Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2022) | Viewed by 31396

Special Issue Editor

Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
Interests: chemical sensors; biosensors; immunosensors; nanomaterials
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Dear Colleagues,

The journal Bioengineering provides a collection to report advancements on the topic of “Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering”. This Special Issue will be a collection of high-quality papers from senior scholars in this field. Both original research articles and comprehensive review papers are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Gou-Jen Wang
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2258 KiB  
Article
Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Pseudotyped Virus Infection Using ACE2-Tethered Micro/Nanoparticles
by Soha Y. Alkhaldi, Ian Peng and Ching-An Peng
Bioengineering 2023, 10(6), 652; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering10060652 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1148
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The viral infection is reliant upon the binding between angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2) and spike protein (S). Therefore, ACE2 is a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2 [...] Read more.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The viral infection is reliant upon the binding between angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2) and spike protein (S). Therefore, ACE2 is a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2 to infect the host. Nonetheless, as SARS-CoV-2 is constantly mutating into new variants that cause high infection rates, the development of prophylactic and therapeutic approaches remains a necessity to continue fighting mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this study, ACE2-streptavidin fusion proteins expressed by recombinant DNA technology were anchored on biotinylated fluorescent polystyrene particles of various sizes ranging from 0.15 to 5 µm. The ACE2-tethered micro/nanoparticles were shown to prevent spike protein pseudotyped lentivirus entry into ACE2-expressing HEK293T cells. Compared to ACE2 in soluble form, micro-sized particles (2 and 5 µm) immobilized with ACE2 interfered more efficiently with viral attachment, entry, and the ensuing infection. Our results showed that particles functionalized with ACE2 could be used as efficient decoys to block the infection of SARS-CoV-2 strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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15 pages, 2349 KiB  
Article
Evidence of Copper Nanoparticles and Poly I:C Modulating Cas9 Interaction and Cleavage of COR (Conserved Omicron RNA)
by Lindy G. Karrer, Elza Neelima Mathew, Juliet Nava-Chavez, Abeera Bhatti and Robert K. Delong
Bioengineering 2023, 10(5), 512; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering10050512 - 25 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1358
Abstract
Conserved omicron RNA (COR) is a 40 base long 99.9% conserved sequence in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, predicted to form a stable stem loop, the targeted cleavage of which can be an ideal next step in controlling the spread of variants. The Cas9 enzyme [...] Read more.
Conserved omicron RNA (COR) is a 40 base long 99.9% conserved sequence in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, predicted to form a stable stem loop, the targeted cleavage of which can be an ideal next step in controlling the spread of variants. The Cas9 enzyme has been traditionally utilized for gene editing and DNA cleavage. Previously Cas9 has been shown to be capable of RNA editing under certain conditions. Here we investigated the ability of Cas9 to bind to single-stranded conserved omicron RNA (COR) and examined the effect of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) and/or polyinosinic-polycytidilic acid (poly I:C) on the RNA cleavage ability of Cas9. The interaction of the Cas9 enzyme and COR with Cu NPs was shown by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements and was confirmed by two-dimensional fluorescence difference spectroscopy (2-D FDS). The interaction with and enhanced cleavage of COR by Cas9 in the presence of Cu NPs and poly I:C was shown by agarose gel electrophoresis. These data suggest that Cas9-mediated RNA cleavage may be potentiated at the nanoscale level in the presence of nanoparticles and a secondary RNA component. Further explorations in vitro and in vivo may contribute to the development of a better cellular delivery platform for Cas9. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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15 pages, 3122 KiB  
Article
Label-Free Saliva Test for Rapid Detection of Coronavirus Using Nanosensor-Enabled SERS
by Swarna Ganesh, Ashok Kumar Dhinakaran, Priyatha Premnath, Krishnan Venkatakrishnan and Bo Tan
Bioengineering 2023, 10(3), 391; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering10030391 - 22 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1702
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the inadequacies of existing diagnostic techniques and the need for rapid and accurate diagnostic systems. Although molecular tests such as RT-PCR are the gold standard, they cannot be employed as point-of-care testing systems. Hence, a rapid, noninvasive [...] Read more.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the inadequacies of existing diagnostic techniques and the need for rapid and accurate diagnostic systems. Although molecular tests such as RT-PCR are the gold standard, they cannot be employed as point-of-care testing systems. Hence, a rapid, noninvasive diagnostic technique such as Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a promising analytical technique for rapid molecular or viral diagnosis. Here, we have designed a SERS- based test to rapidly diagnose SARS-CoV-2 from saliva. Physical methods synthesized the nanostructured sensor. It significantly increased the detection specificity and sensitivity by ~ten copies/mL of viral RNA (~femtomolar concentration of nucleic acids). Our technique combines the multiplexing capability of SERS with the sensitivity of novel nanostructures to detect whole virus particles and infection-associated antibodies. We have demonstrated the feasibility of the test with saliva samples from individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with a specificity of 95%. The SERS—based test provides a promising breakthrough in detecting potential mutations that may come up with time while also preparing the world to deal with other pandemics in the future with rapid response and very accurate results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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13 pages, 2852 KiB  
Article
Selenium Bio-Nanocomposite Based on Alteromonas macleodii Mo169 Exopolysaccharide: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity
by Patrícia Concórdio-Reis, Ana Catarina Macedo, Martim Cardeira, Xavier Moppert, Jean Guézennec, Chantal Sevrin, Christian Grandfils, Ana Teresa Serra and Filomena Freitas
Bioengineering 2023, 10(2), 193; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering10020193 - 02 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1692
Abstract
In this study, the novel exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by the marine bacterium Alteromonas macleodii Mo 169 was used as a stabilizer and capping agent in the preparation of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The synthesized nanoparticles were well dispersed and spherical with an average particle [...] Read more.
In this study, the novel exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by the marine bacterium Alteromonas macleodii Mo 169 was used as a stabilizer and capping agent in the preparation of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The synthesized nanoparticles were well dispersed and spherical with an average particle size of 32 nm. The cytotoxicity of the EPS and the EPS/SeNPs bio-nanocomposite was investigated on human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and fibroblast (CCD-1079Sk) cell lines. No cytotoxicity was found for the EPS alone for concentrations up to 1 g L−1. A cytotoxic effect was only noticed for the bio-nanocomposite at the highest concentrations tested (0.5 and 1 g L−1). In vitro experiments demonstrated that non-cytotoxic concentrations of the EPS/SeNPs bio-nanocomposite had a significant cellular antioxidant effect on the HaCaT cell line by reducing ROS levels up to 33.8%. These findings demonstrated that the A. macleodii Mo 169 EPS can be efficiently used as a stabilizer and surface coating to produce a SeNP-based bio-nanocomposite with improved antioxidant activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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14 pages, 3360 KiB  
Article
Exosome-Coated tPA/Catalase Nanoformulation for Thrombolytic Therapy
by Sara Khalil and Mathumai Kanapathipillai
Bioengineering 2023, 10(2), 177; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering10020177 - 31 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1831
Abstract
Current tissue plasminogen-based therapeutic strategies for stroke suffer from systemic side effects and poor efficacy. Hence, novel drug delivery methods are needed to overcome these shortcomings. Exosome-based drug formulations have been shown to have superior therapeutic outcomes compared to conventional systemic drug delivery [...] Read more.
Current tissue plasminogen-based therapeutic strategies for stroke suffer from systemic side effects and poor efficacy. Hence, novel drug delivery methods are needed to overcome these shortcomings. Exosome-based drug formulations have been shown to have superior therapeutic outcomes compared to conventional systemic drug delivery approaches. In this paper, we report exosome surface-coated tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)/catalase nanoformulations with improved thrombolytic efficacy compared to free tPA, which also reduce side effects. The results showed that the tPA exosome formulations retained tPA activity, improved tPA stability, exhibited significant fibrinolysis, and showed no significant toxicity effects. Further, when combined with antioxidant enzyme catalase, the formulation was able to inhibit hydrogen peroxide-mediated oxidative stress and toxicity. Hence, exosome-based tPA/catalase nanoformulations could have the potential to offer a safer and effective thrombolytic therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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19 pages, 4297 KiB  
Article
Clinical Application of Bioresorbable, Synthetic, Electrospun Matrix in Wound Healing
by Matthew MacEwan, Lily Jeng, Tamás Kovács and Emily Sallade
Bioengineering 2023, 10(1), 9; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering10010009 - 21 Dec 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1649
Abstract
Electrospun polymeric matrices have long been investigated as constructs for use in regenerative medicine, yet relatively few have been commercialized for human clinical use. In 2017, a novel electrospun matrix, composed of two synthetic biocompatible polymers, polyglactin 910 (PLGA 10:90) and polydioxanone (PDO) [...] Read more.
Electrospun polymeric matrices have long been investigated as constructs for use in regenerative medicine, yet relatively few have been commercialized for human clinical use. In 2017, a novel electrospun matrix, composed of two synthetic biocompatible polymers, polyglactin 910 (PLGA 10:90) and polydioxanone (PDO) of varying pore and fiber sizes (i.e., hybrid-scale) was developed and cleared by the FDA for human clinical use. The present review aims to explain the mechanism of action and review the preclinical and clinical results to summarize the efficacy of the matrix across multiple use cases within the wound care setting, including an assessment of over 150 wounds of varying etiologies treated with the synthetic matrix. Clinical data demonstrated effective use of the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix across a variety of wound etiologies, including diabetic foot and venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, burns, and surgical wounds. This review represents a comprehensive clinical demonstration of a synthetic, electrospun, hybrid-scale matrix and illustrates its value and versatility across multiple wound etiologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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10 pages, 2557 KiB  
Communication
Construction of HER2-Specific HIV-1-Based VLPs
by Sofia A. Martins, Joana Santos, Sandra Cabo Verde, João D. G. Correia and Rita Melo
Bioengineering 2022, 9(11), 713; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering9110713 - 19 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1596
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanoplatforms comprised of one or more viral proteins with the capacity to self-assemble without viral genetic material. VLPs arise as promising nanoparticles (NPs) that can be exploited as vaccines, as drug delivery vehicles or as carriers of imaging agents. [...] Read more.
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanoplatforms comprised of one or more viral proteins with the capacity to self-assemble without viral genetic material. VLPs arise as promising nanoparticles (NPs) that can be exploited as vaccines, as drug delivery vehicles or as carriers of imaging agents. Engineered antibody constructs, namely single-chain variable fragments (scFv), have been explored as relevant molecules to direct NPs to their target. A vector containing the scFv of an antibody, aimed at the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and fused to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protein gp41, was previously constructed. The work herein describes the early results concerning the production and the characterization of HIV-1-based VLPs expressing this protein, which could function as potential non-toxic tools for transporting drugs and/or imaging agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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12 pages, 2583 KiB  
Article
Biocompatibility and Connectivity of Semiconductor Nanostructures for Cardiac Tissue Engineering Applications
by Roberto Gaetani, Yuriy Derevyanchuk, Andrea Notargiacomo, Marialilia Pea, Massimiliano Renzi, Elisa Messina and Fabrizio Palma
Bioengineering 2022, 9(11), 621; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering9110621 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1383
Abstract
Nano- or microdevices, enabling simultaneous, long-term, multisite, cellular recording and stimulation from many excitable cells, are expected to make a strategic turn in basic and applied cardiology (particularly tissue engineering) and neuroscience. We propose an innovative approach aiming to elicit bioelectrical information from [...] Read more.
Nano- or microdevices, enabling simultaneous, long-term, multisite, cellular recording and stimulation from many excitable cells, are expected to make a strategic turn in basic and applied cardiology (particularly tissue engineering) and neuroscience. We propose an innovative approach aiming to elicit bioelectrical information from the cell membrane using an integrated circuit (IC) bearing a coating of nanowires on the chip surface. Nanowires grow directly on the backend of the ICs, thus allowing on-site amplification of bioelectric signals with uniform and controlled morphology and growth of the NWs on templates. To implement this technology, we evaluated the biocompatibility of silicon and zinc oxide nanowires (NWs), used as a seeding substrate for cells in culture, on two different primary cell lines. Human cardiac stromal cells were used to evaluate the effects of ZnO NWs of different lengths on cell behavior, morphology and growth, while BV-2 microglial-like cells and GH4-C1 neuroendocrine-like cell lines were used to evaluate cell membrane–NW interaction and contact when cultured on Si NWs. As the optimization of the contact between integrated microelectronics circuits and cellular membranes represents a long-standing issue, our technological approach may lay the basis for a new era of devices exploiting the microelectronics’ sensitivity and “smartness” to both improve investigation of biological systems and to develop suitable NW-based systems available for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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16 pages, 12562 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Activity of Blow Spun PLA/Gelatin Nanofibers Containing Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles against Wound Infection-Causing Bacteria
by Elham Alinezhad Sardareh, Moloud Shahzeidi, Mohammad Taha Salmanifard Ardestani, Mohammad Mousavi-Khattat, Atefeh Zarepour and Ali Zarrabi
Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 518; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering9100518 - 01 Oct 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1749
Abstract
One of the main challenges in wound healing is the wound infection due to various causes, of which moisture is the most important reason. Owing to this fact, wound dressings that can collect wound moisture in addition to showing antibacterial properties have provided [...] Read more.
One of the main challenges in wound healing is the wound infection due to various causes, of which moisture is the most important reason. Owing to this fact, wound dressings that can collect wound moisture in addition to showing antibacterial properties have provided an important basis for wound healing research. In this study, gelatin and poly lactic acid (PLA) polymers were used in a wound dressing textile to provide gelation and structure strength properties, respectively. Meanwhile, silver nanoparticles (SNPs) synthesized through the green method were integrated into these fibers to provide the formed textile with antibacterial properties. Nanoparticles were made using donkey dung extract, and nanofibers were produced by the solution blow spinning method which has high production efficiency and low energy consumption among spinning methods. The produced nanoparticles were characterized and evaluated by UV-Vis, DLS, XRD, and FTIR methods, and the production of silver nanoparticles that were coated with metabolites in the extract was proven. In addition, the morphology and diameter of the resulted fibers and presence of nanoparticles were confirmed by the SEM method. The size and size distribution of the synthesized fibers were determined through analyzing SEM results. Gelatin nanofibers demonstrated a mean size of 743 nm before and 773 nm after nanoparticle coating. PLA nanofibers demonstrated a mean size of 57 nm before and 182 nm after nanoparticle coating. Finally, 335 nm was the mean diameter size of gelatin/PLA/SNPs nanofibers. Also, the textiles synthesized by PLA and gelatin which contained silver nanoparticles showed higher antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative species compared to PLA and gelatin tissues without nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity test on L929 cells showed that silver nanoparticles incorporated textiles of PLA and gelatin show a very low level and non-significant toxicity compared to the free particles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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17 pages, 2004 KiB  
Article
FT-IR Analysis of Structural Changes in Ketoprofen Lysine Salt and KiOil Caused by a Pulsed Magnetic Field
by Salvatore Andrea Pullano, Gianmarco Marcianò, Maria Giovanna Bianco, Giuseppe Oliva, Vincenzo Rania, Cristina Vocca, Erika Cione, Giovambattista De Sarro, Luca Gallelli, Pietro Romeo, Antonio La Gatta and Antonino S. Fiorillo
Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 503; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering9100503 - 24 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2209
Abstract
High-intensity, low-frequency magnetic fields (MFs) have been widely used in the treatment of diseases and in drug delivery, even though they could induce structural changes in pharmacological molecules. Morphological changes in ketoprofen and KiOil were investigated through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Unsupervised principal [...] Read more.
High-intensity, low-frequency magnetic fields (MFs) have been widely used in the treatment of diseases and in drug delivery, even though they could induce structural changes in pharmacological molecules. Morphological changes in ketoprofen and KiOil were investigated through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Unsupervised principal component analysis was carried out for data clustering. Clinical validation on 22 patients with lower back pain was managed using diamagnetic therapy plus topical ketoprofen or KiOil. The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Short-Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) were used to evaluate clinical and functional response. Ketoprofen showed clear clustering among samples exposed to MF (4000–650 cm−1), and in the narrow frequency band (1675–1475 cm−1), results evidenced structural changes which involved other excipients than ketoprofen. KiOil has evidenced structural modifications in the subcomponents of the formulation. Clinical treatment with ketoprofen showed an average NRS of 7.77 ± 2.25 before and an average NRS of 2.45 ± 2.38 after MF treatment. There was a statistically significant reduction in NRS (p = 0.003) and in SF-36 (p < 0.005). Patients treated with KiOil showed an average NRS of 7.59 ± 2.49 before treatment and an average NRS of 1.90 ± 2.26 after treatment (p < 0.005). SF-36 showed statistical significance for all items except limitations due to emotional problems. A high-intensity pulsed magnetic field is an adjunct to topical treatment in patients with localized pain, and the effect of MF does not evidence significant effects on the molecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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9 pages, 3722 KiB  
Article
Coumarin-Encapsulated Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as an Effective Therapy against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
by Mohammed H. Alqarni, Ahmed I. Foudah, Aftab Alam, Mohammad A. Salkini, Magdy M. Muharram, Nikolaos E. Labrou and Pinki Rawat
Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 484; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering9100484 - 20 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1892
Abstract
Bacterial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a significant public health problem. This is because the transmission of infectious diseases is shifting, and new antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria are emerging. The development of biofilms that are resistant to antibiotics poses another hurdle to [...] Read more.
Bacterial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a significant public health problem. This is because the transmission of infectious diseases is shifting, and new antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria are emerging. The development of biofilms that are resistant to antibiotics poses another hurdle to drugs and treatment alternatives. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop innovative strategies to effectively eliminate antibiotic-resistant microorganisms effectively. Natural coumarins have broad spectrum bioactivity and the potential for lower resistance. Coumarin is a secondary metabolite found in certain plants, fungi, and bacteria. It is highly effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Therefore, coumarin can be used as an alternative to combat MRSA. However, most antibacterial agents lack selective targeting of pathological sites, limiting the efficacy of their antibacterial activity. Efficient MRSA treatments can be achieved through nanoparticle (NPs)-based targeted therapies. To address this challenge, a novel coumarin-loaded solid lipid nanocarrier for MRSA was developed to overcome this challenge. The developed systems exhibited a particle size of 138.5 ± 76.06 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.245 ± 0.00. The zeta potential of coumarin-loaded SLNs was reported to be −22.2 ± 8.15 mV with a spherical shape. The encapsulation efficiency of coumarin was reported to be 63.09 ± 3.46% in the final formulation. The developed formulation was biocompatible with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.08 µg/mL. This study suggests that coumarin-loaded SLNs can effectively treat MRSA infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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11 pages, 3246 KiB  
Article
Engineered Dutasteride-Lipid Based Nanoparticle (DST-LNP) System Using Oleic and Stearic Acid for Topical Delivery
by Norhayati Mohamed Noor, Sana Umar, Azila Abdul-Aziz, Khalid Sheikh and Satyanarayana Somavarapu
Bioengineering 2022, 9(1), 11; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering9010011 - 01 Jan 2022
Viewed by 2302
Abstract
Male pattern baldness (MPB) is a common condition that has a negative impact on the psycho-social health of many men. This study aims to engineer an alcohol-free formulation to cater for individuals who may have had allergic reactions to alcohol-based preparations. A lipid-based [...] Read more.
Male pattern baldness (MPB) is a common condition that has a negative impact on the psycho-social health of many men. This study aims to engineer an alcohol-free formulation to cater for individuals who may have had allergic reactions to alcohol-based preparations. A lipid-based nanoparticle system composed of stearic and oleic acid (solid and liquid lipid) was used to deliver dutasteride (DST) for topical application. Two compositions, with oleic acid (Formulation A) and without (Formulation B), were compared to analyse the role of oleic acid as a potential active ingredient in addition to DST. DST-loaded LNP were prepared using the emulsification–ultrasonication method. All of the prepared formulations were spherical in shape in the nanometric size range (150–300 nm), with entrapment efficiencies of >75%. X-ray diffractograms revealed that DST exists in an amorphous form within the NLP matrices. The drug release behaviour from both LNP preparations displayed slow release of DST. Permeation studies through pig ear skin demonstrated that DST-LNP with oleic acid produced significantly lower permeation into the dermis compared to the formulation without oleic acid. These results suggest that the proposed formulation presents several characteristics which are novel, indicating its suitability for the dermal delivery of anti-androgenic molecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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Review

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16 pages, 1417 KiB  
Review
Silver Nanoparticles in Dental Applications: A Descriptive Review
by Sreekanth Kumar Mallineni, Srinivasulu Sakhamuri, Sree Lalita Kotha, Abdul Rahman Gharamah M. AlAsmari, Galiah Husam AlJefri, Fatmah Nasser Almotawah, Sahana Mallineni and Rishitha Sajja
Bioengineering 2023, 10(3), 327; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering10030327 - 05 Mar 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4076
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles have been a recent focus of many researchers in dentistry, and their potential uses and benefits have drawn attention in dentistry and medicine. The fabrication and utilization of nanoscale substances and structures are at the core of the rapidly developing areas [...] Read more.
Silver nanoparticles have been a recent focus of many researchers in dentistry, and their potential uses and benefits have drawn attention in dentistry and medicine. The fabrication and utilization of nanoscale substances and structures are at the core of the rapidly developing areas of nanotechnology. They are often used in the dental industry because they prevent bacteria from making nanoparticles, oxides, and biofilms. They also stop the metabolism of bacteria. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a type of zero-dimensional material with different shapes. Dentistry has to keep up with changing patient needs and new technology. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be used in dentistry for disinfection and preventing infections in the oral cavity. One of the most interesting metallic nanoparticles used in biomedical applications is silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The dental field has found promising uses for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the elimination of plaque and tartar, as well as the elimination of bacterial and fungal infections in the mouth. The incorporation of AgNPs into dental materials has been shown to significantly enhance patients’ oral health, leading to their widespread use. This review focuses on AgNP synthesis, chemical properties, biocompatibility, uses in various dental fields, and biomaterials used in dentistry. With an emphasis on aspects related to the inclusion of silver nanoparticles, this descriptive review paper also intends to address the recent developments of AgNPs in dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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28 pages, 2118 KiB  
Review
Functionalized Carbon Nanoparticles as Theranostic Agents and Their Future Clinical Utility in Oncology
by Seung S. Lee, Miltiadis Paliouras and Mark A. Trifiro
Bioengineering 2023, 10(1), 108; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering10010108 - 12 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1653
Abstract
Over the years, research of nanoparticle applications in pre-clinical and clinical applications has greatly advanced our therapeutic and imaging approaches to many diseases, most notably neoplastic disorders. In particular, the innate properties of inorganic nanomaterials, such as gold and iron oxide, as well [...] Read more.
Over the years, research of nanoparticle applications in pre-clinical and clinical applications has greatly advanced our therapeutic and imaging approaches to many diseases, most notably neoplastic disorders. In particular, the innate properties of inorganic nanomaterials, such as gold and iron oxide, as well as carbon-based nanoparticles, have provided the greatest opportunities in cancer theranostics. Carbon nanoparticles can be used as carriers of biological agents to enhance the therapeutic index at a tumor site. Alternatively, they can also be combined with external stimuli, such as light, to induce irreversible physical damaging effects on cells. In this review, the recent advances in carbon nanoparticles and their use in cancer theranostics will be discussed. In addition, the set of evaluations that will be required during their transition from laboratory investigations toward clinical trials will be addressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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18 pages, 3996 KiB  
Review
Noble Metal Nanoparticles for Point-of-Care Testing: Recent Advancements and Social Impacts
by Keven Luciano, Xiaochuan Wang, Yaning Liu, Gabriella Eyler, Zhenpeng Qin and Xiaohu Xia
Bioengineering 2022, 9(11), 666; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering9110666 - 08 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1616
Abstract
Point-of-care (POC) tests for the diagnosis of diseases are critical to the improvement of the standard of living, especially for resource-limited areas or countries. In recent years, nanobiosensors based on noble metal nanoparticles (NM NPs) have emerged as a class of effective and [...] Read more.
Point-of-care (POC) tests for the diagnosis of diseases are critical to the improvement of the standard of living, especially for resource-limited areas or countries. In recent years, nanobiosensors based on noble metal nanoparticles (NM NPs) have emerged as a class of effective and versatile POC testing technology. The unique features of NM NPs ensure great performance of associated POC nanobiosensors. In particular, NM NPs offer various signal transduction principles, such as plasmonics, catalysis, photothermal effect, and so on. Significantly, the detectable signal from NM NPs can be tuned and optimized by controlling the physicochemical parameters (e.g., size, shape, and elemental composition) of NPs. In this article, we introduce the inherent merits of NM NPs that make them attractive for POC testing, discuss recent advancement of NM NPs-based POC tests, highlight their social impacts, and provide perspectives on challenges and opportunities in the field. We hope the review and insights provided in this article can inspire new fundamental and applied research in this emerging field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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14 pages, 19435 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Silica-Nanomaterial-Assisted Lateral Flow Assay
by Han Zhuang, Chun Xu, Fang Gao, Yiwei Li, Chang Lei and Chengzhong Yu
Bioengineering 2022, 9(7), 266; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/bioengineering9070266 - 21 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2249
Abstract
Lateral flow assays (LFAs) have attracted much attention as rapid and affordable point-of-care devices for medical diagnostics. The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of LFAs. Many efforts have been made to enhance the sensitivity of LFAs. In recent years, silica [...] Read more.
Lateral flow assays (LFAs) have attracted much attention as rapid and affordable point-of-care devices for medical diagnostics. The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of LFAs. Many efforts have been made to enhance the sensitivity of LFAs. In recent years, silica nanomaterials have been used to either amplify the signal of label materials or provide stability, resulting in better detection performance. In this review, the recent progress of silica-nanomaterial-assisted LFAs is summarized. The impact of the structure of silica nanomaterials on LFA performance, the challenges and prospects in this research area are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Nanotechnology Applications in Bioengineering)
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