Application Of Nanotechnology Research Articles

A Review on Nanoparticles : The Building Blocks of Tomorrows Technology

Nanoparticles, defined as particles with dimensions in the nanometer range, exhibit unique properties that differ from their bulk counterparts, making them invaluable across various fields such as medicine, electronics, and environmental protection. Their small size and specific characteristics enable advanced applications, including targeted drug delivery, enhanced imaging, and improved sensors. Notable types of nanoparticles include silver, gold, magnetic, iron oxide, and platinum, each with distinct uses: silver for antimicrobial applications, gold for protein detection and drug delivery, magnetic for drug delivery and bio sensing, iron oxide for diagnostics and therapy, and platinum for catalysis. Nanoparticles are synthesized through top-down methods like milling and laser ablation, and bottom-up approaches such as sol-gel and hydrothermal processes. Their preparation involves techniques like emulsion-solvent evaporation and polymerization. Effective characterization, including analysis of size, shape, zeta potential, and drug entrapment efficiency, is essential for optimizing their performance in various applications. The review's current focus is on the synthesis, types, characterization, and most advanced applications of nanotechnology.

Implementation and validation of MICaFVi: A highly efficient nanotechnology-based method for coronaviruses detection

Coronaviruses have emerged as a significant public health concern due to the global impact of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which cause COVID-19. The development of sensitive and accurate detection methods is critical for early diagnosis, disease management, and outbreak control. In a previous study, we developed and optimized a nanobased detection methodology called Magnetic Immuno-Capture Followed by Flow Virometry (MICaFVi) using virus-mimicking silica nanoparticles and MERS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviral particles. In the present study, we have extended this methodology to evaluate its specificity and sensitivity for detecting wild-type MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 in human and camel samples. Our results demonstrated that MICaFVi successfully detected MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses with high sensitivity and specificity, although it showed reduced performance for samples with Ct values of 30 or lower compared to qPCR. Despite some limitations in detection speed and sensitivity, MICaFVi represents a significant advancement in diagnostic methodologies by combining nanotechnology with flow cytometry. Additionally, we adapted the MICaFVi methodology to simultaneously detect MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 in a single multiplex assay. The successful implementation of this advanced detection approach has important implications for improving early detection, surveillance, and control of both current and future viral or bacterial pandemics. Our results underscore the potential of MICaFVi as a valuable tool for monitoring the spread of these viruses and highlight its role in advancing diagnostic technologies. This extension of our earlier work offers new insights into the application of nanotechnology and flow cytometry for viral detection.

Constructing Molecular Networks on Metal Surfaces through Tellurium-Based Chalcogen-Organic Interaction.

On-surface molecular self-assembly presents an important approach to the development of low-dimensional functional nanostructures and nanomaterials. Traditional strategies primarily exploit hydrogen bonding or metal coordination, yet the potential of chalcogen bonding (ChB) for on-surface self-assemblies remains underexplored. Here, we explore fabricating molecular networks via tellurium (Te)-directed chalcogen-organic interactions. Employing carbonitrile molecules as molecular building blocks, we have achieved extended 2D networks exhibiting a 4-fold binding motif on Au(111), marking a notable difference from the conventional coordinative interaction involving transition metals. Our findings, supported by density functional theory (DFT) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS), show that the Te-carbonitrile interaction exhibits lower stability compared to the metal-organic coordination, and the construction of the Te-directed molecular networks does not alter the electronic properties of the involved molecules. Introducing chalcogen-directed interactions may expand the spectrum of strategies in supramolecular assembly, contributing to the design of advanced molecular architectures for nanotechnological applications.

Insights into the Molecular Structure, Stability, and Biological Significance of Non-Canonical DNA Forms, with a Focus on G-Quadruplexes and i-Motifs

This article provides a comprehensive examination of non-canonical DNA structures, particularly focusing on G-quadruplexes (G4s) and i-motifs. G-quadruplexes, four-stranded structures formed by guanine-rich sequences, are stabilized by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds and monovalent cations like potassium. These structures exhibit diverse topologies and are implicated in critical genomic regions such as telomeres and promoter regions of oncogenes, playing significant roles in gene expression regulation, genome stability, and cellular aging. I-motifs, formed by cytosine-rich sequences under acidic conditions and stabilized by hemiprotonated cytosine–cytosine (C:C+) base pairs, also contribute to gene regulation despite being less prevalent than G4s. This review highlights the factors influencing the stability and dynamics of these structures, including sequence composition, ionic conditions, and environmental pH. Molecular dynamics simulations and high-resolution structural techniques have been pivotal in advancing our understanding of their folding and unfolding mechanisms. Additionally, the article discusses the therapeutic potential of small molecules designed to selectively bind and stabilize G4s and i-motifs, with promising implications for cancer treatment. Furthermore, the structural properties of these DNA forms are explored for applications in nanotechnology and molecular devices. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in observing these structures in vivo and fully elucidating their biological functions. The review underscores the importance of continued research to uncover new insights into the genomic roles of G4s and i-motifs and their potential applications in medicine and technology. This ongoing research promises exciting developments in both basic science and applied fields, emphasizing the relevance and future prospects of these intriguing DNA structures.

Near-field enhancement of light by higher-order multipole excitations in a metal nanodisc trimer

Near-field enhancement of light by dipole excitations in plasmonic nanoparticles plays an important role in many applications of optical nanotechnology, including solar cells, plasmonic sensors, and nonlinear optical devices. Recently, we have shown that a seemingly weak octupole resonance in a pair of metal nanospheres can provide a higher near-field enhancement than the dipole resonance. Being motivated by this discovery, we now design a plasmonic nanodisc trimer that supports hybridized higher-order excitations and simultaneously suppresses the dipole excitation. We show that, under these conditions, the near-field enhancement can reach a high level, exceeding the value achievable with a corresponding dimer structure. The interference of the electric currents belonging to different multipole moments is found to play an important role in the enhancement. We believe that arrays of similar metal nanostructures can be designed to enhance optical fields via higher-order resonances for many applications, e.g., in nonlinear optics and optical sensing based on surface-enhanced fluorescence or Raman scattering.

An overview on the potential application of nanotechnology in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens, derived from plants possesses structural similarity with 17 β-estradiol found in mammals. It is abundantly present in soybean along with red clove, alfalfa as well as other legumes, nuts, vegetables and seeds. It is used as hormone replacement therapy and exhibits both anti-estrogenic and estrogenic properties that linked to therapeutic benefits as well as plays active role in sports nutrition. Despite the potential benefits of phytoestrogens, their low solubility, bioavailability, and stability make it challenging to target them effectively. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have paved in facilitating target delivery. Scaling at nano level offered greater surface area, improved solubility, and bioavailability of phytoestrogens which has ultimately reduced the required medication dosage, and enhanced cost-effectiveness, particularly for expensive bioactive substances where precise dosages are recommended. The present article discussed about the potential application of nanotechnology in enhancing therapeutic benefits of phytoestrogens while minimizing their potential side effects.

Applications of Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Food Systems

Applications of Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Food Systems

Silicon dioxide and selenium nanoparticles enhance vase life and physiological quality in black magic roses

In contemporary floriculture, particularly within the cut flower industry, there is a burgeoning interest in innovative methodologies aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appeal and prolonging the postharvest longevity of floral specimens. Within this context, the application of nanotechnology, specifically the utilization of silicon and selenium nanoparticles, has emerged as a promising approach for augmenting the qualitative attributes and extending the vase life of cut roses. This study evaluated the impact of silicon dioxide (SiO2-NPs) and selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) in preservative solutions on the physio-chemical properties of ‘Black Magic’ roses. Preservative solutions were formulated with varying concentrations of SiO2-NPs (25 and 50 mg L−1) and Se-NPs (10 and 20 mg L−1), supplemented with a continuous treatment of 3% sucrose. Roses treated with 20 mg L−1 Se-NPs exhibited the lowest relative water loss, highest solution uptake, maximum photochemical performance of PSII (Fv/Fm), and elevated antioxidative enzyme activities. The upward trajectory of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in petals was mitigated by different levels of SiO2 and Se-NPs, with the lowest H2O2 and MDA observed in preservatives containing 50 mg L−1 SiO2- and 20 mg L−1 Se-NPs at the 15th day, surpassing controls and other treatments. Extended vase life and a substantial enhancement in antioxidative capacity were noted under Se and Si nanoparticles in preservatives. The levels of total phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanin increased during the vase period, particularly in the 50 and 20 mg L−1 Se-NPs and SiO2-NPs. Petal carbohydrate exhibited a declining trend throughout the longevity, with reductions of 8% and 66% observed in 20 mg L−1 Se-NPs and controls, respectively. The longest vase life was achieved with Se-NPs (20 mg L−1), followed by SiO2-NPs (50 mg L−1) up to 16.6 and 15th days, respectively. These findings highlight the significant potential of SiO2- and Se-NPs in enhancing the vase life and physiological qualities of ‘Black Magic’ roses, with SiO2-NPs showing broad-spectrum efficacy.

Photocatalytic degradation of phenol and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water by novel acid soluble collagen-polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer embedded in Nitrogen-TiO2

Herein, we have synthesized acid-soluble collagen (ASC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide to form a novel hybrid photocatalyst nanocomposite (N-TiO2/ASC-PVP). The results of XRD, SEM and TEM revealed that the as-synthesized photocatalyst was composed of spheroidal particles, which were smaller than undoped TiO2.XPS analysis revealed that N was effectively incorporated into the lattice of TiO2 through substituting oxygen atoms, and N might coexist in the form of substitutional N (O–Ti–N) and interstitial N (TiON). The N-TiO2/ASC-PVP composite calcined at 200 and 400 °C exhibited high photocatalytic degradation rates for phenol, naphthalene (Nap), fluoranthene (Flu), phenanthrene (Phe), pyrene (Pyr), benz[a]anthracene (BaA), and anthracene (Ana), achieving a 98.6 % removal rate within 120 min at a dosage of 10 mg/L. The enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the smaller crystal size, more surface hydroxyl groups, stronger light absorption in visible region and narrower band gap energy. This innovative hybrid photocatalyst holds immense potential for applications in materials science and nanotechnology, promising to revolutionize various industries.

Targeted no-releasing L-arginine-induced hesperetin self-assembled nanoparticles for ulcerative colitis intervention

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a crucial role in initiating and advancing ulcerative colitis (UC), and the persistent cycle between ROS and inflammation accelerates disease development. Therefore, developing strategies that can effectively scavenge ROS and provide targeted intervention are crucial for the management of UC. In this study, we synthesized natural carrier-free nanoparticles (HST-Arg NPs) using the Mannich reaction and π-π stacking for the intervention of UC. HST-Arg NPs are an oral formulation that exhibit good antioxidant capabilities and gastrointestinal stability. Benefiting from the negatively charged characteristics, HST-Arg NPs can specifically accumulate in positively charged inflamed regions of the colon. Furthermore, in the oxidative microenvironment of colonic inflammation, HST-Arg NPs respond to ROS by releasing nitric oxide (NO). In mice model of UC induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), HST-Arg NPs significantly mitigated colonic injury by modulating oxidative stress, lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines, and repairing intestinal barrier integrity. In summary, this convenient and targeted oral nanoparticle can effectively scavenge ROS at the site of inflammation and achieve gas intervention, offering robust theoretical support for the development of subsequent oral formulations in related inflammatory interventions. Statement of significanceNanotechnology has been extensively explored in the biomedical field, but the application of natural carrier-free nanotechnology in this area remains relatively rare. In this study, we developed a natural nanoparticle system based on hesperetin (HST), L-arginine (L-Arg), and vanillin (VA) to scavenge ROS and alleviate inflammation. In the context of ulcerative colitis (UC), the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited excellent intervention effects, effectively protecting the colon from damage. Consequently, these nanoparticles provide a promising and precise nutritional intervention strategy by addressing both oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways simultaneously, demonstrating significant potential for application.

Deciphering the importance of nanoencapsulation to improve the availability of bioactive molecules in food sources to the human body

Various bodily functions are maintained, and health benefits are provided by food-derived bioactive components. Fruits and vegetables contain numerous beneficial components, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and phytonutrients. However, the body's ability to absorb these substances at a given rate and degree frequently limits their bioavailability. If food-derived bio actives are used as therapeutic or dietary interventions, this limitation can result in low efficacy and suboptimal results. Recently, nanotechnology has been a useful method for increasing the bioavailability of bioactive compounds produced from food. Active ingredients can be delivered and absorbed more efficiently with the help of nanotechnology. By altering their size or surface properties, bioactive components can be made more soluble, permeable, and bioavailable through nanotechnology. The present review will provide an overview of the various bioactive components, the application of nanotechnology to improve the availability of bioactive molecules to humans and animals, and the challenges and safety concerns associated with nanotechnology in the production of food-derived bioactive molecules.

Preface

Introduction Under the patronage of H.E. Prof. Mahad Said Ali Baawain, Minister of Labour, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) - Suhar, Oman, has hosted the Second International Conference on Environmental Science and Engineering for Sustainable Development (ESESD 2024) on March 6th and 7th, 2024, continuing the event’s successful first iteration, which was held in March 2022. The conference provided an excellent forum for exchanging knowledge and findings in the theory, methodology, and applications among academicians, industry professionals, researchers, and students, who have presented their latest research outcomes, as well as solidifying networks. Prominently, the attendees have discussed how to use scientific ideas and cutting-edge technology to explore potential novel, sustainable solutions to pressing environmental problems and to foster new partnerships in various fields include, but not exclusive to: Carbon Neutrality, Pollution and Carbon Emission Management, Renewable Energy, Circular economy, Applications of Nanotechnology to Serve Environmental Issues, Materials Science and its Applications for Sustainability, Engineering Design to Serve Sustainability Purposes, AI and IoT Applications in Environment and Sustainable Development, Biological and Environmental Sciences in Sustainable Development, Human Behaviour and Societal Influences on Environmental Sustainability. The conference was organized in hybrid modes of both physical and virtual via online, in a way that enabled a broad spectrum of participation from more than 8 countries and different regions of the Sultanate of Oman. 146 abstracts were submitted to the conference. 71 abstracts were accepted for oral presentation in addition to 25 accepted for poster presentation, cf. the figures below. Furthermore, the conference privileged to have informative five plenary lectures, and three invited Speeches in its programme, as detailed below. List of Figures, Conference Programme, Conference Committee and Sponsors are available in this Pdf.

Applications of Nanotechnology in Treating Infections Caused by Multidrug Resistance Bacteria

Applications of Nanotechnology in Treating Infections Caused by Multidrug Resistance Bacteria

Regulatory requirements for the approval of anti-cancer drugs as per CDSCO in India comparison with Singapore

This study examines the regulatory requirements for anticancer medications in Singapore and India are compared in this abstract. It draws attention to the frameworks set up by Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). The procedures for clinical studies, approval schedules, and post-marketing surveillance are among the main distinctions. Singapore places a strong emphasis on strict safety and efficacy criteria, whereas India stresses a quicker clearance process to address pressing healthcare needs. The investigation highlights how various regulatory methods affect patient access, innovation, and medicine supply in both nations. Recent decades have seen extraordinary improvements in the discovery of anticancer medications, transforming both cancer treatment and patient outcomes. With an emphasis on the main areas of anticancer therapeutics—chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy—this study offers a thorough summary of the state of the field. We examine each drug class's methods of action, effectiveness, and difficulties while showcasing more recent developments like immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy. We also go over side effects, drug resistance, and how tailored medicine might improve the effectiveness of treatment. A look is also given to new developments in drug research, such as the application of nanotechnology and AI-driven drug discovery. The review attempts to shed light on the changing tactics used to fight cancer and the potential paths for anticancer medication development.

Agrotechnology based on the bioorganic preparation HUMIN PLUS

The article is dedicated to the development and implementation of innovative agricultural technology in agriculture field. We give definitions of humic preparations of lake sapropel, we give brief theoretical aspects of the action mechanism of humic preparations on plants. We describe methods for obtaining humic-containing products at a high level - the technology of mechanochemical activation. We present the results of the practical application of nano and biophysical agricultural technologies on the example of seed and plant processing, crops in Kazakhstan.

Design, development and optimization of blockchain-based secure data management for nanotechnology in healthcare

The integration of nanotechnology in healthcare has brought about revolutionary advancements, particularly in diagnostics and therapeutics. However, managing the vast and sensitive data generated by these applications poses significant challenges, particularly concerning security, privacy, and regulatory compliance. This study explores the design, development, and optimization of a blockchain-based secure data management system tailored for nanotechnology applications in the United States healthcare sector. The proposed system leverages blockchain's decentralized and immutable ledger technology to enhance data security and privacy, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve overall system performance. Our implementation showed substantial improvements in data security, with an 86.67% reduction in data breaches and an 85% decrease in unauthorized access cases. Additionally, compliance with major data privacy standards like HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA increased by over 20%. Performance metrics demonstrated robust scalability, maintaining high transaction speeds and manageable latency across various load conditions. Cost analysis revealed significant reductions in data storage, security, and compliance costs, highlighting the economic benefits of adopting blockchain technology in healthcare. Moreover, the system exhibited lower energy consumption compared to traditional data management systems, addressing environmental concerns. Correlation and scatter plot analyses provided insights into the scalability and performance dynamics of the blockchain system. These findings underscore the transformative potential of blockchain technology in addressing the data management challenges of nanotechnology in healthcare. The study concludes with recommendations for adopting blockchain to enhance data security, regulatory compliance, and economic efficiency in the U.S. healthcare sector.

Advancements in NADH Oxidase Nanozymes: Bridging Nanotechnology and Biomedical Applications.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidase (NOX) is key in converting NADH to NAD+, crucial for various biochemical pathways. However, natural NOXs are costly and unstable. NOX nanozymes offer a promising alternative with potential applications in bio-sensing, antibacterial treatments, anti-aging, and anticancer therapies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the types, functional mechanisms, biomedical applications, and future research perspectives of NOX nanozymes. It also addresses the primary challenges and future directions in the research and development of NOX nanozymes, underscoring the critical need for continued investigation in this promising area. These challenges include optimizing the catalytic efficiency, ensuring biocompatibility, and achieving targeted delivery and controlled activity within biological systems. Additionally, the exploration of novel materials and hybrid structures holds great potential for enhancing the functional capabilities of NOX nanozymes. Future research directions can involve integrating advanced computational modeling with experimental techniques to better understand the underlying mechanisms and to design more effective nanozyme candidates. Collaborative efforts across disciplines such as nanotechnology, biochemistry, and medicine will be essential to unlock the full potential of NOX nanozymes in future biomedical applications.

Tailoring Core-Shell Metal Coordination for Smart Seed Coatings in Sustainable Agriculture.

The international agriculture and food security sector is grappling with challenges like low crop yields, soil health deficiencies, and inefficient agrochemical use. The application of smart nanotechnology in agriculture, particularly surface functionalization, holds promise but has limited implementation. Engineered nanomaterials used as seed treatments, known as nanopriming, offer a simple technology to improve crop yield and stress tolerance. In this study, a multicomponent platform called Phelm (Phenolic network with a lipid core and metal coordinated shell) is proposed for encapsulating a commercial plant growth regulator, indole-3 acetic acid (IAA). Phelm comprises a hydrophobic solid lipid core, loaded with IAA, and an outer metal coordinated phenolic shell of tannic acid (TA) and Fe3+. The platform aims to treat seeds with encapsulated IAA, which can be controllably released, as well as protect the germination process at high salt concentrations. Phelm showed a remarkable increase in growth parameters of wheat seeds up to 58.6%, despite being irrigated with high concentrations of saltwater (100 mM). These findings suggest that nanopriming of seeds can effectively increase their efficacy even under abiotic stress conditions, which can drastically improve crop yields. Moreover, we envisage that the Phelm core/shell assembly can encapsulate a wide range of agrochemicals and biostimulants to promote sustainable and smart agricultural practices.

Mica Lattice Orientation of Epitaxially Grown Amyloid β25-35 Fibrils.

β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides form self-organizing fibrils in Alzheimer's disease. The biologically active, toxic Aβ25-35 fragment of the full-length Aβ-peptide forms a stable, oriented filament network on the mica surface with an epitaxial mechanism at the timescale of seconds. While many of the structural and dynamic features of the oriented Aβ25-35 fibrils have been investigated before, the β-strand arrangement of the fibrils and their exact orientation with respect to the mica lattice remained unknown. By using high-resolution atomic force microscopy, here, we show that the Aβ25-35 fibrils are oriented along the long diagonal of the oxygen hexagon of mica. To test the structure and stability of the oriented fibrils further, we carried out molecular dynamics simulations on model β-sheets. The models included the mica surface and a single fibril motif built from β-strands. We show that a sheet with parallel β-strands binds to the mica surface with its positively charged groups, but the C-terminals of the strands orient upward. In contrast, the model with antiparallel strands preserves its parallel orientation with the surface in the molecular dynamics simulation, suggesting that this model describes the first β-sheet layer of the mica-bound Aβ25-35 fibrils well. These results pave the way toward nanotechnological construction and applications for the designed amyloid peptides.

UNMASKING THE POWER OF METAL OXIDE NANOPARTICLES FOR SELF-CLEANING HEAVY DENIM: INVESTIGATING AND OPTIMIZING PROCESS PARAMETERS

The textile industry is consistently integrating cutting-edge technologies, introducing materials with multifaceted features, such as odour resistance, hydrophobicity, durability, and self-cleaning capabilities. This transformation is facilitated by the application of nanotechnology. The focal point of this experimental endeavour lies in closing the gap in employing ZnO nanoparticles on high GSM denim fabric, enhancing self-cleaning, UV protection, and antimicrobial capabilities. Initially, a solution containing nanoparticles, binder, softener, ethanol, and their auxiliaries was formulated. Zinc oxide nanoparticles, along with their auxiliaries, were applied to the denim using the pad-dry-cure and pad-dry-steam methods. Various trials were conducted to optimize the concentration of ZnO NPs, with the formulation containing 5% ZnO NPs, 5% binder, and 25% ethanol. Experimentation ensued to establish optimal time–temperature profiles for drying, curing, and steaming. Comprehensive evaluations, including drop tests, stain tests, colour strength assessments, crocking tests, SEM analysis, antimicrobial testing and UV protection factor determination were conducted on the samples. The study revealed that fixation of the self-cleaning finish by curing gives better results than by steaming. SEM examination highlighted the distribution of ZnO nanoparticles on the denim fabric. Lastly, antimicrobial properties were assessed, concluding that treated fabrics exhibited antibacterial activity compared to untreated fabrics.