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20 pages, 10580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Solid-Phase Extraction of Tamoxifen and Its Metabolites from Human Plasma Using MOF-Integrated Polyacrylonitrile Composites: A Study on CuBTC and ZIF-8 Efficacy

by Domingo R. Flores-Hernandez, Héctor Manuel Leija Gutiérrez, Jose A. Hernandez-Hernandez, José Antonio Sánchez-Fernández and Jaime Bonilla-Rios

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14010073 - 26 Dec 2023

Viewed by 800

Abstract

This study investigates electrospun fibers of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly CuBTC and ZIF-8, in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) for the solid-phase extraction (SPE) of Tamoxifen (TAM) and its metabolites (NDTAM, ENDO, and 4OHT) from human blood plasma. The focus is on the isolation, pre-concentration, and [...] Read more.

This study investigates electrospun fibers of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly CuBTC and ZIF-8, in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) for the solid-phase extraction (SPE) of Tamoxifen (TAM) and its metabolites (NDTAM, ENDO, and 4OHT) from human blood plasma. The focus is on the isolation, pre-concentration, and extraction of the analytes, aiming to provide a more accessible and affordable breast cancer patient-monitoring technology. The unique physicochemical properties of MOFs, such as high porosity and surface area, combined with PAN’s stability and low density, are leveraged to improve SPE efficiency. The study meticulously examines the interactions of these MOFs with the analytes under various conditions, including elution solvents and protein precipitators. Results reveal that ZIF-8/PAN composites outperform CuBTC/PAN and PAN alone, especially when methanol is used as the protein precipitator. This superior performance is attributed to the physicochemical compatibility between the analytes’ properties, like solubility and polarity, and the MOFs’ structural features, including pore flexibility, active site availability, surface polarity, and surface area. The findings underscore MOFs’ potential in SPE applications and provide valuable insights into the selectivity and sensitivity of different MOFs towards specific analytes, advancing more efficient targeted extraction methods in biomedical analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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13 pages, 4946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MgO Nanoparticles Obtained from an Innovative and Sustainable Route and Their Applications in Cancer Therapy

by Valeria Daniele, Anna Rita Volpe, Patrizia Cesare and Giuliana Taglieri

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(22), 2975; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13222975 - 19 Nov 2023

Viewed by 886

Abstract

This paper aimed to evaluate the biological damages towards diseased cells caused by the use of MgO nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs are produced by a calcination process of a precursor, which is an aqueous suspension of nanostructured Mg(OH)₂, in turn synthesized [...] Read more.

This paper aimed to evaluate the biological damages towards diseased cells caused by the use of MgO nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs are produced by a calcination process of a precursor, which is an aqueous suspension of nanostructured Mg(OH)₂, in turn synthesized following our original, time-energy saving and scalable method able to guarantee short times, high yield of production (up to almost 10 kg/week of NPs), low environmental impact and low energy demand. The MgO NPs, in the form of dry powders, are organized as a network of intercrystallite channels, in turn constituted by monodispersed and roughly spherical NPs < 10 nm, preserving the original pseudo hexagonal-platelet morphology of the precursor. The produced MgO powders are diluted in a PBS solution to obtain different MgO suspension concentrations that are subsequently put in contact, for 3 days, with melanoma and healthy cells. The viable count, made at 24, 48 and 72 h from the beginning of the test, reveals a good cytotoxic activity of the NPs, already at low MgO concentrations. This is particularly marked after 72 h, showing a clear reduction in cellular proliferation in a MgO-concentration-dependent manner. Finally, the results obtained on human skin fibroblasts revealed that the use MgO NPs did not alter at all both the vitality and proliferation of healthy cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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18 pages, 5153 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Addition of Co into CuO–ZnO Oxides Triggers High Antibacterial Activity and Low Cytotoxicity

by Elvira Maria Bauer, Alessandro Talone, Patrizia Imperatori, Rossella Briancesco, Lucia Bonadonna and Marilena Carbone

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(21), 2823; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13212823 - 25 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1479

Abstract

In the present work, a simple two-step method is proposed for mixed oxide synthesis aimed at the achievement of antibacterial nanomaterials. In particular, Cu, Zn and Co have been selected to achieve single-, double- and triple-cation oxides. The synthesized samples are characterized by [...] Read more.

In the present work, a simple two-step method is proposed for mixed oxide synthesis aimed at the achievement of antibacterial nanomaterials. In particular, Cu, Zn and Co have been selected to achieve single-, double- and triple-cation oxides. The synthesized samples are characterized by XRD, IR, SEM and EDX, indicating the formation of either crystalline or amorphous hydrocarbonate precursors. The oxides present one or two crystalline phases, depending on their composition; the triple-cation oxides form a solid solution of tenorite. Also, the morphology of the samples varies with the composition, yielding nanoparticles, filaments and hydrangea-like microaggregates. The antibacterial assays are conducted against E. coli and indicate an enhanced efficacy, especially displayed by the oxide containing 3% Co and 9% Zn incorporated into the CuO lattice. The oxides with the highest antibacterial properties are tested for their cytotoxicity, indicating a low toxicity impact, in line with literature data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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22 pages, 6809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Mn_xO_y Nanoparticles Stabilized with Methionine on Germination of Barley Seeds (Hordeum vulgare L.)

by Andrey Blinov, Alexey Gvozdenko, Alexey Golik, Shahida A. Siddiqui, Fahrettin Göğüş, Anastasiya Blinova, David Maglakelidze, Irina Shevchenko, Maksim Rebezov and Andrey Nagdalian

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(9), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13091577 - 08 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1601

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the effect of Mn_xO_y nanoparticles stabilized with L-methionine on the morphofunctional characteristics of the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) crop. Mn_xO_y nanoparticles stabilized with L-methionine were synthesized using potassium [...] Read more.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of Mn_xO_y nanoparticles stabilized with L-methionine on the morphofunctional characteristics of the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) crop. Mn_xO_y nanoparticles stabilized with L-methionine were synthesized using potassium permanganate and L-methionine. We established that Mn_xO_y nanoparticles have a diameter of 15 to 30 nm. According to quantum chemical modeling and IR spectroscopy, it is shown that the interaction of Mn_xO_y nanoparticles with L-methionine occurs through the amino group. It is found that Mn_xO_y nanoparticles stabilized with L-methionine have positive effects on the roots and seedling length, as well as the seed germination energy. The effect of Mn_xO_y nanoparticles on Hordeum vulgare L. seeds is nonlinear. At a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL, there was a statistically significant increase in the length of seedlings by 68% compared to the control group. We found that the root lengths of samples treated with Mn_xO_y nanoparticle sols with a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL were 62.8%, 32.7%, and 158.9% higher compared to samples treated with L-methionine, KMnO₄, and the control sample, respectively. We have shown that at a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL, the germination energy of seeds increases by 50.0% compared to the control sample, by 10.0% compared to the samples treated with L-methionine, and by 13.8% compared to the samples treated with KMnO₄. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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8 pages, 1570 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Cyan Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots with Amino Derivatives for the Visual Detection of Copper (II) Cations in Sea Water

by Anastasia Yakusheva, Mohamed Aly-Eldeen, Alexander Gusev, Olga Zakharova and Denis Kuznetsov

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(6), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13061004 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1098

Abstract

Amino- and carboxyl-functionalized carbon quantum dots (Amino-CQDs) were synthesized through fast and simple microwave treatment of a citric acid, ethylenediamine and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) mix. The reproducible and stable optical properties from newly synthesized CQD dispersion with a maximum absorbance spectra at 330 [...] Read more.

Amino- and carboxyl-functionalized carbon quantum dots (Amino-CQDs) were synthesized through fast and simple microwave treatment of a citric acid, ethylenediamine and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) mix. The reproducible and stable optical properties from newly synthesized CQD dispersion with a maximum absorbance spectra at 330 nm and the symmetric emission maximum at 470 nm made the Amino-CQDs a promising fluorescence material for analytical applications. The highly aminated and chelate moieties on the CQDs was appropriate for a copper (Cu²⁺) cation sensor in the linear range from 1 × 10⁻⁴ mg/mL to 10 mg/mL with a limit of detection at 0.00036 mg/mL by static fluorescence quenching effects. Furthermore, Amino-CQDs demonstrated stable fluorescence parameters for assays in diluted alkali metal solution (Na⁺ and K⁺) and sea water. Finally, a visual sensor, based on Amino-CQDs, was successfully created for the 0.01–100 mg/mL range to produce a colorimetric effect that can be registered by computer vision software (Open CV Python). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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11 pages, 2841 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Electrospun Zr-Doped CaO Sorbent for CO₂ Capture

by Vyacheslav V. Rodaev, Svetlana S. Razlivalova, Alexander I. Tyurin and Vladimir M. Vasyukov

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(4), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13040747 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1181

Abstract

A Zr-doped CaO sorbent for high-temperature CO₂ capture was fabricated using electrospinning. The nanofiber sorbent with an average filament diameter of about 160 nm is characterized by an initial CO₂ uptake capacity of 12.1 mmol/g, a specific surface area of 79 [...] Read more.

A Zr-doped CaO sorbent for high-temperature CO₂ capture was fabricated using electrospinning. The nanofiber sorbent with an average filament diameter of about 160 nm is characterized by an initial CO₂ uptake capacity of 12.1 mmol/g, a specific surface area of 79 m²/g, an indentation Young’s modulus of 520 MPa, and a hardness of 1.6 MPa. After 50 carbonation/decarbonation cycles, the sorbent has a decent CO₂ uptake capacity of 9.7 mmol/g due to the uniform distribution of CaZrO₃ in the CaO nanofibers to prevent CaO grain growth caused by CaCO₃ sintering. It is revealed that the sorbent CO₂ uptake capacity decreases both with an increase in the decarbonation temperature and with an increase in the CO₂ concentration in the gas flow upon carbonation, where the sorbent CO₂ uptake capacity is more sensitive to the decarbonation temperature than to the CO₂ concentration in the gaseous stream during carbonation. It is assumed that the electrospun regenerable Zr-doped CaO sorbent is effective for removing CO₂ from flue gases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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13 pages, 3052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Tolerance of a Chlorophyte Desmodesmus to CuO-NP for Evaluation of the Nanopollution Bioremediation Potential of This Microalga

by Svetlana P. Chebotaryova, Olga V. Zakharova, Alexander A. Gusev, Petr A. Baranchikov, Evgenii A. Kolesnikov, Anastasia S. Yakusheva, Elena V. Skripnikova, Elena S. Lobakova, Jingliang Xu, Md. Asraful Alam and Alexei E. Solovchenko

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(4), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13040737 - 15 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1484

Abstract

Broad application of CuO nanoparticles (CuO-NP) for industrial and household purposes leads to a continuous increase in their discharge to, and, hence, ever-increasing environmental hazards for aquatic ecosystems. Microalgae-based technologies hold promise for bioremediation of diverse hazardous micropollutants (HMP), including NP, from wastewater. [...] Read more.

Broad application of CuO nanoparticles (CuO-NP) for industrial and household purposes leads to a continuous increase in their discharge to, and, hence, ever-increasing environmental hazards for aquatic ecosystems. Microalgae-based technologies hold promise for bioremediation of diverse hazardous micropollutants (HMP), including NP, from wastewater. In this study, we tested the ability of the green microalga Desmodesmus sp. to accumulate CuO-NP or their components. We also assessed the tolerance of this microalga to the environmentally relevant concentrations of CuO-NP. Using scanning electron microscopy, we demonstrated that the average size of CuO-NP was 50–100 nm, and their purity was confirmed with elemental composition analysis. Tests of the colloidal suspensions of CuO-NP showed that the hydrodynamic diameter of CuO-NP and their aggregates was below 100 nm. Flow cytometry analysis showed that CuO-NP at a concentration of 100 µg L⁻¹ slightly inhibited the viability of microalgae cells and led to an increase in their oxidative stress. The assessment of the condition of photosystem II showed that CuO-NP exert a multifaceted effect on the photosynthetic apparatus of Desmodesmus sp., depending on the concentration of and the exposure to the CuO-NP. Desmodesmus sp. turned to be relatively tolerant to CuO-NP. In addition, the ICP-MS method revealed increased bioaccumulation of copper by microalgae cells in the experimental groups. The outcomes of this study indicate that the Desmodesmus sp. has a significant potential for bioremoval of the copper-based nanostructured HMP from an aquatic environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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14 pages, 2402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Cellular Uptake of Model Nanoplastics by Single-Cell ICP-MS

by Domenico Cassano, Alessia Bogni, Rita La Spina, Douglas Gilliland and Jessica Ponti

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13030594 - 01 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2129

Abstract

A synthetic route to producing gold-doped environmentally relevant nanoplastics and a method for the rapid and high-throughput qualitative investigation of their cellular interactions have been developed. Polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoparticles, doped with ultrasmall gold nanoparticles, were synthesized via an oil-in-water [...] Read more.

A synthetic route to producing gold-doped environmentally relevant nanoplastics and a method for the rapid and high-throughput qualitative investigation of their cellular interactions have been developed. Polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoparticles, doped with ultrasmall gold nanoparticles, were synthesized via an oil-in-water emulsion technique as models for floating and sedimenting nanoplastics, respectively. Gold nanoparticles were chosen as a dopant as they are considered to be chemically stable, relatively easy to obtain, interference-free for elemental analysis, and suitable for bio-applications. The suitability of the doped particles for quick detection via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), operating in single-cell mode (scICP-MS), was demonstrated. Specifically, the method was applied to the analysis of nanoplastics in sizes ranging from 50 to 350 nm, taking advantage of the low limit of detection of single-cell ICP-MS for gold nanoparticles. As an initial proof of concept, gold-doped PVC and PE nanoplastics were employed to quantify the interaction and uptake of nanoplastics by the RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell line, using scICP-MS and electron microscopy. Macrophages were chosen because their natural biological functions would make them likely to internalize nanoplastics and, thus, would produce samples to verify the test methodology. Finally, the method was applied to assess the uptake by CaCo-2 human intestinal cells, this being a more relevant model for humanexposure to those nanoplastics that are potentially available in the food chain. For both case studies, two concentrations of nanoplastics were employed to simulate both standard environmental conditions and exceptional circumstances, such as pollution hotspot areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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15 pages, 4899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Synthesized Titanium Dioxide Nanofibers Weight Fraction on the Tribological Characteristics of Magnesium Nanocomposites Used in Biomedical Applications

by Ibrahim A. Alnaser, Hany S. Abdo, Mohamed S. Abdo, Mohamed Alkalla and Ahmed Fouly

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(2), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13020294 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1369

Abstract

Biomedical applications, such as artificial implants, are very significant for the disabled due to their usage in orthopedics. Nevertheless, available materials in such applications have insufficient mechanical and tribological properties. The current study investigated the mechanical and tribological properties of a biomedical metallic [...] Read more.

Biomedical applications, such as artificial implants, are very significant for the disabled due to their usage in orthopedics. Nevertheless, available materials in such applications have insufficient mechanical and tribological properties. The current study investigated the mechanical and tribological properties of a biomedical metallic material, magnesium (Mg), after incorporating titanium dioxide nanofibers (TiO₂) with different loading fractions. The TiO₂ nanofibers were synthesized using the electrospinning technique. The ball-milling technique was utilized to ensure the homogenous distribution of TiO₂ nanofibers inside the Mg matrix. Then, samples of the mixed powder with different loading fractions of TiO₂ nanofibers, 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt.%, were fabricated using a high-frequency induction heat sintering technique. The physicomechanical and tribological properties of the produced Mg/TiO₂ nanocomposites were evaluated experimentally. Results showed an enhancement in mechanical properties and wear resistance accompanied by an increase in the weight fraction of TiO₂ nanofibers up to 5%. A finite element model was built to assess the load-carrying capacity of the Mg/TiO₂ composite to estimate different contact stresses during the frictional process. The finite element results showed an agreement with the experimental results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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17 pages, 3989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Direct Bactericidal Comparison of Metal Nanoparticles and Their Salts against S. aureus Culture by TEM and FT-IR Spectroscopy

by Irina Saraeva, Eteri Tolordava, Yulia Yushina, Islam Sozaev, Vera Sokolova, Roman Khmelnitskiy, Svetlana Sheligyna, Tatiana Pallaeva, Nikolay Pokryshkin, Dmitry Khmelenin, Andrey Ionin, Anastasia Semenova and Sergey Kudryashov

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3857; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12213857 - 01 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1915

Abstract

We report the bactericidal effect of Ag and Cu NPs with different concentrations on methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain in comparison to the effect of AgNO₃ and CuCl₂ solutions, characterized by microbiological tests, TEM and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. NPs were produced by [...] Read more.

We report the bactericidal effect of Ag and Cu NPs with different concentrations on methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain in comparison to the effect of AgNO₃ and CuCl₂ solutions, characterized by microbiological tests, TEM and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. NPs were produced by nanosecond laser ablation in distilled water and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis, energy dispersive X-ray, FT-IR spectroscopy, as well as X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering size and zeta-potential measurements. Microbiological tests showed antibacterial activity of NPs and metal ion-containing salts. Comparative FT-IR spectroscopy of bacteria, treated with metal NPs and salts, showed the broadening of amide I and II bands, a CH₂-related peak and its frequency decrease, indicating the increase of membrane fluidity. The main mechanisms of the antibacterial effect were proposed: Ag and Cu NPs release ions and ROS, which result in lipid peroxidation; AgNO₃ forms precipitates on the cell surface, which lead to the mechanical rupture of the membrane and subsequent possible penetration of the precipitates in the emerged damaged spots, complete destruction of the membrane and bacterial death; Cu ions from the CuCl₂ solution cause damage to phosphorus- and sulfur-containing biomolecules, which leads to disruption of intracellular biochemical processes. The theories were confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and TEM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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18 pages, 2464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Peroral Toxicological Assessment of Two-Dimensional Forms of Nickel Nanoparticles Sized between 20 and 120 nm

by Vladimir A. Shipelin, Antonina A. Shumakova, Eleonora N. Trushina, Oksana K. Mustafina, Alexander G. Masyutin, Alexey I. Kolobanov, Ilya E. Sokolov, Ivan V. Gmoshinski, Sergey A. Khotimchenko and Dmitry B. Nikityuk

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(19), 3523; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12193523 - 08 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1257

Abstract

Nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) are used as technological aids–catalysts in the oil and fat industry, in pharmaceuticals, and in the production of cosmetics and pesticides. The acute and subchronic oral toxicity of metallic Ni in the nanoform is not well understood. The study [...] Read more.

Nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) are used as technological aids–catalysts in the oil and fat industry, in pharmaceuticals, and in the production of cosmetics and pesticides. The acute and subchronic oral toxicity of metallic Ni in the nanoform is not well understood. The study aimed to investigate the acute and subchronic oral toxicity of Ni NPs to rats. We used two NP preparations (Ni NP1 and Ni NP2) with spherical particles and an average diameter of 53.7 and 70.9 nm according to the electron microscopy data. In the study of acute toxicity, both kinds of Ni NPs were administered to male and female Wistar rats aged 8 weeks as a single dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w. through a gastric gavage. In the subchronic experiment, male Wistar rats initially aged 7 weeks received for 92 days Ni NP1 and Ni NP2 as well as the “traditional” soluble salt form of Ni (Ni basic carbonate) at doses of 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg body weight (mg/kg b.w.) in terms of Ni content as a part of the diet consumed. As a result, in an acute study, the oral LD₅₀ for Ni NP2 in male and female rats was about 1600 mg/kg b.w. (IV hazard class). The oral dose of Ni NP1 equal to 2000 mg/kg b.w. exceeded LD₁₀₀ for males and corresponded to LD₉₀ for females. In the subchronic study, the bioaccumulation of both Ni NPs as well as Ni salt was observed in the kidney but not in the liver and spleen. Ni NP1 decreased body weight only at a dose of 1 mg/kg b.w.; affected the relative weight of the spleen at 0.1 mg/kg, the brain at 1.0 mg/kg, and the thymus at 10 mg/kg; and decreased locomotor activity at 0.1 and 10 mg/kg. Thus, for Ni NP1, in such cases where a monotonic dose–response relationship could be traced, LOEL could be stated at 10 mg/kg b.w./day for 92 days of oral intake. However, for some endpoints where such a monotonic relationship could be absent, significant toxic effects were observed even at a dose 0.1 mg/kg. In the case of Ni NP2, changes in the relative weight of the liver, thymus, and brain were recorded starting from 0.1 mg/kg b.w.; locomotor activity decreased starting from 0.1 mg/kg. Other effects, including basophiles count and platelet system indexes, were observed at a dose of 1 mg/kg or higher. Thus, the LOEL value for Ni NP2 can be fixed at 0.1 mg/kg. The critical organs affected by both Ni NPs were the brain and immune system. Most of the toxic effects exhibited by metallic Ni NPs were absent or had an opposite orientation upon administration of equivalent doses of Ni in the salt form which indicates the signs of “nanotoxicity” in metallic Ni NPs. In conclusion, the data obtained show that there may be some additional health risks caused by the intake of Ni in a nanoform compared to soluble ionized forms of this element at equivalent doses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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9 pages, 2159 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Nanofibrous CaO Sorbent for CO₂ Capture

by Vyacheslav V. Rodaev, Svetlana S. Razlivalova, Alexander I. Tyurin and Vladimir M. Vasyukov

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(10), 1677; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12101677 - 14 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1846

Abstract

The nanofibrous CaO sorbent for high-temperature CO₂ capture was fabricated by the calcination of electrospun composite filaments containing calcium acetylacetonate and polyacrylonitrile as a calcium-oxide precursor and a binder polymer, respectively. The calcination was carried out in air to prevent PAN carbonization [...] Read more.

The nanofibrous CaO sorbent for high-temperature CO₂ capture was fabricated by the calcination of electrospun composite filaments containing calcium acetylacetonate and polyacrylonitrile as a calcium-oxide precursor and a binder polymer, respectively. The calcination was carried out in air to prevent PAN carbonization and to obtain pure CaO nanofibers. The resulting mats of CaO nanofibers with the average diameter of 130 nm were characterized by a specific surface area of 31 m²/g, a CO₂-uptake capacity of 16.4 mmol/g at the carbonation temperature of 618 °C, a hardness of 1.87 MPa, and the indentation Young’s modulus of 786 MPa. The low decarbonation temperature makes the fabricated sorbent promising, for example, for the calcium-looping technology of CO₂ removal from the hot exhaust gases of fossil-fueled power plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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13 pages, 2552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles on Gene Expression of Birch Clones In Vitro under Stress Caused by Phytopathogens

by Tatiana A. Grodetskaya, Peter M. Evlakov, Olga A. Fedorova, Vyacheslav I. Mikhin, Olga V. Zakharova, Evgeny A. Kolesnikov, Nadezhda A. Evtushenko and Alexander A. Gusev

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(5), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12050864 - 04 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2669

Abstract

Recently, metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted attention as promising components for the protection and stimulation of plant microclones in tissue culture in vitro. However, the effect of NPs on the genetic mechanisms underlying plant adaptive responses remains poorly understood. We studied the [...] Read more.

Recently, metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted attention as promising components for the protection and stimulation of plant microclones in tissue culture in vitro. However, the effect of NPs on the genetic mechanisms underlying plant adaptive responses remains poorly understood. We studied the effect of column-shaped CuO NPs 50 nm in diameter and 70–100 nm in length at a concentration of 0.1–10 mg/L on the development of phytopathogenic fungi Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium avenaceum in culture, as well as on the infection of downy birch micro-clones with phytopathogens and the level of genes expression associated with the formation of plant responses to stress induced by microorganisms. CuO NPs effectively suppressed the development of colonies of phytopathogenic fungi A. alternata and F. avenaceum (up to 68.42% inhibition at 10 mg/L CuO NPs) but not the development of a colony of F. oxysporum. Exposure to the NPs caused multidirectional responses at the level of plant genes transcription: 5 mg/L CuO NPs significantly increased the expression level of the LEA8 and MYB46 genes and decreased the expression of DREB2 and PAL. Infection with A. alternata significantly increased the level of MYB46, LEA8, PAL, PR-1, and PR-10 transcripts in birch micro-clones; however, upon exposure to a medium with NPs and simultaneous exposure to a phytopathogen, the expression of the MYB46, PR-1, and PR-10 genes decreased by 5.4 times, which is associated with a decrease in the pathogenic load caused by the effect of NPs and the simultaneous stimulation of clones in vitro. The results obtained can be used in the development of preparations based on copper oxide NPs for disinfection and stimulation of plant phytoimmunity during clonal micropropagation of tree crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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Review

Jump to: Research

25 pages, 2374 KiB

Open AccessReview

Molecularly Targeted Lanthanide Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostic Applications

by Guillermina Ferro-Flores, Alejandra Ancira-Cortez, Blanca Ocampo-García and Laura Meléndez-Alafort

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(3), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14030296 - 31 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1228

Abstract

Injectable colloidal solutions of lanthanide oxides (nanoparticles between 10 and 100 nm in size) have demonstrated high biocompatibility and no toxicity when the nanoparticulate units are functionalized with specific biomolecules that molecularly target various proteins in the tumor microenvironment. Among the proteins successfully [...] Read more.

Injectable colloidal solutions of lanthanide oxides (nanoparticles between 10 and 100 nm in size) have demonstrated high biocompatibility and no toxicity when the nanoparticulate units are functionalized with specific biomolecules that molecularly target various proteins in the tumor microenvironment. Among the proteins successfully targeted by functionalized lanthanide nanoparticles are folic receptors, fibroblast activation protein (FAP), gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R), prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), and integrins associated with tumor neovasculature. Lutetium, samarium, europium, holmium, and terbium, either as lanthanide oxide nanoparticles or as nanoparticles doped with lanthanide ions, have demonstrated their theranostic potential through their ability to generate molecular images by magnetic resonance, nuclear, optical, or computed tomography imaging. Likewise, photodynamic therapy, targeted radiotherapy (neutron-activated nanoparticles), drug delivery guidance, and image-guided tumor therapy are some examples of their potential therapeutic applications. This review provides an overview of cancer theranostics based on lanthanide nanoparticles coated with specific peptides, ligands, and proteins targeting the tumor microenvironment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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30 pages, 3634 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Synthesis, Toxicity Assessment, Environmental and Biomedical Applications of MXenes: A Review

by Inna A. Vasyukova, Olga V. Zakharova, Denis V. Kuznetsov and Alexander A. Gusev

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(11), 1797; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12111797 - 24 May 2022

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 3245

Abstract

MXenes are a family of two-dimensional (2D) composite materials based on transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides that have been attracting attention since 2011. Combination of electrical and mechanical properties with hydrophilicity makes them promising materials for biomedical applications. This review briefly discusses [...] Read more.

MXenes are a family of two-dimensional (2D) composite materials based on transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides that have been attracting attention since 2011. Combination of electrical and mechanical properties with hydrophilicity makes them promising materials for biomedical applications. This review briefly discusses methods for the synthesis of MXenes, their potential applications in medicine, ranging from sensors and antibacterial agents to targeted drug delivery, cancer photo/chemotherapy, tissue engineering, bioimaging, and environmental applications such as sensors and adsorbents. We focus on in vitro and in vivo toxicity and possible mechanisms. We discuss the toxicity analogies of MXenes and other 2D materials such as graphene, mentioning the greater biocompatibility of MXenes. We identify existing barriers that hinder the formation of objective knowledge about the toxicity of MXenes. The most important of these barriers are the differences in the methods of synthesis of MXenes, their composition and structure, including the level of oxidation, the number of layers and flake size; functionalization, test concentrations, duration of exposure, and individual characteristics of biological test objects Finally, we discuss key areas for further research that need to involve new methods of nanotoxicology, including predictive computational methods. Such studies will bring closer the prospect of widespread industrial production and safe use of MXene-based products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical, Agricultural, and Environmental Applications: Prospects and Uncertainties)

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