The radiotherapy process in the treatment of head and neck cancer often leads to the degeneration of dentin tissue due to oxidative stress, destabilization of collagen, and mineral depletion. However, the current preventive measures against radiotherapy-induced tissue damage are insufficient because they do not account for the combined effects of oxidative and structural damage in tissues. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to design a computational model that can predict the degeneration of dentin tissue in radiotherapy and assess regenerative treatments based on photobiomodulation and magnesium doped nano-hydroxyapatite. The coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equation system was developed to describe the complex interactions between reactive oxygen species dynamics, degradation of collagen, and dissolution-nucleation of minerals during a clinically relevant seven-week fractionated radiotherapy treatment regimen. The optical energy deposition of photobiomodulation was also modeled using a diffusion-based approach and proposed using Monte Carlo photon transport simulations. The computational framework was implemented in MATLAB and linked with constrained nonlinear optimization and Pareto-based multi-objective analysis to optimize stimulation conditions for maximal recovery of minerals and minimal oxidative stress. Computer simulations indicated that there will be a progression in the oxidative-structural degeneration cascade during radiotherapy, leading to considerable loss in collagen structure and mineral content. Photobiomodulation stimulation resulted in reduced oxidative stress with some retention in collagen content. However, there was only limited improvement in the mineral content. The interaction that is non-linear in nature between the stimulation of magnesium doped nanohydroxyapatite and photobiomodulation resulted in the remineralization response, which was modeled and approached the normalized mineral state of the tooth, and simultaneously reduced the oxidative stress. The mineral response needs to be considered as a maximum response from the modeling and not as complete restoration of the dentine. The proposed multiphysics computational framework provides a mechanistic computational approach for predicting the process of radiation-induced dentin degeneration and designing optimized photonic/biomaterial-based tissue regenerative approaches. The importance of oxidative control with scaffold-mediated mineral nucleation in alleviating radiation-induced dental tissue degeneration is demonstrated.
Weed infestation poses a major challenge to global crop production, reducing yields and threatening food security. Conventional reliance on synthetic herbicides has resulted in ecological concerns such as soil and water contamination and the emergence of resistant weed species, necessitating suitable alternatives. This study explores the efficacy of p-Cresol based nanoemulsion for the management of Cyperus rotundus, a highly invasive weed. The nanoemulsion was prepared using high-energy ultrasonication of p-Cresol, guar gum, clove oil and surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 80), yielding a stable nanoemulsion system. Dynamic light scattering revealed a hydrodynamic particle size of 232 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.583, while zeta potential measurements (–30.72 mV) indicated good electrostatic stability. FT-IR analysis confirmed successful encapsulation of p-Cresol through non-covalent interactions and UV–Visible spectroscopy showed a strong absorption peak at 278 nm with 67
Antibiotic resistance has led scientists to explore other therapeutic areas, such as phage therapy, enzymobiotics, and nanobiotics. Among these, many are in clinical trials and in use for the treatment of several infectious diseases. Because of their effectiveness and focused drug delivery, nanobiotics have a very strong chance of becoming the next generation of treatments. In cases of overuse and improper dissemination, the likelihood of bacteria developing resistance to these nanoparticles is also high. In this study, major gut pathogens E. coli, S. Typhi and K. pneumoniae were treated with increasing concentrations of quantum dots (QDs) to evaluate if bacteria gains resistance to QDs on continuous exposure. The underlying mechanisms of antibiotic sensitivity and resistance to QDs were then determined were subsequently investigated with emphasis on the role of efflux mediated pumps. Expression analysis of key metal efflux pump genes revealed a trend toward overexpression in nanoparticle-exposed strains, suggesting their involvement in adaptive resistance mechanisms. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacteria changed significantly after treatment with QDs, primarily leading to resistance in most isolates. The findings highlights that the unregulated use of nanomaterials may lead to the development of resistance to nanoparticles and cross-resistance to other clinically relevant drugs and suggests that efflux pump-mediated adaptation may play a critical role in the emergence of nanoparticle-associated antimicrobial resistance.
This study aimed to develop sildenafil-loaded Leciplex (SDF-LPX), a novel cationic nanocarrier, for pulmonary delivery in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A simplified single-step technique was employed to prepare the SDF-LPX. Using a central composite design, formulations exhibited particle sizes ranging from 81.17 ± 2.11 to 291.42 ± 4.23 nm, zeta potentials from + 33.72 ± 1.19 to + 65.71 ± 3.36 mV, entrapment efficiencies of 55.19 ± 3.83
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has long been used in traditional medicine, and its phytochemicals constituents have demonstrated promising anticancer properties. However, the poor aqueous solubility and limited bioavailability of these bioactive compounds restrict their therapeutic application, and has led to the development of ginger nano-phytosome formulations, which improve the stability and delivery of photoactive agents to target sites. Therefore, we have evaluated to develop a novel ginger nano-phytosome formulation encapsulating bioactive compounds from ginger extract to improve their bioavailability. To address these limitations, the present study aimed to develop a ginger nano-phytosome formulation and to evaluate its anticancer activity against the AGS human gastric cancer cell line. Ginger nano-phytosomes were prepared using the ethanol injection method and subsequently characterization in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and drug loading. AGS gastric cancer cells were treated with free ginger extract and ginger nano-phytosomes, and their biological effects were assessed using MTT assay, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR analysis of apoptosis-related genes. The formulated ginger nano-phytosomes had a mean particle size of approximately 92 nm and showed favorable physicochemical characteristics. In MTT assay the IC50 values for ginger nano-phytosome at 24, 48, and 72 h were 93, 110, and 145 µg/mL, respectively, compared with 99, 130, and 149 µg/mL for free ginger extract. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated a higher proportion of late apoptosis cells in the ginger nano-phytosome treated group was greater than in the free ginger treated group. In addition, treatment with ginger nano-phytosome downregulated Bcl-2 expression to 0.013-fold and upregulated Bax expression to 1.2 -fold compared to the control, exerting a more potent effect than free ginger (P < 0.05). Ginger nano-phytosomes exhibited enhanced in vitro anticancer activity against AGS gastric cancer cells compared with free ginger extract, particularly in promoting apoptotic responses. These findings suggest that nano-phytosomal encapsulation may improve the delivery and biological performance of ginger. Nevertheless, further mechanistic and in vivo studies are required to confirm their therapeutic potential and safety in gastric cancer treatment. (This graphical abstract was generated using AI-assisted image generation (OpenAI)
The present study reports the facile hydrothermal synthesis of spinel-type metal oxide–graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) nanocomposites, namely MnCo2O4@GNP, FeCo2O4@GNP, ZnCo2O4@GNP and Co3O4@GNP, followed by a systematic comparative investigation of their electrochemical performance toward morphine sensing. By correlating the morphological characteristics, electron-transfer resistance, electrochemically active surface area, and charge-transfer kinetics with sensing behaviour, the study provides mechanistic insights into the role of different spinel metal oxides in enhancing electrocatalytic activity. Among the fabricated composites, MnCo2O4@GNP exhibited the lowest electron-transfer resistance, the largest electrochemically active surface area, and the fastest electron-transfer kinetics, resulting in superior electrochemical performance. The fabricated MnCo2O4@GNP-modified electrode exhibited a low detection limit of 0.08 µM and an excellent linear response for the electrocatalytic oxidation of morphine. Furthermore, the sensor demonstrated remarkable reproducibility, high selectivity, and excellent long-term stability. The enhanced sensing performance was attributed to the synergistic interaction between spinel MnCo2O4 nanoparticles and highly conductive GNPs, demonstrating the potential of spinel metal oxide@GNP nanocomposites as efficient electrochemical platforms for sensitive morphine monitoring.
This study describes the integration of temozolomide (TZ) into liposomes, followed by the electrospinning of these liposomes with polycaprolactone (PCL)-chitosan nanofibers. Subsequently, a coating of gold/carbon nanodots (G/C NDs) was applied to the nanofibers' surface. This dual-responsive nanofiber system was evaluated to control TZ release when exposed to near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, specifically for chemo-photothermal therapy targeting glioma cells. The investigation examined the release of TZ from these G/C NDs-coated liposome-nanofibers, comparing conditions both with and without NIR exposure, and across both physiological and acidic environments. Upon exposure to Near-Infrared (NIR) light, the survival rate of U87 cells was drastically reduced when treated with nanofibers, and even more so with liposome-nanofibers that had G/C NDs coating, reaching 12.7
Poor penetration of nanomedicines into solid tumors, caused by dense extracellular matrix, high interstitial fluid pressure, and abnormal vasculature, severely limits therapeutic efficacy. Although nanoparticles are endowed with properties that facilitate enhanced penetration into solid tumors, their lack of intrinsic motility makes it difficult for them to disperse to the target regions. Self-propelled nanomotors that convert chemical, physical, or biological energy into mechanical motion offer a transformative strategy to actively overcome these barriers. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in nanomotors for enhanced intratumoral penetration. We first analyze key physiological obstacles limiting nanomedicine diffusion. Next, we categorize nanomotors into chemically powered (catalytic, redox, acid–base reactions), physically powered (light, magnetic, ultrasound, X-ray), and biologically powered (enzyme, DNA, living cells) systems, detailing their propulsion mechanisms and penetration applications. Cascade-driven and multi-drive strategies are also discussed. Critical design parameters affecting penetration efficiency, including size, shape, fuel gradients, geometry, and tumor microenvironment responsiveness, are evaluated. Finally, we address current challenges in biocompatibility, controllability, in vivo tracking, and clinical translation, and provide future perspectives toward multifunctional integration and smart responsiveness. With rapid growth in this field, this review aims to guide the rational design of nanomotor-based platforms for deep tumor penetration and improved cancer therapy.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition driven by chronic inflammation, cellular senescence, and impaired tissue repair that is often exacerbated by exposure to primary or even secondary cigarette smoke. Among prominent pathological hallmarks, microRNAs, especially microRNA-125b (miR-125b) has emerged as a key regulator in COPD pathogenesis, being consistently upregulated. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of miR-125b inhibitor encapsulated in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MPS), an advanced nanocarrier system well-known for its high surface area, tunable pore size, excellent biocompatibility enabling efficient delivery and protection of fragile nucleic acid-based therapeutics such as miRNA inhibitors. An in vitro cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced model in the bronchial epithelial cells (BCiNS1.1) was employed. The nanoparticle-delivered miR-125b inhibitor demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and anti-senescence activity compared to the scramble control. Treatment reduced CSE-induced upregulation of IL-1β and FGF-basic while restoring the CSE-triggered suppression of CXCL10, VEGF, RANTES etc. Anti-senescence effects were confirmed through decreased p21 expression and reduced X-gal staining. Transcriptomic analysis of COPD lung tissue (GSE38974) revealed upregulation of miR-125b with concurrent suppression of several protective targets, including SIRT1, VDR, CXCL10, and FGF1. These clinical expression patterns align with our in vitro findings in cigarette smoke extract-stimulated bronchial epithelial cells, where miR-125b inhibition reduced senescence and restored inflammatory mediators. Together, these data support miR-125b as a clinically relevant regulator of COPD-associated inflammatory and senescent pathways. While these findings underscore the therapeutic promise of miR-125b inhibition, future studies employing in vivo models, advanced airway tissue systems and optimised pulmonary strategies such as inhalable or nasal MPS formulation approaches are warranted to validate the biodistribution, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects and translate these outcomes. This nanocarrier-based approach presents a compelling strategy for targeted molecular intervention in chronic respiratory diseases like COPD.
The repurposing of local anesthetics for antitumor therapy remains limited by their poor tumor specificity and short duration of action. Lidocaine-loaded liposomes were functionalized with anti-PD-L1 antibody fragments or LPA receptor antagonists and characterized for size, encapsulation efficiency, and release profiles. PD-L1 and LPA receptor expression on CT26 cells was confirmed by flow cytometry, and targeting specificity was validated via competitive inhibition assays. Intratumoral lidocaine concentrations, pharmacokinetics, analgesic duration, and antitumor efficacy were evaluated in rodent models. The optimized liposomes (105–118 nm) exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (> 85
Lignin is a ubiquitous aromatic biopolymer and a major industrial by-product of lignocellulosic biomass processing, pulping and biorefinery industries. Its diverse functional groups, biocompatibility and biodegradability make it a useful precursor for bio-based nanomaterials in plant systems. Valorizing bulk lignin into lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) improves dispersibility, surface reactivity, loading capacity and interaction with biological interfaces, expanding their relevance as bio-based delivery platforms. This review summarizes recent progress in the green synthesis, functionalization and crop-related biological applications of LNPs, with emphasis on nutrient delivery, plant growth regulation and abiotic stress resilience. Chemical, physical and biological routes for LNPs preparation are evaluated in terms of their strengths, limitations, scalability, environmental compatibility and relevance to plant nanobiology. The review places particular emphasis on how LNPs synthesis and formulation relate to their behavior in crop systems, including uptake and transport, nutrient delivery and responses to abiotic stress. Current evidence supports beneficial effects on seed performance, nutrient delivery and salinity tolerance, whereas direct evidence for drought and heavy-metal mitigation remains limited. Their uptake, transport and translocation are discussed in relation to nutrient assimilation, antioxidant metabolism, ion homeostasis, photosynthetic protection and stress-responsive pathways. Together, these findings indicate that lignin nanoformulations and hybrid nanocarriers may contribute to sustainable crop delivery systems by converting low-value lignin streams into functional materials for sustainable crop management. Despite these advances, challenges related to size uniformity, dose-dependent phytotoxicity, environmental fate, long-term soil interactions and field-scale validation remain insufficiently resolved. By distinguishing direct LNPs evidence from findings based on related lignin materials and broader nanoparticle studies, this review identifies the major mechanistic and translational gaps that still need to be resolved before wider agricultural use.
A sustainable approach has been applied for the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs), using cigarette tar as a bifunctional agent, working as a reducing agent and capping matrix. Crystalline silver has been identified from X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra with a crystallite size of about 27 nm. TEM analysis was done, which depicted the predominance of the spherical shape of Ag nanoparticles and gave the average size of 62.30 ± 18.22 nm. A broad surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of AgNPs has been observed around 425 nm through the analysis of UV-Visible spectra. Spectral variations have been observed in FTIR spectra of cigarette tar and synthesized AgNPs due to oxygen-based and aromatic functional groups. These changes may imply the role of the aforementioned functional groups in the Ag⁺ reduction process and surface stabilization of AgNPs. The average hydrodynamic diameter of 175 nm has been obtained with the polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.353 from dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis of AgNPs, implying the moderate polydispersity. The AgNPs possess high negative zeta (ζ) potential value of -53.0 mV. However, the mechanism by which these anti-bacterial effects occur was not studied directly. This study clearly shows that cigarette tar has potential as a waste-based medium for the synthesis of AgNPs.
The development of integrated platforms for the simultaneous detection and targeted treatment of cancer (theranostic) remains a critical challenge in oncology. Here, we present an innovative repurposing of the optoelectronic polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as a multifunctional nanoplatform for breast cancer management. P3HT nanoparticles were synthesized via a mini-emulsion method, stabilized with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and functionalized with folic acid (FA) to target folate receptors (FRs), a well-established cancer biomarker. Characterization revealed stable, spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 57 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) 0.4 and zeta potential − 15.9, exhibiting long-term colloidal stability in aqueous media. As a fluorescent biosensor, the platform demonstrated high sensitivity, with a rapid, concentration-dependent quenching response to FRs. The limit of detection (LOD) was 1.5 pM in biological samples and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 2
The current investigation aimed at formulating a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of a tetracyclic antidepressant drug, Mirtazapine (MTZ), which exhibits poor aqueous solubility (0.092 mg/mL), pH-dependent dissolution, and undergoes high first-pass metabolism. As determined by the results obtained from the solubility studies and pseudoternary phase diagrams, Peceol™ was chosen as the oil phase, Tween 80 as the surfactant, and Labrasol® as the co-surfactant. Further, Box-Behnken design (BBD) studied the impact of independent variables on dependent variables for the development and optimization of MTZ-liquid-self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (MTZ-L-SNEDDS)-based optimized-nanoemulsion (MTZ-OPT-NE) that exhibited optimal globule size (50.91 ± 2.92 nm), PDI (0.219 ± 0.08),
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fibrous materials have been widely applied in biomedical and packaging fields due to biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, practical use is often restricted by inherent drawbacks such as poor antibacterial activity, high brittleness and inferior hydrophilicity. This study prepared PLLA/O-CUR composite nanofiber membranes by incorporating curcumin-loaded organically modified montmorillonite (O-CUR) into a PLLA matrix to overcome these limitations. The structure and morphology of the resulting membranes were characterized using FTIR, XPS, EDS and SEM. The results demonstrated remarkable enhancement in mechanical properties, with elongation at break increased by 200
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has been a significant health issue worldwide, despite adequate daily dietary iron intake of 10–20 mg, given that only 1–2 mg is absorbed, highlighting its low bioavailability and gastrointestinal side effects. This study aims to synthesize iron oxide nanoparticles encapsulated with plant-derived Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) to increase iron bioavailability. Computational analysis showed good ADMET characteristics, while molecular docking confirmed low-affinity, non-specific binding to CYP450 and moderate-to-weak binding to dietary inhibitors, suggesting that FOS is a safe prebiotic drug. Four nanoparticles were prepared through in-situ co-precipitation by using FeCl₃·6H₂O/FeSO₄·7H₂O and Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O/FeSO₄·7H₂O salts with and without FOS. Nanoparticles were characterized through UV- Vis, FT-IR, SEM with EDX, XRD and TGA. FOS encapsulation improved antioxidant properties, hemocompatibility (< 5
Globally, diabetes affects approximately 589 million people and represents a major public health challenge, is a severe health epidemic, especially in low- and middle-income regions where its incidence continues to rising. The main challenge is the increase in diabetic complications and antibiotic resistance linked to conventional treatments. Bi-metallic nanoparticles offer greater multifunctional advantages than single-metal nanoparticles, including enhanced stability and efficacy. Ag/TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized using leaf and floral extracts of Couroupita guianensis. Molecular docking identified β-Amyrin palmitate (− 8.1 kcal/mol) and Farnesol (− 6.6 kcal/mol) as potent αamylase inhibitors, with molecular dynamics confirming stable interactions. TEM showed well-dispersed spherical nanoparticles: leaf-mediated (10–250 nm) and flower-mediated (10350 nm), indicating efficient phytochemical-assisted synthesis. XRD confirmed crystalline Ag/TiO₂ with anatase and rutile phases, while FTIR and zeta potential analyses identified phytochemical groups ensuring stability. Antioxidant assays demonstrated appreciable free radical scavenging activity, with flower-mediated nanoparticles exhibiting significantly higher activity than leaf-mediated nanoparticles (p < 0.05). Antibacterial studies showed inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with flower-mediated Ag/TiO₂ nanoparticles producing larger inhibition zones (p < 0.05). In the α-amylase inhibition assay, flower-mediated nanoparticles achieved 56.87 ± 1.42
The escalating threat of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections emphasizes the urgent need for novel, durable, and innovative antibacterial strategies. To address this challenge, this study unveils a sustainable one-pot green synthesis approach for zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Musa paradisiaca leaf rim extract as a natural biogenic agent, yielding biosynthesized ZnO NPs (BZN), encapsulated with activated carbon (AC), to form a nanocomposite (BZNAC). Structural characterization of BZNAC confirmed spherical morphology with an average particle size of 45 nm by SEM analysis, while UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed an optical band gap of 3.7 eV. BZNAC demonstrated 70
Bisphenol-A (BPA), a widespread endocrine-disrupting contaminant, induces neurotoxicity through oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. This study developed chrysin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CHR@C-NPs) to facilitate delivery of chrysin to the brain, and evaluated their neuroprotective effects against BPA-induced neurotoxicity. CHR@C-NPs were synthesised by ionic gelation and characterised using UV–VIS, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and AFM. Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six experimental groups (n = 6): vehicle control, BPA-intoxicated, free chrysin, BPA + free chrysin, BPA + CHR@C-NPs, and blank chitosan nanoparticles. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze, Novel Object Recognition Test, and Open Field Test, alongside oxidative stress markers, antioxidant and hippocampal histology. CHR@C-NPs showed a mean particle size of 199 nm, a zeta potential of + 22.9 mV, and > 55
The green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles has gained steady momentum as a responsible alternative to traditional chemical production methods, mainly because of concerns about reagent toxicity, complexity, and environmental impact. The deliberate use of food-grade, biosafe microorganisms as biocatalytic platforms to produce multifunctional nanoparticles remains a relatively unexplored area, despite some progress made so far. The current study closes this gap by reporting, to the best of our knowledge, the utility of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ATCC 9649, which is a Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) bacterium, as a single-step, cell-free biological system to synthesise silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) under ambient conditions. The bioreduction was performed at room temperature in the absence of external reducing or stabilising agents. Rather, the naturally occurring biomolecular components present in the bacterial cell-free supernatant provided the dual functionality of inducing Ag+ ion reduction and providing colloidal stability to the resultant nanostructures. “AgNPs formation was thoroughly confirmed by a set of physicochemical methods. The UV-visible spectroscopy showed typical surface plasmon resonance absorption of 437 nm. In the meantime, FTIR analysis was used to determine the functional moieties of the bioreduction and surface capping, which provided mechanistic information on the biosynthetic pathway. The crystalline face-centred cubic form of the nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction with the 2θ positions of 38.2, 48.3, 65.4, 78.8. A hydrodynamic diameter value of 130.9 nm with a zeta potential of -35.5 mV was measured by the dynamic light scattering, which is a high value, and there is a strong repulsion between the electrostatic forces and long-term stability of the colloidal suspension. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy supported a predominantly spherical shape and particle sizes of between 45 and 90 nm and elemental purity of silver was determined by energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Functionally, the synthesised AgNPs proved to have a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against clinically and environmentally significant pathogens, including Vibrio cholerae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus mutans with a minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of 4–11 µg/mL and 12–21 µg/mL Similar to structural disparities in bacterial cell envelopes, gram-negative organisms were relatively more susceptible. In addition to antimicrobial applications, the AgNPs displayed active visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, a prototype organic dye pollutant, and the reaction obeyed pseudo-first-order kinetics. The coexistence of antibacterial and photocatalytic functions within a single nanoparticle system underscores the multifunctional character of the biosynthesised material. Together, this work reports a nanofabrication strategy based on probiotics that effectively incorporates biological safety, structural integrity, and functional flexibility. The described L. delbrueckii -based synthesis platform has a significant potential as a scalable, green method of the next-generation antimicrobial agent and photocatalytic environmental remediation material development.
