Nanotechnology Tools Research Articles

Immunogenic antitumor potential of Prakasine nanoparticles in zebrafish by gene expression stimulation

In this study, non-toxic mercury nanoparticle was synthesized as per “Prakash theory of metal drugs” and nanoparticle’s characters has been demonstrated by employing several nanotechnological tools including XPS, XRD, EDAX. The size of the Prakasine nanoparticles (PRK-NP) ranged from 90–100 nm, confirmed using TEM, SEM, DLS and along with zeta potential of −29.5 mV before storage and −8.5 mV after storage. The FTIR provided information regarding the nanoparticle capping and functional groups. The study was further elaborated for determining PRK-NPs toxicity, genotoxicity, in-vivo toxicity, immunological anti-tumour activity, immunogenicity potential, gene expression profiling and confirmed by MTT and apoptosis assays, cancer zebrafish model studies and WBC proliferation assay. PRK-NPs revealed no cytotoxicity where cell viability was observed 99% in L6 mouse fibroblasts and 99% in MCF-7 cell lines. Also, the cell viability was to be 89.47% at a very high concentration of 320 µg/ml in HEK 293 cells. The PRK-NPs significantly reduced the tumour in zebrafish at dose of 90 μg/g by up regulating IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2-ITK, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ, and down regulating IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and TGF-β compared to untreated controls without any adverse effects and toxicity. Thus, the current study beholds anticipation PRK-NPs may play a vital role in therapeutic.

Advancing Medicine with Lipid-Based Nanosystems—The Successful Case of Liposomes

Nanomedicine, a promising area of medicine, employs nanosized tools for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease. Particularly, liposomes, lipid-based nanovesicles, are currently one of the most successful nanosystems, with extensive applications in the clinic and an increasing pipeline of products in preclinical and clinical development. These versatile nanotechnological tools are biocompatible and biodegradable, and can load a variety of molecules and, ultimately, improve the therapeutic performance of drugs while minimizing undesired side effects. In this review, we provide a brief description on liposomes' composition and classification and mainly focus on their clinical use in various areas, including disease management (e.g., cancer, fungal and bacterial infections, ocular pathologies), analgesia, vaccination, diagnostics, and immunosuppression in organ transplantation. Herein are described examples of current liposomal products already in the clinic, as well as the most recent clinical trials involving liposomes as effective and safe nanomedicine tools.

Novel improvements to RNA synthesis for biophysical studies.

RNA plays a central role in biology and is emerging as a powerful tool in nanotechnology, diagnostics, and therapeutics/vaccines. Biophysical characterizations of RNA in those roles and in complex processes like splicing, long noncoding RNA, and much more requires the preparation of homogeneous samples. While the T7 family of RNA polymerases is agile at synthesizing very large quantities of RNA, the pursuit of those high yields often drives off-pathway reactions that generate a wide range of contaminant RNAs. Building on a mechanistic understanding of the process, we are developing approaches for researchers to use that can net substantial improvements in RNA quality and yield. The first approach exploits high ionic strength to limit the RNA rebinding that drives off-pathway reactions, while strengthening of overall promoter binding allows the maintenance of high RNA production levels. A second approach tethers promoter DNA near its binding site to increase relative local concentrations. This allows promoter binding to better compete with RNA rebinding, and also allows for salt challenges for the latter. Finally, we are developing deep sequencing of in vitro transcription products to characterize polymerase fidelity and to compare fidelity under conditions widely used in RNA synthesis with more physiologically relevant conditions.

Bioinspired Cobalt Oxide Nanoball Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Potential as Metal Stress Absorbants.

Massive accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural land as a result of enhanced levels of toxicity in the soil is an emerging global concern. Among various metals, zinc contamination has severe effects on plant and human health through the food chain. To remove such toxicity, a nanotechnological neutralizer, cobalt oxide nanoballs (Co3O4 Nbs) were synthesized by using the extract of Cordia myxa. The Co3O4 Nbs were well characterized via UV-vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Green-synthesized Co3O4 Nbs were exposed over Acacia jacquemontii and Acacia nilotica at different concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm). Highly significant results were observed for plant growth by the application of Co3O4 Nbs at 100 ppm, thereby increasing the root length (35%), shoot length (48%), fresh weight (44%), and dry weight (40%) of the Acacia species with respect to the control. Furthermore, physiological parameters including chlorophyll contents, relative water contents, and osmolyte contents like proline and sugar showed a prominent increase. The antioxidant activity and atomic absorption supported and justified the positive response to using Co3O4 Nbs that mitigated the heavy-metal zinc stress by improving the plant growth. Hence, the biocompatible Co3O4 Nbs counteract the zinc toxicity for governing and maintaining plant growth. Such nanotechnological tools can therefore step up the cropping system and overcome toxicity to meet the productivity demand along with the development of agricultural management strategies.

Are silver nanoparticles the “silver bullet” to promote diterpene production in Stevia rebaudiana?

S. rebaudiana is a sought after sweetener because of its low-calorie properties. However, the supply of suitable quantities of high quality propagation material is limited by inefficient propagation methods using conventional strategies. In vitro techniques combined with nanotechnology tools offer an attractive alternative not only for improved propagation but also for the stimulation of secondary metabolites which represent the targeted sweetener product for this crop. This report provides an evaluation of silver nanoparticles applied in temporary immersion bioreactors for the abovementioned purpose. Different levels of AgNPs were supplied (0.0—37.5 mg/L) and after 21 d of growth, morphological and biochemical indicators were evaluated. Silver nanoparticles at 25 and 37.5 mg/L decreased shoot multiplication rate, shoot length, and the number of nodes and leaves per shoot compared with the control while no adverse effect was found at the lower tested concentration (12.5 mg/L). Shoot fresh and dry weights also showed statistically significant differences. Regarding the biochemical phenotypes, chlorophyll a, carotenoids and soluble phenolics were increased in plants supplied with 25 mg/L AgNPs, with the latter two indicators suggesting oxidative stress. Interestingly, endogenous levels of diterpenes were significantly increased with the application of 12.5 mg/L AgNPs. It is suggested that AgNPs show potential to act as elicitors to promote the production of diterpenes in stevia but that further work is required to understand the balance between oxidative damage and secondary metabolite production and that optimization of the protocol is required to improve the propagation potential of this strategy.

Nanotechnology and COVID-19: Prevention, diagnosis, vaccine, and treatment strategies

In December 2019, Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viruses, which affected the whole world, is emerged. The details on the epidemiology, infection source, transmission mode, and prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 gave in this review. Universal infection control standards such as hand hygiene, environmental cleanliness, use of personal protective equipment, and quarantine used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 without vaccine. However, many vaccine candidate studies carried out globally with using traditional and technological approaches. Innovations in technology allow the development of nanotechnological tools and the formation of systems that will inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in patients. It expected to include technologies that combine different disciplines, especially robotic applications, antimicrobial nanotechnology, and tissue engineering for the future treatment of COVID-19. This review-based work discusses the relationship of COVID-19 and nanotechnology based working principles.

Remediation plan of nano/microplastic toxicity in food.

Microplastic pollution is causing a stir globally due to its persistent and ubiquitous nature. The scientific collaboration is diligently working on improved, effective, sustainable, and cleaner measures to control the nano/microplastic load in the environment especially wrecking the aquatic habitat. This chapter discusses the challenges encountered in nano/microplastic control and improved technologies like density separation, continuous flow centrifugation, oil extraction protocol, electrostatic separation to extract and quantify the same. Although it is still in the early stages of research, biobased control measures, like meal worms and microbes to degrade microplastics in the environment have been proven effective. Besides the control measures, practical alternatives to microplastics can be developed like core-shell powder, mineral powder, and biobased food packaging systems like edible films and coatings developed using various nanotechnological tools. Lastly, the existing and ideal stage of global regulations is compared, and key research areas are pinpointed. This holistic coverage would enable manufacturers and consumers to reconsider their production and purchase decisions for sustainable development goals.

The best of both worlds: mastering nerve regeneration combining biological and nanotechnological tools.

The best of both worlds: mastering nerve regeneration combining biological and nanotechnological tools.

Usage of COX-1 and COX-2 Nanomedicines in Nanotechnology

Nanomedicine is the branch of medical applications in nanotechnology. Nanomedicine ranges from medical applications of nanomaterials, biological devices to nanoelectronic biosensors, molecular nanotechnology such as biological machines. It utilizes knowledge and tools of nanotechnology to prevention and treatment of disease. Nanomedicine involves use of nanoscale materials such as biocompatible nanoparticles for delivery, sensing or actuation in a living organism. COX inhibitors are a class of pharmaceutical compounds that selectively target and inhibit the activity of the enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These enzymes are key players in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are important mediators of inflammation, pain, and fever in the body. By modulating prostaglandin production, COX inhibitors have significant therapeutic implications in the management of various inflammatory conditions, pain relief, and fever reduction. COX-1 is constitutively expressed in many tissues and is involved in maintaining normal physiological functions, including the protection of the stomach lining and platelet aggregation. In contrast, COX-2 is induced at sites of inflammation and is primarily responsible for producing prostaglandins involved in the inflammatory response. The selective inhibition of COX-2 allows for targeted suppression of inflammation while preserving the beneficial functions of COX-1. Moreover, recent research has shed light on the complex interplay between COX-1 and COX-2 in health and disease. Emerging evidence suggests that the balance between COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition may have implications beyond pain and inflammation. Investigating the diverse roles of these enzymes in different tissues and pathologies may open up new avenues for drug development and personalized medicine. COX inhibitors represent an important therapeutic class with a profound impact on managing pain, inflammation, and related disorders. Understanding the differential regulation and functions of COX-1 and COX-2 is crucial for optimizing the clinical use of COX inhibitors and developing novel strategies for targeted and safer anti-inflammatory therapies.

Advanced Plasmonic Nanoparticle-Based Techniques for the Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Current COVID-19.

Coronavirus is an ongoing global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Coronavirus disease 2019 known as COVID-19 is the worst pandemic since World War II. The outbreak of COVID-19 had a significant repercussion on the health, economy, politics, and environment, making coronavirus-related issues more complicated and becoming one of the most challenging pandemics of the last century with deadly outcomes and a high rate of the reproduction number. There are thousands of different types - or variants - of COVID circulating across the world. Viruses mutate all the time; it emphasizes the critical need for the designing of efficient vaccines to prevent virus infection, early and fast diagnosis, and effective antiviral and protective therapeutics. In this regard, the use of nanotechnology offers new opportunities for the development of novel strategies in terms of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19. This review presents an outline of the platforms developed using plasmonic nanoparticles in the detection, treatment, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2. We select the best strategies in each of these approaches. The properties of metallic plasmon NPs and their relevance in the development of novel point-of-care diagnosis approaches for COVID-19 are highlighted. Also, we discuss the current challenges and the future perspectives looking towards the clinical translation and the commercial aspects of nanotechnology and plasmonic NP-based diagnostic tools and therapy to fight COVID-19 pandemic. The article could be of significance for researchers dedicated to developing suitable plasmonic detection tools and therapy approaches for COVID-19 viruses and future pandemics.

Alteration of the HIF-1α/VEGF Signaling Pathway and Disruption of the Cell Cycle by Second Generation Carbosilan Dendrimers.

Current therapies against prostate cancer (PCa) disease, such as surgery, radiotherapy, or in last term chemical castration by androgen deprivation, have led to significant reduction of the incidence of PCa throughout the world. Worse prognosis is found in those patients which exhibit castration resistance, relapsing into the disease with even greater aggressiveness. Hypoxia cancer cell adaption has been observed to be closely connected to fatal prognostic tumor features. Therefore, hypoxia adaptive mechanisms of cancer cells have attracted large interest as a relevant biological target for treatment-resistant patients. Dendrimers have been established as a promising nanotechnological tool owing to their beneficial physicochemical features such as multivalency and monodispersity. Herein, we have completed a thorough study to better understand the effect within the cell of the already published ruthenium(II)-N-heterocyclic carbene metallodendrimer (G2Ru) that was able to drastically reduce HIF-1α stabilization and exhibited antiproliferative capability against androgen-sensitive (LNCaP) and androgen-resistant prostate cancer cells (LNFLU) in vitro. G2Ru, as well as its cationic imidazolium precursor (G2P), displayed scavenging properties against intracellular and externally stimulated ROS levels, which would presumably hinder the stabilization of HIF-1α by prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) inhibition. Furthermore, these dendrimers have shown considerably beneficial properties against tumor progression capability in terms of apoptosis, cell cycle, CSCs expression, and epithelial phenotype promotion. Taken all together, in this study we could demonstrate the extraordinary anticancer properties of NHC-based carbosilane dendrimers against androgen-resistant prostate cancer cells in vitro.

Protein cargo encapsulation by virus-like particles: Strategies and applications.

Viruses and the recombinant protein cages assembled from their structural proteins, known as virus-like particles (VLPs), have gained wide interest as tools in biotechnology and nanotechnology. Detailed structural information and their amenability to genetic and chemical modification make them attractive systems for further engineering. This review describes the range of non-enveloped viruses that have been co-opted for heterologous protein cargo encapsulation and the strategies that have been developed to drive encapsulation. Spherical capsids of a range of sizes have been used as platforms for protein cargo encapsulation. Various approaches, based on native and non-native interactions between the cargo proteins and inner surface of VLP capsids, have been devised to drive encapsulation. Here, we outline the evolution of these approaches, discussing their benefits and limitations. Like the viruses from which they are derived, VLPs are of interest in both biomedical and materials applications. The encapsulation of protein cargo inside VLPs leads to numerous uses in both fundamental and applied biocatalysis and biomedicine, some of which are discussed herein. The applied science of protein-encapsulating VLPs is emerging as a research field with great potential. Developments in loading control, higher order assembly, and capsid optimization are poised to realize this potential in the near future. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures.

Potential Strategies in the Biopesticide Formulations: A Bibliometric Analysis

Biopesticides are pest and pathogen management agents based on living microorganisms or natural products (botanical origin). Due to their natural origins, they stand out as an environmentally friendly tool, since they quickly decompose and minimize pollution problems produced by synthetic pesticides. However, these products present significant challenges that affect the bioactivities of the active components, due to the degradation of the biomass or bioactive metabolite by factors such as air, light, and temperature. Therefore, in this study, a systematic search of the Scopus database was conducted and scientometric tools were used to evaluate formulation techniques and approaches that seek to improve the bioactivities of natural preparations. The results showed that published research on biopesticides has significantly increased by 71.24% in the last decade (2011–2021). Likewise, the bibliometrics showed, through temporal flow analysis, and in the period from 2010 to 2021, investigations evolved have toward the use of nanotechnology, with the purpose of improving and potentiating the formulations of biopesticides. Consequently, nanotechnology tools can be classified as current strategies of interest that allow the increase and protection of bioefficacy to a greater extent than traditional biopesticide preparations. This review constitutes an important contribution to future research and expands the panorama in relation to biopesticide formulations for the control of agricultural pests.

Hematological and histopathological impacts of nano-emamectin benzoate against the larvae of the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory conditions

BackgroundInsects withstand foreign substances and infection by expressing robust defense responses, which are mediated by hemocytes, fat body, midgut, and many other tissues. The Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval), is a polyphagous pest with considerable economic importance in Egypt and globally. Many control strategies were employed to control this pest. Nowadays, there is a trend to use nanotechnology tools in agricultural practices as they balance minimal concentration and maximum pest control, safe concentration, and reduce the cost of pest control. The present study aimed to evaluate the hematological and histopathological response of S. littoralis larvae post-treatment with sublethal concentrations of emamectin benzoate and its nanoform, besides the silver nanoparticles.ResultsThe results revealed the high toxicity of emamectin benzoate and its nanoform (LC50 values were 0.0524 and 0.023 ppm, respectively). The results also showed that all tested compounds significantly influenced the mean number of laid eggs/female. The emamectin benzoate nanoform (837.3 ± 52.09) was the most efficient compound compared to the control (1999.3 ± 46.5). The hematological responses against the EMB + AgNP were lowered total hemocyte counting (22.41 ± 1.3) compared to the untreated larvae (38.08 ± 0.83). In addition, there were some histopathological changes in the midgut tissues. They were represented as destroying the integrity of the epithelial cells and the ciliated border. The columnar cells began to disintegrate, and the peritrophic membrane became vacuolized. In contrast, the cuticle layers were not affected by various treatments.ConclusionWe can conclude that the employment of emamectin benzoate, either in its original form or as its nanoform, is considered a promising substitute for conventional insecticides. The nanoform of emamectin benzoate proved its high efficiency against the larvae of the cotton leafworm, which may allow the application of this formulation at low concentrations.

Nanotechnology for the detection of plant pathogens

Plant pathogens are the important yield-limiting factors, which significantly reduce crop productivity globally, posing serious problems for food security and continues to be the biggest agricultural concern in the world. Even though chemical treatment is still the primary strategy for reducing the incidence of plant disease, their repeated application can cause the pathogens to become less susceptible. Over spraying can also pollute the environment and significantly affect soil microbiota. Therefore, to ensure agricultural sustainability and food security, efficient diagnostic techniques for the rapid identification of plant pathogens in the early stages of infection become crucial. Many molecular approaches for rapid plant pathogen detection have been developed to achieve this goal. However, they are time-consuming, costly, require skilled operators, and are generally unsuitable for in-situ analysis. Plant protection is feasible when any of the nanotechnology tools like microneedle patches, nanopore sequencing, nano barcoding, nano biosensors, quantum dots, nano diagnostic kit equipment, metal nanoparticles, miRNA based nanodiagnosis, and array based nano sensors is used for plant pathogen diagnosis. As they emerge as a potential tool to improve the sensitivity, accuracy, and rapidness of plant pathogen identification, and facilitate high-throughput analysis. The current review focuses on the use of nanotechnology for more quick , inexpensive, and accurate plant pathogens diagnosis.

Quality by Design of Pranoprofen Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers and Their Ex Vivo Evaluation in Different Mucosae and Ocular Tissues.

Transmucosal delivery is commonly used to prevent or treat local diseases. Pranoprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug prescribed in postoperative cataract surgery, intraocular lens implantation, chorioretinopathy, uveitis, age-related macular degeneration or cystoid macular edema. Pranoprofen can also be used for acute and chronic management of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Quality by Design (QbD) provides a systematic approach to drug development and maps the influence of the formulation components. The aim of this work was to develop and optimize a nanostructured lipid carrier by means of the QbD and factorial design suitable for the topical management of inflammatory processes on mucosal tissues. To this end, the nanoparticles loading pranoprofen were prepared by a high-pressure homogenization technique with Tween 80 as stabilizer and Lanette® 18 as the solid lipid. From, the factorial design results, the PF-NLCs-N6 formulation showed the most suitable characteristics, which was selected for further studies. The permeability capacity of pranoprofen loaded in the lipid-based nanoparticles was evaluated by ex vivo transmucosal permeation tests, including buccal, sublingual, nasal, vaginal, corneal and scleral mucosae. The results revealed high permeation and retention of pranoprofen in all the tissues tested. According to the predicted plasma concentration at the steady-state, no systemic effects would be expected, any neither were any signs of ocular irritancy observed from the optimized formulation when tested by the HET-CAM technique. Hence, the optimized formulation (PF-NLCs-N6) may offer a safe and attractive nanotechnological tool in topical treatment of local inflammation on mucosal diseases.

Influence of water contamination on the sputtering of silicon with low-energy argon ions investigated by molecular dynamics simulations.

Focused ion beams (FIB) are a common tool in nanotechnology for surface analysis, sample preparation for electron microscopy and atom probe tomography, surface patterning, nanolithography, nanomachining, and nanoprinting. For many of these applications, a precise control of ion-beam-induced processes is essential. The effect of contaminations on these processes has not been thoroughly explored but can often be substantial, especially for ultralow impact energies in the sub-keV range. In this paper we investigate by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations how one of the most commonly found residual contaminations in vacuum chambers (i.e., water adsorbed on a silicon surface) influences sputtering by 100 eV argon ions. The incidence angle was changed from normal incidence to close to grazing incidence. For the simulation conditions used in this work, the adsorption of water favours the formation of defects in silicon by mixing hydrogen and oxygen atoms into the substrate. The sputtering yield of silicon is not significantly changed by the contamination, but the fraction of hydrogen and oxygen atoms that is sputtered largely depends on the incidence angle. This fraction is the largest for incidence angles between 70 and 80° defined with respect to the sample surface. Overall, it changes from 25% to 65%.

MnO2-Ir Nanowires: Combining Ultrasmall Nanoparticle Sizes, O-Vacancies, and Low Noble-Metal Loading with Improved Activities towards the Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Although clean energy generation utilizing the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) can be considered a promising strategy, this approach remains challenging by the dependence on high loadings of noble metals, mainly Platinum (Pt). Therefore, efforts have been directed to develop new and efficient electrocatalysts that could decrease the Pt content (e.g., by nanotechnology tools or alloying) or replace them completely in these systems. The present investigation shows that high catalytic activity can be reached towards the ORR by employing 1.8 ± 0.7 nm Ir nanoparticles (NPs) deposited onto MnO2 nanowires surface under low Ir loadings (1.2 wt.%). Interestingly, we observed that the MnO2-Ir nanohybrid presented high catalytic activity for the ORR close to commercial Pt/C (20.0 wt.% of Pt), indicating that it could obtain efficient performance using a simple synthetic procedure. The MnO2-Ir electrocatalyst also showed improved stability relative to commercial Pt/C, in which only a slight activity loss was observed after 50 reaction cycles. Considering our findings, the superior performance delivered by the MnO2-Ir nanohybrid may be related to (i) the significant concentration of reduced Mn3+ species, leading to increased concentration of oxygen vacancies at its surface; (ii) the presence of strong metal-support interactions (SMSI), in which the electronic effect between MnOx and Ir may enhance the ORR process; and (iii) the unique structure comprised by Ir ultrasmall sizes at the nanowire surface that enable the exposure of high energy surface/facets, high surface-to-volume ratios, and their uniform dispersion.

The challenges and opportunities for the development of COVID-19 therapeutics and preparing for the next pandemic

The disease which is today known as COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory. Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The disease has claimed well over six million lives from over 500 million cases. Vaccine hesitancy militates against successful mass vaccination. There is the rapid emergence of new SARS-COV-2 variants, constituting a challenge to the effectiveness of vaccines. Moreover, none of the available vaccines offers 100% protection and even the protection offered is of short duration necessitating booster doses to be taken. Moving forward, the development of plant-based edible vaccines will be a remarkable strategic approach to overcome vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine uptake. So far only about nine drugs for COVID-19 treatment have approvals by either or both the European Medicines Agency and the FDA. While drug repurposing to address the emerging need in the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic has been contextually very useful, investment in it remains relatively low for commercial reasons arising from patenting issues. Embarking on new drug discovery and development strategies targeting both the virus and host factors is a very appealing option. Targeting druggable targets that are present across viruses, particularly the coronaviruses, for drug discovery and development represents an important strategy for pandemic preparedness. Natural products are an important reservoir of chemical scaffolds with huge potential for the discovery of novel chemical entities for development of novel therapeutics. Phytopharming is an available technology that can be used for mass and accelerated production of therapeutic molecules that will be required within short periods of time as is the case in pandemic outbreaks. Nanotechnology provides excellent platforms for formulating multivalent vaccines and pan-viral medicines for the treatment of COVID-19. Taken together, this review discusses the potential for the development of therapeutics by using the tools of biocomputing, nanotechnology, and phytopharming for accelerated therapeutic development to achieve effective COVID-19 treatment and associated complications, including new and emerging variants of SARS-COV-2 and other viral pandemics that may emerge or re-emerge.

New Strategies for Stroke Therapy: Nanoencapsulated Neuroglobin

Stroke is a global health and socio-economic problem. However, no efficient preventive and/or palliative treatments have yet been found. Neuroglobin (Ngb) is an endogen neuroprotective protein, but it only exerts its beneficial action against stroke after increasing its basal levels. Therefore, its systemic administration appears to be an efficient therapy applicable to stroke and other neurodegenerative pathologies. Unfortunately, Ngb cannot cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), making its direct pharmacological use unfeasible. Thus, the association of Ngb with a drug delivery system (DDS), such as nanoparticles (NPs), appears to be a good strategy for overcoming this handicap. NPs are a type of DDS which efficiently transport Ngb and increase its bioavailability in the infarcted area. Hence, we previously built hyaluronate NPS linked to Ngb (Ngb-NPs) as a therapeutic tool against stroke. This nanoformulation induced an improvement of the cerebral infarct prognosis. However, this innovative therapy is still in development, and a more in-depth study focusing on its long-lasting neuroprotectant and neuroregenerative capabilities is needed. In short, this review aims to update the state-of-the-art of stroke therapies based on Ngb, paying special attention to the use of nanotechnological drug-delivering tools.