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Nanomaterials Design towards Biomedical Applications
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Nanomaterials Design towards Biomedical Applications

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2022) | Viewed by 14407

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Barbara Stella

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy
Interests: polymer and lipid nanoparticles; liposomes; bioconjugates; drug delivery; controlled drug release; active targeting
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Silvia Arpicco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università di Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy
Interests: liposomes; actively targeted drug delivery systems; hyaluronic acid; anticancer drugs
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to invite you to contribute a full article, short communication, or review article to the Special Issue titled “Nanomaterials Design towards Biomedical Applications”, which will include topics on the design of new biocompatible nanosystems suitable for use in the biomedical domain. Indeed, in recent decades, researchers have formulated old and new materials in the nanometric range in order to obtain novel physico-chemical properties from their bulk counterpart. Thus, a rapidly-growing number of organic, inorganic, and even hybrid nanomaterials have been proposed and developed for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, thanks to their versatile properties. In particular, the vast range of applications of nanomaterials include drug delivery, imaging, theranostics, vaccines and biosensors. Moreover, nanomaterials are highly interesting, as they can be functionalized in order to add suitable functional groups onto their surface as appropriate sites for the conjugation of specific ligands, ranging from small molecules to proteins and polysaccharides. Nevertheless, for application in the biomedical field, biocompatibility, biodegradability, the absence of toxicity, and the immunogenicity of these different classes of nanomaterials are important issues that need to be considered during their development; moreover, regulatory aspects must be carefully considered.

Based on this, contributions addressing topics related to the design, synthesis, characterization, and formulation of nanomaterials conceived for clinical use are welcome.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barbara Stella
Prof. Dr. Silvia Arpicco
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. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2600 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

  • biomaterials
  • nanocarriers
  • active drug targeting
  • biocompatibility
  • drug delivery
  • imaging
  • theranostics

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2106 KiB  
Article
Supramolecular Functionalisation of B/N Co-Doped Carbon Nano-Onions for Novel Nanocarrier Systems
by Hugh Mohan, Valeria Bincoletto, Silvia Arpicco and Silvia Giordani
Materials 2022, 15(17), 5987; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15175987 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1797
Abstract
Boron/nitrogen co-doped carbon nano-onions (BN-CNOs) are spherical nanoparticles that consist of multiple inter-nestled fullerene layers, giving them an onion-like internal structure. They have potential as nanocarriers due to their small size, aqueous dispersibility, and biocompatibility. The non-covalent attachment of a biocompatible polymer to [...] Read more.
Boron/nitrogen co-doped carbon nano-onions (BN-CNOs) are spherical nanoparticles that consist of multiple inter-nestled fullerene layers, giving them an onion-like internal structure. They have potential as nanocarriers due to their small size, aqueous dispersibility, and biocompatibility. The non-covalent attachment of a biocompatible polymer to BN-CNOs is a simple and effective method of creating a scaffold for a novel nanocarrier system as it allows for increased aqueous dispersibility whilst preventing the immune system from recognising the particle as a foreign object. The non-covalent approach also preserves the electronic and structural properties of the BN-CNOs. In this study, we attached a hyaluronic acid-phospholipid (HA-DMPE) conjugate polymer to the BN-CNO’s surface to improve its hydrophilicity and provide targetability toward HA-receptor overexpressing cancer cells. To this end, various ratios of HA-DMPE to BN-CNOs were investigated. The resulting supramolecular systems were characterised via UV-Vis absorption and FTIR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential techniques. It was found that the HA-DMPE conjugate polymer was permanently wrapped around the BN-CNO nanoparticle surface. Moreover, the resulting BN-CNO/HA-DMPE supramolecular systems displayed enhanced aqueous solubility compared to unfunctionalised BN-CNOs, with excellent long-term stability observed in aqueous dispersions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials Design towards Biomedical Applications)
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26 pages, 6859 KiB  
Article
Anticancer Molecular Mechanism of Protocatechuic Acid Loaded on Folate Coated Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Delivery System in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Kalaivani Buskaran, Saifullah Bullo, Mohd Zobir Hussein, Mas Jaffri Masarudin, Mohamad Aris Mohd Moklas and Sharida Fakurazi
Materials 2021, 14(4), 817; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14040817 - 09 Feb 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2433
Abstract
Liver cancer is listed as the fifth-ranked cancer, responsible for 9.1% of all cancer deaths globally due to its assertive nature and poor survival rate. To overcome this obstacle, efforts have been made to ensure effective cancer therapy via nanotechnology utilization. Recent studies [...] Read more.
Liver cancer is listed as the fifth-ranked cancer, responsible for 9.1% of all cancer deaths globally due to its assertive nature and poor survival rate. To overcome this obstacle, efforts have been made to ensure effective cancer therapy via nanotechnology utilization. Recent studies have shown that functionalized graphene oxide (GO)-loaded protocatechuic acid has shown some anticancer activities in both passive and active targeting. The nanocomposites’ physicochemical characterizations were conducted. A lactate dehydrogenase experiment was conducted to estimate the severity of cell damage. Subsequently, a clonogenic assay was carried out to examine the colony-forming ability during long-term exposure of the nanocomposites. The Annexin V/ propidium iodide analysis showed that nanocomposites induced late apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Following the intervention of nanocomposites, cell cycle arrest was ascertained at G2/M phase. There was depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and an upregulation of reactive oxygen species when HepG2 cells were induced by nanocomposites. Finally, the proteomic profiling array and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed the expression of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins induced by graphene oxide conjugated PEG loaded with protocatechuic acid drug folic acid coated nanocomposite (GOP–PCA–FA) in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, GOP–PCA–FA nanocomposites treated HepG2 cells exhibited significant anticancer activities with less toxicity compared to pristine protocatechuic acid and GOP–PCA nanocomposites, due to the utilization of a folic acid-targeting nanodrug delivery system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials Design towards Biomedical Applications)
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14 pages, 20728 KiB  
Article
Liposomes Composed by Membrane Lipid Extracts from Macrophage Cell Line as a Delivery of the Trypanocidal N,N’-Squaramide 17 towards Trypanosoma cruzi
by Christian Rafael Quijia, Cínthia Caetano Bonatto, Luciano Paulino Silva, Milene Aparecida Andrade, Clenia Santos Azevedo, Camila Lasse Silva, Manel Vega, Jaime Martins de Santana, Izabela Marques Dourado Bastos and Marcella Lemos Brettas Carneiro
Materials 2020, 13(23), 5505; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma13235505 - 02 Dec 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2064
Abstract
Chagas is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, and affects about 25 million people worldwide. N, N’-Squaramide 17 (S) is a trypanocidal compound with relevant in vivo effectiveness. Here, we produced, characterized, and evaluated cytotoxic and trypanocidal effects [...] Read more.
Chagas is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, and affects about 25 million people worldwide. N, N’-Squaramide 17 (S) is a trypanocidal compound with relevant in vivo effectiveness. Here, we produced, characterized, and evaluated cytotoxic and trypanocidal effects of macrophage-mimetic liposomes from lipids extracted of RAW 264.7 cells to release S. As results, the average hydrodynamic diameter and Zeta potential of mimetic lipid membranes containing S (MLS) was 196.5 ± 11 nm and −61.43 ± 2.3 mV, respectively. Drug entrapment efficiency was 73.35% ± 2.05%. After a 72 h treatment, MLS was observed to be active against epimastigotes in vitro (IC50 = 15.85 ± 4.82 μM) and intracellular amastigotes (IC50 = 24.92 ± 4.80 μM). Also, it induced low cytotoxicity with CC50 of 1199.50 ± 1.22 μM towards VERO cells and of 1973.97 ± 5.98 μM in RAW 264.7. MLS also induced fissures in parasite membrane with a diameter of approximately 200 nm in epimastigotes. MLS showed low cytotoxicity in mammalian cells and high trypanocidal activity revealing this nanostructure a promising candidate for the development of Chagas disease treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials Design towards Biomedical Applications)
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Review

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22 pages, 1695 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress on the Applications of Nanomaterials and Nano-Characterization Techniques in Endodontics: A Review
by Olcay Özdemir and Turkan Kopac
Materials 2022, 15(15), 5109; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15155109 - 22 Jul 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3635
Abstract
The impact of nano-based technologies in endodontics for the identification and treatment of various dental infections is showing fast progress. Studies show that nanoparticles could serve as useful agents with many beneficial results and continue to be promising in the field of endodontics. [...] Read more.
The impact of nano-based technologies in endodontics for the identification and treatment of various dental infections is showing fast progress. Studies show that nanoparticles could serve as useful agents with many beneficial results and continue to be promising in the field of endodontics. To ensure progress and improvements on novel nanomaterials in relation to their physicochemical and biological properties, nano-identification methods for the detection and evaluation of diseases need to be further highlighted. This study aims to review the current technological progress and recent research outcomes as well as possible prospective applications of nano-based technologies in endodontics. A comprehensive literature survey has been carried out on the utilizations of nanomaterials and nano-characterization techniques in endodontics. The current status and recent applications in endodontics are discussed with illustrative examples. The results have shown that the progress and improved accuracy of nano-identification techniques enabled a better characterization, evaluation and selection of appropriate treatment plans for endodontics-related diseases. The results have been inspiring for further clinical investigations. Nano-endodontics is still a developing field with a strong potential for revolutions of novel materials and techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases. Further improvements in nanoparticles properties will pave the way for the development of many beneficial endodontic therapeutic agents. The future looks encouraging for sustainable products and testing methods for clinical endodontic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials Design towards Biomedical Applications)
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22 pages, 4093 KiB  
Review
Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Effective and Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2
by Koena L. Moabelo, Darius R. Martin, Adewale O. Fadaka, Nicole R. S. Sibuyi, Mervin Meyer and Abram M. Madiehe
Materials 2021, 14(24), 7851; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14247851 - 18 Dec 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3398
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has gained worldwide attention and has prompted the development of innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to mitigate the pandemic. Diagnostic methods based on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology are the gold standard in the fight against [...] Read more.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has gained worldwide attention and has prompted the development of innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to mitigate the pandemic. Diagnostic methods based on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology are the gold standard in the fight against COVID-19. However, this test might not be easily accessible in low-resource settings for the early detection and diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The lack of access to well-equipped clinical laboratories, requirement for the high level of technical competence, and the cost of the RT-PCR test are the major limitations. Moreover, RT-PCR is unsuitable for application at the point-of-care testing (PoCT) as it is time-consuming and lab-based. Due to emerging mutations of the virus and the burden it has placed on the health care systems, there is a growing urgency to develop sensitive, selective, and rapid diagnostic devices for COVID-19. Nanotechnology has emerged as a versatile technology in the production of reliable diagnostic tools for various diseases and offers new opportunities for the development of COVID-19 diagnostic systems. This review summarizes some of the nano-enabled diagnostic systems that were explored for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. It highlights how the unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were exploited in the development of novel colorimetric assays and biosensors for COVID-19 at the PoCT. The potential to improve the efficiency of the current assays, as well as the challenges associated with the development of these innovative diagnostic tools, are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials Design towards Biomedical Applications)
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