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Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2020) | Viewed by 54335

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nano/micro particles are considered to be the most valuable and important functional materials in the field of material science. As a field, metal nanoparticles (NPs) is one of the most actively studied in nano/microtechnology, with carbon materials, magnetic materials, and quantum dots. The ability of metal nanoparticles to interact effectively with electromagnetic radiation makes them suitable for many biomedical applications, including diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of disease. The interaction with electromagnetic radiation causes a unique optical phenomenon, called surface plasmon resonance (SPR), usually in the ultra-violet (UV), visible, and near-infrared (NIR) spectrum range. The SPR frequency is sensitive to subtle changes in physico-chemical conditions, such as distance between nanoparticles and particle size and shape.

Biomedical applications generally use gold nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles, which exhibit superior plasmonic properties. These nanoparticles are widely used because their size and shape can be controlled easily during fabrication. The surface chemistry and modification of Au and Ag NPs are well known, enabling them to be used as sensors based on their SPR band changes.

As well as colorimetric sensing, the intensive absorption and scattering of light due to SPR can be coupled to applications of the metal nanoparticles: surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).

This Special Issue aims to provide a range of original contributions detailing the synthesis, modification, and properties for bio-applications of metal nano/micro materials, particularly in nanomedicine.

Prof. Bong-Hyun  Jun
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Metal, nano/microparticles
  • Bioapplications
  • Surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF)
  • Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)
  • Biosensors
  • Nanomedicine

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 175 KiB  
Editorial
Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications
by Xuan-Hung Pham, Seung-min Park and Bong-Hyun Jun
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(9), 4543; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22094543 - 27 Apr 2021
Viewed by 1519
Abstract
Nano/micro particles are considered to be the most valuable and important functional materials in the field of materials science and engineering [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications)

Research

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12 pages, 5390 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Materials Based on Magnetic Iron Oxides with Benzothiazole Derivatives: A Plausible Potential Spectroscopy Probe
by Silviana Corrêa, Isael Aparecido Rosa, Gustavo A. Andolpho, Letícia Cristina de Assis, Maíra dos S. Pires, Lívia C. T. Lacerda, Francisco G. E. Nogueira, Elaine F. F. da Cunha, Eugenie Nepovimova, Kamil Kuca and Teodorico C. Ramalho
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(8), 3980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22083980 - 12 Apr 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1735
Abstract
Rare diseases affect a small part of the population, and the most affected are children. Because of the low availability of patients for testing, the pharmaceutical industry cannot develop drugs for the diagnosis of many of these orphan diseases. In this sense, the [...] Read more.
Rare diseases affect a small part of the population, and the most affected are children. Because of the low availability of patients for testing, the pharmaceutical industry cannot develop drugs for the diagnosis of many of these orphan diseases. In this sense, the use of benzothiazole compounds that are highly selective and can act as spectroscopy probes, especially the compound 2-(4′-aminophenyl)benzothiazole (ABT), has been highlighted. This article reports the design of potential contrast agents based on ABT and iron to develop a new material with an efficient mechanism to raise the relaxation rate, facilitating diagnosis. The ABT/δ-FeOOH hybrid material was prepared by grafting (N-(4’-aminophenyl) benzothiazole-2-bromoacetamide) on the surface of the iron oxyhydroxide particles. FTIR spectra confirmed the material formations of the hybrid material ABT/δ-FeOOH. SEM analysis checked the covering of nanoflakes’ surfaces in relation to the morphology of the samples. The theoretical calculations test a better binding mode of compound with iron oxyhydroxide. Theoretical findings show the radical capture mechanism in the stabilization of this new material. In this context, Fe3+ ions are an electron acceptor from the organic phase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications)
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12 pages, 1957 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Densely Immobilized Gold-Assembled Silica Nanostructures
by Bomi Seong, Sungje Bock, Eunil Hahm, Kim-Hung Huynh, Jaehi Kim, Sang Hun Lee, Xuan-Hung Pham and Bong-Hyun Jun
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(5), 2543; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22052543 - 3 Mar 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3092
Abstract
In this study, dense gold-assembled SiO2 nanostructure (SiO2@Au) was successfully developed using the Au seed-mediated growth. First, SiO2 (150 nm) was prepared, modified by amino groups, and incubated by gold nanoparticles (ca. 3 nm Au metal nanoparticles (NPs)) to [...] Read more.
In this study, dense gold-assembled SiO2 nanostructure (SiO2@Au) was successfully developed using the Au seed-mediated growth. First, SiO2 (150 nm) was prepared, modified by amino groups, and incubated by gold nanoparticles (ca. 3 nm Au metal nanoparticles (NPs)) to immobilize Au NPs to SiO2 surface. Then, Au NPs were grown on the prepared SiO2@Au seed by reducing chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) by ascorbic acid (AA) in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The presence of bigger (ca. 20 nm) Au NPs on the SiO2 surface was confirmed by transmittance electronic microscopy (TEM) images, color changes to dark blue, and UV-vis spectra broadening in the range of 450 to 750 nm. The SiO2@Au nanostructure showed several advantages compared to the hydrofluoric acid (HF)-treated SiO2@Au, such as easy separation, surface modification stability by 11-mercaptopundecanoic acid (R-COOH), 11-mercapto-1-undecanol (R-OH), and 1-undecanethiol (R-CH3), and a better peroxidase-like catalysis activity for 5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reaction. The catalytic activity of SiO2@Au was two times better than that of HF-treated SiO2@Au. When SiO2@Au nanostructure was used as a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate, the signal of 4-aminophenol (4-ATP) on the surface of SiO2@Au was also stronger than that of HF-treated SiO2@Au. This study provides a potential method for nanoparticle preparation which can be replaced for Au NPs in further research and development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications)
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11 pages, 3649 KiB  
Article
Stress Response of Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts Exposed to Polystyrene Nanoplastics
by Seung-Woo Han, Jinhee Choi and Kwon-Yul Ryu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(4), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22042094 - 20 Feb 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 2906
Abstract
Polystyrene (PS) nanoplastic exposure has been shown to affect the viability of neuronal cells isolated from mouse embryonic brains. However, the viability of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) was not affected although PS nanoplastics accumulated in the cytoplasm. It is currently unknown whether MEFs [...] Read more.
Polystyrene (PS) nanoplastic exposure has been shown to affect the viability of neuronal cells isolated from mouse embryonic brains. However, the viability of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) was not affected although PS nanoplastics accumulated in the cytoplasm. It is currently unknown whether MEFs do not respond to PS nanoplastics or their cellular functions are altered without compromising viability. Here, we found that PS nanoplastics entered the cells via endocytosis and were then released into the cytoplasm, probably by endosomal escape, or otherwise remained in the endosome. Oxidative and inflammatory stress caused by intracellular PS nanoplastics induced the antioxidant response pathway and activated the autophagic pathway. However, colocalization of the autophagic marker LC3B and PS nanoplastics suggested that PS nanoplastics in the cytoplasm might interfere with normal autophagic function. Furthermore, autophagic flux could be impaired, probably due to accumulation of PS nanoplastic-containing lysosomes or autolysosomes. Intriguingly, the level of accumulated PS nanoplastics decreased during prolonged culture when MEFs were no longer exposed to PS nanoplastics. These results indicate that accumulated PS nanoplastics are removed or exported out of the cells. Therefore, PS nanoplastics in the cytoplasm affect cellular functions, but it is temporal and MEFs can overcome the stress caused by PS nanoplastic exposure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications)
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13 pages, 2575 KiB  
Article
Template-Assisted Plasmonic Nanogap Shells for Highly Enhanced Detection of Cancer Biomarkers
by Homan Kang, Sinyoung Jeong, Jin-Kyoung Yang, Ahla Jo, Hyunmi Lee, Eun Hae Heo, Dae Hong Jeong, Bong-Hyun Jun, Hyejin Chang and Yoon-Sik Lee
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(4), 1752; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22041752 - 10 Feb 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2787
Abstract
We present a template-assisted method for synthesizing nanogap shell structures for biomolecular detections based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The interior nanogap-containing a silver shell structure, referred to as a silver nanogap shell (Ag NGS), was fabricated on silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs)-coated silica, by [...] Read more.
We present a template-assisted method for synthesizing nanogap shell structures for biomolecular detections based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The interior nanogap-containing a silver shell structure, referred to as a silver nanogap shell (Ag NGS), was fabricated on silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs)-coated silica, by adsorbing small aromatic thiol molecules on the Ag NPs. The Ag NGSs showed a high enhancement factor and good signal uniformity, using 785-nm excitation. We performed in vitro immunoassays using a prostate-specific antigen as a model cancer biomarker with a detection limit of 2 pg/mL. To demonstrate the versatility of Ag NGS nanoprobes, extracellular duplex surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) imaging was also performed to evaluate the co-expression of cancer biomarkers, human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), in a non-small cell lung cancer cell line (H522). Developing highly sensitive Ag NGS nanoprobes that enable multiplex biomolecular detection and imaging can open up new possibilities for point-of-care diagnostics and provide appropriate treatment options and prognosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications)
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14 pages, 2008 KiB  
Article
Packaging Covered with Antiviral and Antibacterial Coatings Based on ZnO Nanoparticles Supplemented with Geraniol and Carvacrol
by Małgorzata Mizielińska, Paweł Nawrotek, Xymena Stachurska, Magdalena Ordon and Artur Bartkowiak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(4), 1717; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22041717 - 9 Feb 2021
Cited by 44 | Viewed by 3477
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to obtain an external coating based on nanoparticles of ZnO, carvacrol, and geraniol that could be active against viruses such as SARS-Co-V2. Additionally, the synergistic effect of the chosen substances in coatings was analyzed. The goal of [...] Read more.
The purpose of the study was to obtain an external coating based on nanoparticles of ZnO, carvacrol, and geraniol that could be active against viruses such as SARS-Co-V2. Additionally, the synergistic effect of the chosen substances in coatings was analyzed. The goal of the study was to measure the possible antibacterial activity of the coatings obtained. Testing antiviral activity with human pathogen viruses, such as SARS-Co-V2, requires immense safety measures. Bacteriophages such as phi 6 phage represent good surrogates for the study of airborne viruses. The results of the study indicated that the ZC1 and ZG1 coatings containing an increased amount of geraniol or carvacrol and a very small amount of nanoZnO were found to be active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is also important that a synergistic effect between these active substances was noted. This explains why polyethylene (PE) films covered with the ZC1 or ZG1 coatings (as internal coatings) were found to be the best packaging materials to extend the quality and freshness of food products. The same coatings may be used as the external coatings with antiviral properties. The ZC1 and ZG1 coatings showed moderate activity against the phi 6 phage that has been selected as a surrogate for viruses such as coronaviruses. It can be assumed that coatings ZG1 and ZC1 will also be active against SARS-CoV-2 that is transmitted via respiratory droplets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications)
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12 pages, 3641 KiB  
Article
Silver Nanoparticles Protect Skin from Ultraviolet B-Induced Damage in Mice
by Yu-Yi Ho, Der-Shan Sun and Hsin-Hou Chang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(19), 7082; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21197082 - 25 Sep 2020
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 2801
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight has various adverse effects; thus, UV blockage is recommended for preventing sunburn. Common sunscreen ingredients, such as nanosized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, offer effective protection and enhance cosmetic appearance; however, health concerns have been raised regarding their [...] Read more.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight has various adverse effects; thus, UV blockage is recommended for preventing sunburn. Common sunscreen ingredients, such as nanosized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, offer effective protection and enhance cosmetic appearance; however, health concerns have been raised regarding their photocatalytic activity, which generates reactive oxygen species under UV illumination. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known as safe materials for use in a wide spectrum of biomedical applications. In vitro studies have revealed that AgNPs may have a protective effect against UV irradiation, but the effects in animal studies remain unclear. The present study demonstrated that AgNPs effectively protect against UVB-induced skin damage both in cell cultures and mouse models. These results suggested that AgNPs are feasible and safe as sunscreen ingredients for protection against UVB-induced skin damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications)
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32 pages, 6771 KiB  
Article
Anticancer Properties of Platinum Nanoparticles and Retinoic Acid: Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Human Neuroblastoma Cancer
by Sangiliyandi Gurunathan, Muniyandi Jeyaraj, Min-Hee Kang and Jin-Hoi Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(18), 6792; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21186792 - 16 Sep 2020
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4112
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. The different treatments available for neuroblastoma are challenged by high rates of resistance, recurrence, and progression, most notably in advanced cases and highly malignant tumors. Therefore, the development of more targeted therapies, which [...] Read more.
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. The different treatments available for neuroblastoma are challenged by high rates of resistance, recurrence, and progression, most notably in advanced cases and highly malignant tumors. Therefore, the development of more targeted therapies, which are biocompatible and without undesired side effects, is highly desirable. The mechanisms of actions of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) and retinoic acid (RA) in neuroblastoma have remained unclear. In this study, the anticancer effects of PtNPs and RA on neuroblastoma were assessed. We demonstrated that treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with the combination of PtNPs and RA resulted in improved anticancer effects. The anticancer effects of the two compounds were mediated by cytotoxicity, oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and apoptosis-associated networks. Cytotoxicity was confirmed by leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and intracellular protease, and oxidative stress increased the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO), and protein carbonyl content (PCC). The combination of PtNPs and RA caused mitochondrial dysfunction by decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, number of mitochondria, and expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). Endoplasmic reticulum-mediated stress and apoptosis were confirmed by upregulation of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), p53, Bax, and caspase-3 and down regulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCl-2). PtNPs and RA induced apoptosis, and oxidative DNA damage was evident by the accumulation of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHG). Finally, PtNPs and RA increased the differentiation and expression of differentiation markers. Differentiated SH-SY5Y cells pre-treated with PtNPs or RA or the combination of both were more sensitive to the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin than undifferentiated cells. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the effect of the combination of PtNPs and RA in neuroblastoma cells. PtNPs may be a potential preconditioning or adjuvant compound in chemotherapeutic treatment. The results of this study provide a rationale for clinical evaluation of the combination of PtNPs and RA for the treatment of children suffering from high-risk neuroblastoma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications)
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20 pages, 4502 KiB  
Article
Comparative Effects of Particle Sizes of Cobalt Nanoparticles to Nine Biological Activities
by In Chul Kong, Kyung-Seok Ko, Dong-Chan Koh and Chul-Min Chon
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(18), 6767; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21186767 - 15 Sep 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2620
Abstract
The differences in the toxicity of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co-NPs) of two different sizes were evaluated in the contexts of the activities of bacterial bioluminescence, xyl-lux gene, enzyme function and biosynthesis of β-galactosidase, bacterial gene mutation, algal growth, and plant seed [...] Read more.
The differences in the toxicity of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co-NPs) of two different sizes were evaluated in the contexts of the activities of bacterial bioluminescence, xyl-lux gene, enzyme function and biosynthesis of β-galactosidase, bacterial gene mutation, algal growth, and plant seed germination and root/shoot growth. Each size of Co-NP exhibited a different level of toxicity (sensitivity) in each biological activity. No revertant mutagenic ratio (greater than 2.0) of Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 was observed under the test conditions in the case of gene-mutation experiments. Overall, the inhibitory effects on all five bacterial bioassays were greater than those on algal growth, seed germination, and root growth. However, in all cases, the small Co-NPs showed statistically greater (total average about two times) toxicity than the large Co-NPs, except in shoot growth, which showed no observable inhibition. These findings demonstrate that particle size may be an important physical factor determining the fate of Co-NPs in the environment. Moreover, combinations of results based on various biological activities and physicochemical properties, rather than only a single activity and property, would better facilitate accurate assessment of NPs’ toxicity in ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications)
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Review

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22 pages, 2846 KiB  
Review
Conifer-Derived Metallic Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis and Biological Applications
by Kanchan Bhardwaj, Daljeet Singh Dhanjal, Anirudh Sharma, Eugenie Nepovimova, Anu Kalia, Shabnam Thakur, Sonali Bhardwaj, Chirag Chopra, Reena Singh, Rachna Verma, Dinesh Kumar, Prerna Bhardwaj and Kamil Kuča
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(23), 9028; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21239028 - 27 Nov 2020
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6625
Abstract
The use of metallic nanoparticles in engineering and biomedicine disciplines has gained considerable attention. Scientists are exploring new synthesis protocols of these substances considering their small size and lucrative antimicrobial potential. Among the most economical techniques of synthesis of metallic nanoparticles via chemical [...] Read more.
The use of metallic nanoparticles in engineering and biomedicine disciplines has gained considerable attention. Scientists are exploring new synthesis protocols of these substances considering their small size and lucrative antimicrobial potential. Among the most economical techniques of synthesis of metallic nanoparticles via chemical routes, which includes the use of chemicals as metal reducing agents, is considered to generate nanoparticles possessing toxicity and biological risk. This limitation of chemically synthesized nanoparticles has engendered the exploration for the ecofriendly synthesis process. Biological or green synthesis approaches have emerged as an effective solution to address the limitations of conventionally synthesized nanoparticles. Nanoparticles synthesized via biological entities obtained from plant extracts exhibit superior effect in comparison to chemical methods. Recently, conifer extracts have been found to be effective in synthesizing metallic nanoparticles through a highly regulated process. The current review highlights the importance of conifers and its extracts in synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. It also discusses the different applications of the conifer extract mediated metallic nanoparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications)
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18 pages, 2164 KiB  
Review
Fruit Extract Mediated Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles: A New Avenue in Pomology Applications
by Harsh Kumar, Kanchan Bhardwaj, Daljeet Singh Dhanjal, Eugenie Nepovimova, Fatih Șen, Hailemeleak Regassa, Reena Singh, Rachna Verma, Vinod Kumar, Dinesh Kumar, Shashi Kant Bhatia and Kamil Kuča
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(22), 8458; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228458 - 11 Nov 2020
Cited by 61 | Viewed by 5508
Abstract
Fruit extracts have natural bioactive molecules that are known to possess significant therapeutic potential. Traditionally, metallic nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical methods, in which the chemical act as the reducing agent. Later, these traditional metallic nanoparticles emerged as the biological risk, which prompted [...] Read more.
Fruit extracts have natural bioactive molecules that are known to possess significant therapeutic potential. Traditionally, metallic nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical methods, in which the chemical act as the reducing agent. Later, these traditional metallic nanoparticles emerged as the biological risk, which prompted researchers to explore an eco-friendly approach. There are different eco-friendly methods employed for synthesizing these metallic nanoparticles via the usage of microbes and plants, primarily via fruit extract. These explorations have paved the way for using fruit extracts for developing nanoparticles, as they eliminate the usage of reducing and stabilizing agents. Metallic nanoparticles have gained significant attention, and are used for diverse biological applications. The present review discusses the potential activities of phytochemicals, and it intends to summarize the different metallic nanoparticles synthesized using fruit extracts and their associated pharmacological activities like anti-cancerous, antimicrobial, antioxidant and catalytic efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications)
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24 pages, 1220 KiB  
Review
Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Essential Oils: A New Tool for Biological Applications
by Maria Graça Miguel, João Paulo Lourenço and Maria Leonor Faleiro
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(18), 6633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21186633 - 10 Sep 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3491
Abstract
Essential oils are complex mixtures of volatile compounds with diverse biological properties. Antimicrobial activity has been attributed to the essential oils as well as their capacity to prevent pathogenic microorganisms from forming biofilms. The search of compounds or methodologies with this capacity is [...] Read more.
Essential oils are complex mixtures of volatile compounds with diverse biological properties. Antimicrobial activity has been attributed to the essential oils as well as their capacity to prevent pathogenic microorganisms from forming biofilms. The search of compounds or methodologies with this capacity is of great importance due to the fact that the adherence of these pathogenic microorganisms to surfaces largely contributes to antibiotic resistance. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been assayed for diverse biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and low toxicity. Several methods have been developed in order to obtain functionalized magnetite nanoparticles with adequate size, shape, size distribution, surface, and magnetic properties for medical applications. Essential oils have been evaluated as modifiers of the surface magnetite nanoparticles for improving their stabilization but particularly to prevent the growth of microorganisms. This review aims to provide an overview on the current knowledge about the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and essential oils on the prevention of microbial adherence and consequent biofilm formation with the goal of being applied on the surface of medical devices. Some limitations found in the studies are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications)
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29 pages, 2607 KiB  
Review
Synthesis, Properties, and Biological Applications of Metallic Alloy Nanoparticles
by Kim-Hung Huynh, Xuan-Hung Pham, Jaehi Kim, Sang Hun Lee, Hyejin Chang, Won-Yeop Rho and Bong-Hyun Jun
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(14), 5174; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21145174 - 21 Jul 2020
Cited by 113 | Viewed by 12731
Abstract
Metallic alloy nanoparticles are synthesized by combining two or more different metals. Bimetallic or trimetallic nanoparticles are considered more effective than monometallic nanoparticles because of their synergistic characteristics. In this review, we outline the structure, synthesis method, properties, and biological applications of metallic [...] Read more.
Metallic alloy nanoparticles are synthesized by combining two or more different metals. Bimetallic or trimetallic nanoparticles are considered more effective than monometallic nanoparticles because of their synergistic characteristics. In this review, we outline the structure, synthesis method, properties, and biological applications of metallic alloy nanoparticles based on their plasmonic, catalytic, and magnetic characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications)
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