Nanomaterials

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14 pages, 23596 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluating the In Situ Effects of Whole Protein Coronas on the Biosensing of Antibody-Immobilized Nanoparticles Using Two-Color Fluorescence Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis

by Heeju Joung, Gwi Ju Jang, Ji Yeon Jeong, Goeun Lim and Sang Yun Han

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(3), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15030220 - 30 Jan 2025

Viewed by 779

Abstract

The formation of protein coronas around engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in biological environments is critical in nanomedicine, as these coronas significantly influence the biological behavior of ENPs. Despite extensive research on protein coronas, understanding the in situ influence of whole (soft plus hard) protein [...] Read more.

The formation of protein coronas around engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in biological environments is critical in nanomedicine, as these coronas significantly influence the biological behavior of ENPs. Despite extensive research on protein coronas, understanding the in situ influence of whole (soft plus hard) protein coronas has remained challenging. In this study, we demonstrate a strategy to assess the in situ effects of whole coronas on the model biosensing of anti-IgG using IgG-conjugated gold nanoparticles (IgG-AuNPs) through fluorescence nanoparticle tracking analysis (F-NTA), which enables the selective tracking of fluorescent particles within complex media. In our approach, anti-IgG and IgG-AuNPs were labeled with distinct fluorescent dyes. The accordance in hydrodynamic diameter distributions observed at two different wavelengths verifies the successful capture of anti-IgG on the IgG-AuNPs. The counting of fluorescent anti-IgG within the size distribution allows for a quantitative assessment of biosensing efficiency. This method was applied to evaluate the effects of four protein coronas—human serum albumin, high-density lipoproteins, immunoglobulin G, and fibrinogen—as well as their mixture across varying incubation times and concentrations. The results suggest that the physical presence of whole protein coronas surrounding the IgG-AuNPs may assist the biosensing interaction in situ rather than screening it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Bionanomaterials)

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17 pages, 2284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interactions Between Potentially Toxic Nanoparticles (Cu, CuO, ZnO, and TiO₂) and the Cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis: Biological Adaptations to Xenobiotics

by Ludmila Rudi, Liliana Cepoi, Tatiana Chiriac and Svetlana Djur

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15010046 - 30 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 824

Abstract

(1) Background: The widespread use of nanoparticles (NPs) implies their inevitable contact with living organisms, including aquatic microorganisms, making it essential to understand the effects and consequences of this interaction. Understanding the adaptive responses and biochemical changes in microalgae and cyanobacteria under NP-induced [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The widespread use of nanoparticles (NPs) implies their inevitable contact with living organisms, including aquatic microorganisms, making it essential to understand the effects and consequences of this interaction. Understanding the adaptive responses and biochemical changes in microalgae and cyanobacteria under NP-induced stress is essential for developing biotechnological strategies that optimize biomolecule production while minimizing potential toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the interactions between various potentially toxic nanoparticles and the cyanobacterial strain Arthrospira platensis, focusing on the biological adaptations and biochemical mechanisms that enable the organism to withstand xenobiotic exposure. (2) Methods: The cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis CNMN-CB-02 was cultivated under optimal laboratory conditions in the presence of CuNPs, CuONPs, ZnONPs, and TiO₂NPs. Biochemical analyses were performed on the collected biomass. (3) Results: Various interactions between nanoparticles (NPs) and the cyanobacterial culture were identified, ranging from hormetic effects at low concentrations to evident toxic effects at high concentrations. NP toxicity was observed through the reduction in photosynthetic pigments and the disappearance of phycobiliproteins. Notably, NP toxicity was not always accompanied by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. (4) Conclusions: Arthrospira platensis exhibits unique adaptive mechanisms under NP-induced stress, offering the potential for controlled NP applications in biotechnology. Future research should further explore the relationship between nanoparticle types and cyanobacterial responses to optimize biomolecule production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Bionanomaterials)

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18 pages, 4647 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Hematological Response to Particle Debris Generated During Wear–Corrosion Processes of CoCr Surfaces Modified with Graphene Oxide and Hyaluronic Acid for Joint Prostheses

by María L. Escudero, Maria C. García-Alonso, Belén Chico, Rosa M. Lozano, Luna Sánchez-López, Manuel Flores-Sáenz, Soledad Cristóbal-Aguado, Rafael Moreno-Gómez-Toledano and Soledad Aguado-Henche

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(22), 1815; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14221815 - 13 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1021

Abstract

Various surface modifications to increase the lifespan of cobalt–chromium (CoCr) joint prostheses are being studied to reduce the wear rate in bone joint applications. One recently proposed modification involves depositing graphene oxide functionalized with hyaluronic acid (a compound present in joints) on CoCr [...] Read more.

Various surface modifications to increase the lifespan of cobalt–chromium (CoCr) joint prostheses are being studied to reduce the wear rate in bone joint applications. One recently proposed modification involves depositing graphene oxide functionalized with hyaluronic acid (a compound present in joints) on CoCr surfaces, which can act as a solid lubricant. This paper analyzes the biological alterations caused by wear–corrosion phenomena that occur in joints, both from the perspective of the worn surface (in vitro model) and the particles generated during the wear processes (in vivo model). The analysis of the inflammatory response of macrophage was performed on CoCr surfaces modified with graphene oxide and functionalized with hyaluronic acid (CoCr-GO-HA), before and after wear–corrosion processes. The wear particles released during the wear–corrosion tests of the CoCr-GO-HA/CoCr ball pair immersed in 3 g/L hyaluronic acid were intra-articularly injected into the experimental animals. The hematological analysis in vivo was made considering a murine model of intra-articular injection into the left knee in male adult Wistar rats, at increasing concentrations of the collected wear particles dispersed in 0.9% NaCl. Non-significant differences in the inflammatory response to unworn CoCr-GO-HA surfaces and control (polystyrene) were obtained. The wear–corrosion of the CoCr-GO-HA disk increased the inflammatory response at both 72 and 96 h of material exposure compared to the unworn CoCr-GO-HA surfaces, although the differences were not statistically significant. The pro-inflammatory response of the macrophages was reduced on the worn surfaces of the CoCr modified and functionalized with graphene oxide (GO) and hyaluronic acid (HA), compared to the worn surfaces of the unmodified CoCr. The hematological analysis and tissue reactions after intra-articular injection did not reveal pathological damage, with average hematological values recorded, although slight reductions in creatinine and protein within non-pathological ranges were found. Some traces of biomaterial particles in the knee at the highest concentration of injected particles were only found but without inflammatory signs. The results show the potential benefits of using graphene in intra-articular prostheses, which could improve the quality of life for numerous patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Bionanomaterials)

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17 pages, 1738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable and Reusable Modified Membrane Based on Green Gold Nanoparticles for Efficient Methylene Blue Water Decontamination by a Photocatalytic Process

by Lucia Mergola, Luigi Carbone, Ermelinda Bloise, Maria Rosaria Lazzoi and Roberta Del Sole

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(19), 1611; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14191611 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1182

Abstract

Methylene blue (MB) is a dye hazardous pollutant widely used in several industrial processes that represents a relevant source of water pollution. Thus, the research of new systems to avoid their environmental dispersion represents an important goal. In this work, an efficient and [...] Read more.

Methylene blue (MB) is a dye hazardous pollutant widely used in several industrial processes that represents a relevant source of water pollution. Thus, the research of new systems to avoid their environmental dispersion represents an important goal. In this work, an efficient and sustainable nanocomposite material based on green gold nanoparticles for MB water remediation was developed. Starting from the reducing and stabilizing properties of some compounds naturally present in Lambrusco winery waste (grape marc) extracts, green gold nanoparticles (GM-AuNPs) were synthesized and deposited on a supporting membrane to create an easy and stable system for water MB decontamination. GM-AuNPs, with a specific plasmonic band at 535 nm, and the modified membrane were first characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of two breeds of crystalline shapes, triangular platelets and round-shaped penta-twinned nanoparticles, respectively. The crystalline nature of GM-AuNPs was also confirmed from XRD analysis. The photocatalytic performance of the modified membrane was evaluated under natural sunlight radiation, obtaining a complete disappearance of MB (100%) in 116 min. The photocatalytic process was described from a pseudo-first-order kinetic with a rate constant (k) equal to 0.044 ± 0.010 min⁻¹. The modified membrane demonstrated high stability since it was reused up to 20 cycles, without any treatment for 3 months, maintaining the same performance. The GM-AuNPs-based membrane was also tested with other water pollutants (methyl orange, 4-nitrophenol, and rhodamine B), revealing a high selectivity towards MB. Finally, the photocatalytic performance of GM-AuNPs-based membrane was also evaluated in real samples by using tap and pond water spiked with MB, obtaining a removal % of 99.6 ± 1.2% and 98.8 ± 1.9%, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Bionanomaterials)

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19 pages, 7849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Single Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Migration Tracking into Glioblastoma Using Photoconvertible Vesicles

by Olga A. Sindeeva, Polina A. Demina, Zhanna V. Kozyreva, Daria A. Terentyeva, Olga I. Gusliakova, Albert R. Muslimov and Gleb B. Sukhorukov

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(14), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14141215 - 17 Jul 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1615

Abstract

Reliable cell labeling and tracking techniques are imperative for elucidating the intricate and ambiguous interactions between mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and tumors. Here, we explore fluorescent photoconvertible nanoengineered vesicles to study mMSC migration in brain tumors. These 3 μm sized vesicles made of [...] Read more.

Reliable cell labeling and tracking techniques are imperative for elucidating the intricate and ambiguous interactions between mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and tumors. Here, we explore fluorescent photoconvertible nanoengineered vesicles to study mMSC migration in brain tumors. These 3 μm sized vesicles made of carbon nanoparticles, Rhodamine B (RhB), and polyelectrolytes are readily internalized by cells. The dye undergoes photoconversion under 561 nm laser exposure with a fluorescence blue shift upon demand. The optimal laser irradiation duration for photoconversion was 0.4 ms, which provided a maximal blue shift of the fluorescent signal label without excessive laser exposure on cells. Vesicles modified with an extra polymer layer demonstrated enhanced intracellular uptake without remarkable effects on cell viability, motility, or proliferation. The optimal ratio of 20 vesicles per mMSC was determined. Moreover, the migration of individual mMSCs within 2D and 3D glioblastoma cell (EPNT-5) colonies over 2 days and in vivo tumor settings over 7 days were traced. Our study provides a robust nanocomposite platform for investigating MSC–tumor dynamics and offers insights into envisaged therapeutic strategies. Photoconvertible vesicles also present an indispensable tool for studying complex fundamental processes of cell–cell interactions for a wide range of problems in biomedicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Bionanomaterials)

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16 pages, 5595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles from Macroalgae Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria verrucosa

by Marta Marmiroli, Marco Villani, Paolina Scarponi, Silvia Carlo, Luca Pagano, Valentina Sinisi, Laura Lazzarini, Milica Pavlicevic and Nelson Marmiroli

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1157; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131157 - 6 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1832

Abstract

Macroalgae seaweeds such as Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria verrucosa cause problems on the northern coast of the Italian Adriatic Sea because their overabundance hinders the growth of cultivated clams, Rudatapes philippinarum. This study focused on the green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles from [...] Read more.

Macroalgae seaweeds such as Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria verrucosa cause problems on the northern coast of the Italian Adriatic Sea because their overabundance hinders the growth of cultivated clams, Rudatapes philippinarum. This study focused on the green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles from U. lactuca and G. verrucosa. The biosynthesized CuO NPs were successfully characterized using FTIR, XRD, HRTEM/EDX, and zeta potential. Nanoparticles from the two different algae species are essentially identical, with the same physical characteristics and almost the same antimicrobial activities. We have not investigated the cause of this identity, but it seems likely to arise from the reaction of Cu with the same algae metabolites in both species. The study demonstrates that it is possible to obtain useful products from these macroalgae through a green synthesis approach and that they should be considered as not just a cause of environmental and economic damage but also as a potential source of income. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Bionanomaterials)

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11 pages, 6744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Efficiency of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells by Coinage Metal Doping of Cyanidin-Silver Trimer Hybrids at TiO₂ Support Based on Theoretical Study

by Margarita Bužančić Milosavljević, Martina Perić Bakulić, Željka Sanader Maršić, Antonija Mravak and Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecký

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(12), 1034; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14121034 - 15 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1355

Abstract

Identification of a natural-based sensitizer with optimal stability and efficiency for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application remains a challenging task. Previously, we proposed a new class of sensitizers based on bio-nano hybrids. These systems composed of natural cyanidin dyes interacting with silver nanoclusters [...] Read more.

Identification of a natural-based sensitizer with optimal stability and efficiency for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application remains a challenging task. Previously, we proposed a new class of sensitizers based on bio-nano hybrids. These systems composed of natural cyanidin dyes interacting with silver nanoclusters (NCs) have demonstrated enhanced opto-electronic and photovoltaic properties. In this study, we explore the doping of silver nanocluster within a cyanidin-Ag₃ hybrid employing Density Functional Theory (DFT) and its time-dependent counterpart (TDDFT). Specifically, we investigate the influence of coinage metal atoms (Au and Cu) on the properties of the cyanidin-Ag₃ system. Our findings suggest that cyanidin-Ag₂Au and cyanidin-AgAuCu emerge as the most promising candidates for improved light harvesting efficiency, increased two-photon absorption, and strong coupling to the TiO₂ surface. These theoretical predictions suggest the viability of replacing larger silver NCs with heterometallic trimers such as Ag₂Au or AgAuCu, presenting new avenues for utilizing bio-nano hybrids at the surface for DSSC application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Bionanomaterials)

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15 pages, 4624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Curcumin-Decorated Nanozyme with ROS Scavenging and Anti-Inflammatory Properties for Neuroprotection

by Feng Gao, Wenyu Liang, Qixin Chen, Bairu Chen, Yuchen Liu, Zhibo Liu, Xu Xu, Rongrong Zhu and Liming Cheng

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(5), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14050389 - 20 Feb 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2245

Abstract

Disordered reactive oxygen/nitrogen species are a common occurrence in various diseases, which usually cause cellular oxidative damage and inflammation. Despite the wide range of applications for biomimetic nanoparticles with antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties, designs that seamlessly integrate these two abilities with a synergistic [...] Read more.

Disordered reactive oxygen/nitrogen species are a common occurrence in various diseases, which usually cause cellular oxidative damage and inflammation. Despite the wide range of applications for biomimetic nanoparticles with antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties, designs that seamlessly integrate these two abilities with a synergistic effect in a simple manner are seldom reported. In this study, we developed a novel PEI-Mn composite nanoparticle (PM NP) using a chelation method, and the curcumin was loaded onto PM NPs via metal–phenol coordination to form PEI-Mn@curcumin nanoparticles (PMC NPs). PMC NPs possessed excellent dispersibility and cytocompatibility, was engineered to serve as an effective nanozyme, and exhibited specific SOD-like and CAT-like activities. In addition, the incorporation of curcumin granted PMC NPs the ability to effectively suppress the expression of inflammatory cytokines in microglia induced by LPS. As curcumin also has antioxidant properties, it further amplified the synergistic efficiency of ROS scavenging. Significantly, PMC NPs effectively scavenged ROS triggered by H₂O₂ in SIM-A9 microglia cells and Neuro-2a cells. PMC NPs also considerably mitigated DNA and lipid oxidation in Neuro-2a cells and demonstrated an increase in cell viability under various H₂O₂ concentrations. These properties suggest that PMC NPs have significant potential in addressing excessive ROS and inflammation related to neural diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Bionanomaterials)

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