Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yi Zhang, Mengting Xiong, Xiaomin Ni, Jingrou Wang, Hehui Rong, Yuqing Su, Shihui Yu, Imran Shair Mohammad, Sharon Shui Yee Leung, Haiyan Hu
Summary: The research team developed mesoporous silica nanoparticles mimicking virus surfaces to effectively penetrate the mucous layer and intestinal epithelium. These nanoparticles successfully loaded insulin to maintain its bioactivity under simulated intestinal conditions. In animal experiments, the nanoparticles reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ramesh Kanthasamy, Mohammed Algarni, Leo Choe Peng, Nur Ain Zakaria, Mohammed Zwawi
Summary: In this study, hydrophilic silica nanoparticles and hydrophobic silane were used to modify the surface of polyurethane (PU) paint to improve its fouling properties. The addition of silica nanoparticles followed by silane modification resulted in minimal changes in surface morphology and water contact angle. However, when perfluorooctyltriethoxy silane was used to modify the PU coating blended with silica, the fouled area significantly increased compared to the unmodified PU coating. On the other hand, blending silica nanoparticles without silane modification reduced the fouled area. Additionally, coating the PU coatings with silica nanoparticles dispersed in different solvents using the dual-layer coating method improved the surface roughness and hydrophilicity. The use of paint thinner as a solvent resulted in a superhydrophobic and antifouling surface.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Luis Filipe, Telma de Sousa, Dario Silva, Miguel M. Santos, Manuela Ribeiro Carrott, Patricia Poeta, Luis C. Branco, Sandra Gago
Summary: The combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients in the form of ionic liquids or organic salts (API-OSILs) with mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as drug carriers can enhance the capabilities of current antibiotics, especially against resistant strains of bacteria. In this study, three nanomaterials based on the modification of MSN surface with different ionic liquids coupled with anionic ciprofloxacin were prepared. These materials showed no cytotoxicity and exhibited improved antibacterial activity against both resistant and sensitive strains of K. pneumoniae. One particular nanomaterial, [MSN-Chol][Cip], showed significant enhancement with a tenfold decrease in MIC against sensitive strains. The importance of this study is rated at 8 out of 10 for its potential application in combating antibiotic resistance.
Article
Polymer Science
Asmaa Elzayat, Emad Tolba, Francisco F. Perez-Pla, Ahmed Oraby, Rafael Munoz-Espi
Summary: This work presents an in situ strategy for the synthesis of hybrid sub-millispheres as carriers for encapsulating and controlling the release of hydrophilic pharmaceutical compounds. An organic-inorganic hydrogel is prepared by ionotropic gelation, using chitosan or alginate as biopolymers to generate a scaffold network. The system overcomes the limitations of the ionotropic method for entrapping hydrophilic substances by incorporating nanostructured silica into the polymer matrix.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hongying Zhao, Changjun Liu, Jiaxin Song, Xiaodan Fan
Summary: The stability and toxicity of selenium nanoparticles can be improved by decorating them with polysaccharides from Sargassum fusiforme (SFPS-SeNPs). Results from animal experiments showed that the median lethal dose of SFPS-SeNPs was 88.76 Se mg/kg, and the dose without observed adverse effects for 28 days was 4.43 mg Se/kg/day. Compared with Na2SeO3, SFPS-SeNPs may have slightly higher toxic effects, and they may accumulate in the liver when taken orally at a dose of 4.43 mg Se/kg/day. SFPS and nanotechnology can reduce the toxicity of selenium, and SFPS-SeNPs or SeNPs-polysaccharides can be used for drug delivery and food supplements.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Iris Garrido-Cano, Vicente Candela-Noguera, Guadalupe Herrera, Juan Miguel Cejalvo, Ana Lluch, M. Dolores Marcos, Felix Sancenon, Pilar Eroles, Ramon Martinez-Manez
Summary: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are efficiently internalized by human cells, with uptake mechanisms differing among cell types and particles. These biocompatible materials do not induce ROS/RNS production, nor affect mitochondrial membrane potential or cell cycle within cells.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Andreia Bagliotti Meneguin, Amanda Leticia Polli Silvestre, Larissa Sposito, Mauricio Palmeira Chaves de Souza, Rafael Miguel Sabio, Victor Hugo Sousa Araujo, Beatriz Stringhetti Ferreira Cury, Marlus Chorilli
Summary: Polysaccharides, through nano- and microencapsulation, can protect orally administered insulin from the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and improve permeability through cellular pathways, offering advantages such as targeted delivery.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Farahidah Mohamed, May K. Oo, Bappaditya Chatterjee, Batoul Alallam
Summary: This article provides a brief review of the history of supramolecular mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and highlights the influencing factors affecting their morphology-porosity characteristics. It also presents the applications of MSNs as a next-generation drug delivery system, particularly in controlled release dosage forms via an oral drug delivery system.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ruixue Qin, Shi Li, Yuwei Qiu, Yushuo Feng, Yaqing Liu, Dandan Ding, Lihua Xu, Xiaoqian Ma, Wenjing Sun, Hongmin Chen
Summary: The authors develop a Mn(II) based nanoparticle contrast agent for MRI imaging that can cross the brain barrier and image glioma cells. The new contrast agent offers higher sensitivity and superior functionality compared to existing agents, providing new opportunities for early molecular diagnostics and imaging-guided biomedical applications.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joandra Maisa da Silva Leite, Lucas Marinho de Santana, Daniela Nadvorny, Brenda Oliveira de Abreu, Juliana de Souza Reboucas, Fabio Rocha Formiga, Monica Felts de La Roca Soares, Jose Lamartine Soares-Sobrinho
Summary: This study aims to develop and characterize nanoparticles for encapsulating isoniazid (a drug used in tuberculosis treatment) to overcome the problem of drug leakage. Molecular dynamics simulations predict that the polymer and drug system can reach equilibrium, stability, and structural compactness. The optimized nanoparticles show a spherical shape, sustained release, and viability against human lung cancer cells.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Munmun Bardhan, Sandip Dolui, Siddhi Chaudhuri, Uttam Paul, Gaurav Bhattacharjee, Manorama Ghosal, Nakul C. Maiti, Debashis Mukhopadhyay, Dulal Senapati
Summary: The aggregation of proteins, both ordered and disordered, under certain conditions can lead to pathological disorders. A detailed investigation was conducted on the effects of porous metallic (Au) and non-metallic (Si) nanomaterials on protein aggregation, with porous nanogold shown to reduce amyloid aggregation and porous nano-silica decreasing aggregation amount and prolonging lag phase. This observation may aid in the development of nanotherapeutic drugs for protein aggregation diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shasha Liu, Hengming Zhang, Shiling Yuan
Summary: In this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was used to investigate the adsorption configuration of hydrophilic silica nanoparticles (SNPs) in an oil-water emulsion system and their effect on the coalescence of oil droplets. The simulation results showed that SNPs adsorbed on the surface of oil droplets and self-aggregated through hydrogen bonds. Additionally, hydrophilic asphaltene and resin molecules formed adsorption configurations with SNPs, changing the distribution of oil droplet components. SNPs extended the coalescence time of oil droplets and formed pi-pi stacking structures to enhance the connection between oil droplets. Furthermore, a sufficient amount of SNPs tightly wrapped around the oil droplet, hindering the contact and coalescence of components between oil droplets.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shroq AlZadjali, Zineb Matouk, Abdulla AlShehhi, Nitul Rajput, Meriam Mohammedture, Monserrat Guttierrez
Summary: Superhydrophobic coatings are becoming increasingly popular due to their low maintenance requirements, high durability, and wide range of potential applications. These coatings can provide resistance to fouling, icing, smear, and corrosion, as well as the ability to separate oil from water. Consequently, the development of superhydrophobic materials is a topic of significant interest among academics worldwide. In this paper, a spray-coating deposition technique is utilized to deposit silica nanoparticles on glass using a sol-gel as a base. The resulting coating significantly increased transmittance to 99% at 600 nm. Water contact angle (WCA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the coated layer's grade index and induced porousness demonstrated superhydrophobic behavior with a water contact angle exceeding 158 degrees.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ji Yeon Park, Wonsik Mun, Jinyoung Chun, Byoung-In Sang, Robert J. Mitchell, Jin Hyung Lee
Summary: The preparation method of natural biogenic silica nanoparticles from rice husks affects their biocompatibility, with alkali extraction method resulting in the lowest toxicity. Incorporating polyethylene glycol before alkali extraction increases their toxicity, while the presence of residual carbon and variations in calcination temperature and time also impact their toxicity.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yanmei Huang, Peng Li, Ruikang Zhao, Laien Zhao, Jia Liu, Zhuhong Zhang
Summary: This article reviews the recent research progress on the biomedical applications of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs). SiNPs have great potential in drug delivery, targeted cancer treatment, and disease diagnosis due to their controllable particle size, large surface area, and good biocompatibility. However, the toxicity mechanisms of SiNPs remain poorly understood and require further investigation.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda Cano, Miren Ettcheto, Mireia Bernuz, Raquel Puerta, Ester Esteban de Antonio, Elena Sanchez-Lopez, Eliana B. Souto, Antonio Camins, Merce Marti, Maria Isabel Pividori, Merce Boada, Agustin Ruiz
Summary: Extracellular vesicles are secreted by cells and play important roles in intercellular communication, immune responses, human reproduction, and synaptic plasticity. They have potential as biomarkers for diseases due to their biological relevance and easy accessibility. They can also be used as mirrors of brain diseases as they can cross the blood-brain barrier. This review explores their biogenesis, functions, and potential in clinical practice, as well as their role in major human brain diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bianca P. Genesi, Raquel de Melo Barbosa, Patricia Severino, Andrea C. D. Rodas, Cristiana M. P. Yoshida, Monica B. Mathor, Patricia S. Lopes, Cesar Viseras, Eliana B. Souto, Classius Ferreira da Silva
Summary: Chitosan films containing aloe vera and copaiba oil were developed and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and in vivo healing potential. The results showed that these films had excellent properties in promoting wound healing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Amanda Cano, Alvaro Munoz-Morales, Elena Sanchez-Lopez, Miren Ettcheto, Eliana B. Souto, Antonio Camins, Merce Boada, Agustin Ruiz
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases have unknown etiology in many cases and lack effective treatments. The blood-brain barrier poses a challenge for drug delivery. Exosomes, secreted vesicles, have emerged as promising therapeutic tools due to their natural origin and molecular similarities. They are particularly promising for targeting neurodegenerative diseases due to the difficulty of accessing the brain and the complexity of the diseases.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gerard Esteruelas, Eliana B. Souto, Marta Espina, Maria Luisa Garcia, Marta Switalska, Joanna Wietrzyk, Anna Gliszczynska, Elena Sanchez-Lopez
Summary: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, but there is still a need for an effective treatment with minimal adverse effects. Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has shown promise as an antitumoral agent, but its prolonged use can lead to adverse effects. In this study, biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles were used to deliver diclofenac in a controlled manner, resulting in prolonged release and demonstrating antitumoral effects without cytotoxicity to non-tumoral cells.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Audrey R. S. T. Silva, Amanda M. B. Costa, Sona Jain, Patricia Severino, Ricardo Scher, Rogeria S. Nunes, Eliana B. Souto, Silvio S. Dolabella
Summary: Leishmaniases are parasitic diseases that need cheaper, safer, and more effective treatment options. The anti-fungal compound 3carene (3CR) has potential as a treatment for Leishmania, but its hydrophobicity limits therapeutic uses. In this study, micellar systems made from poloxamers were developed to carry 3CR and enhance its activity against Leishmania braziliensis.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksandra Zielinska, Raquel da Ana, Joel Fonseca, Milena Szalata, Karolina Wielgus, Faezeh Fathi, M. Beatriz P. P. Oliveira, Rafal Staszewski, Jacek Karczewski, Eliana B. Souto
Summary: Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) were used to encapsulate CBD, and their physicochemical characteristics were investigated. The results showed that CBD-loaded SLN had a mean particle size of 217.2 +/- 6.5 nm, PDI of 0.273 +/- 0.023, and EE of about 74%, while CBD-loaded NLC had Z-Ave of 158.3 +/- 6.6 nm, PDI of 0.325 +/- 0.016, and EE of about 70%. Rheological analysis indicated that both lipid nanoparticle formulations exhibited more elasticity than viscosity. SEM study confirmed the morphology and shape of the nanoparticles.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ana Abraao, Manyou Yu, Irene Gouvinhas, Luis Ferreira, Amelia M. Silva, Raul Dominguez-Perles, Ana Barros
Summary: In recent years, less-known fruit species have gained global attention for their health benefits. Prunus lusitanica L., commonly known as Portuguese laurel cherry, is considered an endangered species. This study aimed to monitor the nutritional components of P. lusitanica fruits grown in northern Portugal for four consecutive years. The results showed the abundance of phytonutrients in P. lusitanica, highlighting the need for its conservation and further research on its phytochemistry and bioactivity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mafalda Pinto, Cristiano Soares, Tatiana Andreani, Fernanda Fidalgo, Fernando Tavares
Summary: This study aimed to assess the antibacterial activity of a dried leaf Eucalyptus globulus Labill. aqueous extract (DLE) against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (Xeu), and Clavibacter michiganensis michiganensis (Cmm). The results showed that DLE strongly inhibited the growth of these pathogens and significantly impaired their cell viability. Therefore, DLE can be considered as a promising strategy for the prophylactic treatment of tomato-associated bacterial diseases or to reduce the use of environmentally toxic approaches.
Article
Polymer Science
Noelia Perez-Gonzalez, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Ana C. Calpena-Campmany, Nuria Bozal-de Febrer, Lyda Halbaut-Bellowa, Mireia Mallandrich, Beatriz Clares-Naveros
Summary: Fungal keratitis is a global cause of corneal blindness. Current treatment involves the use of antibiotics, with Natamycin being commonly used; however, alternative therapies are necessary due to the difficulty in treating fungal keratitis. In situ gelling formulations, which combine the advantages of eye drops and ointments, show promise as an alternative. This study aimed to develop and characterize three formulations containing 0.5% CSP: CSP-O1, CSP-O2, and CSP-O3. The results suggest that these formulations could be potential candidates for the treatment of fungal keratitis.
Article
Polymer Science
Cristina Silva, Gladys Ramos-Yacasi, Mireia Mallandrich, Helena Colom-Codina, Joaquim Suner-Carbo, Noelia Perez-Gonzalez, Ana Cristina Calpena, Francisco Fernandez-Campos
Summary: Sialolithiasis primarily affects the oral salivary glands due to obstruction from small stones, hindering saliva secretion. To ensure patient comfort, treatment and pain control are crucial in managing this condition. A ketorolac calcium cross-linked alginate hydrogel was developed and applied in the buccal cavity, showing desirable physicochemical properties and high drug concentrations to alleviate pain. The formulation was found suitable for oral application based on ex vivo drug release studies.
Article
Polymer Science
Noelia Perez-Gonzalez, Lupe Carolina Espinoza, Maria Rincon, Lilian Sosa, Mireia Mallandrich, Joaquim Suner-Carbo, Nuria Bozal-de Febrer, Ana Cristina Calpena, Beatriz Clares-Naveros
Summary: Caspofungin gel, incorporating Azone, showed higher release and retention of the drug in the skin compared to a promoter-free Caspofungin gel. Both formulations exhibited good tolerability and inhibited the growth of certain Candida species. Dermal treatment with Caspofungin could be a promising therapy for cutaneous candidiasis in refractory or intolerant patients.
Article
Polymer Science
Negar Ahmadi, Maria Rincon, Marcelle Silva-Abreu, Lilian Sosa, Jessica Pesantez-Narvaez, Ana Cristina Calpena, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Mireia Mallandrich
Summary: In this study, Pranoprofen (PRA)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were dispersed into blank gels to improve the drug's retention and anti-inflammatory effect for dermal administration. The gels showed sustained release up to 24 hours and demonstrated efficacy in an inflammatory animal model study. The results indicate that these gel formulations could serve as an interesting and effective topical treatment for local skin inflammation caused by abrasion.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tatiana N. Pashirova, Andrey V. Nemtarev, Eliana B. Souto, Vladimir F. Mironov
Summary: This review provides a systematic survey of studies on mitochondria-targeted nanosystems containing triphenylphosphonium vector groups, summarizing the design principles and preparation methods for these nanosystems and analyzing the relationship between key parameters and biological action.
RUSSIAN CHEMICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gabrielle B. Novais, Mariana A. Dias, Adilson A. M. Santana, Thigna C. Batista, Maria N. Marques, Carlisson R. Melo, Ricardo L. C. Albuquerque Junior, Margarete Z. Gomes, Patricia Severino, Eliana B. Souto, Juliana C. Cardoso
Summary: This work focuses on the functionalization of SWCNTs and MWCNTs with two selected isoflavones and compares their physicochemical properties. Acidic treatment improved the dispersibility of both types of nanotubes, but SWCNTs still remained aggregated. However, MWCNTs showed increased dispersibility after acidic treatment. The functionalization with isoflavones was confirmed by improved dispersibility of the nanotubes.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Isabella S. A. Peres, Kiara A. O. Conceicao, Larissa A. F. Silva, Nadia G. Khouri, Cristiana M. P. Yoshida, Viktor O. C. Concha, Massimo Lucarini, Alessandra Durazzo, Antonello Santini, Eliana B. Souto, Patricia Severino
Summary: This article discusses the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications of Dragon's Blood, focusing on its antioxidant properties. Through literature research analysis, the current status and future development directions of this topic are explored. The study reveals that Dragon's Blood extracts possess various activities such as anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antidiarrheal, anticancer, antirheumatic, antiseptic, and antioxidant effects, which provide novel perspectives for its use in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
RENDICONTI LINCEI-SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI
(2023)