks.

Inert inorganic nano-building blocks, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and boron nitride (BN) nanosheets, possess excellent physicochemical properties. However, it remains challenging to build aerogels with these inert nanomaterials unless they are chemically modified or compounded with petrochemical polymers, which affects their intrinsic properties and is usually not environmentally friendly. Here, a universal biomacromolecule-enabled assembly strategy is proposed to construct aerogels with 90 wt% ultrahigh inorganic loading. The super-high inorganic content is beneficial for exploiting the inherent properties of inert nanomaterials in multifunctional applications. Taking chitosan-CNTs aerogel as a proof-of-concept demonstration, it delivers sensitive pressure response as a pressure sensor, an ultrahigh sunlight absorption (94.5%) raising temperature under light (from 25 to 71°C within 1min) for clean-up of crude oil spills, and superior electromagnetic interference shielding performance of up to 68.9dB. This strategy paves the way for the multifunctional application of inert nanomaterials by constructing aerogels with ultrahigh inorganic loading.

Nano-Food Farming Approaches to Mitigate Heat Stress under Ongoing Climate Change: A Review

Increased heat stress is a common feature of global climate change and can cause adverse impacts on crops from germination through maturation and harvest. This review focuses on the impacts of extreme heat (>35 °C) on plants and their physiology and how they affect food and water security. The emphasis is on what can be done to minimize the negative effects of heat stress, which includes the application of various materials and approaches. Nano-farming is highlighted as one promising approach. Heat is often combined with drought, salinity, and other stresses, which together affect the whole agroecosystem, including soil, plants, water, and farm animals, leading to serious implications for food and water resources. Indeed, there is no single remedy or approach that can overcome such grand issues. However, nano-farming can be part of an adaptation strategy. More studies are needed to verify the potential benefits of nanomaterials but also to investigate any negative side-effects, particularly under the intensive application of nanomaterials, and what problems this might create, including potential nanotoxicity.

Nanotechnology to mitigate microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a crucial issue for industry and infrastructure. Biofilms are known to form on different kinds of surfaces such as metal, concrete, and medical equipment. However, in some cases the effect of microorganisms on the material can be negative for the consistency and integrity of the material. Thus, to overcome the issues raised by MIC on a system, different physical, chemical, and biological strategies have been considered; all having their own advantages, limitations, and sometimes even unwanted disadvantages. Among all the methods, biocide treatments and antifouling coatings are more common for controlling MIC, though they face some challenges. They lack specificity for MIC microorganisms, leading to cross-resistance and requiring higher concentrations. Moreover, they pose environmental risks and harm non-target organisms. Hence, the demand for eco-friendly, long-term solutions is increasing as regulations tighten. Recently, attentions have been directed to the application of nanomaterials to mitigate or control MIC due to their significant antimicrobial efficiency and their potential for lower environmental risk compared to the conventional biocides or coatings. Use of nanomaterials to inhibit MIC is very new and there is a lack of literature review on this topic. To address this issue, we present a review of the nanomaterials examined as a biocide or in a form of a coating on a surface to mitigate MIC. This review will help consolidate the existing knowledge and research on the use of nanomaterials for MIC mitigation. It will further contribute to a better understanding of the potential applications and challenges associated with using nanomaterials for MIC prevention and control.

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON CHARACTERIZATION, SYNTHESIS, OF NANOMATERIALS AND ITS APPLICATION IN WATER TREATMENT

Nanomaterials offer unique properties that make them highly suitable for addressing water quality challenges. Understanding their characterization and synthesis is pivotal for optimizing their performance in water treatment applications. Various analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and surface area analysis are discussed for nanomaterial characterization. Additionally, synthesis methods including physical, chemical, and biological approaches are explored in detail, highlighting their advantages and limitations. The review also delves into the diverse applications of nanomaterials in water treatment, including pollutant removal, disinfection, and membrane filtration. Moreover, recent advancements and emerging trends in the field are examined to provide insights into future research directions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the characterization techniques, synthesis methods, and applications of nanomaterials in water treatment. Overall, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers involved in the development and implementation of nanomaterial-based water treatment technologies. Keywords: Nanomaterial, Characterization, Water treatment, Synthesis