Search Results (15)

Cancer and multidrug-resistant microbial infections remain major global health challenges, underscoring the need for multifunctional, biocompatible, and environmentally sustainable therapeutic platforms. Herein, selenium–hyaluronic acid nanoconjugates (Se/HA NPs) were synthesized through an eco-friendly ascorbic acid-mediated reduction approach to improve the bio-functional stability and therapeutic performance of selenium-based nanomaterials. The formation of Se/HA NPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR analysis supported the involvement of ascorbic acid- and hyaluronic acid-associated functional groups in nanoparticle formation and stabilization. TEM revealed well-dispersed, predominantly spherical nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 29.72 to 80.38 nm, while XRD confirmed their crystalline nature with an average crystallite size of 31.2 nm. Biologically, Se/HA NPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis (21 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (24 mm), Escherichia coli (25 mm), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (27 mm), outperforming hyaluronic acid alone and showing activity comparable to standard antibiotics, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 15.62 µg/mL. Notably, Se/HA NPs showed pronounced antifungal activity against Candida albicans, with an inhibition zone of 34 mm and an MIC of 7.8 µg/mL. In MG-63 osteosarcoma cells, Se/HA NPs demonstrated potent cytotoxicity, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 8.36 µg/mL compared with 746.37 µg/mL for hyaluronic acid. Moreover, Se/HA NPs enhanced wound closure to 73.41% and showed strong anti-inflammatory activity, with an IC₅₀ of 5.37 µg/mL, demonstrating multifunctional bioactivity. Full article

Phytochemical-assisted green synthesis of silver nanoparticles offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fabrication routes by utilising plant-derived metabolites as multifunctional reducing, capping, and stabilising agents. Polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and related biomolecules mediate the reduction of Ag⁺ to Ag⁰ under mild conditions while controlling nucleation, growth, and surface stabilisation, thereby dictating nanoparticle size, morphology, and colloidal stability. This review establishes clear links between phytochemical composition and the mechanistic pathways governing nanoparticle formation and biofunctional performance. Variations in extract chemistry influence electron transfer dynamics, surface functionalisation, and physicochemical properties, ultimately modulating biological activity. Enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant effects arise from synergistic interactions between the silver core and phytochemical capping layers, promoting membrane disruption, reactive oxygen species generation, and biomolecular interference. Despite promising applications in antimicrobial coatings, food preservation, agriculture, and anticancer systems, key challenges remain, including compositional variability, limited mechanistic standardisation, and insufficient toxicological evaluation. Nonetheless, phytochemical-assisted synthesis provides a tunable and sustainable platform for AgNP production, aligning nanomaterial design with green chemistry principles while enabling multifunctional bioactivity. By integrating phytochemical composition, mechanistic synthesis pathways, and structure–activity relationships across diverse applications, this review provides a critical framework for the rational design, standardisation, and scalable development of next-generation phytochemical-mediated AgNP systems. Full article

Copper-based nanoparticles, especially metallic copper (Cu NPs) and copper oxide (CuO NPs), have attracted increasing attention due to their redox activity, biological efficacy, and technological applications. However, conventional chemical synthesis often involves toxic reagents, limiting their biomedical applicability. In this context, plant-mediated green synthesis has evolved and has become a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the biosynthesis of Cu and CuO nanoparticles using plant extracts. The main synthesis pathways are examined, with emphasis on the role of phytochemicals as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents, as well as the influence of reaction parameters on nanoparticle yield. The review highlights the diversity of plant species and extract types used and clarifies their effects on nanoparticle size, morphology, oxidation state, and surface chemistry. Key physicochemical characterization techniques (ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy, and zeta potential analysis) are systematically discussed. Moreover, a summary of in vitro and in vivo biological activities is provided, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, anticancer, wound-healing, and plant-growth-promoting effects. Overall, plant-mediated copper-based nanoparticles demonstrate significant potential as biofunctional nanomaterials. Nevertheless, challenges concerning reproducibility, mechanistic understanding, standardization and toxicological evaluation must be addressed to facilitate reliable translation into biomedical applications. Full article

The green synthesis of nanomaterials using biological resources has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical routes. In this study, the wild ectomycorrhizal mushroom Russula sanguinea (Rs) was employed as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent for the biosynthesis of silver-decorated zinc-based nanostructures (Ag–ZnNSs/Rs). The formation and physicochemical properties of the nanostructures were systematically characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, and EDX analysis. Transmission electron microscopy revealed predominantly spherical nanoparticles with good dispersion, and quantitative analysis of 227 individual particles demonstrated an average diameter of 19.36 ± 7.89 nm (range: 10.92–61.00 nm). FT-IR analysis confirmed the involvement of fungal biomolecules in metal ion reduction and surface stabilization, indicating effective bio-capping of the nanostructures. The biofunctional performance of the biosynthesized Ag–ZnNSs/Rs was evaluated through antioxidant and antimicrobial assays. Compared to the crude mushroom extract, the nanostructures exhibited significantly enhanced 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 7.29 ± 0.10 mg mL⁻¹ compared to 13.66 ± 0.15 mg mL⁻¹ for the crude extract. In addition, notable antimicrobial activity was observed against representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) as well as the yeast Candida albicans. Overall, this study demonstrates that Russula sanguinea is an effective biological platform for the green synthesis of silver-decorated zinc-based nanostructures with improved biofunctional properties, highlighting the potential of wild mushrooms as underexplored resources in sustainable nanomaterial development. Full article

Lignin from Phaleria macrocarpa (Mahkota Dewa) fruit, a bioactive-rich cultivated medicinal biomass, was employed as a renewable precursor for lignin quantum dots (LQDs). A simple, aqueous, catalyst-free two-step route (lignin to lignin nanoparticles to LQDs) is demonstrated, enabling the valorization of non-food lignin into photoluminescent nanomaterials. The resulting LQDs were predominantly amorphous with short-range graphitic ordering and a narrow particle size distribution (3–5 nm). Structural and chemical analyses indicated a partially graphitized carbon framework enriched with oxygenated surface functionalities, which is consistent with their bright blue–green emission (λ_em of 490 nm; average fluorescence lifetime of 4.51 ns). Hydrothermal carbonization induced a blue shift in the UV–Vis absorption profile, resulting in a main band at 288 nm with a shoulder at 312 nm. The LQDs exhibited high cytocompatibility toward L929 mouse fibroblasts (93.1 ± 6.5% viability at 24 h) and were readily internalized by cells, facilitating green fluorescence live-cell imaging as a proof-of-concept. Antibacterial activity was observed against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, supporting dual biofunctional performance. Overall, this study established a green and scalable route for converting P. macrocarpa fruit lignin into multifunctional LQDs, with potential applications in circular-bioeconomy such as antimicrobial/active coatings and optical sensing in agro-industrial contexts. Full article

Inclusion bodies (IBs) in Escherichia coli are increasingly recognised as nanostructured materials with tunable morphology and functional potential. The N-terminal auxiliary activity family 10 (AA10) lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) domain from Caldibacillus cellulovorans (Ccel_p40) consistently forms IBs and, when fused to diverse proteins, generates functional IBs. Here, we examined whether this strong aggregation propensity is unique to Ccel_p40 or a broader feature of AA10 LPMOs. Four homologous domains from phylogenetically distinct microorganisms, Kallotenue papyrolyticum (Kpap_p40), Kibdelosporangium aridum (Kari_p40), Archangium lipolyticum (Alip_p40), and Phytohabitans suffuscus (Psuf_p40), were heterologously expressed in E. coli under identical cytosolic conditions. All homologues accumulated predominantly in the insoluble fraction, forming morphologically uniform IBs with sub-micron diameters (550–860 nm) and moderate polydispersity indices (0.45–0.54). SDS-PAGE densitometry indicated that most of each expressed protein partitioned into the insoluble fraction. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed compact spherical aggregates, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed β-sheet-enriched secondary structures characteristic of ordered IBs. These results indicate that the pronounced aggregation tendency previously observed for Ccel_p40 is conserved across the AA10 homologues examined. The findings support the view that the AA10 domain represents a promising scaffold for generating stable, recyclable protein nanoparticles and provides a comparative basis for future IB-based biotechnological designs. Full article

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, requiring the development of innovative and effective therapeutic strategies. Bio-functional nanomaterials, due to their unique physicochemical properties, offer a versatile platform for targeted drug delivery, controlled release, and multimodal therapies, thereby enhancing efficacy and reducing the systemic toxicity of conventional treatments. Independently, both vitamin D and vitamin K have demonstrated significant anti-cancer properties, including inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, modulation of angiogenesis, and attenuation of metastatic potential in various cancer cell lines and in vivo models. However, their clinical application is often limited by poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and potential for off-target effects. Specifically, by enhancing the solubility, stability, and targeted accumulation of fat-soluble vitamins D and K within tumoral tissues for improved lung cancer therapy, this review emphasizes the novel and cooperative role of bio-functional nanomaterials in overcoming these limitations. Future studies should focus on the logical development of sophisticated nanomaterial carriers for optimal co-delivery plans and thorough in vivo validation, aiming to convert these encouraging preclinical results into successful clinical treatments for patients with lung cancer. Full article

We previously described GMC, a graphene-based nanomaterial obtained from carbon nanofibers (CNFs), to be biologically compatible and functional for therapeutic purposes. GMC can reduce triglycerides’ content in vitro and in vivo and has other potential bio-functional effects on systemic cells and the potential utility to be used in living systems. Here, immunoreactivity was evaluated by adding GMC in suspension at the biologically functional concentrations, ranging from 10 to 60 µg/mL, for one or several days, to cultured lymphocytes (T, B, NK), either in basal or under stimulating conditions, and monocytes that were derived under culture conditions to pro-inflammatory (GM-MØ) or anti-inflammatory (M-MØ) macrophages. All stirpes were obtained from human peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from anonymized healthy donors. The viability (necrosis, apoptosis) and immunological activity of each progeny was analyzed using either flow cytometry and/or other analytical determinations. A concentration of 10 to 60 µg/mL GMC did not affect lymphocytes’ viability, either in basal or active conditions, during one or more days of treatment. The viability and expression of the inflammatory interleukin IL-1β in the monocyte cell line THP-1 were not affected. Treatments with 10 or 20 µg/mL GMC on GM-MØ or M-MØ during or after their differentiation process promoted phagocytosis, but their viability and the release of the inflammatory marker activin A by GM-MØ were not affected. A concentration of 60 µg/mL GMC slightly increased macrophages’ death and activity in some culture conditions. The present work demonstrates that GMC is safe or has minimal immunological activity when used in suspension at low concentrations for pre-clinical or clinical settings. Its biocompatibility will depend on the dose, formulation or way of administration and opens up the possibility to consider GMC or other CNF-based biomaterials for innovative therapeutic strategies. Full article

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) are highly favored materials for a wide range of applications, from smart composite materials and biosensors to targeted drug delivery. These multifunctional applications typically require the biofunctional coating of MNPs that involves various conjugation techniques to form stable MNP–biomolecule complexes. In this study, a cost-effective method is developed for the chlorostannate modification of MNP surfaces that provides efficient one-step conjugation with biomolecules. The proposed method was validated using MNPs obtained via an optimized co-precipitation technique that included the use of degassed water, argon atmosphere, and the pre-filtering of FeCl₂ and FeCl₃ solutions followed by MNP surface modification using stannous chloride. The resulting chlorostannated nanoparticles were comprehensively characterized, and their efficiency was compared with both carboxylate-modified and unmodified MNPs. The biorecognition performance of MNPs was verified via magnetic immunochromatography. Mouse monoclonal antibodies to folic acid served as model biomolecules conjugated with the MNP to produce nanobioconjugates, while folic acid–gelatin conjugates were immobilized on the test lines of immunochromatography lateral flow test strips. The specific trapping of the obtained nanobioconjugates via antibody–antigen interactions was registered via the highly sensitive magnetic particle quantification technique. The developed chlorostannate modification of MNPs is a versatile, rapid, and convenient tool for creating multifunctional nanobioconjugates with applications that span in vitro diagnostics, magnetic separation, and potential in vivo uses. Full article

The next step in nanotechnology is to establish a methodology to assemble new functional materials based on the knowledge of nanotechnology. This task is undertaken by nanoarchitectonics. In nanoarchitectonics, we architect functional material systems from nanounits such as atoms, molecules, and nanomaterials. In terms of the hierarchy of the structure and the harmonization of the function, the material created by nanoarchitectonics has similar characteristics to the organization of the functional structure in biosystems. Looking at actual biofunctional systems, dynamic properties and interfacial environments are key. In other words, nanoarchitectonics at dynamic interfaces is important for the production of bio-like highly functional materials systems. In this review paper, nanoarchitectonics at dynamic interfaces will be discussed, looking at recent typical examples. In particular, the basic topics of “molecular manipulation, arrangement, and assembly” and “material production” will be discussed in the first two sections. Then, in the following section, “fullerene assembly: from zero-dimensional unit to advanced materials”, we will discuss how various functional structures can be created from the very basic nanounit, the fullerene. The above examples demonstrate the versatile possibilities of architectonics at dynamic interfaces. In the last section, these tendencies will be summarized, and future directions will be discussed. Full article

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a well-known calcium phosphate ingredient comparable to human bone tissue. HA has exciting applications in many fields, especially biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, osteogenesis, and dental implants. Unfortunately, hydroxyapatite-based nanomaterials are synthesized by conventional methods using reagents that are not environmentally friendly and are expensive. Therefore, extensive efforts have been made to establish a simple, efficient, and green method to form nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA) biofunctional materials with significant biocompatibility, bioactivity, and mechanical strength. Several types of biowaste have proven to be a source of calcium in forming HA, including using chicken eggshells, fish bones, and beef bones. This systematic literature review discusses the possibility of replacing synthetic chemical reagents, synthetic pathways, and toxic capping agents with a green template to synthesize NHA. This review also shed insight on the simple green manufacture of NHA with controlled shape and size. Full article

Cyclic dipeptides, also know as diketopiperazines (DKP), the simplest cyclic forms of peptides widespread in nature, are unsurpassed in their structural and bio-functional diversity. DKPs, especially those containing proline, due to their unique features such as, inter alia, extra-rigid conformation, high resistance to enzyme degradation, increased cell permeability, and expandable ability to bind a diverse of targets with better affinity, have emerged in the last years as biologically pre-validated platforms for the drug discovery. Recent advances have revealed their enormous potential in the development of next-generation theranostics, smart delivery systems, and biomaterials. Here, we present an updated review on the biological and structural profile of these appealing biomolecules, with a particular emphasis on those with anticancer properties, since cancers are the main cause of death all over the world. Additionally, we provide a consideration on supramolecular structuring and synthons, based on the proline-based DKP privileged scaffold, for inspiration in the design of compound libraries in search of ideal ligands, innovative self-assembled nanomaterials, and bio-functional architectures. Full article

Particulate matter (PM), a widespread air pollutant, consists of a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in air. Many diseases have been linked to PM exposure, which induces an imbalance in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in cells, and might result in skin diseases (such as aging and atopic dermatitis). New techniques involving nanomedicine and nano-delivery systems are being rapidly developed in the medicinal field. Fullerene, a kind of nanomaterial, acts as a super radical scavenger. Lower water solubility levels limit the bio-applications of fullerene. Hence, to improve the water solubility of fullerene, while retaining its radical scavenger functions, a fullerene derivative, fullerenol C₆₀(OH)₃₆, was synthesized, to examine its biofunctions in PM-exposed human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. The PM-induced increase in ROS levels and expression of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt could be inhibited via fullerenol pre-treatment. Furthermore, the expression of inflammation-related proteins, cyclooxygenase-2, heme oxygenase-1, and prostaglandin E2 was also suppressed. Fullerenol could preserve the impaired state of skin barrier proteins (filaggrin, involucrin, repetin, and loricrin), which was attributable to PM exposure. These results suggest that fullerenol could act against PM-induced cytotoxicity via ROS scavenging and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and the maintenance of expression of barrier proteins, and is a potential candidate compound for the treatment of skin diseases. Full article

In the field of pharmaceutical technology, significant attention has been paid on exploiting skin as a drug administration route. Considering the structural and chemical complexity of the skin barrier, many research works focused on developing an innovative way to enhance skin drug permeation. In this context, a new class of materials called bio-functional textiles has been developed. Such materials consist of the combination of advanced pharmaceutical carriers with textile materials. Therefore, they own the possibility of providing a wearable platform for continuous and controlled drug release. Notwithstanding the great potential of these materials, their large-scale application still faces some challenges. The present review provides a state-of-the-art perspective on the bio-functional textile technology analyzing the several issues involved. Firstly, the skin physiology, together with the dermatological delivery strategy, is keenly described in order to provide an overview of the problems tackled by bio-functional textiles technology. Secondly, an overview of the main dermatological nanocarriers is provided; thereafter the application of these nanomaterial to textiles is presented. Finally, the bio-functional textile technology is framed in the context of the different dermatological administration strategies; a comparative analysis that also considers how pharmaceutical regulation is conducted. Full article

The threat of antimicrobial resistance to society is compounded by a relative lack of new clinically effective licensed therapies reaching patients over the past three decades. This has been particularly problematic within antifungal drug development, leading to a rise in fungal infection rates and associated mortality. This paper highlights the potential of an ultrashort peptide, (naphthalene-2-ly)-acetyl-diphenylalanine-dilysine-OH (NapFFKK-OH), encompassing hydrogel-forming and antifungal properties within a single peptide motif, thus overcoming formulation (e.g., solubility, drug loading) issues associated with many currently employed highly hydrophobic antifungals. A range of fungal susceptibility (colony counts) and cell cytotoxicity (MTS cell viability, LIVE/DEAD staining^® with fluorescent microscopy, haemolysis) assays were employed. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the nanofibrous architecture of our self-assembling peptide, existing as a hydrogel at concentrations of 1% w/v and above. Broad-spectrum activity was demonstrated against a range of fungi clinically relevant to infection (Aspergillus niger, Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis and Candida dubliniensis) with greater than 4 log₁₀ CFU/mL reduction at concentrations of 0.5% w/v and above. We hypothesise antifungal activity is due to targeting of anionic components present within fungal cell membranes resulting in membrane disruption and cell lysis. NapFFKK-OH demonstrated reduced toxicity against mammalian cells (NCTC 929, ARPE-19) suggesting increased selectivity for fungal cells. However, further studies relating to safety for systemic administration is required, given the challenges toxicity has presented in the wider context of antimicrobial peptide drug development. Overall this study highlights the promise of NapFFKK-OH hydrogels, particularly as a topical formulation for the treatment of fungal infections relating to the skin and eyes, or as a hydrogel coating for the prevention of biomaterial related infection. Full article