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Advances in the Application of Nanoparticles in Biomedical and Ecology Systems

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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: 15 August 2024 | Viewed by 18777

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Liubov Yu Antipina

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Guest Editor

Research Laboratory Inorganic Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology “MISiS”, Leninsky Prospect 4, 119049 Moscow, Russia
Interests: first principles quantum chemical calculations; semi-empirical and empirical calculation methods; modeling of processes occurring in nanostructures (nanotubes; graphene; graphane; fullerenes; etc.); drug delivery systems; water treatment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The modern development of nanomaterials makes it possible to extend their application to the most diverse aspects of human life. Due to their small size, nanoparticles possess unique physico-chemical and electronic properties, which are used in the agriculture, manufacturing, cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries. Nanotechnology has also significantly contributed to improvements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Designing nanomaterials for specific applications has now become a research priority; these applications include drug delivery, the creation of biocompatible and/or antibacterial materials and coatings, as well as materials for tissue regeneration, wound healing and sorption, and the water purification of pharmaceutical contaminants.

In this Special Issue, we aim to collect papers on recent advances in the application of nanoparticles and nanoparticle-based nanomaterials for use in drug delivery, as drug sorbents, and in other biomedical and environmental applications.

Dr. Liubov Yu Antipina
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
drug delivery
antibacterial activity
antifungal activity
biocompatible nanomaterials
water treatment
drug sorption on nanomaterials

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proof-of-Concept Study on the Use of Tangerine-Derived Nanovesicles as siRNA Delivery Vehicles toward Colorectal Cancer Cell Line SW480

by Nima Rabienezhad Ganji, Ornella Urzì, Vincenza Tinnirello, Elisa Costanzo, Giulia Polito, Antonio Palumbo Piccionello, Mauro Manno, Samuele Raccosta, Alessia Gallo, Margot Lo Pinto, Matteo Calligaris, Simone Dario Scilabra, Maria Antonietta Di Bella, Alice Conigliaro, Simona Fontana, Stefania Raimondo and Riccardo Alessandro

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010546 - 30 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1219

Abstract

In the last years, the field of nanomedicine and drug delivery has grown exponentially, providing new platforms to carry therapeutic agents into the target sites. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are ready-to-use, biocompatible, and non-toxic nanoparticles that are revolutionizing the field of drug delivery. EVs are involved in cell–cell communication and mediate many physiological and pathological processes by transferring their bioactive cargo to target cells. Recently, nanovesicles from plants (PDNVs) are raising the interest of the scientific community due to their high yield and biocompatibility. This study aims to evaluate whether PDNVs may be used as drug delivery systems. We isolated and characterized nanovesicles from tangerine juice (TNVs) that were comparable to mammalian EVs in size and morphology. TNVs carry the traditional EV marker HSP70 and, as demonstrated by metabolomic analysis, contain flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids. TNVs were loaded with DDHD1-siRNA through electroporation, obtaining a loading efficiency of 13%. We found that the DDHD1-siRNA complex TNVs were able to deliver DDHD1-siRNA to human colorectal cancer cells, inhibiting the target expression by about 60%. This study represents a proof of concept for the use of PDNVs as vehicles of RNA interference (RNAi) toward mammalian cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Application of Nanoparticles in Biomedical and Ecology Systems)

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0 pages, 1128 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Randomized, Open-Label, Single-Dose, Crossover Study of the Comparative Bioavailability of EPA and DHA in a Novel Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticle-Based Formulation of ω-3 Acid Ethyl Ester Versus Omacor^® Soft Capsule among Healthy Adults

by Kwi-Man Kang, Sang-Won Jeon, Anindita De, Tae-Sun Hong and Young-Joon Park

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(24), 17201; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242417201 - 06 Dec 2023

Viewed by 961

Abstract

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are well known for their capacity to lower triglyceride levels, but the clinical effectiveness is hindered by limited bioavailability and patient adherence. To address this challenge, we introduce a novel liquid crystalline nanoparticle-based formulation, the innovative medicine and drug delivery (IMD)-Omega soft capsule (cap), designed to optimize the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of EPA and DHA. This randomized, open-label, crossover study engages a cohort of 24 healthy adult subjects, utilizing key PK parameters like C_max, AUC, T_max, t_½, and Ke to conduct a comprehensive evaluation. The trial compares the performance of the IMD-Omega soft cap with the well-established Omacor^® soft cap. The IMD-Omega soft cap exhibited an impressive 110% increase in bioavailability for EPA and a remarkable 134% surge for DHA in comparison to the Omacor^® soft cap over a span of 72 h. The key success can be attributed to the innovative liquid crystalline nanoparticle design, bolstering the dissolution and permeability of these essential fatty acids. Intriguingly, intra-participant variability for AUC_0–72 h and C_max were calculated at 45.04% and 34.26%, respectively. It is noteworthy that the parameters of T_max for EPA (≈6.00 h) and DHA (≈5.00 h), t_½ for both EPA and DHA ≈ 30–40 h, and K_el around 0.18–0.22 h⁻¹ for EPA and ≈0.008–0.02 h⁻¹ for DHA, displayed comparability between the IMD-Omega and Omacor^® formulations. Encouragingly, the IMD-Omega soft cap showed excellent tolerability. The promise of optimized patient compliance and reduced dosages adds further weight to its potential significance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Application of Nanoparticles in Biomedical and Ecology Systems)

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19 pages, 8455 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Polymer-Encapsulated, Amine-Functionalized Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles as MRI Contrast Agents

by Ágnes M. Ilosvai, László Forgách, Noémi Kovács, Fatemeh Heydari, Krisztián Szigeti, Domokos Máthé, Ferenc Kristály, Lajos Daróczi, Zoltán Kaleta, Béla Viskolcz, Miklós Nagy and László Vanyorek

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(22), 16203; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242216203 - 11 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1472

Abstract

The need for stable and well-defined magnetic nanoparticles is constantly increasing in biomedical applications; however, their preparation remains challenging. We used two different solvothermal methods (12 h reflux and a 4 min microwave, MW) to synthesize amine-functionalized zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄-NH₂) superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The morphological features of the two ferrite samples were the same, but the average particle size was slightly larger in the case of MW activation: 47 ± 14 nm (Refl.) vs. 63 ± 20 nm (MW). Phase identification measurements confirmed the exclusive presence of zinc ferrite with virtually the same magnetic properties. The Refl. samples had a zeta potential of −23.8 ± 4.4 mV, in contrast to the +7.6 ± 6.8 mV measured for the MW sample. To overcome stability problems in the colloidal phase, the ferrite nanoparticles were embedded in polyvinylpyrrolidone and could be easily redispersed in water. Two PVP-coated zinc ferrite samples were administered (1 mg/mL ZnFe₂O₄) in X BalbC mice and were compared as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After determining the r1/r2 ratio, the samples were compared to other commercially available contrast agents. Consistent with other SPION nanoparticles, our sample exhibits a concentrated presence in the hepatic region of the animals, with comparable biodistribution and pharmacokinetics suspected. Moreover, a small dose of 1.3 mg/body weight kg was found to be sufficient for effective imaging. It should also be noted that no toxic side effects were observed, making ZnFe₂O₄-NH₂ advantageous for pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Application of Nanoparticles in Biomedical and Ecology Systems)

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12 pages, 2526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lactoferrin-Anchored Tannylated Mesoporous Silica Nanomaterials-Induced Bone Fusion in a Rat Model of Lumbar Spinal Fusion

by Sung Hyun Noh, Kanghyon Sung, Hye Eun Byeon, Sung Eun Kim and Keung Nyun Kim

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15782; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115782 - 30 Oct 2023

Viewed by 989

Abstract

Lactoferrin (LF) is a potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agent found in cow and human colostrum which acts as an osteogenic growth factor. This study aimed to investigate whether LF-anchored tannylated mesoporous silica nanomaterials (TA-MSN-LF) function as a bone fusion material in a rat model. In this study, we created TA-MSN-LF and measured the effects of low (1 μg) and high (100 μg) TA-MSN-LF concentrations in a spinal fusion animal model. Rats were assigned to four groups in this study: defect, MSN, TA-MSN-LF-low (1 μg/mL), and TA-MSN-LF-high (100 μg/mL). Eight weeks after surgery, a greater amount of radiological fusion was identified in the TA-MSN-LF groups than in the other groups. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that new bone fusion was induced in the TA-MSN-LF groups. Additionally, osteocalcin, a marker of bone formation, was detected by immunohistochemistry, and its intensity was induced in the TA-MSN-LF groups. The formation of new vessels was induced in the TA-MSN-LF-high group. We also confirmed an increase in the serum osteocalcin level and the mRNA expression of osteocalcin and osteopontin in the TA-MSN-LF groups. TA-MSN-LF showed effective bone fusion and angiogenesis in rats. We suggest that TA-MSN-LF is a potent material for spinal bone fusion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Application of Nanoparticles in Biomedical and Ecology Systems)

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13 pages, 3302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanoform of Phospholipid Composition: Investigation of the Morphological Features by Atomic Force Microscopy

by Sergey V. Kraevsky, Irina A. Ivanova, Sergey L. Kanashenko, Ivan D. Shumov, Ilya A. Ryazantsev, Yulia A. Tereshkina, Lyubov V. Kostryukova, Yulia A. Romashova and Tatyana O. Pleshakova

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(20), 15338; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242015338 - 19 Oct 2023

Viewed by 902

Abstract

Morphological features of the nanoform of a phospholipid composition (NFPh), which can be used as an individual pharmaceutic agent or as a platform for designing drug delivery systems, have been studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). NFPh has been developed, and its characteristics have been investigated using conventional drug analysis methods, including the determination of the mean diameter of nanosized vesicles in the emulsion via dynamic light scattering (DLS). Using DLS, the mean diameter of the vesicles was found to be ~20 nm. AFM imaging of the surface has revealed four types of objects related to NFPh: (1) compact objects; (2) layer fragments; (3) lamellar structures; and (4) combined objects containing the compact and extended parts. For type (4) objects, it has been found that the geometric ratio of the volume of the convex part to the total area of the entire object is constant. It has been proposed that these objects formed owing to fusion of vesicles of the same size (with the same surface-to-volume ratio). It has been shown that this is possible for vesicles with diameters of 20 nm. This diameter is in good coincidence with the value obtained using DLS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Application of Nanoparticles in Biomedical and Ecology Systems)

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11 pages, 1653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Theoretical Analysis of Riboflavin Adsorption on Hexagonal Boron Nitride for Drug Delivery Applications: Unveiling the Influence of Point Defects

by Liubov Yu. Antipina, Kristina Yu. Kotyakova and Pavel B. Sorokin

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(14), 11648; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241411648 - 19 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1086

Abstract

This research delves into the intriguing realm of investigating the stability of vitamin B2 (riboflavin, Rf) on hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), both in its pristine state and in the presence of vacancy defects, with the aim of harnessing their potential as carriers for drug delivery applications. Employing the density functional theory (DFT), we perform binding energy calculations and analyze the electronic structure of the BN@Rf system to unravel the nature of their interactions. Our comprehensive DFT calculations unequivocally demonstrate the spontaneous physical sorption of the drug onto the h-BN surface, facilitated by the formation of π-π stacking interactions. The adsorption energy spans a range from −1.15 to −4.00 eV per system, emphasizing the robust nature of the BN@Rf bonding. The results show that the HOMO and LUMO of riboflavin are located exactly in the region of the iso-alloxazine rings of riboflavin. This arrangement fosters the formation of π-π stacking between riboflavin and boron nitride, effectively facilitating the transfer of electron density within the BN@Rf system. Furthermore, our investigations reveal the significant impact of vacancy defects within the boron nitride lattice. These vacancies alter the behavior of the structure, prompting riboflavin to metamorphose from an electron donor to an electron acceptor, expanding our understanding of the interplay between boron nitride defects and riboflavin sorption. Therefore, it is imperative to exert meticulous oversight of the structural integrity of h-BN, given that the existence of vacancies may lead to a noticeable change in its adsorption properties. The obtained data could amplify our capacity to conceive and refine drug delivery h-BN-based systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Application of Nanoparticles in Biomedical and Ecology Systems)

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12 pages, 8895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Features of DNA–Montmorillonite Binding Visualized by Atomic Force Microscopy

by Sergey V. Kraevsky, Nikolay A. Barinov, Olga V. Morozova, Vladimir V. Palyulin, Alena V. Kremleva and Dmitry V. Klinov

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 9827; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24129827 - 06 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1222

Abstract

In the present work, complexes of DNA with nano-clay montmorillonite (Mt) were investigated by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM) under various conditions. In contrast to the integral methods of analysis of the sorption of DNA on clay, AFM allowed us to study this process at the molecular level in detail. DNA molecules in the deionized water were shown to form a 2D fiber network weakly bound to both Mt and mica. The binding sites are mostly along Mt edges. The addition of Mg²⁺ cations led to the separation of DNA fibers into separate molecules, which bound mainly to the edge joints of the Mt particles according to our reactivity estimations. After the incubation of DNA with Mg²⁺, the DNA fibers were capable of wrapping around the Mt particles and were weakly bound to the Mt edge surfaces. The reversible sorption of nucleic acids onto the Mt surface allows it to be used for both RNA and DNA isolation for further reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Our results show that the strongest binding sites for DNA are the edge joints of Mt particles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Application of Nanoparticles in Biomedical and Ecology Systems)

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16 pages, 4093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Protection of Nucleic Acids from Herbicide Attack: Self-Assembly of Betaines Based on Pillar[5]arene with Glyphosate and DNA

by Anastasia Nazarova, Pavel Padnya, Arthur Khannanov, Aleksandra Khabibrakhmanova, Pavel Zelenikhin and Ivan Stoikov

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(9), 8357; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24098357 - 06 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1326

Abstract

Herbicides are one of the main parts of pesticides used today. Due to the high efficiency and widespread use of glyphosate-based herbicides, the search for substances reducing their genotoxicity is an important interdisciplinary task. One possible approach for solving the problem of herbicide toxicity is to use compounds that can protect DNA from damage by glyphosate derivatives. For the first time, a method for developing DNA-protecting measures against glyphosate isopropylamine salt (GIS) damage was presented and realized, based on low-toxicity water-soluble pillar[5]arene derivatives. Two- and three-component systems based on pillar[5]arene derivatives, GIS, and model DNA from salmon sperm, as well as their cytotoxicity, were studied. The synthesized pillar[5]arene derivatives do not interact with GIS, while GIS is able to bind DNA from salmon sperm with lgKa = 4.92. The pillar[5]arene betaine derivative containing fragments of L-phenylalanine and the ester derivative with diglycine fragments bind DNA with lgKa = 5.24 and lgKa = 4.88, respectively. The study of the associates (pillar[5]arene-DNA) with GIS showed that the interaction of GIS with DNA is inhibited only by the betaine pillar[5]arene containing fragments of L-Phe (lgKa = 3.60). This study has shown a possible application of betaine pillar[5]arene derivatives for nucleic acid protection according to its competitive binding with biomacromolecules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Application of Nanoparticles in Biomedical and Ecology Systems)

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Review

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18 pages, 1737 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innovative Phospholipid Carriers: A Viable Strategy to Counteract Antimicrobial Resistance

by Daria Nicolosi, Giulio Petronio Petronio, Stefano Russo, Maria Di Naro, Marco Alfio Cutuli, Claudio Russo and Roberto Di Marco

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15934; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115934 - 03 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1489

Abstract

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and pan-drug-resistant (PDR) bacteria strains, usually associated with poorer patient outcomes and higher costs. In order to preserve the usefulness of these life-saving drugs, it is crucial to use them appropriately, as also recommended by the WHO. Moreover, innovative, safe, and more effective approaches are being investigated, aiming to revise drug treatments to improve their pharmacokinetics and distribution and to reduce the onset of drug resistance. Globally, to reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), guidelines and indications have been developed over time, aimed at narrowing the use and diminishing the environmental spread of these life-saving molecules by optimizing prescriptions, dosage, and times of use, as well as investing resources into obtaining innovative formulations with better pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutic results. This has led to the development of new nano-formulations as drug delivery vehicles, characterized by unique structural properties, biocompatible natures, and targeted activities such as state-of-the-art phospholipid particles generally grouped as liposomes, virosomes, and functionalized exosomes, which represent an attractive and innovative delivery approach. Liposomes and virosomes are chemically synthesized carriers that utilize phospholipids whose nature is predetermined based on their use, with a long track record as drug delivery systems. Exosomes are vesicles naturally released by cells, which utilize the lipids present in their cellular membranes only, and therefore, are highly biocompatible, with investigations as a delivery system having a more recent origin. This review will summarize the state of the art on microvesicle research, liposomes, virosomes, and exosomes, as useful and effective tools to tackle the threat of antibiotic resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Application of Nanoparticles in Biomedical and Ecology Systems)

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20 pages, 1895 KiB

Open AccessReview

Toxicity Mechanisms of Copper Nanoparticles and Copper Surfaces on Bacterial Cells and Viruses

by Javiera Ramos-Zúñiga, Nicolás Bruna and José M. Pérez-Donoso

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(13), 10503; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241310503 - 22 Jun 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3545

Abstract

Copper is a metal historically used to prevent infections. One of the most relevant challenges in modern society are infectious disease outbreaks, where copper-based technologies can play a significant role. Currently, copper nanoparticles and surfaces are the most common antimicrobial copper-based technologies. Despite the widespread use of copper on nanoparticles and surfaces, the toxicity mechanism(s) explaining their unique antimicrobial properties are not entirely known. In general, toxicity effects described in bacteria and fungi involve the rupture of membranes, accumulation of ions inside the cell, protein inactivation, and DNA damage. A few studies have associated Cu-toxicity with ROS production and genetic material degradation in viruses. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of the toxicity of copper nanoparticles and surfaces will contribute to developing and implementing efficient antimicrobial technologies to combat old and new infectious agents that can lead to disease outbreaks such as COVID-19. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the microbial toxicity of copper nanoparticles and surfaces and the gaps in this knowledge. In addition, we discuss potential applications derived from discovering new elements of copper toxicity, such as using different molecules or modifications to potentiate toxicity or antimicrobial specificity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Application of Nanoparticles in Biomedical and Ecology Systems)

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17 pages, 1336 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chitosan Nanoparticles as Oral Drug Carriers

by Omar Rodrigo Guadarrama-Escobar, Pablo Serrano-Castañeda, Ericka Anguiano-Almazán, Alma Vázquez-Durán, Ma. Concepción Peña-Juárez, Ricardo Vera-Graziano, Miriam Isabel Morales-Florido, Betsabe Rodriguez-Perez, Isabel Marlen Rodriguez-Cruz, Jorge Esteban Miranda-Calderón and José Juan Escobar-Chávez

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(5), 4289; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054289 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3683

Abstract

The use of nanoparticles as drug delivery systems has increased in importance in the last decades. Despite the disadvantages of difficulty swallowing, gastric irritation, low solubility, and poor bioavailability, oral administration stands out as the most widely used route for therapeutic treatments, though it may not always be the most effective route. The effect of the first hepatic pass is one of the primary challenges that drugs must overcome to carry out their therapeutic effect. For these reasons, controlled-release systems based on nanoparticles synthesized from biodegradable natural polymers have been reported to be very efficient in enhancing oral delivery in multiple studies. Chitosan has been shown to have an extensive variability of properties and roles in the pharmaceutical and health fields; of its most important properties are the ability to encapsulate and transport drugs within the body and enhance the drug interaction with the target cells, which improves the efficacy of the encapsulated drugs. The physicochemical properties of chitosan give it the ability to form nanoparticles through multiple mechanisms, which will be addressed in this article. The present review article focuses on highlighting the applications of chitosan nanoparticles for oral drug delivery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Application of Nanoparticles in Biomedical and Ecology Systems)

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