Nano LIFE

Smart materials are engineered to perceive and respond dynamically to external stimuli, enabling controlled and adaptive changes in their properties. These materials, including metals and smart composites, have found extensive applications across various industrial sectors. In the field of nanotechnology, “smart nanomaterials” are specifically designed to exhibit stimuli-responsive behavior, allowing precise modulation of their physicochemical properties in response to environmental triggers such as pH, temperature, light, magnetic fields and biomolecular interactions. This unique adaptability makes them highly promising for biomedical, environmental and technological applications. Nanomaterials inherently possess exceptional physicochemical attributes, including enhanced surface area-to-volume ratio, tunable plasmonic and quantum effects, superior molar extinction coefficients, and unique magnetic and optical properties, which contribute to their multifunctionality. Despite these advantages, the biomedical deployment of conventional nanomaterials remains challenging due to limited biocompatibility, poor photostability, suboptimal targeting efficiency, rapid renal clearance, potential off-target toxicity, inadequate cellular uptake and low systemic circulation retention. These limitations necessitate the development of next-generation smart nanomaterials with precisely regulated functionalities to overcome these constraints and optimize therapeutic efficacy. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have led to the emergence of stimuli-responsive smart nanomaterials, which undergo significant and reversible modifications in their structural, chemical, or biological properties in response to subtle environmental perturbations. These innovations have enabled breakthroughs in targeted drug delivery, bioimaging, regenerative medicine and biosensing. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest developments in stimuli-sensitive smart nanomaterials, emphasizing their biomedical applications, potential advantages and existing challenges in clinical translation.

In recent years, immunotherapy has made significant progress in treating tumors. However, in the process of immunotherapeutic drug delivery in vivo, there are still problems, such as poor specificity, low penetration rate of deep tumor and low cellular uptake rate. These issues result in poor efficacy and safety. As a result, the therapeutic efficacy and safety of immunotherapy drugs are poor, which seriously limits the clinical effect of immunotherapy. Through the interaction between surface-coupled antibodies or ligands and target cell membrane receptors, the design and construction of Active Tumor targeting Biomimetic Nano Drug Delivery System (ATBNDDS) can increase the concentration of drugs in target cells, providing a feasible strategy for specific and efficient drug delivery. In addition, some particular types of cell membranes have been used to construct biomimetic nanocarriers due to their natural targeting ability, thus improving drug delivery efficiency. This paper reviews the research progress of ATBNDDS in improving tumor immunotherapy in recent years, and provides an outlook on the main challenges and future developments in this field.

Chronic wounds are a type of persisting, non-healing wound, and have proven to be a difficult challenge to treat. These wounds are caused by factors such as restricted blood flow to the injury, repeated tissue damage, excessive inflammation and infection. An emerging research area involves the use of growth factors and other bioactive peptides to stimulate wound-healing mechanisms such as cell proliferation and migration. However, a suitable cell culture system that mimics the critical aspects of the chronic wound environment, which can be used to test potential therapeutics before they are tested in vivo, is lacking. Here, we develop a model for simulating chronic wounds in vitro using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) through a combination of low serum (1% fetal bovine serum), hypoxia (1% O${}_2)$ and lipopolysaccharides (1-200 $\mu$g/mL). We tested the proliferative and migratory responses of HUVECs to growth factor treatment under these chronic wound conditions individually, as well as in combination, to simulate the chronic wound environment. The growth factors used were fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and FGF-2 fused elastin-like polypeptides (FGF-ELP). Fusion with ELP promotes self-assembly into nanoparticles, which imparts greater protection to proteolysis in the wound environment. It was found that HUVEC viability overall trended downwards across all groups of chronic wound conditions, suggesting the model effectively inhibited cell proliferation. When treated with FGF-ELP (25 nM), the proliferation response to the recombinant nanoparticles was significantly attenuated when comparing results between the chronic wound model and low serum baseline conditions. Despite the impaired level of proliferation in the simulated chronic wound environment, HUVECs responded positively to FGF-ELP, suggesting that FGF-ELP can promote a therapeutic effect even under chronic wound conditions. Using this chronic wound model, we can better simulate cell wound healing responses amidst several chronic wound conditions. To obtain a better understanding of the chronic wound system in vitro, there remains a need to investigate additional cell types and growth factor treatments that are active during the wound healing process.

Since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the scientific community has increasingly focused on air pollution and its associated health impacts, particularly in urban areas. However, most air filtration systems still rely on synthetic materials, highlighting the need for natural, renewable alternatives. Due to their unique morphology, spider-nets — intricate structures formed by electrospun nanofibers — have emerged as promising candidates for air filtration. This study investigates the influence of electrospinning parameters influence spider-net formation and their efficiency in nanoparticle air filtration. Using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan (CS) and Lippia sidoides essential oil (EO), this study investigates the influence of electrospinning/electronetting parameters on spider-net formation and their efficiency in nanoparticle air filtration. Samples were produced under an electric field of 23.4 kV, a flow rate of 1.17 mL/h and a production time of 28 min. Conductivity analyses, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and air filtration tests showed that drum collectors significantly enhanced spider-net formation. Additionally, protic acids such as acetic acid reduced fiber diameters from 291 nm to 117 nm compared to water, further improving filtration efficiency. The sample containing 6.0% PVA, 1.0% CS and EO achieved a filtration efficiency of 99.64% with a low-pressure drop of 117 Pa, comparable to synthetic polymers like polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate. These findings demonstrate that optimizing electrospinning parameters enhances spider-net formation from biodegradable polymers. These engineered innovative structures provide an effective and sustainable alternative to synthetic materials for advanced air filtration applications.

Dobutamine (Dobu) is a widely utilized therapeutic agent for heart failure with emerging potential in oncology. However, its clinical application is constrained by rapid release, short half-life and associated toxicity. This study introduces a dual-polymer nanomicelle system employing Pluronic F127 and lignin to encapsulate Dobu, aiming to enhance its release profile, minimize cytotoxicity and improve therapeutic efficacy. Nanomicelles were synthesized using an oil-in-water emulsion method, achieving encapsulation efficiencies of 99% for F127 and 80% for lignin, along with a controlled drug release profile. This novel dual-polymer nanomicelle system achieves high encapsulation efficiency (99% for F127 versus 80% for lignin) and controlled release, significantly reducing the burst release observed with free Dobutamine. Release studies demonstrated that F127 and lignin nanomicelles significantly reduced burst release compared to free Dobu, extending release durations up to 7 h. Cytotoxicity assays using NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells revealed increased cell viability for encapsulated Dobu, with F127 nanomicelles showing superior biocompatibility. Additionally, in vitro antibacterial evaluations confirmed that the nanomicelles did not inhibit microbial growth, highlighting their suitability for sterile applications. These findings suggest that F127 and lignin-based nanomicelles provide a promising platform for safer, controlled Dobu delivery in cardiovascular and oncological therapies.

In the pursuit of ensuring global food security, enhancing food safety has emerged as a critical endeavor. Nanotechnology, with its multifaceted applications, has demonstrated significant potential in revolutionizing food safety measures. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the utilization of nanoparticles to enhance food safety across various dimensions. The antimicrobial activities of nanoparticles stand out as a promising approach to combat foodborne pathogens. Their unique physicochemical properties enable targeted and effective antimicrobial actions, mitigating microbial contamination in food products. This review delves into the diverse types of nanoparticles employed, highlighting their mode of action and outcomes in different food matrices. Another pivotal facet explored herein is the incorporation of nanoparticles in food packaging materials. This innovation addresses challenges related to shelf life extension and preservation of food quality. By imparting barrier properties, nanoparticles prevent the permeation of gases and moisture, thereby retarding spoilage and maintaining product freshness. Preservation of food quality, a paramount concern in the food industry, is also tackled within this discourse. The potential of nanoparticles to enhance sensory attributes, nutrient retention and texture of food products is elucidated. The review also contemplates future directions and research gaps in the realm of nanoparticle-based food safety strategies.

This study aimed to develop and evaluate chitosan (CH) and hydroxyapatite (HA)-based bone orthopedic implants (BOIs) incorporated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for wound healing and dental bone tissue regeneration applications. CH-HA–rGO composites were synthesized and characterized to assess their physicochemical, morphological, thermal, mechanical and bioactivity properties. Compressive strength and elongation at break were measured to evaluate mechanical properties. The morphology of the BOI was examined to confirm the pore structure. Bioactivity was assessed via calcium/phosphorus (Ca/P) content analysis, while biodegradation and biocompatibility were tested using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays on MG63 osteoblast cells. Fish waste was utilized in the preparation of BOI to explore its potential as a sustainable resource. The CH–HA–rGO BOI demonstrated excellent mechanical properties, including a compressive strength of 48.34 ± 0.74 MPa and an elongation at a break of 41.82 ± 0.24%. The implant displayed a well-developed pore structure and enhanced bioactivity with a high Ca/P content. Biocompatibility studies revealed significant cell viability of MG63 cells on the BOI, confirming its potential for biological applications. The CH–HA–rGO BOI showed superior mechanical strength, biocompatibility and bone mineralization potential, indicating its suitability for implant applications in large animals. The innovative use of fish waste in BOI preparation further highlights its sustainability and potential for tissue regeneration studies.

In this paper, polyurethane nanofibers (PU)/chitosan (CS)/zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO)/ Glutathione (GSH) were prepared as wound dressings using the electrospinning method. First, the antibacterial effect of ZnO nanoparticles against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was investigated. Second, the ability of the nanofibers to release different amounts of antibiotics and nanoparticles to prevent wound infection was investigated. The morphology of the composite nanofibers was investigated using field emission electron microscopy (FESEM). The chemical structure of the nano-wound dressing was examined using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the FTIR spectroscopy results showed that GSH and ZnO nanoparticles were successfully arranged within the nanofibers. with an increase in the amount of GSH (1,3,5 wt%) at a constant voltage of 0.4 V, the amount of current increased by 1.7, 2.1, and 6.2 $\mu$A, respectively. According to the results of electrochemical analysis, the optimal amount of active ingredient is 5 wt%, but according to the images of FESEM analysis, due to the lack of nanofibers with the corresponding morphology, the amount of active ingredient is reduced to 5 wt% PU/Chi/.

In this work, the nanocarriers were synthesized utilizing the water/oil/water (W/O/W) emulsifying method to deliver Curcumin. A cutting-edge hydrogel nanocomposite, resulting from the fusion of Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Agarose (Aga) and Molybdenum disulfide (MoS${}_2)$, presents groundbreaking ph-responsive solutions for drug delivery, with a focus on the controlled release of Curcumin (Cur), a robust element demonstrating exceptional prowess in neutralizing malignant cells. Incorporating MoS₂ into the CMC-modified Aga hydrogel introduces distinctive attributes that are amplified by the addition of Span 80 surfactant. This combination results in the creation of strong niosomal microemulsions, which helps Cur stay in the body longer. Adding hazelnut oil helps to make the microemulsion smaller without changing its round shape. FT-IR spectroscopy and XRD techniques were utilized in order to examine the microemulsions. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) tests showed that there are tiny particles in the nanocarriers. They are about 171.25 nm in size on average and have a PDI of 0.31. The round shape of the tiny particles was confirmed by looking at them with a special microscope called SEM. The zeta potential analysis showed that there is a positive charge on the surface, which is about 80.4 mV. Surprisingly, the drug was able to be loaded at 48% efficiency, with an entrapment efficiency of 86.75%, exceeding the previously reported values. Researchers tested how well Cur-loaded nanoparticles can kill cancer cells and also looked for any harmful effects on A549 and L929 cells. This discovery shows that using tiny carriers could be a good way to treat cancer.

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. These diseases can be transmitted from one individual to another, as well as through contaminated food, water, and insect bites, infectious agents invade the body, multiply, and disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to various health issues. However, due to antimicrobial resistance, the need to develop nanoenabled medicine gained significant attention recently. The management of infectious diseases using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is an emerging field that leverages the unique properties of these nanostructures for enhanced drug delivery and therapeutic applications. Therefore, this review explores the transformative potential of CNTs in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases. As global health challenges escalate due to emerging pathogens and increasing drug resistance, the need for innovative solutions becomes critical. Moreover, the review systematically examines the unique properties of CNTs, including their mechanical, thermal, and electrical characteristics, that make them suitable for various biomedical applications. Further, the review highlights recent advancements in CNTs-based technologies, focusing on their roles in biosensing, drug deliver, and antiviral agents. Furthermore, the review also discusses how CNTs enhance the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tools, enabling rapid detection of infectious agents. Additionally, the multifunctional capabilities of CNTs in therapeutic applications, such as targeted drug delivery and pathogen inactivation, are also discussed. Challenges related to the clinical translation of CNTs technologies, including safety, biocompatibility, and regulatory concerns, are critically analyzed. In addition, the review concludes with clinical data by emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to harness the full potential of CNTs in the management of infectious diseases, paving the way for future research and development in this promising field.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are emerging as promising drug delivery systems due to their tunable physicochemical properties. However, concerns regarding their toxicity across different biological environments remain elusive. This review delves into the complex interactions between MSNs and various model systems, examining the resulting toxicological effects. In particular, within the tumor microenvironment, the hyperacidic microenvironment and altered glucose metabolism in cancer cells influence the biological outcomes of MSNs compared to normal cells. The immunomodulatory effects by MSNs, such as macrophages polarization and dendritic cells activation, are discussed. Moreover,in vivo studies using both wild-type and transgenic models highlight species- and organ-specific toxicities, particularly impacting the liver and kidneys. However, the potential epigenetic effects of these altered genes, as well as the characterization of the biotransformation processes of MSNs within various biological microenvironments, remain underexplored. These findings underscore the need for a thorough understanding of nano-bio interactions and the role of biological factors — such as exposure routes and species differences — in assessing MSNs safety. Furthermore, the need to refine model systems to better mimic human physiological conditions and assess the long-term effects of MSNs is underlined. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of the structure–activity relationships of MSNs within diverse biological systems is crucial for mitigating risks and minimizing off-target effects in biomedical applications.

As customizable biomaterials, hydrogels have attracted great promise in several industries, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensing and regenerative medicine. Three-dimensional networks of these hydrophilic polymers exhibit special properties, such as increased water content, soft and flexible texture and biocompatibility, making them excellent candidates to simulate the extracellular matrix and promote cell development and tissue regeneration. In this review paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of hydrogels, focusing on the design concepts, synthesis processes and characterization techniques. Different types of hydrogel materials, including natural polymers, synthetic polymers and hybrid hydrogels, along with their unique properties and applications are discussed. Improvements in hydrogel-based platforms for controlled drug delivery are being investigated. Recent advances in bioprinting processes using hydrogels to create complex tissue constructs with excellent spatial control are also explored. Hydrogel performance is examined across multiple variables, including mechanical properties, degradation behavior and biological interactions, with an emphasis on the importance of tailoring hydrogel qualities for specific applications. This review paper also provides insights into future directions in hydrogel research, including stimuli-sensitive hydrogels, self-healing hydrogels and bioactive hydrogels, which promise promising advances in the field. In general, the aim of this review paper is to provide the reader with a detailed understanding of hydrogels and all of their potential applications, making them a valuable tool for scientists and researchers working on biomaterials and tissue engineering.

Integrating nanoparticles into textiles represents a crucial intersection between nanotechnology and the textile industry, fundamentally transforming the process of designing, producing and utilizing fabrics. Nanoparticles enhance textile materials by introducing novel features such as antibacterial capabilities, UV protection, flame retardancy and enhanced mechanical strength. These improvements result in fabrics that are more intelligent, highly efficient and environmentally sustainable. They also optimize production processes and provide cutting-edge product designs. Nevertheless, the extensive adoption of nanoparticle technology in textiles encounters notable obstacles, such as those related to nanoparticle dispersion, longevity and compatibility with different substrates. Furthermore, the need for sustainable production processes and the creation of environmentally friendly nanoparticle compositions is driven by concerns regarding environmental impact and toxicity. Nanotechnology, if applied to these difficulties, has the capacity to reduce environmental dangers and introduce a new era of textiles that are both highly functional and in line with global sustainability objectives. This review will examine the techniques used to incorporate nanoparticles into textiles, the advantages of doing so, the assessment of their performance and the considerations about their long-term viability.

Engineered nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, nanocomposites and chalcogenides, possess distinct characteristics as a result of their extremely small size, leading to significant advancements in industries such as healthcare, electronics and energy. Nanomaterials play a crucial role in cancer immunotherapy by greatly improving the effectiveness of several treatments, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, T cell transfer therapy, monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic vaccines. They achieve this by enhancing drug transport and increasing targeting accuracy. Although they have the ability to bring about significant changes, obstacles, such as potential toxicity, environmental effect and manufacturing complexity, impede their widespread use. In order to address these problems, it is crucial to use tactics such as thorough biocompatibility testing, environmentally friendly production procedures and modern manufacturing technology. This study examines the progress and difficulties in using synthetic nanomaterials for cancer immunotherapy and suggests ways to ensure their safe and efficient incorporation into medical treatments.

This study emphasizes the importance and application of bioinspired cellular membrane vesicles as smart drug delivery carriers. The lessons can be learned from nature for the smart drug delivery system. Biological membranes are essential to provide stable and functional compartments, preserve cellular architecture, and promote selective signaling and transportation, which are mediated by embedded integral or peripheral proteins. Bioinspired mimicking of natural components in organisms has demonstrated their potential to serve as an innovative system for theranostic applications. However, mimicking the cell membrane in an artificial system is complex because of the multifarious biological structures. The primary advantage of these bioinspired delivery systems is the systematic biodistribution that nonnative delivery systems could not possess. This review will present biomimics resulting from self-assembling amphiphilic polymers. The promising artificial self-assemblies tagged with biomolecules by encapsulation, hybridization, or insertion can serve as means for the development of a smart drug delivery system. Moreover, in case the developed system is stimuli-responsive, the system allows for the triggered or on demand release of payload with in situ specific reaction. In conclusion, cellular membrane vesicles offer an important approach to efficient drug-targeted treatments at the molecular and cellular levels. Here, bioinspired cellular membrane vesicles are discussed along with their applications. Relevant examples of bioinspired membrane mimics are included for an overview of drug delivery candidates. The advantages of using biomimetic membranes and current limitations for future improvements are also included.