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Keywords = dual nanoparticle distribution

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18 pages, 10208 KiB  
Article
Development of Ni-P-N-C/Nickel Foam for Efficient Hydrogen Production via Urea Electro-Oxidation
by Abdullah M. Aldawsari, Maged N. Shaddad and Saba A. Aladeemy
Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070662 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 441
Abstract
Electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is a promising dual-purpose approach for hydrogen production and wastewater treatment, addressing critical energy and environmental challenges. However, conventional anode materials often suffer from limited active sites and high charge transfer resistance, restricting UOR efficiency. To overcome these [...] Read more.
Electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is a promising dual-purpose approach for hydrogen production and wastewater treatment, addressing critical energy and environmental challenges. However, conventional anode materials often suffer from limited active sites and high charge transfer resistance, restricting UOR efficiency. To overcome these issues, a novel NiP@PNC/NF electrocatalyst was developed via a one-step thermal annealing process under nitrogen, integrating nickel phosphide (NiP) with phosphorus and nitrogen co-doped carbon nanotubes (PNCs) on a nickel foam (NF) substrate. This design enhances catalytic activity and charge transfer, achieving current densities of 50 mA cm−2 at 1.34 V and 100 mA cm−2 at 1.43 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The electrode’s high electrochemical surface area (235 cm2) and double-layer capacitance (94.1 mF) reflect abundant active sites, far surpassing NiP/NF (48 cm2, 15.8 mF) and PNC/NF (39.5 cm2, 12.9 mF). It maintains exceptional stability, with only a 16.3% performance loss after 35 h, as confirmed by HR-TEM showing an intact nanostructure. Our single-step annealing technique provides simplicity, scalability, and efficient integration of NiP nanoparticles inside a PNC matrix on nickel foam. This method enables consistent distribution and robust substrate adhesion, which are difficult to attain with multi-step or more intricate techniques. Full article
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15 pages, 3993 KiB  
Article
Silver Nanoparticles-Decorated Porous Silicon Microcavity as a High-Performance SERS Substrate for Ultrasensitive Detection of Trace-Level Molecules
by Manh Trung Hoang, Huy Bui, Thi Hong Cam Hoang, Van Hai Pham, Nguyen Thu Loan, Long Van Le, Thanh Binh Pham, Chinh Vu Duc, Thuy Chi Do, Tae Jung Kim, Van Hoi Pham and Thuy Van Nguyen
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(13), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15131007 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 467
Abstract
In this study, we present a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on porous silicon microcavities (PSiMCs) decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for ultra-sensitive molecule detection. This substrate utilizes a dual enhancement mechanism: the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of AgNPs and [...] Read more.
In this study, we present a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on porous silicon microcavities (PSiMCs) decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for ultra-sensitive molecule detection. This substrate utilizes a dual enhancement mechanism: the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of AgNPs and the optical resonance of the PSiMC structure, which together create intense electromagnetic hot spots and prolong photon–molecule interactions. The porous architecture provides a large surface area for uniform nanoparticle distribution and efficient analyte adsorption. The AgNP/PSiMC substrate demonstrates an impressive detection limit of 1.0 × 10−13 M for rhodamine101 and 1.0 × 10−10 M for methyl parathion, outperforming many previously reported SERS platforms. Furthermore, the substrate exhibits excellent signal uniformity (RSD ≈ 6.14%) and long-term stability, retaining over 50% signal intensity after 28 days. These results underscore the potential of AgNP/PSiMCs as highly efficient, reproducible, and scalable SERS platforms for trace-level chemical and environmental sensing applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices)
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20 pages, 1556 KiB  
Article
Engineered PAM-SPION Nanoclusters for Enhanced Cancer Therapy: Integrating Magnetic Targeting with pH-Responsive Drug Release
by Dimitra Tzavara, Konstantina Papadia, Argiris Kolokithas-Ntoukas, Sophia G. Antimisiaris and Athanasios Skouras
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2785; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132785 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 430
Abstract
Background: Nanomedicine approaches for cancer therapy face significant challenges, including a poor tumor accumulation, limited therapeutic efficacy, and systemic toxicity. We hypothesized that controlling the clustering of poly(acrylic acid-co-maleic acid) (PAM)-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) would enhance their magnetic properties for improved [...] Read more.
Background: Nanomedicine approaches for cancer therapy face significant challenges, including a poor tumor accumulation, limited therapeutic efficacy, and systemic toxicity. We hypothesized that controlling the clustering of poly(acrylic acid-co-maleic acid) (PAM)-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) would enhance their magnetic properties for improved targeting, while enabling a pH-responsive drug release in tumor microenvironments. Methods: PAM-stabilized SPION clusters were synthesized via arrested precipitation, characterized for physicochemical and magnetic properties, and evaluated for doxorubicin loading and pH-dependent release. A dual targeting approach combining antibody conjugation with magnetic guidance was assessed in cellular models, including a novel alternating magnetic field (AMF) pre-treatment protocol. Results: PAM-SPION clusters demonstrated controlled size distributions (60–100 nm), excellent colloidal stability, and enhanced magnetic properties, particularly for larger crystallites (13 nm). The formulations exhibited a pH-responsive drug release (8.5% at pH 7.4 vs. 14.3% at pH 6.5) and a significant enhancement of AMF-triggered release (17.5%). The dual targeting approach achieved an 8-fold increased cellular uptake compared to non-targeted formulations. Most notably, the novel AMF pre-treatment protocol demonstrated an 87% improved therapeutic efficacy compared to conventional post-treatment applications. Conclusions: The integration of targeting antibodies, magnetic guidance, and a pH-responsive PAM coating creates a versatile theranostic platform with significantly enhanced drug delivery capabilities. The unexpected synergistic effect of the AMF pre-treatment represents a promising new approach for improving the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticle-based cancer treatments. Full article
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13 pages, 2453 KiB  
Article
Paramagnetic and Luminescent Properties of Gd(III)/Eu(III) Ascorbate Coordination Polymers
by Marco Ricci and Fabio Carniato
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2689; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132689 - 21 Jun 2025
Viewed by 316
Abstract
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are the gold standard as MRI probes but are nowadays facing medical limitations and environmental concerns. To address these issues, novel strategies focus on the optimization of Gd(III)-based probes. One promising approach involves incorporating Gd(III) into nanoparticles, particularly coordination [...] Read more.
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are the gold standard as MRI probes but are nowadays facing medical limitations and environmental concerns. To address these issues, novel strategies focus on the optimization of Gd(III)-based probes. One promising approach involves incorporating Gd(III) into nanoparticles, particularly coordination polymers, which offer improved relaxivity. In this study, we explore the self-assembly of Gd(III) ions with ascorbate ligand, forming extended coordination polymer architectures. Our investigation focuses on understanding the impact of nanoparticles’ growth and aggregation on their relaxivity properties. Notably, the controlled aggregation process leads to a different distribution of the Gd(III) in the surface and in the bulk of the nanoparticles, mainly responsible for their longitudinal relaxivity. Additionally, the introduction of Eu(III) into the network enables the development of a dual-modal probe with paramagnetic and optical features. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Complexes for Optical and Electronics Applications)
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17 pages, 2215 KiB  
Article
Hydrocracking of Polyethylene to Gasoline-Range Hydrocarbons over a Ruthenium-Zeolite Bifunctional Catalyst System with Optimal Synergy of Metal and Acid Sites
by Qing Du, Xin Shang, Yangyang Yuan, Xiong Su and Yanqiang Huang
Catalysts 2025, 15(4), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15040335 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 957
Abstract
Chemical recycling of plastic waste, especially polyolefins, into valuable liquid fuels is of considerable significance to address the serious issues raised by their threat on environmental and human health. Nevertheless, the construction of efficient and economically viable catalytic systems remains a significant hurdle. [...] Read more.
Chemical recycling of plastic waste, especially polyolefins, into valuable liquid fuels is of considerable significance to address the serious issues raised by their threat on environmental and human health. Nevertheless, the construction of efficient and economically viable catalytic systems remains a significant hurdle. Herein, we developed an efficient bifunctional catalyst system comprising γ-Al2O3-supported ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru/γ-Al2O3) and β-zeolite for the conversion of polyolefins into gasoline-range hydrocarbons. A yield of C5–12 paraffins up to 73.4% can be obtained with polyethene as the reactant at 250 °C in hydrogen. The Ru sites primarily activate the initial cleavage of C–H bonds of polymer towards the formation of olefin intermediates, which subsequently go through further cracking and isomerization over the acid sites in β-zeolite. Employing in situ infrared spectroscopy and probe–molecule model reactions, our investigation reveals that the optimized proportion and spatial distribution of the dual catalytic sites are pivotal in the tandem conversion process. This optimization synergistically regulates the cracking kinetics and accelerates intermediate transfer, thereby minimizing the production of side C1–4 hydrocarbons resulting from over-cracking at the Ru sites and enhancing the yield of liquid fuels. This research contributes novel insights into catalyst design for the chemical upgrading of polyolefins into valuable chemicals, advancing the field of plastic waste recycling and sustainable chemical production. Full article
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30 pages, 8769 KiB  
Article
Efficient and Rapid Microfluidics Production of Bio-Inspired Nanoparticles Derived from Bombyx mori Silkworm for Enhanced Breast Cancer Treatment
by Muhamad Hawari Mansor, Zijian Gao, Faith Howard, Jordan MacInnes, Xiubo Zhao and Munitta Muthana
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(1), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17010095 - 12 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1357
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In the quest for sustainable and biocompatible materials, silk fibroin (SF), derived from natural silk, has emerged as a promising candidate for nanoparticle production. This study aimed to fabricate silk fibroin particles (SFPs) using a novel swirl mixer previously presented by [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In the quest for sustainable and biocompatible materials, silk fibroin (SF), derived from natural silk, has emerged as a promising candidate for nanoparticle production. This study aimed to fabricate silk fibroin particles (SFPs) using a novel swirl mixer previously presented by our group, evaluating their characteristics and suitability for drug delivery applications, including magnetic nanoparticles and dual-drug encapsulation with curcumin (CUR) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Methods: SFPs were fabricated via microfluidics-assisted desolvation using a swirl mixer, ensuring precise mixing kinetics. Comprehensive physicochemical characterisation, including size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and secondary structure analysis, was conducted. Further, CUR/5-FU-loaded magnetic core SFPs were assessed for cytotoxicity in vitro using breast cancer cell lines and for biodistribution and targeting efficiency in a murine breast cancer model. Results: The swirl mixer produced SFPs with sizes below 200 nm and uniform distributions (PDI < 0.20) with size stability for up to 30 days. Encapsulation efficiencies were 37% for CUR and 82% for 5-FU, with sustained drug release profiles showing 50% of CUR and 70% of 5-FU released over 72 h. In vitro studies demonstrated sustained cytotoxic effects, and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in breast cancer cell lines, with minimal toxicity in non-cancerous cells. Cellular uptake assays confirmed efficient drug delivery to the cytoplasm. In vivo biodistribution studies revealed increased tumour-specific drug accumulation with magnetic guidance. Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining indicated enhanced tumour necrosis in treated groups compared to controls. Conclusions: This study underscores the utility of the swirl mixer for efficient and scalable fabrication of bio-inspired SFPs, supporting their application in targeted cancer drug delivery. These findings align with and advance previous insights into the use of microfluidics and desolvation methods, paving the way for improved therapeutic strategies in breast cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems)
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18 pages, 3212 KiB  
Article
Facile Hydrothermal Assisted Basic Catalyzed Sol Gel Synthesis for Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle from Alkali Silicate Solutions Using Dual Structural Templates
by Khaled M. AlMohaimadi, Hassan M. Albishri, Khaled A. Thumayri, Awadh O. AlSuhaimi, Yassin T. H. Mehdar and Belal H. M. Hussein
Gels 2024, 10(12), 839; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10120839 - 19 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1779
Abstract
This work presents a novel hydrothermally aided sol-gel method for preparation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with a narrow particle size distribution and varied pore sizes. The method was carried out in alkaline media in presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride [...] Read more.
This work presents a novel hydrothermally aided sol-gel method for preparation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with a narrow particle size distribution and varied pore sizes. The method was carried out in alkaline media in presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) as dual templates and permitted the synthesis of spherical mesoporous silica with a high surface area (1011.42 m2/g). The MSN materials were characterized by FTIR, Thermogravimetric (TG), Nitrogen adsorption and desorption and Field emission scanning electron microscopic analysis (FESEM). The materials feasibility as solid phase adsorbent has been demonstrated using cationic dyes; Rhodamine B (RB) and methylene blue (MB) as models. Due to the large surface area and variable pore width, the adsorption behaviors toward cationic dyes showed outstanding removal efficiency and a rapid sorption rate. The adsorption isotherms of RB and MB were well-fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich models, while the kinetic behaviours adhered closely to the pseudo-second-order pattern. The maximum adsorption capacities were determined to be 256 mg/g for MB and 110.3 mg/g for RB. The findings suggest that MSNs hold significant potential as solid-phase nanosorbents for the extraction and purification of dye pollutants, particularly in the analysis and treatment of effluents containing cationic dyes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Aerogels: From Design to Application)
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19 pages, 4889 KiB  
Article
Corner Reflector Plasmonic Nanoantennas for Enhanced Single-Photon Emission
by Pedro Chamorro-Posada
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10300; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210300 - 9 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1061
Abstract
The emission rate of atom-like photon sources can be significantly improved by coupling them to plasmonic resonant nanostructures. These arrangements function as nanoantennas, serving the dual purpose of enhancing light–matter interactions and decoupling the emitted photons. However, there is a contradiction between the [...] Read more.
The emission rate of atom-like photon sources can be significantly improved by coupling them to plasmonic resonant nanostructures. These arrangements function as nanoantennas, serving the dual purpose of enhancing light–matter interactions and decoupling the emitted photons. However, there is a contradiction between the requirements for these two tasks. A small resonator volume is necessary for maximizing interaction efficiency, while a large antenna mode volume is essential to achieve high emission directivity. In this work, we analyze a hybrid structure composed of a noble metal plasmonic resonant nanoparticle coupled to the atom-like emitter, which is designed to enhance the emission rate, alongside a corner reflector aimed at optimizing the angular distribution of the emitted photons. A comprehensive numerical study of silver and gold corner reflector nanoantennas, employing the finite difference time domain method, is presented. The results demonstrate that a well-designed corner reflector can significantly enhance photon emission directivity while also substantially boosting the emission rate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Optics: Theory, Methods and Applications)
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17 pages, 4645 KiB  
Article
Key Contributors to Signal Generation in Frequency Mixing Magnetic Detection (FMMD): An In Silico Study
by Ulrich M. Engelmann, Beril Simsek, Ahmed Shalaby and Hans-Joachim Krause
Sensors 2024, 24(6), 1945; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24061945 - 18 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1934
Abstract
Frequency mixing magnetic detection (FMMD) is a sensitive and selective technique to detect magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) serving as probes for binding biological targets. Its principle relies on the nonlinear magnetic relaxation dynamics of a particle ensemble interacting with a dual frequency external magnetic [...] Read more.
Frequency mixing magnetic detection (FMMD) is a sensitive and selective technique to detect magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) serving as probes for binding biological targets. Its principle relies on the nonlinear magnetic relaxation dynamics of a particle ensemble interacting with a dual frequency external magnetic field. In order to increase its sensitivity, lower its limit of detection and overall improve its applicability in biosensing, matching combinations of external field parameters and internal particle properties are being sought to advance FMMD. In this study, we systematically probe the aforementioned interaction with coupled Néel–Brownian dynamic relaxation simulations to examine how key MNP properties as well as applied field parameters affect the frequency mixing signal generation. It is found that the core size of MNPs dominates their nonlinear magnetic response, with the strongest contributions from the largest particles. The drive field amplitude dominates the shape of the field-dependent response, whereas effective anisotropy and hydrodynamic size of the particles only weakly influence the signal generation in FMMD. For tailoring the MNP properties and parameters of the setup towards optimal FMMD signal generation, our findings suggest choosing large particles of core sizes dC>25 nm with narrow size distributions (σ<0.1) to minimize the required drive field amplitude. This allows potential improvements of FMMD as a stand-alone application, as well as advances in magnetic particle imaging, hyperthermia and magnetic immunoassays. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Magnetic Sensors and Their Applications)
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12 pages, 2078 KiB  
Article
Strategic Structural Control of Polyserotonin Nanoparticles and Their Application as pH-Responsive Nanomotors
by Junyi Hu, Jingjing Cao, Jinwei Lin and Leilei Xu
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(6), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14060519 - 14 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1914
Abstract
Serotonin-based nanomaterials have been positioned as promising contenders for constructing multifunctional biomedical nanoplatforms due to notable biocompatibility, advantageous charge properties, and chemical adaptability. The elaborately designed structure and morphology are significant for their applications as functional carriers. In this study, we fabricated anisotropic [...] Read more.
Serotonin-based nanomaterials have been positioned as promising contenders for constructing multifunctional biomedical nanoplatforms due to notable biocompatibility, advantageous charge properties, and chemical adaptability. The elaborately designed structure and morphology are significant for their applications as functional carriers. In this study, we fabricated anisotropic bowl-like mesoporous polyserotonin (PST) nanoparticles with a diameter of approximately 170 nm through nano-emulsion polymerization, employing P123/F127 as a dual-soft template and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) as both pore expander and emulsion template. Their formation can be attributed to the synchronized assembly of P123/F127/TMB, along with the concurrent manifestation of anisotropic nucleation and growth on the TMB emulsion droplet surface. Meanwhile, the morphology of PST nanoparticles can be regulated from sphere- to bowl-like, with a particle size distribution ranging from 432 nm to 100 nm, experiencing a transformation from a dendritic, cylindrical open mesoporous structure to an approximately non-porous structure by altering the reaction parameters. The well-defined mesopores, intrinsic asymmetry, and pH-dependent charge reversal characteristics enable the as-prepared mesoporous bowl-like PST nanoparticles’ potential for constructing responsive biomedical nanomotors through incorporating some catalytic functional materials, 3.5 nm CeO2 nanoenzymes, as a demonstration. The constructed nanomotors demonstrate remarkable autonomous movement capabilities under physiological H2O2 concentrations, even at an extremely low concentration of 0.05 mM, showcasing the 51.58 body length/s velocity. Furthermore, they can also respond to physiological pH values ranging from 4.4 to 7.4, exhibiting reduced mobility with increasing pH. This charge reversal-based responsive nanomotor design utilizing PST nanoparticles holds great promise for advancing the application of nanomotors within complex biological systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Stimuli-Responsive Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 2172 KiB  
Article
Nanocarrier Design for Dual-Targeted Therapy of In-Stent Restenosis
by Ivan S. Alferiev, Kehan Zhang, Zoë Folchman-Wagner, Richard F. Adamo, David T. Guerrero, Ilia Fishbein, Danielle Soberman, Robert J. Levy and Michael Chorny
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(2), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16020188 - 29 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1846
Abstract
The injury-triggered reocclusion (restenosis) of arteries treated with angioplasty to relieve atherosclerotic obstruction remains a challenge due to limitations of existing therapies. A combination of magnetic guidance and affinity-mediated arterial binding can pave the way to a new approach for treating restenosis by [...] Read more.
The injury-triggered reocclusion (restenosis) of arteries treated with angioplasty to relieve atherosclerotic obstruction remains a challenge due to limitations of existing therapies. A combination of magnetic guidance and affinity-mediated arterial binding can pave the way to a new approach for treating restenosis by enabling efficient site-specific localization of therapeutic agents formulated in magnetizable nanoparticles (MNPs) and by maintaining their presence at the site of arterial injury throughout the vulnerability period of the disease. In these studies, we investigated a dual-targeted antirestenotic strategy using drug-loaded biodegradable MNPs, surface-modified with a fibrin-avid peptide to provide affinity for the injured arterial wall. The MNPs were characterized with regard to their magnetic properties, efficiency of surface functionalization, disassembly kinetics, and interaction with fibrin-coated substrates. The antiproliferative effects of MNPs formulated with paclitaxel were studied in vitro using a fetal cell line (A10) exhibiting the defining characteristics of neointimal smooth muscle cells. Animal studies examined the efficiency of combined (physical/affinity) MNP targeting to stented arteries in Sprague Dawley rats using fluorimetric analysis and fluorescent in vivo imaging. The antirestenotic effect of the dual-targeted therapy was determined in a rat model of in-stent restenosis 28 days post-treatment. The results showed that MNPs can be efficiently functionalized to exhibit a strong binding affinity using a simple two-step chemical process, without adversely affecting their size distribution, magnetic properties, or antiproliferative potency. Dual-targeted delivery strongly enhanced the localization and retention of MNPs in stented carotid arteries up to 7 days post-treatment, while minimizing redistribution of the carrier particles to peripheral tissues. Of the two targeting elements, the effect of magnetic guidance was shown to dominate arterial localization (p = 0.004 vs. 0.084 for magnetic targeting and peptide modification, respectively), consistent with the magnetically driven MNP accumulation step defining the extent of the ultimate affinity-mediated arterial binding and subsequent retention of the carrier particles. The enhanced arterial uptake and sustained presence of paclitaxel-loaded MNPs at the site of stent deployment were associated with a strong inhibition of restenosis in the rat carotid stenting model, with both the neointima-to-media ratio (N/M) and % stenosis markedly reduced in the dual-targeted treatment group (1.62 ± 0.2 and 21 ± 3 vs. 2.17 ± 0.40 and 29 ± 6 in the control animals; p < 0.05). We conclude that the dual-targeted delivery of antirestenotic agents formulated in fibrin-avid MNPs can provide a new platform for the safe and effective treatment of in-stent restenosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Therapeutic Prodrugs for Targeted Cancer Therapy)
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27 pages, 9750 KiB  
Article
Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded with Quercetin and Valproic Acid: A Novel Approach for Enhancing Antioxidant Activity against Oxidative Stress in the SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line
by Fadime Canbolat, Neslihan Demir, Ozlem Tonguc Yayıntas, Melek Pehlivan, Aslı Eldem, Tulay Kilicaslan Ayna and Mehmet Senel
Biomedicines 2024, 12(2), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12020287 - 26 Jan 2024
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3079
Abstract
Background: Multiple drug-delivery systems obtained by loading nanoparticles (NPs) with different drugs that have different physicochemical properties present a promising strategy to achieve synergistic effects between drugs or overcome undesired effects. This study aims to develop a new NP by loading quercetin (Que) [...] Read more.
Background: Multiple drug-delivery systems obtained by loading nanoparticles (NPs) with different drugs that have different physicochemical properties present a promising strategy to achieve synergistic effects between drugs or overcome undesired effects. This study aims to develop a new NP by loading quercetin (Que) and valproic acid (VPA) into chitosan. In this context, our study investigated the antioxidant activities of chitosan NPs loaded with single and dual drugs containing Que against oxidative stress. Method: The synthesis of chitosan NPs loaded with a single (Que or VPA) and dual drug (Que and VPA), the characterization of the NPs, the conducting of in vitro antioxidant activity studies, and the analysis of the cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity of the NPs in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines were performed. Result: The NP applications that protected cell viability to the greatest extent against H2O2-induced cell damage were, in order, 96 µg/mL of Que-loaded chitosan NP (77.30%, 48 h), 2 µg/mL of VPA-loaded chitosan NP (70.06%, 24 h), 96 µg/mL of blank chitosan NP (68.31%, 48 h), and 2 µg/mL of Que- and VPA-loaded chitosan NP (66.03%, 24 h). Conclusion: Our study establishes a successful paradigm for developing drug-loaded NPs with a uniform and homogeneous distribution of drugs into NPs. Chitosan NPs loaded with both single and dual drugs possessing antioxidant activity were successfully developed. The capability of chitosan NPs developed at the nanometer scale to sustain cell viability in SH-SY5Y cell lines implies the potential of intranasal administration of chitosan NPs for future studies, offering protective effects in central nervous system diseases. Full article
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13 pages, 2995 KiB  
Article
Gamma-Camera Direct Imaging of the Plasma and On/Intra Cellular Distribution of the 99mTc-DPD-Fe3O4 Dual-Modality Contrast Agent in Peripheral Human Blood
by Maria-Argyro Karageorgou, Adamantia Apostolopoulou, Mina-Ermioni Tomazinaki, Dragana Stanković, Efstathios Stiliaris, Penelope Bouziotis and Dimosthenis Stamopoulos
Materials 2024, 17(2), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17020335 - 9 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1851
Abstract
The radiolabeled iron oxide nanoparticles constitute an attractive choice to be used as dual-modality contrast agents (DMCAs) in nuclear medical diagnosis, due to their ability to combine the benefits of two imaging modalities, for instance single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with magnetic [...] Read more.
The radiolabeled iron oxide nanoparticles constitute an attractive choice to be used as dual-modality contrast agents (DMCAs) in nuclear medical diagnosis, due to their ability to combine the benefits of two imaging modalities, for instance single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Before the use of any DMCA, the investigation of its plasma extra- and on/intra cellular distribution in peripheral human blood is of paramount importance. Here, we focus on the in vitro investigation of the distribution of 99mTc-DPD-Fe3O4 DMCA in donated peripheral human blood (the ligand 2-3-dicarboxypropane-1-1-diphosphonic-acid is denoted as DPD). Initially, we described the experimental methods we performed for the radiosynthesis of the 99mTc-DPD-Fe3O4, the preparation of whole blood and blood plasma samples, and their incubation conditions with 99mTc-DPD-Fe3O4. More importantly, we employed a gamma-camera apparatus for the direct imaging of the 99mTc-DPD-Fe3O4-loaded whole blood and blood plasma samples when subjected to specialized centrifugation protocols. The direct comparison of the gamma-camera data obtained at the exact same samples before and after their centrifugation enabled us to clearly identify the distribution of the 99mTc-DPD-Fe3O4 in the two components, plasma and cells, of peripheral human blood. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials)
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14 pages, 5502 KiB  
Article
Ag Nanoparticles and Rod-Shaped AgCl Decorated Porous PEDOT as a Bifunctional Material for Hydrogen Evolution Catalyst and Supercapacitor Electrode
by Chunyong Zhang, Haoyu Wang, Li Shu, Zhe Li, Jirong Bai, Yinpin Wen, Lin Zhu, Yin Geng and Hengfei Qin
Molecules 2023, 28(24), 8063; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28248063 - 13 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1600
Abstract
PEDOT-Ag/AgCl is a highly promising material with dual functions of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and supercapacitors. In this study, a simple low-temperature stirring and light irradiation method was used to synthesize PEDOT-Ag/AgCl on the surface. Then, PEDOT-Ag/AgCl was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning [...] Read more.
PEDOT-Ag/AgCl is a highly promising material with dual functions of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and supercapacitors. In this study, a simple low-temperature stirring and light irradiation method was used to synthesize PEDOT-Ag/AgCl on the surface. Then, PEDOT-Ag/AgCl was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. PEDOT-Ag/AgCl reacted in 1 M KOH alkaline electrolyte with an overpotential of 157 mV at 20 mA·cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 66.95 mv·dec−1. Owing to the synergistic effect of PEDOT and Ag/AgCl, this material had a small resistance (1.7 Ω) and a large specific capacitance (978 F·g−1 at current density of 0.5 A·g−1). The synthesis method can prepare nanostructured PEDOT with uniformly-distributed Ag nanoparticles and rod-shaped AgCl on the surface, which can be used as both HER electrocatalysts and supercapacitor electrodes. Full article
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14 pages, 2759 KiB  
Article
Impact of Micropulse and Radio Frequency Coupling in an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet on the Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles
by Tatiana Habib, Ludovica Ceroni, Alessandro Patelli, José Mauricio Almeida Caiut and Bruno Caillier
Plasma 2023, 6(4), 623-636; https://doi.org/10.3390/plasma6040043 - 13 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2418
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles have been extensively studied due to their unique optical and electronic properties which make them attractive for a wide range of applications in biomedicine, electronics, and catalysis. Over the past decade, atmospheric pressure plasma jets in contact with a liquid have [...] Read more.
Gold nanoparticles have been extensively studied due to their unique optical and electronic properties which make them attractive for a wide range of applications in biomedicine, electronics, and catalysis. Over the past decade, atmospheric pressure plasma jets in contact with a liquid have emerged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach for synthesizing stable and precisely controlled dispersions. Within the context of plasma jet/liquid configurations, researchers have explored various power sources, ranging from kHz frequencies to nanopulse regimes. In this study, we investigated the effects of coupling two distinct power supplies: a high-voltage micropulse and a radio frequency (RF) generator. The variations within the plasma induced by this coupling were explored by optical and electrical measurements. Our findings indicated a transition from a bullet plasma propagation mechanism to a capacitive coupling mechanism upon the introduction of RF energy. The impact on the production of metal nanoparticles was also examined as a function of the radio frequency power and of two distinct process gases, namely helium and argon. The characterization of gold nanoparticles included UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the size distribution depended on the type of process gas used and on the power supplies coupling. In particular, the incorporation of RF power alongside the micropulse led to a decrease in both average particle size and distribution width. The comparison of the different set up suggested that the current density can influence the particle size distribution, highlighting the potential advantages of the use of a dual-frequency atmospheric pressure plasma jet configuration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dielectric Barrier Discharges 2023)
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Figure 1

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