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Advanced Nanomaterials for Biological, Medical and Environmental Applications (Volume II)—the 15th Anniversary of Materials

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2024 | Viewed by 9074

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Dr. Miruna Silvia Stan

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Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: nanoparticles; photocatalysts; medical devices; oxidative stress; biomaterials
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to invite you to submit your research papers to our upcoming Special Issue titled “Advanced Nanomaterials for Biological, Medical and Environmental Applications (Volume II)-the 15th Anniversary of Materials”. This Special Issue is being launched to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the journal Materials and to highlight the latest advancements in the field of nanomaterials for biological, medical, and environmental applications.

The field of nanomaterials has shown tremendous potential in recent years, providing promising solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the biological, medical, and environmental sectors. This Special Issue seeks to provide a platform for researchers to present their cutting-edge research in this field, with a particular focus on the application of nanomaterials to solve problems related to biology, medicine, and the environment.

Original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that address topics related to advanced nanomaterials for biological, medical, and environmental applications are all welcome. Some of the key themes we hope to cover in this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

Synthesis and characterization of advanced nanomaterials for biomedical applications;
Nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery and imaging in medicine;
Nano-biosensors and nanobiosystems for the detection and monitoring of biological species;
Nanomaterials for water treatment and remediation of environmental pollutants;
The impact of nanomaterials on environmental health and safety.

This Special Issue will serve as an important platform for researchers to share their latest findings and contribute to the advancements of the field. We look forward to receiving your submissions and making this Special Issue a great success.

Dr. Miruna Silvia Stan
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. 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

nanobiosystems
synthesis
nanotoxicology
nanomedicine
nanotechnology

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 7134 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study on the Removal Efficiency of Clomazone and Amitriptyline via Adsorption and Photocatalysis in Aqueous Media: Kinetic Models and Toxicity Assessment

by Nataša Tot, Vesna Despotović, Sanja Panić, Branko Kordić, Nina Finčur, Jovana Prekodravac, Dimitar Jakimov, Predrag Putnik, Biljana Abramović and Daniela Šojić Merkulov

Materials 2024, 17(6), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17061369 - 16 Mar 2024

Viewed by 478

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of adsorption and photocatalysis techniques at removing the herbicide clomazone (CLO) and the antidepressant known as amitriptyline (AMI) from water. This study employed kinetic models to analyze the removal processes and assess the potential toxicity of the treated water. The structure and morphology of the prepared multi-walled carbon nanotubes were characterized as adsorbents by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared techniques, and Raman spectroscopy. The adsorption kinetics of CLO and AMI were studied on the pristine and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Kinetic studies were performed by modeling the obtained experimental data using three kinetic models: pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich kinetic models. On the other hand, the efficiency of CLO and AMI photodegradation was examined as a function of the type of irradiation (UV and simulated solar irradiation) and type of TiO₂ photocatalyst (Aeroxide and Kronos). Under the experimental conditions employed, the reaction followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Additionally, in order to assess the toxicity of water containing CLO, AMI, and their intermediates, toxicity assessments were conducted using human fetal lung fibroblast cells. The results obtained indicate the effectiveness of both methods and provide valuable insights into their removal mechanisms, contributing to the advancement of sustainable water treatment strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Biological, Medical and Environmental Applications (Volume II)—the 15th Anniversary of Materials)

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15 pages, 3103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pure Epigallocatechin-3-gallate-Assisted Green Synthesis of Highly Stable Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

by Bogdan Andrei Miu, Miruna Silvia Stan, Maria Mernea, Anca Dinischiotu and Ionela Cristina Voinea

Materials 2024, 17(2), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17020275 - 05 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1044

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) are conventionally produced by using physical and chemical methods that are no longer in alignment with current society’s demand for a low environmental impact. Accordingly, green synthesis approaches are considered a potential alternative due to the plant extracts that substitute some of the hazardous reagents. The general mechanism is based on the reducing power of natural products that allows the formation of NPs from a precursor solution. In this context, our study proposes a simple, innovative, and reproducible green approach for the synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO₂ NPs) that uses, for the first time, the major component of green tea (Camellia sinensis)—epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a non-toxic, dietary, accessible, and bioactive molecule. The influence of EGCG on the formation of TiO₂ NPs was analyzed by comparing the physicochemical characteristics of green synthesized NPs with the chemically obtained ones. The synthesis of bare TiO₂ NPs was performed by hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide in distilled water, and green TiO₂ NPs were obtained in the same conditions, but in the presence of a 1 mM EGCG aqueous solution. The formation of TiO₂ NPs was confirmed by UV-VIS and FTIR spectroscopy. SEM micrographs showed spherical particles with relatively low diameters. Our findings also revealed that green synthesized NPs were more stable in colloids than the chemically synthesized ones. However, the phytocompound negatively influenced the formation of a crystalline structure in the green synthesized TiO₂ NPs. Furthermore, the synthesis of EGCG–TiO₂ NPs could become a versatile choice for applications extending beyond photocatalysis, including promising prospects in the biomedical field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Biological, Medical and Environmental Applications (Volume II)—the 15th Anniversary of Materials)

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23 pages, 9067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anionic Hyperbranched Amphiphilic Polyelectrolytes as Nanocarriers for Antimicrobial Proteins and Peptides

by Anastasia Balafouti, Aleksander Forys, Barbara Trzebicka, Angelica Maria Gerardos and Stergios Pispas

Materials 2023, 16(24), 7702; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16247702 - 18 Dec 2023

Viewed by 680

Abstract

This manuscript presents the synthesis of hyperbranched amphiphilic poly (lauryl methacrylate-co-tert-butyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid), H-P(LMA-co-tBMA-co-MAA) copolymers via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of tBMA and LMA, and their post-polymerization modification to anionic amphiphilic polyelectrolytes. The focus is on investigating whether the combination of the hydrophobic characters of LMA and tBMA segments, as well as the polyelectrolyte and hydrophilic properties of MAA segments, both distributed within a unique hyperbranched polymer chain topology, would result in intriguing, branched copolymers with the potential to be applied in nanomedicine. Therefore, we studied the self-assembly behavior of these copolymers in aqueous media, as well as their ability to form complexes with cationic proteins, namely lysozyme (LYZ) and polymyxin (PMX). Various physicochemical characterization techniques, including size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), verified the molecular characteristics of these well-defined copolymers, whereas light scattering and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques revealed promising nanoparticle (NP) self- and co-assembly properties of the copolymers in aqueous media. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Biological, Medical and Environmental Applications (Volume II)—the 15th Anniversary of Materials)

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15 pages, 3966 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knitted Structures Made of Antibacterial Fibers Intended for Protective Gloves

by Emilia Smiechowicz, Barbara Niekraszewicz, Magdalena Klonowska, Marta Strzelinska, Emilia Irzmanska and Natalia Litwicka

Materials 2023, 16(23), 7276; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16237276 - 22 Nov 2023

Viewed by 686

Abstract

At a time of growing epidemic hazards caused by a very rapid evolution of dangerous pathogens, there is a pressing demand for bioactive textiles. Therefore, the development of high-quality knitted structures that could be used as bioactive protective materials has become a priority. This publication describes the fabrication of functional knitted structures from previously prepared antibacterial cellulose fibers containing nanosilica with immobilized silver nanoparticles. The structural and physical parameters of knitted fabrics made from them were studied with a view to their potential application in bioactive protective gloves. Tests of the basic structural and physical parameters of the knitted fabrics did not show that the nanomodifier applied in fibers significantly impacts the physical properties of the resulting fabrics. Moreover, water vapor permeability, cut resistance, and pH test results relevant to the functional and protective properties of interest and to user comfort showed that the obtained fabrics can be used in the production of bioactive protective gloves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Biological, Medical and Environmental Applications (Volume II)—the 15th Anniversary of Materials)

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25 pages, 14309 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Fe₃O₄ Magnetic Nanoparticles Obtained by the Novel Aerosol-Based Technique for Theranostic Applications

by Piotr Pawlik, Barbara Błasiak, Marcin Pruba, Arkadiusz Miaskowski, Oskar Moraczyński, Justyna Miszczyk, Boguslaw Tomanek and Joanna Depciuch

Materials 2023, 16(19), 6483; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16196483 - 29 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1226

Abstract

This work is aimed at presenting a novel aerosol-based technique for the synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe

_{3}

_{4}

NPs) and to assess the potential medical application of their dispersions after being coated with TEA-oleate. Refinement of the processing conditions led to [...] Read more.

This work is aimed at presenting a novel aerosol-based technique for the synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe

_{3}

_{4}

NPs) and to assess the potential medical application of their dispersions after being coated with TEA-oleate. Refinement of the processing conditions led to the formation of monodispersed NPs with average sizes of ∼5–6 nm and narrow size distribution (FWHM of ∼3 nm). The NPs were coated with Triethanolammonium oleate (TEA-oleate) to stabilize them in water dispersion. This allowed obtaining the dispersion, which does not sediment for months, although TEM and DLS studies have shown the formation of small agglomerates of NPs. The different behaviors of cancer and normal cell lines in contact with NPs indicated the diverse mechanisms of their interactions with Fe

_{3}

_{4}

NPs. Furthermore, the studies allowed assessment of the prospective theranostic application of magnetite NPs obtained using the aerosol-based technique, particularly magnetic hyperthermia and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Biological, Medical and Environmental Applications (Volume II)—the 15th Anniversary of Materials)

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12 pages, 7912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Plasma Electrolytic Polishing of Dental Alloys

by Katharina Witzke, Renko Kensbock, Caroline Ulrike Willsch, Katja Fricke, Sander Bekeschus and Hans-Robert Metelmann

Materials 2023, 16(18), 6222; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16186222 - 15 Sep 2023

Viewed by 844

Abstract

(1) Background: In dentistry, a reduction in surface roughness is established mostly by conventional mechanical polishing to hinder biofilm adhesion. This is time- and labor-intensive. Plasma electrolytic polishing is believed to be an effective finishing method due to the reduced treatment time and materials used for applications in dentistry. (2) Methods: Co-Cr-Mo dental alloy samples were sandblasted and prepared with either plasma electrolytic or conventional mechanical polishing. Evaluation of the polishing methods was obtained by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. (3) Results: The sandblasted samples showed the highest surface roughness (Heraenium^® Sun 991 ± 288 nm; Wironit^® 1187 ± 331 nm). Our results show that with plasma electrolytic polishing, Co-Cr-Mo surfaces can be polished with a surface roughness in the nanometer range, comparable to those achieved by conventional mechanical polishing. Conventional mechanical polishing (Heraenium^® Sun 134 ± 23 nm; Wironit^® 114 ± 11 nm) provided lower surface roughness values compared to plasma electrolytic polishing (Heraenium^® Sun 288 ± 94 nm; Wironit^® 261 ± 49 nm). We anticipate our pilot study as a starting point for future studies to refine process parameters and quantitative microbiological assays. (4) Conclusions: Plasma electrolytic polishing might have a promising future for polishing dental alloys. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Biological, Medical and Environmental Applications (Volume II)—the 15th Anniversary of Materials)

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16 pages, 15136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing the Healing Abilities of Fluorapatite and Hydroxyapatite Ceramics in Regenerating Bone Tissue: An In Vivo Study

by Leszek Borkowski, Mariusz Jojczuk, Anna Belcarz, Marta Pawlowska-Olszewska, Joanna Kruk-Bachonko, Radoslaw Radzki, Marek Bienko, Tymoteusz Slowik, Tomasz Lübek, Adam Nogalski and Grazyna Ginalska

Materials 2023, 16(17), 5992; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16175992 - 31 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 871

Abstract

Some reports in the literature show the advantages of fluoride-containing apatite ceramics over hydroxyapatite (HAP), at least in some aspects. While HAP has been used extensively in the treatment of bone defects, fluoridated apatite has hardly been tested in vivo. In order to verify the biological properties of fluoride-doped apatite and to assess its therapeutic potential, we synthesized fluorapatite (FAP) and applied it as a filling in bone defects of experimental animals (rabbits). The treatment effects were evaluated on extracted bones after 3 and 6 months from implantation using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), radiography (X-ray) and histological staining. The study proved the integration between FAP and the bone tissue, thus indicating its stimulating effect on new bone formation and mineralization. The results achieved after 3 months of treatment were difficult to interpret unequivocally and suggested the transient delay in FAP integration of bone in comparison with HAP. The reasons for this phenomenon are unclear. Most likely, these differences between FAP and HAP resulted mainly from the different porosities, densities and ionic reactivity of the ceramics, which in our opinion affected their solubility, integration and degree of bone tissue resorption. However, it was shown that 6 months after implantation, similar level of bone defect regeneration was achieved for both FAP and HAP. In this article, we present our hypothesis concerning the basis of this phenomenon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Biological, Medical and Environmental Applications (Volume II)—the 15th Anniversary of Materials)

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13 pages, 3770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shade, Aging and Spatial-Dependent Variation of Elastoplastic and Viscoelastic Characteristics in a Dental, Submicron Hybrid CAD/CAM Composite

by Nicoleta Ilie

Materials 2023, 16(16), 5654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16165654 - 17 Aug 2023

Viewed by 607

Abstract

This article reports the elastoplastic and viscoelastic response of an industrially cured CAD/CAM resin-based composite (Brilliant Crios, Coltene) at different scales, spatial locations, aging conditions, and shading. Mechanical tests were performed at the macroscopic scale to investigate material strength, elastic modulus, fracture mechanisms and reliability. An instrumented indentation test (IIT) was performed at the microscopic level in a quasi-static mode to assess the elastic and plastic deformation upon indentation, either by mapping transverse areas of the CAD/CAM block or at randomly selected locations. A dynamic-mechanical analysis was then carried out, in which chewing-relevant frequencies were included (0.5 to 5 Hz). Characteristics measured at the nano- and micro-scale were more discriminative in identifying the impact of variables as those measured at macro scale. Anisotropy as a function of the spatial location was identified in all shades, with gradual variation in properties from the center of the block to peripheral locations. Depending on the scale of observation, differences in shade and translucency are very small or not statistically significant. The aging effect is classified as low, but measurable on all scales, with the same pattern of variation occurring in all shades. Aging affects plastic deformation more than elastic deformation and affects elastic deformation more than viscous deformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Biological, Medical and Environmental Applications (Volume II)—the 15th Anniversary of Materials)

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Review

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20 pages, 1245 KiB

Open AccessReview

Development of Essential Oil Delivery Systems by ‘Click Chemistry’ Methods: Possible Ways to Manage Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

by Greta Kaspute, Bharani Dharan Arunagiri, Rakshana Alexander, Arunas Ramanavicius and Urte Samukaite-Bubniene

Materials 2023, 16(19), 6537; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16196537 - 02 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1842

Abstract

Recently, rare diseases have received attention due to the need for improvement in diagnosed patients’ and their families’ lives. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare, severe, progressive, muscle-wasting disease. Today, the therapeutic standard for treating DMD is corticosteroids, which cause serious adverse side effects. Nutraceuticals, e.g., herbal extracts or essential oils (EOs), are possible active substances to develop new drug delivery systems to improve DMD patients’ lives. New drug delivery systems lead to new drug effects, improved safety and accuracy, and new therapies for rare diseases. Herbal extracts and EOs combined with click chemistry can lead to the development of safer treatments for DMD. In this review, we focus on the need for novel drug delivery systems using EOs as the therapy for DMD and the potential use of click chemistry for drug delivery systems. New EO complex drug delivery systems may offer a new approach for improving muscle conditions and mental health issues associated with DMD. However, further research should identify the potential of these systems in the context of DMD. In this review, we discuss possibilities for applying EOs to DMD before implementing expensive research in a theoretical way. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Biological, Medical and Environmental Applications (Volume II)—the 15th Anniversary of Materials)

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