Aptamer-based biosensors, commonly referred to as aptasensors, represent a promising class of diagnostic tools that have garnered significant attention over the past decade. A novel approach in the design of these biosensors involves the incorporation of nanozymes as enzyme-like mimetics, with iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) emerging as particularly effective peroxidase mimics due to their ability to facilitate Fenton-like reactions. Aptamers serve dual roles in this context: they act as recognition elements in Fenton-like activity-based sensors and are crucial for the surface functionalization of nanoparticles. The integration of aptamers enhances the performance and selectivity of biosensors by minimizing unwanted background signals associated with colorimetric and fluorescent measurements, thus improving detection limits. This study investigates the impact of buffer optimization and various oligo-aptamer dependent variables on the design of Fenton-like reaction-based aptasensors, utilizing zeta potential measurements as a diagnostic tool. Key factors explored include buffer types and concentrations, aptamer length and sequence, and incubation times. Optimizing these parameters is expected to significantly influence the efficacy of Fenton-like aptasensors. The findings suggest that zeta potential measurement is a valuable technique for real-time monitoring of the surface coating conditions of nanozymes with aptamers, facilitating the optimization of multiple parameters critical for developing effective Fenton-like reaction-based aptasensors.

Abolghasem Rahmani1, Pooria Gill2, Siavash Moradi3, Atefeh Zabihi Zazoly4, Fattane Amuei5, Adele Rafati6 1 MSc in Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran 2 Professor, Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran 3 Associate Professor, Education Development Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran 4 Center for Education Research in Medical Sciences (CERMS), Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 5 Assistant Professor, Educational Development Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran 6 Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran In the article published in Volume 34, Issue 240, 2025, the affiliation of Dr. Atefeh Zazouli Zabihi was incorrect and was corrected.

In recent years, the chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and high nutritional value of flower pollen have made it known as "perfect health food". Therefore, in this study, the effects of different enzymes (Al-Alcalase, Pepepsin, Pa-pancreatin and Tr-trypsin) on nutritional value, the composition of amino acids, antioxidant properties, ACE, DPP-IV inhibitory and antibacterial activity of pollen protein of thyme (TP), flax (FP) and apple (AP) flowers were evaluated. Structural characteristics (conformational changed and amide regions of proteins) were identified by FTIR spectroscopy. The composition of antioxidant (similar to 20-24 %), and hydrophobic (similar to 36-40 %) amino acids, the ratio of EAA/TAA (similar to 45 %) and PER index (AP = 1.2-1.2; TP = 1.61-1.71 and FP = 1.68-1.81) were influenced by primary protein and enzyme type. The highest degree of hydrolysis (DH 34.4 %), inhibiting DPPH (86.1 %), ABTS (2.4 mM Trolox), OH (60.9 %), NO (33.6 %) radicals, reducing power (1.29), total antioxidant (1.83) and the chelation of Fe2+ (76.7 %) and Cu2+ (31.5 %) ions, ACE (67.9 %) and DPP-IV (64.6 %) inhibition were affected by the type of enzyme. Also, the greatest inhibition of the growth of Escherichia coli (similar to 24.7 mm) and Bacillus cereus (similar to 21.7 mm) was related to FP protein. Finally, TP-hydrolyzed with Alcalase can be considered as a suitable option for the production of beneficial products and the fortification of dietary supplements.

Since the rapidly increasing global demand for food driven by population growth poses a potential threat to food safety and security, ensuring an adequate supply of safe and nutritious food has become a pressing global concern. Despite the widespread and often necessary use of pesticides to enhance agricultural production, pests continue to be one of the major factors causing crop damage and threatening food security. In order to promote the safe and effective use of pesticides and insecticides, this study aims to develop mechanisms and guidelines for their proper management, with the goal of enhancing the quality and safety of agricultural products in Mazandaran Province, particularly strategic crops such as rice and oranges. The study also seeks to monitor and control pesticide consumption levels in agricultural products and minimize associated risks, including health problems and diseases linked to pesticide and insecticide exposure. The Food and Drug Adiminstration of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, in collaboration with the Research Center for the Health of Plant and Animal Products at the same university, has regulated the use of chemical pesticides in the province’s agricultural products, particularly in strategic crops such as rice and oranges, with the aim of controlling pesticide consumption and reducing potential health and environmental risks. Considering the current emphasis on reducing pesticide use and promoting alternative, controlled cultivation management practices, the ongoing goal of this research and the relevant authorities is to guide agricultural production toward more sustainable and regulated farming systems through farmer education and support in subsequent stages. This approach aims to contribute significantly to improving human health, preserving the environment, reducing pesticide-related costs, and lowering the incidence of diseases associated with pesticide and insecticide exposure.

Objective(s): The growing demand for food production necessitates the development of advanced detection methods to ensure food quality and prevent adulteration. This study presents a colorimetric aptasensor specifically designed detect vitamin D3 in milk, utilizing the unique properties of nanozymes in combination with aptamers. Materials and Methods: The method utilizes the peroxidase-like activity of bare iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles, which interact electrostatically with aptamers, leading to a color change in the TMB-H2O2 solution through a Fenton like redox reaction. Results: The results demonstrated that both the choice of buffer and the concentration of vitamin D3 significantly impact the catalytic activity of the nanozymes. In addition, using iron oxide nanozymes offers several advantages, including enhanced stability, straightforward interactions, tunable activity, and effective background color removal through magnetic separation. Conclusions: This innovative approach enhances the reliability of vitamin D3 detection in dairy products and holds broader implications for food safety and quality assurance. The findings highlight the potential of integrating nanotechnology and biosensing techniques to address critical challenges in food monitoring and safety. By tackling these issues, this research contributes to the development of effective strategies for ensuring food integrity and safeguarding consumer health in an era where food adulteration continues to be a pressing concern.

In light of the growing production and consumption of functional foods, it is crucial to develop new methods to assess the authenticity of these products and prevent fraud and mislabeling. In this research, by integrating reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) and the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of gold nanorods (GNRs), the viability of the probiotic bacteria has been evaluated. The RT-LAMP-GNR method effectively amplifies and identifies bacterial 16S-rRNA within 60 min. The efficiency of the RT-LAMP method was assessed by its implementation using RNA isolated from Lactobacillus acidophilus strain (L. acidophilus) and commercial probiotic yogurts. The method's limit of detection (LoD) was 104 bacterial cells per ml, and its sensitivity was 10-5 ng/ml RNA.

Background and purpose: The significance of educational theses and their contribution to addressing societal needs is widely recognized. A considerable amount of research is conducted through student theses, which serve both educational and research objectives. The thesis, in this context, encompasses a hidden curriculum that requires the teaching of research skills and the management of educational opportunities to achieve these goals. In this regard, the Department of Medical Nanotechnology at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences implemented an educational program aimed at fostering demand-oriented research in the form of a master's thesis. This study utilized components of the lifelong learning approach and the steps of the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model for educational design. By integrating these frameworks, the program aimed to enhance both demand-oriented research and the development of lifelong learning competencies in students. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of this program from the perspective of master's students in nanotechnology. Materials and methods: This study employed a conventional qualitative method of content analysis, combined with an action research approach, to gather data. The primary data collection tool was individual semi-structured interviews conducted with master's students. Results: An analysis of the participants' comments revealed that the majority expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the program, using terms such as "suitability of the strategy", "attention to societal needs", "creation of job opportunities" and "focus on students". Based on the data, the learners' responses were categorized into four main themes and nine subthemes. Conclusion: From the students' perspective, this program has proven to be both useful and practical in preparing them for their future careers. They highlighted its key benefits, including enhancing critical thinking, motivating and fostering creativity, and facilitating communication with various institutions within the target market.

Nitrosamines, as a by-product in cosmetics and health products, are an important family of contaminants in these products due to their carcinogenic effects. Various types of compounds are included in the category of nitrosamines, among which N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) is one of the most abundant in cosmetics. Today, the growing trend of the cosmetic industry and the increasing production of it, make essential quality control and measurement of compounds such as NDELA in these products. A variety of instrumental chemical analyses, including chromatography techniques are commonly used for quality control of cosmetics and health products. Considering the direct relationship between the consumption of cosmetics and the health level of society, the quality control of all these products using chemical and chromatographic techniques due to their complexity and time-consuming nature is challenging for responsible organizations in this field. Therefore, in recent years, to solve these challenges, several methods based on advanced technologies have been developed to control and monitor the safety of many cosmetic products with appropriate sensitivity and specificity at a suitable time. In the present study, after reviewing the common techniques for measuring NDELA and its challenges, new methods, microextraction techniques, and nanosensors, as alternatives.

Myoglobin, a skeletal muscle protein, serves as a valuable biomarker for detecting pork adulteration in food products. This study presents an innovative colorimetric assay designed for the nanomolecular detection of myoglobin, facilitating the identification of pork in both raw and cooked samples. Utilizing aptamer-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles, our method enables the specific capture of pork myoglobin from complex food matrices. Upon capturing the myoglobin, we exploit its heme’s peroxidase-like activity to catalyze a reaction with a substrate-chromogen solution (H₂O₂-3,3’,5,5’-Tetramethylbenzidine). This reaction produces a color change that indicates the presence of myoglobin in the sample. Our results demonstrate a limit of detection of 10 mg/100 mg (10

Considering the introduction of aptamers as a new generation of analyte identifiers, this class of materials can be used in diagnostic systems because aptamers are easier to produce, more sensitive, higher accuracy, less sensitive to environmental factors, easier to handle and can be used. A special type of aptamer that has sequence rich in guanine base can create a special nanostructure called G-quadraplex. The creation of this structure gives the aptamer an enzyme property so that it can act like an enzyme in the vicinity of it, oxidize a chromogenic substrate and produce a colored signal. The main way to produce aptamers is a laboratory technique called SELEX (Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment), in which a mixture of different oligo libraries in the vicinity of the target analyte creates aptamers in several consecutive cycles. The aim of this study was the introduction a novel approach for obtaining DNA aptamers for detection a ligand such as aflatoxin M1 in bioinformatically manner in replacing to SELEX for obtaining the specific oligoaptamers against aflatoxin M1. For this purpose, the structure of the selected oligoaptamers were predicted using some molecular simulators and bioinformatically techniques. The results of these molecular simulations suggested G-quadruplex aptamers with suitable affinity for binding to aflatoxin M1 in colorimetric assays.

Cosmetics are daily chemical industrial products used for cleaning, health care, and beauty purposes. Sometimes these products are contaminated by heavy metals, unwanted chemicals, and other dangerous substances that can lead to environmental pollution and cause various diseases and physiological side effects in humans. N-nitrosodiethanolamine compounds are among the unwanted contaminants created during the production of cosmetic products. In recent years, various qualitative and quantitative analytical methods have been used for detection of nitrosamine compounds in many products, and various techniques were developed to address the limitations of previous methods. This study reviewed approaches developed to detect N-nitrosodiethanolamine compounds, including microextraction techniques and application of nanotechnology in order to design accurate analytical methods and high sensitivity nanosensors to overcome the limitations of current methods and designing practical and cost-effective systems.

Background: We described here an aptamer-based magnetic nanoprobe for measuring the amount of chloramphenicol (CAP) in milk. Methods: The nanoprobe presented in this method consists of a magnetic nanoparticle conjugated to a specific CAP aptamer. If the target is detected in the sample, the nanoprobe binds to it, and the aptamer forms a G-quadruplex structure. This structure mimics the peroxidase activity in the presence of the hemin cofactor. If tetramethylbenzidine is added to the sample containing the nanoprobe, a blue color light is observed. After adding a stop reagent solution, the color produced is measured by a microplate reader and a portable meter. Results: This study proves a 99% positive linear relationship between the microplate reader's results and the portable meter results. Conclusion: Conjugation of the aptamer to magnetic nanoparticles and applying magnetic separation operations change the nanoprobe performance by 11% for both mentioned devices.

Nucleic acid amplification of Covid-19 RNA is the main subject for molecular detection of SARS-COV-2. However, the employment of target amplification methods such as PCR needs a converting step for Covid-19 RNA to DNA template to be amplified. In addition, Covid-19 RNA isolation needs some RNA extraction kits that their providing could increase the time and costs for the molecular detection of the virus. In this study, we introduced a magnetic nanoprobe that could be used to capture and amplify Covid-19 RNA through an isothermal amplification process, so-called nucleic acid sequence-based amplification, without needing to perform a separate step for the viral RNA converting to DNA template. By using engineered sequences appropriate to the target nucleic acid attached to the magnetic nanoparticles, identifying the target RNA from the virus could be possible by clumping the particles that could be seen with naked eyes. According to the isothermal amplification of the viral RNA via nucleic acid sequence-based amplification assisted with the magnetic nanoprobe, the nanomolecular method eliminated the need for special pieces of equipment and the time for detection of Covid-19 in specimens.

Amplification of the RNA from the Covid-19 virus is considered the main objective of the molecular diagnosis of SARS-Cov-2. However, the use of target-based amplification methods such as polymerase chain reaction requires a step to convert the RNA of the Covid-19 virus into a DNA template to lead to amplification. In addition, isolating the RNA of the Covid-19 virus requires RNA purification kits, which will increase the time and costs of molecular detection of this virus. In this study, the magnetic nanoprobe is introduced that it could capture and amplify Covid-19 RNA through an isothermal amplification process called loop-mediated isothermal amplification without requiring a step to convert the viral RNA into a DNA template. By using the engineered sequences corresponding to the target nucleic acid attached to magnetic nanoparticles, it becomes possible to identify the target RNA of this virus through color changes due to pH changes that can be seen with the naked eye due to the presence of pH indicators in the reaction mix. According to the isothermal amplification of the viral RNA via LAMP assisted with the magnetic nanoprobe, the nanomolecular method eliminated the need for special equipment and the time for detecting Covid-19 in specimens.

Consumption of thousands of tons of industrial chemicals in agriculture, such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides, has created significant environmental problems. The regulations for the import, production, formulation, and utilization of chemical, biological and organic fertilizers and pesticides are not completely implemented in Iran. According to the latest notification of the Jihad Agriculture Minister entitled "Instructions for monitoring the production and health promotion of plant products" (1095/020-06/04/2022), the Ministry of Health is the body responsible for investigating and monitoring the remaining of chemical compounds (pesticides, fertilizers, growth regulators, plant hormones, nitrates, and heavy metals). Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Food and Drug Deputy in collaboration with Research and Technology Deputy, The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences Food and Drug Organization, Provincial Agricultural Jihad Organization, Provincial Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Agricultural and Natural Resources Engineering Organization of Iran, Iran National Standards Organization, and Environment Protection Agency aim at regulating the utilization of chemical pesticides in agricultural products (strategic products) in Mazandaran province to control the consumption of pesticides in agricultural products and minimize their potential risk to human health and the environment. The main solutions include generating QR Code in the integrated electronic services system of the Organization of Agricultural Engineering and Natural Resources and issuing certificates for product improvement in the Electronic Agricultural Permits System in order to register plant products in production units.

Concurrent with the global outbreak of COVID-19, the race began among scientists to generate effective therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19. In this regard, advanced technology such as nanotechnology, cell-based therapies, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, nerve stimulation and artificial intelligence (AI) are attractive because they can offer new solutions for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. Nanotechnology can design rapid and specific tests with high sensitivity for detecting infection and synthases new drugs and vaccines based on nanomaterials to directly deliver the intended antiviral agent to the desired site in the body and also provide new surfaces that do not allow virus adhesion. Mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes secreted from them apply in regenerative medicine and regulate inflammatory responses. Cell therapy and tissue engineering are combined to repair or substitute damaged tissues or cells. Tissue engineering using biomaterials, cells, and signaling molecules can develop new therapeutic and diagnostic platforms and help scientists fight viral diseases. Nerve stimulation technology can augment body's natural ability to modulate the inflammatory response and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and consequently suppress cytokine storm. People can access free online health counseling services through AI and it helps very fast for screening and diagnosis of COVID-19 patients. This study is aimed first to give brief information about COVID-19 and the epidemiology of the disease. After that, we highlight important developments in the field of advanced technologies relevant to the prevention, detection, and treatment of the current pandemic.

Considering the importance of early diagnosis of diseases as a challenge in medicine, which can be significantly effective in increasing the health level of society via preventing the progress and spread of infectious diseases, especially in developing and underprivileged countries with insufficient medical facilities. On the other hand, medical diagnosis methods that require advanced equipment and tools with expert staff limit the use of these tests. Along with the continuous development of technology, microfluidic systems have shown great potential to advance biomedical research that was previously unattainable using conventional techniques. For point-of-care applications, these systems can quickly detect diseases at low cost. This study discusses the challenges in the field of medical diagnosis and the importance of microfluidic systems as the best candidate to answer this need. Also, it describes the components of the microfluidic system, their manufacturing methods, and some of their most important applications in the field of health.

Access to accurate diagnostic tools is one of the essential challenging improvements in global health assessment. Currently, most existing diagnostic tools are targeted for use in developed countries and do not meet the health needs of developing and underdeveloped countries. When they are presented as a solution to global health problems, they are expensive and complex. One solution is using portable diagnostic methods like point-of-care tests (POCTs). One of the most widely used POCTs instruments is the portable glucometer, which is used today by a large group of diabetic and non-diabetic patients to control blood sugar. Although the common view of this device is called glucometer, according to the basic knowledge and technology of the electrochemical mechanism of this device, it can be used for identifying various markers by engineering and designing via an appropriate condition. This study aims to design and develop a new nanomolecular diagnostic method to quantify HbA1c using a glucometer as an electrochemical-optical reader with several advantages compared to the other existing methods for this purpose. Here, we design and describe a portable and label-free optical method with high reproducibility in performance using aptamer-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for capturing and specific detection via measurement with a glucometer.

Recently electrospun nanofibers have been fabricated from biodegradable polymers, which received attention due to their applications in various fields such as packaging nanomaterials. In this study, Aloe vera nanofibers which contained Pseudomonas sp. bacteriophages were fabricated using electrospinning machine. The nanofibers were characterized ultra-structurally using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Mechanical stress of the nanofibers was measured using tensile test system (TTS). Thermodynamical characteristics of the nanofibers were analyzed via simultaneous thermal analyzer (STA). Moreover, the biofunction of the electrospun nanofibers was checked via microbial experiments. The results demonstrated significant changes in the morphology of aloe vera nanofibers after addition of the phages. The roughness parameters and topographical ultra-structures of the aloe vera nanofibers were also changed significantly due to presence of the phages. Also, thermal stability and flexibility of the nanofibers were improved after containing the phage particles, because of higher thermodynamical and mechanical parameters of the phages in comparison to aloe vera substances. The antimicrobial properties of the aloe vera nanofibers which contained bacteriophages were significantly increased due to synergetic antimicrobial properties of the phages when electrospun with the aloe vera nanofibers. These findings suggested the nanofibers as hybrid nanomaterials for employing in food packaging.

This study investigates the mechanical, thermodynamic, and morphological changes and surface topography of Aloe vera (AV)-based nanofibers as the nanocarriers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). After making the AV-based solutions. the nanofibers were made by electrospinning device and the topography and roughness coefficient of the nanofibers were obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM). A tensile test was used to evaluate the mechanical properties of the nanofibers and simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) was used for thermal testing. The results of AFM showed nanofiber deformation in the combination of AV-phages. It was observed in the mechanical test results that with the addition of phage to AV-nanofibers although the elastic module decreased the elongation percentage increased. with high resistance to stretching. Also, the thermal analysis results were such that the addition of phage to AV-nanofibers increased the thermal stability of the nanofibers. The addition of MRSA phages to the Aloe vera nanofibers was increased thermal stability and the percentage of elongation of the nanofibers. The combination of AV-phage nanofibers creates a new carrying capacity at the nanofiber level to be a candidate for Wound dressing as a therapeutic agent.