Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanotechnology is a dynamically developing field of science, due to the unique physical, chemical and biological properties of nanomaterials. Innovative solutions using nanotechnology have found application in diverse fields: in agricultural and food industries, where they improve the quality and safety of food, in medical and biological sciences, cosmetology and many other areas of our lives. Particular attention has been focused on carbon nanomaterials that have been successfully used in biotechnology, biomedicine and environmental applications. Carbon nanotubes and graphene-based sensors for water monitoring, detection of toxic metal ions and and environmental pollutants are already being used with great success. Nanotechnology has long been used in drug delivery and pharmaceuticals. Recently, nanotechnology entered the agricultural and food sectors, where it found application in smart delivery of nutrients, nanoencapsulation of nutraceuticals and bioseparation of proteins.

This Special Issue aims to report on the progress of ground-breaking research in the field of designing innovative carbon-based nanomaterials and applications of nanotechnology in diverse fields that are currently being developed, which is of high interest and shows great innovative potential.

Dr. Magdalena Krystyjan
Prof. Dr. Valentina Villari
Topic Editors

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	5.6	7.8	2000	16.3 Days	CHF 2900
Micro micro	-	-	2021	22.5 Days	CHF 1000

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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19 pages, 2777 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Electrically Conductive and Antimicrobial Agro-Food Waste Biochar Functionalized with Zinc Oxide Particles

by Zélia Alves, Nuno M. Ferreira, Gonçalo Figueiredo, Sónia Mendo, Cláudia Nunes and Paula Ferreira

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(14), 8022; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23148022 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2052

Abstract

Carbonaceous materials derived from biomass have been used as sustainable platforms for the growth of ZnO particles aiming the production of functional composite fillers. Kidney-bean pods were pyrolyzed by applying an experimental design that demonstrates that the specific surface area (S_BET) [...] Read more.

Carbonaceous materials derived from biomass have been used as sustainable platforms for the growth of ZnO particles aiming the production of functional composite fillers. Kidney-bean pods were pyrolyzed by applying an experimental design that demonstrates that the specific surface area (S_BET) of biochar is improved with increasing pyrolysis temperature combined with a short air-oxidation time. Meanwhile, the graphitization degree and the electrical conductivity (EC) of biochars were negatively affected by increasing the air-oxidation time. The biochar sample with the higher EC and the one with the higher S_BET were selected to be functionalized with ZnO particles by a solvothermal methodology, obtaining composites with an EC and S_BET properties superior to the ZnO-rGO composite, in addition to a similar antibacterial activity. The developed ZnO-biochar composite structures, which are more ecological and biocompatible than the ZnO composites derived from graphene sheets, can be applied as electrically conductive and active fillers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications)

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14 pages, 5619 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Studies on the Effect of Graphene Oxide Deposited on Gold and Nickel Microsieves on Prostate Cancer Cells DU 145

by Barbara Nasiłowska, Zdzisław Bogdanowicz, Wiktoria Kasprzycka, Aneta Bombalska and Zygmunt Mierczyk

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(12), 6567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23126567 - 12 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1413

Abstract

This work shows the effect of graphene oxide deposition on microsieves’ surfaces of gold and nickel foils, on DU 145 tumor cells of the prostate gland. The sieves were made by a laser ablation process. The graphene oxide (GO) deposition process was characterized [...] Read more.

This work shows the effect of graphene oxide deposition on microsieves’ surfaces of gold and nickel foils, on DU 145 tumor cells of the prostate gland. The sieves were made by a laser ablation process. The graphene oxide (GO) deposition process was characterized by the complete covering of the inner edges of the microholes and the flat surface between the holes with GO. Electron microscanning studies have shown that due to the deposition method applied, graphene oxide flakes line the interior of the microholes, reducing the unevenness of the downstream surfaces during the laser ablation process. The presence of graphene oxide was confirmed by Fourier infrared spectroscopy. During the screening (sieving) process, the microsieves were placed in a sieve column. Gold foil is proven to be a very good material for the screening of cancer cells, but even more so after screening as a substrate for re-culture of the DU 145. This allows a potential recovery of the cells and the development of a targeted therapy. The sieved cells were successfully grown on the microsieves used in the experiment. Graphene oxide remaining on the surface of the nickel sieve has been observed to increase the sieving effect. Although graphene oxide improved separation efficiency by 9.7%, the nickel substrate is not suitable for re-culturing of the Du 145 cells and the development of a targeted therapy compared to the gold one. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications)

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38 pages, 2874 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Advances in Biologically Applicable Graphene-Based 2D Nanomaterials

by Josef Jampilek and Katarina Kralova

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(11), 6253; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23116253 - 2 Jun 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2755

Abstract

Climate change and increasing contamination of the environment, due to anthropogenic activities, are accompanied with a growing negative impact on human life. Nowadays, humanity is threatened by the increasing incidence of difficult-to-treat cancer and various infectious diseases caused by resistant pathogens, but, on [...] Read more.

Climate change and increasing contamination of the environment, due to anthropogenic activities, are accompanied with a growing negative impact on human life. Nowadays, humanity is threatened by the increasing incidence of difficult-to-treat cancer and various infectious diseases caused by resistant pathogens, but, on the other hand, ensuring sufficient safe food for balanced human nutrition is threatened by a growing infestation of agriculturally important plants, by various pathogens or by the deteriorating condition of agricultural land. One way to deal with all these undesirable facts is to try to develop technologies and sophisticated materials that could help overcome these negative effects/gloomy prospects. One possibility is to try to use nanotechnology and, within this broad field, to focus also on the study of two-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterials, which have excellent prospects to be used in various economic sectors. In this brief up-to-date overview, attention is paid to recent applications of graphene-based nanomaterials, i.e., graphene, graphene quantum dots, graphene oxide, graphene oxide quantum dots, and reduced graphene oxide. These materials and their various modifications and combinations with other compounds are discussed, regarding their biomedical and agro-ecological applications, i.e., as materials investigated for their antineoplastic and anti-invasive effects, for their effects against various plant pathogens, and as carriers of bioactive agents (drugs, pesticides, fertilizers) as well as materials suitable to be used in theranostics. The negative effects of graphene-based nanomaterials on living organisms, including their mode of action, are analyzed as well. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications)

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18 pages, 1498 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Functional and Application Possibilities of Starch/Chitosan Polymer Composites Modified by Graphene Oxide

by Magdalena Krystyjan, Gohar Khachatryan, Karen Khachatryan, Anna Konieczna-Molenda, Anna Grzesiakowska, Marta Kuchta-Gładysz, Agnieszka Kawecka, Wiktoria Grzebieniarz and Nikola Nowak

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(11), 5956; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23115956 - 25 May 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5138

Abstract

This study describes functional properties of bionanocomposites consisting of starch/chitosan/graphene oxide (GO) obtained using the green synthesis method, such as water-barrier and optical properties, as well as the rate of degradation by enzymatic and acid hydrolysis. The toxicity of the composites and their [...] Read more.

This study describes functional properties of bionanocomposites consisting of starch/chitosan/graphene oxide (GO) obtained using the green synthesis method, such as water-barrier and optical properties, as well as the rate of degradation by enzymatic and acid hydrolysis. The toxicity of the composites and their effects on the development of pathogenic microflora during storage of meat food products was also investigated. Although the results showed that the barrier properties of the composites were weak, they were similar to those of biological systems. The studies carried out confirmed the good optical properties of the composites containing chitosan, which makes it possible to use them as active elements of packaging. The susceptibility of starch and chitosan films to enzymatic and acid hydrolyses indicates their relatively high biodegradability. The lack of toxicity and the high barrier against many microorganisms offer great potential for applications in the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications)

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21 pages, 6025 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Role of N and S Doping on Photoluminescent Characteristics of Carbon Dots from Palm Bunches for Fluorimetric Sensing of Fe³⁺ Ion

by Aphinan Saengsrichan, Chaiwat Saikate, Peeranut Silasana, Pongtanawat Khemthong, Wanwitoo Wanmolee, Jakkapop Phanthasri, Saran Youngjan, Pattaraporn Posoknistakul, Sakhon Ratchahat, Navadol Laosiripojana, Kevin C.-W. Wu and Chularat Sakdaronnarong

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(9), 5001; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23095001 - 30 Apr 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2822

Abstract

This work aims to enhance the value of palm empty fruit bunches (EFBs), an abundant residue from the palm oil industry, as a precursor for the synthesis of luminescent carbon dots (CDs). The mechanism of fIuorimetric sensing using carbon dots for either enhancing [...] Read more.

This work aims to enhance the value of palm empty fruit bunches (EFBs), an abundant residue from the palm oil industry, as a precursor for the synthesis of luminescent carbon dots (CDs). The mechanism of fIuorimetric sensing using carbon dots for either enhancing or quenching photoluminescence properties when binding with analytes is useful for the detection of ultra-low amounts of analytes. This study revealed that EFB-derived CDs via hydrothermal synthesis exceptionally exhibited luminescence properties. In addition, surface modification for specific binding to a target molecule substantially augmented their PL characteristics. Among the different nitrogen and sulfur (N and S) doping agents used, including urea (U), sulfate (S), p-phenylenediamine (P), and sodium thiosulfate (TS), the results showed that PTS-CDs from the co-doping of p-phenylenediamine and sodium thiosulfate exhibited the highest PL properties. From this study on the fluorimetric sensing of several metal ions, PTS-CDs could effectively detect Fe³⁺ with the highest selectivity by fluorescence quenching to 79.1% at a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 µmol L⁻¹. The PL quenching of PTS-CDs was linearly correlated with the wide range of Fe³⁺ concentration, ranging from 5 to 400 µmol L⁻¹ (R² = 0.9933). Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications)

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21 pages, 8211 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Mannose Receptor-Mediated Carbon Nanotubes as an Antigen Delivery System to Enhance Immune Response Both In Vitro and In Vivo

by Haibo Feng, Yangyang Feng, Lang Lin, Daiyan Wu, Qianqian Liu, Hangyu Li, Xinnan Zhang, Sheng Li, Feng Tang, Ziwei Liu and Linzi Zhang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(8), 4239; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23084239 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2197

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are carbon allotropes consisting of one, two, or more concentric rolled graphene layers. These can intrinsically regulate immunity by activating the innate immune system. Mannose receptors (MR), a subgroup of the C-type lectin superfamily, are abundantly expressed on macrophages and [...] Read more.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are carbon allotropes consisting of one, two, or more concentric rolled graphene layers. These can intrinsically regulate immunity by activating the innate immune system. Mannose receptors (MR), a subgroup of the C-type lectin superfamily, are abundantly expressed on macrophages and dendritic cells. These play a crucial role in identifying pathogens, presenting antigens, and maintaining internal environmental stability. Utilizing the specific recognition between mannose and antigen-presenting cells (APC) surface mannose receptors, the antigen-carrying capacity of mannose-modified CNTs can be improved. Accordingly, here, we synthesized the mannose-modified carbon nanotubes (M-MWCNT) and evaluated them as an antigen delivery system through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro, M-MWCNT carrying large amounts of OVA were rapidly phagocytized by macrophages and promoted macrophage proliferation to facilitate cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6) secretion. In vivo, in mice, M-MWCNT induced the maturation of dendritic cells and increased the levels of antigen-specific antibodies (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b), and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6). Taken together, M-MWCNT could induce both humoral and cellular immune responses and thereby can be utilized as an efficient antigen-targeted delivery system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications)

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13 pages, 1946 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Fullerenol C₆₀(OH)₃₆ on the Antioxidant Defense System in Erythrocytes

by Jacek Grebowski, Paulina Kazmierska-Grebowska, Natalia Cichon, Piotr Piotrowski and Grzegorz Litwinienko

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(1), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010119 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2368

Abstract

Background: Fullerenols (water-soluble derivatives of fullerenes), such as C₆₀(OH)₃₆, are biocompatible molecules with a high ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the mechanism of their antioxidant action and cooperation with endogenous redox machinery remains unrecognized. Fullerenols [...] Read more.

Background: Fullerenols (water-soluble derivatives of fullerenes), such as C₆₀(OH)₃₆, are biocompatible molecules with a high ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the mechanism of their antioxidant action and cooperation with endogenous redox machinery remains unrecognized. Fullerenols rapidly distribute through blood cells; therefore, we investigated the effect of C₆₀(OH)₃₆ on the antioxidant defense system in erythrocytes during their prolonged incubation. Methods: Human erythrocytes were treated with fullerenol at concentrations of 50–150 µg/mL, incubated for 3 and 48 h at 37 °C, and then hemolyzed. The level of oxidative stress was determined by examining the level of thiol groups, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione transferase), and by measuring erythrocyte microviscosity. Results: The level of thiol groups in stored erythrocytes decreased; however, in the presence of higher concentrations of C₆₀(OH)₃₆ (100 and 150 µg/mL), the level of -SH groups increased compared to the control. Extending the incubation to 48 h caused a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity, but the addition of fullerenol, especially at higher concentrations (100–150 µg/mL), increased its activity. We observed that C₆₀(OH)₃₆ had no effect on the microviscosity of the interior of the erythrocytes. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results indicated that water-soluble C₆₀(OH)₃₆ has antioxidant potential and efficiently supports the enzymatic antioxidant system within the cell. These effects are probably related to the direct interaction of C₆₀(OH)₃₆ with the enzyme that causes its structural changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications)

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14 pages, 4890 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Hydrogenation on Morphology, Chemical Structure and Photocatalytic Efficiency of Graphitic Carbon Nitride

by Daria Baranowska, Tomasz Kędzierski, Małgorzata Aleksandrzak, Ewa Mijowska and Beata Zielińska

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(23), 13096; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222313096 - 3 Dec 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 1624

Abstract

In this contribution, the effect of hydrogenation conditions atmosphere (temperature and time) on physicochemical properties and photocatalytic efficiency of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄, gCN) was studied in great details. The changes in the morphology, chemical structure, optical and electrochemical [...] Read more.

In this contribution, the effect of hydrogenation conditions atmosphere (temperature and time) on physicochemical properties and photocatalytic efficiency of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄, gCN) was studied in great details. The changes in the morphology, chemical structure, optical and electrochemical properties were carefully investigated. Interestingly, the as-modified samples exhibited boosted photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) with the assistance of visible light irradiation. Among modified gCN, the sample annealed at 500 °C for 4 h (500-4) in H₂ atmosphere exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity—1.76 times higher compared to pristine gCN. Additionally, this sample presented high stability and durability after four cycles. It was noticed that treating gCN with hydrogen at elevated temperatures caused the creation of nitrogen vacancies on gCN surfaces acting as highly active sites enhancing the specific surface area and improving the mobility of photogenerated charge carriers leading to accelerating the photocatalytic activity. Therefore, it is believed that detailed optimization of thermal treatment in a hydrogen atmosphere is a facile approach to boost the photoactivity of gCN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications)

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47 pages, 1807 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Metal (Mo, W, Ti) Carbide Catalysts: Synthesis and Application as Alternative Catalysts for Dry Reforming of Hydrocarbons—A Review

by Natalia Czaplicka, Andrzej Rogala and Izabela Wysocka

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(22), 12337; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222212337 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4801

Abstract

Dry reforming of hydrocarbons (DRH) is a pro-environmental method for syngas production. It owes its pro-environmental character to the use of carbon dioxide, which is one of the main greenhouse gases. Currently used nickel catalysts on oxide supports suffer from rapid deactivation due [...] Read more.

Dry reforming of hydrocarbons (DRH) is a pro-environmental method for syngas production. It owes its pro-environmental character to the use of carbon dioxide, which is one of the main greenhouse gases. Currently used nickel catalysts on oxide supports suffer from rapid deactivation due to sintering of active metal particles or the deposition of carbon deposits blocking the flow of gases through the reaction tube. In this view, new alternative catalysts are highly sought after. Transition metal carbides (TMCs) can potentially replace traditional nickel catalysts due to their stability and activity in DR processes. The catalytic activity of carbides results from the synthesis-dependent structural properties of carbides. In this respect, this review presents the most important methods of titanium, molybdenum, and tungsten carbide synthesis and the influence of their properties on activity in catalyzing the reaction of methane with carbon dioxide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications)

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20 pages, 5477 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Description of Release Process of Doxorubicin from Modified Carbon Nanotubes

by Dorota Chudoba, Monika Jażdżewska, Katarzyna Łudzik, Sebastian Wołoszczuk, Ewa Juszyńska-Gałązka and Mikołaj Kościński

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(21), 12003; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222112003 - 5 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1816

Abstract

The article discusses the release process of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) from multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The studies described a probable mechanism of release and actions between the surface of functionalized MWCNTs and anticancer drugs. The surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been modified [...] Read more.

The article discusses the release process of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) from multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The studies described a probable mechanism of release and actions between the surface of functionalized MWCNTs and anticancer drugs. The surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been modified via treatment in nitric acid to optimize the adsorption and release process. The modification efficiency and physicochemical properties of the MWCNTs+DOX system were analyzed by using SEM, TEM, EDS, FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy and UV-Vis methods. Based on computer simulations at pH 7.4 and the experiment at pH 5.4, the kinetics and the mechanism of DOX release from MWNT were discussed. It has been experimentally observed that the acidic pH (5.4) is appropriate for the efficient release of the drug from CNTs. It was noted that under acidic pH conditions, which is typical for the tumour microenvironment almost 90% of the drug was released in a relatively short time. The kinetics models based on different mathematical functions were used to describe the release mechanism of drugs from MWCNTs. Our studies indicated that the best fit of experimental kinetic curves of release has been observed for the Power-law model and the fitted parameters suggest that the drug release mechanism of DOX from MWCNTs is controlled by Fickian diffusion. Molecular dynamics simulations, on the other hand, have shown that in a neutral pH solution, which is close to the blood pH, the release process does not occur keeping the aggregation level constant. The presented studies have shown that MWCNTs are promising carriers of anticancer drugs that, depending on the surface modification, can exhibit different adsorption mechanisms and release. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications)

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12 pages, 3515 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Annealing Temperature on the Morphological, Optical and Photoelectrochemical Properties of Cauliflower-like CdSe_0.6Te_0.4 Photoelectrodes; Enhanced Solar Cell Performance

by Gajanan S. Ghodake, Dae-Young Kim, Surendra K. Shinde, Deepak P. Dubal, Hemraj M. Yadav and Verjesh Kumar Magotra

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(21), 11610; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222111610 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1855

Abstract

We are reporting on the impact of air annealing temperatures on the physicochemical properties of electrochemically synthesized cadmium selenium telluride (CdSe_0.6Te_0.4) samples for their application in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar cell. The CdSe_0.6Te_0.4 samples were characterized [...] Read more.

We are reporting on the impact of air annealing temperatures on the physicochemical properties of electrochemically synthesized cadmium selenium telluride (CdSe_0.6Te_0.4) samples for their application in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar cell. The CdSe_0.6Te_0.4 samples were characterized with several sophisticated techniques to understand their characteristic properties. The XRD results presented the pure phase formation of the ternary CdSe_0.6Te_0.4 nanocompound with a hexagonal crystal structure, indicating that the annealing temperature influences the XRD peak intensity. The XPS study confirmed the existence of Cd, Se, and Te elements, indicating the formation of ternary CdSe_0.6Te_0.4 compounds. The FE-SEM results showed that the morphological engineering of the CdSe_0.6Te_0.4 samples can be achieved simply by changing the annealing temperatures from 300 to 400 °C with intervals of 50 °C. The efficiencies (ƞ) of the CdSe_0.6Te_0.4 photoelectrodes were found to be 2.0% for the non-annealed and 3.1, 3.6, and 2.5% for the annealed at 300, 350, and 400 °C, respectively. Most interestingly, the PEC cell analysis indicated that the annealing temperatures played an important role in boosting the performance of the photoelectrochemical properties of the solar cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications)

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22 pages, 4352 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Titanium (IV)–Dithiophenolate Complex and Its Chitosan Nanocomposite: Their Roles towards Rat Liver Injuries In Vivo and against Human Liver Cancer Cell Lines

by Nadia Z. Shaban, Salah A. Yehia, Doaa Awad, Shaban Y. Shaban and Samar R. Saleh

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(20), 11219; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222011219 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2263

Abstract

Titanium (IV)–dithiophenolate complex chitosan nanocomposites (DBT–CSNPs) are featured by their antibacterial activities, cytotoxicity, and capacity to bind with DNA helixes. In this study, their therapeutic effects against rat liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and their anti-proliferative activity against human [...] Read more.

Titanium (IV)–dithiophenolate complex chitosan nanocomposites (DBT–CSNPs) are featured by their antibacterial activities, cytotoxicity, and capacity to bind with DNA helixes. In this study, their therapeutic effects against rat liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and their anti-proliferative activity against human liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines were determined. Results of treatment were compared with cisplatin treatment. Markers of apoptosis, oxidative stress, liver functions, and liver histopathology were determined. The results showed that DBT–CSNPs and DBT treatments abolished liver damage induced by CCl₄ and improved liver architecture and functions. DNA fragmentation, Bax, and caspase-8 were reduced, but Bcl-2 and the Bcl-2/Bax ratios were increased. However, there was a non-significant change in the oxidative stress markers. DBT–CSNPs and DBT inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells by arresting cells in the G2/M phase and inducing cell death. DBT–CSNPs were more efficient than DBT. Low doses of DBT and DBT–CSNPs applied to healthy rats for 14 days had no adverse effect. DBT and DBT–CSNP treatment gave preferable results than the treatment with cisplatin. In conclusion, DBT–CSNPs and DBT have anti-apoptotic activities against liver injuries and have anti-neoplastic impacts. DBT–CSNPs are more efficient. Both compounds can be used in pharmacological fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications)

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22 pages, 2159 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Performance of Polydopamine Complex and Mechanisms in Wound Healing

by Dantong Zheng, Chongxing Huang, Xuhao Zhu, Haohe Huang and Chenglong Xu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(19), 10563; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms221910563 - 29 Sep 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4645

Abstract

Polydopamine (PDA) has been gradually applied in wound healing of various types in the last three years. Due to its rich phenol groups and unique structure, it can be combined with a variety of materials to form wound dressings that can be used [...] Read more.

Polydopamine (PDA) has been gradually applied in wound healing of various types in the last three years. Due to its rich phenol groups and unique structure, it can be combined with a variety of materials to form wound dressings that can be used for chronic infection, tissue repair in vivo and serious wound healing. PDA complex has excellent mechanical properties and self-healing properties, and it is a stable material that can be used for a long period of time. Unlike other dressings, PDA complexes can achieve both photothermal therapy and electro activity. In this paper, wound healing is divided into four stages: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cell adhesion and proliferation, and re-epithelialization. Photothermal therapy can improve the bacteriostatic rate and remove reactive oxygen species to inhibit inflammation. Electrical signals can stimulate cell proliferation and directional migration. With low reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, inflammatory factors are down-regulated and growth factors are up-regulated, forming regular collagen fibers and accelerating wound healing. Finally, five potential development directions are proposed, including increasing drug loading capacity, optimization of drug delivery platforms, improvement of photothermal conversion efficiency, intelligent electroactive materials and combined 3D printing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Various Applications)

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