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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (22 April 2022) | Viewed by 41000

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Kumar Sudesh

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Guest Editor

School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
Interests: biobased polymers; biodegradable plastics; biopolyester

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The importance of nanomaterials needs no further introduction. Tremendous efforts and progress are being made continuously by researchers all over the world. Therefore, it is of utmost importance and urgency to document all the new achievements and disseminate the information as widely and as quickly as possible.

This Special Issue is one such timely effort dedicated to the various new developments in the design, synthesis, structure, function, and applications of nanomaterials in the field of biology. The scope of this Special Issue includes biological approaches for the synthesis of nanomaterials, the usage of biobased nanomaterials, and/or the biological applications of nanomaterials.

Prof. Dr. Kumar Sudesh
Guest Editor

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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

Electrospinning/electrodeposition
Nanoparticle
Nanofiber
Nanosensor
Nanocomposite

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 10633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomaterials Based on Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites of Poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene): The Effect of Nanotube Content on the Mechanical Properties, Biocompatibility and Hemocompatibility

by Maria A. Rezvova, Pavel A. Nikishau, Miraslau I. Makarevich, Tatiana V. Glushkova, Kirill Yu. Klyshnikov, Tatiana N. Akentieva, Olga S. Efimova, Andrey P. Nikitin, Valentina Yu. Malysheva, Vera G. Matveeva, Evgeniia A. Senokosova, Mariam Yu. Khanova, Viacheslav V. Danilov, Dmitry M. Russakov, Zinfer R. Ismagilov, Sergei V. Kostjuk and Evgeny A. Ovcharenko

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(5), 733; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12050733 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2825

Abstract

Nanocomposites based on poly(styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene) (SIBS) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared and characterized in terms of tensile strength as well as bio- and hemocompatibility. It was shown that modification of CNTs using dodecylamine (DDA), featured by a long non-polar alkane chain, provided much better dispersion of nanotubes in SIBS as compared to unmodified CNTs. As a result of such modification, the tensile strength of the nanocomposite based on SIBS with low molecular weight (M_n = 40,000 g mol^–1) containing 4% of functionalized CNTs was increased up to 5.51 ± 0.50 MPa in comparison with composites with unmodified CNTs (3.81 ± 0.11 MPa). However, the addition of CNTs had no significant effect on SIBS with high molecular weight (M_n~70,000 g mol⁻¹) with ultimate tensile stress of pure polymer of 11.62 MPa and 14.45 MPa in case of its modification with 1 wt% of CNT-DDA. Enhanced biocompatibility of nanocomposites as compared to neat SIBS has been demonstrated in experiment with EA.hy 926 cells. However, the platelet aggregation observed at high CNT concentrations can cause thrombosis. Therefore, SIBS with higher molecular weight (M_n~70,000 g mol⁻¹) reinforced by 1–2 wt% of CNTs is the most promising material for the development of cardiovascular implants such as heart valve prostheses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Advanced Biological Applications)

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24 pages, 3321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bacterial Cellulose (BC) and BC Composites: Production and Properties

by Tatiana G. Volova, Svetlana V. Prudnikova, Evgeniy G. Kiselev, Ivan V. Nemtsev, Alexander D. Vasiliev, Andrey P. Kuzmin and Ekaterina I. Shishatskaya

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(2), 192; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12020192 - 07 Jan 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3197

Abstract

The synthesis of bacterial cellulose (BC) by Komagataeibacter xylinus strain B-12068 was investigated on various C-substrates, under submerged conditions with stirring and in static surface cultures. We implemented the synthesis of BC on glycerol, glucose, beet molasses, sprat oil, and a mixture of glucose with sunflower oil. The most productive process was obtained during the production of inoculum in submerged culture and subsequent growth of large BC films (up to 0.2 m² and more) in a static surface culture. The highest productivity of the BC synthesis process was obtained with the growth of bacteria on molasses and glycerol, 1.20 and 1.45 g/L per day, respectively. We obtained BC composites with silver nanoparticles (BC/AgNPs) and antibacterial drugs (chlorhexidine, baneocin, cefotaxime, and doripenem), and investigated the structure, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of composites. The disc-diffusion method showed pronounced antibacterial activity of BC composites against E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 25923. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Advanced Biological Applications)

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15 pages, 4213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Inhibit TRPC4-Mediated Muscarinic Cation Current in Mouse Ileal Myocytes

by Lina T. Al Kury, Dimitrios Papandreou, Vasyl V. Hurmach, Dariia O. Dryn, Mariia I. Melnyk, Maxim O. Platonov, Yuriy I. Prylutskyy, Uwe Ritter, Peter Scharff and Alexander V. Zholos

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3410; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11123410 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1893

Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are characterized by a combination of rather unique physical and chemical properties, which makes them interesting biocompatible nanostructured materials for various applications, including in the biomedical field. SWCNTs are not inert carriers of drug molecules, as they may interact with various biological macromolecules, including ion channels. To investigate the mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of SWCNTs on the muscarinic receptor cation current (mI_CAT), induced by intracellular GTPγs (200 μM), in isolated mouse ileal myocytes, we have used the patch-clamp method in the whole-cell configuration. Here, we use molecular docking/molecular dynamics simulations and direct patch-clamp recordings of whole-cell currents to show that SWCNTs, purified and functionalized by carboxylation in water suspension containing single SWCNTs with a diameter of 0.5–1.5 nm, can inhibit mI_CAT, which is mainly carried by TRPC4 cation channels in ileal smooth muscle cells, and is the main regulator of cholinergic excitation–contraction coupling in the small intestinal tract. This inhibition was voltage-independent and associated with a shortening of the mean open time of the channel. These results suggest that SWCNTs cause a direct blockage of the TRPC4 channel and may represent a novel class of TRPC4 modulators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Advanced Biological Applications)

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21 pages, 13896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sorafenib Nanomicelles Effectively Shrink Tumors by Vaginal Administration for Preoperative Chemotherapy of Cervical Cancer

by Jun Wang, Fengmei Lv, Tao Sun, Shoujin Zhao, Haini Chen, Yu Liu and Zhepeng Liu

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3271; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11123271 - 01 Dec 2021

Viewed by 2050

Abstract

To investigate the potential of sorafenib (SF) in preoperative chemotherapy for cervical cancer to reduce tumor volume, sorafenib micelles (SF micelles) with good stability and high drug loading were designed. SF micelles were prepared by film hydration followed by the ultrasonic method. The results showed that the SF micelles were spherical with an average particle size of 67.18 ± 0.66 nm (PDI 0.17 ± 0.01), a considerable drug loading of 15.9 ± 0.46% (w/w%) and satisfactory stability in buffers containing plasma or not for at least 2 days. In vitro release showed that SF was gradually released from SF micelles and almost completely released on the third day. The results of in vitro cellular intake, cytotoxicity and proliferation of cervical cancer cell TC-1 showed that SF micelles were superior to sorafenib (Free SF). For intravaginal administration, SF micelles were dispersed in HPMC (SF micelles/HPMC), showed good viscosity sustained-release profiles in vitro and exhibited extended residence in intravaginal in vivo. Compared with SF micelles dispersed in N.S. (SF micelles/N.S.), SF micelles/HPMC significantly reduced tumor size with a tumor weight inhibition rate of 73%. The results suggested that SF micelles had good potential for preoperative tumor shrinkage and improving the quality life of patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Advanced Biological Applications)

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13 pages, 4086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanism of Amyloid Gel Formation by Several Short Amyloidogenic Peptides

by Oxana V. Galzitskaya, Olga M. Selivanova, Elena Y. Gorbunova, Leila G. Mustaeva, Viacheslav N. Azev and Alexey K. Surin

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 3129; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11113129 - 20 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

Under certain conditions, many proteins/peptides are capable of self-assembly into various supramolecular formations: fibrils, films, amyloid gels. Such formations can be associated with pathological phenomena, for example, with various neurodegenerative diseases in humans (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and others), or perform various functions in the body, both in humans and in representatives of other domains of life. Recently, more and more data have appeared confirming the ability of many known and, probably, not yet studied proteins/peptides, to self-assemble into quaternary structures. Fibrils, biofilms and amyloid gels are promising objects for the developing field of research of nanobiotechnology. To develop methods for obtaining nanobiomaterials with desired properties, it is necessary to study the mechanism of such structure formation, as well as the influence of various factors on this process. In this work, we present the results of a study of the structure of biogels formed by four 10-membered amyloidogenic peptides: the VDSWNVLVAG peptide (AspNB) and its analogue VESWNVLVAG (GluNB), which are amyloidogenic fragments of the glucantransferase Bgl2p protein from a yeast cell wall, and amyloidogenic peptides Aβ(31–40), Aβ(33–42) from the Aβ(1–42) peptide. Based on the analysis of the data, we propose a possible mechanism for the formation of amyloid gels with these peptides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Advanced Biological Applications)

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14 pages, 5546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functionalized Protein Nanotubes Based on the Bacteriophage vB_KleM-RaK2 Tail Sheath Protein

by Greta Labutytė, Simona Povilonienė, Eugenijus Šimoliūnas, Dovydas Gabrielaitis, Martynas Skapas, Algirdas Noreika, Rolandas Meškys and Vida Časaitė

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 3031; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11113031 - 12 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1435

Abstract

We report on the construction of functionalized nanotubes based on tail sheath protein 041 from vB_KleM-RaK2 bacteriophage. The truncated 041 protein (041Δ200) was fused with fluorescent proteins GFP and mCherry or amidohydrolase YqfB. The generated chimeric proteins were successfully synthesized in E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells and self-assembled into tubular structures. We detected the fluorescence of the structures, which was confirmed by stimulated emission depletion microscopy. When 041Δ200GFP and 041Δ200mCherry were coexpressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells, the formed nanotubes generated Förster resonance energy transfer, indicating that both fluorescent proteins assemble into a single nanotube. Chimeric 041Δ200YqfB nanotubes possessed an enzymatic activity, which was confirmed by hydrolysis of N⁴-acetyl-2′-deoxycytidine. The enzymatic properties of 041Δ200YqfB were similar to those of a free wild-type YqfB. Hence, we conclude that 041-based chimeric nanotubes have the potential for the development of delivery vehicles and targeted imaging and are applicable as scaffolds for biocatalysts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Advanced Biological Applications)

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15 pages, 2035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Particulate Mycobacterial Vaccines Induce Protective Immunity against Tuberculosis in Mice

by Shuxiong Chen, Diana H. Quan, Xiaonan T. Wang, Sarah Sandford, Joanna R. Kirman, Warwick J. Britton and Bernd H. A. Rehm

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(8), 2060; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11082060 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2652

Abstract

Currently available vaccines fail to provide consistent protection against tuberculosis (TB). New, improved vaccines are urgently needed for controlling the disease. The mycobacterial antigen fusions H4 (Ag85B-TB10.4) and H28 (Ag85B-TB10.4-Rv2660c) have been shown to be very immunogenic and have been considered as potential candidates for TB vaccine development. However, soluble protein vaccines are often poorly immunogenic, but augmented immune responses can be induced when selected antigens are delivered in particulate form. This study investigated whether the mycobacterial antigen fusions H4 and H28 can induce protective immunity when assembled into particulate vaccines (polyester nanoparticle-H4, polyester nanoparticle-H28, H4 nanoparticles and H28 nanoparticles). The particulate mycobacterial vaccines were assembled inside an engineered endotoxin-free production strain of Escherichia coli at high yield. Vaccine nanoparticles were purified and induced long-lasting antigen-specific T cell responses and protective immunity in mice challenged by aerosol with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A significant reduction of M. tuberculosis CFU, up to 0.7-log₁₀ protection, occurred in the lungs of mice immunized with particulate vaccines in comparison to placebo-vaccinated mice (p < 0.0001). Polyester nanoparticles displaying the mycobacterial antigen fusion H4 induced a similar level of protective immunity in the lung when compared to M. bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the currently approved TB vaccine. The safe and immunogenic polyester nanoparticle-H4 vaccine is a promising subunit vaccine candidate, as it can be cost-effectively manufactured and efficiently induces protection against TB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Advanced Biological Applications)

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11 pages, 3845 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Magnesium Hydroxide Nanoparticles Kill Exponentially Growing and Persister Escherichia coli Cells by Causing Physical Damage

by Yohei Nakamura, Kaede Okita, Daisuke Kudo, Dao Nguyen Duy Phuong, Yoshihito Iwamoto, Yoshie Yoshioka, Wataru Ariyoshi and Ryota Yamasaki

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1584; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11061584 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2938

Abstract

Magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles are widely used in medicinal and hygiene products because of their low toxicity, environment-friendliness, and low cost. Here, we studied the effects of three different sizes of magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles on antibacterial activity: NM80, NM300, and NM700. NM80 (D₅₀ = 75.2 nm) showed a higher bactericidal effect against Escherichia coli than larger nanoparticles (D₅₀ = 328 nm (NM300) or 726 nm (NM700)). Moreover, NM80 showed a high bactericidal effect against not only exponential cells but also persister cells, which are difficult to eliminate owing to their high tolerance to antibiotics. NM80 eliminated strains in which magnesium-transport genes were knocked out and exhibited a bactericidal effect similar to that observed in the wild-type strain. The bactericidal action involved physical cell damage, as confirmed using scanning electron microscopy, which showed that E. coli cells treated with NM80 were directly injured. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Advanced Biological Applications)

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15 pages, 5241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Acid-Anhydride-Modified Cellulose Nanofiber on Poly(Lactic Acid) Composite Films

by Naharullah Jamaluddin, Yu-I Hsu, Taka-Aki Asoh and Hiroshi Uyama

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 753; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11030753 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2701

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effect of the addition of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) fillers on the performance of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Modification of the hydroxyl group of cellulose to the acyl group by acid anhydrides changed the compatibility of the CNF with PLA. CNF was modified by acetic anhydride, propionic anhydride, and butyric anhydride to form surface-modified acetylated CNF (CNFa), propionylated CNF (CNFp), and butyrylated CNF (CNFb), respectively, to improve the compatibility with the PLA matrix. The effects of the different acid anhydrides were compared based on their rates of reaction in the acylation process. PLA with modified cellulose nanofiber fillers formed smoother surfaces with better transparency, mechanical, and wettability properties compared with the PLA/CNF composite film. The effects of CNFa, CNFp, and CNFb on the PLA matrix were compared, and it was found that CNFp was the best filler for PLA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Advanced Biological Applications)

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Review

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20 pages, 1670 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanomaterial-Based Therapy for Wound Healing

by Anamika Kushwaha, Lalit Goswami and Beom Soo Kim

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(4), 618; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12040618 - 12 Feb 2022

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 4508

Abstract

Poor wound healing affects millions of people globally, resulting in increased mortality rates and associated expenses. The three major complications associated with wounds are: (i) the lack of an appropriate environment to enable the cell migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis; (ii) the microbial infection; (iii) unstable and protracted inflammation. Unfortunately, existing therapeutic methods have not solved these primary problems completely, and, thus, they have an inadequate medical accomplishment. Over the years, the integration of the remarkable properties of nanomaterials into wound healing has produced significant results. Nanomaterials can stimulate numerous cellular and molecular processes that aid in the wound microenvironment via antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects, possibly changing the milieu from nonhealing to healing. The present article highlights the mechanism and pathophysiology of wound healing. Further, it discusses the current findings concerning the prospects and challenges of nanomaterial usage in the management of chronic wounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Advanced Biological Applications)

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27 pages, 5139 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring Various Techniques for the Chemical and Biological Synthesis of Polymeric Nanoparticles

by Thiruchelvi Pulingam, Parisa Foroozandeh, Jo-Ann Chuah and Kumar Sudesh

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(3), 576; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12030576 - 08 Feb 2022

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 9816

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) have remarkable properties for delivering therapeutic drugs to the body’s targeted cells. NPs have shown to be significantly more efficient as drug delivery carriers than micron-sized particles, which are quickly eliminated by the immune system. Biopolymer-based polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) are colloidal systems composed of either natural or synthetic polymers and can be synthesized by the direct polymerization of monomers (e.g., emulsion polymerization, surfactant-free emulsion polymerization, mini-emulsion polymerization, micro-emulsion polymerization, and microbial polymerization) or by the dispersion of preformed polymers (e.g., nanoprecipitation, emulsification solvent evaporation, emulsification solvent diffusion, and salting-out). The desired characteristics of NPs and their target applications are determining factors in the choice of method used for their production. This review article aims to shed light on the different methods employed for the production of PNPs and to discuss the effect of experimental parameters on the physicochemical properties of PNPs. Thus, this review highlights specific properties of PNPs that can be tailored to be employed as drug carriers, especially in hospitals for point-of-care diagnostics for targeted therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Advanced Biological Applications)

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20 pages, 856 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Polyhydroxyalkanoate Nanocarriers for Effective Drug Delivery: An Overview and Challenges

by Priyanka Prakash, Wing-Hin Lee, Ching-Yee Loo, Hau Seung Jeremy Wong and Thaigarajan Parumasivam

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(1), 175; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12010175 - 05 Jan 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3539

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are natural polymers produced under specific conditions by certain organisms, primarily bacteria, as a source of energy. These up-and-coming bioplastics are an undeniable asset in enhancing the effectiveness of drug delivery systems, which demand characteristics like non-immunogenicity, a sustained and controlled drug release, targeted delivery, as well as a high drug loading capacity. Given their biocompatibility, biodegradability, modifiability, and compatibility with hydrophobic drugs, PHAs often provide a superior alternative to free drug therapy or treatments using other polymeric nanocarriers. The many formulation methods of existing PHA nanocarriers, such as emulsion solvent evaporation, nanoprecipitation, dialysis, and in situ polymerization, are explained in this review. Due to their flexibility that allows for a vessel tailormade to its intended application, PHA nanocarriers have found their place in diverse therapy options like anticancer and anti-infective treatments, which are among the applications of PHA nanocarriers discussed in this article. Despite their many positive attributes, the advancement of PHA nanocarriers to clinical trials of drug delivery applications has been stunted due to the polymers’ natural hydrophobicity, controversial production materials, and high production costs, among others. These challenges are explored in this review, alongside their existing solutions and alternatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Advanced Biological Applications)

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