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Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology
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Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Nanoscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 August 2024) | Viewed by 12205

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Maciej Monedeiro-Milanowski

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
Interests: metal nanoparticles; metal-oxide-based nanoparticles; antimicrobial activity; nanobiomedicine; wound dressings; immunotherapy; regenerative medicine; biosensors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanoparticles are small particles that range between 1 and 100 nanometers in size. Given their nanoscale, they have unique material properties, and fabricated nanoparticles are used in a variety of applications, including medicine and pharmaceuticals, catalysis, and foods.

Biomolecules can also be engineered to have unique compositions and functions, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides. They can be collocated with various types of nanoparticles (e.g., metals and metal oxides) to utilize the inherent characteristics of the biomolecules to complement the unique properties of the nanoparticles, resulting in novel biomolecule–nanoparticle hybrids.

This Special Issue “Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology” of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences will focus on the synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of nanoparticles in molecular biology. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

  • Synthesis and functionalization of novel biomolecule–nanoparticle hybrids;
  • Application of nanoparticles in cancer treatment;
  • Preparation of nanomedicines utilizing nanoparticles and their pharmacokinetics;
  • Mechanistic study of nanoparticle–cell interactions;
  • Cytotoxic potential of nanoparticles.

Original research papers and reviews on the application of nanoparticles in molecular biology are welcome.

Dr. Maciej Monedeiro-Milanowski
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanoparticles
  • nanomedicine
  • biomolecules
  • nanoparticle–cell interactions
  • organic–inorganic hybrid
  • cytotoxic potential

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3074 KiB  
Article
A Multifunctionalized Potyvirus-Derived Nanoparticle That Targets and Internalizes into Cancer Cells
by Daniel A. Truchado, María Juárez-Molina, Sara Rincón, Lucía Zurita, Jaime Tomé-Amat, Corina Lorz and Fernando Ponz
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4327; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084327 - 13 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1436
Abstract
Plant viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are attractive to nanomedicine researchers because of their safety, ease of production, resistance, and straightforward functionalization. In this paper, we developed and successfully purified a VNP derived from turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), a well-known plant pathogen, that exhibits a [...] Read more.
Plant viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are attractive to nanomedicine researchers because of their safety, ease of production, resistance, and straightforward functionalization. In this paper, we developed and successfully purified a VNP derived from turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), a well-known plant pathogen, that exhibits a high affinity for immunoglobulins G (IgG) thanks to its functionalization with the Z domain of staphylococcal Protein A via gene fusion. We selected cetuximab as a model IgG to demonstrate the versatility of this novel TuMV VNP by developing a fluorescent nanoplatform to mark tumoral cells from the Cal33 line of a tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Using confocal microscopy, we observed that fluorescent VNP–cetuximab bound selectively to Cal33 and was internalized, revealing the potential of this nanotool in cancer research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology)
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24 pages, 5223 KiB  
Article
Nanoremediation and Antioxidant Potential of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Leucena’s Leaves, Stem, and Fruits
by Christopher Santos Silva, Fernanda Maria Policarpo Tonelli, Vinicius Marx Silva Delgado, Vitória de Oliveira Lourenço, Geicielly da Costa Pinto, Lucas Santos Azevedo, Luciana Alves Rodrigues dos Santos Lima, Clascídia Aparecida Furtado, Danilo Roberto Carvalho Ferreira, Flávia Cristina Policarpo Tonelli and Adriano Guimarães Parreira
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073993 - 3 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1330
Abstract
Synthetic dyes are persistent organic environmental pollutants that can cause extensive damage to living beings and to the ecosystem as a whole. Cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient strategies to deal with this type of pollution are necessary as it commonly resists conventional water treatment [...] Read more.
Synthetic dyes are persistent organic environmental pollutants that can cause extensive damage to living beings and to the ecosystem as a whole. Cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient strategies to deal with this type of pollution are necessary as it commonly resists conventional water treatment methods. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using the aqueous extract from the leaves, stem, and fruits of Leucaena leucocephala (Leucena) were produced and characterized through UV–vis, TEM, EDS, SDL, XPS, XRD, and zeta potential, and they proved to be able to promote adsorption to remediate methylene blue and tartrazine pollution in water. The nanoremediation was performed and did not require direct exposure to sunlight or any special lamp or a specific reduction agent. The AgNPs produced using the extract from the leaves exhibited the best performance in nanoremediation and also presented antioxidant activity that surpassed the one from butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Consequently, it is an interesting nanotool to use in dye nanoremediation and/or as an antioxidant nanostructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology)
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12 pages, 2482 KiB  
Article
Networked Cluster Formation via Trigonal Lipid Modules for Augmented Ex Vivo NK Cell Priming
by Jaewon Park, Sungjun Kim, Ashok Kumar Jangid, Hee Won Park and Kyobum Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(3), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25031556 - 26 Jan 2024
Viewed by 977
Abstract
Current cytokine-based natural killer (NK) cell priming techniques have exhibited limitations such as the deactivation of biological signaling molecules and subsequent insufficient maturation of the cell population during mass cultivation processes. In this study, we developed an amphiphilic trigonal 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylethanolamine (DSPE) lipid-polyethylene glycol [...] Read more.
Current cytokine-based natural killer (NK) cell priming techniques have exhibited limitations such as the deactivation of biological signaling molecules and subsequent insufficient maturation of the cell population during mass cultivation processes. In this study, we developed an amphiphilic trigonal 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylethanolamine (DSPE) lipid-polyethylene glycol (PEG) material to assemble NK cell clusters via multiple hydrophobic lipid insertions into cellular membranes. Our lipid conjugate-mediated ex vivo NK cell priming sufficiently augmented the structural modulation of clusters, facilitated diffusional signal exchanges, and finally activated NK cell population with the clusters. Without any inhibition in diffusional signal exchanges and intrinsic proliferative efficacy of NK cells, effectively prime NK cell clusters produced increased interferon-gamma, especially in the early culture periods. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that our novel lipid conjugates could serve as a promising alternative for future NK cell mass production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology)
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16 pages, 3357 KiB  
Article
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Delivering a DNA Vaccine Encoding Helicobacter pylori Urease A Subunit: Immune Analyses before and after a Mouse Model of Infection
by Jasmine E. Francis, Ivana Skakic, Debolina Majumdar, Aya C. Taki, Ravi Shukla, Anna Walduck and Peter M. Smooker
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 1076; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021076 - 16 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1500
Abstract
In this study, novel solid lipid particles containing the adjuvant lipid monophosphoryl lipid A (termed ‘SLN-A’) were synthesised. The SLN-A particles were able to efficiently bind and form complexes with a DNA vaccine encoding the urease alpha subunit of Helicobacter pylori. The [...] Read more.
In this study, novel solid lipid particles containing the adjuvant lipid monophosphoryl lipid A (termed ‘SLN-A’) were synthesised. The SLN-A particles were able to efficiently bind and form complexes with a DNA vaccine encoding the urease alpha subunit of Helicobacter pylori. The resultant nanoparticles were termed lipoplex-A. In a mouse model of H. pylori infection, the lipoplex-A nanoparticles were used to immunise mice, and the resultant immune responses were analysed. It was found that the lipoplex-A vaccine was able to induce high levels of antigen-specific antibodies and an influx of gastric CD4+ T cells in vaccinated mice. In particular, a prime with lipoplex-A and a boost with soluble UreA protein induced significantly high levels of the IgG1 antibody, whereas two doses of lipoplex-A induced high levels of the IgG2c antibody. In this study, lipoplex-A vaccination did not lead to a significant reduction in H. pylori colonisation in a challenge model; however, these results point to the utility of the system for delivering DNA vaccine-encoded antigens to induce immune responses and suggest the ability to tailor those responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology)
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21 pages, 6036 KiB  
Article
Self-Entrapment of Antimicrobial Peptides in Silica Particles for Stable and Effective Antimicrobial Peptide Delivery System
by Mi-Ran Ki, Sung Ho Kim, Tae In Park and Seung Pil Pack
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(22), 16423; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242216423 - 16 Nov 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1816
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising solution to tackle bacterial infections and combat antibiotic resistance. However, their vulnerability to protease degradation and toxicity towards mammalian cells has hindered their clinical application. To overcome these challenges, our study aims to develop a [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising solution to tackle bacterial infections and combat antibiotic resistance. However, their vulnerability to protease degradation and toxicity towards mammalian cells has hindered their clinical application. To overcome these challenges, our study aims to develop a method to enhance the stability and safety of AMPs applicable to effective drug–device combination products. The KR12 antimicrobial peptide was chosen, and in order to further enhance its delivery and efficacy the human immunodeficiency virus TAT protein-derived cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) was fused to form CPP-KR12. A new product, CPP-KR12@Si, was developed by forming silica particles with self-entrapped CPP-KR12 peptide using biomimetic silica precipitability because of its cationic nature. Peptide delivery from CPP-KR12@Si to bacteria and cells was observed at a slightly delivered rate, with improved stability against trypsin treatment and a reduction in cytotoxicity compared to CPP-KR12. Finally, the antimicrobial potential of the CPP-KR12@Si/bone graft substitute (BGS) combination product was demonstrated. CPP-KR12 is coated in the form of submicron-sized particles on the surface of the BGS. Self-entrapped AMP in silica nanoparticles is a safe and effective AMP delivery method that will be useful for developing a drug–device combination product for tissue regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology)
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12 pages, 3280 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Their Biocompatibility and Bioactive Properties
by Jaewook Lee, Ji-Heon Lee, Seung-Yeul Lee, Sin A Park, Jae Hoon Kim, Dajeong Hwang, Kyung A Kim and Han Sang Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115901 - 2 Nov 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1776
Abstract
A lot of nanomaterials have been applied to various nano-biotechnological fields, such as contrast agents, drug or gene delivery systems, cosmetics, and so on. Despite the expanding usage of nanomaterials, concerns persist regarding their potential toxicity. To address this issue, many scientists have [...] Read more.
A lot of nanomaterials have been applied to various nano-biotechnological fields, such as contrast agents, drug or gene delivery systems, cosmetics, and so on. Despite the expanding usage of nanomaterials, concerns persist regarding their potential toxicity. To address this issue, many scientists have tried to develop biocompatible nanomaterials containing phytochemicals as a promising solution. In this study, we synthesized biocompatible nanomaterials by using gallic acid (GA), which is a phytochemical, and coating it onto the surface of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Importantly, the GA-modified iron oxide nanoparticles (GA-IONPs) were successfully prepared through environmentally friendly methods, avoiding the use of harmful reagents and extreme conditions. The presence of GA on the surface of IONPs improved their stability and bioactive properties. In addition, cell viability assays proved that GA-IONPs possessed excellent biocompatibility in human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs). Additionally, GA-IONPs showed antioxidant activity, which reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in an oxidative stress model induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). To investigate the impact of GA-IONPs on exosome secretions from oxidative stress-induced cells, we analyzed the number and characteristics of exosomes in the culture media of HDPCs after H2O2 stimulation or GA-IONP treatment. Our analysis revealed that both the number and proportions of tetraspanins (CD9, CD81, and CD63) in exosomes were similar in the control group and the GA-IONP-treated groups. In contrast, exosome secretion was increased, and the proportion of tetraspanin was changed in the H2O2-treated group compared to the control group. It demonstrated that treatment with GA-IONPs effectively attenuated exosome secretion induced by H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, this GA-IONP exhibited outstanding promise for applications in the field of nanobiotechnology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology)
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Review

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20 pages, 1792 KiB  
Review
Seed Priming with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles to Enhance Crop Tolerance to Environmental Stresses
by Domenica Tommasa Donia and Marilena Carbone
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(24), 17612; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242417612 - 18 Dec 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2682
Abstract
Drastic climate changes over the years have triggered environmental challenges for wild plants and crops due to fluctuating weather patterns worldwide. This has caused different types of stressors, responsible for a decrease in plant life and biological productivity, with consequent food shortages, especially [...] Read more.
Drastic climate changes over the years have triggered environmental challenges for wild plants and crops due to fluctuating weather patterns worldwide. This has caused different types of stressors, responsible for a decrease in plant life and biological productivity, with consequent food shortages, especially in areas under threat of desertification. Nanotechnology-based approaches have great potential in mitigating environmental stressors, thus fostering a sustainable agriculture. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have demonstrated to be biostimulants as well as remedies to both environmental and biotic stresses. Their administration in the early sowing stages, i.e., seed priming, proved to be effective in improving germination rate, seedling and plant growth and in ameliorating the indicators of plants’ well-being. Seed nano-priming acts through several mechanisms such as enhanced nutrients uptake, improved antioxidant properties, ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation. The target for seed priming by ZnO NPs is mostly crops of large consumption or staple food, in order to meet the increased needs of a growing population and the net drop of global crop frequency, due to climate changes and soil contaminations. The current review focuses on the most recent low-cost, low-sized ZnO NPs employed for seed nano-priming, to alleviate abiotic and biotic stresses, mitigate the negative effects of improper storage and biostimulate plants’ growth and well-being. Taking into account that there is large variability among ZnO NPs and that their chemico-physical properties may play a role in determining the efficacy of nano-priming, for all examined cases, it is reported whether the ZnO NPs are commercial or lab prepared. In the latter cases, the preparation conditions are described, along with structural and morphological characterizations. Under these premises, future perspectives and challenges are discussed in relation to structural properties and the possibility of ZnO NPs engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology)
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