Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 8647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Characterization of Iron and Silver Nanoparticles: Extract-Stabilized and Classical Synthesis Methods

by Farida Akhatova, Svetlana Konnova, Marina Kryuchkova, Svetlana Batasheva, Kristina Mazurova, Anna Vikulina, Dmitry Volodkin and Elvira Rozhina

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(11), 9274; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24119274 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1361

Abstract

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using extracts from plants is an advantageous technological alternative to the traditional colloidal synthesis due to its simplicity, low cost, and the inclusion of environmentally friendly processes to obtain a new generation of antimicrobial compounds. The work describes the [...] Read more.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using extracts from plants is an advantageous technological alternative to the traditional colloidal synthesis due to its simplicity, low cost, and the inclusion of environmentally friendly processes to obtain a new generation of antimicrobial compounds. The work describes the production of silver and iron nanoparticles using sphagnum extract as well as traditional synthesis. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and laser doppler velocimetry methods, UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dark-field hyperspectral microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to study the structure and properties of synthesized nanoparticles. Our studies demonstrated a high antibacterial activity of the obtained nanoparticles, including the formation of biofilms. Nanoparticles synthesized using sphagnum moss extracts likely have high potential for further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical and Imaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zinc/Cerium-Substituted Magnetite Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

by Cristina Chircov, Maria-Andreea Mincă, Andreea Bianca Serban, Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă, Georgiana Dolete, Vladimir-Lucian Ene, Ecaterina Andronescu and Alina-Maria Holban

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(7), 6249; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24076249 - 26 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1746

Abstract

Numerous studies have reported the possibility of enhancing the properties of materials by incorporating foreign elements within their crystal lattice. In this context, while magnetite has widely known properties that have been used for various biomedical applications, the introduction of other metals within [...] Read more.

Numerous studies have reported the possibility of enhancing the properties of materials by incorporating foreign elements within their crystal lattice. In this context, while magnetite has widely known properties that have been used for various biomedical applications, the introduction of other metals within its structure could prospectively enhance its effectiveness. Specifically, zinc and cerium have demonstrated their biomedical potential through significant antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial features. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to develop a series of zinc and/or cerium-substituted magnetite nanoparticles that could further be used in the medical sector. The nanostructures were synthesized through the co-precipitation method and their morpho-structural characteristics were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses. Furthermore, the nanostructures were subjected to a ROS-Glo H₂O₂ assay for assessing their antioxidant potential, MTT assay for determining their anticancer effects, and antimicrobial testing against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans strains. Results have proven promising for future biomedical applications, as the nanostructures inhibit oxidative stress in normal cells, with between two- and three-fold reduction and cell proliferation in tumor cells; a two-fold decrease in cell viability and microbial growth; an inhibition zone diameter of 4–6 mm and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1–2 mg/mL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical and Imaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of PEG Chain Length of Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles on the Cytocompatibility and Immune Competence of Primary Murine Macrophages and Dendritic Cells

by Ronja Storjohann, Birthe Gericke, Janin Reifenrath, Timo Herrmann, Peter Behrens, Hilke Oltmanns and Jessica Meißner

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(3), 2565; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24032565 - 29 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1837

Abstract

A major drawback of nanoparticles (NPs) for biomedical applications is their preferential phagocytosis in immune cells, which can be avoided by surface modifications like PEGylation. Nevertheless, examinations of different polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain lengths on the competence of immune cells as well as [...] Read more.

A major drawback of nanoparticles (NPs) for biomedical applications is their preferential phagocytosis in immune cells, which can be avoided by surface modifications like PEGylation. Nevertheless, examinations of different polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain lengths on the competence of immune cells as well as possible immunotoxic effects are still sparse. Therefore, primary murine macrophages and dendritic cells were generated and incubated with magnetic nanoporous silica nanoparticles (MNPSNPs) modified with different mPEG chains (2 kDa, 5 kDa, and 10 kDa). Cytotoxicity, cytokine release, and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined. Immune competence of both cell types was examined and uptake of MNPSNPs into macrophages was visualized. Concentrations up to 150 µg/mL MNPSNPs showed no effects on the metabolic activity or immune competence of both cell types. However, ROS significantly increased in macrophages incubated with larger PEG chains, while the concentration of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) did not indicate a proinflammatory process. Investigations on the uptake of MNPSNPs revealed no differences in the onset of internalization and the intensity of intracellular fluorescence. The study gives no indication for an immunotoxic effect of PEGylated MNPSNPs. Nevertheless, there is still a need for optimization regarding their internalization to ensure an efficient drug delivery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical and Imaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 5690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computational Assessment of Magnetic Nanoparticle Targeting Efficiency in a Simplified Circle of Willis Arterial Model

by Rodward L. Hewlin, Jr. and Joseph M. Tindall

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(3), 2545; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24032545 - 29 Jan 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 1831

Abstract

This paper presents the methodology and computational results of simulated medical drug targeting (MDT) via induced magnetism intended for administering intravenous patient-specific doses of therapeutic agents in a Circle of Willis (CoW) model. The multi-physics computational model used in this work is from [...] Read more.

This paper presents the methodology and computational results of simulated medical drug targeting (MDT) via induced magnetism intended for administering intravenous patient-specific doses of therapeutic agents in a Circle of Willis (CoW) model. The multi-physics computational model used in this work is from our previous works. The computational model is used to analyze pulsatile blood flow, particle motion, and particle capture efficiency in a magnetized region using the magnetic properties of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and equations describing the magnetic forces acting on particles produced by an external cylindrical electromagnetic coil. A Eulerian–Lagrangian technique is implemented to resolve the hemodynamic flow and the motion of particles under the influence of a range of magnetic field strengths (B_r = 2T, 4T, 6T, and 8T). Particle diameter sizes of 10 nm to 4 µm in diameter were assessed. Two dimensionless numbers are also investigated a priori in this study to characterize relative effects of Brownian motion (BM), magnetic force-induced particle motion, and convective blood flow on particle motion. Similar to our previous works, the computational simulations demonstrate that the greatest particle capture efficiency results for particle diameters within the micron range, specifically in regions where flow separation and vortices are at a minimum. Additionally, it was observed that the capture efficiency of particles decreases substantially with smaller particle diameters, especially in the superparamagnetic regime. The highest capture efficiency observed for superparamagnetic particles was 99% with an 8T magnetic field strength and 95% with a 2T magnetic field strength when analyzing 100 nm particles. For 10 nm particles and an 8T magnetic field strength, the particle capture efficiency was 48%, and for a 2T magnetic field strength the particle capture efficiency was 33%. Furthermore, it was found that larger magnetic field strengths, large particle diameter sizes (1 µm and above), and slower blood flow velocity increase the particle capture efficiency. The key finding in this work is that favorable capture efficiencies for superparamagnetic particles were observed in the CoW model for weak fields (B_r < 4T) which demonstrates MDT as a possible viable treatment candidate for cardiovascular disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical and Imaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 10525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fluorescent Magnetic Nanoparticles for Bioimaging through Biomimetic Surface Modification

by Andrey S. Drozdov, Kristina S. Komarova, Elizaveta N. Mochalova, Elena N. Komedchikova, Victoria O. Shipunova and Maxim P. Nikitin

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 134; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24010134 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1686

Abstract

Nanostructured materials and systems find various applications in biomedical fields. Hybrid organo–inorganic nanomaterials are intensively studied in a wide range of areas, from visualization to drug delivery or tissue engineering. One of the recent trends in material science is biomimetic approaches toward the [...] Read more.

Nanostructured materials and systems find various applications in biomedical fields. Hybrid organo–inorganic nanomaterials are intensively studied in a wide range of areas, from visualization to drug delivery or tissue engineering. One of the recent trends in material science is biomimetic approaches toward the synthesis or modification of functional nanosystems. Here, we describe an approach toward multifunctional nanomaterials through the biomimetic polymerization of dopamine derivatives. Magnetite nanoparticles were modified with a combination of dopamine conjugates to give multifunctional magneto-fluorescent nanocomposites in one synthetic step. The obtained material showed excellent biocompatibility at concentrations up to 200

μ

g/mL and an in vivo biodistribution profile typical for nanosized formulations. The synthesized systems were conjugated with antibodies against HER2 to improve their selectivity toward HER2-positive cancer cells. The produced material can be used for dual magneto-optical in vivo studies or targeted drug delivery. The applied synthetic strategy can be used for the creation of various multifunctional hybrid nanomaterials in mild conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical and Imaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4761 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of MIL-Modified Fe₃O₄ Magnetic Nanoparticles for Enhancing Uptake and Efficiency of Temozolomide in Glioblastoma Treatment

by Luca Pulvirenti, Francesca Monforte, Francesca Lo Presti, Giovanni Li Volti, Giuseppe Carota, Fulvia Sinatra, Corrado Bongiorno, Giovanni Mannino, Maria Teresa Cambria and Guglielmo Guido Condorelli

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(5), 2874; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23052874 - 06 Mar 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2504

Abstract

A nanometric hybrid system consisting of a Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles modified through the growth of Fe-based Metal-organic frameworks of the MIL (Materials Institute Lavoiser) was developed. The obtained system retains both the nanometer dimensions and the magnetic properties of the [...] Read more.

A nanometric hybrid system consisting of a Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles modified through the growth of Fe-based Metal-organic frameworks of the MIL (Materials Institute Lavoiser) was developed. The obtained system retains both the nanometer dimensions and the magnetic properties of the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and possesses increased the loading capability due to the highly porous Fe-MIL. It was tested to load, carry and release temozolomide (TMZ) for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme one of the most aggressive and deadly human cancers. The chemical characterization of the hybrid system was performed through various complementary techniques: X-ray-diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The nanomaterial showed low toxicity and an increased adsorption capacity compared to bare Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). It can load about 12 mg/g of TMZ and carry the drug into A172 cells without degradation. Our experimental data confirm that, after 48 h of treatment, the TMZ-loaded hybrid nanoparticles (15 and 20 μg/mL) suppressed human glioblastoma cell viability much more effectively than the free drug. Finally, we found that the internalization of the MIL-modified system is more evident than bare MNPs at all the used concentrations both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus suggesting that it can be capable of overcoming the blood-brain barrier and targeting brain tumors. In conclusion, these results indicate that this combined nanoparticle represents a highly promising drug delivery system for TMZ targeting into cancer cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical and Imaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 6284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SI-ATRP Decoration of Magnetic Nanoparticles with PHEMA and Post-Polymerization Modification with Folic Acid for Tumor Cells’ Specific Targeting

by Razvan Ghiarasim, Natalia Simionescu, Adina Coroaba, Cristina M. Uritu, Narcisa Laura Marangoci, Sorin-Alexandru Ibanescu and Mariana Pinteala

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(1), 155; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23010155 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2739

Abstract

Targeted nanocarriers could reach new levels of drug delivery, bringing new tools for personalized medicine. It is known that cancer cells overexpress folate receptors on the cell surface compared to healthy cells, which could be used to create new nanocarriers with specific targeting [...] Read more.

Targeted nanocarriers could reach new levels of drug delivery, bringing new tools for personalized medicine. It is known that cancer cells overexpress folate receptors on the cell surface compared to healthy cells, which could be used to create new nanocarriers with specific targeting moiety. In addition, magnetic nanoparticles can be guided under the influence of an external magnetic field in different areas of the body, allowing their precise localization. The main purpose of this paper was to decorate the surface of magnetic nanoparticles with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) by surface-initiated atomic transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) followed by covalent bonding of folic acid to side groups of the polymer to create a high specificity magnetic nanocarrier with increased internalization capacity in tumor cells. The biocompatibility of the nanocarriers was demonstrated by testing them on the NHDF cell line and folate-dependent internalization capacity was tested on three tumor cell lines: MCF-7, HeLa and HepG2. It has also been shown that a higher concentration of folic acid covalently bound to the polymer leads to a higher internalization in tumor cells compared to healthy cells. Last but not least, magnetic resonance imaging was used to highlight the magnetic properties of the functionalized nanoparticles obtained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical and Imaging Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

25 pages, 2497 KiB

Open AccessReview

Magneto-Mechanical Approach in Biomedicine: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

by Aleksey A. Nikitin, Anna V. Ivanova, Alevtina S. Semkina, Polina A. Lazareva and Maxim A. Abakumov

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(19), 11134; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms231911134 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2349

Abstract

The magneto-mechanical approach is a powerful technique used in many different applications in biomedicine, including remote control enzyme activity, cell receptors, cancer-selective treatments, mechanically-activated drug releases, etc. This approach is based on the use of a combination of magnetic nanoparticles and external magnetic [...] Read more.

The magneto-mechanical approach is a powerful technique used in many different applications in biomedicine, including remote control enzyme activity, cell receptors, cancer-selective treatments, mechanically-activated drug releases, etc. This approach is based on the use of a combination of magnetic nanoparticles and external magnetic fields that have led to the movement of such nanoparticles with torques and forces (enough to change the conformation of biomolecules or even break weak chemical bonds). However, despite many theoretical and experimental works on this topic, it is difficult to predict the magneto-mechanical effects in each particular case, while the important results are scattered and often cannot be translated to other experiments. The main reason is that the magneto-mechanical effect is extremely sensitive to changes in any parameter of magnetic nanoparticles and the environment and changes in the parameters of the applied magnetic field. Thus, in this review, we (1) summarize and propose a simplified theoretical explanation of the main factors affecting the efficiency of the magneto-mechanical approach; (2) discuss the nature of the MNP-mediated mechanical forces and their order of magnitude; (3) show some of the main applications of the magneto-mechanical approach in the control over the properties of biological systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical and Imaging Applications)

► Show Figures