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A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2019) | Viewed by 43418

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Prof. Dr. Yuri Volkov

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Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin，Ireland and First Moscow State Sechenov Medical University, Moscow, Russia
Interests: nanomedicine; theranostics; cancer, nanosafety; magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, nanotechnologies for molecular and cell imaging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The growing interest in the biomedical applications of nanotechnology from academic and industrial researchers worldwide, driven by the outstanding benefits that their translation, can offer the enhancement of sensitivity, efficacy and safety of existing diagnostic, treatment and combination strategies, which over recent years have led to the development of truly disruptive technological solutions which hold a potential to revolutionalise healthcare. Empowered by the broadening knowledge of the genome, proteome, transcriptome, metabolome, biomedical informatics and other related fields. Nanotechnology is currently in a position to pave the way to patient-specific personalized medicine, seamlessly connecting the route of innovative nanomaterials, from bench to bedside. Some of them have already deservedly occupied their niches for future biomedical applications as drug-delivering “nanobullets”, supersensitive imaging probes, multifunctional theranostic systems, powerful antimicrobial agents, biosensors, “smart” biocompatible nanomaterials and implants, as well as tissue engineering scaffolds for regenerative medicine.

In this Special Issue of Nanomaterials we expect contributions from a broad community of scientists working on diverse applications of nanotechnology in biology and medicine, and interdisciplinary teams focusing on nanotechnology-enabled breakthrough solutions for biomedical research, diagnostics and advanced therapeutic approaches. As the safety of novel nanomaterials intended for the use in humans remains a matter of prime concern, we also anticipate the manuscripts dealing with these aspects of nanotechnology and nanomedicine in this Special Issue.

Dr. Yuri Volkov
Guest Editor

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Keywords

diagnostic nanosystems and sensors
nanocarriers for drug delivery
multifunctional nanoprobes
biocompatible nanomaterials
personalized nanomedicines
nanomaterials safety

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1955 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Hybrid Nanosystem Integrating Cytotoxic and Magnetic Properties as a Tool to Potentiate Melanoma Therapy

by Nuno Cruz, Jacinta Oliveira Pinho, Graça Soveral, Lia Ascensão, Nuno Matela, Catarina Reis and Maria Manuela Gaspar

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(4), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10040693 - 06 Apr 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3316

Abstract

Cancer is a major health concern and the prognosis is often poor. Significant advances in nanotechnology are now driving a revolution in cancer detection and treatment. The goal of this study was to develop a novel hybrid nanosystem for melanoma treatment, integrating therapeutic and magnetic targeting modalities. Hence, we designed long circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes loading both dichloro(1,10-phenanthroline) copper (II) (Cuphen), a cytotoxic metallodrug, and iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). The synthetized IONPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Lipid-based nanoformulations were prepared by the dehydration rehydration method, followed by an extrusion step for reducing and homogenizing the mean size. Liposomes were characterized in terms of incorporation parameters and mean size. High Cuphen loadings were obtained and the presence of IONPs slightly reduced Cuphen incorporation parameters. Cuphen antiproliferative properties were preserved after association to liposomes and IONPs (at 2 mg/mL) did not interfere on cellular proliferation of murine and human melanoma cell lines. Moreover, the developed nanoformulations displayed magnetic properties. The absence of hemolytic activity for formulations under study demonstrated their safety for parenteral administration. In conclusion, a lipid-based nanosystem loading the cytotoxic metallodrug, Cuphen, and displaying magnetic properties was successfully designed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Nanotechnology)

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17 pages, 3756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing the Effects of Intracellular and Extracellular Magnetic Hyperthermia on the Viability of BxPC-3 Cells

by Gary Hannon, Anna Bogdanska, Yuri Volkov and Adriele Prina-Mello

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(3), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10030593 - 24 Mar 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3343

Abstract

Magnetic hyperthermia involves the use of iron oxide nanoparticles to generate heat in tumours following stimulation with alternating magnetic fields. In recent times, this treatment has undergone numerous clinical trials in various solid malignancies and subsequently achieved clinical approval to treat glioblastoma and prostate cancer in 2011 and 2018, respectively. However, despite recent clinical advances, many questions remain with regard to the underlying mechanisms involved in this therapy. One such query is whether intracellular or extracellular nanoparticles are necessary for treatment efficacy. Herein, we compare the effects of intracellular and extracellular magnetic hyperthermia in BxPC-3 cells to determine the differences in efficacy between both. Extracellular magnetic hyperthermia at temperatures between 40–42.5 °C could induce significant levels of necrosis in these cells, whereas intracellular magnetic hyperthermia resulted in no change in viability. This led to a discussion on the overall relevance of intracellular nanoparticles to the efficacy of magnetic hyperthermia therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Nanotechnology)

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12 pages, 4311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Doxorubicin·Hydrochloride/Cisplatin-Loaded Hydrogel/Nanosized (2-Hydroxypropyl)-Beta-Cyclodextrin Local Drug-Delivery System for Osteosarcoma Treatment In Vivo

by Sun Jung Yoon, Young Jae Moon, Heung Jae Chun and Dae Hyeok Yang

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(12), 1652; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9121652 - 21 Nov 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2949

Abstract

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is a difficult cancer to treat due to its tendency for relapse and metastasis; advanced methods are therefore required for OSA treatment. In this study, we prepared a local drug-delivery system for OSA treatment based on doxorubicin·hydrochloride (DOX·HCl)/cisplatin (CP)-loaded visible light-cured glycol chitosan (GC) hydrogel/(2-hydroxypropyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (GDHCP), and compared its therapeutic efficiency with that of DOX·HCl- and CP-loaded GC hydrogels (GD and GHCP). Because of diffusion driven by concentration gradients in the swollen matrix, the three hydrogels showed sustained releases of DOX·HCl and CP over 7 days, along with initial 3-h bursts. Results of in vitro cell viability and in vivo animal testing revealed that GDHCP had a stronger anticancer effect than GD and GHCP even though there were no significant differences. Body weight measurement and histological evaluations demonstrated that the drug-loaded GC hydrogels had biocompatibility without cardiotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. These results suggested that GDHCP could be a good platform as a local drug-delivery system for clinical use in OSA treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Nanotechnology)

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25 pages, 3865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ion Release and Surface Characterization of Nanostructured Nitinol during Long-Term Testing

by Elena O. Nasakina, Maria A. Sudarchikova, Konstantin V. Sergienko, Sergey V. Konushkin and Mikhail A. Sevost’yanov

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(11), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9111569 - 05 Nov 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 2863

Abstract

The corrosion resistance of nanostructured nitinol (NiTi) was investigated using long-term tests in solutions simulating physiological fluids at static conditions, reflecting the material structure and metal concentration in the solutions. Mechanical polishing reduced the ion release by a factor of two to three, whereas annealing deteriorated the corrosion resistance. The depassivation and repassivation of nitinol surfaces were considered. We found that nanostructured nitinol might increase the corrosion leaching of titanium into solutions, although the nickel release decreased. Metal dissolution did not occur in the alkaline environment or artificial plasma. A Ni-free surface with a protective 25 nm-thick titanium oxide film resulted from soaking mechanically treated samples of the NiTi wire in a saline solution for two years under static conditions. Hence, the medical application of nanostructured NiTi, such as for the production of medical devices and implants such as stents, shows potential compared with microstructured NiTi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Nanotechnology)

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20 pages, 4583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity of Magnesium-Doped Hydroxyapatite Suspensions

by Daniela Predoi, Simona Liliana Iconaru, Mihai Valentin Predoi, George E. Stan and Nicolas Buton

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(9), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9091295 - 11 Sep 2019

Cited by 70 | Viewed by 4446

Abstract

Obtaining nanoscale materials has allowed for the miniaturization of components, which has led to the possibility of achieving more efficient devices with faster functions and much lower costs. While hydroxyapatite [HAp, Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂] is considered the most widely used material for medical applications in orthopedics, dentistry, and general surgery, the magnesium (Mg) is viewed as a promising biodegradable and biocompatible implant material. Furthermore, Mg is regarded as a strong candidate for developing medical implants due to its biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. For this study, magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite (Ca_10−xMg_x (PO₄)₆ (OH)₂, x_Mg = 0.1), 10MgHAp, suspensions were successfully obtained by an adapted and simple chemical co-precipitation method. The information regarding the stability of the nanosized 10MgHAp particles suspension obtained by ζ-potential analysis were confirmed for the first time by a non-destructive ultrasound-based technique. Structural and morphological studies of synthesized 10MgHAp were conducted by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD analysis of the 10MgHAp samples confirmed that a single crystalline phase associated to HAp with an average grain size about 93.3 nm was obtained. The FTIR-ATR spectra revealed that the 10MgHAp sample presented broader IR bands with less visible peaks when compared to a well-crystallized pure HAp. The SEM results evidenced uniform MgHAp nanoparticles with spherical shape. The antimicrobial activity of the 10MgHAp suspension against gram-positive strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212), gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853), as well as a fungal strain (Candida albicans ATCC 90029) were evaluated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Nanotechnology)

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18 pages, 5763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication and Performance of ZnO Doped Tantalum Oxide Multilayer Composite Coatings on Ti6Al4V for Orthopedic Application

by Ziyu Ding, Quanguo He, Zeliang Ding, Cuijiao Liao, Dongchu Chen and Ling Ou

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(5), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9050685 - 02 May 2019

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3443

Abstract

Ti6Al4V titanium alloy has been widely used as medical implant material in orthopedic surgery, and one of the obstacles preventing it from wide use is toxic metal ions release and bacterial implant infection. In this paper, in order to improve corrosion resistance and antibacterial performance of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy, ZnO doped tantalum oxide (Ta_xO_y) multilayer composite coating ZnO-Ta_xO_y/Ta_xOy/Ta_xO_y-TiO₂/TiO₂/Ti (ZnO-Ta_xO_y) was deposited by magnetron sputtering at room temperature. As a comparison, monolayer Ta_xO_y coating was prepared on the surface of Ti6Al4V alloy. The morphology and phase composition of the coatings were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), the elemental chemical states of coating surfaces were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS). The adhesion strength and corrosion resistance of the coatings were examined by micro-scratch tester and electrochemical workstations, respectively. The results show that the adhesion strength of multilayer ZnO-Ta_xO_y coating is 16.37 times higher than that of single-layer Ta_xO_y coating. The ZnO-Ta_xO_y composite coating has higher corrosion potential and lower corrosion current density than that of Ta_xO_y coating, showing better corrosion inhibition. Furthermore, antibacterial test revealed that multilayer ZnO-Ta_xO_y coating has a much better antibacterial performance by contrast. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Nanotechnology)

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16 pages, 3378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanoparticles Equipped with α2,8-Linked Sialic Acid Chains Inhibit the Release of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps

by Kim F. Bornhöfft, Torsten Viergutz, Andrea Kühnle and Sebastian P. Galuska

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(4), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9040610 - 12 Apr 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3003

Abstract

Neutrophils can combat the invasion of pathogens by the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The NET mechanism is not only an effective tool for combating pathogens, but is also associated with diseases. Therefore, NETs are a potential target for combating pathologies, such as cystic fibrosis and thrombosis. We investigated the potential of nanoparticles, which were modified with α2,8-linked sialic acid chains, to modulate NET release during phorbol myristate acetate stimulation. Interestingly, when these nanoparticles were applied, the formation of reactive oxygen species was partly inhibited and the release of NET was counteracted. However, although the release of NET fibers was prevented, the nuclei still lost their characteristic segmented structure and became swollen, indicating that only the release, and not complete activation was suppressed. Intriguingly, coincubation of α2,8-sialylated particles with free sialic acid chains prevented the outlined inhibitory effects. Thus, the sialic acid chains must be attached to a linker molecule to generate an active bioconjugate that is able to inhibit the release of NET. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Nanotechnology)

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22 pages, 9527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Zinc-Doped Hydroxyapatite Colloids and Dispersion Stability Using Ultrasounds

by Daniela Predoi, Simona Liliana Iconaru, Mihai Valentin Predoi, Mikael Motelica-Heino, Regis Guegan and Nicolas Buton

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(4), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9040515 - 02 Apr 2019

Cited by 68 | Viewed by 4178

Abstract

This study proves that the new developed zinc-doped hydroxyapatite (ZnHAp) colloids by an adapted sol-gel method can be widely used in the pharmaceutical, medical, and environmental industries. ZnHAp nanoparticles were stabilized in an aqueous solution, and their colloidal dispersions have been characterized by different techniques. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to get information on the morphology and composition of the investigated samples. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis confirmed the elemental compositions of ZnHAp colloidal dispersions. The homogeneous and uniform distribution of constituent elements (zinc, calcium, phosphorus, oxygen) was highlighted by the obtained elemental mapping results. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results of the obtained samples showed a single phase corresponding to the hexagonal hydroxyapatite. The characteristic bands of the hydroxyapatite structure were also evidenced by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. For a stability assessment of the colloidal system, ζ-potential for the ZnHAp dispersions was estimated. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to determine particles dispersion and hydrodynamic diameter (D_HYD). The goal of this study was to provide for the first time information on the stability of ZnHAp particles in solutions evaluated by non–destructive ultrasound-based technique. In this work, the influence of the ZnHAp colloidal solutions stability on the development of bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), was also established for the first time. The antimicrobial activity of ZnHAp solutions was strongly influenced by both the stability of the solutions and the amount of Zn. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Nanotechnology)

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13 pages, 2875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impaired Liver Size and Compromised Neurobehavioral Activity are Elicited by Chitosan Nanoparticles in the Zebrafish Embryo Model

by Haissam Abou-Saleh, Nadin Younes, Kashif Rasool, Manaf H. Younis, Rafael M. Prieto, Hadi M. Yassine, Khaled A. Mahmoud, Gianfranco Pintus and Gheyath K. Nasrallah

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010122 - 19 Jan 2019

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6250

Abstract

The use of chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) in various biological and environmental applications is attracting great interest. However, potential side effects related to ChNP toxicity remain the major limitation hampering their wide application. For the first time, we investigate the potential organ-specific (cardiac, hepatic, and neuromuscular) toxicity of ChNPs (size 100–150 nm) using the zebrafish embryo model. Our data highlight the absence of both acute and teratogenic toxic effects of ChNPs (~100% survival rate) even at the higher concentration employed (200 mg/L). Although no single sign of cardiotoxicity was observed upon exposure to 200 mg/L of ChNPs, as judged by heartbeat rate, the corrected QT interval (QTc, which measures the time between the start of the Q wave and the end of the T wave in the heart's electrical cycle), maximum cardiac arrest, and ejection fraction assays, the same dosage elicited the impairment of both liver size (decreased liver size, but without steatosis and lipid yolk retention) and neurobehavioral activity (increased movement under different light conditions). Although the observed toxic effect failed to affect embryo survival, whether a prolonged ChNP treatment may induce other potentially harmful effects remains to be elucidated. By reporting new insights on their organ-specific toxicity, our results add novel and useful information into the available data concerning the in vivo effect of ChNPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Nanotechnology)

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16 pages, 5352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Composite Nanofibers Containing Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes as Biodegradable Membranes in Reconstructive Medicine

by Andrzej Hudecki, Dorota Łyko-Morawska, Wirginia Likus, Magdalena Skonieczna, Jarosław Markowski, Renata Wilk, Aleksandra Kolano-Burian, Wojciech Maziarz, Jolanta Adamska and Marek J. Łos

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010063 - 04 Jan 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3033

Abstract

We have tested titanium (Ti) plates that are used for bone reconstruction in maxillofacial surgery, in combination with five types of novel long-resorbable biomaterials: (i) PCL₀—polycaprolactone without additives, (ii) PCL_MWCNT—polycaprolactone with the addition of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), (iii) PCL_OH—polycaprolactone doped with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) containing –OH hydroxyl groups, (iv) PCL_COOH—polycaprolactone with the addition of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) containing carboxyl groups, and (v) PCL_TI—polycaprolactone with the addition of Ti nanoparticles. The structure and properties of the obtained materials have been examined with the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and/or X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Titanium BR plates have been covered with: (i) PCL₀ fibers (PCL_0BR—connection plates), (ii) PCL_MWCNT fibers (PCL_MWCNTBR—plates), (iii) PCL_OH fibers (PCL_OHBR—plates), (iv) PCL_COOH (PCL_COOHBR—plates), (v) PCL_TI fiber (PCL_TIBR—connection plates). Such modified titanium plates were exposed to X-ray doses corresponding to those applied in head and neck tumor treatment. The potential leaching of toxic materials upon the irradiation of such modified titanium plates, and their effect on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) have been assessed by MTT assay. The presented results show variable biological responses depending on the modifications to titanium plates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Nanotechnology)

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16 pages, 9871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

pH-Sensitive Poly(β-amino ester)s Nanocarriers Facilitate the Inhibition of Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer Cells

by Mengxue Zhou, Xingcai Zhang, Jin Xie, Rongxiang Qi, Huiru Lu, Stefano Leporatti, Jun Chen and Yi Hu

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(11), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8110952 - 19 Nov 2018

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 5520

Abstract

Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains an unmet challenge in chemotherapy. Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers emerge as a promising tool to overcome MDR. Herein, pH-sensitive poly(β-amino ester)s polymers (PHP)-based micellar nanoparticles were synthesized for enhanced doxorubicin (DOX) delivery in drug resistant breast cancer MCF-7/ADR cells. DOX-loaded PHP micelles showed rapid cell-internalization and lysosomal escape in MCF-7/ADR cells. The cytotoxicity assays showed relatively higher cell inhibition of DOX-loaded PHP micelles than that of free DOX against MCF-7/ADR cells. Further mechanistic studies showed that PHP micelles were able to inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity by lowering mitochondrial membrane potentials and ATP levels. These results suggested that the enhanced antitumor effect might be attributed to PHP-mediated lysosomal escape and drug efflux inhibition. Therefore, PHP would be a promising pH-responsive nanocarrier for enhanced intracellular drug delivery and overcoming MDR in cancer cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Nanotechnology)

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