Editorial

3 pages, 205 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Innovative Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

by Michele Bianchi and Gianluca Carnevale

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(9), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12091561 - 05 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1275

Research focusing on innovative nanomaterials for applications in biomedicine and bioengineering has steadily gained attention over the last 20 years [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

Research

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20 pages, 3548 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetic Drug Carriers Modified with Tb³⁺ Ions

by Dorota Nieciecka, Aleksandra Rękorajska, Dariusz Cichy, Paulina Końska, Michał Żuk and Paweł Krysiński

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(5), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12050795 - 26 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1715

Abstract

The study aimed to synthesize and characterize the magnetic drug carrier modified with terbium (III) ions. The addition of terbium extends the possibilities of their applications for targeted anticancer radiotherapy as well as for imaging techniques using radioisotopes emitting β⁺, β [...] Read more.

The study aimed to synthesize and characterize the magnetic drug carrier modified with terbium (III) ions. The addition of terbium extends the possibilities of their applications for targeted anticancer radiotherapy as well as for imaging techniques using radioisotopes emitting β⁺, β⁻, α, and γ radiation. The synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized with citrates using the co-precipitation method (IONP @ CA) was carried out during the experimental work. The obtained nanoparticles were used to synthesize a conjugate containing terbium ions and guanosine-5′-monophosphate as an analog of drugs from the thiopurine group. Conjugates and their components were characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray microanalysis, spectrofluorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The hybrid was also investigated with Langmuir layers to check the interaction with analogs of biological membranes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

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13 pages, 50791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Urchin-Shaped Copper-Based Metalloporphyrin Nanosystem as a Sonosensitizer for Sonodynamic Therapy

by Aiqing Ma, Hui Ran, Jiaxing Wang, Rui Ding, Chengyu Lu, Lanlan Liu, Yingmei Luo, Huaqing Chen and Ting Yin

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(2), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12020209 - 10 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1907

Abstract

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT), as a novel cancer therapy strategy, might be a promising approach due to the depth-penetration property in tissue. Sonosensitizers are the key element for efficient SDT. However, the development of sonosensitizers with strong sonosensitization efficacy is still a significant challenge. [...] Read more.

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT), as a novel cancer therapy strategy, might be a promising approach due to the depth-penetration property in tissue. Sonosensitizers are the key element for efficient SDT. However, the development of sonosensitizers with strong sonosensitization efficacy is still a significant challenge. Herein, an urchin-shaped copper-based metalloporphyrin liposome nanosystem (FA–L–CuPP) is constructed and identified as an excellent sonosensitizer. Under ultrasound (US) irradiation, FA–L–CuPP can be highly excited to generate several reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and free radicals (⋅OH). The molecular orbital distribution calculations reveal that a strong intramolecular charge transfer might occur in the CuPP complex under US irradiation, which could afford enough energy to the surrounding O₂ and H₂O to concert ¹O₂, O₂⁻ and ⋅OH. Working as “ammunitions”, the largely produced ROS can kill 4T1 tumor cells, effectively inhibiting tumor growth. This work provides an urchin-shaped nanosonosensitizer based on a copper complex, which might provide an idea to design a novel sonosensitizer for noninvasive and precise SDT antitumor applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

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21 pages, 4015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanostructured Modifications of Titanium Surfaces Improve Vascular Regenerative Properties of Exosomes Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Preliminary In Vitro Results

by Chiara Gardin, Letizia Ferroni, Yaşar Kemal Erdoğan, Federica Zanotti, Francesco De Francesco, Martina Trentini, Giulia Brunello, Batur Ercan and Barbara Zavan

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3452; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123452 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4160

Abstract

(1) Background: Implantation of metal-based scaffolds is a common procedure for treating several diseases. However, the success of the long-term application is limited by an insufficient endothelialization of the material surface. Nanostructured modifications of metal scaffolds represent a promising approach to faster biomaterial [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Implantation of metal-based scaffolds is a common procedure for treating several diseases. However, the success of the long-term application is limited by an insufficient endothelialization of the material surface. Nanostructured modifications of metal scaffolds represent a promising approach to faster biomaterial osteointegration through increasing of endothelial commitment of the mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). (2) Methods: Three different nanotubular Ti surfaces (TNs manufactured by electrochemical anodization with diameters of 25, 80, or 140 nm) were seeded with human MSCs (hMSCs) and their exosomes were isolated and tested with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to assess whether TNs can influence the secretory functions of hMSCs and whether these in turn affect endothelial and osteogenic cell activities in vitro. (3) Results: The hMSCs adhered on all TNs and significantly expressed angiogenic-related factors after 7 days of culture when compared to untreated Ti substrates. Nanomodifications of Ti surfaces significantly improved the release of hMSCs exosomes, having dimensions below 100 nm and expressing CD63 and CD81 surface markers. These hMSC-derived exosomes were efficiently internalized by HUVECs, promoting their migration and differentiation. In addition, they selectively released a panel of miRNAs directly or indirectly related to angiogenesis. (4) Conclusions: Preconditioning of hMSCs on TNs induced elevated exosomes secretion that stimulated in vitro endothelial and cell activity, which might improve in vivo angiogenesis, supporting faster scaffold integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

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12 pages, 4732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SiO₂ Coated Up-Conversion Nanomaterial Doped with Ag Nanoparticles for Micro-CT Imaging

by Wei Zhang, Yanli Lu, Yang Zang, Jinhui Han, Qingyun Xiong and Jinping Xiong

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3395; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123395 - 15 Dec 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2114

Abstract

In this study, a new method for synthesizing Ag-NaYF₄:Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ @ SiO₂ nanocomposites was introduced. Using a hydrothermal method, the synthesized Yb³⁺- and Er³⁺-codoped NaYF₄ up-conversion luminescent materials and Ag nanoparticles were doped [...] Read more.

In this study, a new method for synthesizing Ag-NaYF₄:Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ @ SiO₂ nanocomposites was introduced. Using a hydrothermal method, the synthesized Yb³⁺- and Er³⁺-codoped NaYF₄ up-conversion luminescent materials and Ag nanoparticles were doped into up-conversion nanomaterials and coated with SiO₂ up-conversion nanomaterials. This material is known as Ag-UCNPs@SiO₂, it improves both the luminous intensity because of the doped Ag nanoparticles and has low cytotoxicity because of the SiO₂ coating. The morphology of UCNPs was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the mapping confirmed the successful doping of Ag nanoparticles. Successful coating of SiO₂ was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fluorescence spectra were used to compare changes in luminescence intensity before and after doping Ag nanoparticles. The reason for the increase in luminescence intensity after doping with Ag nanoparticles was simulated using first-principles calculations. The cytotoxicity of Ag-UCNPs@SiO₂ was tested via the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method, and its imaging ability was characterized using the micro-CT method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

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13 pages, 8221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the In Vitro Biocompatibility of PEDOT:Nafion Coatings

by Sonia Guzzo, Stefano Carli, Barbara Pavan, Alice Lunghi, Mauro Murgia and Michele Bianchi

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(8), 2022; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11082022 - 08 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2791

Abstract

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-Nafion (PEDOT:Nafion) is emerging as a promising alternative to PEDOT-polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) in organic bioelectronics. However, the biocompatibility of PEDOT:Nafion has not been investigated to date, limiting its deployment toward in vivo applications such as neural recording and stimulation. In the present study, [...] Read more.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-Nafion (PEDOT:Nafion) is emerging as a promising alternative to PEDOT-polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) in organic bioelectronics. However, the biocompatibility of PEDOT:Nafion has not been investigated to date, limiting its deployment toward in vivo applications such as neural recording and stimulation. In the present study, the in vitro cytotoxicity of PEDOT:Nafion coatings, obtained by a water-based PEDOT:Nafion formulation, was evaluated using a primary cell culture of rat fibroblasts. The surface of PEDOT:Nafion coating was characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and water contact angle measurements. Fibroblasts adhesion and morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and AFM measurements. Cell proliferation was assessed by fluorescence microscopy, while cell viability was quantified by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and neutral red assays. The results showed that PEDOT:Nafion coatings obtained by the water dispersion were not cytotoxic, making the latter a reliable alternative to PEDOT:PSS dispersion, especially in terms of chronic in vivo applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

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14 pages, 41918 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Influence of Nanotopography on Early Bone Healing during Controlled Implant Loading

by Renan de Barros e Lima Bueno, Katia J. Ponce, Ana Paula Dias, Dainelys Guadarrama Bello, John B. Brunski and Antonio Nanci

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(11), 2191; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10112191 - 03 Nov 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2002

Abstract

Nanoscale surface modifications influence peri-implant cell fate decisions and implant loading generates local tissue deformation, both of which will invariably impact bone healing. The objective of this study is to determine how loading affects healing around implants with nanotopography. Implants with a nanoporous [...] Read more.

Nanoscale surface modifications influence peri-implant cell fate decisions and implant loading generates local tissue deformation, both of which will invariably impact bone healing. The objective of this study is to determine how loading affects healing around implants with nanotopography. Implants with a nanoporous surface were placed in over-sized osteotomies in rat tibiae and held stable by a system that permits controlled loading. Three regimens were applied: (a) no loading, (b) one daily loading session with a force of 1.5N, and (c) two such daily sessions. At 7 days post implantation, animals were sacrificed for histomorphometric and DNA microarray analyses. Implants subjected to no loading or only one daily loading session achieved high bone-implant contact (BIC), bone-implant distance (BID) and bone formation area near the implant (BFAt) values, while those subjected to two daily loading sessions showed less BFAt and BIC and more BID. Gene expression profiles differed between all groups mainly in unidentified genes, and no modulation of genes associated with inflammatory pathways was detected. These results indicate that implants with nanotopography can achieve a high level of bone formation even under micromotion and limit the inflammatory response to the implant surface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

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11 pages, 2408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synaptic Characteristics from Homogeneous Resistive Switching in Pt/Al₂O₃/TiN Stack

by Hojeong Ryu and Sungjun Kim

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(10), 2055; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10102055 - 18 Oct 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2802

Abstract

In this work, we propose three types of resistive switching behaviors by controlling operation conditions. We confirmed well-known filamentary switching in Al₂O₃-based resistive switching memory using the conventional device working operation with a forming process. Here, filamentary switching can [...] Read more.

In this work, we propose three types of resistive switching behaviors by controlling operation conditions. We confirmed well-known filamentary switching in Al₂O₃-based resistive switching memory using the conventional device working operation with a forming process. Here, filamentary switching can be classified into two types depending on the compliance current. On top of that, the homogeneous switching is obtained by using a negative differential resistance effect before the forming or setting process in a negative bias. The variations of the low-resistance and high-resistance states in the homogeneous switching are comparable to the filamentary switching cases. However, the drift characteristics of the low-resistance and high-resistance states in the homogeneous switching are unstable with time. Therefore, the short-term plasticity effects, such as the current decay in repeated pulses and paired pulses facilitation, are demonstrated when using the resistance drift characteristics. Finally, the conductance can be increased and decreased by 50 consecutive potentiation pulses and 50 consecutive depression pulses, respectively. The linear conductance update in homogeneous switching is achieved compared to the filamentary switching, which ensures the high pattern-recognition accuracy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

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Review

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37 pages, 4835 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Materials Derived from Fish Discards

by Liviu Duta, Gabriela Dorcioman and Valentina Grumezescu

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 2856; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11112856 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2618

Abstract

This review summarizes the results reported on the production of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) materials derived from fish wastes (i.e., heads, bones, skins, and viscera), known as fish discards, and offers an in-depth discussion on their promising potential for various applications in many [...] Read more.

This review summarizes the results reported on the production of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) materials derived from fish wastes (i.e., heads, bones, skins, and viscera), known as fish discards, and offers an in-depth discussion on their promising potential for various applications in many fields, especially the biomedical one. Thus, considerable scientific and technological efforts were recently focused on the capability of these sustainable materials to be transformed into economically attractive and highly valuable by-products. As a consequence of using these wastes, plenty of beneficial social effects, with both economic and environmental impact, will arise. In the biomedical field, there is a strong and continuous interest for the development of innovative solutions for healthcare improvement using alternative materials of biogenic origin. Thus, the orthopedic field has witnessed a significant development due to an increased demand for a large variety of implants, grafts, and/or scaffolds. This is mainly due to the increase of life expectancy and higher frequency of bone-associated injuries and diseases. As a consequence, the domain of bone-tissue engineering has expanded to be able to address a plethora of bone-related traumas and to deliver a viable and efficient substitute to allografts or autografts by combining bioactive materials and cells for bone-tissue ingrowth. Among biomaterials, calcium phosphate (CaP)-based bio-ceramics are widely used in medicine, in particular in orthopedics and dentistry, due to their excellent bioactive, osteoconductive, and osteointegrative characteristics. Recently, BCP materials (synthetic or natural), a class of CaP, which consist of a mixture of two phases, hydroxyapatite (HA) and beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), in different concentrations, gained increased attention due to their superior overall performances as compared to single-phase formulations. Moreover, the exploitation of BCP materials from by-products of fish industry was reported to be a safe, cheap, and simple procedure. In the dedicated literature, there are many reviews on synthetic HA, β-TCP, or BCP materials, but to the best of our knowledge, this is the first collection of results on the effects of processing conditions on the morphological, compositional, structural, mechanical, and biological properties of the fish discard-derived BCPs along with the tailoring of their features for various applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

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23 pages, 4434 KiB

Open AccessReview

Electrospun Nanofibers of Natural and Synthetic Polymers as Artificial Extracellular Matrix for Tissue Engineering

by Mina Keshvardoostchokami, Sara Seidelin Majidi, Peipei Huo, Rajan Ramachandran, Menglin Chen and Bo Liu

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11010021 - 24 Dec 2020

Cited by 113 | Viewed by 7550

Abstract

Many types of polymer nanofibers have been introduced as artificial extracellular matrices. Their controllable properties, such as wettability, surface charge, transparency, elasticity, porosity and surface to volume proportion, have attracted much attention. Moreover, functionalizing polymers with other bioactive components could enable the engineering [...] Read more.

Many types of polymer nanofibers have been introduced as artificial extracellular matrices. Their controllable properties, such as wettability, surface charge, transparency, elasticity, porosity and surface to volume proportion, have attracted much attention. Moreover, functionalizing polymers with other bioactive components could enable the engineering of microenvironments to host cells for regenerative medical applications. In the current brief review, we focus on the most recently cited electrospun nanofibrous polymeric scaffolds and divide them into five main categories: natural polymer-natural polymer composite, natural polymer-synthetic polymer composite, synthetic polymer-synthetic polymer composite, crosslinked polymers and reinforced polymers with inorganic materials. Then, we focus on their physiochemical, biological and mechanical features and discussed the capability and efficiency of the nanofibrous scaffolds to function as the extracellular matrix to support cellular function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

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44 pages, 1049 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Updated Review on Silver Nanoparticles in Biomedicine

by Oana Gherasim, Rebecca Alexandra Puiu, Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă, Alexandra-Cristina Burdușel and Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(11), 2318; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10112318 - 23 Nov 2020

Cited by 128 | Viewed by 13753

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) represent one of the most explored categories of nanomaterials for new and improved biomaterials and biotechnologies, with impressive use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry, anti-infective therapy and wound care, food and the textile industry. Their extensive and versatile applicability [...] Read more.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) represent one of the most explored categories of nanomaterials for new and improved biomaterials and biotechnologies, with impressive use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry, anti-infective therapy and wound care, food and the textile industry. Their extensive and versatile applicability relies on the genuine and easy-tunable properties of nanosilver, including remarkable physicochemical behavior, exceptional antimicrobial efficiency, anti-inflammatory action and antitumor activity. Besides commercially available and clinically safe AgNPs-based products, a substantial number of recent studies assessed the applicability of nanosilver as therapeutic agents in augmented and alternative strategies for cancer therapy, sensing and diagnosis platforms, restorative and regenerative biomaterials. Given the beneficial interactions of AgNPs with living structures and their nontoxic effects on healthy human cells, they represent an accurate candidate for various biomedical products. In the present review, the most important and recent applications of AgNPs in biomedical products and biomedicine are considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

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19 pages, 3622 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanomaterials for Treating Bacterial Biofilms on Implantable Medical Devices

by Hoai My Tran, Hien Tran, Marsilea A. Booth, Kate E. Fox, Thi Hiep Nguyen, Nhiem Tran and Phong A. Tran

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(11), 2253; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10112253 - 13 Nov 2020

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 5450

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms are involved in most device-associated infections and remain a challenge for modern medicine. One major approach to addressing this problem is to prevent the formation of biofilms using novel antimicrobial materials, device surface modification or local drug delivery; however, successful preventive [...] Read more.

Bacterial biofilms are involved in most device-associated infections and remain a challenge for modern medicine. One major approach to addressing this problem is to prevent the formation of biofilms using novel antimicrobial materials, device surface modification or local drug delivery; however, successful preventive measures are still extremely limited. The other approach is concerned with treating biofilms that have already formed on the devices; this approach is the focus of our manuscript. Treating biofilms associated with medical devices has unique challenges due to the biofilm’s extracellular polymer substance (EPS) and the biofilm bacteria’s resistance to most conventional antimicrobial agents. The treatment is further complicated by the fact that the treatment must be suitable for applying on devices surrounded by host tissue in many cases. Nanomaterials have been extensively investigated for preventing biofilm formation on medical devices, yet their applications in treating bacterial biofilm remains to be further investigated due to the fact that treating the biofilm bacteria and destroying the EPS are much more challenging than preventing adhesion of planktonic bacteria or inhibiting their surface colonization. In this highly focused review, we examined only studies that demonstrated successful EPS destruction and biofilm bacteria killing and provided in-depth description of the nanomaterials and the biofilm eradication efficacy, followed by discussion of key issues in this topic and suggestion for future development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

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