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Advancements and Applications of Phyto-Nanotherapy in Targeted Disease Treatment

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2026 | Viewed by 917

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
1. Department of Science and Innovation/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Research Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
2. Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
Interests: neuro-molecular biology; nanotechnology; biotechnology; computational biology

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Health Platform Diagnostic Unit, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, Randburg 2194, South Africa
2. Biolabels Research Node, DSI/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
Interests: phytotherapy; green nanotechnology; drug delivery; metal nanoparticles; rapid diagnostic tests
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the cutting-edge advancements and applications of phyto-nanotherapy in targeted disease treatment. Phyto-nanotherapy, which integrates plant-derived compounds with nanotechnology, aims to enhance the precision and efficacy of treatments at the molecular level. The unique properties of nanoparticles, such as the increased surface area and enhanced permeability, allow for the improved drug delivery and bioavailability of phytochemicals. This Issue invites research on the synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of phyto-nanoparticles and their role in targeting specific cellular pathways and disease sites.

Authors are encouraged to explore innovative methodologies, therapeutic mechanisms, and the clinical potential of phyto-nanotherapy in treating various diseases, such as cancer, infectious diseases, metabolic diseases, and inflammatory conditions. Contributions should provide insights into the molecular interactions between phyto-nanoparticles and biological systems, offering a comprehensive understanding of this promising therapeutic approach.

Dr. Adewale Fadaka
Dr. Nicole Remaliah Samantha Sibuyi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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.

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Keywords

  • phyto-nanotherapy
  • medicinal plants
  • nanoparticles
  • targeted drug delivery
  • phytochemicals
  • phytotherapy
  • green nanotechnology
  • chronic diseases
  • infectious diseases

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

20 pages, 3566 KB  
Article
In Situ Green Synthesis of Red Wine Silver Nanoparticles on Cotton Fabrics and Investigation of Their Antibacterial Effects
by Alexandria Erasmus, Nicole Remaliah Samantha Sibuyi, Mervin Meyer and Abram Madimabe Madiehe
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020952 - 18 Jan 2026
Viewed by 339
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health concern, which complicates treatment of microbial infections and wounds. Conventional therapies are no longer effective against drug resistant microbes; hence, novel antimicrobial approaches are urgently required. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offer stronger antimicrobial activity, and in [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health concern, which complicates treatment of microbial infections and wounds. Conventional therapies are no longer effective against drug resistant microbes; hence, novel antimicrobial approaches are urgently required. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offer stronger antimicrobial activity, and in situ synthesis improves stability, uniformity, cost efficiency, and bioactivity while minimising contamination. These features make AgNPs well-suited for incorporation into textiles and wound dressings. Red wine extract (RW-E), rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds was used to hydrothermally synthesise RW-AgNPs and RW-AgNPs-loaded on cotton (RWALC) by optimising pH and RW-E concentration. Characterisation was performed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and High Resolution and Scanning electron microscopy (HR-TEM and SEM). Antibacterial activities were evaluated against human pathogens through agar disc diffusion assay for RWALC and microdilution assay for RW-AgNPs. RWALC showed higher potency against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with inhibition zones of 12.33 ± 1.15 to 23.5 ± 5.15 mm, that surpassed those of ciprofloxacin (10 ± 3 to 19.17 ± 1.39 mm at 10 μg/mL). RW-AgNPs exhibited low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC: 0.195–3.125 μg/mL) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC: 0.78–6.25 μg/mL). Preincubation with β-mercaptoethanol (β-ME) inhibited the antibacterial activity of RWALC, suggesting that thiolated molecules are involved in AgNPs-mediated effects. This study demonstrated that green-synthesised RW-AgNPs, incorporated in situ into cotton, conferred strong antibacterial properties, warranting further investigation into their mechanisms of action. Full article
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