Nanotechnology Approaches Research Articles

Exploring the Dissolution, Solid-state Properties, and Long-term Storage Stability of Cryoprotectant-free Fenbendazole Nanoparticles.

Fenbendazole is an antiparasitic drug widely used in veterinary medicine to treat parasitic infections caused in animals like cattle, horses, sheep, and dogs. Recently, it has been repositioned as a potential alternative for cancer treatment. However, it is a highly hydrophobic molecule (0.9 ug/mL), which can compromise its dissolution rate and absorption. Thus, this work aimed to apply a nanotechnological approach to improve drug solubility and dissolution performance. Fenbendazole nanoparticles stabilized by different poloxamers were obtained by lyophilization without cryoprotectants. The behavior of the drug in the solid state was analyzed by X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and infrared spectroscopy. The nanosystems were also evaluated for solubility and dissolution rate. A long-term stability evaluation was performed for three years at room temperature. The yields of the lyophilization ranged between 75 and 81% for each lot. The nanoparticles showed a submicron size (< 340 nm) and a low polydispersity depending on the stabilizer. The physicochemical properties of the prepared systems indicated a remarkable amorphization of the drug, which influenced its solubility and dissolution performance. The drug dissolution from both the fresh and aged nanosystems was significantly higher than that of the raw drug. In particular, nanoparticles prepared with poloxamer 407 showed no significant modifications in their particle size in three years of storage. Physical stability studies indicated that the obtained systems prepared with P188, P237, and P407 suffered certain recrystallization during long storage at 25 °C. These findings confirm that selected poloxamers exhibited an important effect in formulating fenbendazole nanosystems with improved dissolution.

Brain biodistribution of myelin nanovesicles with targeting potential for multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease with multiple players. In particular, peripheral (myelin-reactive CD4+ T lymphocytes) and central immune cells (microglia) are involved in the neuroinflammatory process and are found in MS brain lesions. New nanotechnological approaches that can cross the blood-brain barrier and specifically target the key players in the disease using biocompatible nanomaterials with low immunoreactivity represent an important challenge. To this end, nanoparticles and nanovesicles have been studied to induce immune tolerance to a wide range of myelin-derived antigens as potential approaches against MS. To this aim, we extracted myelin from bovine brain and produced myelin-based nanovesicles (MyVes) by nanoprecipitation. MyVes have a diameter of about 100 nm, negative zeta potential and contain the typical proteins of the myelin sheath. The results showed that MyVes are not cytotoxic, are hemocompatibile and do not induce an inflammatory response. In vitro experiments showed that MyVes are specifically taken up by microglial cells and are able to induce the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. In addition, we have used biodistribution experiments to show that MyVes are able to reach the brain after intranasal administration. Finally, MyVes induced the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-4 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from MS patients. Taken together, these data provide proof of concept that MyVes may represent a safe nanosystem capable of promoting anti-inflammatory effects by modulating both central and peripheral immune cells to treat neuroinflammation in MS. Statement of significanceRecently, nanoparticles and nanovesicles have been investigated as potential approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. We propose the use of myelin nanovesicles (MyVes) as a potential application to counteract neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Approximately 2.8 million people worldwide are estimated to live with MS. It is an autoimmune disease directed toward various myelin-derived antigens. Both peripheral immune cells (lymphocytes) and central immune cells (microglia) actively contribute to MS brain lesions. MyVes, due to their myelin nature, specific characteristics (size, zeta potential, and presence of myelin proteins), biocompatibility, and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, could represent the first nanosystem capable of promoting anti-inflammatory actions by modulating both central and peripheral immune cells to treat neuroinflammation in MS.

Revitalizing Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer: Nanotechnology and Bioengineering Approaches.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy has been a cornerstone treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer for decades and still faces challenges, such as severe immune adverse reactions, which reduce its use as a first-line treatment. This review examines BCG therapy's history, mechanisms, and current status, highlighting how nanotechnology and bioengineering are revitalizing its application. We discuss novel nanocarrier systems aimed at enhancing BCG's efficacy while mitigating specific side effects. These approaches promise improved tumor targeting, better drug loading, and an enhanced stimulation of anti-tumor immune responses. Key strategies involve using materials such as liposomes, polymers, and magnetic particles to encapsulate BCG or functional BCG cell wall components. Additionally, co-delivering BCG with chemotherapeutics enhances drug targeting and tumor-killing effects while reducing drug toxicity, with some studies even achieving synergistic effects. While most studies remain experimental, this research direction offers hope for overcoming BCG's limitations and advancing bladder cancer immunotherapy. Further elucidation of BCG's mechanisms and rigorous safety evaluations of new delivery systems will be crucial for translating these innovations into clinical practice.

Phytomediated Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Derived from the Fronds of Adiantum venustum D.Don: Evaluation of their Biomedical Potential.

The green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO) mediated by crude ethanolic extract and the n-butanol fraction of Adiantum venustum represents a groundbreaking approach in nanotechnology, combining ecological sustainability with advanced functionality. This innovative method leverages the natural bioactive compounds present in A. venustum to produce CuO nanoparticles, which exhibit remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-proliferative properties. The green synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using a variety of techniques, as XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the CuO nanoparticles, with a crystallite size of 14.65nm for CuO-C and 18.73nm for CuO-B. The grain sizes of CuO-C (14.09 ± 0.17nm) and CuO-B (67.88 ± 2.08nm) were determined using transmission electron microscopy micrographs. Furthermore, the synthesized nanomaterial and the crude ethanolic extract, n-butanol fraction, were examined for their biological potentials namely antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-proliferative activity against HeLa cancer cells. Among the synthesized nanomaterials, copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized by utilizing the n-butanol fraction have appeared as a potential biomedical agent. CuO-B has arisen as an antioxidant agent with IC50 values of 44.63 ± 0.49µg/mL, 48.49 ± 0.17µg/mL, and 35.39 ± 0.61µg/mL for DPPH, FRAP, and reducing power assay, respectively. Furthermore, the significant antibacterial potential of CuO-B against gram-positive (S. aureus MIC 46.88µg/mL) and gram-negative (K. pneumonia MIC 23.48µg/mL) bacterial strains cannot be neglected either. Along with this, the IC50 value (138.07µg/mL) of CuO-B against HeLa cells proved it to be a potential anticancerous agent. Hence, this novel approach emphasized that these synthesized nanoparticles have tremendous biological potential and can be applied to various fields of agriculture and biomedicine.

Advanced Nanotechnological Approaches for Effective Delivery of Rutin: An Updated Review.

Polyphenols are a group of naturally occurring compounds that have intriguing biological activities. Among these compounds is rutin, a polyphenolic flavanol found in many plants, including passion flowers, buckwheat seed, fruits and fruit rinds, and citrus fruits (such as orange, grapefruit, lemon, and lime). Various studies have demonstrated rutin to possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-adipogenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-apoptotic, anti-osteoporotic, radioprotective, gastroprotective, neuroprotective, and nephroprotective activities. Despite its benefits, rutin's therapeutic applicability is severely limited due to its low water solubility, sensitivity to oxidation, and dissolving rate. However, these problems can be overcome by employing an efficient delivery approach. An extensive number of nanocarriers can be developed for medicinal use if pre-clinical as well as human-clinical studies are completed. The current review presents an overview of effective rutin nano-formulations for targeted therapy in various health disorders. This review article discusses the clinical evidence, current status, as well as future opportunities of rutin nanocarriers for increasing rutin's bioactivity for possible medicinal uses.

Potential of Green Synthesis Using a Nanotechnology Approach to Enhance the Biological Properties of Onion Extracts

Potential of Green Synthesis Using a Nanotechnology Approach to Enhance the Biological Properties of Onion Extracts

Perspectives and Possibilities for New Antimicrobial Agents in the Treatment and Control of Mastitis Induced by Algae of the Genus Prototheca spp.: A Review.

Innovative approaches in nanotechnology provide a potentially promising alternative to untreatable cases of mastitis caused by genus Prototheca spp. algae infections. Drying of the teats of the affected animals or culling are typically the outcomes of mastitis in dairy cattle caused by these pathogens. A major issue in both veterinary medicine and animal breeding is the Prototheca species' widespread resistance to the current methods of managing infections and the available drugs, including antibiotics. Commercial antifungal preparations are also ineffective. Nanotechnology, an emerging discipline, has the potential to create an effective alternative treatment for protothecal mastitis. The aim of the paper is to combine the literature data on the use of nanotechnology in the control of mastitis, taking into account data on combating mastitis caused by Prototheca spp. infections. The databases employed were PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, focusing on literature from the last 20 years to ensure relevance and currency. Studies conducted in vitro have demonstrated that nanomaterials have significant biocidal activity against mastitis infections of different etiologies. Analyzed research papers show that (NPs), such as AgNPs, CuNPs, AuNPs, etc., may not negatively impact various cell lines and may be effective agents in reducing the pathogens' viability. However, it is also critical to assess the risks involved in using nanomaterials.

Unravelling the role of tumor microenvironment responsive nanobiomaterials in spatiotemporal controlled drug delivery for lung cancer therapy.

Design and development of efficient drug delivery technologies that impart site-specificity is the need of the hour for the effective treatment of lung cancer. The emergence of materials science and nanotechnology partially helped drug delivery scientists to achieve this objective. Various stimuli-responsive materials that undergo degradation at the pathological tumor microenvironment (TME) have been developed and explored for drug delivery applications using nanotechnological approaches. Nanoparticles (NPs), owing to their small size and high surface area to volume ratio, demonstrated enhanced cellular internalization, permeation, and retention at the tumor site. Such passive accumulation of stimuli-responsive materials helped to achieve spatiotemporally controlled and targeted drug delivery within the tumors. In this review, we discussed various stimuli-physical (interstitial pressure, temperature, and stiffness), chemical (pH, hypoxia, oxidative stress, and redox state), and biological (receptor expression, efflux transporters, immune cells, and their receptors or ligands)-that are characteristic to the TME. We mentioned an array of biomaterials-based nanoparticulate delivery systems that respond to these stimuli and control drug release at the TME. Further, we discussed nanoparticle-based combinatorial drug delivery strategies. Finally, we presented our perspectives on challenges related to scale-up, clinical translation, and regulatory approvals.

Advances in nanotechnological approaches for the detection of early markers associated with severe cardiac ailments.

Mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for over 30% of all deaths globally, necessitating reliable diagnostic tools. Prompt identification and precise diagnosis are critical for effective personalized treatment. Nanotechnology offers promising applications in diagnostics, biosensing and drug delivery for prevalent cardiovascular diseases. Its integration into cardiovascular care enhances diagnostic accuracy, enabling early intervention and tailored treatment plans. By leveraging nanoscale innovations, healthcare professionals can address the complexities of CVD progression and customize interventions based on individual patient needs. Ongoing advancements in nanotechnology continue to shape the landscape of cardiovascular medicine, offering potential for improved patient outcomes and reduced mortality rates from these pervasive diseases.

Bioinspired and bioderived nanomedicine for inflammatory bowel disease.

Due to its chronic nature and complex pathophysiology, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) poses significant challenges for treatment. The long-term therapies for patients, often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, call for innovative strategies to target inflammation, minimize systemic drug exposure, and improve patients' therapeutic outcomes. Among the plethora of strategies currently pursued, bioinspired and bioderived nano-based formulations have garnered interest for their safety and versatility in the management of IBD. Bioinspired nanomedicine can host and deliver not only small drug molecules but also biotherapeutics, be made gastroresistant and mucoadhesive or mucopenetrating and, for these reasons, are largely investigated for oral administration, while surprisingly less for rectal delivery, recommended first-line treatment approach for several IBD patients. The use of bioderived nanocarriers, mostly extracellular vesicles (EVs), endowed with unique homing abilities, is still in its infancy with respect to the arsenal of nanomedicine under investigation for IBD treatment. An emerging source of EVs suited for oral administration is ingesta, that is, plants or milk, thanks to their remarkable ability to resist the harsh environment of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Inspired by the unparalleled properties of natural biomaterials, sophisticated avenues for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and advancing precision medicine approaches in IBD care are taking shape, although bottlenecks arising either from the complexity of the nanomedicine designed or from the lack of a clear regulatory pathway still hinder a smooth and efficient translation to the clinics. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.

Manipulation of protein corona for nanomedicines.

Nanomedicines have significantly advanced the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for various diseases, while they still encounter numerous challenges. Upon entry into the human body, nanomedicines interact with biomolecules to form a layer of proteins, which is defined as the protein corona that influences the biological properties of nanomedicines. Traditional approaches have primarily focused on designing stealthy nanomedicines to evade biomolecule adsorption; however, due to the intricacies of the biological environment within body, this method cannot completely prevent biomolecule adsorption. As research on the protein corona progresses, manipulating the protein corona to modulate the in vivo behaviors of nanomedicines has become a research focus. In this review, modern strategies focused on influencing the biological efficacy of nanomedicines in vivo by manipulating protein corona, along with their wide-ranging applications across diverse diseases are critically summarized, highlighted and discussed. Finally, future directions for this important yet challenging research area are also briefly discussed. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Extracts from Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi: Characterization and Bioactivities.

In this work, the hexane, chloroform, and methanol extracts from Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi were utilized to green-synthesize silver nanoparticles (Kf1-, Kf2-, and Kf3-AgNPs). The Kf1-, Kf2-, and Kf3-AgNPs were characterized by spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs was studied against bacteria strains, utilizing the microdilution assay. The DPPH and H2O2 assays were considered to assess the antioxidant activity of AgNPs. The results revealed that Kf1-, Kf2-, and Kf3-AgNPs exhibit an average diameter of 39.9, 111, and 42 nm, respectively. The calculated ζ-potential of Kf1-, Kf2-, and Kf3-AgNPs were -20.5, -10.6, and -7.9 mV, respectively. The UV-vis analysis of the three samples demonstrated characteristic absorption bands within the range of 350-450 nm, which confirmed the formation of AgNPs. The FTIR analysis of AgNPs exhibited a series of bands from 3500 to 750 cm-1, related to the presence of extracts on their surfaces. SEM observations unveiled that Kf1- and Kf2-AgNPs adopted structural arrangements related to nano-popcorns and nanoflowers, whereas Kf3-AgNPs were spherical in shape. It was determined that treatment with Kf1-, Kf2-, and Kf3-AgNPs was demonstrated to inhibit the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa in a dose-dependent manner (50-300 μg/mL). Within the same range, treatment with Kf1-, Kf2-, and Kf3-AgNPs decreased the generation of DPPH (IC50 57.02-2.09 μg/mL) and H2O2 (IC50 3.15-3.45 μg/mL) radicals. This study highlights the importance of using inorganic nanomaterials to improve the biological performance of plant extracts as an efficient nanotechnological approach.

Recent Advances in the Delivery, Mechanism of Action and Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study comprehensively review the significant advancements in the antimicrobial application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), focusing on innovative delivery mechanisms such as nanogels, liposomes, and polymer-based nanoparticles. It highlights the unique physicochemical properties of AgNPs that contribute to their antibacterial efficacy, including their ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes and inhibit biofilm formation. The review also addresses the critical challenges of cytotoxicity and delivery method refinement, emphasizing the potential of AgNPs in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Full Abstract Nanoparticles,especially silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), have revolutionized various fields like microbiology, biotechnology, pharmacy, and medicine owing to their distinct properties. This research delves into the significant potential of AgNPs in antimicrobial therapy, focusing on recent advancements in their delivery mechanisms, mechanisms of action, and antibacterial efficacy. The effective targeted delivery of AgNPs to specific body sites remains a challenge, leading to innovative approaches in nanotechnology. Nanogels, liposomes, and polymer-based nanoparticles have emerged as promising delivery systems, enhancing the stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of AgNPs. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs is rooted in their unique physicochemical properties, such as high surface area and reactivity. They disrupt bacterial cell membranes, increasing permeability, causing cell death, and interfering with intracellular components. Additionally, AgNPs have shown potential in inhibiting biofilm formation, a common defense mechanism of bacteria against antibiotics. Despite their promise, addressing issues related to cytotoxicity and refining delivery methods remains imperative. This review comprehensively addresses the challenges associated with the delivery of AgNPs, their cytotoxic effects, and their efficacy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, highlighting their mechanism of action in bacterial eradication and biofilm inhibition.

Emerging Trends in the Treatment of Skin Disorders by Herbal Drugs: Traditional and Nanotechnological Approach.

Since the earliest days, people have been employing herbal treatments extensively around the world. The development of phytochemical and phytopharmacological sciences has made it possible to understand the chemical composition and biological properties of a number of medicinal plant products. Due to certain challenges like large molecular weight and low bioavailability, some components of herbal extracts are not utilized for therapeutic purposes. It has been suggested that herbal medicine and nanotechnology can be combined to enhance the benefits of plant extracts by lowering dosage requirements and adverse effects and increasing therapeutic activity. Using nanotechnology, the active ingredient can be delivered in an adequate concentration and transported to the targeted site of action. Conventional therapy does not fulfill these requirements. This review focuses on different skin diseases and nanotechnology-based herbal medicines that have been utilized to treat them.

Daidzein nanosuspension combined with 5-fluorouracil induces apoptosis and alleviate inflammation in Caco-2 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer deaths. Alternative treatment strategies, including nano-based formulations, show remarkable promise to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy. The soy isoflavone daidzein has attracted attention for its anti-cancer activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of daidzein nanosuspension with 5-fluorouracil on apoptosis and inflammation induced in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2). Cytotoxicity, total antioxidant/oxidant status (TAS, TOS), and the expression of proteins associated with apoptosis and inflammation were analyzed by the MTT, ELISA and qRT-PCR, respectively. Daidzein nanosuspension showed a strong cytotoxicity (IC50 = 240.3 μM for daidzein, IC50 = 35.34 μM for daidzein nanosuspension) compared to daidzein. The combination of 5-fluorouracil and daidzein nanosuspension treatment showed a synergistic antiproliferative effect without increasing oxidative stress. The combination showed a significant increase in p53 levels and a significant decrease in Bcl-2, IL-6, TNF-α and MMP-9 levels. qRT-PCR results showed that the combinations of daidzein and DZ-NS with 5-FU regulated these parameters in Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, daidzein nanosuspension with 5-fluorouracil treatment reduced the proliferation and inflammation and increased apoptosis of Caco-2 cells without oxidative stress. The current study shows that this combination also elucidates several signaling pathways, including effects on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. The integration of this nanotechnology approach into traditional chemotherapy will form the basis of an innovative strategy.

Fish Waste to Valuable Products: Nanotechnological Approach

Fish Waste to Valuable Products: Nanotechnological Approach

Nanotechnological Approaches to Enhance the Potential of α-Lipoic Acid for Application in the Clinic.

α-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring compound with potent antioxidant properties that helps protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress. Its incorporation into nanoplatforms can affect factors like bioavailability, stability, reactivity, and targeted delivery. Nanoformulations of α-lipoic acid can significantly enhance its solubility and absorption, making it more bioavailable. While α-lipoic acid can be prone to degradation in its free form, encapsulation within nanoparticles ensures its stability over time, and its release in a controlled and sustained manner to the targeted tissues and cells. In addition, α-lipoic acid can be combined with other compounds, such as other antioxidants, drugs, or nanomaterials, to create synergistic effects that enhance their overall therapeutic benefits or hinder their potential cytotoxicity. This review outlines the advantages and drawbacks associated with the use of α-lipoic acid, as well as various nanotechnological approaches employed to enhance its therapeutic effectiveness, whether alone or in combination with other bioactive agents. Furthermore, it describes the engineering of α-lipoic acid to produce poly(α-lipoic acid) nanoparticles, which hold promise as an effective drug delivery system.

Aflatoxins in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea): Prevalence, Global Health Concern, and Management from an Innovative Nanotechnology Approach: A Mechanistic Repertoire and Future Direction.

Arachis hypogaea is the most significant oilseed nutritious legume crop in agricultural trade across the world. It is recognized as a valued crop for its contributions to nourishing food, as a cooking oil, and for meeting the protein needs of people who are unable to afford animal protein. Currently, its production, marketability, and consumption are hindered because of Aspergillus species infection that consequently contaminates the kernels with aflatoxins. Regarding health concerns, humans and animals are affected by acute and chronic aflatoxin toxicity and millions of people are at high risk of chronic levels. Most methods used to store peanuts are traditional and serve effectively for short-term storage. Now the question for long-term storage has been raised, and this promptly finds potential approaches to the issue. It is imperative to reduce the aflatoxin levels in peanuts to a permissible level by introducing detoxifying innovations. Most of the detoxification reports mention physical, chemical, and biological techniques. However, many current approaches are impractical because of time consumption, loss of nutritional quality, or weak detoxifying efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate practical, economical, and green methods to control Aspergillus flavus that address current global food security problems. Herein, a green and economically revolutionary way is a nanotechnology that has demonstrated its potential to connect farmers to markets, elevate international marketability, improve human and animal health conditions, and enhance food quality and safety by the management of fungal diseases. Due to the antimicrobial potential of nanoparticles, they act as nanofungicides and have an incredible role in the control of aflatoxins. Nanoparticles have ultrasmall sizes and therefore penetrate the fungal body and invade the pathogen machinery, leading to fungal cell death by ROS production, mutation in DNA, disruption of organelles, and membrane leakage. This is the first mechanistic overview that unveils a comprehensive insight into aflatoxin contamination in peanuts, its prevalence, health effects, and management in addition to nanotechnological interventions that serve as a triple defense approach to detoxify aflatoxins. The optimum use of nanofungicides ensures food safety and the development of goals, especially "zero hunger".

Towards realizing nano-enabled precision delivery in plants.

Nanocarriers (NCs) that can precisely deliver active agents, nutrients and genetic materials into plants will make crop agriculture more resilient to climate change and sustainable. As a research field, nano-agriculture is still developing, with significant scientific and societal barriers to overcome. In this Review, we argue that lessons can be learned from mammalian nanomedicine. In particular, it may be possible to enhance efficiency and efficacy by improving our understanding of how NC properties affect their interactions with plant surfaces and biomolecules, and their ability to carry and deliver cargo to specific locations. New tools are required to rapidly assess NC-plant interactions and to explore and verify the range of viable targeting approaches in plants. Elucidating these interactions can lead to the creation of computer-generated in silico models (digital twins) to predict the impact of different NC and plant properties, biological responses, and environmental conditions on the efficiency and efficacy of nanotechnology approaches. Finally, we highlight the need for nano-agriculture researchers and social scientists to converge in order to develop sustainable, safe and socially acceptable NCs.

Biochemical and nanotechnological approaches to combat phytoparasitic nematodes.

The foundation of most food production systems underpinning global food security is the careful management of soil resources. Embedded in the concept of soil health is the impact of diverse soil-borne pests and pathogens, and phytoparasitic nematodes represent a particular challenge. Root-knot nematodes and cyst nematodes are severe threats to agriculture, accounting for annual yield losses of US$157 billion. The control of soil-borne phytoparasitic nematodes conventionally relies on the use of chemical nematicides, which can have adverse effects on the environment and human health due to their persistence in soil, plants, and water. Nematode-resistant plants offer a promising alternative, but genetic resistance is species-dependent, limited to a few crops, and breeding and deploying resistant cultivars often takes years. Novel approaches for the control of phytoparasitic nematodes are therefore required, those that specifically target these parasites in the ground whilst minimizing the impact on the environment, agricultural ecosystems, and human health. In addition to the development of next-generation, environmentally safer nematicides, promising biochemical strategies include the combination of RNA interference (RNAi) with nanomaterials that ensure the targeted delivery and controlled release of double-stranded RNA. Genome sequencing has identified more than 75 genes in root knot and cyst nematodes that have been targeted with RNAi so far. But despite encouraging results, the delivery of dsRNA to nematodes in the soil remains inefficient. In this review article, we describe the state-of-the-art RNAi approaches targeting phytoparasitic nematodes and consider the potential benefits of nanotechnology to improve dsRNA delivery.