Themed collection Editor’s Choice: Recent breakthroughs in nanobiotechnology
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Biologically interfaced nanoplasmonic sensors
This Minireview highlights and discusses the critical role of biological interfacing in constructing nanoplasmonic sensing platforms for biointerfacial science applications.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 3103-3114
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00279H
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Biomedical nanomaterials for immunological applications: ongoing research and clinical trials
This review discusses the main nanomaterial-induced immunomodulatory mechanisms and how insights into these mechanisms lead to new therapeutic applications.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 5046-5089
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00478B
Key considerations in designing CRISPR/Cas9-carrying nanoparticles for therapeutic genome editing
CRISPR-Cas9, the breakthrough genome-editing technology, has emerged as a promising tool to prevent and cure various diseases.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 21001-21014
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05452F
Recent advancement in biomedical applications on the surface of two-dimensional materials: from biosensing to tissue engineering
This review highlights the importance of the dimensionality and surface interactions of 2D materials with examples of recent biosensing and biomedical applications.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 19043-19067
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05287F
Visualizing tumour self-homing with magnetic particle imaging
Iron labeled CTCs home to previously established mammary fat pad tumours and can be visualized using magnetic particle imaging and magnetic resonance imaging.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 6016-6023
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07983A
Quantitative determination of mechanical stability in the novel coronavirus spike protein
Unveiling the nanomechanical stability of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 16409-16413
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03969A
Penetration of the blood–brain barrier and the anti-tumour effect of a novel PLGA-lysoGM1/DOX micelle drug delivery system
a) Diagram depicting the preparation of drug delivery system of PLGA-lysoGM1/DOX micelles. b) Schematic illustration of micelles elicited antitumor. c) Micelles cross BBB via micropinocytosis and autophagy/lysosomal pathways.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 2946-2960
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08741A
DNA-free directed assembly in single-molecule cut-and-paste
DNA-free single-molecule cut-and-paste enables spatially controlled assembly of labelled biomolecules into well-defined geometries (e.g. a star) with nanometre precision.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 407-411
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR08636B
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The rapid diagnosis and effective inhibition of coronavirus using spike antibody attached gold nanoparticles
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of the coronavirus disease that began in 2019 (COVID-19), has been responsible for 1.4 million deaths worldwide as of 13 November 2020.
Nanoscale Adv., 2021,3, 1588-1596
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA01007C
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Development, structure and mechanics of a synthetic E. coli outer membrane model
The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria is a complex asymmetric bilayer containing lipids, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and proteins.
Nanoscale Adv., 2021,3, 755-766
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00977F
DNA modification and visualization on an origami-based enzyme nano-factory
Schematic representation of the machine cycle for DNA modification on an origami-based enzyme nano-factory.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 2465-2471
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07618J
An enzyme-mediated universal fluorescent biosensor template for pathogen detection based on a three-dimensional DNA walker and catalyzed hairpin assembly
An enzyme-mediated universal fluorescent biosensor template for rapid detection of pathogens was developed based on the strategy of a three-dimensional (3D) DNA walker and catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 2492-2501
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07593K
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Nanoscale flow cytometry for immunophenotyping and quantitating extracellular vesicles in blood plasma
Nanoscale flow cytometry permits analysis of small particles in unpurified plasma and supports identification and quantitation of different particle populations.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 2012-2025
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05525E
Translocation of flexible and tensioned ssDNA through in silico designed hydrophobic nanopores with two constrictions
Protein-inspired nanopores with hydrophobic constriction regions have previously been shown to offer some promise for DNA sequencing.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 1673-1679
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR04890A
Dendrimer–tesaglitazar conjugate induces a phenotype shift of microglia and enhances β-amyloid phagocytosis
Switching microglia from a disease exacerbating, ‘pro-inflammatory’ state into a neuroprotective, ‘anti-inflammatory’ phenotype is a promising strategy for addressing multiple neurodegenerative diseases.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 939-952
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05958G
Self-assembled chromogen-loaded polymeric cocoon for respiratory virus detection
Inspired by the self-assembly approach, in this work, the chromogen, 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), was successfully co-precipitated in aqueous solution to form collective nanoparticles (NPs) of signal molecules (TMB-NPs).
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 388-396
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06893D
Hyperbranched DNA clusters
Intracluster bonds in hyperbranched DNA polymers prevent percolation transition.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23003-23012
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR04840B
Isolation of DNA aptamers targeting N-cadherin and high-efficiency capture of circulating tumor cells by using dual aptamers
Isolation of anti-N-cadherin DNA aptamers and high-efficiency capture of circulating tumor cells using dual aptamers targeting EpCAM and N-cadherin.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 22574-22585
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06180H
In situ fabrication of MS@MnO2 hybrid as nanozymes for enhancing ROS-mediated breast cancer therapy
The reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated anti-cancer therapy that shows the advantages of tumor specificity, high curative effect, and less toxic side-effects has powerful potential for cancer treatment.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 22317-22329
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03931D
Revealing the NIR-triggered chemotherapy therapeutic window of magnetic and thermoresponsive nanogels
The combination of magnetic nanoparticles and thermoresponsive polymers to build multifunctional nanogels represents an appealing strategy for the development of theranostic probes.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 21635-21646
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02953J
Network-based analysis implies critical roles of microRNAs in the long-term cellular responses to gold nanoparticles
Herein, we identify the long-term miRNA expression changes induced by a low dose of AuNPs, providing a systems-level perspective of these changes. The miRNA dysregulation is mostly implicated in the cellular response to the stress caused by AuNPs.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 21172-21187
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR04701E
Supramolecular antibiotics: a strategy for conversion of broad-spectrum to narrow-spectrum antibiotics for Staphylococcus aureus
Supramolecular antibiotics: a reactive supramolecular disassembly approach ensures the narrow delivery of broad-spectrum antibiotics to selectively target pathogenic bacterial population.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 20693-20698
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR04886K
Cubic nano-silver-decorated manganese dioxide micromotors: enhanced propulsion and antibacterial performance
A novel strategy for combating bacteria is proposed based on MnO2@Ag micromotors. Due to synergistic reaction of MnO2 and Ag, rapid movement was realized and an enhanced E. coli death was achieved by coupling intense motion with Ag+ sterilization.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 19655-19664
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06281B
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Transport of nanoprobes in multicellular spheroids
We present the study of the nanoprobes' diffusion in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of multicellular spheroids.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 19880-19887
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01986K
A nanostructured anti-biofilm surface widens the efficacy against spindle-shaped and chain-forming rod-like bacteria
Current control of pathogenic bacteria at all biomaterial interfaces is poorly attuned to a broad range of disease-causing pathogens.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 18864-18874
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03809A
Hydrogel-mediated delivery of celastrol and doxorubicin induces a synergistic effect on tumor regression via upregulation of ceramides
We show that hydrogel-mediated combination therapy induces a synergistic effect on tumor regression.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 18463-18475
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01066A
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Single molecule binding of a ligand to a G-protein-coupled receptor in real time using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, rendered possible by nano-encapsulation in styrene maleic acid lipid particles
Combining the technologies of encapsulation of GPCRs in SMA lipid particles with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy provides a versatile characterisation platform.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 11518-11525
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01060J
Protein corona fingerprinting to differentiate sepsis from non-infectious systemic inflammation
Exploitation of the nanoparticle protein corona to identify proteomic fingerprints in blood that differentiate non-bacterial systemic inflammation from sepsis.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 10240-10253
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02788J
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Nanorheology of living cells measured by AFM-based force–distance curves
Method to measure the viscoelastic properties of a living cell by AFM-based force–distance curves.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 9133-9143
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10316C
Switchable reinforced streptavidin
Introducing a disulfide bridge within monovalent streptavidin's N-terminal β-sheet structure significantly increases the mechanical stability of the biotin/streptavidin complex.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 6803-6809
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00265H
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Nanoparticle-based mobile biosensors for the rapid detection of sepsis biomarkers in whole blood
Detecting small variations in the levels of IL-6 is crucial for the early diagnosis of sepsis.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 1253-1260
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00026D
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Universal DNA detection realized by peptide based carbon nanotube biosensors
Although DNA recognition has been achieved using numerous biosensors with various sensing probes, the utilization of bio-interaction between DNA and biomolecules has seldom been reported in universal DNA detection.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 717-723
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00625G
Direct identification of the herpes simplex virus UL27 gene through single particle manipulation and optical detection using a micromagnetic array
The UL27 gene of Human simplex virus-1 has been identified through hybridization to superparamagnetic particles and identification on a microfabricated magnet array with integrated optical detector.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 3482-3490
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10362G
Engineered nanoparticles for systemic siRNA delivery to malignant brain tumours
Bioreducible nanoparticles were engineered for safe and effective systemic siRNA delivery, including crossing the blood–brain barrier to achieve in vivo gene silencing in an orthotopic glioblastoma mouse model.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 20045-20057
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR04795F
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PEGylated surfaces for the study of DNA–protein interactions by atomic force microscopy
Co-block polymer surfaces provide a platform on which to visualize DNA–protein interactions by atomic force microscopy at nanometre resolution.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 20072-20080
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR07104K
High speed atomic force microscopy to investigate the interactions between toxic Aβ1-42 peptides and model membranes in real time: impact of the membrane composition
For investigating Alzheimer's disease mechanisms, high-speed atomic force microscopy is a proper tool to monitor the interactions between toxic peptides and lipid model membranes.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 7229-7238
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR08714H
Nanoscale organization of tetraspanins during HIV-1 budding by correlative dSTORM/AFM
Membrane partition and remodeling play a key role in numerous cell mechanisms, especially in viral replication cycles where viruses subvert the plasma membrane to enter and escape from the host cell.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 6036-6044
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR07269H
Towards personalised rapid label free miRNA detection for cancer and liver injury diagnostics in cell lysates and blood based samples
Label free nanomechanical miRNA detection from biological samples utilising cantilever arrays in an automated diagnostic platform.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 12797-12804
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR03604G
Label-free in-flow detection of receptor recognition motifs on the biomolecular corona of nanoparticles
We present a fast, label-free, QCM-based methodology for the screening of accessible protein recognition epitopes on NP biological surface.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 5474-5481
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR07887K
About this collection
Professor Yves Dufrêne (UCLouvain, Belgium), Associate Editor for Nanoscale and Nanoscale Advances, introduces his Editor’s Choice collection.
“Nanobiotechnology is an exciting, rapidly evolving research field, which is predicted to have a dramatic impact on human activities, whether scientific, economical or societal. Nanomedicine, the medical application of nanotechnology, offers new opportunities to fight a range of diseases, including cancers and microbial infections. Progress in nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine strongly relies on the development of advanced tools and approaches for probing and manipulating biosystems, from single molecules to cells and tissues.
Proceeding from fundamental studies to medical applications, this collection of research and review articles published in Nanoscale and Nanoscale Advances provides a snapshot of recent progress made in the nanobio field, covering the development of innovative methodologies, nanotechniques and nanomaterials, such as biosensors, nanoscale and single-molecule characterization techniques, nanoparticles, drug encapsulation, biomedical nanomaterials, and micro- and nanopatterning, as well as the application of these new developments to DNA, proteins, microbes, cells, and to the design of novel therapies against cancer, bacteria and viruses.”