Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications

A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 22470

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Arts and Promising Centre for Sensors and Electronic Devices (PCSED), Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
2. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Interests: nanotechnology; functional nanomaterials; sensors; environmental remediation; bio-applications of functional nanomaterials; polymer nanocomposites; biomaterials; biosynthesis of nanomaterials; carbon dots from biowaste; biomedical applications
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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran 66462, Saudi Arabia
Interests: pharmacology; endocrinology; neuropharmacology; bioinformatics; pharmacogenetics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In biomedical research, the advent of nanomaterials has ushered in a new era due to their high loading capacity and superior payload protection. In biomedicine, biolabeling, agriculture, and antimicrobial agents, nanoparticles (NP) can be used in a wide range of ways. Recent years have seen a lot of interest in nanoparticles because of their wide range of applications, from diagnostics and biomarkers to cell identification to antimicrobials and drug delivery. It is possible to create and develop nanoparticles using a wide range of techniques. As a result of their simplicity, low cost, and ability to be tailored to a variety of needs, biological approaches are gaining popularity. Recent advances in science and technology have led to the development of a wide range of safe, simple, cost-effective, repeatable, sustainable, and scalable green synthesis methods for NP. Plant-based NP biosynthesis is regarded as a gold standard among these environmentally friendly biological techniques because of the wide variety of plants that may be used in the process. As a result, the ability to create NPs with a certain size, shape, and composition is significant. In addition, a wide range of phytochemicals readily available in plant extracts can be used as natural stabilizers and reducers to produce NPs in this green strategy. Plant-derived NPs are also less damaging to the human species than chemically manufactured NPs and have a wide range of applications in numerous fields, such as agriculture and biotechnology.

This Special Issue will highlight the most recent findings and developments in this field globally on all aspects related to the prospects of green synthesis of nanoparticles and their applications in biomedicine. These findings and developments will be presented in a variety of formats, including research articles and reviews.

Prof. Dr. Ahmad Umar
Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Shaikh
Prof. Dr. Sotirios Baskoutas
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • bionanomaterials: synthesis and characterization
  • applications of nanomaterials in biomedical fields
  • pharmaceuticals
  • green biotechnology
  • drug discovery
  • biomedicines
  • bio applications of materials
  • environmental remediation from bio- and bio-derived materials

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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29 pages, 8887 KiB  
Article
New Functional Bionanocomposites by Combining Hybrid Host-Guest Systems with a Fully Biobased Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PLA/PBSA) Binary Blend
by Francesca Cicogna, Elisa Passaglia, Alice Telleschi, Werner Oberhauser, Maria-Beatrice Coltelli, Luca Panariello, Vito Gigante and Serena Coiai
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(11), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14110549 - 15 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1985
Abstract
In this study, we have developed innovative polymer nanocomposites by integrating magnesium-aluminum layered double hydroxide (LDH)-based nanocarriers modified with functional molecules into a fully biobased poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PLA/PBSA) matrix. These LDH-based hybrid host-guest systems contain bioactive compounds like rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, [...] Read more.
In this study, we have developed innovative polymer nanocomposites by integrating magnesium-aluminum layered double hydroxide (LDH)-based nanocarriers modified with functional molecules into a fully biobased poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PLA/PBSA) matrix. These LDH-based hybrid host-guest systems contain bioactive compounds like rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid, known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The bioactive molecules can be gradually released from the nanocarriers over time, allowing for sustained and controlled delivery in various applications, such as active packaging or cosmetics. The morphological analysis of the polymer composites, prepared using a discontinuous mechanical mixer, revealed the presence of macroaggregates and nano-lamellae at the polymer interface. This resulted in an enhanced water vapor permeability compared to the original blend. Furthermore, the migration kinetics of active molecules from the thin films confirmed a controlled release mechanism based on their immobilization within the lamellar system. Scaling-up experiments evaluated the materials’ morphology and mechanical and thermal properties. Remarkably, stretching deformation and a higher shear rate during the mixing process enhanced the dispersion and distribution of the nanocarriers, as confirmed by the favorable mechanical properties of the materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications)
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17 pages, 4314 KiB  
Article
Divergent Responses of Hydrophilic CdSe and CdSe@CdS Core–Shell Nanocrystals in Apoptosis and In Vitro Cancer Cell Imaging: A Comparative Analysis
by Kishan Das, Neelima Bhatt, Ajith Manayil Parambil, Kajal Kumari, Raj Kumar, Kamla Rawat, Paulraj Rajamani, Himadri B. Bohidar, Ahmed Nadeem, Saravanan Muthupandian and Ramovatar Meena
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(9), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14090448 - 1 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1652
Abstract
With their distinctive core–shell design, core–shell nanocrystals have drawn interest in catalysis, medicinal research, and nanotechnology. These nanocrystals have a variety of characteristics and possible uses. The application of core–shell nanocrystals offers significant potential in increasing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cancer research [...] Read more.
With their distinctive core–shell design, core–shell nanocrystals have drawn interest in catalysis, medicinal research, and nanotechnology. These nanocrystals have a variety of characteristics and possible uses. The application of core–shell nanocrystals offers significant potential in increasing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cancer research in apoptosis and in vitro cancer cell imaging. In the present study, we investigated the fluorescence behavior of hydrophilic CdSe (core-only) and CdSe@CdS (core–shell) nanocrystals (NCs) and their potential in cancer cell imaging. The addition of a CdS coating to CdSe NCs increased the fluorescence intensity tenfold. The successful fabrication of core–shell CdSe@CdS nanocrystals was proven by a larger particle size (evaluated via DLS and TEM) and their XRD pattern and surface morphology compared to CdSe (core-only) NCs. When these NCs were used for bioimaging in MCF-7 and HEK-293 cell lines, they demonstrated excellent cellular uptake due to higher fluorescence intensity within cancerous cells than normal cells. Comparative cytotoxicity studies revealed that CdSe NCs were more toxic to all three cell lines (HEK-293, MCF-7, and HeLa) than CdSe@CdS core–shell structures. Furthermore, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular ROS production supported NCs inducing oxidative stress, which led to apoptosis via the mitochondria-mediated pathway. Increased cytochrome c levels, regulation of pro-apoptotic gene expression (e.g., p53, Bax), and down-regulation of Bcl-2 all suggested cellular apoptosis occurred via the intrinsic pathway. Significantly, at an equivalent dose of core–shell NCs, core-only NCs induced more oxidative stress, resulting in increased apoptosis. These findings shed light on the role of a CdS surface coating in reducing free radical release, decreasing cytotoxicity, and improving fluorescence, advancing the field of cell imaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications)
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25 pages, 6392 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using an Aqueous Extract of Punica granatum for Antimicrobial and Catalytic Activity
by Amr Fouda, Ebrahim Saied, Ahmed M. Eid, Fayza Kouadri, Ahmed M. Alemam, Mohammed F. Hamza, Maha Alharbi, Amr Elkelish and Saad El-Din Hassan
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(4), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14040205 - 7 Apr 2023
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3756
Abstract
The peel aqueous extract of Punica granatum was utilized to fabricate zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as a green approach. The synthesized NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy, which [...] Read more.
The peel aqueous extract of Punica granatum was utilized to fabricate zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as a green approach. The synthesized NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy, which was attached to an energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). Spherical, well arranged, and crystallographic structures of ZnO-NPs were formed with sizes of 10–45 nm. The biological activities of ZnO-NPs, including antimicrobial and catalytic activity for methylene blue dye, were assessed. Data analysis showed that the antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as unicellular fungi, was observed to occur in a dose-dependent manner, displaying varied inhibition zones and low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the ranges of 6.25–12.5 µg mL–1. The degradation efficacy of methylene blue (MB) using ZnO-NPs is dependent on nano-catalyst concentration, contact time, and incubation condition (UV-light emission). The maximum MB degradation percentages of 93.4 ± 0.2% was attained at 20 µg mL−1 after 210 min in presence of UV-light. Data analysis showed that there is no significant difference between the degradation percentages after 210, 1440, and 1800 min. Moreover, the nano-catalyst showed high stability and efficacy to degrade MB for five cycles with decreasing values of 4%. Overall, P. granatum-based ZnO-NPs are promising tools to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes and degradation of MB in the presence of UV-light emission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications)
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14 pages, 6615 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanostructured Oxide Layers on Ti-Nb-Zr-Ta and Ti-Nb-Zr-Fe Biomedical Alloys
by Gabriela Strnad, Laszlo Jakab-Farkas, Federico Simone Gobber and Ildiko Peter
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(4), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14040180 - 24 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1441
Abstract
Nanoporous/nanotubular complex oxide layers were developed on high-fraction β phase quaternary Ti-Nb-Zr-Ta and Ti-Nb-Zr-Fe promising biomedical alloys with a low elasticity modulus. Surface modification was achieved by electrochemical anodization aimed at the synthesis of the morphology of the nanostructures, which exhibited inner diameters [...] Read more.
Nanoporous/nanotubular complex oxide layers were developed on high-fraction β phase quaternary Ti-Nb-Zr-Ta and Ti-Nb-Zr-Fe promising biomedical alloys with a low elasticity modulus. Surface modification was achieved by electrochemical anodization aimed at the synthesis of the morphology of the nanostructures, which exhibited inner diameters of 15–100 nm. SEM, EDS, XRD, and current evolution analyses were performed for the characterization of the oxide layers. By optimizing the process parameters of electrochemical anodization, complex oxide layers with pore/tube openings of 18–92 nm on Ti-10Nb-10Zr-5Ta, 19–89 nm on Ti-20Nb-20Zr-4Ta, and 17–72 nm on Ti-29.3Nb-13.6Zr-1.9Fe alloys were synthesized using 1 M H3PO4 + 0.5 wt% HF aqueous electrolytes and 0.5 wt% NH4F + 2 wt% H20 + ethylene glycol organic electrolytes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications)
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13 pages, 3532 KiB  
Article
Can Zeolite-Supporting Acridines Boost Their Anticancer Performance?
by Maja Ranković, Anka Jevremović, Aleksandra Janošević Ležaić, Aleksandar Arsenijević, Jelena Rupar, Vladimir Dobričić, Bojana Nedić Vasiljević, Nemanja Gavrilov, Danica Bajuk-Bogdanović and Maja Milojević-Rakić
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(3), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14030173 - 22 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1883
Abstract
Acridine and its derivatives (9-chloroacridine and 9-aminoacridine) are investigated here, supported on FAU type zeolite Y, as a delivery system of anticancer agents. FTIR/Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy revealed successful drug loading on the zeolite surface, while spectrofluorimetry was employed for drug quantification. [...] Read more.
Acridine and its derivatives (9-chloroacridine and 9-aminoacridine) are investigated here, supported on FAU type zeolite Y, as a delivery system of anticancer agents. FTIR/Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy revealed successful drug loading on the zeolite surface, while spectrofluorimetry was employed for drug quantification. The effects of the tested compounds on cell viability were evaluated using in vitro methylthiazol-tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric technique against human colorectal carcinoma (cell line HCT-116) and MRC-5 fibroblasts. Zeolite structure remained unchanged during homogeneous drug impregnation with achieved drug loadings in the 18–21 mg/g range. The highest drug release, in the µM concentration range, with favourable kinetics was established for zeolite-supported 9-aminoacridine. The acridine delivery via zeolite carrier is viewed in terms of solvation energy and zeolite adsorption sites. The cytotoxic effect of supported acridines on HCT-116 cells reveals that the zeolite carrier improves toxicity, while the highest efficiency is displayed by zeolite-impregnated 9-aminoacridine. The 9-aminoacridine delivery via zeolite carrier favours healthy tissue preservation while accompanying increased toxicity toward cancer cells. Cytotoxicity results are well correlated with theoretical modelling and release study, providing promising results for applicative purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications)
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13 pages, 1660 KiB  
Article
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of a Nano-Tool Appended Oilmix (Clove and Tea Tree Oil) Thermosensitive Gel for Vaginal Candidiasis
by Abdulrab Ahmed M. Alkhanjaf, Md Tanwir Athar, Zabih Ullah, Ahmad Umar and Ibrahim Ahmed Shaikh
J. Funct. Biomater. 2022, 13(4), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb13040203 - 26 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3146
Abstract
The main objective of the proposed work was the development of a thermosensitive gel (containing clove and tea tree oil) for the management of vaginal candidiasis. Both oils have been recommended to be used separately in a topical formulation for vaginal candidiasis. Incorporating [...] Read more.
The main objective of the proposed work was the development of a thermosensitive gel (containing clove and tea tree oil) for the management of vaginal candidiasis. Both oils have been recommended to be used separately in a topical formulation for vaginal candidiasis. Incorporating two natural ingredients (clove and tea tree oil) into a product give it a broad antimicrobial spectrum and analgesic properties. The two oils were mixed together at a 3:1 ratio and converted into o/w nanoemulsion using the aqueous titration method and plotting pseudo ternary phase diagrams. Further transformations resulted in a gel with thermosensitive properties. To determine the final formulation’s potential for further clinical investigation, in vitro analyses (viscosity measurement, MTT assay, mucoadhesion, ex vivo permeation) and in vivo studies (fungal clearance kinetics in an animal model) were conducted. The current effort leveraged the potential of tea tree and clove oils as formulation ingredients and natural therapeutic agents for vaginal infections. Its synergy generated a stable and effective thermosensitive gel that can be utilized for recurrent candidiasis and other infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications)
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Review

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37 pages, 4202 KiB  
Review
Nanoscale Topical Pharmacotherapy in Management of Psoriasis: Contemporary Research and Scope
by Mohammad Zaki Ahmad, Abdul Aleem Mohammed, Mohammed S. Algahtani, Awanish Mishra and Javed Ahmad
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14010019 - 29 Dec 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 7197
Abstract
Psoriasis is a typical dermal condition that has been anticipated since prehistoric times when it was mistakenly implicit in being a variant of leprosy. It is an atypical organ-specific autoimmune disorder, which is triggered by the activation of T-cells and/or B-cells. Until now, [...] Read more.
Psoriasis is a typical dermal condition that has been anticipated since prehistoric times when it was mistakenly implicit in being a variant of leprosy. It is an atypical organ-specific autoimmune disorder, which is triggered by the activation of T-cells and/or B-cells. Until now, the pathophysiology of this disease is not completely explicated and still, many research investigations are ongoing. Different approaches have been investigated to treat this dreadful skin disease using various anti-psoriatic drugs of different modes of action through smart drug-delivery systems. Nevertheless, there is no ideal therapy for a complete cure of psoriasis owing to the dearth of an ideal drug-delivery system for anti-psoriatic drugs. The conventional pharmacotherapy approaches for the treatment of psoriasis demand various classes of anti-psoriatic drugs with optimum benefit/risk ratio and insignificant untoward effects. The advancement in nanoscale drug delivery had a great impact on the establishment of a nanomedicine-based therapy for better management of psoriasis in recent times. Nanodrug carriers are exploited to design and develop nanomedicine-based therapy for psoriasis. It has a promising future in the improvement of the therapeutic efficacy of conventional anti-psoriatic drugs. The present manuscript aims to discuss the pathophysiology, conventional pharmacotherapy, and contemporary research in the area of nanoscale topical drug delivery systems for better management of psoriasis including the significance of targeted pharmacotherapy in psoriasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications)
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