Search Results (56)

Melittin-functionalized nanoparticles have emerged as a strategy to harness the potent anticancer activity of melittin while mitigating its narrow therapeutic window. Across diverse nanocarrier platforms, biological outcomes are highly dependent on the effective melittin concentration presented to tumour cells. This review systematically examines concentration-dependent anticancer effects of melittin-functionalized nanoparticles, focusing on quantitative dose–response metrics such as IC₅₀ values, shifts in cytotoxic potency relative to free melittin, and concentration-linked safety margins. Along with some aspects concerning the molecular mechanisms of melittin, this review synthesizes evidence from preclinical studies to analyze how nanoparticle functionalization reshapes the concentration–effect relationship governing anticancer efficacy. This review concluded that there are three concentration regimes that govern the molecular outcome in tumours treated with melittin and melittin-functionalised nanomaterials. Collectively, the data demonstrate that nanoparticle association typically attenuates melittin’s intrinsic lytic potency, requiring higher nominal concentrations to achieve cytotoxicity, while simultaneously enabling tumour-selective re-potentiation through targeting, activation, or intracellular release mechanisms. These concentration-dependent phenomena define the translational limits and opportunities of melittin-based nanomedicines. Full article

Protein-based nanocarriers have gained considerable attention for targeted cancer theranostic applications due to their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and facile functionalisation. In addition, some of their properties, such as self-assembling nature, low immunogenicity (if species matched), molecular recognition ability, and lack of persistence due to degradation into proteinogenic amino acids, make them highly suitable for oncology-related applications. Each protein-based nanocarrier exhibits unique physicochemical and biological properties. In this review, we summarise recent advances in targeted protein-based nanocarriers, including albumin, lipoproteins, ferritin, viral protein capsids, fibrin type proteins and silk proteins, emphasising receptor-specific targeting mechanisms, the integration of various imaging modalities along with their advantages and limitations, and the importance of employing advanced preclinical models for translational theranostic applications. This review also discusses the most recent and significant studies in the field, providing useful insights into future directions of protein-based nanocarriers for cancer theranostics. Full article

Ovarian cancer continues to be the most lethal gynaecological malignancy, principally due to its late-stage diagnosis, extensive peritoneal dissemination, chemoresistance, and limitations of current imaging and therapeutic strategies. By optimising pharmacokinetics, refining tumour-selective drug delivery, and supporting high-resolution, multimodal imaging, nanomedicine offers a versatile platform to address these limitations. In this review, current progress across lipid-based, polymeric, inorganic, hybrid, and biomimetic nanocarriers is synthesised, emphasising how tailored physiochemical properties, surface functionalisation, and stimuli-responsive designs can improve tumour localisation, surmount stromal and ascetic barriers, and enable controlled drug release. Concurrently, significant advancement in imaging nanoprobes, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET)/single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), optical, near-infrared imaging (NIR), ultrasound, and photoacoustic systems, has evolved early lesion detection, intraoperative guidance, and quantitative monitoring of treatment. Diagnosis and therapy are further integrated within single platforms by emerging theranostic constructs, encouraging real-time visualisation of drug distribution and treatment response. Additionally, immune-nanomedicine, intraperitoneal depot systems, and nucleic acid-centred nanotherapies offer promising strategies to address immune suppression and molecular resistance in advanced ovarian cancer. In spite of noteworthy achievements, clinical translation is limited by complex manufacturing requirements, challenges with safety and stability, and restricted patient stratification. To unlock the full clinical potential of nanotechnology in ovarian cancer management, constant innovation in scalable design, regulatory standardisation, and integration of precision biomarkers will be necessary. Full article

Bombyx mori silk fibroin (BMSF) has developed from a textile fibre into a mature biomaterial with broad utility in regenerative medicine, owing to its unique hierarchical molecular structure. Its excellent biocompatibility, tuneable mechanical properties, optical property, and controllable biodegradability arise from its protein conformation, which can be precisely regulated through processing and fabrication strategies. Recent advances in bioengineering have further expanded the capabilities of BMSF, enabling the development of biomaterials with engineered architectures, tailored microtopographies, and enhanced bioactivity. These technological developments have facilitated the design of scaffolds that more effectively guide tissue regeneration and enhance functional outcomes. Such constructs have demonstrated promising outcomes in the regeneration of bone, cartilage, vascular, neural, corneal, and skin tissues. This review summarises current progress while emphasising emerging trends that couple BMSF’s unique molecular features with immune-responsive design, instructive microarchitectures that guide cell behaviour, composite scaffold design, and functionalisation with bioactive molecules. BMSF has been positioned as a structurally adaptable and biologically instructive platform whose continued progression will depend on integrating advanced fabrication, mechanistic understanding, and translational standardisation. Full article

The challenges associated with solubility and bioavailability of porphyrinoid-type photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy require solutions that are based on modern drug carriers, including polymeric nanoparticles. With that in mind this review discusses poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid, PLGA)-based polymeric nanoparticles encapsulating selected well-known photosensitizers, such as protoporphyrin IX, tetrahydroxyphenylporphyrin, chlorin e6, and tetracarboxyphenylporphyrin, with a view to the physicochemical and biological properties. Also discussed are their potential medical applications towards photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy. PLGA-based nanoparticles, encapsulating photosensitizers, were analysed in terms of particle size, surface charge, morphology, loading efficiency, release kinetics, and stability. Moreover, the cellular uptake and subcellular localisation of carriers were considered in correlation to polymer composition and surface functionalisation. Special attention was given to how PEGylation, lipid-hybrid coatings, or the incorporation of additional therapeutic or imaging agents has modulated both the physicochemical properties and biological activities of photosensitizers. The comparative assessment of different porphyrinoid-based photosensitizers highlighted how hydrophobicity, amphiphilicity, and molecular structure have an influence on encapsulation efficiency and therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, issues such as the premature release of photosensitizers, along with limited bioavailability, and limited penetration through biological barriers were addressed as well as some proposed mitigation strategies. Overall, this review highlights the versatility of PLGA nanoparticles as a powerful platform for photosensitizer delivery, with promising implications for advancing polymer-based nanomedicine and improving the efficacy of photodynamic therapy. Full article

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental aspects of nanoparticles (NPs), emphasizing their physicochemical properties and biological interactions, with particular focus on porous silica nanoparticles (PSNs). The review provides information on the Safe-by-design (SbD) S.A.F.E. (Standardised characterization, Assessment of biocompatibility, Facilitation of toxicity and exposure routes and Evaluation of clinical translation) framework. It discusses critical factors influencing NP toxicity and cellular uptake, including particle size, shape, pore size, surface charge, surface functionalisation, and crystallinity. The review also examines exposure routes of NPs—inhalation, dermal, oral, systemic and mucosal—and their subsequent biological effects. A key section is dedicated to the formation of the protein corona, a critical determinant of NP fate in biological systems, and its influence on circulation time, immune clearance and cellular responses. Particular attention is given to assessing the biological interactions of the PSNs and the mechanisms underlying PSN-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, with a focus on the assays commonly employed to evaluate these effects. The review explores the use of gene expression profiling as a powerful tool to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying nanoparticle-induced cellular changes. This review aims to provide an integrated perspective on the SbD considerations and safety implications of nanomaterials. It highlights the need for a deeper understanding of complex biological interactions to establish SbD principles and enable the translation of PSNs into clinical applications. Finally, current regulatory frameworks and guidelines for testing nanomaterials, including PSNs, that support their safe and sustainable development are discussed. Full article

Hydrogen bonding, a prevalent molecular interaction in nature, is crucial in biological and chemical processes. The emergence of single-molecule techniques has enhanced our microscopic understanding of hydrogen bonding. However, it is still challenging to track the dynamic behaviour of hydrogen bonding in solution, particularly under physiological conditions where interactions are significantly weakened. Here, we present a nanoscale-confined, functionalised quantum mechanical tunnelling (QMT) probe that enables continuous monitoring of electrical fingerprints of single-molecule hydrogen bonding interactions for over tens of minutes in diverse solvents, including polar physiological solutions, which reveal reproducible multi-level conductance distributions. Moreover, the functionalised QMT probes have successfully discriminated between L(+)- and D(−)-tartaric acid enantiomers by resolving the conductance difference. This work uncovers dynamic single-molecule hydrogen bonding processes within confined nanoscale spaces under physiological conditions, establishing a new paradigm for probing molecular hydrogen-bonding networks in supramolecular chemistry and biology. Full article

Nano-based drug delivery systems present a promising approach to improve the efficacy and safety of therapeutics by enabling targeted drug transport and controlled release. In parallel, computational approaches—particularly Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and Artificial Intelligence (AI)—have emerged as transformative tools to accelerate nanocarrier design and optimise their properties. MD simulations provide atomic-to-mesoscale insights into nanoparticle interactions with biological membranes, elucidating how factors such as surface charge density, ligand functionalisation and nanoparticle size affect cellular uptake and stability. Complementing MD simulations, AI-driven models accelerate the discovery of lipid-based nanoparticle formulations by analysing vast chemical datasets and predicting optimal structures for gene delivery and vaccine development. By harnessing these computational approaches, researchers can rapidly refine nanoparticle composition to improve biocompatibility, reduce toxicity and achieve more precise drug targeting. This review synthesises key advances in MD simulations and AI for two leading nanoparticle platforms (gold and lipid nanoparticles) and highlights their role in enhancing therapeutic performance. We evaluate how in silico models guide experimental validation, inform rational design strategies and ultimately streamline the transition from bench to bedside. Finally, we address key challenges such as data scarcity and complex in vivo dynamics and propose future directions for integrating computational insights into next generation nanodelivery systems. Full article

Anodised metal matrices represent a versatile and multifunctional platform for the development of advanced materials with tunable physicochemical properties. Through electrochemical oxidation processes—commonly referred to as anodisation—metals such as aluminium, titanium, niobium, zinc and tantalum can be transformed into structured oxide layers with defined porosity, thickness and surface morphology. These methods enable the fabrication of ordered nanoporous arrays, nanotubes and nanowires, depending on the process parameters and the type of metal. The review introduces and outlines the various anodisation techniques and parameters. This is crucial, since each individual metal requires specified optimal conditions to obtain a stable anodised oxide layer. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the design and application of anodised metal substrates, with the focus on their role as functional platforms in catalysis, sensing, energy storage and biomedical engineering. Special attention is given to post-anodisation surface modification strategies, such as chemical functionalisation, thin-film deposition and molecular-level integration, which significantly expand the utility of these materials. The review also highlights the challenges, limitations and future perspectives of anodising technologies, aiming to guide the rational design of next-generation devices based on engineered oxide architectures. Full article

Ferrocene (Fc) is a redox-active organometallic scaffold whose unique electronic properties, stability, and modularity have enabled a broad range of catalytic and sensing applications. This review critically examines recent advances in Fc-based systems for hydrogen evolution and carbon dioxide (CO₂) conversion, encompassing electrochemical, photochemical, and thermochemical strategies. Fc serves diverse functions: it operates as a reversible redox mediator, an electron reservoir, a ligand framework, and a structural modulator. Each role contributes differently to enhancing catalytic performance, improving selectivity, or increasing operational stability. We highlight how Fc integration facilitates proton-coupled electron transfer in hydrogen evolution, supports selective CO₂ reduction in molecular and hybrid catalysts, and promotes efficient CO₂ fixation and capture within functionalised frameworks. Emerging applications in electrosynthetic organic transformations are also discussed. Together, these findings position Fc as a foundational motif for designing future electrocatalytic and carbon management platforms. Full article

The functionalisation of lignin-derived phenolics (guaiacol, 4-propylguaiacol, eugenol, isoeugenol, phenol, m-cresol, catechol, syringol, syringaldehyde, and vanillin) for the synthesis of thermoplastic polyurethanes (PUs) and polyester (PE) resins is herein described. Diols were synthesised from phenolics in a one-step reaction using either glycerol carbonate or ethylene carbonate as a greener, solvent-free synthetic route. Nine of the diols were selected for the synthesis of Pus, and two of the diols were used for the synthesis of PE resins, with their physical and thermal properties characterised. Analysis of the PUs by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed their amorphous nature, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) suggested improved thermal stability for all PUs with the addition of an alkyl or aldehyde substituent on the benzene ring regardless of the diisocyanate used. However, lower PU thermal stabilities were observed with the use of an aliphatic diisocyanate over an aromatic diisocyanate in the absence of an additional substituent. Analysis of the PEs by DSC also confirmed that the clear resins were all amorphous, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) revealed significantly higher molecular weights and dispersities when an aliphatic diacid was utilised over an aromatic diacid. Full article

In this computational study, we investigate two-sided functionalised MoS₂ with alkali metal atoms as donors and the organic acceptor molecule F₄TCNQ as an acceptor. Characterisation of functionalised MoS₂ involves first-principles calculations within the density functional theory (DFT) framework with a PBE+D3 scheme to investigate the electronic structure and quantify the charge transfer in the two-sided functionalised system in comparison to the one-sided functionalised counterpart. Within the two-sided functionalised systems, there is an increase in the overall charge on MoS₂ as a result of stronger electron transfer from the donor to the monolayer, additionally controlled by the ability of the acceptor to receive electrons. Full article

Ferrocene (Fc) has long been celebrated for its remarkable redox properties and structural versatility, making it a cornerstone of electrochemical sensor development. While extensive research has focused on cation detection using Fc-based systems, the equally critical recognition of neutral and anionic molecules remains underexplored despite their significance in biological, environmental, and industrial contexts. This review addresses this gap by exploring the latest advancements in Fc-based electrochemical sensors designed to overcome the unique challenges posed by these species—including diverse geometries, high hydration enthalpies, and the absence of formal charge. Molecular architectures such as amide-functionalised receptors, urea derivatives, Lewis acid-containing receptors, triazolium, and carboxylic acid-containing systems are examined, highlighting how these sensors achieve high selectivity and sensitivity. Furthermore, the influence of solvent environments on sensor performance is discussed, providing a critical analysis of how different receptor functionalities and solvents affect sensor behaviour. Emphasising the advantages of redox-based detection, this review aims to inspire further innovation in developing Fc-based technologies for detecting neutral and anionic species. Full article

Fluorescence-based aptasensors have been regarded as innovative analytical tools for the detection and quantification of analytes in many fields, including medicine and therapeutics. Using DNA aptamers as the biosensor recognition component, conventional molecular beacon aptasensor designs utilise target-induced structural switches of the DNA aptamers to generate a measurable fluorescent signal. However, not all DNA aptamers undergo sufficient target-specific conformational changes for significant fluorescence measurements. Here, the use of complementary ‘antisense’ strands is proposed to enable fluorescence measurement through strand displacement upon target binding. Using a published target-specific DNA aptamer against the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2, we designed a streptavidin-aptamer bead complex as a fluorescence displacement assay for target detection. The developed assay demonstrates a linear range from 50 to 800 nanomolar (nM) with a limit of detection calculated at 67.5 nM and a limit of quantification calculated at 204.5 nM. This provides a ‘fit-for-purpose’ model assay for the detection and quantification of any target of interest by adapting and functionalising a suitable target-specific DNA aptamer and its complementary antisense strand. Full article

Self-locking structures are often studied in macroscopic energy absorbers, but the concept of self-locking can also be effectively applied at the nanoscale. In particular, we can engineer self-locking mechanisms at the molecular level through careful shape selection or chemical functionalisation. The present work focuses on the use of collapsed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as self-locking elements. We start by inserting a thin CNT into each of the two lobes of a collapsed larger CNT. We aim to create a system that utilises the unique properties of CNTs to achieve stable configurations and enhanced energy absorption capabilities at the nanoscale. We used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the mechanical properties of periodic systems realised with such units. This approach extends the application of self-locking mechanisms and opens up new possibilities for the development of advanced materials and devices. Full article