Themed collection Editor’s Choice: Recent breakthroughs in nanobiotechnology

39 items
Open Access Minireview

Biologically interfaced nanoplasmonic sensors

This Minireview highlights and discusses the critical role of biological interfacing in constructing nanoplasmonic sensing platforms for biointerfacial science applications.

Graphical abstract: Biologically interfaced nanoplasmonic sensors
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Open Access Review Article

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.

Graphical abstract: Biomedical nanomaterials for immunological applications: ongoing research and clinical trials
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Review Article

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.

Graphical abstract: Key considerations in designing CRISPR/Cas9-carrying nanoparticles for therapeutic genome editing
Review Article

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.

Graphical abstract: Recent advancement in biomedical applications on the surface of two-dimensional materials: from biosensing to tissue engineering
Communication

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.

Graphical abstract: Visualizing tumour self-homing with magnetic particle imaging
Communication

Quantitative determination of mechanical stability in the novel coronavirus spike protein

Unveiling the nanomechanical stability of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein

Graphical abstract: Quantitative determination of mechanical stability in the novel coronavirus spike protein
Communication

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.

Graphical abstract: Penetration of the blood–brain barrier and the anti-tumour effect of a novel PLGA-lysoGM1/DOX micelle drug delivery system
Communication

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.

Graphical abstract: DNA-free directed assembly in single-molecule cut-and-paste
Open Access Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: The rapid diagnosis and effective inhibition of coronavirus using spike antibody attached gold nanoparticles
Open Access Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Development, structure and mechanics of a synthetic E. coli outer membrane model
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: DNA modification and visualization on an origami-based enzyme nano-factory
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: An enzyme-mediated universal fluorescent biosensor template for pathogen detection based on a three-dimensional DNA walker and catalyzed hairpin assembly
Open Access Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Nanoscale flow cytometry for immunophenotyping and quantitating extracellular vesicles in blood plasma
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Translocation of flexible and tensioned ssDNA through in silico designed hydrophobic nanopores with two constrictions
From the themed collection: 2021 Nanoscale HOT Article Collection
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Dendrimer–tesaglitazar conjugate induces a phenotype shift of microglia and enhances β-amyloid phagocytosis
Paper

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).

Graphical abstract: Self-assembled chromogen-loaded polymeric cocoon for respiratory virus detection
Paper

Hyperbranched DNA clusters

Intracluster bonds in hyperbranched DNA polymers prevent percolation transition.

Graphical abstract: Hyperbranched DNA clusters
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Isolation of DNA aptamers targeting N-cadherin and high-efficiency capture of circulating tumor cells by using dual aptamers
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: In situ fabrication of MS@MnO2 hybrid as nanozymes for enhancing ROS-mediated breast cancer therapy
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Revealing the NIR-triggered chemotherapy therapeutic window of magnetic and thermoresponsive nanogels
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Network-based analysis implies critical roles of microRNAs in the long-term cellular responses to gold nanoparticles
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Supramolecular antibiotics: a strategy for conversion of broad-spectrum to narrow-spectrum antibiotics for Staphylococcus aureus
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Cubic nano-silver-decorated manganese dioxide micromotors: enhanced propulsion and antibacterial performance
Open Access Paper

Transport of nanoprobes in multicellular spheroids

We present the study of the nanoprobes' diffusion in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of multicellular spheroids.

Graphical abstract: Transport of nanoprobes in multicellular spheroids
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: A nanostructured anti-biofilm surface widens the efficacy against spindle-shaped and chain-forming rod-like bacteria
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Hydrogel-mediated delivery of celastrol and doxorubicin induces a synergistic effect on tumor regression via upregulation of ceramides
Open Access Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: 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
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Protein corona fingerprinting to differentiate sepsis from non-infectious systemic inflammation
Open Access Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Nanorheology of living cells measured by AFM-based force–distance curves
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Switchable reinforced streptavidin
Open Access Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Nanoparticle-based mobile biosensors for the rapid detection of sepsis biomarkers in whole blood
Open Access Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Universal DNA detection realized by peptide based carbon nanotube biosensors
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Direct identification of the herpes simplex virus UL27 gene through single particle manipulation and optical detection using a micromagnetic array
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Engineered nanoparticles for systemic siRNA delivery to malignant brain tumours
Open Access Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: PEGylated surfaces for the study of DNA–protein interactions by atomic force microscopy
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: 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
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Nanoscale organization of tetraspanins during HIV-1 budding by correlative dSTORM/AFM
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Towards personalised rapid label free miRNA detection for cancer and liver injury diagnostics in cell lysates and blood based samples
Paper

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.

Graphical abstract: Label-free in-flow detection of receptor recognition motifs on the biomolecular corona of nanoparticles
39 items

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.” 

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