Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Special Issue "Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology"

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanoparticles are small particles that range between 1 and 100 nanometers in size. Given their nanoscale, they have unique material properties, and fabricated nanoparticles are used in a variety of applications, including medicine and pharmaceuticals, catalysis, and foods.

Biomolecules can also be engineered to have unique compositions and functions, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides. They can be collocated with various types of nanoparticles (e.g., metals and metal oxides) to utilize the inherent characteristics of the biomolecules to complement the unique properties of the nanoparticles, resulting in novel biomolecule–nanoparticle hybrids.

This Special Issue “Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology” of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences will focus on the synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of nanoparticles in molecular biology. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

Synthesis and functionalization of novel biomolecule–nanoparticle hybrids;
Application of nanoparticles in cancer treatment;
Preparation of nanomedicines utilizing nanoparticles and their pharmacokinetics;
Mechanistic study of nanoparticle–cell interactions;
Cytotoxic potential of nanoparticles.

Original research papers and reviews on the application of nanoparticles in molecular biology are welcome.

Dr. Maciej Monedeiro-Milanowski
Guest Editor

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

nanoparticles
nanomedicine
biomolecules
nanoparticle–cell interactions
organic–inorganic hybrid
cytotoxic potential

Published Papers (2 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

21 pages, 6036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Entrapment of Antimicrobial Peptides in Silica Particles for Stable and Effective Antimicrobial Peptide Delivery System

and

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(22), 16423; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242216423 - 16 Nov 2023

Viewed by 434

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising solution to tackle bacterial infections and combat antibiotic resistance. However, their vulnerability to protease degradation and toxicity towards mammalian cells has hindered their clinical application. To overcome these challenges, our study aims to develop a method to enhance the stability and safety of AMPs applicable to effective drug–device combination products. The KR12 antimicrobial peptide was chosen, and in order to further enhance its delivery and efficacy the human immunodeficiency virus TAT protein-derived cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) was fused to form CPP-KR12. A new product, CPP-KR12@Si, was developed by forming silica particles with self-entrapped CPP-KR12 peptide using biomimetic silica precipitability because of its cationic nature. Peptide delivery from CPP-KR12@Si to bacteria and cells was observed at a slightly delivered rate, with improved stability against trypsin treatment and a reduction in cytotoxicity compared to CPP-KR12. Finally, the antimicrobial potential of the CPP-KR12@Si/bone graft substitute (BGS) combination product was demonstrated. CPP-KR12 is coated in the form of submicron-sized particles on the surface of the BGS. Self-entrapped AMP in silica nanoparticles is a safe and effective AMP delivery method that will be useful for developing a drug–device combination product for tissue regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Their Biocompatibility and Bioactive Properties

and

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115901 - 02 Nov 2023

Viewed by 545

Abstract

A lot of nanomaterials have been applied to various nano-biotechnological fields, such as contrast agents, drug or gene delivery systems, cosmetics, and so on. Despite the expanding usage of nanomaterials, concerns persist regarding their potential toxicity. To address this issue, many scientists have tried to develop biocompatible nanomaterials containing phytochemicals as a promising solution. In this study, we synthesized biocompatible nanomaterials by using gallic acid (GA), which is a phytochemical, and coating it onto the surface of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Importantly, the GA-modified iron oxide nanoparticles (GA-IONPs) were successfully prepared through environmentally friendly methods, avoiding the use of harmful reagents and extreme conditions. The presence of GA on the surface of IONPs improved their stability and bioactive properties. In addition, cell viability assays proved that GA-IONPs possessed excellent biocompatibility in human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs). Additionally, GA-IONPs showed antioxidant activity, which reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in an oxidative stress model induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). To investigate the impact of GA-IONPs on exosome secretions from oxidative stress-induced cells, we analyzed the number and characteristics of exosomes in the culture media of HDPCs after H₂O₂ stimulation or GA-IONP treatment. Our analysis revealed that both the number and proportions of tetraspanins (CD9, CD81, and CD63) in exosomes were similar in the control group and the GA-IONP-treated groups. In contrast, exosome secretion was increased, and the proportion of tetraspanin was changed in the H₂O₂-treated group compared to the control group. It demonstrated that treatment with GA-IONPs effectively attenuated exosome secretion induced by H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, this GA-IONP exhibited outstanding promise for applications in the field of nanobiotechnology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Special Issue "Recent Advances in Nanoparticles in Molecular Biology"

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (2 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI