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Molecules
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Micro and Nanostructures for Applied Chemistry and Medical Sciences
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Micro and Nanostructures for Applied Chemistry and Medical Sciences

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2023) | Viewed by 18461

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ioana Demetrescu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of General Chemistry, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: biomaterials; physical chemistry; biomaterials science; electrochemistry; corrosion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Andreea Didilescu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Embryology, Faculty of Dentistry, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: dentin-pulp complex; biomaterials; salivary research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We do believe that the topics of the proposed Special Issue, entitled "Micro and Nanostructures for Applied Chemistry and Medical Sciences"  will be interesting for large groups of researchers focused on micro and nanostructures, working in both fields of applied chemistry and medical sciences.

Nowadays, the wide variety of micro and nanostructure of materials and their different physical forms allow the modifications of properties, enhancing their performances and leading to new applications in different fields. It is an aspect of the interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinarity of modern research, when knowledge from different disciplines can stay within their boundaries yet reflecting multidisciplinarity in a step, but could also promote links between disciplines into a coherent whole in another step. The objectives of multiple and interdisciplinarity approaches are to solve very complex aspects of problems, to support various perspectives on topics, and to develop methodologies and technologies sustaining applications. 

In this view, applications of micro and nanostructures of drug molecules for diagnosis, therapeutics, and cosmetics are welcome in both review and research papers as well. Colleagues are invited to propose manuscripts with original character, with a special focus on health and materials. Molecules that improve food quality, their properties, structure, and health impact are welcome, as well as molecules of materials in biomedical applications.

Prof. Dr. Ioana Demetrescu
Prof. Dr. Andreea Didilescu
Guest Editors

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. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). 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

  • micro and nanostructures
  • materials
  • drug molecules
  • medical sciences
  • applied chemistry

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4731 KiB  
Article
Folic Acid Functionalized Diallyl Trisulfide–Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Targeting Triple Negative Breast Cancer
by Anindita De, Parikshit Roychowdhury, Nihar Ranjan Bhuyan, Young Tag Ko, Sachin Kumar Singh, Kamal Dua and Gowthamarajan Kuppusamy
Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1393; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031393 - 1 Feb 2023
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3559
Abstract
DATS (diallyl trisulfide), an anti-oxidant and cytotoxic chemical derived from the plant garlic, has been found to have potential therapeutic activity against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Its hydrophobicity, short half-life, lack of target selectivity, and limited bioavailability at the tumor site limit its [...] Read more.
DATS (diallyl trisulfide), an anti-oxidant and cytotoxic chemical derived from the plant garlic, has been found to have potential therapeutic activity against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Its hydrophobicity, short half-life, lack of target selectivity, and limited bioavailability at the tumor site limit its efficacy in treating TNBC. Overexpression of the Folate receptor on the surface of TNBC is a well-known target receptor for overcoming off-targeting, and lipid nanoparticles solve the limitations of limited bioavailability and short half-life. In order to overcome these constraints, we developed folic acid (FA)-conjugated DATS-SLNs in this research. The design of experiment (DoE) method was employed to optimize the FA-DATS-SLNs’ nanoformulation, which resulted in a particle size of 168.2 ± 3.78 nm and a DATS entrapment of 71.91 ± 6.27%. The similarity index between MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines demonstrates that FA-DATS-SLNs are more therapeutically efficacious in the treatment of aggravating TNBC. Higher cellular internalization and efficient Bcl2 protein downregulation support the hypothesis that functionalization of the FA on the surface of DATS-SLNs improves anticancer efficacy when compared with DATS and DATS-SLNs. FA-functionalized DATS-SLNs have demonstrated to be a promising therapeutic strategy for TNBC management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro and Nanostructures for Applied Chemistry and Medical Sciences)
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14 pages, 1790 KiB  
Article
Formulation and Characterization of Nicotine Microemulsion-Loaded Fast-Dissolving Films for Smoking Cessation
by Kantaporn Kheawfu, Pattaraporn Panraksa and Pensak Jantrawut
Molecules 2022, 27(10), 3166; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27103166 - 16 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2651
Abstract
The present study aimed to develop a nicotine microemulsion (NCT-ME) and incorporate it into a fast-dissolving film. The NCT-ME was prepared by mixing the specified proportions of nicotine (NCT), surfactant, co-solvent, and water. The NCT-ME was measured by its average droplet size, size [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to develop a nicotine microemulsion (NCT-ME) and incorporate it into a fast-dissolving film. The NCT-ME was prepared by mixing the specified proportions of nicotine (NCT), surfactant, co-solvent, and water. The NCT-ME was measured by its average droplet size, size distribution, zeta potential, and morphology. NCT-ME fast-dissolving films were prepared by the solvent casting technique. The films were characterized by morphology, weight, thickness, disintegration time, and mechanical strength properties and the determined NCT loading efficiency and in vitro drug release. The results showed that almost all NCT-MEs presented droplet sizes of less than 100 nm with a spherical form, narrow size distribution, and zeta potentials of −10.6 to −73.7 mV. There was no difference in weight and thickness between all NCT-ME films, but significant changes in the disintegration times were noticed in NCT40-Smix[PEG-40H(2:1)]10 film. The mechanical properties of films varied with changes in type of surfactant. About 80% of the drug release was observed to be between 3 and 30 min. The drug release kinetics were fitted with the Higuchi matrix model. The NCT40-Smix[P-80(1:1)]10 film showed the highest dissolution rate. It was concluded that the developed ME-loaded fast-dissolving film can increase drug release to a greater extent than the films without ME. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro and Nanostructures for Applied Chemistry and Medical Sciences)
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11 pages, 8752 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Functional Properties of TiZr Nanotubular Structures for Biomedical Applications, through Nano-Scratch Tests and Adhesion Force Maps
by Maria Vardaki, Aida Pantazi, Ioana Demetrescu and Marius Enachescu
Molecules 2021, 26(4), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26040900 - 9 Feb 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2958
Abstract
In this work we present the results of a functional properties assessment via Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)-based surface morphology, surface roughness, nano-scratch tests and adhesion force maps of TiZr-based nanotubular structures. The nanostructures have been electrochemically prepared in a glycerin + 15 vol.% [...] Read more.
In this work we present the results of a functional properties assessment via Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)-based surface morphology, surface roughness, nano-scratch tests and adhesion force maps of TiZr-based nanotubular structures. The nanostructures have been electrochemically prepared in a glycerin + 15 vol.% H2O + 0.2 M NH4F electrolyte. The AFM topography images confirmed the successful preparation of the nanotubular coatings. The Root Mean Square (RMS) and average (Ra) roughness parameters increased after anodizing, while the mean adhesion force value decreased. The prepared nanocoatings exhibited a smaller mean scratch hardness value compared to the un-coated TiZr. However, the mean hardness (H) values of the coatings highlight their potential in having reliable mechanical resistances, which along with the significant increase of the surface roughness parameters, which could help in improving the osseointegration, and also with the important decrease of the mean adhesion force, which could lead to a reduction in bacterial adhesion, are providing the nanostructures with a great potential to be used as a better alternative for Ti implants in dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro and Nanostructures for Applied Chemistry and Medical Sciences)
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Review

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19 pages, 2604 KiB  
Review
Synergistically Enhancing the Therapeutic Effect on Cancer, via Asymmetric Bioinspired Materials
by Yasamin Ghahramani, Marzieh Mokhberi, Seyyed Mojtaba Mousavi, Seyyed Alireza Hashemi, Fatemeh Fallahi Nezhad, Wei-Hung Chiang, Ahmad Gholami and Chin Wei Lai
Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8543; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238543 - 4 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2168
Abstract
The undesirable side effects of conventional chemotherapy are one of the major problems associated with cancer treatment. Recently, with the development of novel nanomaterials, tumor-targeted therapies have been invented in order to achieve more specific cancer treatment with reduced unfavorable side effects of [...] Read more.
The undesirable side effects of conventional chemotherapy are one of the major problems associated with cancer treatment. Recently, with the development of novel nanomaterials, tumor-targeted therapies have been invented in order to achieve more specific cancer treatment with reduced unfavorable side effects of chemotherapic agents on human cells. However, the clinical application of nanomedicines has some shortages, such as the reduced ability to cross biological barriers and undesirable side effects in normal cells. In this order, bioinspired materials are developed to minimize the related side effects due to their excellent biocompatibility and higher accumulation therapies. As bioinspired and biomimetic materials are mainly composed of a nanometric functional agent and a biologic component, they can possess both the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials and the advantages of biologic agents, such as prolonged circulation time, enhanced biocompatibility, immune modulation, and specific targeting for cancerous cells. Among the nanomaterials, asymmetric nanomaterials have gained attention as they provide a larger surface area with more active functional sites compared to symmetric nanomaterials. Additionally, the asymmetric nanomaterials are able to function as two or more distinct components due to their asymmetric structure. The mentioned properties result in unique physiochemical properties of asymmetric nanomaterials, which makes them desirable materials for anti-cancer drug delivery systems or cancer bio-imaging systems. In this review, we discuss the use of bioinspired and biomimetic materials in the treatment of cancer, with a special focus on asymmetric nanoparticle anti-cancer agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro and Nanostructures for Applied Chemistry and Medical Sciences)
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28 pages, 1325 KiB  
Review
The Effect of Calcium-Silicate Cements on Reparative Dentinogenesis Following Direct Pulp Capping on Animal Models
by Mihai Andrei, Raluca Paula Vacaru, Anca Coricovac, Radu Ilinca, Andreea Cristiana Didilescu and Ioana Demetrescu
Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2725; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092725 - 6 May 2021
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5682
Abstract
Dental pulp vitality is a desideratum for preserving the health and functionality of the tooth. In certain clinical situations that lead to pulp exposure, bioactive agents are used in direct pulp-capping procedures to stimulate the dentin-pulp complex and activate reparative dentinogenesis. Hydraulic calcium-silicate [...] Read more.
Dental pulp vitality is a desideratum for preserving the health and functionality of the tooth. In certain clinical situations that lead to pulp exposure, bioactive agents are used in direct pulp-capping procedures to stimulate the dentin-pulp complex and activate reparative dentinogenesis. Hydraulic calcium-silicate cements, derived from Portland cement, can induce the formation of a new dentin bridge at the interface between the biomaterial and the dental pulp. Odontoblasts are molecularly activated, and, if necessary, undifferentiated stem cells in the dental pulp can differentiate into odontoblasts. An extensive review of literature was conducted on MedLine/PubMed database to evaluate the histological outcomes of direct pulp capping with hydraulic calcium-silicate cements performed on animal models. Overall, irrespective of their physico-chemical properties and the molecular mechanisms involved in pulp healing, the effects of cements on tertiary dentin formation and pulp vitality preservation were positive. Histological examinations showed different degrees of dental pulp inflammatory response and complete/incomplete dentin bridge formation during the pulp healing process at different follow-up periods. Calcium silicate materials have the ability to induce reparative dentinogenesis when applied over exposed pulps, with different behaviors, as related to the animal model used, pulpal inflammatory responses, and quality of dentin bridges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro and Nanostructures for Applied Chemistry and Medical Sciences)
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