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Nano & Micro Materials in Healthcare 2.0

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Macromolecules".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2024 | Viewed by 14766

Special Issue Editors

Bio-Nano Electronics Research Centre, Toyo University, Kawagoe 350-8585, Japan
Interests: nanoscience; nanotechnology; biomaterials; nanomaterials; nano-drug delivery; cell scaffolding; tissue engineering; cancer therapy; plant nanotechnology; green chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Graduate School of Interdisciplinary New Science, Bio-Nano Electronics Research Centre, Toyo University, Kawagoe 350-8585, Japan
Interests: bio-nano fusion science; nanotechnology; nanoscience; nanobioscience; materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is the continuation of our previous Special Issue “Nano & Micro Materials in Healthcare”.

The Special Issue “Nano and Micro Materials in Healthcare 2.0” aims to provide an exciting multidisciplinary platform for research in the application of nano- and micro-materials in the field of therapeutics for the improvement of human health. This Special Issue intends to cover a wide spectrum of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research areas related to biomedicine, targeted drug delivery, theranostics and personalized medicine. Pharmacological and toxicological evaluations of nano- and micro-materials are also welcome.

The scope of this Special Issue will cover (but is not limited to) the application of nano- and micro-materials in the following key subject areas:

  • Medicine—studies on basic, pre-clinical, translational and clinical research in drug delivery (nano/microDDS), imaging, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, theranostics, gene therapy, immunotherapy, application in various health-related issues, such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic and infectious diseases, to name a few, along with applications in vaccines and precision medicine;
  • Biomaterials—such as biocompatible/degradable materials, nano/microfibers, hydrogels, composites, 2D materials, biomimetic hybrids, biopolymers;
  • Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine—including scaffolds, grafts and patches, cell and tissue engineering, tissue regeneration, wound healing;
  • Devices for biomedical applications—such as BioMEMS, organs/lab-on-a-chip, diagnostic devices, biosensors, wearables, microfluidics, implantable devices, nano/micro-robotics. 

Dr. M. Sheikh Mohamed
Prof. Dr. Toru Maekawa
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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. 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
  • theranostics
  • therapeutics
  • drug delivery
  • nanomedicine
  • precision medicine
  • regenerative medicine
  • diagnostics
  • toxicology
  • vaccines
  • cancer
  • cardiovascular disease
  • immunotherapy
  • gene therapy
  • infectious diseases therapy
  • tissue engineering
  • imaging
  • implants
  • nano/microfluidics, targeting
  • translational medicine
  • biosensors

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 7787 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Nanoparticle-Assisted Chemo-Photothermal Therapy and Photoacoustic Imaging in a Three-Dimensional Breast Cancer Cell Model
by Barbara Carrese, Chiara Cavallini, Paolo Armanetti, Brigida Silvestri, Gaetano Calì, Giuseppina Luciani, Gennaro Sanità, Luca Menichetti and Annalisa Lamberti
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(24), 17374; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242417374 - 12 Dec 2023
Viewed by 879
Abstract
Bioinspired nanoparticles have recently been gaining attention as promising multifunctional nanoplatforms for therapeutic applications in cancer, including breast cancer. Here, the efficiency of the chemo-photothermal and photoacoustic properties of hybrid albumin-modified nanoparticles (HSA-NPs) loaded with doxorubicin was evaluated in a three-dimensional breast cancer [...] Read more.
Bioinspired nanoparticles have recently been gaining attention as promising multifunctional nanoplatforms for therapeutic applications in cancer, including breast cancer. Here, the efficiency of the chemo-photothermal and photoacoustic properties of hybrid albumin-modified nanoparticles (HSA-NPs) loaded with doxorubicin was evaluated in a three-dimensional breast cancer cell model. The HSA-NPs showed a higher uptake and deeper penetration into breast cancer spheroids than healthy breast cell 3D cultures. Confocal microscopy revealed that, in tumour spheroids incubated with doxorubicin-loaded NPs for 16 h, doxorubicin was mainly localised in the cytoplasm, while a strong signal was detectable at the nuclear level after 24 h, suggesting a time-dependent uptake. To evaluate the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin-loaded NPs, tumour spheroids were treated for up to 96 h with increasing concentrations of NPs, showing marked toxicity only at the highest concentration of doxorubicin. When doxorubicin administration was combined with laser photothermal irradiation, enhanced cytotoxicity was observed at lower concentrations and incubation times. Finally, the photoacoustic properties of doxorubicin-loaded NPs were evaluated in tumour spheroids, showing a detectable signal increasing with NP concentration. Overall, our data show that the combined effect of chemo-photothermal therapy results in a shorter exposure time to doxorubicin and a lower drug dose. Furthermore, owing to the photoacoustic properties of the NPs, this nanoplatform may represent a good candidate for theranostic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano & Micro Materials in Healthcare 2.0)
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14 pages, 8444 KiB  
Article
Glucocorticoid Nanoparticles Show Full Therapeutic Efficacy in a Mouse Model of Acute Lung Injury and Concomitantly Reduce Adverse Effects
by Gesa J. Albers, Agathe Amouret, Katrin Ciupka, Elena Montes-Cobos, Claus Feldmann and Holger M. Reichardt
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(23), 16843; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242316843 - 28 Nov 2023
Viewed by 700
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used to treat inflammatory disorders such as acute lung injury (ALI). Here, we explored inorganic–organic hybrid nanoparticles (IOH-NPs) as a new delivery vehicle for GCs in a mouse model of ALI. Betamethasone (BMZ) encapsulated into IOH-NPs (BNPs) ameliorated the [...] Read more.
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used to treat inflammatory disorders such as acute lung injury (ALI). Here, we explored inorganic–organic hybrid nanoparticles (IOH-NPs) as a new delivery vehicle for GCs in a mouse model of ALI. Betamethasone (BMZ) encapsulated into IOH-NPs (BNPs) ameliorated the massive infiltration of neutrophils into the airways with a similar efficacy as the free drug. This was accompanied by a potent inhibition of pulmonary gene expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, whereas the alveolar–capillary barrier integrity was only restored by BMZ in its traditional form. Experiments with genetically engineered mice identified myeloid cells and alveolar type II (AT II) cells as essential targets of BNPs in ALI therapy, confirming their high cell-type specificity. Consequently, adverse effects were reduced when using IOH-NPs for GC delivery. BNPs did not alter T and B cell numbers in the blood and also prevented the induction of muscle atrophy after three days of treatment. Collectively, our data suggest that IOH-NPs target GCs to myeloid and AT II cells, resulting in full therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of ALI while being associated with reduced adverse effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano & Micro Materials in Healthcare 2.0)
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14 pages, 5557 KiB  
Article
Alkoxysilane-Mediated Decoration of Si Nanowires Vertical Arrays with Au Nanoparticles as Improved SERS-Active Platforms
by Maria Josè Lo Faro, Ileana Ielo, Dario Morganti, Antonio Alessio Leonardi, Sabrina Conoci, Barbara Fazio, Giovanna De Luca and Alessia Irrera
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(23), 16685; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242316685 - 24 Nov 2023
Viewed by 700
Abstract
The search for improved transducers to fabricate better-performing (bio)sensors is a challenging but rewarding endeavor aiming to better diagnose and treat diseases. In this paper, we report on the decoration of a dense vertical array of ultrathin silicon nanowires (Si NWs), produced by [...] Read more.
The search for improved transducers to fabricate better-performing (bio)sensors is a challenging but rewarding endeavor aiming to better diagnose and treat diseases. In this paper, we report on the decoration of a dense vertical array of ultrathin silicon nanowires (Si NWs), produced by metal-assisted chemical etching, with 20 nm gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications. To optimize the production of a uniform 3D SERS active platform, we tested different Si NW surface functionalizations with various alkoxysilanes before Au decoration. Scanning electron microscopy investigations confirm that Au NPs decorate both bare and (3-glycidiloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS)-modified Si NWs with a high surface coverage uniformity. The SERS response of the decorated NWs was probed using a model dye system (methylene blue; MB) at 633 and 785 nm excitation wavelengths. The GPTMS-modified NWs present the highest enhancements of 2.9 and 2.6 for the 450 cm−1 and 1625 cm−1 peaks under 785 nm excitation and of 10.8 and 5.3 for the 450 cm−1 and 1625 cm−1 peaks under 633 nm excitation. These results demonstrate the perspective role of Si NWs decorated with Au NPs as a low-cost 3D SERS platform. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano & Micro Materials in Healthcare 2.0)
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Review

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23 pages, 2676 KiB  
Review
Cell Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles for Precision Medicine: A Comprehensive Review of Coating Techniques for Tissue-Specific Therapeutics
by Andrés Fernández-Borbolla, Lorena García-Hevia and Mónica L. Fanarraga
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(4), 2071; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25042071 - 08 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1149
Abstract
Nanoencapsulation has become a recent advancement in drug delivery, enhancing stability, bioavailability, and enabling controlled, targeted substance delivery to specific cells or tissues. However, traditional nanoparticle delivery faces challenges such as a short circulation time and immune recognition. To tackle these issues, cell [...] Read more.
Nanoencapsulation has become a recent advancement in drug delivery, enhancing stability, bioavailability, and enabling controlled, targeted substance delivery to specific cells or tissues. However, traditional nanoparticle delivery faces challenges such as a short circulation time and immune recognition. To tackle these issues, cell membrane-coated nanoparticles have been suggested as a practical alternative. The production process involves three main stages: cell lysis and membrane fragmentation, membrane isolation, and nanoparticle coating. Cell membranes are typically fragmented using hypotonic lysis with homogenization or sonication. Subsequent membrane fragments are isolated through multiple centrifugation steps. Coating nanoparticles can be achieved through extrusion, sonication, or a combination of both methods. Notably, this analysis reveals the absence of a universally applicable method for nanoparticle coating, as the three stages differ significantly in their procedures. This review explores current developments and approaches to cell membrane-coated nanoparticles, highlighting their potential as an effective alternative for targeted drug delivery and various therapeutic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano & Micro Materials in Healthcare 2.0)
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49 pages, 2492 KiB  
Review
Lipid Nanoparticles: An Effective Tool to Improve the Bioavailability of Nutraceuticals
by Rabia Ashfaq, Akhtar Rasul, Sajid Asghar, Anita Kovács, Szilvia Berkó and Mária Budai-Szűcs
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15764; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115764 - 30 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1102
Abstract
Nano-range bioactive colloidal carrier systems are envisaged to overcome the challenges associated with treatments of numerous diseases. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), one of the extensively investigated drug delivery systems, not only improve pharmacokinetic parameters, transportation, and chemical stability of encapsulated compounds but also provide [...] Read more.
Nano-range bioactive colloidal carrier systems are envisaged to overcome the challenges associated with treatments of numerous diseases. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), one of the extensively investigated drug delivery systems, not only improve pharmacokinetic parameters, transportation, and chemical stability of encapsulated compounds but also provide efficient targeting and reduce the risk of toxicity. Over the last decades, nature-derived polyphenols, vitamins, antioxidants, dietary supplements, and herbs have received more attention due to their remarkable biological and pharmacological health and medical benefits. However, their poor aqueous solubility, compromised stability, insufficient absorption, and accelerated elimination impede research in the nutraceutical sector. Owing to the possibilities offered by various LNPs, their ability to accommodate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules and the availability of various preparation methods suitable for sensitive molecules, loading natural fragile molecules into LNPs offers a promising solution. The primary objective of this work is to explore the synergy between nature and nanotechnology, encompassing a wide range of research aimed at encapsulating natural therapeutic molecules within LNPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano & Micro Materials in Healthcare 2.0)
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32 pages, 5804 KiB  
Review
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as a Potential Nanoplatform: Therapeutic Applications and Considerations
by Krismala Djayanti, Pooja Maharjan, Kwan Hyung Cho, Sehoon Jeong, Man Su Kim, Meong Cheol Shin and Kyoung Ah Min
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(7), 6349; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24076349 - 28 Mar 2023
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3482
Abstract
With advances in nanotechnology, nanoparticles have come to be regarded as carriers of therapeutic agents and have been widely studied to overcome various diseases in the biomedical field. Among these particles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been investigated as potential nanocarriers to deliver [...] Read more.
With advances in nanotechnology, nanoparticles have come to be regarded as carriers of therapeutic agents and have been widely studied to overcome various diseases in the biomedical field. Among these particles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been investigated as potential nanocarriers to deliver drug molecules to various target sites in the body. This review introduces the physicochemical properties of MSNs and synthesis procedures of MSN-based nanoplatforms. Moreover, we focus on updating biomedical applications of MSNs as a carrier of therapeutic or diagnostic cargo and review clinical trials using silica-nanoparticle-based systems. Herein, on the one hand, we pay attention to the pharmaceutical advantages of MSNs, including nanometer particle size, high surface area, and porous structures, thus enabling efficient delivery of high drug-loading content. On the other hand, we look through biosafety and toxicity issues associated with MSN-based platforms. Based on many reports so far, MSNs have been widely applied to construct tissue engineering platforms as well as treat various diseases, including cancer, by surface functionalization or incorporation of stimuli-responsive components. However, even with the advantageous aspects that MSNs possess, there are still considerations, such as optimizing physicochemical properties or dosage regimens, regarding use of MSNs in clinics. Progress in synthesis procedures and scale-up production as well as a thorough investigation into the biosafety of MSNs would enable design of innovative and safe MSN-based platforms in biomedical fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano & Micro Materials in Healthcare 2.0)
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36 pages, 4724 KiB  
Review
Nanostrategies for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Targeting of Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor
by Beata Paulina Rurarz, Małgorzata Bukowczyk, Natalia Gibka, Agnieszka Wanda Piastowska-Ciesielska, Urszula Karczmarczyk and Piotr Ulański
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(4), 3455; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24043455 - 09 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2218
Abstract
Advances in nanomedicine bring the attention of researchers to the molecular targets that can play a major role in the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic modalities for cancer management. The choice of a proper molecular target can decide the efficacy of the [...] Read more.
Advances in nanomedicine bring the attention of researchers to the molecular targets that can play a major role in the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic modalities for cancer management. The choice of a proper molecular target can decide the efficacy of the treatment and endorse the personalized medicine approach. Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is a G-protein-coupled membrane receptor, well known to be overexpressed in numerous malignancies including pancreatic, prostate, breast, lung, colon, cervical, and gastrointestinal cancers. Therefore, many research groups express a deep interest in targeting GRPR with their nanoformulations. A broad spectrum of the GRPR ligands has been described in the literature, which allows tuning of the properties of the final formulation, particularly in the field of the ligand affinity to the receptor and internalization possibilities. Hereby, the recent advances in the field of applications of various nanoplatforms that are able to reach the GRPR-expressing cells are reviewed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano & Micro Materials in Healthcare 2.0)
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33 pages, 3229 KiB  
Review
Electrospun Biomimetic Nanofibrous Scaffolds: A Promising Prospect for Bone Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
by Shabnam Anjum, Farheen Rahman, Prashant Pandey, Dilip Kumar Arya, Mahmood Alam, Paruvathanahalli Siddalingam Rajinikanth and Qiang Ao
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9206; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169206 - 16 Aug 2022
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 3464
Abstract
Skeletal-related disorders such as arthritis, bone cancer, osteosarcoma, and osteoarthritis are among the most common reasons for mortality in humans at present. Nanostructured scaffolds have been discovered to be more efficient for bone regeneration than macro/micro-sized scaffolds because they sufficiently permit cell adhesion, [...] Read more.
Skeletal-related disorders such as arthritis, bone cancer, osteosarcoma, and osteoarthritis are among the most common reasons for mortality in humans at present. Nanostructured scaffolds have been discovered to be more efficient for bone regeneration than macro/micro-sized scaffolds because they sufficiently permit cell adhesion, proliferation, and chemical transformation. Nanofibrous scaffolds mimicking artificial extracellular matrices provide a natural environment for tissue regeneration owing to their large surface area, high porosity, and appreciable drug loading capacity. Here, we review recent progress and possible future prospective electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds have demonstrated promising potential in bone tissue regeneration using a variety of nanomaterials. This review focused on the crucial role of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds in biological applications, including drug/growth factor delivery to bone tissue regeneration. Natural and synthetic polymeric nanofibrous scaffolds are extensively inspected to regenerate bone tissue. We focused mainly on the significant impact of nanofibrous composite scaffolds on cell adhesion and function, and different composites of organic/inorganic nanoparticles with nanofiber scaffolds. This analysis provides an overview of nanofibrous scaffold-based bone regeneration strategies; however, the same concepts can be applied to other organ and tissue regeneration tactics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano & Micro Materials in Healthcare 2.0)
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