Biocompatible Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Nanoparticles represent the key elements of nanotechnology. These can be obtained by two basic approaches: the top-down approach (photolithography, electron beam lithography, milling techniques, anodization, ion and plasma etching) and the bottom-up one (self-assembly of monomer/polymer molecules, chemical or electrochemical nanostructural precipitation, sol-gel processing, laser pyrolysis, chemical vapor deposition). Nanoparticles have important applications in the aerospace industry, electronics, energy production and storage, food packaging, cosmetics, and also in medicine. They can be used as contrast agents in imaging, drug and gene delivery systems, as well as in tissue engineering. Their use in medicine generates highly-sensitive diagnostic tools, facilitates advanced therapies in cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease, diabetes, and also reduces the negative effects of treatments. The interaction of engineered nanoparticles with cells, tissues, organs and systems of organs can result in different toxic effects through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can be counteracted by enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidants. When the level of ROS is too high, oxidative stress occurs. ROS activate the transcription factors involved in the regulation of different signaling pathways involved in inflammation, cellular death or proliferation. The biocompatibility of nanoparticles depends on the shape, size, and surface functionalization, as well as the time and dose exposure.

Prof. Anca Dinischiotu
Guest Editor

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