Modification Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

Research Progress of Chitosan-based Multifunctional Nanoparticles in Cancer Targeted Therapy.

Conventional tumor therapeutic modalities, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, involve low tumor inhibition efficiency, non-targeted drug delivery, and side effects. The development of novel and practical nano-drug delivery systems (DDSs) for targeted tumor therapy has become particularly important. Among various bioactive nanoparticles, chitosan is considered a suitable candidate for drug delivery due to its non-toxicity, good biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The amino and hydroxyl groups of chitosan endow it with the diverse function of chemical modification, thereby improving its physical and biological properties to meet the requirements of advanced biomedical applications. Therefore, it is necessary to review the property and applications of chitosan-based materials in biomedicine. In this review, the characteristics of chitosan related to its applications are first introduced, and then the preparation and modification of chitosan-based nanoparticles, including the function tailoring of chitosan-modified nanoparticles, are demonstrated and discussed. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of chitosan-based nanomaterials in this emerging field are proposed from the perspective of the rational and systematic design for the biomedicine field.

Nano-revolution in hepatocellular carcinoma: A multidisciplinary odyssey - Are we there yet?

In this editorial we comment on the review by Zhou et al reviewing the landscape of nanomedicine in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We focus on the immense potential of nanotechnology, particularly ligand-receptor mediated nanotherapy, in revolutionizing the treatment landscape of HCC. Despite advancements in multidisciplinary treatment, HCC remains a significant global health challenge. Ligand-mediated nanotherapy offers the opportunity for precise drug delivery to tumor sites, targeting specific receptors overexpressed in HCC cells, thereby enhancing efficacy and minimizing side effects. Overcoming drug resistance and aggressive tumor biology is facilitated by nanomedicine, bypassing traditional hurdles encountered in chemotherapy. Examples include targeting glypican-3, asialoglycoprotein, transferrin receptor or folic acid receptors, capitalizing on their over-expression in tumor cells. The ability for multi-receptor targeting through dual-ligand nanoparticle modification holds the prospect of further enhancement in specificity and efficacy of directed therapy. However, challenges including immune responses, reproducibility in nanoparticle synthesis, and production scalability remain. Future directions involve refining targeting strategies, improving drug release mechanisms, and streamlining production processes to enable personalized and multifunctional nanotherapies. Overall, the integration of nanotherapy in HCC treatment holds immense promise, but continued partnership and effort are needed in offering hope for more effective, precise, and accessible clinical care in the management of HCC.

Preparation, Surface Modification, and Building Materials Applications of Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles

Preparation, Surface Modification, and Building Materials Applications of Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles

Lipid Nanoparticles: Versatile Drug Delivery Vehicles for Traversing the Blood Brain Barrier to Treat Brain Cancer

AbstractThe blood‐brain barrier (BBB) poses a significant challenge in delivering therapeutic agents for brain diseases due to its high selectivity against foreign substances. This limitation greatly hampers the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs in treating brain cancers. In response, lipid‐based nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a promising approach, offering opportunities for targeted drug delivery by conjugating targeting ligands onto their surface. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in utilizing LNPs to traverse the BBB for enhanced transport of bioactive compounds into the brain, specifically for cancer treatments. Beginning with an exploration of the biological structure and functions of the BBB and the blood‐brain tumor barrier (BBTB), the review highlights the advantages presented by LNPs. Subsequently, it delves into strategies for surface modification of nanoparticles to enhance BBB targeting and improve efficacy in brain cancer treatment. Finally, the review offers insights into future prospects for designing the next generation of LNPs. The review presented herein aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts in overcoming the challenges associated with BBB penetration, ultimately advancing therapeutic strategies for brain cancer and other neurological disorders.

Supercapacitors and triboelectric nanogenerators based on electrodes of greener iron nanoparticles/carbon nanotubes composites

The development of supporting materials based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) impregnated with iron nanoparticles via a sustainable and green synthesis employing plant extract of Punica granatum L. leaves was carried out for the iron nanoparticle modification and the following impregnation into the carbon nanotubes composites (CNT-Fe) that were also coated with polypyrrole (CNT-Fe + PPy) for use as electrode for supercapacitor and triboelectric nanogenerators. The electrochemical characterization of the materials by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) assays revealed that the CNT-Fe + PPy gave rise to better performance due to the association of double-layer capacitance behavior of carbon derivative in association with the pseudocapacitance contribution of PPy resulting in an areal capacitance value 202 mF/ cm2 for the overall composite. In terms of the application of electrodes in triboelectric nanogenerators, the best performance for the composite of CNT-Fe + PPy was 60 V for output voltage and power density of 6 μW/cm2. The integrated system showed that the supercapacitors can be charged directly by the nanogenerator from 0 to 42 mV in 300 s. The successful green synthesis of iron nanoparticles on CNT and further PPy coating provides a feasible method for the design and synthesis of high-performance SCs and TENGs electrode materials. This work provides a systematic approach that moves the research front forward by generating data that underpins further research in self-powered electronic devices.

Wood sponge with photothermal, magnetically driven, and superhydrophobic characteristics for high-viscosity oil–water separation

In this work, naturally degradable porous balsa wood was used as a raw material to prepare a highly elastic wood sponge (WS) substrate using a two-step chemical method and a freeze-drying method. The surface hydrophobic modification of Fe3O4 nanoparticles using the fluorine-free material octadecyltrimethoxysilane (C18TMS) solved the problem of agglomeration caused by the high nanoparticle surface energy. Polydopamine (PDA), hydrophobically modified Fe3O4 (C18TMS/Fe3O4), and low-surface-energy polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were sprayed onto WS substrates using a simple spraying method. An environmentally friendly adsorption sponge with photothermal, magnetically driven, and superhydrophobic properties was prepared for the first time using this method. The prepared sponge had a water droplet contact angle of 156.8° and exhibited excellent oil–water separation performances. Due to the addition of PDA and Fe3O4, the modified sponge exhibited excellent photothermal performance, rapidly heating to 63.4°C under a sunlight intensity of 1 kW m−2. The superhydrophobic WS prepared in this experiment provides a more environmentally friendly and low-cost way for high viscosity oil–water separation and targeted removal of oil pollution.

Electrochemiluminescence in Graphitic Carbon Nitride Decorated with Silver Nanoparticles for Dopamine Determination Using Machine Learning.

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) luminophores with wavelength-tunable multicolor emissions are essential for multicolor ECL imaging detection and multiplexed analysis. In this work, silver nanoparticle (Ag NP)-decorated graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN@Ag) nanocomposites were synthesized. The morphology, chemical composition, structure, and ECL property of g-CN@Ag were investigated. The prepared g-CN, g-CN@Ag1, g-CN@Ag5, and g-CN@Ag10 can produce blue, blue-green, chartreuse, and yellow colored ECL emissions, respectively, by using K2S2O8 as the coreagent. The ECL emission wavelength of g-CN@Ag can be regulated from 460 to 565 nm by modulating the content of the immobilized Ag NPs. Then, a multicolor ECL detection array was fabricated by using g-CN, g-CN@Ag1, g-CN@Ag5, and g-CN@Ag10 as four ECL luminophores. Dopamine was detected based on its inhibition effect on the multicolor ECL emissions. The linear range is from 0.1 nM to 1 mM with the lowest detection limit of 44 pM. Then, machine learning-assisted multiparameter concentration prediction of dopamine was further carried out by combining the deep neural network (DNN) algorithm. This work provides a new avenue to regulate the ECL emission wavelength of g-CN by using the metal nanoparticle modification strategy and presents an effective machine learning-assisted multicolor ECL detection strategy for accurate multiparameter quantitative detection.

Synthesis of Hybrid/Superhydrophobic Coupling Agent Grafted Nano SiO2 and Its Use in Fabrication of Rubber Nanocomposite with Outstanding Oil/Water Separation Capability

Design and synthesis of a new sorbent with high performances of oil-water separation is one of the challenges to the world community. Herein, a superhydrophobic/novel coupling agent (NCA) containing several vinyl groups was synthesized. Also, vinyl isocyanate (VI) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) reacted with a synergetic strategy of crosslinked networks through the click reaction under N2 gas atmosphere. 1H NMR and FTIR analyses confirmed the formation of NCA with the SiC10H18O6N2 chemical formula. Then, NCA was grafted on the nanoparticles at different amounts by sol-gel method. It was found that the surface modification of nanoparticles enhanced the water contact angle (WCA) from 60° to 163°. In the following, nanoparticles with and without NCA were applied at different contents to tire rubber compound. The uniform dispersion/distribution of the grafted nano fillers with NCA in polymer matrix and the strong filler-polymer interactions enhanced crosslink density and improved the mechanical performances of the rubber sample. The prepared nanocomposites were tested against absorption of different oils. The results showed that the superior nanocomposite with modified nanoparticles (i.e. TR-TNS5) had a separation efficiency of over 90 % compared to the nanocomposite with pure nanoparticles (i.e. TR-NS5) which had a separation efficiency of less than 30 %. Also, the separation cycle of nanocomposites improved by 95 % after addition of the modified nanoparticles (from 240 to 440 cycles). The modified nanocomposite illustrated contact angles of 153.22° and 13.34° with water and oil droplets, respectively. The results showed that the modified rubbery nanocomposite confirmed superior mechanical and oil-water separation performances.

Method and application of surface modification of Cerium dioxide

Airborne pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), and waterborne contaminants, including heavy metals, dyes, and other pollutants, pose substantial environmental threats and jeopardize human health. Additionally, certain limitations have hindered the widespread application of some batteries, primarily attributed to elevated operating temperatures and the decreasing use of fossil fuels. In response to these challenges, cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanoparticles have garnered considerable attention due to their unique and advantageous physical and chemical properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of CeO2 into various coating materials has demonstrated the potential to significantly enhance their performance. In the realm of biotechnology, research into CeO2 nanoparticles continues to expand, encompassing a range of applications such as the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems, the development of anti‐inflammatory agents, and cancer research. Nevertheless, in these diverse applications, CeO2 still exhibits certain limitations that hinder the achievement of desired outcomes. The modification of CeO2 nanoparticles presents a promising avenue to address these limitations, thereby improving their overall efficacy. As such, this review aims to comprehensively compare and summarize various methods for the modification of CeO2 nanoparticles, elucidate their practical applications, and provide insights into the potential challenges and future prospects in this field.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Bionanocomposites preparation by design: Planning based on the modification of ceria nanoparticles by polydopamine interleaved with the chitosan biopolymer

Herein, the marine source polymer, chitosan (CS), was utilized to fabricate bionanocomposites by mussel-inspired sonochemical assisted method. The surface modified nanofillers as active ingredients were provided by assembling biomimetic polydopamine (PDA) onto the CeO2 nanoparticles through redox polymerization as a surface modification technology. Standard spectroscopic methods were used to characterize the resulting cerium oxide PDA-treated nanoparticles (NPs). CeO2/PDA/CS nanocomposites (NC)s were manufactured using a sonochemical process by inserting nanostructured fillers into the CS polymer matrix. The morphological features and structural characteristics of NCs were considered using field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques. It was found that based on the biomimetic PDA layer the hydrogen bond interactions between CS biopolymer functional units with PDA functional units have occurred. Therefore, a pleasant distribution of surface adapted NPs in macromolecular matrix in the form of nanostructured composites was observed.

Enhanced interaction of CO2 with TCNQ-modified CuO nanoparticle-infused PEO matrix: A novel approach in gas transport technology

We developed a composite membrane based on polyethylene oxide (PEO), achieving high CO2 selectivity, by incorporating 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ)-modified CuO nanoparticles into the PEO matrix. The addition of TCNQ helps in evenly distributing the CuO nanoparticles throughout the membrane, preventing them from clumping together. This treatment not only enhances the dispersion of CuO particles but also imparts a positive charge to their surface, which is beneficial for increasing the selectivity for CO2 over N2. The extent of this surface charge modification on the CuO nanoparticles was evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), while the synergy between the polymer and the additives was verified through Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy studies. The combination of CuO nanoparticles in the membrane contributes to both barrier and carrier effects, enhancing the gas selectivity. This is further aided by the intrinsic properties of PEO, a rubber-like polymer known for its good gas permeance. As a result of these combined effects, the PEO/CuO/TCNQ membrane exhibited a remarkable CO2 selectivity of 393 and a CO2 permeance of 3.9 gas permeation unit (GPU). The superior separation performance of this membrane can be ascribed to three main factors: enhanced solubility due to the oxide layer on the particle surfaces and in the polymer matrix, improved transport efficiency via reversible interactions thanks to the positively charged surface, and the effective barrier provided by the nanoparticles against N2 transport. These findings are expected to contribute significantly to future studies on the surface modification of metal nanoparticles and in the field of gas separation membranes.

Significantly Optimized Piezoelectric Catalytic Properties of Surface Functionalized Nano-BaTiO3

In piezoelectric catalysis, the interaction between reaction molecules and the catalyst surface is of great significance for designing highly selective reaction processes. In this study, chemically functionalized BaTiO3 nanoparticles were fabricated using the hydrothermal method, and the piezoelectric catalytic activity was evaluated for degradation dye reactants by ultrasonic vibration. Due to surface modification of BaTiO3 nanoparticles, the carboxyl groups will be applied on the surface of BaTiO3 nanoparticles, resulting in the reduction in particle size and an increase in specific surface area. The adsorption of the carboxyl groups on the surface can also improve the ability of the BaTiO3 nanoparticles to capture the organic dyes. A high piezoelectric catalytic reaction rate constant of 0.0716 min-1, together with a degradation efficiency of > 90% was achieved within 30 min under 60 kHz and 100 W ultrasonic conditions. These results show that the surface modification of BaTiO3 nanoparticles brought excellent performance of piezoelectric catalysis by controlling the precursor and hydrothermal parameters. This study provides a new method for the preparation of chemically functionalized piezoelectric catalysts and design of other new highly selective catalysts.

Biological properties of 4‐trifluoromethylbenzyloxy‐substituted cobalt phthalocyanine‐gold nanoparticle conjugates

In this article, peripheral and non‐peripheral cobalt phthalocyanines (2 and 3) were synthesized and characterized by applying the spectroscopic methods (FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Maldi‐Toff mass, and UV–vis). The synthesized compounds were used for the surficial modification of gold nanoparticles (AuNP). The novel conjugates (2‐AuNP and 3‐AuNP) were characterized using transmission electron microscopy. The antioxidant activities of bioagents (2, 3, 2‐AuNP, 3‐AuNP, and AuNP) were examined by performing three different methods, and the results were compared. When their antioxidant properties were examined, it was shown that the capacities of phthalocyanines were higher compared with the modified gold nanoparticles. In addition, antibacterial analysis of the compounds was carried out by applying two different methods. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that both cobalt phthalocyanines and nanoconjugates showed antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli. Phthalocyanine compounds showed lower IC50 results than phthalocyanine‐modified gold nanoparticles, while unmodified gold nanoparticles showed no α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity.

Surface modification of ZIF-8 nanoparticles by hyaluronic acid for enhanced targeted delivery of quercetin

Quercetin (QT) is a natural pharmaceutical substance with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-cancer features. Nevertheless, it has low bioavailability, zeolitic-imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles (NPs) with merits like very high surface area and porous nature are increasingly employed in the biomedical field as drug delivery system (DDS). Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polymer that can be a smart “switch” and tumor-targeted “guider”, extending blood circulation, and improving the tumor-specific accumulation of DDS through CD44-mediated pathway. Herein, we have successfully synthesized HA-modified ZIF-8 NPs (ZIF-8/HA) for targeted delivery of QT. After characterization of synthesized materials by different advanced techniques, the QT loading capacity of ZIF-8 was investigated through different factors like initial QT concentration, solvent type, loading time and loading temperature. The release of QT in vitro was studied at pH values of 7.4 and 5.5 and ZIF-8 NPs decreased the release of QT at pH 7.4, demonstrating their ability to reduce QT loss during its distribution in blood. Also, HA-modified ZIF-8 resulted in enhanced compatibility, a decrease in toxicity to normal cells and an increase in targeted delivery of QT. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of QT-loaded ZIF-8/HA on fibroblast cell lines (L929) as well as breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) were evaluated. It was found that QT-loaded ZIF-8/HA not only led to a decrease in the toxicity of ZIF-8 and QT to normal cells in the body but also increased the toxicity of QT to cancer cells.

Correction to: A way to prepare magnetically separable palladium nanocatalysts active in Heck reaction—SI‑RAFT/MADIX polymerization for modification of magnetic nanoparticles

Correction to: A way to prepare magnetically separable palladium nanocatalysts active in Heck reaction—SI‑RAFT/MADIX polymerization for modification of magnetic nanoparticles

Revealing electrostatic-manipulated self-assembly mechanism helps to readily design enhanced MOF-derived microwave absorbers

The controllable self-assembly of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) crystals plays a vital role in modulating the performance for microwave absorbers. However, most current strategies require colloidal or intricate chemical modifications of nanoparticles, thereby increasing the complexity of structural construction and impeding the broader application of microwave absorbers. To resolve this tough issue, we herein innovatively propose a more easily achievable electrostatic-manipulated self-assembly strategy. By readily manipulating the electrostatic adsorption and repulsion between particles, the aggregation and growth sites of initial MOF crystals are anchored, hence facilitating to the construction of solid-core/shell and hollow porous microstructures for absorbers. The substantial improvement depending on electrostatic effects is clearly observed in experimental results. It demonstrates that the Co@hollow N-doped carbon spheres (Co@HNCSs) absorber, induced by electrostatic repulsion, shows the best overall absorption performance, with a strong absorption of −65.4 dB at a thickness of 1.9 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.4 GHz at a thickness of 1.6 mm, covering almost the entire Ku band. The influence of these strategies on the electromagnetic response mechanisms is further comprehensively discussed. Accordingly, we believe this strategy offers new insights for the MOFs’ structural absorbers via electrostatic-manipulated self-assembly strategy.

Synthesis, Surface Modification and Magnetic Properties Analysis of Heat-Generating Cobalt-Substituted Magnetite Nanoparticles.

Here, we present the results of the synthesis, surface modification, and properties analysis of magnetite-based nanoparticles, specifically Co0.047Fe2.953O4 (S1) and Co0.086Fe2.914O4 (S2). These nanoparticles were synthesized using the co-precipitation method at 80 °C for 2 h. They exhibit a single-phase nature and crystallize in a spinel-type structure (space group Fd3¯m). Transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals that the particles are quasi-spherical in shape and approximately 11 nm in size. An observed increase in saturation magnetization, coercivity, remanence, and blocking temperature in S2 compared to S1 can be attributed to an increase in magnetocrystalline anisotropy due to the incorporation of Co ions in the crystal lattice of the parent compound (Fe3O4). The heating efficiency of the samples was determined by fitting the Box-Lucas equation to the acquired temperature curves. The calculated Specific Loss Power (SLP) values were 46 W/g and 23 W/g (under HAC = 200 Oe and f = 252 kHz) for S1 and S2, respectively. Additionally, sample S1 was coated with citric acid (Co0.047Fe2.953O4@CA) and poly(acrylic acid) (Co0.047Fe2.953O4@PAA) to obtain stable colloids for further tests for magnetic hyperthermia applications in cancer therapy. Fits of the Box-Lucas equation provided SLP values of 21 W/g and 34 W/g for CA- and PAA-coated samples, respectively. On the other hand, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis points to the catalytically active centers Fe2+/Fe3+ and Co2+/Co3+ on the particle surface, suggesting possible applications of the samples as heterogeneous self-heating catalysts in advanced oxidation processes under an AC magnetic field.

Neural Tracing Protein-Functionalized Nanoparticles Capable of Fast Retrograde Axonal Transport in Live Neurons.

Neural tracing proteins like horseradish peroxidase-conjugated wheat germ agglutinin (WGA-HRP) can target the central nervous system (CNS) through anatomic retrograde transport without crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Conjugating WGA-HRP to nanoparticles may enable the creation of BBB-bypassing nanomedicine. Microfluidics and two-photon confocal microscopy is applied to screen nanocarriers for transport efficacy and gain mechanistic insights into their interactions with neurons. Protein modification of gold nanoparticles alters their cellular uptake at the axonal terminal and activates fast retrograde transport. Trajectory analysis of individual endosomes carrying the nanoparticles reveals a run-and-pause pattern along the axon with endosomes carrying WGA-HRP-conjugated gold nanoparticles exhibiting longer run duration and faster instantaneous velocity than those carrying nonconjugated nanoparticles. The results offer a mechanistic explanation of the different axonal transport dynamics as well as a cell-based functional assay of neuron-targeted nanoparticles with the goal of developing BBB-bypassing nanomedicine for the treatment of nervous system disorders.

Surface Modification of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Application in Targeted Delivery Systems of Antitumour Drugs.

The problem of tumour therapy has attracted the attention of many researchers for many decades. One of the promising strategies for the development of new dosage forms to improve oncology treatment efficacy and minimise side effects is the development of nanoparticle-based targeted transport systems for anticancer drugs. Among inorganic nanoparticles, mesoporous silica deserves special attention due to its outstanding surface properties and drug-loading capability. This review analyses the various factors affecting the cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and biocompatibility of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), constituting a key aspect in the development of safe and effective drug delivery systems. Special attention is paid to technological approaches to chemically modifying MSNs to alter their surface properties. The stimuli that regulate drug release from nanoparticles are also discussed, contributing to the effective control of the delivery process in the body. The findings emphasise the importance of modifying MSNs with different surface functional groups, bio-recognisable molecules, and polymers for their potential use in anticancer drug delivery systems.

One‐Step Photo‐Patterning Process for Multi‐Modal and Transformative Structural Coloration: Toward Anti‐Counterfeiting Applications

AbstractThe selective interactions of light with matter enable the existence of colors in nature. Through the precise modification of material properties, photonic crystals, plasmonic nanoparticles, and dielectric metasurfaces can produce bright and vivid structural colors. However, this approach is rendered inadequate by its complex fabrication processes, limited working area, and lack of inherent material‐property tuning. Here, a novel one‐step fabrication process based on ultraviolet‐curable chitosan (UVCC) for generating structural multicolor patterns in polydimethylsiloxane in a single bending event is presented. UV exposure through a grayscale photomask controls the polymerization of the UVCC, enabling manipulation of its thickness, thereby allowing the production of size‐, wavelength‐, and amplitude‐controllable wrinkles under compressive stress. This enables the exhibition of selective structural coloration in response to incoming incident light. Upon the release of applied stresses, the wrinkles disappear, and the bilayer device becomes transparent again. Notably, repeating the process allows for dynamic covert–overt switching of the structural colors. This firm control over the active‐layer thickness, simple device structure, cost‐effectiveness, facile fabrication process, and vibrant‐color tuning ability make this one‐step photopatterning approach more competitive for structural‐color applications. Finally, the authenticity of a cosmetic cream is evaluated to demonstrate the anti‐counterfeiting effect of the UVCC circumference wrinkles.