Surface Modification Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

Zn induced surface modification of stable goethite nanoparticles for improved regenerative phosphate adsorption

Iron oxide-based adsorbents showed potential to reach ultra-low phosphorus (P) concentrations to prevent eutrophication and recover P. High affinity, high capacity at low P concentrations (<1 mg L−1), good stability, and reusability of the adsorbent are key factors for economic viability. In this study, nanoparticles of goethite (α-FeOOH), a highly stable phase, have been synthesized with increasing Zn2+-doping, 0–20 %at. Zn/Fe, to manipulate the surface properties, following the results of a previous work. Mössbauer spectroscopy showed preserved goethite phase and increased point of zero charge (pzc) at low Zn-doping percentages, while at higher percentages (>5%at.) co-existing phases with increased specific surface area formed. Low concentrations (0.1–10 mg L−1) batch adsorption tests showed increased P removal per unit mass with increasing doping. However, the highest pzc, affinity and P removal per unit area were observed for the 5%at. doped sample, suggesting this dopant concentration to provide the most effective surface. A regeneration test, performed at a lower pH than usual, showed preserved, even improved P desorption with increasing doping. Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that the nanoparticle phase and composition, up to 5%at., doping was preserved throughout the process. These results are promising to develop a stable effective Zn-doped goethite-based adsorbent for P recovery at ultra-low concentrations.

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles functionalized with glucose and conjugated to Ellagic acid (Co3O4@Glu-Ellagic acid NPs) induce apoptotic genes in HepG2, liver cancer cell line

Surface modification of metal nanoparticles can be a solution to obtain more efficient and biocompatible drugs. In this study, the anticancer mechanism of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with glucose and conjugated with Ellagic acid (Co3O4@Glu-Ellagic acid NPs) in a liver cancer cell line was investigated. Physicochemical characteristics of NPs were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), (Scanning Electron Microscopy) SEM, X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy mapping (EDS-mapping), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. Cytotoxicity of Co3O4@Glu-Ellagic acid NPs in normal (THLE2) and cancer (HepG2) hepatocyte cell lines was characterized by MTT and flow cytometry assays. Relative expression of the CASP8, CASP9, and p53 genes was assessed by Real-Time PCR. The synthesized nanoparticles were spherical, without considerable agglomeration, and their size was in the range of 20 to 60 nm. Surface charge and DLS size were − 30.1 mV and 280 nm, respectively. Treatment of the studied cells with the nanoparticles displayed their antiproliferative potential; however, liver cancer cells were considerably more sensitive to the nanoparticles than normal hepatocyte cells. The 50 % inhibitory concentration of Co3O4@Glu-Ellagic acid NPs for normal and cancer hepatocyte cells were 201 and 97 μg/mL, respectively. Treating HepG2 cells with Co3O4@Glu-Ellagic acid NPs led to a significant increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells (from 0.66 % to 50.8 %) and expression of the CASP8, CASP9, and p53 genes by 2.88, 2.11, and 2.0 folds that suggests apoptogenic property of the nanoparticles through activation of the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. Measuring Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) level showed that in treated cancer cells with Co3O4@Glu-Ellagic acid nanoparticles the ROS level increased. Moreover, Hoechst staining indicated the anti-tumor effect of Co3O4@Glu-Ellagic acid NP by appearance of apoptotic bodies in HepG2 cells. This work revealed that Co3O4@Glu-Ellagic acid NPs are potent apoptogenic agent against liver cancer cells.

A metal-organic framework (MOF) built on surface-modified Cu nanoparticles eliminates tumors via multiple cascading synergistic therapeutic effects

Tumors produce a hypoxic environment that greatly influences cancer treatment, and conventional chemotherapeutic drugs cannot selectively accumulate in the tumor region because of the lack of a tumor targeting mechanism, causing increased systemic toxicities and side effects. Hence, designing and developing new nanoplatforms that combine multimodal therapeutic regimens is essential to improve tumor therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we report the synthesis of ultrafine Cu nanoparticles loaded with a drug combination of cisplatin (Pt) and 1-methyl-d-tryptophan (1-MT) and externally coated with 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP) photosensitizer, polydopamine (PDA) and CaO2 of MIL-101(Fe) as a new nanoplatform (Cu@MIL-101@PMTPC). The nanoplatform synergistically combined chemodynamic therapy (CDT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and immunochemotherapy. The Fe3+ in MIL-101(Fe) and the surface Cu nanoparticles exhibited strong ability to consume intracellular glutathione (GSH), thereby generating a Fenton-like response in the tumor microenvironment (TME) with substantial peroxidase (POD)-like and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities. In this design, we used the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitor 1-MT to overcome chemotherapy-induced immune escape phenomena including enhanced CD8+ and CD4+ T cell expression, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production, and accelerated immunogenic cell death. The targeted release of cisplatin loaded into Cu@MIL-101@PMTPC also reduced toxic side effects of chemotherapy. TCPP generated a large amount of singlet oxygen (1O2) upon specific laser irradiation to effectively kill tumor cells. CaO2 on the outer layer generated oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to ameliorate hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment, enhance the PDT effect, and provide a continuous supply of H2O2 for the Fenton-like reaction. Thus, this nanocarrier platform exhibited a powerful chemodynamic, photodynamic, and immunochemotherapeutic cascade, providing a new strategy for cancer treatment.

Exposure to different surface-modified polystyrene nanoparticles caused anxiety, depression, and social deficit in mice via damaging mitochondria in neurons

Nanoplastics (NPs) are unavoidable hazardous materials that result from the human production and use of plastics. While there is evidence that NPs can bioaccumulate in the brain, no enough research regarding the pathways by which NPs reach the brain was conducted, and it is also urgently needed to evaluate the health threat to the nervous system. Here, we observed accumulation of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) with different surface modifications (PS, PS-COOH, and PS-NH2) in mouse brains. Further studies showed that PS-NPs disrupted the tight junctions between endothelial cells and transport into endothelial cells via the endocytosis and macropinocytosis pathways. Additionally, NPs exposure induced a series of alternations in behavioral tests, including anxiety- and depression-like changes and impaired social interaction performance. Further results identified that NPs could be internalized into neurons and localized in the mitochondria, bringing about mitochondrial dysfunction and a concurrent decline of ATP production, which might be associated with abnormal animal behaviors. The findings provide novel insights into the neurotoxicity of NPs and provide a basis for the formulation of policy on plastic production and usage by relevant government agencies.

The Role of Surface Modification of Silica-Coated Fe3O4 Nanoparticles in the Structure and Enzyme Activity of Lysozyme

The Role of Surface Modification of Silica-Coated Fe3O4 Nanoparticles in the Structure and Enzyme Activity of Lysozyme

Surface-modified gold nanoparticles: A novel chemical probe for precise fluorescent detection of aluminium (Al3+) ions; investigating DFT insights and molecular logic gate behaviour

Trivalent metal cation fluorescence chemosensors are one of the most important areas of research because of their rarity. The necessity for easy-to-synthesize molecular chemosensors and to immobilize them on materials platform are enhancing continually. In this paper, we report the rapid sensing of Al3+ ion recognition by naphthalene derivative (N1) and tethered with gold nanoparticles (N1-AuNps). The cysteine-carrying naphthalene derivative is synthesized (Receptor-N1) and it forms a self-assembled monolayer on gold nanoparticles through the thiol moiety (N1-AuNPs). The structure of the synthesized receptor and the chemosensor assembled with AuNPs are characterized using spectroscopic and imaging techniques. On the gold nanoparticles, the surface-assembled compound highly selectively binds with Al3+ ion in the aqueous medium compared with a free receptor (N1). We present an improved colorimetric method that offers both high sensitivity and rapid detection for transition metal ions, specifically Al3+ ions. The determination of the binding stoichiometry and binding ratio between N1 / N1-AuNPs and Al3+ ion was achieved through the utilization of Jobs' plot and B-H plot which confirmed a 1:1 ratio. The binding phenomenon between N1-AuNPs and Al3+ ion has been ascertained to be predominantly according to the limited PET with CHEF impact technique. The N1-AuNPs chemosensor responds to H+ and Al3+ ions by demonstrating XOR molecular logic gate functionality and operating across a wide pH range. The nanoparticle-tethered chemosensor presents an effective system that can be employed in Al3+ ion sensing. The addition of Na2EDTA to the [N1-AuNPs - Al3+] complex solution caused a quenching of the fluorescence emission, which provides evidence of the reversible nature of the chemosensor. To gain further insights into the binding mode of Al3+ with N1-AuNPs, quantum mechanical investigations using density functional theory (TDDFT) have been conducted. We evaluated the effectiveness of our methodology for quantifying Al3+ ions in the water waste produced by significant industrial reactions.

Mechanistic analysis of transformative Pd/NHC catalyst evolution in the 1,2-diphenylacetylene semihydrogenation using molecular hydrogen

This study explored the dynamic transformations of the Pd/NHC catalytic system during the semihydrogenation of alkynes using molecular hydrogen under mild reaction conditions. Focusing on the appearance of a “cocktail”-type system, we harnessed advanced characterization methods, such as NMR, ESI-HRMS, and SEM/TEM. In the hydrogenation process of 1,2–diphenylacetylene, the Pd/NHC complex evolves to produce novel palladium-based compounds and a heterogeneous phase, which partially precipitates into catalytically active nanoparticles. A pivotal finding revealed that the modification of the Pd nanoparticle surface by organic ligands under reaction conditions significantly influenced the catalytic activity of the Pd particles. The split test results suggest an enhanced selectivity toward (Z)-stilbene when the precipitate is maintained in the reaction mixture, highlighting that the palladium nanoparticles act as active catalysts (or reservoirs of active species) synergistically with dissolved molecular complexes. This research reports important findings for understanding the dynamics of the Pd/NHC system, contributing to the development of more efficient catalytic systems.

Study on preparation, structure, and cooling properties of TiO2/acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate terpolymer solar reflective nanocomposite

AbstractPreparation, characterization, and cooling properties of TiO2 /acrylonitrile–styrene‐acrylate (ASA) terpolymer solar reflective nanocomposites with various contents of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were investigated. The formation of nanocomposites was monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and contact angle measurements. The cooling features were characterized via ultraviolet–visible–near infrared (UV–vis–NIR) spectrophotometry and heat build‐up tests. FTIR spectra show the disappearance of the vinylic absorption peak at 1636 cm−1 of the modified TiO2 which signifies good chemical interaction between the poly (butyl acrylate) chains and the nanoparticles. DLS measurements revealed relative enlargement in the diameter of nanocomposite latex particles from 107 to 184 nm as the percentage of mineral nanoparticles increased. SEM and TEM analysis revealed the formation of a core‐shell morphology with an almost uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the polymer chains. Spectral properties details obtained using UV–vis–NIR spectrophotometry revealed that surface modification of TiO2 nanoparticles resulted in a more than 7% increase in solar transmittance compared to the raw form. Nevertheless, grafting a thermoplastic shell onto the acrylic core reduced the average solar transmittance from 81.92% to 55.32%. Incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles (up to 6 wt%) into the polymer matrix led to an 18.44% further decrease in solar transmittance compared to the neat ASA. Heat build‐up tests showed enhanced cooling of 10.2, 12.7°C, 13.4°C, and 14.2°C for 0, 2, 4, and 6 wt% of used nanoparticles, respectively.Highlights In situ nanocomposites were synthesized through mini‐emulsion polymerization. Chemical bonding formed between functionalized TiO2 and polymeric matrix. ASA/TiO2 nanocomposite shields &gt;56% of NIR light and 63% of solar light. Nanocomposites reduced heat build‐up temperature by more than 14°C during indoor test.

MODIFIED MAGNETITE NANOPARTICLES WITH THE JUICE OF PLANTAIN PSEUDOSTEM: AN OPTION FOR WATER DECONTAMINATION

In recent years, various methods for surface functionalization of magnetite nanoparticles with emerging modifications have been explored and reported. Green nano-chemistry aims to synthesize nanomaterials using bio-based resources, providing new materials for biological and environmental applications. Surface modification of magnetite nanoparticles using phytochemicals extracted from plants is a fundamental principle of green synthesis routes. Agricultural waste from different crops, such as plantain pseudostem, is of particular interest as a renewable resource due to its abundant availability, low toxicity, and economic feasibility. In this study, the juice extracted from plantain pseudostem was utilized for the phytofunctionalization of magnetite nanoparticles. Characterization techniques including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the nanometric dimensions of the composite (size range of 12.6 ± 3.17 nm) and established its organic-inorganic nature. The superparamagnetic properties of the composite were also demonstrated. Moreover, the potential application of this nanohybrid in bioremediation for the immobilization of cadmium(II) and lead(II) showed promising results, highlighting its efficacy in managing water pollutants.

A plasma-3D print combined in vitro platform with implications for reliable materiobiological screening.

Materiobiology is an emerging field focused on the physiochemical properties of biomaterials concerning biological outcomes which includes but is not limited to the biological responses and bioactivity of surface-modified biomaterials. Herein, we report a novel in vitro characterization platform for characterizing nanoparticle surface-modified 3D printed PLA scaffolds. We have introduced innovative design parameters that were practical for ubiquitous in vitro assays like those utilizing 96 and 24-well plates. Subsequently, gold and silica nanoparticles were deposited using two low-temperature plasma-assisted processes namely plasma electroless reduction (PER) and dusty plasma on 3D scaffolds. Materiobiological testing began with nanoparticle surface modification optimization on 96 well plate design 3D scaffolds. We have employed 3D laser confocal imaging and scanning electron microscopy to study the deposition of nanoparticles. It was found that the formation and distribution of the nanoparticles were time-dependent. In vitro assays were performed utilizing an osteosarcoma (MG-63) cell as a model. These cells were grown on both 96 and 24 well plate design 3D scaffolds. Subsequently, we performed different in vitro assays such as cell viability, and fluorescence staining of cytoskeletal actin and DNA incorporation. The actin cytoskeleton staining showed more homogeneity in the cell monolayer growing on the gold nanoparticle-modified 3D scaffolds than the control 3D PLA scaffold. Furthermore, the mineralization and protein adsorption experiments conducted on 96 well plate design scaffolds have shown enhanced mineralization and bovine serum albumin adsorption for the gold nanoparticle-modified scaffolds compared to the control scaffolds. Taken together, this study reports the efficacy of this new in vitro platform in conducting more reliable and efficient materiobiology studies. It is also worth mentioning that this platform has significant futuristic potential for developing as a high throughput screening platform. Such platforms could have a significant impact on the systematic study of biocompatibility and bioactive mechanisms of nanoparticle-modified 3D-printed scaffolds for tissue engineering. It would also provide unique ways to investigate mechanisms of biological responses and subsequent bioactive mechanisms for implantable biomaterials. Moreover, this platform can derive more consistent and reliable in vitro results which can improve the success rate of further in vivo experiments.

Synthesis and evaluation of gene delivery vectors based on PEI-modified metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles.

Zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) nanostructures, due to their capability of easy surface modification, are considered interesting structures for delivery. In the present study, the surfaces of UIO-66 and NH2-UIO-66 MOFs were modified by polyethyleneimine (PEI) 10000 Da, and their efficiency for plasmid delivery was evaluated. Two different approaches, were employed to prepare surface-modified nanoparticles. The physicochemical characteristics of the resulting nanoparticles, as well as their transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity, were investigated on the A549 cell line. The sizes of DNA/nanocarriers for PEI-modified UIO-66 (PEI-UIO-66) were between 212-291 nm and 267-321 nm for PEI 6-bromohexanoic acid linked UIO-66 (PEI-HEX-UIO-66). The zeta potential of all was positive with the ranges of +16 to +20 mV and +23 to +26 mV for PEI-UIO-66 and PEI-HEX-UIO-66, respectively. Cellular assay results showed that the PEI linking method had a higher rate of gene transfection efficiency with minimal cytotoxicity than the wet impregnation method. The difference between transfection of modified nanoparticles compared to the PEI 10 kDa was not significant but the PEI-HEX-UIO-66 showed less cytotoxicity. The present study suggested that the post-synthetic modification of MOFs with PEI 10000 Da through EDC/NHS+6-bromohexanoic acid reaction can be considered as an effective approach for modifying MOFs' structure in order to obtain nanoparticles with better biological function in the gene delivery process.

Posaconazole Loading and Release Behavior in Surface-Modified Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticular System

In conventional drug treatments, high toxic effects, low solubility, and low bioavailability of the active substance cause insufficient drug release in the target tissue and undesirable side effects in healthy tissue. Various drug delivery systems are utilized to eliminate these undesirable effects. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) are biocompatible biomaterials that have a large surface area, high pore volume, and enhanced adsorption capacity. With MSN-mediated controlled drug release, the active substance concentration in the blood is kept within the desired therapeutic range. Posaconazole (PCZ) is an antifungal agent. Absorption of PCZ is difficult due to its low solubility in aqueous and acidic environments, low therapeutic effect and low bioavailability. The use of controlled drug release systems avoids these problems and facilitates the absorption and release of PCZ. In this study, it is aimed to enhance the PCZ adsorption and release by using a drug delivery system. MSNs were synthesized by sol-gel method, and surface modification of nanoparticles was achieved using (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES). PCZ was loaded on APTES-modified MSN successfully. MSN, APTES-modified MSN and PCZ loaded APTES-modified MSN were characterized. Diffusion controlled release of PCZ was observed in drug release studies.

The Development of an AF4 Characterization Pipeline for Polymeric Nanoparicle-Protein Interactions

The centrifugation-wash method is currently the standard technique used for the recovery of nanoparticle-protein complexes from protein-containing serum. However, this technique is disruptive, and leads to changes in nanoparticle parameters and the surface-bound protein composition. In this study, we explore the use of field flow fractionation (FFF) for the development of a robust pipeline for the characterization of nanoparticle parameters following protein corona formation under physiologically-relevant conditions. Model surface-modified polystyrene latex nanoparticles were treated with protein-containing medium mimicking cell-culture conditions under physiologically-relevant conditions. Following incubation, nanoparticle-protein samples were then fractionated using the FFF system and characterized using in-line detectors. Conventional nanoparticle-protein studies typically use the highly invasive centrifugation-wash method which leads to changes in measured particle parameters. Our studies show that AF4 allows for high resolution and characterization of in-situ nanoparticle-protein complexes. This work will allow for the development of a more harmonized approach for characterizing nanoparticle-protein interactions under biologically-relevant conditions.

Synthesis, characterization and application of a magnetic nanoencapsulated PCM in enhancing the natural convection in a cube cavity

Encapsulation of phase change materials (PCMs) is an intelligently effective way to overcome the challenges of PCMs usage in heat storage and transfer applications. At the first stage of the current study, a novel magnetic nanoencapsulated PCM (M−NEnPCM) consisting of n-Octadecane (n-C18) coated with a poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) shell was synthesized through the miniemulsion ultrasonic-assistant polymerization technique. The magnetic property was introduced to the nanocapsules by adding surface-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles into the core during the formation step. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) results showed an average nanocapsule size of 78 nm. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) along with transmission electron microscope (TEM) images confirmed the spherical shape with a core/shell structure of the M−NEnPCM. According to the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), M−NEnPCM had melting and crystallization latent heats of 116.47 and 124.71 J/g, respectively. Moreover, based on vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) results, the superparamagnetic property of M−NEnPCM is proved. At the second stage, the performance of water suspensions containing different amounts of the as-prepared nanocapsules in enhancing the natural convection in a cube cavity was investigated under various heat fluxes and magnetic field flux densities. The results illustrated that the use of nanocapsules leads to enhance the natural convection up to 2 times higher than that of pure water; while there are optimum levels of M−NEnPCM concentration and magnetic field flux density at which the heat transfer coefficient is maximized.

Single and Multitarget Systems for Drug Delivery and Detection: Up-to-Date Strategies for Brain Disorders.

This review summarizes the recent findings on the development of different types of single and multitarget nanoparticles for disease detection and drug delivery to the brain, focusing on promising active principles encapsulated and nanoparticle surface modification and functionalization. Functionalized nanoparticles have emerged as promising tools for the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders, offering a novel approach to addressing complex neurological challenges. They can act as drug delivery vehicles, transporting one or multiple therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier and precisely releasing them at the site of action. In diagnostics, functionalized nanoparticles can serve as highly sensitive contrast agents for imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans. By attaching targeting ligands to the nanoparticles, they can selectively accumulate in the affected areas of the brain, enhancing the accuracy of disease detection. This enables early diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases. While the field is still evolving, functionalized nanoparticles represent a promising path for advancing our ability to diagnose and treat brain disorders with greater precision, reduced invasiveness, and improved therapeutic outcomes.

Light-driven thermocatalytic CO2 reduction by CH4 on alumina-cluster-modified Ni nanoparticles with excellent durability and high light-to-fuel efficiency promoted by the photoactivation effect

Using inexhaustible solar energy to drive efficient light-driven thermocatalytic CO2 reduction by CH4 (DRM) is an attractive approach that can synchronously reduce the greenhouse effect and convert solar energy into fuels. However, it is often limited by the intense light intensity required to produce high fuel production rates, and the catalyst deactivation due to severe carbon deposition generated from side reactions. Herein, a nanostructure of alumina-cluster-modified Ni nanoparticles supported on Al2O3 nanorods (ACM-Ni/Al2O3) was synthesized, displaying good catalytic performance under focused UV–vis-IR illumination. By light-driven thermocatalytic DRM on ACM-Ni/Al2O3 at a reduced light intensity of 76.9 kW m−2, the high fuel production rates of H2 (rH2, 65.7 mmol g−1 min−1) and CO (rCO, 78.8 mmol g−1 min−1), as well as an efficient light-to-fuel efficiency (η, 26.3 %) are achieved without additional heating. The rH2 and rCO of light-driven thermocatalysis are 2.9 and 1.9 times higher, respectively, compared to conventional thermocatalysis at the same temperature. We have discovered that high light-driven thermocatalytic activity originates from the photoactivation effect, significantly reducing the apparent activation energy and facilitating C* oxidation as a decisive step in DRM. ACM-Ni/Al2O3 possesses excellent durability and exhibits an extremely low coking rate of 4.40 × 10−3 gc gcatalyst−1 h−1, which is 26.8 times lower than that of the reference sample without Al2O3 cluster modification (R-Ni/Al2O3). This is owing to a decrease in activation energies (Ea) of C* oxidation and an increase in Ea of C* polymerization by the surface modification of Ni nanoparticles with Al2O3 clusters, effectively inhibiting carbon deposition.

Targeted DPPC/DMPG surface-modified voriconazole lipid nanoparticles control invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised population: in-vitro and in-vivo assessment

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is the most devastating Aspergillus-related lung disease. Voriconazole (VRZ) is the first-line treatment against IPA. Despite availability in oral and parenteral dosage forms, risks of systemic toxicity dictate alternative pulmonary administration. Inspired by natural lung surfactants, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPC/DMPG) surface-modified lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were scrutinized for pulmonary administration. DPPC/DMPG-VRZ-LNPs prepared using ultrasonication/thin film hydration were investigated for colloidal properties over 3-month shelf storage. They were stable with a slight change in entrapment efficiency. They provided a sustained VRZ release over 24 h, with a rapid initial release. In vitro aerosolization indicated higher percentages of VRZ deposited on stages corresponding to secondary bronchi and alveolar ducts. Moreover, intrapulmonary administration maintained high lung VRZ concentration (27 ± 1.14 µg/g) after 6 h. A preclinical study using a cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenic rat model demonstrated a 3-fold reduction in BALF-Galactomannan down to 0.515 ± 0.22 µg/L confirming DPPC/DMPG-VRZ-LNPs potential in hyphal growth inhibition. Histopathological examination of infected/nontreated lung sections exhibited dense fungal load inside alveoli and blood vessels indicating massive tissue and angio-invasiveness. Nevertheless, DPPC/DMPG-VRZ-LNPs-treated animals displayed minimal hyphae with no signs of invasiveness. The developed bioinspired nanoparticles serve as prospective bioactive nanocarrier candidates for pulmonary administration of VRZ in the management of IPA.

Removal of fine solids from bitumen by hetero-aggregation and magnetic separation using surface-modified magnetite nanoparticles. Part 2: Role of surface modification

Stearylamine acetate (SAA) modified magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been previously proven to significantly improve the efficiency of fine solids removal from cyclohexane-diluted non-aqueous extracted (NAE) bitumen following magnetic separation. In this work, asphaltene-modified magnetite nanoparticles (Asp-MNPs) were prepared, and their ability to remove fine solids from NAE bitumen was evaluated. The influence of the surface modification with SAA or asphaltene on MNPs in their interactions with NAE fine solids was studied through quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and atomic force microscopy studies. It was demonstrated that modification by SAA increased the adhesion interaction between the MNPs and NAE fine solids through a bridging effect. The use of an external magnetic field also strengthened the hetero-aggregation between surface-modified MNPs and the NAE fine solids. Though the asphaltene modification of MNPs resulted in a repulsive behavior in the interaction between MNPs and NAE fine solids due to steric effect, the applied external magnetic field could drive the Asp-MNPs together and induce the bridging among the Asp-MNPs through an interdigitation process, and the NAE fine solids could be captured through a sweeping effect by the networked Asp-MNPs.

Surface modification of lipid nanoparticles for gene therapy.

Gene therapies have the potential to target and effectively treat a variety of diseases including cancer as well as genetic, neurological, and autoimmune disorders. Although we have made significant advances in identifying non-viral strategies to deliver genetic cargo, certain limitations remain. In general, gene delivery is challenging for several reasons including the instabilities of nucleic acids to enzymatic and chemical degradation and the presence of restrictive biological barriers such as cell, endosomal and nuclear membranes. The emergence of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) helped overcome many of these challenges. Despite its success, further optimization is required for LNPs to yield efficient gene delivery to extrahepatic tissues, as LNPs favor accumulation in the liver after systemic administration. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of current preclinical approaches in that LNP surface modification was leveraged for cell and tissue targeting by conjugating aptamers, antibodies, and peptides among others. In addition to their cell uptake and efficiency-enhancing effects, we outline the (dis-)advantages of the different targeting moieties and commonly used conjugation strategies.

Surface-modified gold-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles promoting light-controlled drug release

Surface-modified gold-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles promoting light-controlled drug release