Xun HeDepartment of Anesthesiology, Huizhou Third People’s Hospital, Huizhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xun He, Department of Anesthesiology, Huizhou Third People’s Hospital, Huizhou, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8613994422646, Email 1936947743@qq.com
Nanotechnology is increasingly recognized as a key enabling technology for addressing critical challenges in the global agri-food system, including food security, sustainability, and resource efficiency. As the industry seeks to enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact, nano-enabled solutions such as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, and veterinary delivery systems are becoming pivotal in driving agricultural innovation. This review provides a comprehensive literature narrative review of current and emerging nano-enabled applications in food systems and agriculture, spanning nanoencapsulation, nanoemulsions, nanocomposites, and nanosensors designed for improved bioavailability, stability, and safety. Beyond purely technological developments, the work integrates a market analysis and a patent landscape evaluation (using Espacenet) to identify innovation trajectories and commercialization trends. The most recent developments highlights the emerging convergence of nanotechnology with digitalization, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), highly relevant for precision agriculture, and smart food systems, which is expected to play a key role in translating scientific advances into socially accepted and commercially viable solutions. Nevertheless,despite promising technological and commercial indicators, a significant finding is that most nano-enabled solutions remain incremental formulation-based innovations. Scalability, safety concerns, and the lack of regulatory harmonization represent the primary barriers to widespread adoption. Ultimately, this work emphasizes that a responsible and scalable transition to nanofood and nanoagriculture systems requires integrated, interdisciplinary approaches and a clear focus on overcoming existing commercial and safety hurdles, namely regarding harmonized risk assessment frameworks, standardized characterization methods, and life-cycle-based evaluations.
Purpose:Nanotechnology-based ocular drug delivery systems offer a promising approach to overcoming the anatomical and physiological barriers that limit the efficacy of conventional ophthalmic formulations, where topical bioavailability typically remains below 5% owing to rapid nasolacrimal drainage, precorneal tear turnover, and corneal impermeability. This narrative review synthesises current evidence on nanocarrier design, delivery pathways, and disease-specific therapeutic applications, incorporating cross-platform comparison across six nanocarrier systems and explicit stratification of evidence by translational stage. Methods:A structured narrative review was conducted using OVID MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed from database inception to September 2025, supplemented by citation chaining and targeted Google Scholar searches. Data extraction focused on carrier architecture, drug-loading and release characteristics, delivery routes, mechanistic behaviour, therapeutic outcomes, and safety profiles. This review was conducted in accordance with the general principles for narrative reviews as described in the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA). Results:Key nanocarrier classes included liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, nanosuspensions, nanoemulsions, and chitosan- and protein-based nanoparticles. Compared with conventional formulations, these systems demonstrated improved corneal residence, enhanced mucoadhesion, increased transscleral diffusion, reduced dosing frequency, and sustained intraocular exposure. Clinically translated examples include cyclosporine A nanomicelle and nanoemulsion formulations, marketed as Cequa (0.09%), Restasis (0.05%), and Ikervis (0.1%), approved for dry eye disease, and a subconjunctival PLGA nanoparticle depot that achieved greater than 20% intraocular pressure reduction sustained over 90 days from a single injection in early clinical evaluation. Applications spanned anterior-segment disorders, including dry eye disease, conjunctivitis, infectious keratitis, ocular inflammation, and glaucoma, and posterior-segment diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinoblastoma, and retinopathy of prematurity. Conclusion:Lipid-based and polymeric nanocarrier platforms are currently closest to clinical translation, with approved formulations and early-phase trial data supporting meaningful therapeutic advantages over conventional delivery. Realising the full potential of ocular nanomedicine will require addressing residual challenges in long-term ocular safety, manufacturing scalability, and regulatory compliance, particularly for posterior-segment applications, where non-invasive topical delivery remains largely at the preclinical stage.
Introduction:Nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles are promising magnetic hyperthermia agents, but conventional synthesis relies on toxic reagents. Plant-extract-mediated biogenic synthesis offers an eco-friendly alternative; however, the influence of specific agro-waste phytochemical matrices and precursor chemistry on nanoparticle structure and heating efficiency remains poorly characterized. Methods:Aqueous extracts from pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L) and raspberry leaves/shoots (Rubus idaeus L) were characterized for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Cherry stalk extract showed insufficient reactivity and was excluded. Two precursor systems - nitrate (Fe(NO3)3/Ni(NO3)2) and acetate-sulfate (Ni(CH3COO)2/FeSO4) - were combined with each extract, yielding four nanoparticle batches (M1, M2, G1, G2) after calcination at 500°C for 4 h. Nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, XRF, FTIR, TEM, DLS, and zeta potential. Magnetic heating performance was assessed under AMF (532.4 kHz, 3.1 kA·m-1); SAR and ILP were calculated with ferrite-mass correction based on XRF data. Results:Pomegranate extract showed the highest phytochemical activity (DPPH: 1283.9 μM TE·g-1). XRD confirmed the spinel NiFe2O4 structure in all batches, with crystallite sizes of 15.0-21.8 nm and lattice parameters of 8.35-8.38 Å. The acetate-sulfate batches (M2, G2) contained substantially higher Fe/Ni fractions (M2: Fe 49.0%, Ni 11.5%) than the nitrate batches (M1, G1: Fe ≤2.9%, Ni ≤1.7%). DLS indicated hydrodynamic diameters of 200-400 nm; zeta potential values (-14.0 to +7.8 mV) indicated limited colloidal stability. Under AMF, M2 and G2 reached maximum temperatures of 46.0°C and 43.4°C (baseline 31°C), with SAR of 15.7 and 15.0 W·g-1 and ILP of 3.08 and 2.93 nH·m2·kg-1, respectively. Sample M1 showed negligible heating (SAR 0.93 W·g-1; ΔT =1.1°C). Discussion:Precursor chemistry critically determines ferrite yield and heating efficiency, with the acetate-sulfate system consistently outperforming the nitrate system. The obtained ILP values are comparable to literature reports for NiFe2O4 under similar AMF conditions. However, the observed aggregation and low zeta potential limit biomedical applicability. As no cytotoxicity or in vitro/in vivo data were obtained, these findings represent proof-of-concept for the thermal conversion potential of biogenically synthesized NiFe2O4, pending biological validation.
Małgorzata Góral-Kowalczyk,1 Elżbieta Grządka,2 Jolanta Orzeł,2 Dariusz Góral,3 Tomasz Skrzypek,4 Zbigniew Kobus,5 Iryna Koval,6 Andrzej Marczuk11Department of Agricultural Forestry and Transport Machines, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland; 2Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland; 3Department of Biological Bases of Food and Feed Technologies, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland; 4Department of Biomedicine and Environmental Research, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland; 5Department of Technology Fundamentals, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland; 6Department of Physical, Analytical and General Chemistry, Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, UkraineCorrespondence: Dariusz Góral, Department of Biological Bases of Food and Feed Technologies, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Gleboka Str. 28, 20-612, Lublin, Poland, Email dariusz.goral@up.lublin.plIntroduction: Nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles are promising magnetic hyperthermia agents, but conventional synthesis relies on toxic reagents. Plant-extract-mediated biogenic synthesis offers an eco-friendly alternative; however, the influence of specific agro-waste phytochemical matrices and precursor chemistry on nanoparticle structure and heating efficiency remains poorly characterized.Methods: Aqueous extracts from pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L) and raspberry leaves/shoots (Rubus idaeus L) were characterized for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Cherry stalk extract showed insufficient reactivity and was excluded. Two precursor systems — nitrate (Fe(NO3)3/Ni(NO3)2) and acetate–sulfate (Ni(CH3COO)2/FeSO4) — were combined with each extract, yielding four nanoparticle batches (M1, M2, G1, G2) after calcination at 500°C for 4 h. Nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, XRF, FTIR, TEM, DLS, and zeta potential. Magnetic heating performance was assessed under AMF (532.4 kHz, 3.1 kA·m− 1); SAR and ILP were calculated with ferrite-mass correction based on XRF data.Results: Pomegranate extract showed the highest phytochemical activity (DPPH: 1283.9 μM TE·g− 1). XRD confirmed the spinel NiFe2O4 structure in all batches, with crystallite sizes of 15.0– 21.8 nm and lattice parameters of 8.35– 8.38 Å. The acetate–sulfate batches (M2, G2) contained substantially higher Fe/Ni fractions (M2: Fe 49.0%, Ni 11.5%) than the nitrate batches (M1, G1: Fe ≤ 2.9%, Ni ≤ 1.7%). DLS indicated hydrodynamic diameters of 200– 400 nm; zeta potential values (− 14.0 to +7.8 mV) indicated limited colloidal stability. Under AMF, M2 and G2 reached maximum temperatures of 46.0°C and 43.4°C (baseline 31°C), with SAR of 15.7 and 15.0 W·g− 1 and ILP of 3.08 and 2.93 nH·m2·kg− 1, respectively. Sample M1 showed negligible heating (SAR 0.93 W·g− 1; ΔT =1.1°C).Discussion: Precursor chemistry critically determines ferrite yield and heating efficiency, with the acetate–sulfate system consistently outperforming the nitrate system. The obtained ILP values are comparable to literature reports for NiFe2O4 under similar AMF conditions. However, the observed aggregation and low zeta potential limit biomedical applicability. As no cytotoxicity or in vitro/in vivo data were obtained, these findings represent proof-of-concept for the thermal conversion potential of biogenically synthesized NiFe2O4, pending biological validation.Keywords: spinel ferrite, specific absorption rate, SAR, intrinsic loss power, ILP, colloidal stability, phytochemical reduction
Background:Pruritus is an unpleasant cutaneous sensation that provokes scratching behavior and is associated with numerous inflammatory and dermatological disorders. Histamine is a major mediator of pruritus and contributes to the activation of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) possess well-documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. The present study investigated the antipruritic effects of Ag-NPs and the involvement of the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway in histamine-induced pruritus in mice. Methods:Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a green synthesis approach and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and SEM analyses. Histamine-induced pruritus was established in male NMRI mice by intradermal injection of histamine (400 µg) into the shaved nape of the neck. Ag-NPs were administered intraperitoneally at doses of 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/kg. To investigate the role of nitric oxide signaling, mice received the nitric oxide synthase inhibitors Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 1 mg/kg) or aminoguanidine (AG, 200 mg/kg) prior to histamine administration. Scratching behavior was recorded, while oxidative stress markers, nitric oxide levels, nerve growth factor (NGF), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and histopathological changes were evaluated. Results:Histamine administration increased scratching behavior, nitric oxide production, nerve growth factor (NGF) levels, oxidative stress, and iNOS gene expression in mouse skin tissue. Treatment with Ag-NPs significantly reduced histamine-induced scratching and attenuated nitric oxide production. Ag-NPs also improved antioxidant status by increasing glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, and catalase levels while reducing lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, Ag-NPs treatment significantly decreased NGF levels and suppressed iNOS mRNA expression. Histopathological examination revealed marked improvement in skin architecture and reduced tissue damage in Ag-NP-treated groups. The antipruritic effects of Ag-NPs were further enhanced in combination with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, suggesting the involvement of the NO/iNOS signaling pathway. Conclusion:Silver nanoparticles exhibit antipruritic activity against histamine-induced pruritus in mice. Their protective effects are associated with suppression of the NO/iNOS pathway, reduction of oxidative stress, modulation of NGF expression, and attenuation of inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that Ag-NPs may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of pruritic disorders.
Purpose: New, more effective therapies are needed for patients with liver tumors who are ineligible for surgical resection, transplantation, or local ablation. Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit substantial biological reactivity toward liver cancer cells, yet their unpredictable nanotoxicity highlights the need for a deeper understanding of NP-cell interactions. The present study examined the in vitro toxicological properties of gold (Au), palladium (Pd), and Pd-Au NPs in three hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh7D-12). Methods: The cytotoxicity of noble-metal-based NPs was assessed using Alamar Blue and MTT colorimetric assays. Reactive oxygen species generation and oxidative stress markers were quantified by fluorometric, luminometric, and flow cytometry methods. Confocal microscopy combined with fluorescence readouts were used to evaluate mitochondrial homeostasis and programmed cell death pathways. Molecular markers of NP-induced cellular stress were further confirmed using qRT-PCR. Results: Distinct cellular differences were observed among the three NPs, particularly in terms of cytotoxicity and death modalities. Au NPs caused mild mitochondrial perturbations without significant cytotoxicity. Pd NPs induced necroptosis, primarily at high concentrations. In contrast, Pd-Au NPs induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, glutathione depletion, and transcriptional changes in the genes regulating glutathione synthesis and metabolism. Pd-Au NPs also activated ferroptosis, which is a regulated cell death pathway increasingly recognized as a promising anticancer strategy. Conclusion: Among the tested formulations, Pd-Au NPs exhibited the strongest cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects that were driven by mitochondrial disruption and ferroptosis induction. These in vitro findings provided a mechanistic reason for advancing PdAu NP research efforts into in vivo studies and patient-derived preclinical models for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Introduction:Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive and heterogeneous malignancy of the biliary tract with a poor prognosis. Berberine can be a therapeutic option with low toxicity, but its delivery remains challenging. Encapsulation in lipid nanoparticles offers a promising biocompatible strategy to improve the delivery and safety of berberine. Purpose:This study aimed to develop, characterize berberine-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (N-Ber) and evaluate their cytotoxicity in CCA cell models in comparison to a standard chemotherapeutic, cisplatin, in both free and nanoparticle-loaded form (N-Cis). The in vitro biocompatibility for potential parenteral delivery of the nanocarriers was a secondary goal of the work. Methods:Nanoparticles were prepared by solvent evaporation with Precirol 5 ATO and oleic acid as lipids and Tween 20 as a stabilizer and were characterized by DLS, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release at physiological (pH 7.4) and tumor-mimicking (pH 5.5) conditions. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in three CCA cell lines (TFK-1, EGI-1, and HuCCT1) using the MTT assay, while endothelial cells (Ea.hy926) and the hemolysis test in human erythrocytes were employed to evaluate safety. Results:N-Ber and N-Cis displayed mean sizes 159.5 nm and 146.7 nm, respectively, negative surface charge (-27.95 mV and -50.75 mV), and high encapsulation efficiencies (berberine: 88.8%; cisplatin: 95.8%). Both nanoformulations showed significantly altered dissolution profiles compared to the free drugs. Berberine showed potent cytotoxicity against all CCA cell lines (IC5 0 0.4-5.2 µM), comparable or superior to cisplatin (IC5 0 ≈ 10 µM) and these effects were preserved after nanoencapsulation. In contrast, N-Ber exhibited low toxicity towards endothelial cells and no relevant hemolytic activity (<5% hemolysis) at therapeutic concentrations, while N-Cis induced marked hemolysis at all tested doses. Discussion:N-Ber combines strong cytotoxicity in CCA cells with a favorable biocompatibility compared to N-Cis. The promising in vitro data warrant further in vivo evaluation.
Background and Objective:Curcumin exhibits potent antioxidant activity beneficial for the prevention of various degenerative diseases; however, its highly lipophilic nature and susceptibility to degradation limit its solubility and physicochemical stability. To address these limitations, curcumin was formulated into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), a lipid-based colloidal delivery system composed of solid and liquid lipids stabilized by surfactants. In this study, sacha inchi oil, a natural oil rich in omega-3 and other unsaturated fatty acids, was investigated as a novel liquid lipid component to improve lipid matrix structure and drug accommodation. Methods:Curcumin-loaded NLCs were prepared using the hot homogenization method followed by probe sonication. Curcumin served as the active compound, while solid lipids (oleum cacao, glyceryl behenate (Compritol® 888 ATO), or glyceryl palmitostearate (Precirol® ATO 5)), sacha inchi oil as the liquid lipid, and surfactants (Tween 80, Poloxamer, or a Tween 80-Span 80 combination) were used. The resulting NLCs were characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (EE), physicochemical properties (FTIR, DSC, XRD), morphology, and in vitro release behavior. Results:Physicochemical analyses confirmed successful incorporation of curcumin into the lipid matrix without undesirable interactions. Among the tested formulations, CaTS2 (oleum cacao 4.5%, sacha inchi oil 1%, Tween 80 12.5%, Span 80 1%, and curcumin 0.1%) demonstrated the most favorable characteristics, with a particle size of 95.50 ± 0.87 nm, PDI of 0.119 ± 0.157, and ZP of -22.30 ± 0.98 mV. Entrapment efficiency reached 97.24% and morphological analysis showed predominantly spherical particles. In vitro release exhibited a biphasic pattern, consisting of an initial burst followed by sustained release up to 480 min. Kinetic modeling revealed that CaTS2 followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model (R2 = 0.793; n = 0.301), consistent with Fickian diffusion, whereas pure curcumin followed the Higuchi model (R2 = 0.819). The similarity factor (f2 = 29.04) indicated a distinctly different release profile between the two systems. Conclusion:Sacha inchi oil-based nanostructured lipid carriers were successfully developed and demonstrated favorable physicochemical characteristics, supporting their potential as a stable delivery system for curcumin.
Introduction:Research interest in nanomaterials has surged because of their unique physical and chemical characteristics that differentiate them from their bulk counterparts, such as electrical resistivity, strength and hardness, chemical reactivity, optical and electronic properties and a wide range of adaptable biological activity. The primary objective of this study was to develop a facile and cost-effective method for the triphenylamine-assisted synthesis of stable copper (I) oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles (NPs) and to comprehensively evaluate their potential optical, electronic, and antibacterial applications. This present study is the first report of a facile and effective method to triphenylamine-assisted synthesis of stable copper (I) oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles (NPs). Methods:After triphenylamine-assisted synthesis of Cu2O NPs, the synthesized NPs were comprehensively characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The antimicrobial activity of the Cu2O NPs was evaluated using the disk diffusion method and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against four clinically significant bacterial strains. Results:XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline cubic structure of Cu2O NPs, while TEM and SEM revealed spherical morphology with an average particle size of 10-60 nm with the highest frequency of 30 nm in diameter. Optical, electronic and antimicrobial properties of Cu2O NPs were also studied. UV-Vis spectra exhibited a distinct absorption peak at 275 nm and 280 nm in formic acid and N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) solvents, respectively. Electronic properties were investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) analyses and electron transitions (direct and indirect) in UV-Vis. Results of antibacterial activities indicated dose-dependent inhibition. The synthesized NPs showed significant efficacy, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusion:These findings highlight the potential of stable Cu2O NPs as durable antimicrobial agents for biomedical and its electrical and optical characteristics making it appropriate for various uses in photovoltaics, sensors, and photocatalysis and industrial applications, offering enhanced longevity and effectiveness compared to conventional counterparts.
Introduction: Osteomyelitis (OM) is an inflammation of bone and bone marrow and remains one of the most challenging infectious diseases to treat. This clinical difficulty highlights the need for alternative therapeutic strategies, including targeted local delivery of antibacterial agents. In this study, we report for the first time the use of zinc-bovine serum albumin (ZnBSA) hybrid nanoflowers as potential antibiotic carriers for osteomyelitis treatment. Hybrid nanoflowers are hierarchically structured nanomaterials composed of inorganic components (typically metal phosphates) and organic molecules (such as proteins or enzymes) that self-assemble into flower-like morphologies, exhibiting high surface area and synergistic physicochemical properties arising from organic-inorganic integration. Methods: ZnBSA hybrid nanostructures were synthesized through a rapid and optimized procedure and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Ciprofloxacin was loaded into the ZnBSA nanostructures, and drug release behavior was studied by ultraviolet-visable spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity was assessed using optical density measurements and disc diffusion assays. The biocompatibility of ZnBSA loaded with ciprofloxacin was evaluated through in vitro toxicity assays on human red blood cells and dermal fibroblasts, as well as in vivo testing using Danio rerio. Results: The ZnBSA nanostructures demonstrated rapid formation and improved biocompatibility compared to conventional copper-based nanoflowers. Toxicity studies confirmed a favorable safety profile both in vitro and in vivo. Ciprofloxacin-loaded ZnBSA carriers exhibited sustained drug release and effective antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Discussion: These findings indicate that ZnBSA hybrid nanostructures represent a safe and effective localized drug delivery system for osteomyelitis treatment. Their biocompatibility, rapid synthesis, sustained antibiotic release, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity highlight their potential as a promising alternative to existing nanocarrier systems for managing bone infections.
Cutaneous wound healing is a complex process regulated by molecular and cellular mechanisms. Conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome reduce this process, often leading to chronic wounds. These types of wounds remain a global health challenge due to prolonged healing, high infection risk, and poor response to conventional therapies. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have gained attention in biomedical research because of their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. While conventional synthesis methods often involve toxic reagents and high energy consumption, green synthesis using biological sources such as plants, fungi, and algae, offers safer and more sustainable alternatives. Furthermore, incorporating zinc oxide into biocompatible matrices enhances its therapeutic potential by promoting direct interaction with wound tissues. This review highlights recent advances in the green and biocompatible synthesis of ZnO NPs and explores their types and physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of green nanotechnology as a cost-effective and sustainable approach for developing next-generation wound healing materials reported the last five years in free-download through the literature.
Introduction:Sustainable nanotechnology requires synthesis approaches that are environmentally benign while maintaining high efficiency, yield, and functionality. Plant-mediated synthesis combined with advanced heating techniques offers a promising route to achieve these goals. Methods:Phyto-copper oxide nanoparticles (Phy-CuO-NPs) were synthesized using Psidium guajava leaf extract under different pH conditions via two approaches: conventional heating (Series A) and microwave-assisted synthesis (Series B). The influence of pH and heating mode on nanoparticle formation was systematically evaluated. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using physicochemical and morphological techniques, and their antibacterial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results:Microwave-assisted synthesis significantly altered pH-dependent nucleation pathways, resulting in nanoparticles with enhanced crystallinity, more uniform morphology, higher copper content, and improved colloidal stability, particularly under alkaline conditions. Series B nanoparticles showed a 34% increase in maximum yield (up to 80 mg/g) while achieving a 92% reduction in energy consumption compared to the conventional method. Antibacterial assays revealed strong inhibitory activity against both tested strains, with greater efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria. Discussion:The improved antibacterial performance is attributed to the bio-capped nature of the nanoparticles, which facilitates cellular entry and promotes intracellular copper ion release, leading predominantly to reactive oxygen species generation rather than direct ionic toxicity. This study highlights the synergistic role of microwave irradiation and pH control in enhancing both sustainability and functionality.
Food safety remains a critical global challenge, particularly due to contamination by aflatoxins (AFs), highly toxic secondary metabolites produced primarily by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. This significant group of mycotoxins frequently contaminate staple food commodities, posing serious risks to public health, food security, and agricultural sustainability, thus the need for their detection in food. Conventional analytical methods, including chromatographic and immunochemical techniques, although highly accurate, are often time-consuming, resource-intensive, and dependent on sophisticated instrumentation and skilled personnel, thereby limiting their applicability in decentralized and resource-limited settings. Recent advances in detecting AFs in food matrices is nanoparticle-based, thus the focus in this systematic review. In this study, a systematic review that critically evaluates nanoparticle-based detection strategies for AFs in food, highlighting their potential to transform food safety monitoring was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. Data generated was subsequently reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and PRISMA framework. Peer-reviewed articles published between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2023 were systematically retrieved from multiple electronic databases. Study screening, eligibility assessment, and data extraction were independently performed using Covidence systematic review management software. A total of 38 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The findings demonstrate a strong predominance of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), attributed to their high surface-to-volume ratio, tunable surface chemistry, and exceptional optical properties, which collectively enhance assay sensitivity and signal transduction in immunosensing platforms. Notably, gold-silica core-shell nanoparticle-based assays achieved the lowest reported limit of detection (LOD) for Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) of 0.24 pg/mL. Other nanomaterials, including carbon-based nanostructures and polymeric nanoparticles, also exhibited robust analytical performance, with reported LOD ranging from 0.5 pg/mL to 2.7 ng/mL, depending on the food matrix, nanomaterial type, and assay design. Overall, this systematic review highlights key trends in nanoparticle applications for AF detection and underscores their potential for rapid, highly sensitive, and field-deployable food safety diagnostic testing. Despite substantial progress, critical challenges related to scalability, reproducibility, standardization, and regulatory approval remain. Addressing these barriers will be essential for translating nanotechnology-based AF detection platforms from laboratory research into routine food safety surveillance and regulatory practice.
Purpose:Prostate cancer circulating tumor cells (PCTCs) are often found in the blood of patients suffering from metastatic prostate cancer and they are responsible for contributing to metastatic progression. Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been widely studied in the context of biomedical applications. Recently, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) capture and neutralization, as well as magnetically assisted drug delivery, have attracted much attention of researchers. Our studies are focused on the impact of the SPIONs stabilized with both cationic (CCh) and anionic (ACh) derivatives of chitosan on the model prostate cancer cell lines differing in phenotype and malignancy. Patients and Methods:In the research conducted, SPION/CCh and SPION/ACh particles were prepared, their colloidal stability and magnetic properties were examined using dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique, fluorescence spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetometry, and their impact on the properties of prostate cells (PC-3, LNCaP and DU 145) with various degrees of malignancy (normal and cancer) was determined in correlation with proteins of the cell signaling pathways involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Results:The SPION nanoparticles obtained were spherical, colloidally stable, and exhibited excellent magnetic properties. They showed an inhibiting effect on the migration of prostate cancer cells studied. Additionally, they slightly changed the expression of EMT pathway proteins, with an observed increase in E-cadherin which indicates, for the first time, a protective effect of SPIONs. The optical and confocal microscopy results obtained for the three cell lines studied indicated that the nanoparticles get internalized and also adsorbed on their surface, which is a desirable novel effect for their potential use as drug carriers in cancer therapy. Conclusion:The results obtained allow us to be the first to conclude that our SPION particles in non-toxic concentrations can be used as carriers of active substances for prostate cancer cells.
Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces pyocyanin, a phenazine antimicrobial agent against drug-resistant microorganisms. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were shown to stimulate pyocyanin production. Since they are known for their conductivity, their stimulatory properties could be affected by electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Therefore, this study aimed to verify whether EMFs, alone or in combination with MWCNT, could serve as a process simulator for pyocyanin production, and whether the production process is optimizable. Materials and Methods: The Design of Experiment method was employed to optimize pyocyanin production by the cultures exposed to different types of EMFs alone or in combination with MWCNTs. This allowed for identifying the setup with the highest improvement in pyocyanin production. In this setup, additional assays, including conductivity, magnetic induction, ROS level, and membrane potential measurements, were performed. The antibacterial properties of the purified pigment were also assessed. Results and Discussion: The rotating magnetic field (RMF) combined with MWCNT was identified as the most effective setup for pyocyanin production (production improved by 143% compared to the control), which can be further enhanced by aeration. Significant changes in conductivity, magnetic induction, membrane potential, and ROS levels were observed. The purified pigment exhibited strong antibacterial properties, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, which are often recognized as drug-resistant microorganisms. Conclusion: This research proposes a novel approach to bioprocessing, where the production of the desired metabolite can be stimulated through a combination of stressors.
Introduction:Chronic and acute wounds remain difficult to manage due to the inability of conventional dressings to provide sustained delivery of poorly soluble bioactives such as α-mangostin. This study investigates the potential of α-mangostin (AMG)-loaded chitosan/collagen nanoparticles (AMG-Ch/Coll NPs) incorporated into a hydrogel system for enhanced topical wound healing. Methods:Nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, morphology (SEM), entrapment efficiency, and physicochemical interactions (FTIR, XRD, DSC). AMG solubility, including its apparent solubility in AMG-Ch NPs and AMG-Ch/Coll NPs was quantified. Subsequently, hydrogels incorporating AMG, AMG-Ch NPs, AMG-Ch/Coll NPs, and Ch-Coll NPs were formulated and evaluated for pH, spreadability, swelling ratio, and in vitro drug release. In vivo wound-healing efficacy was further assessed using a rat excision model. Results:Mean particle size increased from 297.10 ± 11.64 nm (AMG-Ch NPs) to 317.66 ± 8.76 nm (AMG-Ch/Coll NPs) and 339.62 ± 6.43 nm (Ch-Coll NPs), indicating the influence of collagen on particle size. FTIR, XRD, and DSC analyses confirmed the successful formation of amorphous nanoparticles with strong intermolecular interactions, contributing to enhanced structural stability and solubility. A fourfold improvement in AMG solubility was observed in the nanoparticle formulations, which were subsequently incorporated into hydrogel matrices and evaluated for topical application. All hydrogel (HG) formulations exhibited acceptable pH values (6.50-6.98) suitable for skin application. AMG-Ch NPs-HG demonstrated superior spreadability, swelling ratio, and drug release profiles, followed by AMG-Ch/Coll NPs-HG. Sustained AMG release was achieved, supporting prolonged bioavailability. In vivo wound healing studies in rats revealed that AMG-Ch NPs-HG and AMG-Ch/Coll NPs-HG significantly accelerated wound closure (99.28 ± 3.59% and 98.13 ± 3.26%, respectively, on day 21), outperforming AMG-HG (89.12 ± 2.58%), Ch/Coll NPs-HG (88.95 ± 3.14%), and the control group (79.84 ± 2.25%). Conclusion:Overall, these findings highlight the synergistic advantages of AMG-loaded Ch/Coll NPs in hydrogel formulations as a promising platform for enhanced topical wound healing.
Nanodiamonds (NDs) have emerged as a highly promising nanomaterial due to their intrinsic biocompatibility and remarkable antimicrobial and anti-adhesive properties, which result from their unique surface morphology. NDs serve as an excellent platform for extensive functionalization with diverse chemical groups and complex bioactive molecules, including peptides, photosensitizers, antibiotics and polycations. The antimicrobial potential of NDs has gained considerable attention in recent years across numerous application areas, including drug-delivery platforms, wound dressings, dentistry, surface coatings, biomedical implants, the food industry and water treatment technologies. This article compiles and critically evaluates the current microbiological evidence on ND antimicrobial activity. However, translating these findings into practical guidelines remains challenging due to the wide variability in reported results and the limited diversity of bacterial strains employed. The antimicrobial mechanisms of NDs in the context of Gram positive, Gram negative, and flagellated bacteria are examined, and it is demonstrated that key factors, including particle size, surface charge, and the composition of testing media, profoundly influence experimental outcomes and underlie many apparent contradictions in the field. Moreover, this review summarizes the functionalization strategies available for NDs, their reported biomedical and industrial applications, and current knowledge regarding their cytotoxicity and biocompatibility. Collectively, the article provides an integrated view of the structure-activity relationship governing ND antimicrobial performance.
