Nanomaterials for Imaging, Diagnosis or Therapy

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2018) | Viewed by 56309

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
Interests: biomaterials; drug delivery; nanomedicine; cancer therapy; smart materials
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Guest Editor
Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
Interests: materials chemistry; nanobiotechnology; biomaterials; nanofabrication; polymer chemistry; supramolecular chemistry

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Guest Editor
Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, CT, USA
Interests: bicellar nanodiscs; nanovesicles; bilayered ribbons; nanocarriers; strung lipid-based nanoparticles; high-sensitivity biosensing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are launching a Special Issue in Nanomaterials (IF: 3.553) entitled “Nanomaterials for Imaging, Diagnosis or Therapy”. The utilization of nanomaterials in technologies for biomedical applications continues to represent an important area of academic and commercial research. There are numerous strategies by which the integration of nanomaterials can improve therapeutic or diagnostic/imaging performance. In addition, the advanced fundamental understanding of interactions among biological molecules, immune response and nanomaterials is critical for the development of future medicine. Thus, this special issue aims to cover a broad range of subjects from nanomaterials synthesis to the design and characterization of biomaterials for drug delivery, imaging/diagnosis or therapy of diseases. Development of novel biotechnologies or strategies with high safety against cancer will be given priority. The format of welcomed articles includes full papers, communications and reviews. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  1. Nanomaterials synthesis and development for drug delivery.
  2. Synthesis and development of nanomaterials for cancer theranostics
  3. Nanochips, nanofluidics and nanofabrication for diagnosis or disease screening.
  4. Design and preparation of hybrid biomaterials or nanocomposites for drug implant.
  5. Contrast agents and biomedical imaging technologies for diagnosis.
  6. Drug conjugation or immobilization technologies for bioconjugates development.
  7. In vivo monitoring of nanocarriers and drug release/accumulation profile in target site.
  8. Effects of particles size, morphology and surface properties on biodistribution.
  9. Nanomaterials for regenerative medicine
  10. Development of nanomaterials for bioanalysis.

Prof. Dr. Ping-Shan Lai
Prof. Dr. Akihiro Kishimura
Prof. Dr. Mu-Ping Nieh
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Nanocarrier
  • Drug delivery
  • Controlled release
  • Bioconjugation
  • Contrast agents
  • Biomedical imaging
  • Biosensing and bioanalysis
  • Theranostics
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Biomaterials

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2613 KiB  
Article
Photo-Crosslinked Polymeric Matrix with Antimicrobial Functions for Excisional Wound Healing in Mice
by Ming-Hsiang Chang, Yu-Ping Hsiao, Chia-Yen Hsu and Ping-Shan Lai
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(10), 791; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8100791 - 5 Oct 2018
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3580
Abstract
Wound infection extends the duration of wound healing and also causes systemic infections such as sepsis, and, in severe cases, may lead to death. Early prevention of wound infection and its appropriate treatment are important. A photoreactive modified gelatin (GE-BTHE) was synthesized by [...] Read more.
Wound infection extends the duration of wound healing and also causes systemic infections such as sepsis, and, in severe cases, may lead to death. Early prevention of wound infection and its appropriate treatment are important. A photoreactive modified gelatin (GE-BTHE) was synthesized by gelatin and a conjugate formed from the 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and the 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). Herein, we investigated the photocurable polymer solution (GE-BTHE mixture) containing GE-BTHE, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), chitosan, and methylene blue (MB), with antimicrobial functions and photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy for wound dressing. This photocurable polymer solution was found to have fast film-forming property attributed to the photochemical reaction between GE-BTHE and PEGDA, as well as the antibacterial activity in vitro attributed to the ingredients of chitosan and MB. Our in vivo results also demonstrated that untreated wounds after 3 days had the same scab level as the GE-BTHE mixture-treated wounds after 20 s of irradiation, which indicates that the irradiated GE-BTHE mixture can be quickly transferred into artificial scabs to protect wounds from an infection that can serve as a convenient excisional wound dressing with antibacterial efficacy. Therefore, it has the potential to treat nonhealing wounds, deep burns, diabetic ulcers and a variety of mucosal wounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Imaging, Diagnosis or Therapy)
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10 pages, 2745 KiB  
Article
Fluorescence Tumor-Imaging Using a Thermo-Responsive Molecule with an Emissive Aminoquinoline Derivative
by Takeru Araki, Yasufumi Fuchi, Shuhei Murayama, Ryoma Shiraishi, Tokimi Oyama, Mariko Aso, Ichio Aoki, Shigeki Kobayashi, Ken-ichi Yamada and Satoru Karasawa
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(10), 782; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8100782 - 2 Oct 2018
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3114
Abstract
We synthesized (2,4-trifluoromethyl-7-N-bis(2,5,8,11-tetraoxatridecane-13-yl)-aminoquinoline) TFMAQ-diEg4, an emissive aminoquinoline derivative that incorporated two tetraethyleneglycol chains into an amino group. TFMAQ-diEg4 showed fluorescence and thermo-responsive properties accompanied by a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), due to the introduction of the oligoethylene glycol chain. This [...] Read more.
We synthesized (2,4-trifluoromethyl-7-N-bis(2,5,8,11-tetraoxatridecane-13-yl)-aminoquinoline) TFMAQ-diEg4, an emissive aminoquinoline derivative that incorporated two tetraethyleneglycol chains into an amino group. TFMAQ-diEg4 showed fluorescence and thermo-responsive properties accompanied by a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), due to the introduction of the oligoethylene glycol chain. This thermo-responsive LCST behavior occurred at the border of a cloud point. Below and above the cloud point, self-assemblies of 6-7-nm nanoparticles and ~2000-nm microparticles were observed, in vitro. In addition, TFMAQ-diEg4 showed a high solubility, over 20 mM for aqueous solution, in vivo, which not only prevented thrombosis but also allowed various examinations, such as single intravenous administration and intravenous drips. Intravenous administration of TFMAQ-diEg4, to tumor-bearing, mice led to the accumulation of the molecule in the tumor tissue, as observed by fluorescence imaging. A subset of mice was treated with local heat around their tumor tissue and an intravenous drip of TFMAQ-diEg4, which led to a high intensity of TFMAQ-diEg4 emission within the tumor tissue. Therefore, we revealed that TFMAQ-diEg4 was useful as a fluorescence probe with thermo-responsive properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Imaging, Diagnosis or Therapy)
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19 pages, 4781 KiB  
Article
Mechanisms of Cellular Internalization of Quantum Dot® Conjugated Bone Formation Mimetic Peptide CK2.3
by Vrathasha Vrathasha, Karl Booksh, Randall L. Duncan and Anja Nohe
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(7), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8070513 - 9 Jul 2018
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4362
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a debilitating skeletal disorder that is characterized by loss of bone density
over time. It affects one in two women and one in four men, age 50 and older. New treatments
that specifically drive bone formation are desperately needed. We developed [...] Read more.
Osteoporosis is a debilitating skeletal disorder that is characterized by loss of bone density
over time. It affects one in two women and one in four men, age 50 and older. New treatments
that specifically drive bone formation are desperately needed. We developed a peptide, CK2.3, that
acts downstream of the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type Ia and it induces osteogenesis
in-vitro and in-vivo. However, its mechanism of action, especially its mode of uptake by cells
remains unknown. To demonstrate CK2.3 internalization within a cell, we conjugated CK2.3
to Quantum Dot®s (Qdot®s), semiconductor nanoparticles. We purified CK2.3-Qdot®s by size
exclusion chromatography and verified the conjugation and stability using UV/VIS and Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy. Our results show that CK2.3 was conjugated to the Qdot®s and
the conjugate was stable for at least 4 days at 37 °C. Moreover, CK2.3-Qdot®s exerted biological
response similar to CK2.3. Addition of CK2.3-Qdot®s to cells followed by confocal imaging revealed
that CK2.3-Qdot®s were internalized at 6 h post stimulation. Furthermore, using pharmacological
inhibitors against endocytic pathways, we demonstrated that CK2.3-Qdot®s were internalized by
caveolae. These results show for the first time that the novel peptide CK2.3 is taken up by the cell
through caveolae mediated endocytosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Imaging, Diagnosis or Therapy)
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16 pages, 3306 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Antitumor Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Targetable Cetuximab-Conjugated Polymeric Micelles for Photodynamic Therapy
by Ming-Hsiang Chang, Chin-Ling Pai, Ying-Chen Chen, Hsiu-Ping Yu, Chia-Yen Hsu and Ping-Shan Lai
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(2), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8020121 - 22 Feb 2018
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5373
Abstract
Nanocarrier-based delivery systems are promising strategies for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety of toxic drugs. Photodynamic therapy (PDT)—a light-triggered chemical reaction that generates localized tissue damage for disease treatments—usually has side effects, and thus patients receiving photosensitizers should be kept away from direct [...] Read more.
Nanocarrier-based delivery systems are promising strategies for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety of toxic drugs. Photodynamic therapy (PDT)—a light-triggered chemical reaction that generates localized tissue damage for disease treatments—usually has side effects, and thus patients receiving photosensitizers should be kept away from direct light to avoid skin phototoxicity. In this study, a clinically therapeutic antibody cetuximab (C225) was conjugated to the surface of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactide) (mPEG-b-PLA) micelles via thiol-maleimide coupling to allow tumor-targetable chlorin e6 (Ce6) delivery. Our results demonstrate that more C225-conjugated Ce6-loaded polymeric micelles (C225-Ce6/PM) were selectively taken up than Ce6/PM or IgG conjugated Ce6/PM by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-overexpressing A431 cells observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), thereby decreasing the IC50 value of Ce6-mediated PDT from 0.42 to 0.173 μM. No significant differences were observed in cellular uptake study or IC50 value between C225-Ce6/PM and Ce6/PM groups in lower EGFR expression HT-29 cells. For antitumor study, the tumor volumes in the C225-Ce6/PM-PDT group (percentage of tumor growth inhibition, TGI% = 84.8) were significantly smaller than those in the Ce6-PDT (TGI% = 38.4) and Ce6/PM-PDT groups (TGI% = 53.3) (p < 0.05) at day 21 through reduced cell proliferation in A431 xenografted mice. These results indicated that active EGFR targeting of photosensitizer-loaded micelles provides a possible way to resolve the dose-limiting toxicity of conventional photosensitizers and represents a potential delivery system for PDT in a clinical setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Imaging, Diagnosis or Therapy)
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9 pages, 2104 KiB  
Article
Polymeric Micelle of A3B-Type Lactosome as a Vehicle for Targeting Meningeal Dissemination
by Kensuke Kurihara, Motoki Ueda, Isao Hara, Eiichi Ozeki, Kaori Togashi and Shunsaku Kimura
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(2), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8020079 - 31 Jan 2018
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4308
Abstract
Polymeric micelle of the A3B-type lactosome comprising (poly(sarcosine))3-b-poly(l-lactic acid) was labeled with 111In. The 111In-labeled A3B-type lactosome was administered to the model mice bearing meningeal dissemination and bone metastasis at mandible. [...] Read more.
Polymeric micelle of the A3B-type lactosome comprising (poly(sarcosine))3-b-poly(l-lactic acid) was labeled with 111In. The 111In-labeled A3B-type lactosome was administered to the model mice bearing meningeal dissemination and bone metastasis at mandible. With single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, the meningeal dissemination was identified successfully by 111In-labeled A3B-type lactosome, which was superior to 201TlCl in regard of the imaging contrast. The 111In-labeled A3B-type lactosome was also potential in imaging selectively of bone metastasis at mandible, whilst a nonspecific imaging of the whole bone was obtained by the SPECT imaging using 99mTc-HMDP. The polymeric micelle of the A3B-type lactosome was therefore found to be effective as a vehicle of 111In to be targeted to meningeal dissemination and bone metastasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Imaging, Diagnosis or Therapy)
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5024 KiB  
Article
Experimental Comparison of Photothermal Conversion Efficiency of Gold Nanotriangle and Nanorod in Laser Induced Thermal Therapy
by Qin Chen, Qin Chen, Hong Qi, Liming Ruan and Yatao Ren
Nanomaterials 2017, 7(12), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7120416 - 26 Nov 2017
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6562
Abstract
An experimental comparison of the photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) for gold nanotriangles (GNTs) and nanorods (GNRs) was carried out in the present work. The discrete dipole approximation method was applied to identify the spectral characteristic of GNTs and GNRs with different aspect ratios. [...] Read more.
An experimental comparison of the photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) for gold nanotriangles (GNTs) and nanorods (GNRs) was carried out in the present work. The discrete dipole approximation method was applied to identify the spectral characteristic of GNTs and GNRs with different aspect ratios. On this basis, the PCE of GNTs and GNRs in photothermal therapy were compared theoretically. Afterwards, an in vitro experiment was adopted to investigate the thermal effect of porcine muscle induced by laser irradiation, with and without injected GNTs and GNRs. The influences of laser total power, nanoparticle concentration, and nanoparticle type were investigated. It was found that for the commonly-used wavelengths for photothermal therapy, the PCE of GNTs is higher than that of the GNRs. Furthermore, for GNRs loaded in tissue in vitro, high laser power and high concentration of nanoparticles leads to the degeneration and even carbonization of tissue. However, for the GNTs with the same situation (laser power, nanoparticle volume concentration, and heating time), it could lead to the tissue’s evaporation instead of carbonization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Imaging, Diagnosis or Therapy)
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6553 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Ability of Nanostructured PEI-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles to Incorporate Cisplatin during Synthesis
by Raluca Tutuianu, Laura Madalina Popescu, Mihai Bogdan Preda, Ana-Maria Rosca, Roxana Mioara Piticescu and Alexandrina Burlacu
Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100314 - 12 Oct 2017
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6040
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) have a high potential for biological applications as they can be used as carriers for the controlled release of bioactive factors. Here we focused on poly(ethylenimine) (PEI)-coated iron oxide hybrid NPs obtained by hydrothermal synthesis in high pressure conditions and evaluated [...] Read more.
Nanoparticles (NPs) have a high potential for biological applications as they can be used as carriers for the controlled release of bioactive factors. Here we focused on poly(ethylenimine) (PEI)-coated iron oxide hybrid NPs obtained by hydrothermal synthesis in high pressure conditions and evaluated their behavior in culture medium in the presence or absence of cells, as well as their ability to incorporate antitumor drug cisplatin. Our results showed that the hydrothermal conditions used for Fe-PEI NPs synthesis allowed the incorporation of cisplatin, which even increased its anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, the commonly occurring phenomenon of NPs aggregation in culture medium was exploited for further entrapment of other active molecules, such as the fluorescent dye DiI and valinomycin. The molecules bound to NPs during synthesis or during aggregation process were delivered inside various cells after in vitro and in vivo direct contact between cells and NPs and their biological activity was preserved, thus supporting the therapeutic value of Fe-PEI NPs as drug delivery tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Imaging, Diagnosis or Therapy)
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Review

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15 pages, 3000 KiB  
Review
Strategies on Nanodiagnostics and Nanotherapies of the Three Common Cancers
by Fan Leng, Fang Liu, Yongtao Yang, Yu Wu and Weiqun Tian
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(4), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8040202 - 28 Mar 2018
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6708
Abstract
The emergence of nanomedicine has enriched the knowledge and strategies of treating diseases, and especially some incurable diseases, such as cancers, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and neurodegenerative diseases. The application of nanoparticles in medicine is in the core of nanomedicine. Nanoparticles can [...] Read more.
The emergence of nanomedicine has enriched the knowledge and strategies of treating diseases, and especially some incurable diseases, such as cancers, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and neurodegenerative diseases. The application of nanoparticles in medicine is in the core of nanomedicine. Nanoparticles can be used in drug delivery for improving the uptake of poorly soluble drugs, targeted delivery to a specific site, and drug bioavailability. Early diagnosis of and targeted therapies for cancers can significantly improve patients’ quality of life and extend patients’ lives. The advantages of nanoparticles have given them a progressively important role in the nanodiagnosis and nanotherapy of common cancers. To provide a reference for the further application of nanoparticles, this review focuses on the recent development and application of nanoparticles in the early diagnosis and treatment of the three common cancers (lung cancer, liver cancer, and breast cancer) by using quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, and gold nanoparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Imaging, Diagnosis or Therapy)
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21 pages, 98635 KiB  
Review
Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles for the Detection of C-Reactive Protein
by Maria António, João Nogueira, Rui Vitorino and Ana L. Daniel-da-Silva
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(4), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8040200 - 28 Mar 2018
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 9362
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a very important biomarker of infection and inflammation for a number of diseases. Routine CRP measurements with high sensitivity and reliability are highly relevant to the assessment of states of inflammation and the efficacy of treatment intervention, and require [...] Read more.
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a very important biomarker of infection and inflammation for a number of diseases. Routine CRP measurements with high sensitivity and reliability are highly relevant to the assessment of states of inflammation and the efficacy of treatment intervention, and require the development of very sensitive, selective, fast, robust and reproducible assays. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are distinguished for their unique electrical and optical properties and the ability to conjugate with biomolecules. Au NP-based probes have attracted considerable attention in the last decade in the analysis of biological samples due to their simplicity, high sensitivity and selectivity. Thus, this article aims to be a critical and constructive analysis of the literature of the last three years regarding the advances made in the development of bioanalytical assays based on gold nanoparticles for the in vitro detection and quantification of C-reactive protein from biological samples. Current methods for Au NP synthesis and the strategies for surface modification aiming at selectivity towards CRP are highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Imaging, Diagnosis or Therapy)
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Other

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7 pages, 5157 KiB  
Commentary
Paper-Based Microfluidic Platforms for Understanding the Role of Exosomes in the Pathogenesis of Major Blindness-Threatening Diseases
by Min-Yen Hsu, Chun-Chih Chiu, Juan-Yuan Wang, Chin-Te Huang, Yu-Fang Huang, Jyh-Cheng Liou, Chihchen Chen, Hung-Chi Chen and Chao-Min Cheng
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(5), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8050310 - 8 May 2018
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5923
Abstract
Emerging roles of exosomes in the pathogenesis of major blindness-threatening diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and corneal dystrophy, were discovered by aqueous humor analysis. A new diagnostic method using cellulose-based devices and microfluidic chip techniques for the isolation of exosomes from [...] Read more.
Emerging roles of exosomes in the pathogenesis of major blindness-threatening diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and corneal dystrophy, were discovered by aqueous humor analysis. A new diagnostic method using cellulose-based devices and microfluidic chip techniques for the isolation of exosomes from aqueous humor is less cumbersome and saves time. This method will enable more investigations for aqueous humor analysis in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Imaging, Diagnosis or Therapy)
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