Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria Gabriela Montiel Schneider, Maria Julia Martin, Jessica Otarola, Ekaterina Vakarelska, Vasil Simeonov, Veronica Lassalle, Miroslava Nedyalkova
Summary: This review summarizes the role of iron oxide nanoparticles in biomedical research. It classifies research studies related to cancer diagnostics and therapy, nano theranostics, and multimodal therapy. The review also focuses on combining different nanomaterials for optimal biomedical applications and includes an example of synthesizing and characterizing nanolipidic magnetic hybrid systems. Lastly, it discusses the capabilities of magnetite-based magnetic nanoparticles in managing oncological diseases.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Parnian Baharlouei, Azizur Rahman
Summary: Chitin and chitosan, abundant polymers in nature, have gained attention for their favorable properties and enormous potential biomedical applications. They can be used in drug delivery systems, cancer treatment, wound dressings, and more, making them important in the medical field.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Daniel S. Shaw, Kevin C. Honeychurch
Summary: Plant science plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges, and nanosensors have emerged as important tools to monitor biological processes in plants. By utilizing nanosensors, plant signaling pathways and metabolism can be studied non-destructively and in real-time.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
V. Balan, G. Dodi, C. T. Mihai, A. M. Serban, V. C. Ursachi
Summary: Nanotechnology has provided new possibilities for cancer management by targeting cancer cells with biotin-functionalized chitosan nanosystems. Through biotin engineering, more precise drug and gene delivery can be achieved, offering new prospects for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The development of biotinylated-chitosan macromolecules shaped into nanosystems is expected to emerge as next-generation platforms for cancer treatment and molecular imaging applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ramya Dhandapani, Ayyappan Sathya, Swaminathan Sethuraman, Anuradha Subramanian
Summary: The study developed fluorescent iron oxide nanoparticles with deep tissue penetrable NIR imaging and site-specific magnetic hyperthermia characteristics. The nanoparticles showed excellent cytocompatibility even at high concentrations and reduced cell survival rates after magnetic hyperthermia treatment. Additionally, they exhibited enhanced biodistribution in mice with preferential localization in the brain and liver.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DELIVERY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun Ki Hong, Kavya Mathur, Alexander M. Ruhoff, Behnam Akhavan, Anna Waterhouse, Chiara Neto
Summary: Tethered-liquid perfluorocarbon (TLP) coatings have shown potential in reducing blood adhesion and delaying thrombosis on blood-contacting medical devices. In this study, a vapor phase silanization reaction was used to create tethered-perfluorocarbon (TP) layers with large bumpy aggregates on top of a uniform coating. The vapor phase method was found to be effective in reproducibly creating slippery coatings with low water sliding angles. The TP layer retained perfluorinated lubricants even under high shear rates and showed reduced fibrin adhesion from human whole blood compared to control surfaces.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Margarita L. Alvarado-Noguez, Ana E. Matias-Reyes, Mario Perez-Gonzalez, Sergio A. Tomas, Claudia Hernandez-Aguilar, Flavio A. Dominguez-Pacheco, Jesus A. Arenas-Alatorre, Alfredo Cruz-Orea, Mauricio D. Carbajal-Tinoco, Jairo Galot-Linaldi, Elizabet Estrada-Muniz, Libia Vega-Loyo, Jaime Santoyo-Salazar
Summary: In this study, Curcuma longa L. extract was used to synthesize and directly coat magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles with a size of around 12 nm. The nanoparticles were then modified with a surface layer of polyphenol groups to enhance their bio-applications.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yogesh Dutt, Ramendra Pati Pandey, Mamta Dutt, Archana Gupta, Arpana Vibhuti, Jasmina Vidic, V. Samuel Raj, Chung-Ming Chang, Anjali Priyadarshini
Summary: Nanobiotechnology provides various nanostructures, such as nanoparticles, by utilizing methods from other scientific branches. These nanostructures have unique features and physiological characteristics that can be used for therapies against infections, cancers, tissue regeneration, tissue engineering, immunotherapies, and gene therapies. However, challenges such as reduced carrying capacity, non-targeted delivery, and solubility of therapeutic agents can affect the therapeutic applications of these biotechnological products.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
Farhank Saber Braim, Nik Noor Ashikin Nik Ab Razak, Azlan Abdul Aziz, Layla Qasim Ismael, Bashiru Kayode Sodipo
Summary: In this study, the effect of ultrasonic irradiation on the properties of chitosan-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (CS-SPIONs) was investigated. The results showed that increasing the sonication period and decreasing the acoustic power led to a decrease in crystallinity and elemental proportions, as well as an increase in the Zeta potential. The synthesized CS-SPIONs were found to be non-toxic and biocompatible with cells.
ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gwenyth Newman, Audrey Leclerc, William Arditi, Silvia Tea Calzuola, Thomas Feaugas, Emmanuel Roy, Constance Porrini, Mikhael Bechelany
Summary: Biological applications of microfluidics technology are expanding beyond diagnostics, analytics, and organ-on-chip devices. There is a growing interest in using microfluidic devices for therapeutic treatments like haemodialysis and oxygenation. However, there are challenges in ensuring the haemocompatibility of materials used in these devices, as the small channel size and dynamic conditions contribute to blood-material interactions.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed. A. G. El-Shahawy, Medhat Zohery, S. I. El-Dek
Summary: The current study successfully synthesized a nanoformula and characterized it using various techniques. The formula demonstrated sustained drug release behavior in vitro and showed lower cytotoxicity compared to free ABE in MCF-7 cells. Additionally, the formula can be used as a contrast agent in MRI, leading to a decrease in signal intensity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chenxu Liu, Hui Zhou, Jie Zhou
Summary: Nanotechnology presents a promising approach to improving crop production, enhancing crop tolerance, and reducing environmental pollution. The use of nanomaterials in plant growth and crop production, such as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanosensors, and nanobiotechnology, offers diverse applications to address agricultural challenges.
Article
Physics, Applied
Kai Hashino, Daiya Mombayashi, Yuto Nakatani, Azusa Oshima, Masumi Yamaguchi, Akira Heya, Koji Sumitomo
Summary: Lipid bilayers suspended over microwells on Si substrates are promising platforms for nanobiodevices that mimic cell membranes. By using the biotin-avidin interaction, vesicles can be selectively arranged on the freestanding region of the lipid bilayer, facilitating the introduction of biomolecules into the nanobiodevices.
JAPANESE JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Umit Yasar, Fatma Ulusal, Pinar Yilgor Huri, Bilgehan Guzel, Nurten Dikmen
Summary: The researchers aimed to develop a biological material as a substitute for blood to save lives when blood is not available. They synthesized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and bound them to hemoglobin molecules to create an artificial blood substitute with preserved structural integrity and oxygen transport capabilities.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mona Ebadi, Nurul Asikin-Mijan, Mohd Suzeren Md. Jamil, Anwar Iqbal, Emad Yousif, Ahmad Rifqi Md Zain, Tengku Hasnan Tengku Aziz, Muhammad Rahimi Yusop
Summary: It was found that the immobilization of palladium nanoparticles on superparamagnetic chitosan-coated manganese ferrite overcomes the challenge of aggregation and maintains high catalytic activity. The Pd-Chit@MnFe2O4 catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and 4-nitroaniline, with high turnover frequencies. The catalyst can be easily recovered by magnetic separation and exhibited good performance in the reductive deprotection of allyl carbamate.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Liliana Verestiuc, Mihaela-Claudia Spataru, Madalina Simona Baltatu, Maria Butnaru, Carmen Solcan, Andrei Victor Sandu, Ionelia Voiculescu, Victor Geanta, Petrica Vizureanu
Summary: By adding silicon, the mechanical properties of the titanium alloys were significantly improved, making the TiMoSi alloys promising materials for orthopedic devices.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Flavia Burlec, Lukasz Pecio, Solomiia Kozachok, Cornelia Mircea, Andreia Corciova, Liliana Verestiuc, Oana Cioanca, Wieslaw Oleszek, Monica Hancianu
Summary: Tagetes erecta L. is a popular ornamental plant widely cultivated for decorative purposes and lutein extraction. The plant contains various secondary metabolites, such as polyphenols, which may have important biological activities. Phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract from T. erecta inflorescences revealed the presence of polyphenolic compounds, including flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. A fraction containing quercetagitrin showed promising antioxidant and cytotoxic activities in vitro. Further purification and structural analysis of compounds from T. erecta extracts are warranted based on these results.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ioannis Gardikiotis, Florina-Daniela Cojocaru, Cosmin-Teodor Mihai, Vera Balan, Gianina Dodi
Summary: Wound dressing design is a rapidly growing field in the medical wound-care market worldwide. It uses biopolymers and other materials to manage wounds by targeting the four phases of healing. However, there are still issues with current biopolymer materials, and combining them with molecular biology approaches represents the future of wound healing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruxandra Mihailovici, Alexandra Croitoriu, Florin Nedeff, Valentin Nedeff, Lacramioara Ochiuz, Decebal Vasincu, Ovidiu Popa, Maricel Agop, Andreea Moraru, Danut Costin, Marcel Costuleanu, Liliana Verestiuc
Summary: Drug delivery to the anterior or posterior eye segments is challenging due to ocular system's unique anatomy and physiology. This study developed drug-loaded polymeric particulated systems using pre-emulsion coated with biodegradable polymers. The particulated systems released drugs in a safe and effective manner, maintaining therapeutic concentration for an extended period of time.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alina Gabriela Rusu, Aurica P. Chiriac, Loredana Elena Nita, Vera Balan, Alexandru Mihail Serban, Alexandra Croitoriu
Summary: This study aims to determine the possibility of substituting GA with SA as a crosslinking agent in the process of enzyme immobilization. A comparison between SA- and GA-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles was conducted, and the results showed that the SA-functionalized MNPs had better stability and catalytic performance compared to the GA-modified MNPs. Therefore, they have greater potential as catalytic nanodevices for biomedical purposes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Florina-Daniela Cojocaru, Vera Balan, Liliana Verestiuc
Summary: The need for bone substitutes is increasing due to modern world problems, and bone cancer treatment shows promise with modern therapies and external magnetic manipulation. Mimicking bone composition and controlling the micro-environment through magnetic stimulation can promote bone regeneration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. M. Serban, V. C. Ursachi, L. Verestiuc, G. Dodi, V. Balan
Summary: This study presents a simple method to obtain novel Docetaxel (DCX)-loaded magnetic composites using biotinylated N-palmitoyl chitosan and double-layered hydrophobic magnetite through self-assembly and ionic gelation. The magnetic composites exhibit high saturation magnetization and superparamagnetic behavior. In vitro investigations demonstrate their ability to deliver DCX for up to 72 hours and their biodegradation and cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell lines.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alexandru Streza, Aurora Antoniac, Veronica Manescu (Paltanea), Gheorghe Paltanea, Alina Robu, Horatiu Dura, Liliana Verestiuc, Enache Stanica, Stefan Ioan Voicu, Iulian Antoniac, Mihai Bogdan Cristea, Bogdan Radu Dragomir, Julietta V. Rau, Maria-Magdalena Manolea
Summary: Magnesium alloys are promising materials for biodegradable implants due to their ability to promote bone healing and maintain mechanical strength. Surface modification of these alloys using a polymeric-based composite coating with bioactive fillers such as hydroxyapatite and magnesium can reduce biodegradation rate. Various techniques were used to characterize the coatings, and in vitro cytotoxicity assays showed positive effects of magnesium and hydroxyapatite particles for cellulose-acetate-based composite coatings.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Narcis Anghel, Irina Apostol, Maria Valentina Dinu, Cristina Daniela Dimitriu, Iuliana Spiridon, Liliana Verestiuc
Summary: This study aimed to develop novel xanthan-based materials as a delivery carrier for heparin. The materials exhibited remarkable elastic behavior and toughness, making them suitable for tissue engineering. All materials were able to control the release of heparin, and conserved its biological activity. The developed materials could be potential carriers for the controlled release of heparin in topical administration.
Article
Polymer Science
Florina-Daniela Cojocaru, Ioannis Gardikiotis, Gianina Dodi, Aurelian Rotaru, Vera Balan, Elena Rezus, Liliana Verestiuc
Summary: The increasing tendency of population aging is directly correlated with a significant number of associated pathologies. Implantable bone substitutes have proven to be an efficient solution for metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis or chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorders. This study aimed to develop composite beads with a combination of biopolymers (specifically alginate and guar gum/carboxymethyl guar gum) and ceramics (specifically calcium phosphates). The results showed that the beads based on a higher concentration of guar gum had superior properties for bone tissue repair.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Diana Serbezeanu, Tachita Vlad-Bubulac, Ana-Maria Macsim, Vera Balan
Summary: The structural versatility of polydichlorophosphazene, due to the ability to functionalize the halogens attached to each phosphazene main chain unit, has gained attention in recent years. Polyphosphazenes with dual hydrophilic and hydrophobic side-chains have shown potential for targeted nanomedicine applications. A new amphiphilic graft, PPP/PEG-NH/Hys/MAB, was synthesized and validated using spectroscopic techniques. Drug-loaded micelles based on PPP/PEG-NH/Hys/MAB exhibited increased cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells.
Article
Polymer Science
Andreea Luca, Isabella Nacu, Sabina Tanasache, Catalina Anisoara Peptu, Maria Butnaru, Liliana Verestiuc
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop drug-loaded hydrogels for sustained and controlled release of Doxorubicin in skin cancer therapy. The hydrogels were produced using biopolymer derivatives and synthetic monomers under UV light stimulation. The hydrogels showed good manipulation characteristics and had a network structure confirmed by spectroscopy and microscopy analysis. The Doxorubicin-loaded hydrogels exhibited efficient inhibitory effects on keratinocytes tumor cells, making them a potential topical treatment for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Article
Polymer Science
Oana-Teodora Afloarea, Catalina Natalia Cheaburu Yilmaz, Liliana Verestiuc, Nela Bibire
Summary: Chitosan-based hydrogels are considered suitable materials for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications due to their biocompatibility and non-toxicity. This study aimed to develop formulations for vaginal administration of progesterone and evaluated their properties. The results showed that the hydrogels had pH- and temperature-dependent swelling and drug release characteristics, and the CS-g-PNIPAAm/PVA 80/20 +PGT hydrogel was recommended as a proper constituent for the vaginal formulation.
