Themed collection Advanced Functional Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

56 items
Editorial

Introduction to advanced functional nanomaterials for biomedical applications

Chenjie Xu, Yu Shrike Zhang, Sylvie Begin and Nguyễn Thị Kim Thanh introduce the Nanoscale and Nanoscale Advances themed collection on advanced functional nanomaterials for biomedical applications.

Graphical abstract: Introduction to advanced functional nanomaterials for biomedical applications
Minireview

Prospects and applications of synergistic noble metal nanoparticle-bacterial hybrid systems

The synergistic combination of noble metal nanoparticles and bacterial cells results in hybrid systems that offer new useful properties for the development of future applications and tools.

Graphical abstract: Prospects and applications of synergistic noble metal nanoparticle-bacterial hybrid systems
Review Article

Ferrofluids and bio-ferrofluids: looking back and stepping forward

Ferrofluids investigated along for about five decades are ultrastable colloidal suspensions of magnetic nanoparticles, which manifest simultaneously fluid and magnetic properties.

Graphical abstract: Ferrofluids and bio-ferrofluids: looking back and stepping forward
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Review Article

Advanced metal and carbon nanostructures for medical, drug delivery and bio-imaging applications

This article overviews the recent trends of various types of metallic, noble, magnetic and carbon nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanodiamonds, fullerene and their derivatives) specific to the drug delivery and bio-imaging fields.

Graphical abstract: Advanced metal and carbon nanostructures for medical, drug delivery and bio-imaging applications
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Open Access Review Article

Magnetic particle imaging: tracer development and the biomedical applications of a radiation-free, sensitive, and quantitative imaging modality

This review focusses on magnetic particle imaging (MPI), considering progress made in the many biomedical applications, and the design of nanoparticle tracers tailored towards optimal performance.

Graphical abstract: Magnetic particle imaging: tracer development and the biomedical applications of a radiation-free, sensitive, and quantitative imaging modality
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Review Article

Manganese-based advanced nanoparticles for biomedical applications: future opportunity and challenges

The present review article provides the insight of an overall survey on the recent advancements of manganese nanomaterials for biomedical nanotechnology and other fields.

Graphical abstract: Manganese-based advanced nanoparticles for biomedical applications: future opportunity and challenges
Review Article

Self-assembly of peptide nanofibers for imaging applications

Self-assembly of peptide nanofibers shows significance in tumor/disease imaging applications.

Graphical abstract: Self-assembly of peptide nanofibers for imaging applications
Review Article

Exosome-mediated delivery of gene vectors for gene therapy

Exosome encapsulation protects and delivers AAV vectors for gene therapy.

Graphical abstract: Exosome-mediated delivery of gene vectors for gene therapy
Open Access Communication

Magnetite-binding proteins from the magnetotactic bacterium Desulfamplus magnetovallimortis BW-1

Recently discovered proteins from magnetotactic Deltaproteobacteria were tested for their ability to bind to magnetite surfaces. Two new proteins (Mad10, Mad11) were identified that display fast and nearly irreversible magnetite binding.

Graphical abstract: Magnetite-binding proteins from the magnetotactic bacterium Desulfamplus magnetovallimortis BW-1
Open Access Communication

Multifunctional carbon dots with near-infrared absorption and emission for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs, tumor tissue imaging and chemo/photothermal synergistic therapy

A multifunctional nanoprobe for tumor microenvironment- induced cancer imaging and chemo/PTT synergistic targeted therapy was constructed. Tumor microenvironment-specific stimuli responses enable targeted drug accumulation and cancer imaging.

Graphical abstract: Multifunctional carbon dots with near-infrared absorption and emission for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs, tumor tissue imaging and chemo/photothermal synergistic therapy
Communication

Mitochondria targeted composite enzyme nanogels for synergistic starvation and photodynamic therapy

A dual-enzyme nanogel system is successfully fabricated for synergistic starvation and photodynamic therapy.

Graphical abstract: Mitochondria targeted composite enzyme nanogels for synergistic starvation and photodynamic therapy
Communication

Highly efficient photothermal nanoparticles for the rapid eradication of bacterial biofilms

An effective photothermy generation aggregate system for bacterial biofilm elimination was designed and investigated. Results indicated that the biofilm matrix was destroyed by the nano-system in addition to the killing of the embedded bacteria.

Graphical abstract: Highly efficient photothermal nanoparticles for the rapid eradication of bacterial biofilms
Paper

Tunable gold nanorod/NAO conjugates for selective drug delivery in mitochondria-targeted cancer therapy

Nano-conjugates composed of gold nanorods and nonyl acridine orange (NAO) derivatives were built as a novel approach for mitochondria targeted-cancer therapy.

Graphical abstract: Tunable gold nanorod/NAO conjugates for selective drug delivery in mitochondria-targeted cancer therapy
Paper

Improved nanoformulation and bio-functionalization of linear-dendritic block copolymers with biocompatible ionic liquids

Ionic liquid-functionalized linear-dendritic block copolymer nanoparticles show facile assemblies and red blood cell hitchhiking in whole blood.

Graphical abstract: Improved nanoformulation and bio-functionalization of linear-dendritic block copolymers with biocompatible ionic liquids
Open Access Paper

Riboflavin–citrate conjugate multicore SPIONs with enhanced magnetic responses and cellular uptake in breast cancer cells

Riboflavin-coated multicore SPIONs show specific binding with RCP, enhanced uptake in breast cancer cells and excellent MRI response.

Graphical abstract: Riboflavin–citrate conjugate multicore SPIONs with enhanced magnetic responses and cellular uptake in breast cancer cells
From the themed collection: Popular Advances
Paper

Revealing the heterogeneity in neuroblastoma cells via nanopillar-guided subnuclear deformation

Quantitative characterization of heterogeneity in neuroblastoma cells is achieved using nanopillar-guided subnuclear irregularities.

Graphical abstract: Revealing the heterogeneity in neuroblastoma cells via nanopillar-guided subnuclear deformation
Paper

SERS tags derived from silver nanoparticles and aryl diazonium salts for cell Raman imaging

Surface functionalization of silver nanoparticles by Raman reporters derived from aryl diazonium salts offers new opportunities for the design of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) labels for Cell Raman Imaging

Graphical abstract: SERS tags derived from silver nanoparticles and aryl diazonium salts for cell Raman imaging
Paper

Persistent luminescence nanoparticles functionalized by polymers bearing phosphonic acid anchors: synthesis, characterization, and in vivo behaviour

Optical in vivo imaging has become a widely used technique and is still under development for clinical diagnostics and treatment applications.

Graphical abstract: Persistent luminescence nanoparticles functionalized by polymers bearing phosphonic acid anchors: synthesis, characterization, and in vivo behaviour
Paper

Nanoengineered myogenic scaffolds for skeletal muscle tissue engineering

Here, we developed a nano-engineered biomaterial optimized for skeletal muscle proliferation and differentiation. Nanoclay disks were used to control the release of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), a key myogenic and immunogenic regulator.

Graphical abstract: Nanoengineered myogenic scaffolds for skeletal muscle tissue engineering
Open Access Paper

Tailoring defects and nanocrystal transformation for optimal heating power in bimagnetic CoyFe1−yO@CoxFe3−xO4 particles

Synchrotron X-ray scattering reveals that atomic-scale defect control manipulated by chemical substitution optimizes nanomagnetism and enables hyperthermia heating in core-shell iron-oxide nanocrystals.

Graphical abstract: Tailoring defects and nanocrystal transformation for optimal heating power in bimagnetic CoyFe1−yO@CoxFe3−xO4 particles
Paper

pH-Responsive doxorubicin delivery using shear-thinning biomaterials for localized melanoma treatment

Injectable shear-thinning biomaterials (STBs) have attracted significant attention because of their efficient and localized delivery of cells as well as various molecules ranging from growth factors to drugs.

Graphical abstract: pH-Responsive doxorubicin delivery using shear-thinning biomaterials for localized melanoma treatment
Open Access Paper

Counterion-insulated near-infrared dyes in biodegradable polymer nanoparticles for in vivo imaging

Bulky hydrophobic counterions were applied for encapsulation of near-infrared cyanine dyes into biodegradable polymer matrix with minimized self-quenching, yielding fluorescent nanoparticles with stealth PEG shell for in vivo imaging.

Graphical abstract: Counterion-insulated near-infrared dyes in biodegradable polymer nanoparticles for in vivo imaging
From the themed collection: Popular Advances
Open Access Paper

Controlled delivery of gold nanoparticle-coupled miRNA therapeutics via an injectable self-healing hydrogel

A novel injectable hydrogel drug delivery platform introduces miRNA therapeutics coupled to gold nanoparticles to cells in a 3D bioprinted heart valve disease model.

Graphical abstract: Controlled delivery of gold nanoparticle-coupled miRNA therapeutics via an injectable self-healing hydrogel
Paper

Heterogeneous multi-compartmental DNA hydrogel particles prepared via microfluidic assembly for lymphocyte-inspired precision medicine

Heterogeneous multi-compartmental DNA hydrogel particles fabricated via microfluidic assembly were incorporated with a tandem DNA sequence logical circuit for precision medicine against cancers.

Graphical abstract: Heterogeneous multi-compartmental DNA hydrogel particles prepared via microfluidic assembly for lymphocyte-inspired precision medicine
Paper

Multimodal fluorescently labeled polymer-coated GdF3 nanoparticles inhibit degranulation in mast cells

Multimodal gadolinium fluoride nanoparticles belong to potential contrast agents useful for bimodal optical fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging.

Graphical abstract: Multimodal fluorescently labeled polymer-coated GdF3 nanoparticles inhibit degranulation in mast cells
Paper

A phase-transfer catalyst-based nanoreactor for accelerated hydrogen sulfide bio-imaging

Phase-transfer catalyst (PTC)-based nanoprobes were designed to accelerate the probe–analyte reaction in aqueous solutions for the real-time imaging of H2S under biological conditions.

Graphical abstract: A phase-transfer catalyst-based nanoreactor for accelerated hydrogen sulfide bio-imaging
Paper

Co-doping optimized hydrogel-elastomer micro-actuators for versatile biomimetic motions

We introduce a co-doping-based fabrication of stimuli-responsive hydrogel-elastomer actuators. Based on this actuator, a series of bio-inspired soft micro-robots are developed, demonstrating biomimetic motions, such as grabbing, crawling and jumping.

Graphical abstract: Co-doping optimized hydrogel-elastomer micro-actuators for versatile biomimetic motions
Open Access Paper

Metal–organic framework combined with CaO2 nanoparticles for enhanced and targeted photodynamic therapy

A self-supplying O2 nanosystem based on MOF combined with hyaluronate-modified CaO2 (PCN-224-CaO2-HA) was constructed. This nanosystem can be used for targeted and enhanced photodynamic therapy in vitro and in vivo.

Graphical abstract: Metal–organic framework combined with CaO2 nanoparticles for enhanced and targeted photodynamic therapy
Open Access Paper

Two step promotion of a hot tumor immune environment by gold decorated iron oxide nanoflowers and light-triggered mild hyperthermia

Photoactivated Gold decorated iron oxide nanoflowers induce a hot tumor immune microenvironnment in triple negative breast cancer model.

Graphical abstract: Two step promotion of a hot tumor immune environment by gold decorated iron oxide nanoflowers and light-triggered mild hyperthermia
Open Access Paper

Dopamine based adhesive nano-coatings on extracellular matrix (ECM) based grafts for enhanced host–graft interfacing affinity

An adhesive nano-coating on extracellular matrix (ECM) based grafts, which could crosslink in situ with ferric ions for fixation with surrounding tissues after implantation without affecting the porous structures of the grafts, was developed.

Graphical abstract: Dopamine based adhesive nano-coatings on extracellular matrix (ECM) based grafts for enhanced host–graft interfacing affinity
Paper

A multifunctional electronic suture for continuous strain monitoring and on-demand drug release

A schematic of the drug release electronic suture system (DRESS) with a conductive fiber strain sensor core and a thermoresponsive polymer shell containing drugs.

Graphical abstract: A multifunctional electronic suture for continuous strain monitoring and on-demand drug release
Open Access Paper

An amino acid-based supramolecular nanozyme by coordination self-assembly for cascade catalysis and enhanced chemodynamic therapy towards biomedical applications

We developed a supramolecular nanozyme through the strategy of multicomponent coordination self-assembly using a bio-derived amino acid, glucose oxidase and Fe2+ as building blocks, which exhibited great potential towards biomedical applications.

Graphical abstract: An amino acid-based supramolecular nanozyme by coordination self-assembly for cascade catalysis and enhanced chemodynamic therapy towards biomedical applications
Paper

Photoenhanced cytosolic protein delivery based on a photocleavable group-modified dendrimer

An efficient photoresponsive protein delivery system was developed by exploiting the protein-binding function of a photocleavable group, DEACM.

Graphical abstract: Photoenhanced cytosolic protein delivery based on a photocleavable group-modified dendrimer
Open Access Paper

Functionalized silica nanoplatform as a bimodal contrast agent for MRI and optical imaging

The preparation of an efficient bimodal single probe for magnetic resonance (MRI) and optical imaging (OI) is reported.

Graphical abstract: Functionalized silica nanoplatform as a bimodal contrast agent for MRI and optical imaging
Open Access Paper

Improving the knock-in efficiency of the MOF-encapsulated CRISPR/Cas9 system through controllable embedding structures

A rapid and convenient method was developed to load gene molecules into nanostructures, exploring structure–function relationship for efficient intracellular delivery and gene editing, opening up new avenues for the MOF-based non-viral vectors.

Graphical abstract: Improving the knock-in efficiency of the MOF-encapsulated CRISPR/Cas9 system through controllable embedding structures
Open Access Paper

Enhanced penetrative siRNA delivery by a nanodiamond drug delivery platform against hepatocellular carcinoma 3D models

Comprehensive analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma 3D models revealed enhanced penetrative siRNA delivery by a nanodiamonds compared to liposomes. Nanodiamonds were able to improve siRNA's gene knockdown and anti-cancer effects in 3D tumor models.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced penetrative siRNA delivery by a nanodiamond drug delivery platform against hepatocellular carcinoma 3D models
Paper

Rapid bacterial elimination achieved by sonodynamic Au@Cu2O hybrid nanocubes

With the boosted sonocatalytic activity established by the interfacial Schottky junction, the Au@Cu2O hybrid nanocubes can substantially produce reactive oxygen species under ultrasound stimulation so as to eliminate incoming bacteria rapidly.

Graphical abstract: Rapid bacterial elimination achieved by sonodynamic Au@Cu2O hybrid nanocubes
Paper

Sprayed copper peroxide nanodots for accelerating wound healing in a multidrug-resistant bacteria infected diabetic ulcer

Attributed to the dual function of antimicrobial and angiogenesis, sprayed CuO2 nanodots accelerate wound healing in diabetic ulcers with an acidic environment.

Graphical abstract: Sprayed copper peroxide nanodots for accelerating wound healing in a multidrug-resistant bacteria infected diabetic ulcer
Open Access Paper

How size, shape and assembly of magnetic nanoparticles give rise to different hyperthermia scenarios

We demonstrate that some assemblies of anisometric nanoparticles could be the ideal agents to optimize the response to external AC fields for magnetic fluid hyperthermia in viscous environments.

Graphical abstract: How size, shape and assembly of magnetic nanoparticles give rise to different hyperthermia scenarios
Open Access Paper

Extracellular vesicles from adipose stromal cells combined with a thermoresponsive hydrogel prevent esophageal stricture after extensive endoscopic submucosal dissection in a porcine model

We show herein that a combination of a biomaterial and extracellular vesicles (produced at a high yield by a turbulence stimulation from stromal cells) was effective in the prevention of esophageal stricture in a clinically relevant porcine model.

Graphical abstract: Extracellular vesicles from adipose stromal cells combined with a thermoresponsive hydrogel prevent esophageal stricture after extensive endoscopic submucosal dissection in a porcine model
Paper

Individual particle heating of interacting magnetic nanoparticles at nonzero temperature

We show how tumour heating in magnetic hyperthermia can become more homogeneous through exploitation of magnetisation dynamics of interacting particles.

Graphical abstract: Individual particle heating of interacting magnetic nanoparticles at nonzero temperature
Paper

Enhanced drug retention by anthracene crosslinked nanocomposites for bimodal imaging-guided phototherapy

Core–shell structures of anthracene crosslinked nanocomposites containing upconverting nanoparticles and IR780 are manufactured to achieve better phototherapeutic tumor treatment with MRI/PA bimodal imaging guidance.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced drug retention by anthracene crosslinked nanocomposites for bimodal imaging-guided phototherapy
Open Access Paper

Cetuximab-Ag2S quantum dots for fluorescence imaging and highly effective combination of ALA-based photodynamic/chemo-therapy of colorectal cancer cells

Highly effective and selective killing of EGFR(+)-colorectal cancer cell lines was achieved with targeted PDT and PDT/chemotherapy combination using theranostic nanoparticles.

Graphical abstract: Cetuximab-Ag2S quantum dots for fluorescence imaging and highly effective combination of ALA-based photodynamic/chemo-therapy of colorectal cancer cells
Paper

A nanoparticle-containing polycaprolactone implant for combating post-resection breast cancer recurrence

A local delivery strategy provides an alternative adjuvant chemotherapy for post-surgical breast cancer, not only preventing the local recurrence but also offering necessary mechanical support for breast tissue reconstruction.

Graphical abstract: A nanoparticle-containing polycaprolactone implant for combating post-resection breast cancer recurrence
Paper

Unveiling the role of surface, size, shape and defects of iron oxide nanoparticles for theranostic applications

Theranosticity of nanoparticles provided by their shape, size, defects and dendron coating.

Graphical abstract: Unveiling the role of surface, size, shape and defects of iron oxide nanoparticles for theranostic applications
Open Access Paper

Di- and tri-component spinel ferrite nanocubes: synthesis and their comparative characterization for theranostic applications

Mixed transition metals ferrites nanocubes are here prepared. Their magnetic properties are evaluated to assess their applicability as theranostic tools for magnetic hyperthermia treatment, magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic particles imaging.

Graphical abstract: Di- and tri-component spinel ferrite nanocubes: synthesis and their comparative characterization for theranostic applications
Paper

A co-delivery nanoplatform for a lignan-derived compound and perfluorocarbon tuning IL-25 secretion and the oxygen level in tumor microenvironments for meliorative tumor radiotherapy

A co-delivery nanoplatform for a lignan-derived compound and perfluorocarbon was reported to increase the oxygen level and IL-25 secretion, providing a new strategy of manipulating the tumor microenvironment to improve the radiotherapeutics.

Graphical abstract: A co-delivery nanoplatform for a lignan-derived compound and perfluorocarbon tuning IL-25 secretion and the oxygen level in tumor microenvironments for meliorative tumor radiotherapy
Open Access Paper

Hyperspectral-enhanced dark field analysis of individual and collective photo-responsive gold–copper sulfide nanoparticles

Hyperspectral-enhanced dark field microscopy to correlate Au/CuS NPs’ changes in their physicochemical properties induced by cellular environments with their functionality as photothermal probes by tracking their scattering profile evolution in real time.

Graphical abstract: Hyperspectral-enhanced dark field analysis of individual and collective photo-responsive gold–copper sulfide nanoparticles
Paper

Hemin-lipid assembly as an artemisinin oral delivery system for enhanced cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy

A liposomal nanostructure self-assembled from hemin-lipid has been designed to co-deliver artemisinin, an antimalarial drug, with hemin to mimic plasmodium falciparum microenvironment, and to take advantage of ART as an oral anticancer drug.

Graphical abstract: Hemin-lipid assembly as an artemisinin oral delivery system for enhanced cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy
Open Access Paper

Employing defined bioconjugates to generate chemically functionalised gold nanoparticles for in vitro diagnostic applications

Herein we report a versatile method for introducing functionality to gold nanoparticles by exploiting the strong interaction between chemically functionalised bovine serum albumin (f-BSA) and citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).

Graphical abstract: Employing defined bioconjugates to generate chemically functionalised gold nanoparticles for in vitro diagnostic applications
Paper

Tandem molecular self-assembly for selective lung cancer therapy with an increase in efficiency by two orders of magnitude

By using elevated level of phosphatase and reductase in lung cancer cells, we designed a tandem molecular self-assembling prodrug that could selectively improve the therapeutic efficacy of HCPT against lung cancer by two orders of magnitude.

Graphical abstract: Tandem molecular self-assembly for selective lung cancer therapy with an increase in efficiency by two orders of magnitude
Open Access Paper

Room temperature synthesized solid solution AuFe nanoparticles and their transformation into Au/Fe Janus nanocrystals

Solid solution AuFe nanoparticles with paramagnetic Fe atoms in the Au matrix synthesized at 25 °C transform into Janus particles upon annealing at 700 °C with the ferromagnetic bcc Fe phase epitaxially grown on fcc Au.

Graphical abstract: Room temperature synthesized solid solution AuFe nanoparticles and their transformation into Au/Fe Janus nanocrystals
Open Access Paper

Small iron oxide nanoparticles as MRI T1 contrast agent: scalable inexpensive water-based synthesis using a flow reactor

Small iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesised in water via co-precipitation by quenching particle growth after the magnetic iron oxide phase formed.

Graphical abstract: Small iron oxide nanoparticles as MRI T1 contrast agent: scalable inexpensive water-based synthesis using a flow reactor
Paper

Magneto-fluorescent nanocomposites: experimental and theoretical linkage for the optimization of magnetic hyperthermia

Magneto-fluorescent nanocomposites of Zn doped ferrites nanoparticles with Pt complexes for magnetic hyperthermia and fluorescent imaging.

Graphical abstract: Magneto-fluorescent nanocomposites: experimental and theoretical linkage for the optimization of magnetic hyperthermia
Paper

Biomimetic cytomembrane nanovaccines prevent breast cancer development in the long term

Biomimetic cytomembrane nanovaccines were fabricated to enhance immunity and induce the generation of immune response to fight against breast cancer challenge.

Graphical abstract: Biomimetic cytomembrane nanovaccines prevent breast cancer development in the long term
Open Access Paper

Local administration of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in a thermoresponsive hydrogel promotes a pro-healing effect in a rat model of colo-cutaneous post-surgical fistula

Local minimally-invasive EV delivery on a thermo-actuated PF-127 gel enhanced EV residence time in colo-cutaneous fistulas promoting a therapeutic effect.

Graphical abstract: Local administration of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in a thermoresponsive hydrogel promotes a pro-healing effect in a rat model of colo-cutaneous post-surgical fistula
56 items

About this collection

Guest Edited by Professor Nguyễn T. K. Thanh (University College London, UK), Professor Chenjie Xu (City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong), Professor Yu Shrike Zhang (Harvard Medical School, USA) and Professor Sylvie Begin (University of Strasbourg, France).

Biomedical nanotechnology has witnessed significant progress within the last few decades. Materials at the nanoscale present unique and widely tuneable physicochemical properties that allow numerous unconventional applications to be achieved, which are otherwise not quite possible at larger length scales. More recently, they have found additional usage when combined with other materials at different scales enabling multiscale behaviours that are instrumental for applications that require multiplexed functionalities. This collection focuses on the optical, electrical and magnetic properties of nanomaterials for biomedical applications, the rational design and synthesis of nanomaterials for transdermal drug delivery, biosensing and regenerative medicine, and the use of nanomaterials and their composites for biofabrication.

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