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13 pages, 7485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Copper-Silver Nanohybrids: SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitory Surfaces

by Dina A. Mosselhy, Lauri Kareinen, Ilkka Kivistö, Kirsi Aaltonen, Jenni Virtanen, Yanling Ge and Tarja Sironen

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(7), 1820; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11071820 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3533

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a severe health threat. The COVID-19 infections occurring in humans and animals render human-animal interfaces hot spots for spreading the pandemic. Lessons from the past point towards the antiviral properties of copper formulations; however, [...] Read more.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a severe health threat. The COVID-19 infections occurring in humans and animals render human-animal interfaces hot spots for spreading the pandemic. Lessons from the past point towards the antiviral properties of copper formulations; however, data showing the “contact-time limit” surface inhibitory efficacy of copper formulations to contain SARS-CoV-2 are limited. Here, we show the rapid inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 after only 1 and 5 min on two different surfaces containing copper-silver (Cu-Ag) nanohybrids. We characterized the nanohybrids’ powder and surfaces using a series of sophisticated microscopy tools, including transmission and scanning electron microscopes (TEM and SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). We used culturing methods to demonstrate that Cu-Ag nanohybrids with high amounts of Cu (~65 and 78 wt%) and lower amounts of Ag (~7 and 9 wt%) inhibited SARS-CoV-2 efficiently. Collectively, the present work reveals the rapid SARS-CoV-2 surface inhibition and the promising application of such surfaces to break the SARS-CoV-2 transmission chain. For example, such applications could be invaluable within a hospital or live-stock settings, or any public place with surfaces that people frequently touch (i.e., public transportation, shopping malls, elevators, and door handles) after the precise control of different parameters and toxicity evaluations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Nanomaterials—Recent Advances in Biology and Medicines)

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15 pages, 1893 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Targeting NF-κB with Nanotherapy in a Mouse Model of Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma

by Daniel A. Rauch, John C. Harding, Lee Ratner, Samuel A. Wickline and Hua Pan

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1582; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11061582 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3402

Abstract

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive, clonal malignancy of mature T cells caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. Although it is a rare tumor type, it serves as an excellent model of a virus driven process that transforms cells and [...] Read more.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive, clonal malignancy of mature T cells caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. Although it is a rare tumor type, it serves as an excellent model of a virus driven process that transforms cells and engenders a highly malignant tumor that is extraordinarily difficult to treat. The viral transcriptional transactivator (Tax) in the HTLV-1 genome directly promotes tumorigenesis, and Tax-induced oncogenesis depends on its ability to constitutively activate NF-κB signaling. Accordingly, we developed and evaluated a nano-delivery system that simultaneously inhibits both canonical (p65) and noncanonical (p100) NF-κB signaling pathways locally in tumors after systemic administration. Our results demonstrate that siRNA is delivered rapidly to ATLL tumors after either i.p. or i.v. injection. The siRNA treatment significantly reduced both p65 and p100 mRNA and protein expression. Anti-NF-κB nanotherapy significantly inhibited tumor growth in two distinct tumor models in mice: a spontaneous Tax-driven tumor model, and a Tax tumor cell transplant model. Moreover, siRNA nanotherapy sensitized late-stage ATLL tumors to the conventional chemotherapeutic agent etoposide, indicating a pleiotropic benefit for localized siRNA nanotherapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Nanomaterials—Recent Advances in Biology and Medicines)

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13 pages, 3079 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecularly Imprinted Magnetic Fluorescent Nanocomposite-Based Sensor for Selective Detection of Lysozyme

by Xin Zhang, Bo Tang, Yansong Li, Chengbin Liu, Pengfei Jiao and Yuping Wei

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1575; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11061575 - 15 Jun 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2797

Abstract

A new strategy for the design and construction of molecularly imprinted magnetic fluorescent nanocomposite-based-sensor is proposed. This multifunctional nanocomposite exhibits the necessary optics, magnetism and biocompatibility for use in the selective fluorescence detection of lysozyme. The magnetic fluorescent nanocomposites are prepared by combining [...] Read more.

A new strategy for the design and construction of molecularly imprinted magnetic fluorescent nanocomposite-based-sensor is proposed. This multifunctional nanocomposite exhibits the necessary optics, magnetism and biocompatibility for use in the selective fluorescence detection of lysozyme. The magnetic fluorescent nanocomposites are prepared by combining carboxyl- functionalized Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles with l-cysteine-modified zinc sulfide quantum dots (MNP/QDs). Surface molecular imprinting technology was employed to coat the lysozyme molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) layer on the MNP/QDs to form a core-shell structure. The molecularly imprinted MNP/QDs (MNP/QD@MIPs) can rapidly separate the target protein and then use fluorescence sensing to detect the protein; this reduces the background interference, and the selectivity and sensitivity of the detection are improved. The molecularly imprinted MNP/QDs sensor presented good linearity over a lysozyme concentration range from 0.2 to 2.0 μM and a detection limit of 4.53 × 10⁻³ μM for lysozyme. The imprinting factor of the MNP/QD@MIPs was 4.12, and the selectivity coefficient ranged from 3.19 to 3.85. Furthermore, the MNP/QD@MIPs sensor was applied to detect of lysozyme in human urine and egg white samples with recoveries of 95.40–103.33%. Experimental results showed that the prepared MNP/QD@MIPs has potential for selective magnetic separation and fluorescence sensing of target proteins in biological samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Nanomaterials—Recent Advances in Biology and Medicines)

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12 pages, 1334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gold Nanoclusters Display Low Immunogenic Effect in Microglia Cells

by Joanna Sobska, Magdalena Waszkielewicz, Anna Podleśny-Drabiniok, Joanna Olesiak-Banska, Wojciech Krężel and Katarzyna Matczyszyn

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(5), 1066; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11051066 - 21 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2004

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles hold a great promise for both clinical and preclinical applications. The major factors impeding such applications are toxicity of new nanomaterials including e.g., pro-apoptotic activities or inflammatory effects, but also their potential to accumulate in the body or inadequate absorption, distribution, [...] Read more.

Gold nanoparticles hold a great promise for both clinical and preclinical applications. The major factors impeding such applications are toxicity of new nanomaterials including e.g., pro-apoptotic activities or inflammatory effects, but also their potential to accumulate in the body or inadequate absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) profiles. Since such adverse effects depend on the size, form and coating of nanomaterials, the search for new, less toxic nanomaterials with low tendency to accumulate is highly active domain of research. Here, we describe optical and biological properties of Au18 gold nanoclusters (NCs), small gold nanoparticles composed of 18 atoms of gold and stabilized with glutathione ligands. These nanoclusters may be suitable for in vivo applications owing to their low toxicity and biodistribution profile. Specifically, using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test in P19 cell line we found that Au18 NCs display low toxicity in vitro. Importantly, using primary microglial cells we showed that at low concentrations Au18 NCs display anti-inflammatory signaling on evidence of reduced interleukin 1-β (IL1-β) levels and unchanged levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) or Ym1/2. Such effect was dose dependent as higher concentrations of Au18 NCs induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppression of anti-inflammatory cytokine Ym1/2, pointing, thus, to global inflammatory activity. Finally, we also showed that within 3 days Au18 NCs can be completely eliminated from the liver reported as the major target organ for accumulation of gold nanoparticles. These data point to a potential of gold nanoparticles for further biomedical studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Nanomaterials—Recent Advances in Biology and Medicines)

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21 pages, 3349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Screening for Effects of Inhaled Nanoparticles in Cell Culture Models for Prolonged Exposure

by Claudia Meindl, Kristin Öhlinger, Verena Zrim, Thomas Steinkogler and Eleonore Fröhlich

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11030606 - 28 Feb 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2567

Abstract

Respiratory exposure of humans to environmental and therapeutic nanoparticles repeatedly occurs at relatively low concentrations. To identify adverse effects of particle accumulation under realistic conditions, monocultures of Calu-3 and A549 cells and co-cultures of A549 and THP-1 macrophages in the air–liquid interphase culture [...] Read more.

Respiratory exposure of humans to environmental and therapeutic nanoparticles repeatedly occurs at relatively low concentrations. To identify adverse effects of particle accumulation under realistic conditions, monocultures of Calu-3 and A549 cells and co-cultures of A549 and THP-1 macrophages in the air–liquid interphase culture were exposed repeatedly to 2 µg/cm² 20 nm and 200 nm polystyrene particles with different functionalization. Particle accumulation, transepithelial electrical resistance, dextran (3–70 kDa) uptake and proinflammatory cytokine secretion were determined over 28 days. Calu-3 cells showed constant particle uptake without any change in barrier function and cytokine release. A549 cells preferentially ingested amino- and not-functionalized particles combined with decreased endocytosis. Cytokine release was transiently increased upon exposure to all particles. Carboxyl-functionalized demonstrated higher uptake and higher cytokine release than the other particles in the A549/THP-1 co-cultures. The evaluated respiratory cells and co-cultures ingested different amounts and types of particles and caused small (partly transient) effects. The data suggest that the healthy cells can adapt to low doses of non-cytotoxic particles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Nanomaterials—Recent Advances in Biology and Medicines)

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16 pages, 2340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aminodextran Coated CoFe₂O₄ Nanoparticles for Combined Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Hyperthermia

by Sumera Khizar, Nasir M. Ahmad, Naveed Ahmed, Sadia Manzoor, Muhammad A. Hamayun, Nauman Naseer, Michele K. L. Tenório, Noureddine Lebaz and Abdelhamid Elaissari

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(11), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10112182 - 02 Nov 2020

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 3243

Abstract

Aminodextran (AMD) coated magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are synthesized via electrostatic adsorption of aminodextran onto magnetic nanoparticles and their potential theranostic application is evaluated. The uncoated and aminodextran-coated nanoparticles are characterized to determine their hydrodynamic size, morphology, chemical composition, zeta potential and magnetization. [...] Read more.

Aminodextran (AMD) coated magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are synthesized via electrostatic adsorption of aminodextran onto magnetic nanoparticles and their potential theranostic application is evaluated. The uncoated and aminodextran-coated nanoparticles are characterized to determine their hydrodynamic size, morphology, chemical composition, zeta potential and magnetization. The aminodextran containing cobalt ferrite nanoparticles of nanometer size are positively charged in the pH range from 3 to 9 and exhibit saturation magnetization of 50 emu/g. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicates capability for diagnostics and a reduction in intensity with an increase in nanoparticle amount. The hyperthermia capability of the prepared particles shows their potential to generate suitable local heat for therapeutic purposes. There is a rise of 7 °C and 9 °C at 327 kHz and 981 kHz respectively and specific absorption rates (SAR) of aminodextran-coated nanoparticles are calculated to be 259 W/g and 518 W/g at the given frequencies larger than uncoated nanoparticles (0.02 W/g). The development of novel aminodextran coated magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles has significant potential to enable and improve personalized therapy regimens, targeted cancer therapies and ultimately to overcome the prevalence of nonessential and overdosing of healthy tissues and organs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Nanomaterials—Recent Advances in Biology and Medicines)

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Review

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17 pages, 3063 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nonviral Locally Injected Magnetic Vectors for In Vivo Gene Delivery: A Review of Studies on Magnetofection

by Artem A. Sizikov, Marianna V. Kharlamova, Maxim P. Nikitin, Petr I. Nikitin and Eugene L. Kolychev

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(5), 1078; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11051078 - 22 Apr 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4719

Abstract

Magnetic nanoparticles have been widely used in nanobiomedicine for diagnostics and the treatment of diseases, and as carriers for various drugs. The unique magnetic properties of “magnetic” drugs allow their delivery in a targeted tumor or tissue upon application of a magnetic field. [...] Read more.

Magnetic nanoparticles have been widely used in nanobiomedicine for diagnostics and the treatment of diseases, and as carriers for various drugs. The unique magnetic properties of “magnetic” drugs allow their delivery in a targeted tumor or tissue upon application of a magnetic field. The approach of combining magnetic drug targeting and gene delivery is called magnetofection, and it is very promising. This method is simple and efficient for the delivery of genetic material to cells using magnetic nanoparticles controlled by an external magnetic field. However, magnetofection in vivo has been studied insufficiently both for local and systemic routes of magnetic vector injection, and the relevant data available in the literature are often merely descriptive and contradictory. In this review, we collected and systematized the data on the efficiency of the local injections of magnetic nanoparticles that carry genetic information upon application of external magnetic fields. We also investigated the efficiency of magnetofection in vivo, depending on the structure and coverage of magnetic vectors. The perspectives of the development of the method were also considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Nanomaterials—Recent Advances in Biology and Medicines)

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19 pages, 1690 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Nanomaterial-Based Aptasensors in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy

by Olubunmi O. Ayodele, Adeyinka O. Adesina, Sajedeh Pourianejad, Jared Averitt and Tetyana Ignatova

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(4), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11040932 - 06 Apr 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3159

Abstract

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of various biomarkers associated with medical conditions including early detection of viruses and bacteria with highly sensitive biosensors is currently a research priority. Aptamer is a chemically derived recognition molecule capable of detecting and binding small molecules with high [...] Read more.

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of various biomarkers associated with medical conditions including early detection of viruses and bacteria with highly sensitive biosensors is currently a research priority. Aptamer is a chemically derived recognition molecule capable of detecting and binding small molecules with high specificity and its fast preparation time, cost effectiveness, ease of modification, stability at high temperature and pH are some of the advantages it has over traditional detection methods such as High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Higher sensitivity and selectivity can further be achieved via coupling of aptamers with nanomaterials and these conjugates called “aptasensors” are receiving greater attention in early diagnosis and therapy. This review will highlight the selection protocol of aptamers based on Traditional Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX) and the various types of modified SELEX. We further identify both the advantages and drawbacks associated with the modified version of SELEX. Furthermore, we describe the current advances in aptasensor development and the quality of signal types, which are dependent on surface area and other specific properties of the selected nanomaterials, are also reviewed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Nanomaterials—Recent Advances in Biology and Medicines)

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36 pages, 9462 KiB

Open AccessReview

Opportunities for Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles in Luminescence Imaging of Biological Systems and Photodynamic Therapy

by Douglas L. Fritzen, Luidgi Giordano, Lucas C. V. Rodrigues and Jorge H. S. K. Monteiro

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(10), 2015; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10102015 - 13 Oct 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5546

Abstract

The use of luminescence in biological systems allows us to diagnose diseases and understand cellular processes. Persistent luminescent materials have emerged as an attractive system for application in luminescence imaging of biological systems; the afterglow emission grants background-free luminescence imaging, there is no [...] Read more.

The use of luminescence in biological systems allows us to diagnose diseases and understand cellular processes. Persistent luminescent materials have emerged as an attractive system for application in luminescence imaging of biological systems; the afterglow emission grants background-free luminescence imaging, there is no need for continuous excitation to avoid tissue and cell damage due to the continuous light exposure, and they also circumvent the depth penetration issue caused by excitation in the UV-Vis. This review aims to provide a background in luminescence imaging of biological systems, persistent luminescence, and synthetic methods for obtaining persistent luminescent materials, and discuss selected examples of recent literature on the applications of persistent luminescent materials in luminescence imaging of biological systems and photodynamic therapy. Finally, the challenges and future directions, pointing to the development of compounds capable of executing multiple functions and light in regions where tissues and cells have low absorption, will be discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Nanomaterials—Recent Advances in Biology and Medicines)

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