Search Results (149)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) relies on the thioredoxin (Trx)–thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) system to maintain intracellular redox homeostasis and to support Trx-dependent DNA synthesis and repair, making TrxR a potential target for anti-tuberculosis therapy. Gold nanoclusters have been reported to inhibit human TrxR and suppress tumor growth, suggesting that gold-based nanomaterials can modulate TrxR activity. In this study, we report a previously uncharacterized oxidized crystal structure of M. tuberculosis TrxR containing two dimers in the asymmetric unit and use this structure to investigate inhibition by a glutathione-coated gold nanocluster (GSH-AuNC). Biolayer interferometry and enzymatic assays show that GSH-AuNC binds directly to M. tuberculosis TrxR and efficiently inhibits its catalytic activity at the purified enzyme level. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that GSH-AuNC can occupy a surface pocket proximal to the active site, providing a plausible structural basis for enzyme engagement. AlphaFold3 modeling of the M. tuberculosis TrxR-Trx heterodimeric complex defines the interaction interface required for productive electron transfer and provides a structural hypothesis for how GSH-AuNC disrupts this process. Together, these results provide structural and mechanistic insights into the biochemical modulation of M. tuberculosis TrxR by GSH-AuNC, while the antimycobacterial activity of GSH-AuNC remains to be evaluated in future studies. Full article

Early cancer detection is crucial for improving survival rates and treatment outcomes. Electrochemical biosensors have emerged as powerful tools for early cancer detection due to their high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid detection capabilities. This review explores recent advancements (2015–2025) in electrochemical biosensors for cancer biomarker detection, their working principles, novel nanomaterial-based enhancements, challenges, and prospects for clinical applications. Specifically, we highlight the electrochemical detection of protein biomarkers (e.g., CEA, PSA, CRP), nucleic acid markers (ctDNA, miRNA, methylation patterns), and metabolic indicators, emphasizing their clinical relevance in early diagnosis and monitoring. Unlike previous reviews which focus on either biomarker classes or sensor platforms, this review uniquely integrates both factors. This review provides a novel perspective on how next-generation electrochemical biosensors can bridge the gap between laboratory development and real-world cancer diagnostics. Full article

Radiotherapy, a cornerstone of cancer treatment, is critically limited by tumor radioresistance and off-target toxicity. Lanthanide-based nanomaterials (Ln-NPs) have recently emerged as a versatile and promising class of theranostic radiosensitizers to overcome these hurdles. This review comprehensively outlines the state-of-the-art in Ln-NP-enabled radiotherapy, beginning with their fundamental physicochemical properties and synthesis and then delving into the multi-level mechanisms of radiosensitization, including high-Z element-mediated physical dose amplification, catalytic generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and disruption of DNA damage repair pathways. The unique capacity of certain Ln-NPs to serve as MRI contrast agents is highlighted as the foundation for image-guided, dose-painting radiotherapy. We critically summarize the preclinical and clinical progress of representative systems, benchmarking them against other high-Z nanomaterials. Finally, this work discusses the ongoing challenges, such as biocompatibility, targeted delivery, and regulatory hurdles, and envisages future directions, including combinatorial strategies with immunotherapy and the development of personalized nanotheranostic paradigms. Through this synthesis, this review aims to provide a clear roadmap for the continued development and clinical integration of lanthanide nanotheranostics in oncology. Full article

We demonstrate that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are capable of unwinding double-stranded (ds) DNA. Upon unwinding, the exposed nucleobases of the separated strands adsorb onto the nanoparticle surface, resulting in the coating of the particles. The unwinding process was characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and absorption spectroscopy. Our results show that AuNPs initially bind to single-stranded overhangs at the duplex termini, forming dsDNA–nanoparticle dumbbells. This binding event subsequently initiates the separation of the DNA strands. As the unwinding proceeds, the nanoparticles become progressively wrapped by the unwound DNA strands, which leads to a gradual reduction in the interparticle distance within the dumbbells. This process is driven by the strong affinity of nucleobases for the gold surface. The efficiency of DNA unwinding was found to depend strongly on both nanoparticle size and temperature. These findings provide new insights into DNA-nanoparticle interactions and may facilitate the rational design of DNA–AuNP hybrid nanostructures such as dumbbell-shaped conjugates for applications in DNA-based nanoelectronics, biosensing, and self-assembled nanomaterials. Full article

Listeria monocytogenes is a major foodborne pathogen associated with increasing global public health concern due to numerous outbreaks. Rapid pathogen detection is critical for reducing both the incidence and severity of foodborne illnesses. Recent advances in nanotechnology are transforming analytical methods, particularly for detecting foodborne pathogens. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are among the most widely used nanomaterials in this field. This study investigated the potential use of MNPs and GNPs for the rapid and specific isolation of L. monocytogenes from fresh salad, deli meat, and frozen vegetables. L. monocytogenes (ATCC 19117) served as the model organism for biosensing and target capture. Results showed that the limits of detection (LoDs) for the GNP-based plasmonic/colorimetric biosensor and the MNP-based biosensor were 2.5 ng/µL DNA and 1.5 CFU/mL, respectively. Both GNPs and MNPs specifically detected L. monocytogenes even in the presence of closely related pathogens. Integration of MNPs and GNPs significantly enhanced the sensitivity of L. monocytogenes detection. Within one hour, naturally contaminated pre-packaged salad samples demonstrated clear evidence of effective direct capture by MNPs and specific identification by GNPs. This combined approach enables rapid and accurate on-site detection of L. monocytogenes, facilitating timely intervention and reducing the risk of contaminated foods reaching consumers. Full article

Single-cell encapsulation, by constructing cell-scale microenvironments, enables precise protection, regulation, and functional enhancement of individual cells, holding significant importance in biomedical fields such as bioanalysis and cell therapy. Although various materials—including polymers, nanoparticles, hydrogels, polyphenols, and inorganic minerals—have been explored for single-cell encapsulation, limitations in controllability, biocompatibility, and multifunctional integration remain. In contrast, DNA nanomaterials offer unique advantages, including programmable architecture, high biocompatibility, precise spatial control, and modular functionality, making them highly suitable for the development of intelligent single-cell encapsulation systems. In this review, a systematic summary of recent advances in DNA nanomaterial-based single-cell encapsulation is presented. The fundamental encoding and assembly principles underlying the engineered encapsulation of cells at the membrane interface using DNA nanostructures are elucidated. Subsequently, the distinctive merits of DNA-based cell encapsulation and its applications in biomedical research are comprehensively summarized. Finally, the prevailing challenges and future directions in this burgeoning field are critically discussed, aiming to provide novel insights and perspectives for the advancement of advanced functional materials in both academic and clinical research pertaining to single-cell encapsulation. Full article

Carbon dots (CDs) are gaining significant attention as multifunctional nanomaterials due to their optical properties, aqueous dispersibility, redox activity, and overall biocompatibility. This review presents a critical overview of the recent advances concerning the application of CDs in nucleic acid-centered diagnostics, with a specific focus on oxidative DNA damage. The use of CDs for the detection of oxidative DNA damage biomarkers, such as 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG), and their potential roles as fluorescent probes in environments related to oxidative stress is discussed in detail. The relationship between surface functionalization and biological performance is examined, highlighting how physicochemical properties dictate both the beneficial and adverse biological responses to CDs. Remarkably, CDs can act as antioxidants, mitigating oxidative damage, or as pro-oxidants, inducing cytotoxic effects, an ambivalent behavior that can be strategically harnessed for cytoprotection or selective tumor cell killing. Overall, this review outlines how CDs can contribute to the development of precision tools for studying oxidative environments affecting nucleic acids, with important implications for both diagnostics and redox-based therapeutic strategies of human diseases. Full article

Electrochemical biosensors have emerged as a promising tool for the early detection of diseases in oilseed crops such as rapeseed, soybean, and peanut. These biosensors offer high sensitivity, portability, and cost-effectiveness. Timely diagnosis is critical, as many pathogens exhibit latent infection phases or produce invisible metabolic toxins, leading to substantial yield losses before visible symptoms occur. This review summarises recent advances in the field of nanomaterial-assisted electrochemical sensing for oilseed crop diseases, with a particular focus on sensor mechanisms, interface engineering, and biomolecular recognition strategies. The following innovations are highlighted: nanostructured electrodes, aptamer- and antibody-based probes, and signal amplification techniques. These innovations have enabled the detection of pathogen DNA, enzymes, and toxins at ultra-low concentrations. Notwithstanding these achievements, challenges persist, including signal interference from plant matrices, limitations in device miniaturization, and the absence of standardized detection protocols. Future research should explore the potential of AI-assisted data interpretation, the use of biodegradable sensor materials, and the integration of these technologies with agricultural IoT networks. The aim of this integration is to enable real-time, field-deployable disease surveillance. The integration of laboratory innovations with field applications has been demonstrated to have significant potential in supporting sustainable agriculture and strengthening food security through intelligent crop health monitoring. Full article

Cell-penetrating peptides offer a promising strategy for intracellular delivery; however, non-specific uptake and off-target cytotoxicity limit their clinical utility. To address these limitations, a cold atmospheric plasma-responsive delivery platform was developed in which the membrane activity of a peptide was transiently suppressed upon complexation with a DNA-based nanostructure. Upon localized plasma exposure, DNA masking was disrupted, restoring the biological functions of the peptides. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the synthesized DNA nanoflower structures were approximately 150–250 nm in size. Structural and functional analyses confirmed that the system remained inert under physiological conditions and was rapidly activated by plasma treatment. Fluorescence recovery, cellular uptake assays, and cytotoxicity measurements demonstrated that the peptide activity could be precisely controlled in both monolayer and three-dimensional spheroid models. This externally activatable nanomaterial-based system enables the spatial and temporal regulation of peptide function without requiring biochemical triggers or permanent chemical modifications. This platform provides a modular strategy for the development of potential peptide therapeutics that require precise control of activation in complex biological environments. Full article

Nanotechnology has significantly advanced cancer therapy, particularly through the development of multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) capable of acting as both therapeutic and diagnostic agents. This review focuses on the synergistic integration of radiotherapy (RT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) mediated by engineered NPs—a rapidly evolving strategy that enhances tumor specificity, minimizes healthy tissue damage, and enables real-time imaging. By analyzing the recent literature, we highlight the dual role of NPs in amplifying radiation-induced DNA damage and converting near-infrared (NIR) light into localized thermal energy. The review classifies various metal-based and composite nanomaterials (e.g., Au, Pt, Bi, Cu, and Fe) and evaluates their performance in preclinical RT–PTT settings. We also discuss the physicochemical properties, targeting strategies, and theragnostic applications that contribute to treatment efficiency. Unlike conventional combinatorial therapies, NP-mediated RT–PTT enables high spatial–temporal control, immunogenic potential, and integration with multimodal imaging. We conclude with the current challenges, translational barriers, and outlooks for clinical implementation. This work provides a comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis of NP-assisted RT–PTT as a powerful approach within the emerging field of nano-oncology. Full article

DNA methylation, as a critical epigenetic modification, plays a central role in gene regulation and has emerged as a powerful biomarker for early disease diagnostics, particularly in cancer. Owing to the limitations of traditional bisulfite sequencing—such as high cost, complexity, and chemical degradation—electrochemical biosensors have gained substantial attention as promising alternatives. This review summarizes recent advancements in electrochemical platforms for bisulfite-free detection of DNA methylation, encompassing direct oxidation strategies, enzyme-assisted recognition (e.g., restriction endonucleases and methyltransferases), immunoaffinity-based methods, and a variety of signal amplification techniques such as rolling circle amplification and catalytic hairpin assembly. Additional approaches, including strand displacement, magnetic enrichment, and adsorption-based detection, are also discussed. These systems demonstrate exceptional sensitivity, often down to the attomolar or femtomolar level, as well as high selectivity, reproducibility, and suitability for real biological matrices. The integration of nanomaterials and redox-active probes further enhances analytical performance. Importantly, many of these biosensing platforms have been validated using clinical samples, reinforcing their translational relevance. The review concludes by outlining current challenges and future directions, emphasizing the potential of electrochemical biosensors as scalable, cost-effective, and minimally invasive tools for real-time epigenetic monitoring and early-stage disease diagnostics. Full article

Antibiotic resistance remains a pressing global health concern, necessitating the development of sustainable and innovative antimicrobial strategies. Plant-based nanomaterials, particularly those synthesized from agricultural byproducts, such as mango seeds, tomato skins, and orange peels, have emerged as promising candidates due to their potent antimicrobial activity and reduced likelihood of resistance development. These nanomaterials exert their effects through diverse mechanisms, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, the disruption of microbial membranes, and interference with critical cellular functions, such as DNA replication. Beyond their antimicrobial properties, recent studies have demonstrated their ability to modulate gut microbiota composition—promoting beneficial genera such as, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while inhibiting pathogenic species like Staphylococcus spp. This dual functionality positions them as attractive agents for prebiotic interventions and targeted dietary strategies. The convergence of plant-derived nanotechnology and personalized nutrition, guided by individual microbiota profiles, offers a novel paradigm for enhancing host health and preventing infection-related disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the sustainable production of nanomaterials from agricultural and food industry waste, their antimicrobial and prebiotic applications, and their potential in regulating gut microbiota. Furthermore, we discuss emerging nanoenabled strategies to combat infectious diseases and highlight future directions for mechanistic studies, safety assessments, and clinical translation in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food contexts. Full article

Hydrogels are three-dimensional network structures composed of hydrophilic polymers that can swell in water and are very similar to soft tissues such as connective tissue or the extracellular matrix. DNA hydrogels are particularly notable for biomedical applications due to their high biocompatibility, physiological stability, molecular recognition, biodegradability, easy functionalization, and low immunogenicity. Based on these advantages, stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogels that have the property of reversibly changing their structure in response to various microenvironments or molecules are attracting attention as smart nanomaterials that can be applied to biosensing and material transfer, such as in the case of cells and drugs. As DNA nanotechnology advances, DNA can be hybridized with a variety of nanomaterials, from inorganic nanomaterials such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and quantum dots (QDs) to synthetic polymers such as polyacrylamide (PAAm) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM). These hybrid structures exhibit various optical and chemical properties. This review discusses recent advances and remaining challenges in biomedical applications of stimuli-responsive smart DNA hydrogel-based systems. It also highlights various types of hybridized DNA hydrogel, explores various response mechanism strategies of stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogel, and provides insights and prospects for biomedical applications such as biosensing and drug delivery. Full article

Two-dimensional nanomaterials (2DNMs) exhibit significant potential for the development of functional and specifically targeted biosensors, owing to their unique planar nanosheet structures and distinct physical and chemical properties. Biomodification and biomimetic synthesis offer green and mild approaches for the fabrication of multifunctional nanohybrids with enhanced catalytic, fluorescent, electronic, and optical properties, thereby expanding their utility in constructing high-performance biosensors. In this review, we present recent advances in the synthesis of 2DNM-based nanohybrids via both biomodification and biomimetic strategies for biosensor applications. We discuss covalent and non-covalent biomodification methods involving various biomolecules, including peptides, proteins, DNA/RNA, enzymes, biopolymers, and bioactive polysaccharides. The engineering of biomolecule–nanomaterial interfaces for the creation of biomodified 2DNM-based nanohybrids is also explored. Furthermore, we summarize the biomimetic synthesis of 2DNM-based bio–nanohybrids through pathways such as bio-templating, biomolecule-directed self-assembly, biomineralization, and biomimetic functional integration. The potential applications of these nanohybrids in diverse biosensing platforms—including colorimetric, surface plasmon resonance, electrochemical, fluorescence, photoelectrochemical, and integrated multimodal biosensors—are introduced and discussed. Finally, we analyze the opportunities and challenges associated with this rapidly developing field. We believe this comprehensive review will provide valuable insights into the biofunctionalization of 2DNMs and guide the rational design of advanced biosensors for diagnostic applications. Full article

Cisplatin, which kills cancer cells mainly through DNA crosslinking, has been widely used as a first-line chemotherapeutic agent although it also causes severe side effects. To improve anticancer outcomes, various types of cisplatin-based nanomedicines have been developed, either through direct incorporation or coordination of cisplatin within nanoparticles (NPs). During the formulation and characterization of cisplatin-loaded NPs, quantitative determination of cisplatin is crucial for both clinically used and newly developed NPs. While NPs facilitate cisplatin delivery, the use of different nanomaterials inevitably complicates its determination and increases the cost of quantification. Currently, there is still a significant demand for an accurate, simple, and cost-effective method to determine cisplatin in NPs, which would facilitate the screening and quality control of cisplatin-based nanomedicines. This review aims to discuss the main strategies for quantifying cisplatin, following a summary of the main types of cisplatin-loaded NPs. Application examples of cisplatin determination in NPs are provided, and the key features of each quantification strategy are compared. In addition, NP-based electrochemical sensors are included as an emerging approach for characterizing cisplatin loaded in NPs. Rational selection of an appropriate cisplatin determination method for NPs according to the quantification principle and specific drug-delivery settings is highly recommended. Full article