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Search Results (145)

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Keywords = micro- and nano-carriers

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26 pages, 1806 KB  
Review
Therapeutic Potential of Essential Oils and Their Bioactive Compounds Against Colon Cancer: Focus on Colon-Specific Micro- and Nanocarriers
by Yana Gvozdeva and Petya Georgieva
BioChem 2025, 5(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/biochem5030026 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 462
Abstract
Colon cancer ranks among the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide. Lifestyle and dietary factors—such as high consumption of processed foods, red meat, and alcohol, coupled with sedentary behavior—are key contributors to its development. Despite the availability of standard treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, [...] Read more.
Colon cancer ranks among the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide. Lifestyle and dietary factors—such as high consumption of processed foods, red meat, and alcohol, coupled with sedentary behavior—are key contributors to its development. Despite the availability of standard treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, colon cancer remains a significant cause of cancer-related deaths. These conventional approaches are often limited by severe side effects, toxicity, recurrence, and the emergence of drug resistance, highlighting the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Essential oils are a potential cancer-treatment candidate owing to their diverse composition and favorable safety profile. Numerous studies have revealed essential oils’ promising cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting their potential role in cancer prevention and treatment. Nevertheless, applying volatile oils to the colon faces several limitations, mainly due to their low bioavailability. Furthermore, conditions within the gastrointestinal tract also contribute to the reduced therapeutic efficacy of essential oils. Novel and promising strategies have been developed to overcome the limitations associated with the application of essential oils. The utilization of targeted drug delivery systems has improved the stability of essential oils and enhanced their therapeutic potential in colon cancer treatment. Moreover, even though essential oils cannot replace conventional chemotherapy, they can mitigate some of its adverse effects and improve the efficacy of associated chemotherapy drugs. This review explores the potential of essential oils and their bioactive compounds in colon cancer therapy and highlights current advancements in micro- and nanoencapsulation techniques for their targeted delivery to the colon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in BioChem, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 2432 KB  
Article
Alkali Lignin-Based Biopolymer Formulations for Electro-Assisted Drug Delivery of Natural Antioxidants in Breast Cancer Cells—A Preliminary Study
by Severina Semkova, Radina Deneva, Georgi Antov, Donika Ivanova and Biliana Nikolova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7481; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157481 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 621
Abstract
Recently, a number of natural biologically active substances have been proven to be attractive alternatives to conventional anticancer medicine or as adjuvants in contemporary combination therapies. Although lignin-based materials were previously accepted as waste materials with limited usefulness, recent studies increasingly report the [...] Read more.
Recently, a number of natural biologically active substances have been proven to be attractive alternatives to conventional anticancer medicine or as adjuvants in contemporary combination therapies. Although lignin-based materials were previously accepted as waste materials with limited usefulness, recent studies increasingly report the possibility of their use for novel applications in various industrial branches, including biomedicine. In this regard, the safety, efficiency, advantages and limitations of lignin compounds for in vitro/in vivo applications remain poorly studied and described. This study was carried out to investigate the possibility of using newly synthesized, alkali lignin-based micro-/nano-biopolymer formulations (Lignin@Formulations/L@F) as carriers for substances with antioxidant and/or anticancer effectiveness. Moreover, we tried to assess the opportunity for using an electro-assisted approach for achieving improved intracellular internalization. An investigation was conducted on an in vitro panel of breast cell lines, namely two breast cancer lines with different metastatic potentials and one non-tumorigenic line as a control. The characterization of all tested formulations was performed via DLS (dynamic light scattering) analysis. We developed an improved separation procedure via size/charge unification for all types of Lignin@Formulations. Moreover, in vitro applications were investigated. The results demonstrate that compared to healthy breast cells, both tested cancer lines exhibited slight sensitivity after treatment with different formulations (empty or loaded with antioxidant substances). This effect was also enhanced after applying electric pulses. L@F loaded with Quercetin was also explored only on the highly metastatic cancer cell line as a model for the breast cancer type most aggressive and non-responsive to traditional treatments. All obtained data suggest that the tested formulations have potential as carriers for the electro-assisted delivery of natural antioxidants such as Quercetin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products in Cancer Prevention and Treatment)
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23 pages, 4322 KB  
Article
Fly-Ash-Based Microbial Self-Healing Cement: A Sustainable Solution for Oil Well Integrity
by Lixia Li, Yanjiang Yu, Qianyong Liang, Tianle Liu, Guosheng Jiang, Guokun Yang and Chengxiang Tang
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6989; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156989 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 655
Abstract
The cement sheath is critical for ensuring the long-term safety and operational efficiency of oil and gas wells. However, complex geological conditions and operational stresses during production can induce cement sheath deterioration and cracking, leading to reduced zonal isolation, diminished hydrocarbon recovery, and [...] Read more.
The cement sheath is critical for ensuring the long-term safety and operational efficiency of oil and gas wells. However, complex geological conditions and operational stresses during production can induce cement sheath deterioration and cracking, leading to reduced zonal isolation, diminished hydrocarbon recovery, and elevated operational expenditures. This study investigates the development of a novel microbial self-healing well cement slurry system, employing fly ash as microbial carriers and sustained-release microcapsules encapsulating calcium sources and nutrients. Systematic evaluations were conducted, encompassing microbial viability, cement slurry rheology, fluid loss control, anti-channeling capability, and the mechanical strength, permeability, and microstructural characteristics of set cement stones. Results demonstrated that fly ash outperformed blast furnace slag and nano-silica as a carrier, exhibiting superior microbial loading capacity and viability. Optimal performance was observed with additions of 3% microorganisms and 3% microcapsules to the cement slurry. Microscopic analysis further revealed effective calcium carbonate precipitation within and around micro-pores, indicating a self-healing mechanism. These findings highlight the significant potential of the proposed system to enhance cement sheath integrity through localized self-healing, offering valuable insights for the development of advanced, durable well-cementing materials tailored for challenging downhole environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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35 pages, 4837 KB  
Review
MicroRNA-Based Delivery Systems for Chronic Neuropathic Pain Treatment in Dorsal Root Ganglion
by Stefan Jackson, Maria Rosa Gigliobianco, Cristina Casadidio, Piera Di Martino and Roberta Censi
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(7), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17070930 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1531
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a significant global clinical issue that poses substantial challenges to both public health and the economy due to its complex underlying mechanisms. It has emerged as a serious health concern worldwide. Recent studies involving dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation have [...] Read more.
Neuropathic pain is a significant global clinical issue that poses substantial challenges to both public health and the economy due to its complex underlying mechanisms. It has emerged as a serious health concern worldwide. Recent studies involving dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation have provided strong evidence supporting its effectiveness in alleviating chronic pain and its potential for sustaining long-term pain relief. In addition to that, there has been ongoing research with clinical evidence relating to the role of small non-coding ribonucleic acids known as microRNAs in regulating gene expressions affecting pain signals. The signal pathway involves alterations in neuronal excitation, synaptic transmission, dysregulated signaling, and subsequent pro-inflammatory response activation and pain development. When microRNAs are dysregulated in the dorsal root ganglia neurons, they polarize macrophages from anti-inflammatory M2 to inflammatory M1 macrophages causing pain signal generation. By reversing this polarization, a therapeutic activity can be induced. However, the direct delivery of these nucleotides has been challenging due to limitations such as rapid clearance, degradation, and reduction in half-life. Therefore, safe and efficient carrier vehicles are fundamental for microRNA delivery. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of miRNA-based nano-systems for chronic neuropathic pain, focusing on their impact in dorsal root ganglia. This review provides a critical evaluation of various delivery platforms, including viral, polymeric, lipid-based, and inorganic nanocarriers, emphasizing their therapeutic potential as well as their limitations in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. Innovative strategies such as hybrid nanocarriers and stimulus-responsive systems are also proposed to enhance the prospects for clinical translation. Serving as a roadmap for future research, this review aims to guide the development and optimization of miRNA-based therapies for effective and sustained neuropathic pain management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology)
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20 pages, 3709 KB  
Article
An Effective Oral Nanodelivery Material for Curcumin: Ingenious Utilization of Gastrointestinal Absorption Characteristics
by Qiuxu An, Yuanyuan Liu, Guodong Liang, Yuewu Wang, Fengying Liang, Yunyang Bai, Chaolu Eerdun, Riqing Cheng, Haifeng Zhang and Xiaojie Lv
Molecules 2025, 30(12), 2536; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30122536 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 627
Abstract
Curcumin exhibits compromised bioavailability upon oral administration due to its inherent limitations, including low aqueous solubility, poor membrane permeability, and chemical instability. Inspired by the efficient mechanism by which viruses penetrate mucus and cells, we constructed an electrically neutral and hydrophilic nanocarrier (C60-CPP5/Pser@CUR) [...] Read more.
Curcumin exhibits compromised bioavailability upon oral administration due to its inherent limitations, including low aqueous solubility, poor membrane permeability, and chemical instability. Inspired by the efficient mechanism by which viruses penetrate mucus and cells, we constructed an electrically neutral and hydrophilic nanocarrier (C60-CPP5/Pser@CUR) using fullerene C60 as the matrix modified with cell-penetrating peptides and phosphoserine. CPP5 facilitates efficient cellular internalization of therapeutic agents, while the incorporation of phosphoserine serves as a charge reversal strategy. This design enables dynamic surface charge modulation to enhance curcumin’s trans-barrier delivery efficiency. Systematic in vitro and in vivo evaluations demonstrated that the synthesized carrier significantly improved the synergistic effects of mucus penetration and cellular uptake. The Caco-2 cellular uptake of curcumin-loaded carriers was 2.26 times higher than that of free drugs. In a single-pass intestinal perfusion study in rat models, this nanocarrier significantly enhanced the absorption of curcumin in the duodenal and colonic regions. In the in vivo experiments, compared with free curcumin, its Cmax and AUC0–t achieved improvements of 2.60 times and 14.70 times, respectively. This virus-mimetic platform dynamically adapts to micro-environmental demands through charge reversal mechanisms, effectively overcoming sequential biological barriers and providing a robust strategy for oral delivery of hydrophobic therapeutics. Full article
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19 pages, 6738 KB  
Article
Nano-Enabled Seed Treatment Using Bisepoxide-Polyoxypropylenetriamine Polymeric Gel with Different Embedded Zinc Sources
by Felipe B. Alves, Adela S. M. Goñi, Bruno A. Fico, Vanessa S. A. Silva, Renato P. Orenha, Renato L. T. Parreira, Heber E. Andrada, Gabriel Sgarbiero Montanha, Higor J. F. A. da Silva, Eduardo de Almeida, Hudson W. P. de Carvalho, Natália Chittolina, Clíssia B. Mastrangelo and Eduardo F. Molina
Gels 2025, 11(3), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11030167 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 929
Abstract
In the 21st century, sustainable agriculture is expected to become a major contributor to food security and improved nutrition. Amine–epoxide-based materials have great potential for use in agriculture due to their tunable physicochemical features, which are dependent on the concentration and composition of [...] Read more.
In the 21st century, sustainable agriculture is expected to become a major contributor to food security and improved nutrition. Amine–epoxide-based materials have great potential for use in agriculture due to their tunable physicochemical features, which are dependent on the concentration and composition of the monomers. In this work, catalyst-free green synthesis, using only water as a solvent, was performed to obtain a nanocarrier (TGel) capable of transporting nutrients after seed priming. The synthesis was based on the opening of the epoxy ring by nucleophile attack, using an amine-terminated polyether. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques showed the spherical morphology of the particles, which ranged in size from 80 nm (unloaded TGel) to 360 nm (zinc-loaded TGel), respectively. Theoretical bonding analysis revealed that Zn cation species from the ZnSO4 source interact with the polymer via σ-bonds, whereas EDTA forms hydrogen bonds with the polymer, thereby enhancing noncovalent interactions. Micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF) provided details of the distributions of Zn in the seed compartments and shoots of cucumber plants after seed priming and plant growth, respectively. The use of the Zn-loaded TGels did not affect the physiology of the cucumber plants, as indicated by the photosynthetic efficacy, chlorophyll, and anthocyanin indices. Full article
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38 pages, 10117 KB  
Article
Wild-Grown Romanian Eupatorium cannabinum: Advancing Phyto-Nanocarriers via Maltodextrin Micro-Spray Encapsulation—Metabolite Profiling, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxicity Insights
by Gabriela Vlase, Adina-Elena Segneanu, Ludovic Everard Bejenaru, Ionela Amalia Bradu, Crina Sicoe, Titus Vlase, George Dan Mogoşanu, Gabriela Buema, Dumitru-Daniel Herea, Maria Viorica Ciocîlteu and Cornelia Bejenaru
Polymers 2025, 17(4), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17040482 - 12 Feb 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1249
Abstract
In Romanian ethnopharmacology, Eupatorium cannabinum species is known for its remarkable biological activity. We present an advanced approach to encapsulation using maltodextrin matrices to enhance the stability and efficacy of phytoconstituents and nanoparticles. Two distinct carrier systems were developed: (i) a direct micro-spray [...] Read more.
In Romanian ethnopharmacology, Eupatorium cannabinum species is known for its remarkable biological activity. We present an advanced approach to encapsulation using maltodextrin matrices to enhance the stability and efficacy of phytoconstituents and nanoparticles. Two distinct carrier systems were developed: (i) a direct micro-spray encapsulation of E. cannabinum in maltodextrin to produce a maltodextrin-encapsulated carrier (MEC), and (ii) a two-step process involving the preparation of a new phytocarrier system based on gold nanoparticles (EC-AuNPs), followed by micro-spray encapsulation in maltodextrin to create the maltodextrin-encapsulated AuNPs system (MEC-AuNPs system). Comprehensive chemical profiling using GC–MS and ESI–QTOF–MS revealed 80 bioactive molecules, including terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phytoecdysteroids. Morpho-structural (XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM) and thermal analyses confirmed the successful integration of NPs within the matrices. EC-AuNPs and MEC-AuNPs exhibited superior antioxidant activity, significant antimicrobial efficacy against major bacterial pathogens (S. aureus, B. subtilis, B. cereus, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, and E. coli), and enhanced cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and HT-29 cancer cell lines. This study highlights the potential of combining E. cannabinum with AuNPs and maltodextrin encapsulation to develop multifunctional therapeutic systems. The findings underscore the importance of phytoconstituent stabilization and nanotechnology in addressing global antimicrobial resistance and advancing innovative medical applications. Full article
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22 pages, 4972 KB  
Article
The Optical Forces and Torques Exerted by Airy Light-Sheet on Magnetic Particles Utilized for Targeted Drug Delivery
by Ningning Song, Shiguo Chen, Hao Wang, Xinbo He, Bing Wei, Renxian Li, Shu Zhang and Lei Xu
Micromachines 2024, 15(11), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15111369 - 12 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1038
Abstract
The remarkable properties of magnetic nanostructures have sparked considerable interest within the biomedical domain, owing to their potential for diverse applications. In targeted drug delivery systems, therapeutic molecules can be loaded onto magnetic nanocarriers and precisely guided and released within the body with [...] Read more.
The remarkable properties of magnetic nanostructures have sparked considerable interest within the biomedical domain, owing to their potential for diverse applications. In targeted drug delivery systems, therapeutic molecules can be loaded onto magnetic nanocarriers and precisely guided and released within the body with the assistance of an externally applied magnetic field. However, conventional external magnetic fields generated by permanent magnets or electromagnets are limited by finite magnetic field gradients, shallow penetration depths, and low precision. The novel structured light field known as the Airy light-sheet possesses unique characteristics such as non-diffraction, self-healing, and self-acceleration, which can potentially overcome the limitations of traditional magnetic fields to some extent. While existing studies have primarily focused on the manipulation of dielectric particles by Airy light-sheet, comprehensive analyses exploring the intricate interplay between Airy light-sheet and magnetic nanostructures are currently lacking in the literature, with only preliminary theoretical discussions available. This study systematically explores the mechanical response of magnetic spherical particles under the influence of Airy light-sheet, including radiation forces and spin torques. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth analysis of the effects of particle size, permittivity, permeability, and incident light-sheet parameters on the mechanical effects. Our research findings not only offer new theoretical guidance and practical references for the application of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine but also provide valuable insights for the manipulation of other types of micro/nanoparticles using structured light fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section B5: Drug Delivery System)
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13 pages, 6335 KB  
Article
Double Gold/Nitrogen Nanosecond-Laser-Doping of Gold-Coated Silicon Wafer Surfaces in Liquid Nitrogen
by Sergey Kudryashov, Alena Nastulyavichus, Victoria Pryakhina, Evgenia Ulturgasheva, Michael Kovalev, Ivan Podlesnykh, Nikita Stsepuro and Vadim Shakhnov
Technologies 2024, 12(11), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12110224 - 7 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2595
Abstract
A novel double-impurity doping process for silicon (Si) surfaces was developed, utilizing nanosecond-laser melting of an 11 nm thick gold (Au) top film and a Si wafer substrate in a laser plasma-activated liquid nitrogen (LN) environment. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a fluence- and [...] Read more.
A novel double-impurity doping process for silicon (Si) surfaces was developed, utilizing nanosecond-laser melting of an 11 nm thick gold (Au) top film and a Si wafer substrate in a laser plasma-activated liquid nitrogen (LN) environment. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a fluence- and exposure-independent surface micro-spike topography, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy identified minor Au (~0.05 at. %) and major N (~1–2 at. %) dopants localized within a 0.5 μm thick surface layer and the slight surface post-oxidation of the micro-relief (oxygen (O), ~1.5–2.5 at. %). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to identify the bound surface (SiNx) and bulk doping chemical states of the introduced nitrogen (~10 at. %) and the metallic (<0.01 at. %) and cluster (<0.1 at. %) forms of the gold dopant, and it was used to evaluate their depth distributions, which were strongly affected by the competition between gold dopants due to their marginal local concentrations and the other more abundant dopants (N, O). In this study, 532 nm Raman microspectroscopy indicated a slight reduction in the crystalline order revealed in the second-order Si phonon band; the tensile stresses or nanoscale dimensions of the resolidified Si nano-crystallites envisioned by the main Si optical–phonon peak; a negligible a-Si abundance; and a low-wavenumber peak of the Si3N4 structure. In contrast, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) reflectance and transmittance studies exhibited only broad structureless absorption bands in the range of 600–5500 cm−1 related to dopant absorption and light trapping in the surface micro-relief. The room-temperature electrical characteristics of the laser double-doped Si layer—a high carrier mobility of 1050 cm2/Vs and background carrier sheet concentration of ~2 × 1010 cm−2 (bulk concentration ~1014–1015 cm−3)—are superior to previously reported parameters of similar nitrogen-implanted/annealed Si samples. This novel facile double-element laser-doping procedure paves the way to local maskless on-demand introductions of multiple intra-gap intermediate donor and acceptor bands in Si, providing related multi-wavelength IR photoconductivity for optoelectronic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Innovations in Materials Science and Materials Processing)
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18 pages, 1098 KB  
Review
Liposomes and Ethosomes: Comparative Potential in Enhancing Skin Permeability for Therapeutic and Cosmetic Applications
by Ewelina Musielak and Violetta Krajka-Kuźniak
Cosmetics 2024, 11(6), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11060191 - 5 Nov 2024
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8328
Abstract
Skin diseases are a common health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Effective treatment often depends on the precise delivery of drugs to the affected areas. One promising approach is currently the transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS), whose significant challenge is the poor [...] Read more.
Skin diseases are a common health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Effective treatment often depends on the precise delivery of drugs to the affected areas. One promising approach is currently the transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS), whose significant challenge is the poor penetration of many compounds into the skin due to the stratum corneum (SC), which acts as a formidable barrier. To overcome this limitation, nanocarriers have emerged as a highly effective alternative. This review discusses the use of liposomes and ethosomes for transdermal drug delivery. Liposomes are micro- or nanostructures consisting of a lipid bilayer surrounding an aqueous core. They facilitate transdermal drug penetration and may be advantageous for site-specific targeting. Some methods of treating skin diseases involve incorporating drugs such as acyclovir, dithranol, and tretinoin or bioactive compounds such as fluconazole, melanin, glycolic acid, kojic acid, and CoQ10 into nanocarriers. The inability of liposomes to pass through the narrowed intercellular channels of the stratum corneum led to the invention of lipid-based vesicular systems such as ethosomes. They are structurally similar to conventional liposomes, as they are prepared from phospholipids, but they contain a high ethanol concentration. Ethosomes are noninvasive carriers that allow drugs to reach the deep layers of the skin. Examples of commonly used substances and drugs combined with ethosomes in cosmetics include methotrexate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A and E, and colchicine. A significant development in this area is the use of rutin-loaded ethosomes. Encapsulating rutin in ethosomes significantly improves its stability and enhances skin penetration, allowing more efficient delivery to deeper skin layers. In cosmetics, rutin–ethosome formulations are used to protect the skin from oxidative stress, reduce redness, and improve capillary strength, making it a valuable formulation in anti-aging and anti-inflammatory products. The results of the first clinical trial of the acyclovir–ethosome formulation confirm that ethosomes require further investigation. The work provides an update on recent advances in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, mentioning the essential points of commercially available formulations, clinical trials, and patents in the recent past. Full article
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2 pages, 368 KB  
Correction
Correction: Simionescu et al. The Multifaceted Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Glioblastoma: microRNA Nanocarriers for Disease Progression and Gene Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2021, 13, 988
by Natalia Simionescu, Radu Zonda, Anca Roxana Petrovici and Adriana Georgescu
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(10), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16101336 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 869
Abstract
In the original publication [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery and/or Gene Therapy in Cancer)
21 pages, 4774 KB  
Review
Evolution of Tribotronics: From Fundamental Concepts to Potential Uses
by Yue He, Jia Tian, Fangpei Li, Wenbo Peng and Yongning He
Micromachines 2024, 15(10), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15101259 - 15 Oct 2024
Viewed by 3777
Abstract
The intelligent sensing network is one of the key components in the construction of the Internet of Things, and the power supply technology of sensor communication nodes needs to be solved urgently. As a new field combining tribo-potential with semiconductor devices, tribotronics, based [...] Read more.
The intelligent sensing network is one of the key components in the construction of the Internet of Things, and the power supply technology of sensor communication nodes needs to be solved urgently. As a new field combining tribo-potential with semiconductor devices, tribotronics, based on the contact electrification (CE) effect, realizes direct interaction between the external environment and semiconductor devices by combining triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and field-effect transistor (FET), further expanding the application prospects of micro/nano energy. In this paper, the research progress of tribotronics is systematically reviewed. Firstly, the mechanism of the CE effect and the working principles of TENG are introduced. Secondly, the regulation theory of tribo-potential on carrier transportation in semiconductor devices and the research status of tribotronic transistors are summarized. Subsequently, the applications of tribotronics in logic circuits and memory devices, smart sensors, and artificial synapses in recent years are demonstrated. Finally, the challenges and development prospects of tribotronics in the future are projected. Full article
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21 pages, 19988 KB  
Article
Study on Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Double-End Supported Elastic Substrate Prepared by Wet Etching Process
by Ding Song and Wenge Wu
Micromachines 2024, 15(7), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15070929 - 20 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1784
Abstract
Preparing elastic substrates as a carrier for dual-end supported nickel chromium thin film strain sensors is crucial. Wet etching is a vital microfabrication process widely used in producing microelectronic components for various applications. This article combines lithography and wet etching methods to microprocess [...] Read more.
Preparing elastic substrates as a carrier for dual-end supported nickel chromium thin film strain sensors is crucial. Wet etching is a vital microfabrication process widely used in producing microelectronic components for various applications. This article combines lithography and wet etching methods to microprocess the external dimensions and rectangular grooves of 304 stainless steel substrates. The single-factor variable method was used to explore the influence mechanism of FeCl3, HCl, HNO3, and temperature on the etching rate, etching factor, and etching surface roughness. The optimal etching parameter combination was summarized: an FeCl3 concentration of 350 g/L, HCl concentration of 150 mL/L, HNO3 concentration of 100 mL/L, and temperature of 40 °C. In addition, by comparing the surface morphology, microstructure, and chemical and mechanical properties of a 304 stainless steel substrate before and after etching treatment, it can be seen that the height difference of the substrate surface before and after etching is between 160 μm and −70 μm, which is basically consistent with the initial design of 0.2 mm. The results of an XPS analysis and Raman spectroscopy analysis both indicate that the surface C content increases after etching, and the corrosion resistance of the surface after etching decreases. The nano-hardness after etching increased by 26.4% compared to before, and the ζ value decreased by 7%. The combined XPS and Raman results indicate that the changes in surface mechanical properties of 304 stainless steel substrates after etching are mainly caused by the formation of micro-nanostructures, grain boundary density, and dislocations after wet etching. Compared with the initial rectangular substrate, the strain of the I-shaped substrate after wet etching increased by 3.5–4 times. The results of this study provide the preliminary process parameters for the wet etching of a 304 stainless steel substrate of a strain measuring force sensor and have certain guiding significance for the realization of simple steps and low cost of 304 stainless steel substrate micro-nano-processing. Full article
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23 pages, 3971 KB  
Review
Recent Progress in Poly (Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid)-Based Biodegradable Drug Delivery Carriers for Pain Management
by Tao Liang, Jingjing Gao, Ruiquan Feng, Yu Zheng, Kewei Tian, Jianer Chen and Xiaoling Xu
Processes 2024, 12(7), 1372; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12071372 - 1 Jul 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2917
Abstract
Pain, a prevalent clinical symptom, significantly demands attention in the current public health system due to its profound impact on patients’ quality of life, daily activities, and economic circumstances. Despite being a pervasive issue, many forms of pain remain ineffectively addressed, hence posing [...] Read more.
Pain, a prevalent clinical symptom, significantly demands attention in the current public health system due to its profound impact on patients’ quality of life, daily activities, and economic circumstances. Despite being a pervasive issue, many forms of pain remain ineffectively addressed, hence posing an enormous burden on patients. Pharmaceutical treatments, the first-line approach for various forms of pain, continue to face considerable challenges due to their limited efficacy, lack of long-lasting effects, and adverse side effects. In recent years, the rapid advancements in science and technology, especially the incorporation of micro and nano technologies across various domains, have accelerated the development of novel therapeutics. This review underscores the merits and drawbacks of different pharmacological strategies for pain management. It focuses on the research progress and applications of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) as drug delivery carriers, elucidating their potential therapeutic influence over pain management. The review concludes with a thorough summary of current research outcomes and limitations, a discussion of potential clinical transformations, and projections for future pain management research and effective care strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Diagnostics and Therapy)
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12 pages, 3433 KB  
Article
An Effective and Promising Strategy for Plant Protection: Synthesis of L-Carvone-Based Thiazolinone–Hydrazone/Nanochitosan Complexes with Antifungal Activity and Sustained Releasing Performance
by Baoyu Li, Wengui Duan, Guishan Lin, Xianli Ma, Rongzhu Wen and Zhaolei Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4595; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094595 - 23 Apr 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1610
Abstract
The development of novel natural product-derived nano-pesticide systems with loading capacity and sustained releasing performance of bioactive compounds is considered an effective and promising plant protection strategy. In this work, 25 L-carvone-based thiazolinone–hydrazone compounds 4a~4y were synthesized by the multi-step [...] Read more.
The development of novel natural product-derived nano-pesticide systems with loading capacity and sustained releasing performance of bioactive compounds is considered an effective and promising plant protection strategy. In this work, 25 L-carvone-based thiazolinone–hydrazone compounds 4a~4y were synthesized by the multi-step modification of L-carvone and structurally confirmed. Compound 4h was found to show favorable and broad-spectrum antifungal activity through the in vitro antifungal activity evaluation of compounds 4a~4y against eight phytopathogenic fungi. Thus, it could serve as a leading compound for new antifungal agents in agriculture. Moreover, the L-carvone-based nanochitosan carrier 7 bearing the 1,3,4-thiadiazole-amide group was rationally designed for the loading and sustained releasing applications of compound 4h, synthesized, and characterized. It was proven that carrier 7 had good thermal stability below 200 °C, dispersed well in the aqueous phase to form numerous nanoparticles with a size of~20 nm, and exhibited an unconsolidated and multi-aperture micro-structure. Finally, L-carvone-based thiazolinone–hydrazone/nanochitosan complexes were fabricated and investigated for their sustained releasing behaviors. Among them, complex 7/4h-2 with a well-distributed, compact, and columnar micro-structure displayed the highest encapsulation efficiency and desirable sustained releasing property for compound 4h and thus showed great potential as an antifungal nano-pesticide for further studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Plant Sciences)
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