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1.
Preliminary investigation on cytotoxicity of fluorinated polymer nanoparticles.
Wang, X, Cheng, W, Yang, Q, Niu, H, Liu, Q, Liu, Y, Gao, M, Xu, M, Xu, A, Liu, S, et al
Journal of environmental sciences (China). 2018;:217-226
Abstract
As well-known persistent organic pollutants (POPs), organofluorine pollutants such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) have been proven to be bioaccumulated and harmful to health. However, toxicological assessment of organofluorinated nanoparticles, which have emerged as a novel tool for biomedical and industrial applications, is lacking, to the best of our knowledge. To assess the biological effects and health risk of fluorinated nanoparticles, trifluoroethyl aryl ether-based fluorinated poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles (PTFE-PMMA NPs) were synthesized with various fluorine contents (PTFE-PMMA-1 NPs 12.0wt.%, PTFE-PMMA-2 NPs 6.1wt.% and PTFE-PMMA-3 NPs 5.0wt.%), and their cytotoxicity was investigated in this study. The in vitro experimental results indicated that the cytotoxicity of PTFE-PMMA NPs was mild, and was closely related to their fluorine (F) contents and F-containing side chains. Specifically, the cytotoxicity of PTFE-PMMA NPs decreased with increasing F content and F-containing side chains. After exposure to PTFE-PMMA NPs at a sublethal dose (50μg/mL) for 24hr, the phospholipid bilayer was damaged, accompanied by increasing permeability of the cell membrane. Meanwhile, the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurred, resulting in the increase of DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and cell death. Overall, the PTFE-PMMA NPs were found to be relatively safe compared with typical engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), such as silver nanoparticles and graphene oxide, for biomedical and industrial applications.
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2.
Adaptive Materials Based on Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Bone Regeneration.
Li, Y, Ye, D, Li, M, Ma, M, Gu, N
Chemphyschem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry. 2018;(16):1965-1979
Abstract
The paper provides a brief overview of the use of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in the areas of bone regenerative medicine. Reconstruction of bone defects caused by trauma, non-union, and bone tumor excision, still faces many challenges despite the intense investigations and advancement in bone-tissue engineering and bone regeneration over the past decades. IONPs have promising prospects in this field due to their controlled responsive characteristics in specific external magnetic fields and have been of great interest during the last few years. This Minireview aims to summarize the relevant progress and describes the following five aspects: (i) The general introduction of IONPs, with a focus on the magnetic properties as the base of application; (ii) using IONPs as tools to study and control stem cells for better treatment efficacy in stem-cell-based bone defect repair; (iii) the use of IONPs and their complexes in the delivery of therapeutic agents, including chemical drug molecules, growth factors, and genetic materials, to promote osteogenesis-related cell function and differentiation, healthy bone tissue growth, and functional reconstruction; (iv) magneto-mechanical actuation in the regulation of cells distribution, mechano-transduction membrane receptors activation, and mechanosensitive signaling pathways regulation, and (v) fabrication, characteristics, and in vitro and in vivo osteogenic effects of magnetic composite bone scaffolds. Ongoing prospects are also discussed.
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3.
Unusual polysaccharide rheology of aqueous dispersions of soft phytoglycogen nanoparticles.
Shamana, H, Grossutti, M, Papp-Szabo, E, Miki, C, Dutcher, JR
Soft matter. 2018;(31):6496-6505
Abstract
Phytoglycogen is a natural polysaccharide produced in the form of dense, 35 nm diameter nanoparticles by some varieties of plants such as sweet corn. The highly-branched, dendrimeric structure of phytoglycogen leads to interesting and useful properties such as softness and deformability of the particles, and a strong interaction with water. These properties make the particles ideal for use as unique additives in personal care, nutrition and biomedical formulations. In the present study, we describe rheology measurements of aqueous dispersions of phytoglycogen nanoparticles. The viscosity of the dispersions remained Newtonian up to large concentrations (∼20% w/w). For higher concentrations, the zero-shear viscosity increased dramatically, reaching values that exceeded that of the water solvent by six orders of magnitude at a concentration of 30% w/w and were well described by the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann relation of glassy dynamics. The very large values of the zero-shear viscosity are coupled with significant deformation of the soft nanoparticles. We quantified the softness of the particles by performing osmotic pressure measurements on concentrated dispersions, obtaining a value of 15 kPa for the compressional modulus. For the most concentrated samples, we observed flow at stresses less than the apparent yield stress value determined by fitting the high strain rate data to the Herschel-Bulkley model. This behavior, similar to that of star polymer glasses, suggests the possibility of a hairy colloid particle geometry. Remarkably, phytoglycogen nanoparticles dispersed in water provide a very simple experimental realization of glass-forming dispersions of soft colloidal particles that can be used to validate theoretical models in detail.
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4.
Nanoparticle-conjugated nutraceuticals exert prospectively palliative of amyloid aggregation.
Kanubaddi, KR, Yang, SH, Wu, LW, Lee, CH, Weng, CF
International journal of nanomedicine. 2018;:8473-8485
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), an age-related neurodegenerative disease, the most common causes of dementia is a multifactorial pathology categorized by a complex etiology. Numerous nutraceuticals have been clinically evaluated, but some of the trials failed. However, natural compounds have some limitations due to their poor bioavailability, ineffective capability to cross the blood-brain barrier, or less therapeutic effects on AD. To overcome these disadvantages, nanoparticle-conjugated natural products could promote the bioavailability and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of AD when compared with a naked drug. This application generates and implements new prospect for drug discovery in neurodegenerative diseases. In this article, we confer AD pathology, review natural products in clinical trials, and ascertain the importance of nanomedicine coupled with natural compounds for AD.
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5.
Molecular Insight into Drug-Loading Capacity of PEG-PLGA Nanoparticles for Itraconazole.
Wilkosz, N, Łazarski, G, Kovacik, L, Gargas, P, Nowakowska, M, Jamróz, D, Kepczynski, M
The journal of physical chemistry. B. 2018;(28):7080-7090
Abstract
Nanoparticles made of amphiphilic block copolymers comprising biodegradable core-forming blocks are very attractive for the preparation of drug-delivery systems with sustained release. Their therapeutic applications are, however, hindered by low values of the drug-loading content (DLC). The compatibility between the drug and the core-forming block of the copolymer is considered the most important factor affecting the DLC value. However, the molecular picture of the hydrophobic drug-copolymer interaction is still not fully recognized. Herein, we examined this complex issue using a range of experimental techniques in combination with atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. We performed an analysis of the interaction between itraconazole, a model hydrophobic drug, and a poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide- co-glycolide) (PEG-PLGA) copolymer, a biodegradable copolymer commonly used for the preparation of drug-delivery systems. Our results clearly show that the limited capacity of the PEG-PLGA nanoparticles for the accumulation of hydrophobic drugs is due to the fact that the drug molecules are located only at the water-polymer interface, whereas the interior of the PLGA core remains empty. These findings can be useful in the rational design and development of amphiphilic copolymer-based drug-delivery systems.
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6.
The promising potentials of capped gold nanoparticles for drug delivery systems.
Khoshnevisan, K, Daneshpour, M, Barkhi, M, Gholami, M, Samadian, H, Maleki, H
Journal of drug targeting. 2018;(7):525-532
Abstract
Fabrication and characterisation of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) through reducing agents and different capped agents are one of their most attractive applications in biomedicine. GNPs are coated using various agents such as carbohydrate, amino acids, peptides and proteins. These capped gold nanoparticles (C-GNPs) are applied for wide different applications including drug delivery in the recent decade and potential treatment and diagnosis in drug delivery systems (DDS). Recent studies have shown that these novel compounds and conjugated-nanoparticles drugs play a key role for the promising cure of high-risk refractory diseases. In addition, it seems that these compounds have a capability for potential treatment of certain cancers. In this review, a well-defined description of C-GNPs and the application of these nanoparticles are discussed. Our study revealed that C-GNPs with anticancer drugs or new compounds could be potentially applied for biomedical usage especially in cancer therapy.
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7.
Nano-graphene oxide incorporated into PMMA resin to prevent microbial adhesion.
Lee, JH, Jo, JK, Kim, DA, Patel, KD, Kim, HW, Lee, HH
Dental materials : official publication of the Academy of Dental Materials. 2018;(4):e63-e72
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used as a dental material, a major challenge of using this substance is its poor antimicrobial (anti-adhesion) effects, which increase oral infections. Here, graphene-oxide nanosheets (nGO) were incorporated into PMMA to introduce sustained antimicrobial-adhesive effects by increasing the hydrophilicity of PMMA. METHODS After characterizing nGO and nGO-incorporated PMMA (up to 2wt%) in terms of morphology and surface characteristics, 3-point flexural strength and hardness were evaluated. The anti-adhesive effects were determined for 4 different microbial species with experimental specimens and the underlying anti-adhesive mechanism was investigated by a non-thermal oxygen plasma treatment. Sustained antimicrobial-adhesive effects were characterized with incubation in artificial saliva for up to 28 days. RESULTS The typical nanosheet morphology was observed for nGO. Incorporating nGO into PMMA roughened its surface and increased its hydrophilicity without compromising flexural strength or surface hardness. An anti-adhesive effect after 1h of exposure to microbial species in artificial saliva was observed in nGO-incorporated specimens, which accelerated with increasing levels of nGO without significant cytotoxicity to oral keratinocytes. Plasma treatment of native PMMA demonstrated that the antimicrobial-adhesive effects of nGO incorporation were at least partially due to increased hydrophilicity, not changes in the surface roughness. A sustained antimicrobial-adhesive property against Candida albicans was observed in 2% nGO for up to 28 days. SIGNIFICANCE The presence of sustained anti-adhesion properties in nGO-incorporated PMMA without loading any antimicrobial drugs suggests the potential usefulness of this compound as a promising antimicrobial dental material for dentures, orthodontic devices and provisional restorative materials.
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8.
Synthesis and evaluation of a novel water-soluble high Se-enriched Astragalus polysaccharide nanoparticles.
Meng, Y, Zhang, Y, Jia, N, Qiao, H, Zhu, M, Meng, Q, Lu, Q, Zu, Y
International journal of biological macromolecules. 2018;(Pt B):1438-1448
Abstract
Selenium is an essential trace element in human body. Se-deficiency is common phenomenon in all over the world, which severely harms the health of organism and causes the etiology of many chronic, degenerative diseases, such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, cancers, hypoimmunity, hypothyroidism and viral diseases. So, the research on preparation of Se-supplementing with the effective, safe and high Se content was imperative. In this study, Se-enriched Astragalus polysaccharide nanoparticles (Se-APS) were prepared by the previous optimization experimental conditions, as follows: reaction temperature 80.5 °C, pH 7.8, ratio of catalyst to APS 0.57:1.0 g·g-1, and reaction time 62 min. The Se content of Se-APS was as high as 13.42 ± 0.37%, characterized by energy spectrometer, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared, particle size, zeta potential and atomic force. Se release of the Se-APS in vitro followed the Higuchi's kinetics model and exhibited the basically same release pattern in artificial gastric juice (pH 2.0), artificial intestinal juice (pH 8.0) and PBS (pH 7.4). The proliferation of T-lymphocytes with Se-APS incubation increased at an average of 13.87%, comparing with APS. It could not only enhance the proliferation of T-lymphocytes, but also effectively suppress malignant proliferation of HepG2 cells and reduce cell migration and invasion. We prepared a novel water-soluble Se-APS by using a chelating method, which was promising as a novel Se supplements with high Se content and good bioactivity.
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9.
Structure-Stability-Function Mechanistic Links in the Anti-Measles Virus Action of Tocopherol-Derivatized Peptide Nanoparticles.
Figueira, TN, Mendonça, DA, Gaspar, D, Melo, MN, Moscona, A, Porotto, M, Castanho, MARB, Veiga, AS
ACS nano. 2018;(10):9855-9865
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Abstract
Measles remains one of the leading causes of child mortality worldwide and is re-emerging in some countries due to poor vaccine coverage, concomitant with importation of measles virus (MV) from endemic areas. The lack of specific chemotherapy contributes to negative outcomes, especially in infants or immunodeficient individuals. Fusion inhibitor peptides derived from the MV Fusion protein C-terminal Heptad Repeat (HRC) targeting MV envelope fusion glycoproteins block infection at the stage of entry into host cells, thus preventing viral multiplication. To improve efficacy of such entry inhibitors, we have modified a HRC peptide inhibitor by introducing properties of self-assembly into nanoparticles (NP) and higher affinity for both viral and cell membranes. Modification of the peptide consisted of covalent grafting with tocopherol to increase amphipathicity and lipophilicity (HRC5). One additional peptide inhibitor consisting of a peptide dimer grafted to tocopherol was also used (HRC6). Spectroscopic, imaging, and simulation techniques were used to characterize the NP and explore the molecular basis for their antiviral efficacy. HRC5 forms micellar stable NP while HRC6 aggregates into amorphous, loose, unstable NP. Interpeptide cluster bridging governs NP assembly into dynamic metastable states. The results are consistent with the conclusion that the improved efficacy of HRC6 relative to HRC5 can be attributed to NP instability, which leads to more extensive partition to target membranes and binding to viral target proteins.
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10.
Calcium phosphate-based nanosystems for advanced targeted nanomedicine.
Degli Esposti, L, Carella, F, Adamiano, A, Tampieri, A, Iafisco, M
Drug development and industrial pharmacy. 2018;(8):1223-1238
Abstract
Synthetic calcium phosphates (CaPs) are the most widely accepted bioceramics for the repair and reconstruction of bone tissue defects. The recent advancements in materials science have prompted a rapid progress in the preparation of CaPs with nanometric dimensions, tailored surface characteristics, and colloidal stability opening new perspectives in their use for applications not strictly related to bone. In particular, the employment of CaPs nanoparticles as carriers of therapeutic and imaging agents has recently raised great interest in nanomedicine. CaPs nanoparticles, as well as other kinds of nanoparticles, can be engineered to specifically target the site of the disease (cells or organs), thus minimizing their dispersion in the body and undesired organism-nanoparticles interactions. The most promising and efficient approach to improve their specificity is the 'active targeting', where nanoparticles are conjugated with a targeting moiety able to recognize and bind with high efficacy and selectivity to receptors that are highly expressed only in the therapeutic site. The aim of this review is to give an overview on advanced targeted nanomedicine with a focus on the most recent reports on CaP nanoparticles-based systems, specifically designed for the active targeting. The distinctive characteristics of CaP nanoparticles with respect to the other kinds of nanomaterials used in nanomedicine are also discussed.