Research

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11 pages, 1994 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Antibacterial Potential of Green-Synthesized MgO and ZnO Nanoparticles from Two Plant Root Extracts

by Bachir Ben Seghir, Meriem Hima, Fatima Moulatti, Ibtihal Sahraoui, Ilham Ben Amor, Soumeia Zeghoud, Hadia Hemmami, Imane Kouadri, Asma Ben Amor, Mohammed Messaoudi, Shakeel Ahmed, Abdelkrim Rebiai and Pawel Pohl

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(17), 2425; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13172425 - 26 Aug 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 986

Abstract

The green approach-based nanoparticle synthesis is considered a more cost-effective and ecologically responsible method of producing nanoparticles than other standard techniques. A major accomplishment in resolving these issues is the use of nanoparticles for environmental pollution remediation. This article describes a simple method [...] Read more.

The green approach-based nanoparticle synthesis is considered a more cost-effective and ecologically responsible method of producing nanoparticles than other standard techniques. A major accomplishment in resolving these issues is the use of nanoparticles for environmental pollution remediation. This article describes a simple method for producing MgO and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) using aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale and Glycyrrhiza roots as the stabilizing and reducing agents, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersed X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy methods were used to characterize the biologically synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles (MO NPs). The XRD results showed that the mean crystallite sizes of synthesized ZnO and MgO NPs, which have excellent purity, are 12.35 nm and 4.83 nm, respectively. The spherical or elliptical shape of the synthesized NPs was confirmed by the SEM analysis. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized NPs against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria was thoroughly investigated. With a medium zone of inhibition of 7 to 10 mm, the as-synthesized MgO NPs and ZnO NPs demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity towards various bacterial strains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobiotechnologies in Environment and Medicine)

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13 pages, 2097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cadmium Sulfide Quantum Dots, Mitochondrial Function and Environmental Stress: A Mechanistic Reconstruction through In Vivo Cellular Approaches in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

by Marta Marmiroli, Giovanni Birarda, Valentina Gallo, Marco Villani, Andrea Zappettini, Lisa Vaccari, Nelson Marmiroli and Luca Pagano

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(13), 1944; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13131944 - 26 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1038

Abstract

Research on the effects of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) on mitochondria, which represent one of the main actors in cell function, highlighted effects on ROS production, gametogenesis and organellar genome replication. Specifically, the mitochondrial effects of cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QDs) exposure can [...] Read more.

Research on the effects of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) on mitochondria, which represent one of the main actors in cell function, highlighted effects on ROS production, gametogenesis and organellar genome replication. Specifically, the mitochondrial effects of cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QDs) exposure can be observed through the variation in enzymatic kinetics at the level of the respiratory chain and also by analyzing modifications of reagent and products in term of the bonds created and disrupted during the reactions through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This study investigated both in intact cells and in isolated mitochondria to observe the response to CdS QDs treatment at the level of electron transport chain in the wild-type yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in the deletion mutant Δtom5, whose function is implicated in nucleo–mitochondrial protein trafficking. The changes observed in wild type and Δtom5 strains in terms of an increase or decrease in enzymatic activity (ranging between 1 and 2 folds) also differed according to the genetic background of the strains and the respiratory chain functionality during the CdS QDs treatment performed. Results were confirmed by FTIR, where a clear difference between the QD effects in the wild type and in the mutant strain, Δtom5, was observed. The utilization of these genetic and biochemical approaches is instrumental to clarify the mitochondrial mechanisms implicated in response to these types of ENMs and to the stress response that follows the exposure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobiotechnologies in Environment and Medicine)

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14 pages, 7576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanometric Mechanical Behavior of Electrospun Membranes Loaded with Magnetic Nanoparticles

by Raffaele Longo, Luigi Vertuccio, Vito Speranza, Roberto Pantani, Marialuigia Raimondo, Elisa Calabrese and Liberata Guadagno

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(7), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13071252 - 01 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1481

Abstract

This work analyzes on nanoscale spatial domains the mechanical features of electrospun membranes of Polycaprolactone (PCL) loaded with Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles (FMNs) produced via an electrospinning process. Thermal and structural analyses demonstrate that FMNs affect the PCL crystallinity and its melting temperature. HarmoniX-Atomic [...] Read more.

This work analyzes on nanoscale spatial domains the mechanical features of electrospun membranes of Polycaprolactone (PCL) loaded with Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles (FMNs) produced via an electrospinning process. Thermal and structural analyses demonstrate that FMNs affect the PCL crystallinity and its melting temperature. HarmoniX-Atomic Force Microscopy (H-AFM), a modality suitable to map the elastic modulus on nanometric domains of the sample surface, evidences that the FMNs affect the local mechanical properties of the membranes. The mechanical modulus increases when the tip reveals the magnetite nanoparticles. That allows accurate mapping of the FMNs distribution along the nanofibers mat through the analysis of a mechanical parameter. Local mechanical modulus values are also affected by the crystallinity degree of PCL influenced by the filler content. The crystallinity increases for a low filler percentage (<5 wt.%), while, higher magnetite amounts tend to hinder the crystallization of the polymer, which manifests a lower crystallinity. H-AFM analysis confirms this trend, showing that the distribution of local mechanical values is a function of the filler amount and crystallinity of the fibers hosting the filler. The bulk mechanical properties of the membranes, evaluated through tensile tests, are strictly related to the nanometric features of the complex nanocomposite system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobiotechnologies in Environment and Medicine)

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11 pages, 2429 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biocompatibility, Bioactivity, and Antibacterial Behaviour of Cerium-Containing Bioglass^®

by Sílvia R. Gavinho, Ana Sofia Pádua, Isabel Sá-Nogueira, Jorge C. Silva, João P. Borges, Luis C. Costa and Manuel Pedro F. Graça

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(24), 4479; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12244479 - 18 Dec 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2553

Abstract

The main reason for the increased use of dental implants in clinical practice is associated with aesthetic parameters. Implants are also presented as the only technique that conserves and stimulates natural bone. However, there are several problems associated with infections, such as peri-implantitis. [...] Read more.

The main reason for the increased use of dental implants in clinical practice is associated with aesthetic parameters. Implants are also presented as the only technique that conserves and stimulates natural bone. However, there are several problems associated with infections, such as peri-implantitis. This disease reveals a progressive inflammatory action that affects the hard and soft tissues surrounding the implant, leading to implant loss. To prevent the onset of this disease, coating the implant with bioactive glasses has been suggested. In addition to its intrinsic function of promoting bone regeneration, it is also possible to insert therapeutic ions, such as cerium. Cerium has several advantages when the aim is to improve osseointegration and prevent infectious problems with dental implant placement. It promotes increased growth and the differentiation of osteoblasts, improves the mechanical properties of bone, and prevents bacterial adhesion and proliferation that may occur on the implant surface. This antibacterial effect is due to its ability to disrupt the cell wall and membrane of bacteria, thus interfering with vital metabolic functions such as respiration. In addition, its antioxidant effect reverses oxidative stress after implantation in bone. In this work, Bioglass 45S5 with CeO₂ with different percentages (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mol%) was developed by the melt-quenching method. The materials were analyzed in terms of morphological, structural, and biological (cytotoxicity, bioactivity, and antibacterial activity) properties. The addition of cerium did not promote structural changes to the bioactive glass, which shows no cytotoxicity for the Saos-2 cell line up to 25 mg/mL of extract concentration for all cerium contents. For the maximum cerium concentration (2 mol%) the bioactive glass shows an evident inhibitory effect for Escherichia coli and Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Furthermore, all samples showed the beginning of the deposition of a CaP-rich layer on the surface of the material after 24 h. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobiotechnologies in Environment and Medicine)

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26 pages, 2717 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Engineered Nanoparticles, Natural Nanoclay and Biochar, as Carriers of Plant-Growth Promoting Bacteria

by Milica Pavlicevic, Wael Abdelraheem, Nubia Zuverza-Mena, Tana O’Keefe, Salma Mukhtar, Gale Ridge, John Ranciato, Christy Haynes, Wade Elmer, Joseph Pignatello, Luca Pagano, Marina Caldara, Marta Marmiroli, Elena Maestri, Nelson Marmiroli and Jason C. White

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(24), 4474; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12244474 - 17 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2687

Abstract

The potential of biochar and nanoparticles to serve as effective delivery agents for beneficial bacteria to crops was investigated. Application of nanoparticles and biochar as carriers for beneficial bacteria improved not only the amount of nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria in soil, but also [...] Read more.

The potential of biochar and nanoparticles to serve as effective delivery agents for beneficial bacteria to crops was investigated. Application of nanoparticles and biochar as carriers for beneficial bacteria improved not only the amount of nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria in soil, but also improved chlorophyll content (1.2–1.3 times), cell viability (1.1–1.5 times), and antioxidative properties (1.1–1.4 times) compared to control plants. Treatments also improved content of phosphorus (P) (1.1–1.6 times) and nitrogen (N) (1.1–1.4 times higher) in both tomato and watermelon plants. However, the effect of biochars and nanoparticles were species-specific. For example, chitosan-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles with adsorbed bacteria increased the phosphorus content in tomato by 1.2 times compared to a 1.1-fold increase when nanoclay with adsorbed bacteria was applied. In watermelon, the situation was reversed: 1.1-fold increase in the case of chitosan-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles and 1.2 times in case of nanoclay with adsorbed bacteria. Our findings demonstrate that use of nanoparticles and biochar as carriers for beneficial bacteria significantly improved plant growth and health. These findings are useful for design and synthesis of novel and sustainable biofertilizer formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobiotechnologies in Environment and Medicine)

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22 pages, 38440 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Compositional Analysis of the Dental Biomimetic Hybrid Nanomaterials Based on Bioinspired Nonstoichiometric Hydroxyapatite with Small Deviations in the Carbonate Incorporation

by Pavel Seredin, Dmitry Goloshchapov, Nikita Buylov, Vladimir Kashkarov, Anna Emelyanova, Konstantin Eremeev and Yuri Ippolitov

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(24), 4453; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12244453 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1466

Abstract

In our paper, we discuss the results of a comprehensive structural-spectroscopic and microscopic analysis of non-stoichiometric nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (CHAp) with low carbonate anion content and biomimetic hybrid nanomaterials produced on its basis. It was shown that hydroxyapatite nanocrystals synthesized by chemical precipitation and [...] Read more.

In our paper, we discuss the results of a comprehensive structural-spectroscopic and microscopic analysis of non-stoichiometric nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (CHAp) with low carbonate anion content and biomimetic hybrid nanomaterials produced on its basis. It was shown that hydroxyapatite nanocrystals synthesized by chemical precipitation and biogenic calcium source mimic the properties of biogenic apatite and also have a morphological organization of “core–shell” type. The “core” of the CHAp nanocrystal is characterized by an overabundance of calcium Ca/P~1.9. Thus “a shell” with thickness of ~3–5 nm is formed from intermediate apatite-like phases where the most probable are octocalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate and tricalcium phosphate. The multimode model of the Raman profile of samples CHAp and biomimetic composites for spectral region 900–1100 cm⁻¹ proposed in our work has allowed to allocate precise contribution of B-type carbonate substitution, taking into account the presence on a surface of “core” HAp nanocrystal of various third-party intermediate apatite-like phases. The calibration function constructed on the basis of the described model makes it possible to reliably determine small concentrations of carbonate in the structure of hydroxyapatite with the application of Raman express method of diagnostics. The results of our work can inspire researchers to study the processes of induced biomineralization in mineralized tissues of the human body, using non-destructive methods of control with simultaneous analysis of chemical bonding, as well as determining the role of impurity atoms in the functions exhibited by biotissue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobiotechnologies in Environment and Medicine)

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17 pages, 2777 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protein Analysis of A. halleri and N. caerulescens Hyperaccumulators When Exposed to Nano and Ionic Forms of Cd and Zn

by Valentina Gallo, Valentina M. Serianni, Davide Imperiale, Andrea Zappettini, Marco Villani, Marta Marmiroli and Nelson Marmiroli

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4236; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234236 - 28 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1290

Abstract

Hyperaccumulator plant species growing on metal-rich soils can accumulate high quantity of metals and metalloids in aerial tissues, and several proteomic studies on the molecular mechanisms at the basis of metals resistance and hyperaccumulation have been published. Hyperaccumulator are also at the basis [...] Read more.

Hyperaccumulator plant species growing on metal-rich soils can accumulate high quantity of metals and metalloids in aerial tissues, and several proteomic studies on the molecular mechanisms at the basis of metals resistance and hyperaccumulation have been published. Hyperaccumulator are also at the basis of the phytoremediation strategy to remove metals more efficiently from polluted soils or water. Arabidopsis halleri and Noccea caerulescens are both hyperaccumulators of metals and nano-metals. In this study, the change in some proteins in A. halleri and N. caerulescens was assessed after the growth in soil with cadmium and zinc, provided as sulphate salts (CdSO₄ and ZnSO₄) or sulfide quantum dots (CdS QDs and ZnS QDs). The protein extracts obtained from plants after 30 days of growth were analyzed by 2D-gel electrophoresis (2D SDS-PAGE) and identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. A bioinformatics analysis was carried out on quantitative protein differences between control and treated plants. In total, 43 proteins resulted in being significatively modulated in A. halleri, while 61 resulted in being modulated in N. caerulescens. Although these two plants are hyperaccumulator of both metals and nano-metals, at protein levels the mechanisms involved do not proceed in the same way, but at the end bring a similar physiological result. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobiotechnologies in Environment and Medicine)

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18 pages, 5619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cadmium Sulfide Quantum Dots Adversely Affect Gametogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

by Riccardo Rossi, Roberta Ruotolo, Giuseppe De Giorgio, Marta Marmiroli, Marco Villani, Andrea Zappettini and Nelson Marmiroli

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(13), 2208; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12132208 - 27 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1820

Abstract

In the last decades, nanotechnology-based tools have attracted attention in the scientific community, due to their potential applications in different areas from medicine to engineering, but several toxicological effects mediated by these advanced materials have been shown on the environment and human health. [...] Read more.

In the last decades, nanotechnology-based tools have attracted attention in the scientific community, due to their potential applications in different areas from medicine to engineering, but several toxicological effects mediated by these advanced materials have been shown on the environment and human health. At present, the effects of engineered nanomaterials on gametogenesis have not yet been well understood. In the present study, we addressed this issue using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model eukaryote to evaluate the effects of cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QDs) on sporulation, a process equivalent to gametogenesis in higher organisms. We have observed that CdS QDs cause a strong inhibition of spore development with the formation of aberrant, multinucleated cells. In line with these observations, treatment with CdS QDs down-regulates genes encoding crucial regulators of sporulation process, in particular, the transcription factor Ndt80 that coordinates different genes involved in progression through the meiosis and spore morphogenesis. Down-regulation of NDT80 mediated by CdS QDs causes a block of the meiotic cell cycle and a return to mitosis, leading to the formation of aberrant, multinucleated cells. These results indicate that CdS QDs inhibit gametogenesis in an irreversible manner, with adverse effects on cell-cycle progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobiotechnologies in Environment and Medicine)

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Review

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28 pages, 9497 KiB

Open AccessReview

Organismal Function Enhancement through Biomaterial Intervention

by Fengchao Tian, Yuemin Zhou, Zaiqiang Ma, Ruikang Tang and Xiaoyu Wang

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(4), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14040377 - 18 Feb 2024

Viewed by 967

Abstract

Living organisms in nature, such as magnetotactic bacteria and eggs, generate various organic–inorganic hybrid materials, providing unique functionalities. Inspired by such natural hybrid materials, researchers can reasonably integrate biomaterials with living organisms either internally or externally to enhance their inherent capabilities and generate [...] Read more.

Living organisms in nature, such as magnetotactic bacteria and eggs, generate various organic–inorganic hybrid materials, providing unique functionalities. Inspired by such natural hybrid materials, researchers can reasonably integrate biomaterials with living organisms either internally or externally to enhance their inherent capabilities and generate new functionalities. Currently, the approaches to enhancing organismal function through biomaterial intervention have undergone rapid development, progressing from the cellular level to the subcellular or multicellular level. In this review, we will concentrate on three key strategies related to biomaterial-guided bioenhancement, including biointerface engineering, artificial organelles, and 3D multicellular immune niches. For biointerface engineering, excess of amino acid residues on the surfaces of cells or viruses enables the assembly of materials to form versatile artificial shells, facilitating vaccine engineering and biological camouflage. Artificial organelles refer to artificial subcellular reactors made of biomaterials that persist in the cytoplasm, which imparts cells with on-demand regulatory ability. Moreover, macroscale biomaterials with spatiotemporal regulation characters enable the local recruitment and aggregation of cells, denoting multicellular niche to enhance crosstalk between cells and antigens. Collectively, harnessing the programmable chemical and biological attributes of biomaterials for organismal function enhancement shows significant potential in forthcoming biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobiotechnologies in Environment and Medicine)

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22 pages, 2599 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Luminescent Gold Nanoclusters for Bioimaging: Increasing the Ligand Complexity

by Dario Mordini, Alexandra Mavridi-Printezi, Arianna Menichetti, Andrea Cantelli, Xinke Li and Marco Montalti

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(4), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13040648 - 07 Feb 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2631

Abstract

Fluorescence, and more in general, photoluminescence (PL), presents important advantages for imaging with respect to other diagnostic techniques. In particular, detection methodologies exploiting fluorescence imaging are fast and versatile; make use of low-cost and simple instrumentations; and are taking advantage of newly developed [...] Read more.

Fluorescence, and more in general, photoluminescence (PL), presents important advantages for imaging with respect to other diagnostic techniques. In particular, detection methodologies exploiting fluorescence imaging are fast and versatile; make use of low-cost and simple instrumentations; and are taking advantage of newly developed powerful, low-cost, light-based electronic devices, such as light sources and cameras, used in huge market applications, such as civil illumination, computers, and cellular phones. Besides the aforementioned simplicity, fluorescence imaging offers a spatial and temporal resolution that can hardly be achieved with alternative methods. However, the two main limitations of fluorescence imaging for bio-application are still (i) the biological tissue transparency and autofluorescence and (ii) the biocompatibility of the contrast agents. Luminescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), if properly designed, combine high biocompatibility with PL in the near-infrared region (NIR), where the biological tissues exhibit higher transparency and negligible autofluorescence. However, the stabilization of these AuNCs requires the use of specific ligands that also affect their PL properties. The nature of the ligand plays a fundamental role in the development and sequential application of PL AuNCs as probes for bioimaging. Considering the importance of this, in this review, the most relevant and recent papers on AuNCs-based bioimaging are presented and discussed highlighting the different functionalities achieved by increasing the complexity of the ligand structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobiotechnologies in Environment and Medicine)

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29 pages, 3579 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃) Nanocomposites in Advanced Biomedical Applications: A State-of-the-Art Review

by Mehrab Pourmadadi, Erfan Rahmani, Amin Shamsabadipour, Shima Mahtabian, Mohammadjavad Ahmadi, Abbas Rahdar and Ana M. Díez-Pascual

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3873; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12213873 - 02 Nov 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3641

Abstract

Nanomaterials have demonstrated a wide range of applications and recently, novel biomedical studies are devoted to improving the functionality and effectivity of traditional and unmodified systems, either drug carriers and common scaffolds for tissue engineering or advanced hydrogels for wound healing purposes. In [...] Read more.

Nanomaterials have demonstrated a wide range of applications and recently, novel biomedical studies are devoted to improving the functionality and effectivity of traditional and unmodified systems, either drug carriers and common scaffolds for tissue engineering or advanced hydrogels for wound healing purposes. In this regard, metal oxide nanoparticles show great potential as versatile tools in biomedical science. In particular, iron oxide nanoparticles with different shape and sizes hold outstanding physiochemical characteristics, such as high specific area and porous structure that make them idoneous nanomaterials to be used in diverse aspects of medicine and biological systems. Moreover, due to the high thermal stability and mechanical strength of Fe₂O₃, they have been combined with several polymers and employed for various nano-treatments for specific human diseases. This review is focused on summarizing the applications of Fe₂O₃-based nanocomposites in the biomedical field, including nanocarriers for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing. Additionally, their structure, magnetic properties, biocompatibility, and toxicity will be discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobiotechnologies in Environment and Medicine)

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