Search Results (1,268)

Quantum dots (QDs) possess unique optical and electronic properties, enabling wide applications in biomedicine and optoelectronics, but their nanoscale size and surface chemistry could pose potential toxicity risks. This study established a systematic, multi-endpoint framework for QD toxicity assessment. Physicochemical properties of various QDs and their multiple toxicity endpoints, including cell death, inflammation, and oxidative stress, were collected to build machine learning models (RF, XGBoost, KNN, SVM). The predictive toxic effects were then validated based on the brain organoid. Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis revealed that exposure dose and particle size were key cross-model drivers, while zeta potential and optical properties differentially affected specific toxicity endpoints. Integration of GEO-derived differentially expressed genes with protein–protein interaction networks and molecular docking showed that the proteasome inhibitor Carfilzomib is an efficient interventive drug because of its strongest binding to core targets. In this study, the framework of prediction, validation and intervention effectively evaluated multi-endpoint QD toxicity and provided a systematic approach for safety assessments and strategy developments of nanomaterials. Full article

Green nanotechnology offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach for nanoframework synthesis. The present study intended to synthesize a novel eco-friendly encapsulated Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) in a one-pot method using metabolites from the mangrove plant Conocarpus erectus (CE). Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the extract revealed the presence of important bioactive metabolites. The synthesized material was evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analysis (PSA), zeta potential measurement, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy studies. The environment-friendly mangrove metabolites aided by Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 was found to be crystalline, rhombic dodecahedron structured, and size dispersed without agglomeration. The nanomaterial possessed a broad antimicrobial effect on drug-resistant microorganisms, including Candida krusei, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus Sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus Sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, C. propicalis, and C. albicans. Further, its cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells was found to be efficient. The morphological alterations exhibited by the antiproliferative impact on the breast cancer cell line were detected using DAPI and AO/EB staining. Therefore, ZIF-8 encapsulated mangrove metabolites could serve as an effective biomaterial with biomedical properties in the future. Full article

Background/Objectives: Histone acetylation regulates gene expression and plays a key role in cancer pathophysiology. Nanotherapeutics are known to modulate histone acetylation and influence cancer progression. This systematic scoping review examines the effects of nanotherapeutics on histone acetylation enrichment across multiple cancers. Methods: A systematic search of Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. A total of 13 studies were included. Data were analyzed and visualized in R, and risk of bias was assessed with ToxRTool (OSF Registration: 10.17605/OSF.IO/E643S). Results: Nanotherapeutics were most commonly evaluated against breast (21.4%), prostate (21.4%), pancreatic (14.3%), and bladder (14.3%) cancers. Primary nanomaterials used in the synthesis of nanotherapeutics included poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (25.0%), gold (21.4%) and arsenic oxide (21.4%) nanoparticles. Studied histone acetylation marks included H3K9ac, H3K14ac, H3K27ac and H4K16ac. Treatment with nanotherapeutics increased histone H3 and H4 acetylation enrichment, particularly H3K14ac in colorectal and prostate cancers and H4K16ac in ovarian cancer. Conversely, gold-based nanotherapeutics decreased H3K9ac and H3K14ac enrichment in breast cancer. The optimal concentration for most nanotherapeutics was ≤25 µM, with PpIX-FFYSV showing the strongest anticancer effect (viability <25%). Across four preclinical studies (n = 58), treatment with the nanotherapeutics reduced tumor size to less than 50% of control in 64% of animals (95% CI: 21–92%, I² = 63.8%). Altered histone acetylation was associated with differential expression of CDKN1A, HSPA1, SREBF2 and TGFB. Conclusions: The evidence demonstrates that nanotherapeutics can alter histone acetylation patterns by modulating EP300/CBP, GCN5 and HDAC, preventing cancer progression and invasion. Full article

Absorption spectra are widely used in laboratory practice to measure the content of a great variety of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals. In the case of atomically thin nanoplatelets, only CdSe has been studied enough to allow such quantification, while CdTe nanoplatelets—a promising material for photodetection—are understudied in this regard. In this work, a powerful combination of total XRF spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy and profilometry was employed for thin films to extract the absorption coefficient values. The morphology and surface composition of nanoplatelets were studied with TEM and IR spectroscopy. The molar absorption coefficient of oleate-terminated CdTe nanoplatelets at the first optical transition was measured at about 5 × 10⁴ L·mol⁻¹·cm⁻¹ (per mole of Te), which is among the highest values for AIIBVI nanomaterials. The exchange of stabilizer with hexadecanethiol induced an approximately 5-fold decrease in the volume fraction of semiconductor material in thin films and a 5-fold decrease in absorbance. The latter effect is linked to the formation of a quasi-type II heterojunction between CdTe cores and effectively half of a monolayer shell of CdS. The density effect is explained by the diminished capacity of nanoscrolls for close packing. The combination of XRF and profilometry is proposed as a technique for fast nanomorphology evaluation. Full article

Graphene-based nanomaterials, including graphene oxide (GO) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs), exhibit exceptional properties, which might facilitate the functional modification of TiO₂ nanotubes (NTs) for enhanced rapid osseointegration. This study investigated the effects of GO/GQD-deposited TiO₂-NTs on cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and early osseointegration in male 6-week-old Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. TiO₂-NTs (control group) were fabricated on titanium substrates via anodic oxidation. GO and GQDs were electrochemically deposited onto the TiO₂-NTs using cyclic voltammetry with 0.5 mg/mL GO and 0.1 mg/mL GQD dispersions to form NT-GO and NT-GQDs. In vitro assays evaluated cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Implants were randomly inserted into one femoral epiphysis of nine rats (n = 3), and osseointegration was evaluated using micro-computed tomography and sequential fluorescence labeling at 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-implantation. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA. Cyclic voltammetry successfully synthesized NT-GO and NT-GQDs, with Raman spectra confirming D and G bands. Both NT-GO and NT-GQDs exhibited superior cell adhesion, proliferation, and enhanced osteogenic differentiation compared with TiO₂-NTs. Notably, the NT-GQDs significantly promoted new bone formation in vivo. The integration of graphene nanomaterials onto TiO₂-NTs improves biocompatibility and accelerates osteogenesis, suggesting a promising strategy for enhancing osseointegration in orthopedic and dental implants. Full article

This study develops an optical surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensing platform for non-invasive glucose detection directly in urine and examines how two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials modulate sensing performance. Angular interrogation at 633 nm is modeled using a transfer-matrix framework for Au/Si₃N₄ stacks capped with graphene, semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs), graphene oxide (GO), or reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Urine–glucose (UGLU) refractive indices spanning clinically relevant concentrations are used to evaluate resonance angle shifts and line-shape evolution. Sensor metrics—sensitivity, detection accuracy, figure of merit, quality factor, and limit of detection—are computed to compare architectures and identify thickness windows. Across all designs, increasing glucose concentration produces monotonic angle shifts, while the 2D overlayer governs dip depth and full width at half maximum. Graphene- and s-SWCNT-capped stacks yield the lowest limits of detection and the most favorable figures of merit, particularly at higher concentrations where narrowing improves the quality factor. rGO exhibits a thin, low-loss regime that provides large shifts with acceptable broadening, whereas thicker films degrade detectability; GO offers stable line shapes suited to metrological robustness. These results indicate that nanoscale optical engineering of 2D overlayers can meet practical detectability targets in urine without biochemical amplification, supporting compact, label-free platforms for routine glucose monitoring. Full article

Enhancing the oxidation resistance of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) is a crucial objective in plasmonic photocatalytic reactions. In this study, a series of Cu/X catalysts was synthesized using semiconductor nanomaterials (X = TiO₂, ZnO, BN, TiN, SiC, and C₃N₄) as supports for CuNPs. These catalysts were systematically evaluated in visible-light-driven photocatalytic oxidative homocoupling of phenylacetylene (OHA). Comprehensive characterization revealed distinct metal-support interactions and nanostructure evolution during repeated catalytic cycles. The photocatalytic performance, copper leaching, and structural stability of the catalysts were compared. Cu/TiO₂ achieved the highest 1,3-diyne yield (up to 93%) in the first two cycles. In contrast, Cu/ZnO showed minimal copper leaching and excellent recyclability, retaining high activity over three consecutive cycles without the need for reduction pretreatment. Comparative studies revealed that the combination of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and efficient electron transfer within the Cu⁰-Cu₂O-CuO composite was a key factor in enhancing the photocatalytic activity and stability. These findings provide new insights into the rational design of durable CuNP-based photocatalysts for visible-light-driven organic transformations. Full article

Periodontitis is a chronic, multifactorial inflammatory disease characterized by the progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting structures. Conventional therapeutic approaches, including mechanical debridement and systemic antibiotics, often fall short in achieving complete bacterial eradication or tissue regeneration, particularly in deep periodontal pockets. Nanotheranostics—an integrated platform combining diagnostics and therapeutics within a single nanosystem—holds promise in advancing periodontal care through targeted delivery, real-time disease monitoring, and site-specific therapy. This narrative review examines the potential of various nanomaterials for building nanotheranostic systems to overcome current clinical limitations, including non-specific drug delivery, insufficient treatment monitoring, and delayed intervention, and their functionalization and responsiveness to the periodontal microenvironment are discussed. Their application in targeted antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative therapy is discussed in terms of real-time monitoring of disease biomarkers and pathogenic organisms. Although nanoparticle-based therapeutics have been extensively studied in periodontitis, the integration of diagnostic elements remains underdeveloped. This review identifies key translational gaps, evaluates emerging dual-function platforms, and discusses challenges related to biocompatibility, scalability, and regulatory approval. In particular, inorganic nanomaterials exhibit potential for theranostic functions such as antimicrobial activity, biofilm disruption, immunomodulation, tissue regeneration, and biosensing of microbial and inflammatory biomarkers. Finally, we propose future directions to advance nanotheranostic research toward clinical translation. By consolidating the current evidence base, this review advocates for the development of smart, responsive nanotheranostic platforms as a foundation for personalized, minimally invasive, and precision-guided periodontal care. Full article

Background: The accurate and timely diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and major depressive disorder critically depends on real-time monitoring and precise interpretation of authentic neurotransmitter (NT) signal dynamics in complex biological fluids (CBFs), including cerebrospinal fluid. These NT dynamics are governed by both the type and concentration of NTs present in the CBFs. However, current biosensors face significant limitations in sensitivity and selectivity, thereby hindering reliable estimation (detection and quantification) of NTs. Though nanomaterials and bioenzymes have been utilized to modify sensor interfaces for enhanced performance, issues like signal convolution, electrode fouling, and inter-NT crosstalk persist. Objectives: This review aims to evaluate and synthesize current research on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML), pattern recognition (PR), and deep learning (DL), to improve the automated detection and quantification of neurotransmitters from complex biological fluids. Design: A systematic review of 33 peer-reviewed studies was conducted, focusing on the integration of AI methods in neurotransmitter estimation. The review includes an analysis of commonly studied NTs, the methodologies for their detection, data acquisition techniques, and the AI algorithms applied for signal processing and interpretation. Results: The studies reviewed demonstrate that AI-based approaches have shown considerable potential in overcoming traditional biosensor limitations by effectively deconvoluting complex, multiplexed NT signals. These techniques allow for more accurate NT estimation in real-time monitoring scenarios. The review categorizes AI methodologies by their application and performance in NT signal analysis. Conclusions: AI-enhanced NT monitoring represents a promising direction for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in neurodegenerative diseases. Despite current challenges, such as sensor stability and NT interaction complexity, AI integration, particularly in applications like closed-loop deep brain stimulation (CLDBS), offers significant potential for more effective and personalized treatments. Full article

In recent years the global market of nanomedicine has experienced incredible growth owing to the advances in the field. This translation of the technique to the biomedical industry requires the development of production methods that deliver nanomedicines with a high degree of reproducibility between batches, combined with cost and time efficiency. The use of nanoparticles in medicine usually requires their surface functionalization to improve biocompatibility in addition to providing targeting capacities and/or stimuli-responsive behavior, among other interesting skills. Microfluidic technology has revolutionized the field both in nanomedicine synthesis and in preclinical evaluation. However, microfluidic-assisted synthetic procedures commonly require high-cost methods and equipment to fabricate the microreactors. The aim of this work is to present an ultra-low-cost microfluidic platform that permits the versatile modification of nanomaterials. To prove this approach, two different model nanoparticles with different natures: soft nanoparticles (liposomes) and rigid nanoparticles (mesoporous silica) have been decorated both with small molecules and with other nanoparticles, respectively, in order to evaluate the scope of this approach. The anchoring of the covalently attached elements has been performed using click chemistry, in compliance with the principles for further transfer to the drug industry. Full article

Background/Objectives: A non-toxic nano-platform which can increase drug-loading rate and synergistically increase antitumor effect is very ideal. This study provides the concept that a combination of photothermal therapy with chemotherapy and anti-inflammatory therapy will be achieved by ablation of the local tumor, robust strategies for the suppression of distant tumors with enhanced antitumor therapy outcomes. Methods: In this study, the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin (DDP) and the anti-inflammatory drug Aspirin-DL-Lysine (ADL) were loaded into a hollow porous nanomaterial zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), which was then coated with polydopamine, in order to form near-infrared absorption organic nanoparticles DDP-ADL@ZIF-8@PDA with excellent photothermal conversion efficiency. The antitumor efficacy of the nanodrug was evaluated through physicochemical characterization, cell biology studies, and animal experiments. Results: Photothermal therapy (PTT) of polydopamine combined with DDP and ADL can reduce inflammation and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and enhance antitumor effect. The results showed that the combined therapy could effectively eliminate the primary tumor, shrink the distant tumor, and inhibit the metastasis of the tumor. PTT in combination with chemotherapy and anti-inflammatory therapy can inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors, significantly reducing tumor immunosuppression by eliminating bone marrow-derived suppressor cells and increasing levels of cytotoxic T lymphocyte. Conclusions: This study successfully developed a DDP-ADL@ZIF-8@PDA nanomedicine for effective drug delivery, synergistic photothermal therapy, and anti-inflammatory attenuated immunotherapy to enhance treatment of human cervical cancer xenografts in mice. Overall, the combination of photothermal therapy with chemotherapy and anti-inflammatory therapy on a nano-platform has great potential for antitumor therapy applications. Full article

The design of sustainable nanomaterials for catalysis is a key challenge in green chemistry. Herein, we report the synthesis of halloysite nanotube (Hal)-based nanomaterials selectively functionalized with a bio-inspired polydopamine (PDA) coating, which enables the controlled anchoring of palladium and copper nanoparticles (PdNPs and CuNPs). This mild and ecofriendly strategy yields highly dispersed and ultrasmall (<5 nm) metal nanoparticles without the need for surfactants or harsh reagents. The resulting materials, Hal@PDA/PdNPs and Hal@PDA/CuNPs, were evaluated in two well-established model reactions commonly employed to probe catalytic performance: cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation and 4-nitrophenol reduction. Hal@PDA/PdNPs displayed complete conversion and >90% selectivity toward hydrocinnamaldehyde at low Pd loading (0.8 wt%) and maintained its efficiency over six catalytic cycles (TOF up to 0.1 s⁻¹), while Hal@PDA/CuNPs retained high activity through eight consecutive runs in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. Hal@PDA/CuNPs proved to be an excellent recyclable catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol, retaining high activity through eight consecutive runs. Overall, this study introduces a robust and modular approach to fabricating halloysite-based nanocatalysts, demonstrating their potential as green platforms for metal nanoparticle-mediated transformation. Full article

Viral diseases remain a persistent threat to global health, agriculture, and biodiversity, as demonstrated by recent pandemics. The high mutation rates, diversity, and intricate replication mechanisms within a host can often challenge conventional detection and therapeutic approaches. The emergence of novel viruses underscores the critical importance of innovative and multidisciplinary strategies to outpace these diseases. In this context, nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative frontier, offering unique tools to address the limitations of traditional virology. This review examines the latest nanotechnological innovations designed to combat viral diseases. Like the development of advanced nanoplatforms, metallic and polymeric nanostructures, and carbon-based materials, and evaluating their roles in viral theranostics. This article provides critical biomedical insights into the function and relationship of nanomaterials, mechanisms of action, and their interaction with biological systems. This work aims to provide a valuable resource for guiding future research toward the clinical translation of nanomaterial-based strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of viral infections. Full article

Vegetables are crucial to human diet and health. To ensure sustainable vegetable production, regulatory measures are needed to enhance seed germination, plant growth, and resilience to extreme environmental conditions. Nanomaterials (NMs), owing to their high surface area, nanoscale dimensions, and unique photocatalytic properties, exhibit remarkable biological effects, such as promoting germination and growth, as well as improving stress resistance in crops, offering novel solutions to key challenges in vegetable cultivation. This review summarizes the absorption pathways of NMs in plants, specifically through the leaves and roots of vegetables. Their uptake and translocation occur via passive diffusion, active transport, and endocytosis, with key influencing factors including particle size, chemical composition, surface charge, and surface modifications. We further evaluate the advantages of nanofertilizers and nanopesticides, in vegetable production over their traditional counterparts, focusing on improvements in seed germination rates, seedling vigor, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and overall yield and quality. Through this review, we aim to offer comprehensive insights into the application of NMs in vegetable crop production. Full article

Hybrid hydrophobic coatings (HHCs), which combine organic and inorganic materials, have demonstrated superior weathering resistance compared to conventional organic coatings in conserving stone heritage structures. Among the inorganic components of HHCs, nanosilica is especially promising because of its ability to form durable, weathering-resistant and hydrophobic silane-based structures. This overview examined recent studies, advances, and emerging trends about nanosilica-based HHCs from 2020 to 2024 using the “Boolean strategy” and search terms “stone”, “heritage”, “hydrophobic”, and “coating”, capturing 5244 articles. After screening for titles containing “nanosilica” (470 items remained), excluding works related to “consolidants” and “cement” (171 items remained), and requiring quantitative data on formulations, methods, and performance of nanosilica-based HHCs in stone heritage structures, 16 relevant works were identified. China and Italy dominated research works on nanosilica-based HHC development, which was applied to stone heritage structures composed of carbonate materials (e.g., limestone, dolomite, and Palazzolo carbonates) and silica-rich materials (e.g., Qingshi stone, Hedishi stone, and red sandstone). Key evaluation metrics reported by multiple authors to evaluate HHC efficacy included water contact angle (WCA), total color difference (TCD), and solution pH. Moreover, ultraviolet light (UV) durability, thermomechanical stability, biocidal efficiency, and graffiti protection were achieved when nanosilica was combined with other nanomaterials. Integrating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet-of-things (IoT), and smartphones with colorimeter apps could improve accessibility, real-time monitoring and reliability of HHC testing, while adherence to standardized testing protocols would further enhance comparability and practical application across studies. Overall, this overview provides valuable insights into nanosilica-based HHCs for researchers and restorers/conservators of stone heritage structures. Full article