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Nanomaterials
Special Issues
Effects, Analysis and Applications of Nanomaterials in Biological Systems
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Effects, Analysis and Applications of Nanomaterials in Biological Systems

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2021) | Viewed by 11440

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Marianna Kulka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada and University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Interests: nanomaterial-driven cell maturation and activation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Bernadette Quemerais

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Interests: exposure to airborne particles and health effects dues to these exposures; biomarkers of exposure and health effects
Dr. David Kennedy

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Interests: bioinorganic chemistry; nanotoxicology and 3D cell based assays

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biological systems function at the nanoscale, communicating with one another using nanosized packages, activating functions using nano-switches and building structures based on biological nanomaterials. Not surprisingly, synthetic nanomaterials can manipulate these biological systems to create desired outcomes in both healthy protective functions and pathology. The effect of nanomaterials on biochemical pathways and biomarker expression is still poorly understood, and in order to design smart, biologically relevant nanomaterial interventions, we must first further elucidate the complex ways in which biological systems interact with nanomaterials. In this Special Issue, we will explore how nanobiotechnology and biomaterial engineering is expanding our understanding of nanotoxicity, tissue engineering and drug delivery. This issue will bring together expertise in environmental toxicology, metrology, nanopharmacology, nanomaterial synthesis and synthetic biology to define the nexus in these developing areas.

Prof. Dr. Marianna Kulka
Dr. Bernadette Quemerais
Dr. David Kennedy
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. Nanomaterials 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 2900 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
  • Synthetic biology
  • Tissue engineering
  • Drug delivery
  • Bioavailability
  • Protein coronas
  • Biomarkers
  • Nanotoxicity
  • Health effects

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1056 KiB  
Article
Physical Characterization and Cellular Toxicity Studies of Commercial NiO Nanoparticles
by Filip Kunc, Michael Bushell, Xiaomei Du, Andre Zborowski, Linda J. Johnston and David C. Kennedy
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(11), 1822; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12111822 - 26 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1321
Abstract
Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles from several manufacturers with different reported sizes and surface coatings were characterized prior to assessing their cellular toxicity. The physical characterization of these particles revealed that sizes often varied from those reported by the supplier, and that particles were [...] Read more.
Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles from several manufacturers with different reported sizes and surface coatings were characterized prior to assessing their cellular toxicity. The physical characterization of these particles revealed that sizes often varied from those reported by the supplier, and that particles were heavily agglomerated when dispersed in water, resulting in a smaller surface area and larger hydrodynamic diameter upon dispersion. Cytotoxicity testing of these materials showed differences between samples; however, correlation of these differences with the physical properties of the materials was not conclusive. Generally, particles with higher surface area and smaller hydrodynamic diameter were more cytotoxic. While all samples produced an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), there was no correlation between the magnitude of the increase in ROS and the difference in cytotoxicity between different materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects, Analysis and Applications of Nanomaterials in Biological Systems)
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13 pages, 3251 KiB  
Article
Potential of Fluoride-Containing Zinc Oxide and Copper Oxide Nanocomposites on Dentin Bonding Ability
by Bayarchimeg Altankhishig, Yasuhiro Matsuda, Futami Nagano-Takebe, Katsushi Okuyama, Hiroko Yamamoto, Masahiko Sakurai, Katsuaki Naito, Mikako Hayashi, Hidehiko Sano, Sharanbir K. Sidhu and Takashi Saito
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(8), 1291; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12081291 - 11 Apr 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2166
Abstract
Despite recent advances in bonding restorations, which are the basis of restorative dentistry, secondary caries are still able to form. Previously, a novel fluoride-containing zinc and copper (ZCF) nanocomposite was introduced to prevent the formation of caries due to its antibacterial activity. In [...] Read more.
Despite recent advances in bonding restorations, which are the basis of restorative dentistry, secondary caries are still able to form. Previously, a novel fluoride-containing zinc and copper (ZCF) nanocomposite was introduced to prevent the formation of caries due to its antibacterial activity. In this study, we studied the impact of ZCF nanoparticles on the adhesive strength of bonding restorations through micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) testing. The impact of antibacterial and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors on the nanoparticles was also examined. The nanocomposites were prepared using a simple one-step homogeneous co-precipitation method at a low temperature. A self-etch adhesive was applied to 10 extracted caries-free human molars with (test group) and without (control group) the ZCF nanoparticles. This was followed by composite resin build-up and µTBS testing, MMP activity assays, and evaluation of the antibacterial effects. The results showed no significant differences in the µTBS between the ZCF and the control groups. However, the ZCF exhibited a significant inhibitory effect against MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9, in addition to an antibacterial effect on Streptococcus mutans. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that the addition of ZCF nanoparticles to adhesive systems can result in MMP inhibition and antibacterial action while maintaining the mechanical properties of the bonding restorations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects, Analysis and Applications of Nanomaterials in Biological Systems)
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20 pages, 4636 KiB  
Article
Hemolytic Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Antimicrobial Effects of Human Albumin- and Polysorbate-80-Coated Silver Nanoparticles
by Dmitry Korolev, Michael Shumilo, Galina Shulmeyster, Alexander Krutikov, Alexey Golovkin, Alexander Mishanin, Andrew Gorshkov, Anna Spiridonova, Anna Domorad, Alexander Krasichkov and Michael Galagudza
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1484; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11061484 - 03 Jun 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2684
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to develop a technique for colloidal silver nanoparticle (AgNP) modification in order to increase their stability in aqueous suspensions. For this purpose, 40-nm spherical AgNPs were modified by the addition of either human albumin or Tween-80 (Polysorbate-80). After [...] Read more.
In this study, we aimed to develop a technique for colloidal silver nanoparticle (AgNP) modification in order to increase their stability in aqueous suspensions. For this purpose, 40-nm spherical AgNPs were modified by the addition of either human albumin or Tween-80 (Polysorbate-80). After detailed characterization of their physicochemical properties, the hemolytic activity of the nonmodified and modified AgNPs was investigated, as well as their cytotoxicity and antimicrobial effects. Both albumin- and Tween-80-coated AgNPs demonstrated excellent stability in 0.9% sodium chloride solution (>12 months) compared to nonmodified AgNPs, characterized by their rapid precipitation. Hemolytic activity of nonmodified and albumin-coated AgNPs was found to be minimal, while Tween-80-modified AgNPs produced significant hemolysis after 1, 2, and 24 h of incubation. In addition, both native and Tween-80-covered AgNPs showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on human adipose-tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. The albumin-coated AgNPs showed minimal cytotoxicity. The antimicrobial effects of native and albumin-coated AgNPs against S. aureus, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, Corynebacterium spp., and Acinetobacter spp. were statistically significant. We conclude that albumin coating of AgNPs significantly contributes to improve stability, reduce cytotoxicity, and confers potent antimicrobial action. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects, Analysis and Applications of Nanomaterials in Biological Systems)
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11 pages, 3751 KiB  
Article
Potential Use of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotube Sponges as Payload Carriers Against Malignant Glioma
by Alelí Salazar, Verónica Pérez-de la Cruz, Emilio Muñoz-Sandoval, Víctor Chavarria, María de Lourdes García Morales, Alejandra Espinosa-Bonilla, Julio Sotelo, Anabel Jiménez-Anguiano and Benjamín Pineda
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(5), 1244; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11051244 - 08 May 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2252
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive brain tumor with a low median survival of 14 months. The only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for topical delivery of the cancer drug carmustine is Gliadel. However, its use has been associated with several side-effects, mainly [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive brain tumor with a low median survival of 14 months. The only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for topical delivery of the cancer drug carmustine is Gliadel. However, its use has been associated with several side-effects, mainly provoked by a mass effect. Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube sponges (N-CNSs) are a new type of nanomaterial exhibiting high biocompatibility, and they are able to load large amounts of hydrophobic drugs, reducing the amount of carriers. This study evaluated the use of N-CNSs as potential carmustine carriers using malignant glioma cell lines. N-CNSs were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The biocompatibility of N-CNSs was determined in glioma cell lines and in primary astrocytes. Afterward, N-CNSs were loaded with carmustine (1:10 w/w), and the drug and liberation efficiency, as well as cytotoxicity induction, were determined. N-CNSs presented a homogeneous size distribution formed by round nanotubes, without induced cytotoxicity, at concentrations below 40 µg/mL. The N-CNSs loaded with carmustine exhibited a continuous kinetic release of carmustine with a maximum release after 72 h. The cytotoxic effect of N-CNSs loaded with carmustine was similar to that of carmustine alone. The results demonstrated that N-CNSs are a biocompatible nanostructure that could be used as carriers for the tumoral load of large amounts of chemotherapeutic agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects, Analysis and Applications of Nanomaterials in Biological Systems)
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18 pages, 4015 KiB  
Article
Sesquiterpene-Loaded Co-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticle Effects on Human Mast Cell Surface Receptor Expression, Granule Contents, and Degranulation
by Narcy Arizmendi, Hui Qian, Yiming Li and Marianna Kulka
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(4), 953; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11040953 - 08 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2209
Abstract
Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) have been used as drug delivery systems for natural and synthetic compounds and are designed to control the loading and release of biodegradable materials to target cells, tissues, and organs. [...] Read more.
Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) have been used as drug delivery systems for natural and synthetic compounds and are designed to control the loading and release of biodegradable materials to target cells, tissues, and organs. Eremophilane-type sesquiterpenes have anti-inflammatory properties but are lipophilic, cytotoxic, and not biocompatible with many cells. To determine whether biodegradable PLGA/PVA could improve the biocompatibility of sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpene-loaded NPs were synthesized and their effects on human mast cells (LAD2), the major effector cells of allergic inflammation, were determined. NPs composed of PLGA/PVA and two types of sesquiterpenes (fukinone, PLGA/PVA-21 and 10βH-8α,12-epidioxyeremophil-7(11)-en-8β-ol, PLGA/PVA-22) were produced using a microfluidic synthesis method. The NPs’ size distribution and morphology were evaluated by dynamic light scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (TEM). PLGA/PVA-21 and PLGA/PVA-22 were 60 to 70 nm and were readily internalized by LAD2 as shown by flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and TEM. While unencapsulated sesquiterpenes decreased LAD2 cell viability by 20%, PLGA/PVA-21 and PLGA/PVA-22 did not alter LAD2 viability, showing that encapsulation improved the biocompatibility of the sesquiterpenes. PLGA/PVA-21 and PLGA/PVA-22 decreased the expression of genes encoding the subunits of the high affinity immunoglobulin E receptor (FcεR1α, FcεR1β, FcεR1γ) and the stem cell factor receptor (Kit,), suggesting that hybrid NPs could alter mast cell responses to antigens and shift their maturation. Similarly, PLGA/PVA-21 and PLGA/PVA-22 inhibited tryptase expression but had no effect on chymase expression, thereby promoting a shift to the tryptase-positive phenotype (MCT). Lastly, PLGA/PVA-21 and PLGA/PVA-22 inhibited mast cell degranulation when the LAD2 cells were activated by IgE crosslinking and FcεRI. Overall, our results suggest that PLGA/PVA-21 and PLGA/PVA-22 alter human mast cell phenotype and activation without modifying viability, making them a more biocompatible approach than treating cells with sesquiterpenes alone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects, Analysis and Applications of Nanomaterials in Biological Systems)
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