Nanomaterials in Medicine and Healthcare

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 13 February 2026 | Viewed by 4469

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
Interests: Their research explores the use of nanomaterials in medicine, including advanced drug delivery systems, regenerative medicine, and nanoengineered biomaterials. They focus on developing antimicrobial surfaces and nanoparticles to address antibiotic resistance and on creating smart implants and devices by integrating nanomaterials with biomaterials to enhance medical treatments and patient outcomes
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing medicine and healthcare by offering cutting-edge solutions for diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention. Nanomaterials, with their unique nanoscale properties, enable precise drug delivery, enhance diagnostic imaging, and drive advances in regenerative medicine: for instance, they facilitate targeted therapies, improve imaging sensitivity for early disease detection, and create scaffolds that support tissue regeneration.

In the infection domain, nanomaterials provide innovative approaches, including antimicrobial nanoparticles which neutralize pathogens, coatings which prevent bacterial adhesion on medical devices, and strategies to tackle antibiotic resistance by disrupting biofilms and enhancing antibiotic efficacy.

Despite these advancements, challenges such as biocompatibility, toxicity, and regulatory hurdles persist. This Special Issue on "Nanomaterials in Medicine and Healthcare" features research articles and reviews that showcase recent developments and future directions in the field, aiming to inspire further research and collaboration to advance nanomedicine and enhance patient outcomes.

Dr. Richard Bright
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • drug delivery
  • regenerative medicine
  • nanostructures
  • tissue engineering
  • biocompatibility
  • biomaterials
  • nanocarriers
  • nanostructured scaffolds
  • multifunctional nanoparticles for theranostic applications
  • antimicrobial nanomaterials
  • nanomaterials for immunotherapy and vaccine delivery

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 4897 KiB  
Article
Zein Nanoparticles Loaded with Vitis vinifera L. Grape Pomace Extract: Synthesis and Characterization
by Ana Guadalupe Luque-Alcaraz, Jesús Antonio Maldonado-Arriola, Pedro Amado Hernández-Abril, Mario Enrique Álvarez-Ramos and Cynthia Nazareth Hernández-Téllez
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(7), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15070539 - 2 Apr 2025
Viewed by 323
Abstract
This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of zein nanoparticles (ZNp) loaded with grape pomace extract (GPE) from Vitis vinifera L. for applications in controlled release and antioxidant delivery. Grape pomace, a byproduct of the winemaking industry, is rich in bioactive compounds, including [...] Read more.
This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of zein nanoparticles (ZNp) loaded with grape pomace extract (GPE) from Vitis vinifera L. for applications in controlled release and antioxidant delivery. Grape pomace, a byproduct of the winemaking industry, is rich in bioactive compounds, including phenols and flavonoids, which possess antioxidant properties. To overcome the limitations of these compounds, such as photosensitivity and thermal degradation, they were incorporated into zein nanoparticles using the antisolvent technique. The physicochemical properties of the ZNp-GPE system were thoroughly characterized, including size, morphology, ζ-potential, and total phenol content. Results showed high encapsulation efficiency (89–97%) and favorable loading capacities. Characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS), confirmed that GPE was successfully incorporated into the nanoparticles, thereby enhancing their antioxidant properties. The encapsulation process did not significantly alter the spherical morphology of the nanoparticles, and loading GPE resulted in a decrease in particle size. Total phenol content analysis showed that the ZNp-GPE nanoparticles effectively retained these compounds, confirming their potential as efficient delivery systems for antioxidants. This approach not only provides a method for protecting and enhancing the bioavailability of natural antioxidants but also contributes to the valorization of agricultural waste, promoting sustainability in bio-based industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Medicine and Healthcare)
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13 pages, 3372 KiB  
Article
A Novel Nanomaterial-Based Approach for the Cryopreservation of Individual Sperm Cells Using Addressable Nanoliter Containers
by Bat-Sheva Galmidi, Yana Shafran, Chen Shimon, Adva Aizer, Raoul Orvieto, Naomi Zurgil, Mordechai Deutsch, Zeev Schiffer and Dror Fixler
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(3), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15030149 - 21 Jan 2025
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Abstract
The research and development of a matrix of Addressable Nanoliter Containers (ANLCs) is the focus of this work. ANLCs introduce a novel approach for cryopreserving single sperm cells. A significant increase in sperm cell mortality was observed after cryopreserving nanoliter-scale cell suspensions, attributed [...] Read more.
The research and development of a matrix of Addressable Nanoliter Containers (ANLCs) is the focus of this work. ANLCs introduce a novel approach for cryopreserving single sperm cells. A significant increase in sperm cell mortality was observed after cryopreserving nanoliter-scale cell suspensions, attributed to the diffusion of water from the aqueous droplets into the surrounding oil phase. This process elevated the salt concentration within the droplets. A practical solution was devised by saturating the oil with water, significantly reducing the concentration gradient and, consequently, the diffusion. For ANLCs smaller than a few nanoliters, locating individual sperm cells within the containers became highly feasible. Using saturated oil, the survival rate reached 100%. Optical simulations were conducted to evaluate the impact of ANLCs on light scattering, enabling the selection of designs with minimal scattering. The simulations conclusively demonstrated that a cylindrical container with a flat bottom produced the least light scattering. This device was tested under clinical conditions in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory, revealing its strong potential as a practical tool for housing individual sperm cells. It enables characterization using interferometric indicators and facilitates the selection of sperm cells for IVF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Medicine and Healthcare)
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Review

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28 pages, 2358 KiB  
Review
Silver Nanoparticles as Antimicrobial Agents in Veterinary Medicine: Current Applications and Future Perspectives
by Thibault Frippiat, Tatiana Art and Catherine Delguste
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(3), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15030202 - 27 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2549
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained significant attention in veterinary medicine due to their antimicrobial properties and potential therapeutic applications. Silver has long been recognized for its ability to combat a wide range of pathogens, and when engineered at the nanoscale, silver’s surface area [...] Read more.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained significant attention in veterinary medicine due to their antimicrobial properties and potential therapeutic applications. Silver has long been recognized for its ability to combat a wide range of pathogens, and when engineered at the nanoscale, silver’s surface area and reactivity are greatly enhanced, making it highly effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This narrative review aimed to summarize the evidence on the antimicrobial properties of AgNPs and their current and potential clinical applications in veterinary medicine. The antimicrobial action of AgNPs involves several mechanisms, including, among others, the release of silver ions, disruption of cell membranes and envelopes, induction of oxidative stress, inhibition of pathogens’ replication, and DNA damage. Their size, shape, surface charge, and concentration influence their efficacy against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. As a result, the use of AgNPs has been explored in animals for infection prevention and treatment in some areas, such as wound care, coating of surgical implants, animal reproduction, and airway infections. They have also shown promise in preventing biofilm formation, a major challenge in treating chronic bacterial infections. Additionally, AgNPs have been studied for their potential use in animal feed as a supplement to enhance animal health and growth. Research suggested that AgNPs could stimulate immune responses and improve the gut microbiota of livestock, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics in animal husbandry. Despite their promising applications, further research is necessary to fully understand the safety, efficacy, and long-term effects of AgNPs on animals, humans, and the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Medicine and Healthcare)
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