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Functional Nanoparticles/Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications
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Functional Nanoparticles/Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications

A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 11431

Special Issue Editors

Dr. John David Obayemi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA
Interests: nanoparticles for cancer detection and treatment; implantable biomedical devices for disease treatment; cell-surface interaction; nanomechanical properties of biomedical materials; tissue engineered structures
Dr. Jingjie Hu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
Interests: biomedical and biological materials; mechanics of materials; adhesion; nanomaterials; colloidal gels; vascular embolization devices; targeted therapy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

An understanding of the properties of functional nanoparticles/nanocomposite materials is important for the design of theranostic or implantable devices for biomedical applications. To address the challenges with the current treatment techniques associated with the big killer diseases (cardiovascular disease, cancer, etc.), there is a call to develop the next generation of nanoparticle systems in the form of magnetite NPs, gold NPs, viral-based NPs, lipid NPs (LNPs) and nanocomposite structures, with implications for specifically targeting and treating diseases.

These various forms of functional nanoparticle/nanocomposite systems will be explored in this Special Issue, which will include contributions from researchers in multidisciplinary fields with diverse backgrounds in chemistry, physics, biology, materials science and engineering. The research focus in this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to these areas:

  • Nanoparticles for disease diagnosis;
  • Theranostic nanoparticles for cancer detection and treatment;
  • Implantable nanocomposite structures for disease treatment;
  • Polymer nanocomposites for laser-induced heating in cancer treatment.

In each of the above research areas, the papers will focus on the new frontiers in the development of different novel, functional nanoparticle/nanocomposite structures for the targeting and treatment of diseases. Papers will critically explore the development of different functional nanoparticles/nanocomposites, and the characterization, functionalization and interactions with diseases and nondisease cells/tissues under in vitro and in vivo conditions, with implications for biomedical applications.

Dr. John David Obayemi
Dr. Jingjie Hu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Biomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • magnetic nanoparticles
  • gold nanoparticle
  • polymer nanocomposite
  • magnetic resonance imaging
  • controlled drug delivery
  • theranostics
  • disease detection and treatment

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 4998 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Nanosized Hydroxyapatite and Fluorapatite on Cell Lines and Their Relevance to the Alveolar Augmentation Process
by Wojciech Zakrzewski, Maria Szymonowicz, Anna Nikodem, Agnieszka Rusak, Zbigniew Rybak, Katarzyna Szyszka, Dorota Diakowska, Benita Wiatrak, Rafal J. Wiglusz and Maciej Dobrzyński
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(4), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16040125 - 2 Apr 2025
Viewed by 660
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Materials with an apatite structure were investigated in vitro in dental bone augmentation procedures. This scientific study aimed to compare nanosized hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and fluorapatite (nFAp) materials in the form of tablets in in vitro studies, including cytotoxicity assessment and fluoride release. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Materials with an apatite structure were investigated in vitro in dental bone augmentation procedures. This scientific study aimed to compare nanosized hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and fluorapatite (nFAp) materials in the form of tablets in in vitro studies, including cytotoxicity assessment and fluoride release. Methods: The nHAp and nFAp nanosized materials were obtained using the microwave hydrothermal method. Subsequently, the tablets were prepared from these nanosized powders as further studied materials. Cytotoxicity tests were conducted on Balb/3T3 fibroblast cells and L929 cells. Fluoride ion release was tested at 3, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h periods. Results: Both materials presented viability levels above 70%, indicating a lack of cytotoxic potential. The amount of fluoride (F−) ions released and accumulated from nFAp was greatly higher than from nHAp. The release of F− ions in both samples was the highest in the first 3 h of exposition. The accumulation of F− ions reached the highest values in the deionized water. The most significant differences in the released or cumulated fluoride ions were observed between deionized water and lower 4.5 pH AS (artificial saliva) samples. Conclusions: Both nanosized hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite materials are biocompatible, and their in vitro examination showed promising results for their future in vivo application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanoparticles/Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications)
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18 pages, 6498 KiB  
Article
Characteristics and Antitumor Activity of Doxorubicin-Loaded Multifunctional Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in MEC1 and RM1 Cell Lines
by Nino Maisuradze, Shalva Kekutia, Jano Markhulia, Tamar Tsertsvadze, Vladimer Mikelashvili, Liana Saneblidze, Nikoloz Chkhaidze, Zsolt Endre Horváth, László Almásy and Nunu Mitskevichi
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(12), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15120364 - 3 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1254
Abstract
The rapid progress in nanotechnology has introduced multifunctional iron oxide nanoparticles as promising agents in cancer treatment. This research focused on the synthesis and assessment of citric-acid-coated, folic-acid-conjugated nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin, evaluating their therapeutic potential in tumor models. An advanced automated continuous [...] Read more.
The rapid progress in nanotechnology has introduced multifunctional iron oxide nanoparticles as promising agents in cancer treatment. This research focused on the synthesis and assessment of citric-acid-coated, folic-acid-conjugated nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin, evaluating their therapeutic potential in tumor models. An advanced automated continuous technology line (CTL) utilizing a controlled co-precipitation method was employed to produce highly dispersive, multifunctional nanofluids with a narrow size distribution. Various techniques, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoretic light scattering (ELS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were employed to examine the particle size, zeta potential, structure, and morphology. Magnetic properties were analyzed through vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and surface modifications were confirmed via UV-visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cytotoxicity and drug delivery efficiency were evaluated in vitro using RM1 (prostate cancer) and MEC1 (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) cell lines. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated the successful intracellular delivery of doxorubicin, showcasing the nanoparticles’ potential for targeted cancer therapy. However, folic-acid-conjugated nanoparticles exhibited diminished effectiveness over time. This study highlights the importance of nanoparticle optimization for enhancing therapeutic performance. Further research should aim to improve nanoparticle formulations and explore their long-term impacts for the development of safe, targeted cancer treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanoparticles/Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications)
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22 pages, 6992 KiB  
Article
Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH)-Conjugated Cancer Drug Delivery from Magnetite Nanoparticle-Modified Microporous Poly-Di-Methyl-Siloxane (PDMS) Systems for the Targeted Treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells
by Stanley C. Eluu, John D. Obayemi, Danyuo Yiporo, Ali A. Salifu, Augustine O. Oko, Killian Onwudiwe, Toyin Aina, Josephine C. Oparah, Chukwudi C. Ezeala, Precious O. Etinosa, Sarah A. Osafo, Malachy C. Ugwu, Charles O. Esimone and Winston O. Soboyejo
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(8), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15080209 - 28 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2426
Abstract
This study presents LHRH conjugated drug delivery via a magnetite nanoparticle-modified microporous Poly-Di-Methyl-Siloxane (PDMS) system for the targeted suppression of triple-negative breast cancer cells. First, the MNP-modified PDMS devices are fabricated before loading with targeted and untargeted cancer drugs. The release kinetics from [...] Read more.
This study presents LHRH conjugated drug delivery via a magnetite nanoparticle-modified microporous Poly-Di-Methyl-Siloxane (PDMS) system for the targeted suppression of triple-negative breast cancer cells. First, the MNP-modified PDMS devices are fabricated before loading with targeted and untargeted cancer drugs. The release kinetics from the devices are then studied before fitting the results to the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. Cell viability and cytotoxicity assessments are then presented using results from the Alamar blue assay. Apoptosis induction is then elucidated using flow cytometry. The in vitro drug release studies demonstrated a sustained and controlled release of unconjugated drugs (Prodigiosin and paclitaxel) and conjugated drugs [LHRH conjugated paclitaxel (PTX+LHRH) and LHRH-conjugated prodigiosin (PG+LHRH)] from the magnetite nanoparticle modified microporous PDMS devices for 30 days at 37 °C, 41 °C, and 44 °C. At 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, the groups loaded with conjugated drugs (PG+LHRH and PTX+LHRH) had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) percentage cell growth inhibition than the groups loaded with unconjugated drugs (PG and PTX). Additionally, throughout the study, the MNP+PDMS (without drug) group exhibited a steady rise in the percentage of cell growth inhibition. The flow cytometry results revealed a high incidence of early and late-stage apoptosis. The implications of the results are discussed for the development of biomedical devices for the localized and targeted release of cancer drugs that can prevent cancer recurrence following tumor resection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanoparticles/Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications)
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27 pages, 10055 KiB  
Article
Antifungal Activity of Juglans-regia-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Aspergillus-ochraceus-Induced Toxicity in In Vitro and In Vivo Settings
by Syeda Itrat Zahra Naqvi, Humera Kausar, Arooj Afzal, Mariam Hashim, Huma Mujahid, Maryam Javed, Christophe Hano and Sumaira Anjum
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(4), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14040221 - 14 Apr 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3775
Abstract
Aflatoxins produced by some species of Aspergillus are considered secondary toxic fungal by-products in feeds and food. Over the past few decades, many experts have focused on preventing the production of aflatoxins by Aspergillus ochraceus and also reducing its toxicity. Applications of various [...] Read more.
Aflatoxins produced by some species of Aspergillus are considered secondary toxic fungal by-products in feeds and food. Over the past few decades, many experts have focused on preventing the production of aflatoxins by Aspergillus ochraceus and also reducing its toxicity. Applications of various nanomaterials in preventing the production of these toxic aflatoxins have received a lot of attention recently. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the protective impact of Juglans-regia-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Aspergillus-ochraceus-induced toxicity by exhibiting strong antifungal activity in in vitro (wheat seeds) and in vivo (Albino rats) settings. For the synthesis of AgNPs, the leaf extract of J. regia enriched with high phenolic (72.68 ± 2.13 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid (18.89 ± 0.31 mg QE/g DW) contents was used. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized by various techniques, including TEM, EDX, FT-IR, and XRD, which revealed that the particles were spherical in shape with no agglomeration and fine particle size in the range of 16–20 nm. In vitro antifungal activity of AgNPs was tested on wheat grains by inhibiting the production of toxic aflatoxins by A. ochraceus. According to the results obtained from High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) analyses, there was a correlation between the concentration of AgNPs and a decrease in the production of aflatoxin G1, B1, and G2. For in vivo antifungal activity, Albino rats were administrated with different doses of AgNPs in five groups. The results indicated that the feed concentration of 50 µg/kg feed of AgNPs was more effective in improving the disturbed levels of different functional parameters of the liver (alanine transaminase (ALT): 54.0 ± 3.79 U/L and aspartate transaminase (AST): 206 ± 8.69 U/L) and kidney (creatinine 0.49 ± 0.020 U/L and BUN 35.7 ± 1.45 U/L), as well as the lipid profile (LDL 22.3 ± 1.45 U/L and HDL 26.3 ± 2.33 U/L). Furthermore, the histopathological analysis of various organs also revealed that the production of aflatoxins was successfully inhibited by AgNPs. It was concluded that the harmful effects of aflatoxins produced by A. ochraceus can be successfully neutralized by using J. regia-mediated AgNPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanoparticles/Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications)
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13 pages, 22443 KiB  
Article
Acute and Subacute Toxicity Evaluation of Erythrocyte Membrane-Coated Boron Nitride Nanoparticles
by Jinfeng He, Xuanping Zhang, Linhong Liu, Yufei Wang, Renyu Liu, Min Li and Fuping Gao
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(4), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14040181 - 25 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2356
Abstract
Boron nitride nanoparticles have been reported for boron drug delivery. However, its toxicity has not been systematically elucidated. It is necessary to clarify their potential toxicity profile after administration for clinical application. Here, we prepared erythrocyte membrane-coated boron nitride nanoparticles (BN@RBCM). We expect [...] Read more.
Boron nitride nanoparticles have been reported for boron drug delivery. However, its toxicity has not been systematically elucidated. It is necessary to clarify their potential toxicity profile after administration for clinical application. Here, we prepared erythrocyte membrane-coated boron nitride nanoparticles (BN@RBCM). We expect to use them for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in tumors. In this study, we evaluated the acute toxicity and subacute toxicity of BN@RBCM of about 100 nm and determined the half-lethal dose (LD50) of the particles for mice. The results showed that the LD50 of BN@RBCM was 258.94 mg/kg. No remarkable pathological changes by microscopic observation were observed in the treated animals throughout the study period. These results indicate that BN@RBCM has low toxicity and good biocompatibility, which have great potential for biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanoparticles/Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications)
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