Application Of Nanomaterials Research Articles

New strategies to enhance antimicrobial photo-sonodynamic therapy based on nanosensitizers against bacterial infections.

The rapid evolution and spread of multidrug resistance among bacterial pathogens has significantly outpaced the development of new antibiotics, underscoring the urgent need for alternative therapies. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and antimicrobial sonodynamic therapy have emerged as promising treatments. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy relies on the interaction between light and a photosensitizer to produce reactive oxygen species, which are highly cytotoxic to microorganisms, leading to their destruction without fostering resistance. Antimicrobial sonodynamic therapy, a novel variation, substitutes ultrasound for light to activate the sonosensitizers, expanding the therapeutic reach. To increase the efficiency of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and antimicrobial sonodynamic therapy, the combination of these two methods, known as antimicrobial photo-sonodynamic therapy, is currently being explored and considered a promising approach. Recent advances, particularly in the application of nanomaterials, have further enhanced the efficacy of these therapies. Nanosensitizers, due to their improved reactive oxygen species generation and targeted delivery, offer significant advantages in overcoming the limitations of conventional sensitizers. These breakthroughs provide new avenues for treating bacterial infections, especially multidrug-resistant strains and biofilm-associated infections. Continued research, including comprehensive clinical studies, is crucial to optimizing nanomaterial-based antimicrobial photo-sonodynamic therapy for clinical use, ensuring their effectiveness in real-world applications.

Self-Powered FEN1 Biosensor Based on Accelerated CRISPR/Cas Trans-Cleavage around Porous Fe3O4 Nanoparticles.

Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) is a structure-specific endonuclease that plays a critical role in the maintenance of genome integrity. In this work, we demonstrate a novel self-powered electrochemical FEN1 biosensor for potential applications in molecular diagnosis. Porous Fe3O4 nanoparticles are first prepared, and single-strand DNA probes are absorbed on the surface of the nanoparticles. Thus, electrochemical species of [Fe(CN)6]3- can be encapsulated inside the porous nanoparticles with the molecular gate of negatively charged DNA. On the other hand, a dumbbell structured DNA probe with 5' flap is designed. FEN1 is able to cleave the flap and activate the CRISPR/Cas system for the digestion of single-stranded DNA around Fe3O4 nanoparticles. As a result, the leakage of [Fe(CN)6]3- contributes to an enhanced electrochemical response, which can be used to reveal the level of FEN1. The high sensitivity of this biosensor is due to the application of porous nanomaterials and Mn2+ accelerated CRISPR/Cas cleavage. It succeeds in detection of biological samples and screening of FEN1 inhibitors. Therefore, this proposed method has potential applications in the early diagnosis of diseases and drug discovery.

A Systematic Review of Synthesis and Application Base Nanomaterial using Pandanus Extract Plant

This systematic review investigates the production and utilization of nanomaterials using an extract from the Pandanus amaryllifolius plant. The introduction outlines the imperative role of nanomaterials in addressing the challenges faced by conventional materials, emphasizing the need for sustainable and efficient alternatives. Note that the problem statement underscores the existing gaps in the literature regarding the comprehensive exploration of Pandanus-based nanomaterials toward applications. The study conducted an extensive search on Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, employing specific keywords. The exhaustive search produced 17 articles, which were classified into three primary themes: (1) Nanomaterials synthesis and utilization using extracts from Pandanus amaryllifolius, (2) Characteristics and uses of nanomaterials biosynthesized through biological processes, and (3) Bioactivity and practical applications of materials derived from plants. The review thoroughly examines the findings related to these specific topics, offering valuable information on the various uses and characteristics of nanomaterials produced with the help of Pandanus amaryllifolius extract. This paper enhances the comprehension of the potential applications of Pandanus-based nanomaterials in different fields by providing a detailed analysis of the current research. It serves as a significant reference for practitioners as well as researchers intrigued by the combination of plant extracts and nanotechnology.

Bridging the gap: Innovative human-based in vitro approaches for nanomaterials hazard assessment and their role in safe and sustainable by design, risk assessment, and life cycle assessment

The application of nanomaterials in industry and consumer products is growing exponentially, which has pressed the development and use of predictive human in vitro models in pre-clinical analysis to closely extrapolate potential toxic effects in vivo. The conventional cytotoxicity investigation of nanomaterials using cell lines from cancer origin and culturing them two-dimensionally in a monolayer without mimicking the proper pathophysiological microenvironment may affect a precise prediction of in vitro effects at in vivo level. In recent years, complex in vitro models (also belonging to the new approach methodologies, NAMs) have been established in unicellular to multicellular cultures either by using cell lines, primary cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and reconstituted into relevant biological dimensions mimicking in vivo conditions. These advanced in vitro models retain physiologically reliant exposure scenarios particularly appropriate for oral, dermal, respiratory, and intravenous administration of nanomaterials, which have the potential to improve the in vivo predictability and lead to reliable outcomes. In this perspective, we discuss recent developments and breakthroughs in using advanced human in vitro models for hazard assessment of nanomaterials. We identified fit-for-purpose requirements and remaining challenges for the successful implementation of in vitro data into nanomaterials Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD), Risk Assessment (RA), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). By addressing the gap between in vitro data generation and the utility of in vitro data for nanomaterial safety assessments, a prerequisite for SSbD approaches, we outlined potential key areas for future development.

Optimization of the Introduction of 2,6-Dimethylphenol at the C4-Atom of 2’-Deoxythymidine for the Preparation of Modified Oligonucleotides

Nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, are vital for genetic information storage and expression, finding applications in diverse fields. Chemical synthesis is commonly used for nucleic acid modification, utilizing protecting groups to selectively modify specific positions without disrupting the overall structure. This study focuses on optimizing the introduction of a 2,6-dimethylphenoxy group at the C4 position of a protected 2’-deoxythymidine, a modification for enhancing stability, binding affinity, and expanding chemical diversity for future applications in therapeutics, diagnostics, and nanomaterials. Silylation was used as the initial step for 2’-deoxythymidine protection, followed by the preparation of the modified nucleoside. Optimization of synthetic procedures involved adjustments of reaction parameters, such as solvent and reagent stoichiometry, using small- and large-scale reactions. Extensive experimentation revealed that changing the solvent from tetrahydrofuran to dichloromethane and using 1,8-diazabicyclo [5.4.0] undec-7-ene as the base provided significant progress in reaction efficiency. Analytical techniques, including thin-layer chromatography and 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, were employed for monitoring and confirmation of compound identity and purity. Successful optimization of the synthetic protocol will contribute to nucleic acid modification chemistry advancement with potential applications in therapeutics or diagnostics.

Application of Nanomaterials in Food Packaging: A Review Study

Nanotechnology is one of the unused innovations which has opened its way to different businesses, and is broadly utilized in several areas. One of these industries which play a crucial role in wellbeing of the community is bundling industry. This is a review study conducted on nanotechnology in food packaging. Data collection was based on study features, nanotechnology, nano-composites, and food packaging. The results of research studies have revealed that nanotechnology-based packaging was able to repair packages and prevent food spoilage. Advantages of nanotechnology in food industry, including the ability to enrich as well as encapsulate and preserve useful compounds for their controlled delivery to the target cell, the ability to cover undesirable flavors, the utilization of dynamic, and shrewdly packaging and its application in food quality and security diagnostics have encouraged using this technology. Using these packages will protect food against exchange of oxygen and moisture from the external. Furthermore, nano-materials can be used to protect food from spoilage. Natural polymers such as sugars and proteins are able to form green nano-composites in combination with nano-materials and biomaterials such as cellulose nanofibers, which are non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible, and are transformed into the environment by decomposing organisms. Knowing the capabilities of nanotechnology, it is hoped that the current food packaging systems can be modified and products can be introduced to the community in accordance with the culture of proper nutrition.

Selective regulation of macrophage lipid metabolism via nanomaterials’ surface chemistry

Understanding the interface between nanomaterials and lipoproteins is crucial for gaining insights into their impact on lipoprotein structure and lipid metabolism. Here, we use graphene oxide (GOs) nanosheets as a controlled carbon nanomaterial model to study how surface properties influence lipoprotein corona formation and show that GOs have strong binding affinity with low-density lipoprotein (LDL). We use advanced techniques including X-ray reflectivity, circular dichroism, and molecular simulations to explore the interfacial interactions between GOs and LDL. Specifically, hydrophobic GOs preferentially associate with LDL’s lipid components, whereas hydrophilic GOs tend to bind with apolipoproteins. Furthermore, these GOs distinctly modulate a variety of lipid metabolism pathways, including LDL recognition, uptake, hydrolysis, efflux, and lipid droplet formation. This study underscores the importance of structure analysis at the nano-biomolecule interface, emphasizing how nanomaterials’ surface properties critically influence cellular lipid metabolism. These insights will inspire the design and application of future biocompatible nanomaterials and nanomedicines.

Electrically enhanced adsorption performance of functionalized aluminum-nitride nanotubes for removal of sulfate ions in water

Here, density functional theory(DFT) calculations were carried out to investigate the effect of applied electric field on the adsorption of sulfate ions in water by doped functional aluminum nitride nanotubes. The stable structure of the adsorption system, the adsorption energy of SO42− on the adsorbent, and the electronic and thermodynamic properties of the adsorption system under applied electric field were calculated and analyzed. The results show that the adsorption energy of boron doped aluminum nitride nanotubes (AlNNT-B) on SO42− can be greatly improved under the action of electric field (EF). The electric field promotes the electron transfer of SO42− to AlNNT-B, and gradually increases the Mayer bond levels of B-N25 and B-N27, indicating that the binding of B atoms to N atoms is enhanced. In addition, the thermodynamic analysis shows that the adsorption of SO42− on the surface of AlNNT-B is a spontaneous heat release process, and the trend of spontaneous heat release can be enhanced by EF. Our research results not only propose a novel method for removing sulfate ions from water, but also have significant implications for other applications of nanomaterials (such as delivery system of anticancer drugs).

Highly sensitive biosensors for real-time monitoring of histamine at acupoint PC6 in rats based on graphene-modified acupuncture needles.

Acupoints are the local initial response sites of acupuncture therapeutic effects. As a biomarker, histamine is released into the acupoint region and plays its role concurrently as acupuncture needles are inserted into acupoints. Hence, real-time monitoring of histamine at acupoints is important to elucidate the effectiveness of the acupoint-activation process in acupuncture. Therefore, we developed highly sensitive acupuncture/Au particles/graphene biosensors by electrodeposition, brushing, and annealing methods based on bare acupuncture needles. We achieved a histamine detection limit of approximately 4.352 (±3.419) × 10-12 mol L-1 and good sensitivity of approximately 6.296 (±3.873) μA μM-1, with satisfactory specificity, repeatability, and stability in vitro, rendering them more competitive and suitable for real-time monitoring in vivo without causing additional damage. Subsequently, we conducted real-time histamine monitoring at non-acupoint and acupoint PC6 in rats, respectively. Our results showed minimal changes at the non-acupoint, whereas a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease was observed at acupoint PC6. The change in histamine concentration at acupoint PC6 reflected its involvement in the acupoint-activation procedure. Moreover, its peak position at ∼18 min could provide guidance for optimizing needle retaining time for maximum therapeutic effect. This work presents the first real-time in vivo monitoring of histamine at acupoints with high sensitivity and underscores the specificity of histamine release between non-acupoint and acupoint PC6, demonstrating great potential for elucidating the acupoint-activation mechanisms in acupuncture. Additionally, this work expands the application of nanomaterials in the integration of medicine and engineering, which is an important aspect of the future development of materials science.

Cutting edge technology for wastewater treatment using smart nanomaterials: recent trends and futuristic advancements.

Water is a vital component of our existence. Many human activities, such as improper waste disposal from households, industries, hospitals, and synthetic processes, are major contributors to the contamination of water streams. It is the responsibility of every individual to safeguard water resources and reduce pollution. Among the various available wastewater treatment (WWT) methods, smart nanomaterials stand out for their effectiveness in pollutant removal through absorption and adsorption. This paper examines the application of valuable smart nanomaterials in treating wastewater. Various nanomaterials, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), nanoadsorbents, nanometals, nanofilters, nanocatalysts, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), nanosilver, nanotitanium dioxide, magnetic nanoparticles, nanozero-valent metallic nanoparticles, nanocomposites, nanofibers, and quantum dots, are identified as promising candidates for WWT. These smart nanomaterials efficiently eliminate toxic substances, microplastics, nanoplastics, and polythene particulates from wastewater. Additionally, the paper discusses comparative studies on the purification efficiency of nanoscience technology versus conventional methods.

Reviewing the Phenomenon of Antimicrobial Resistance in Hospital and Municipal Wastewaters: The Crisis, the Challenges and Mitigation Methods

Antibiotic resistance is a major crisis that the modern world is confronting. This review highlights the abundance of different types of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in two major reservoirs in the environment, namely hospital and municipal wastewater, which is an unforeseen threat to human lives across the globe. The review helps understand the current state of affairs and the whereabouts on the dissemination of ARGs in both these environments. The various traditional wastewater treatment methods, such as chlorination and UV treatment, and modern methods, such as electrochemical oxidation, are discussed, and the gaps in these technologies are highlighted. The need for the development of newer techniques for wastewater treatment with enhanced efficiency is urgently underscored. Nanomaterial applications for ARG removal were observed to be less explored. This has been discussed, and prospective nanomaterials and nanocomposites for these applications are proposed.

Nanomaterials for Modified Asphalt and Their Effects on Viscosity Characteristics: A Comprehensive Review.

The application of nanomaterials as modifiers in the field of asphalt is increasingly widespread, and this paper aims to systematically review research on the impact of nanomaterials on asphalt viscosity. The results find that nanomaterials tend to increase asphalt's viscosity, enhancing its resistance to high-temperature rutting and low-temperature cracking. Zero-dimension nanomaterials firmly adhere to the asphalt surface, augmenting non-bonding interactions through van der Waals forces and engaging in chemical reactions to form a spatial network structure. One-dimensional nanomaterials interact with non-polar asphalt molecules, forming bonds between tube walls, thereby enhancing adhesion, stability, and resistance to cyclic loading. Meanwhile, these bundled materials act as reinforcement to transmit stress, preventing or delaying crack propagation. Two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as graphene and graphene oxide, participate in chemical interactions, forming hydrogen bonds and aromatic deposits with asphalt molecules, affecting asphalt's surface roughness and aggregate movement, which exhibit strong adsorption capacity and increase the viscosity of asphalt. Polymers reduce thermal movement and compact asphalt structures, absorbing light components and promoting the formation of a cross-linked network, thus enhancing high-temperature deformation resistance. However, challenges such as poor compatibility and dispersion, high production costs, and environmental and health concerns currently hinder the widespread application of nanomaterial-modified asphalt. Consequently, addressing these issues through comprehensive economic and ecological evaluations is crucial before large-scale practical implementation.

Energy-efficient and directional preparation of cellulose nanosheets by one-pot surface modification assisted swelling method

The energy-intensive and time-consuming process required for disassembling natural materials into nanoblocks are the major obstacles for the practical applications of biopolymer nanomaterials. Herein, a one-pot, energy-efficient and directional preparation method for gently exfoliating cellulose into nanosheets was achieved by surface modification assisted swelling process. The resulting cellulose nanosheets (CNSs) exhibited diameters ranging from 100 to 480 nm and thicknesses of approximately 5 nm, with a maximum yield of 97.9 %. This method could be widely applicable to common cellulose raw materials. Contrary to other nanocellulose reported previously, CNSs could be dried and stored in solid state, and re-dispersed in aqueous phase, thereby convenient for storage and transportation. Cellulose nanosheets films (CNSFs) obtained from CNSs showed high transparencies (>90 %) and excellent gas barrier properties, especially for the water vapor permeability of only 0.0072×10−10 cm3 cm cm−2 s−1 Pa−1, which were superior to other cellulose based films. In the simulation experiment of dry food packaging, CNSF10 possessed remarkable water vapor and oxygen blocking capabilities comparable to commercial cling films and met the practical requirements. The preparing process of CNSs reported here had the advantages including easy implementation, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendliness, and expanded possibilities for large-scale and widespread utilization of nanocellulose.

Carbon dots-based dual-mode sensor for highly selective detection of nitrite in food substrates through diazo coupling reaction

As an antioxidant and preservative agent, nitrite (NO2−) plays an essential role in the food industry to maintain freshness or inhibit microbial growth. However, excessive addition of NO2− is detrimental to health, so accurate and portable detection of NO2− is critical for food quality control. Notably, the selectivity of most carbon dots (CDs)-based fluorescence sensors was not enough due to the nonspecific interaction mechanism of hydrogen bond, electrostatic interaction and inner filter effect etc. Herein, a novel fluorescence/UV–vis absorption (FL/UV–vis) dual-mode sensor was developed on basis of mC-CDs, which were prepared by simple solvothermal treatment of m-Phenylenediamine (m-PDA) and cyanidin cation (CC). The fluorescence of these mC-CDs could be selectively responded by NO2− through the specific diazo coupling reaction between NO2− and amino groups on the surface of mC-CDs, thus effectively improving the selectivity of NO2− detection. The CDs-based fluorescence sensor possessed a low detection limit of 0.091 μM and 0.143 μM for FL and UV–vis methods and the excellent linear range of 0.0–60.0 μM. Furthermore, the mC-CDs sensor was employed to detect NO2− in real samples with a recovery rate of 97.11 %–104.15 % for quantitative addition. Moreover, the smartphone-assisted fluorescence sensing platform developed could identify the subtle color changes that could not be distinguished by the naked eye, and had the advantages of fast detection speed and intelligence. More importantly, the portable solid phase sensor based on mC-CDs had been successfully applied to the specific fluorescence identification and concentration monitoring of NO2−. Accordingly, the designed sensor provided a new strategy for the highly selective and convenient sensing of NO2− in food substrates, and paved the way for the wide application of CDs-based nanomaterials in the detection of food safety.

An Overview of Nanotechnology in Dental Medicine

The dentistry industry has been modernized by nanotechnology, as this emerging field has opened up new doors for dental treatment, restoration, and tissue regeneration. The potential applications of nanomaterials in dentistry are reviewed in this paper, ranging from advanced restorative materials to targeted drug delivery systems. Due to their unique characteristics (e.g., high surface area-to-volume ratios and tunable physicochemical properties), nanomaterials allow for the precise control of material behavior at the nanoscale. The ability of nanostructured materials to promote tissue regeneration offers the prospect of developing new approaches in bone and periodontal regeneration. Therefore, this review thoroughly analyzes nanomaterials’ characteristics and biomedical applications, highlighting how they can aid in overcoming challenges in dental care and create possibilities for more individualized and less-invasive dental treatments.

A review on nanotechnological aspects in medicinal textile

<p><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Nanoscience and Technology has become popular and touched almost every branch of science and technology. Textile engineering is also not exception. Various nanoparticles are being used in smart textiles and technical textile products. Medical textile is an important area and have much opportunities for innovation and discoveries. Therefore, nanomaterials are used in medical textiles to have exotic properties. Herein we have discussed several methods for the characterization of materials at nanoscale. The common spectroscopic techniques like UV-Visible spectroscopy and microscopic techniques like scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope routinely used in material characterization are discussed in detail. In the last section of the article we discussed various applications of nanomaterials in modern medical textile. The nanomaterials are used in surgical gowns, sanitary napkins, UV protection appliances, antimicrobial coating, sutures etc. Some advanced nanomaterials can be used in disease diagnosis, flame retardants, efficient drug delivery systems etc.</span></p>

Platinum Group Metals Nanoparticles in Breast Cancer Therapy.

Despite various methods currently used in cancer therapy, breast cancer remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current therapeutics face limitations such as multidrug resistance, drug toxicity and off-target effects, poor drug bioavailability and biocompatibility, and inefficient drug delivery. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to cancer diagnosis, imaging, and therapy. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that compounds and nanoparticles formulated from platinum group metals (PGMs) effectively treat breast cancer. PGMs are chemically stable, easy to functionalise, versatile, and tunable. They can target hypoxic microenvironments, catalyse the production of reactive oxygen species, and offer the potential for combination therapy. PGM nanoparticles can be incorporated with anticancer drugs to improve efficacy and can be attached to targeting moieties to enhance tumour-targeting efficiency. This review focuses on the therapeutic outcomes of platinum group metal nanoparticles (PGMNs) against various breast cancer cells and briefly discusses clinical trials of these nanoparticles in breast cancer treatment. It further illustrates the potential applications of PGMNs in breast cancer and presents opportunities for future PGM-based nanomaterial applications in combatting breast cancer.

FLIM nanoscopy resolves the structure and preferential adsorption in the co-nonsolvency of PNIPAM microgels in methanol-water

Polymer microgels are swollen macromolecular networks with a typical size of hundred of nanometers to several microns that show an extraordinary open and responsive architecture to different external stimuli, being therefore important candidates for nanobiotechnology and nanomedical applications such as biocatalysis, sensing and drug delivery. It is therefore crucial to understand the delicate balance of physical-chemical interactions between the polymer backbone and solvent molecules that to a high extent determine their responsivity.In particular, the co-nonsolvency effect of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) in aqueous alcohols is highly discussed, and there is a disagreement between molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (from literature) of the preferential adsorption of alcohol on the polymer chains and the values obtained by several empirical methods that mostly probe the bulk solvent properties.It is our contention that the most efficacious method for addressing this problem requires a nanoscopic method that can be combined with spectroscopy and record fluorescence spectra and super-resolved fluorescence lifetime images of microgels labeled covalently with the solvatochromic dye Nile Red. By employing this approach, we could simultaneously resolve the structure of sub-micron size objects in the swollen and in the collapsed state and estimate the solvent composition inside of them in ▪–▪ mixtures for two very different polymer architectures. We found an outstanding agreement between the MD simulations and our results that estimate a co-solvent molar fraction excess of approximately 3 with a very flat profile in the lateral direction of the microgel.

Special Issue: Applications and New Trends in Catalysts and Photocatalytic Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation

In an era where environmental sustainability has become paramount, the scientific community is continually pushing the boundaries of innovation to address the pressing challenges posed by pollution and environmental degradation [...]

Material Trends and Clinical Costings in Systematically Identified CDER‐Approved Nanomedicines

AbstractResearch into mechanisms and potential applications of nanomaterials in medicine has expanded steadily in recent decades, with increasing translational focus. Development costs, including for clinical trials, are often cited as factors limiting the translational viability of novel nanomedicines, especially compared to small new molecular entities (NMEs) and therapeutic biologics. Yet, to date, there has been no systematic investigation into the clinical programs or costs of translating and commercializing nanomedicines, nor a comparison to NMEs and therapeutic biologics, to support these claims. Here, nanomedicines approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) from 2011 to 2023 are systematically identified and categorized. Nanomedicines were identified as formulations where submicron particle size contributes to product function. Like biologics and NMEs, nanomedicines are most frequently approved for oncological indications. Notably, all anti‐cancer nanomedicines are indicated to treat orphan diseases, which is representative of the potential for nanomedicines to occupy pharmaceutical niches in treating diseases affecting smaller patient cohorts. The median estimated cost of pivotal trials for nanomedicines is 47% that of biologics and NMEs approved in the same timeframe. The findings indicate higher manufacturing costs in nanomedicine development may be mitigated by savings elsewhere, increasing translational viability.