Recent Advances in Synergistic Effect of Nanoparticles and Its Biomedical Application.

The synergistic impact of nanomaterials is critical for novel intracellular and/or subcellular drug delivery systems of minimal toxicity. This synergism results in a fundamental bio/nano interface interaction, which is discussed in terms of nanoparticle translocation, outer wrapping, embedding, and interior cellular attachment. The morphology, size, surface area, ligand chemistry and charge of nanoparticles all play a role in translocation. In this review, we suggest a generalized mechanism to characterize the bio/nano interface, as we discuss the synergistic interaction between nanoparticles and cells, tissues, and other biological systems. Novel perceptions are reviewed regarding the ability of nanoparticles to improve hybrid nanocarriers with homogeneous structures to enhance multifunctional biomedical applications, such as bioimaging, tissue engineering, immunotherapy, and phototherapy.

Gold Nanorod Density-Dependent Label-Free Bacteria Sensing on a Flake-like 3D Graphene-Based Device by SERS.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an effective technique for biosensing, enabling label-free detection of biomolecules with enhanced sensitivity. There is a tremendous probability of signal failure in Raman frequencies because of the scattering of the Raman radiation in liquids, effective SERS improvement is required to reduce this issue when considering liquid specimens. We examined a liquid bacterial sample, investigating the electrostatic interactions of the bacterial samples with gold nanorods (AuNRs) and graphene. We established a voltage-gated 3D graphene functionalized with an AuNR-based device on the silicon substrate for SERS measurements when the applied voltage ranges from 0 to 3 V. Moreover, AuNRs density-susceptible bacterial sample analysis with varied concentrations of bacterial samples has also been described. Using bacterial SERS analysis, the bacterial components amide II (1555-1565 cm-1) and amide III (1250-1350 cm-1) have been discovered for both bacteria, Gram-positive, Listeria monocytogenes and Gram-negative, Salmonella typhi. Our fabricated device affords an interesting label-free, rapid, and reproducible bacterial sample analysis based on the density of the AuNRs when functionalizing flake-like 3D graphene, which can help facilitate label-free bacteria sensing platforms.

Success of nano-vaccines against COVID-19: a transformation in nanomedicine.

INTRODUCTION: The vaccines being used against COVID-19 are composed of either non-viral or viral nanoparticles (NPs). Nanotechnology-based vaccine technology was studied for its potentially transformative advancement of medicine. AREAS COVERED: NPs protect the encapsulated mRNA in vaccines, thereby enhancing the stability of the ribonucleic acids and facilitating their intact delivery to their specific targets. Compared to liposomes, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are unique and, through their rigid morphology and better cellular penetrability, render enhanced cargo stability. To explore nanotechnology-mediated vaccine delivery and its potential in future pandemics, we assessed articles from various databases, such as PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, including editorial/research notes, expert opinions, and collections of data from several clinical research trials. In the current review, we focus on the nanoparticulate approach of the different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and explore their success against the pandemic. EXPERT OPINION: The mRNA-based vaccines, with their tremendous efficacy of ~95% (under phase III-IV clinical trials) and distinct nanocarriers (LNPs), represent a new medical front alongside DNA and siRNA-based vaccines.

Recent Insights into NIR-Light-Responsive Materials for Photothermal Cell Treatments.

Controlling cells using photo-responsive materials is highly indispensable in the current biomedical sector. Considering the potential side effects of nanoparticles, it has become a challenge to control cells with photo-responsive materials. Recent studies have described several methods for controlling cell behavior using nanoparticles subjected to the near-infrared (NIR) laser light operating at the wavelength of 808 nm to 980 nm and at the power densities of 0.33 to 0.72 W·cm-2. The challenge here is the preparation of biocompatible nanoparticles for both in vivo and in vitro studies and understanding cell behavior with an external light source recommended for biological application. Earlier studies have well documented many approaches and associated mechanisms for controlling cell behavior and the interaction between nanoparticles, cells, and appropriate external light sources. In this review, various nanomaterials such as metal nanomaterials and carbon-based nanomaterials are compared systematically regarding the effects of controlling cell behavior and inflammation by studying their mechanisms, route of administration, dose, and adverse effects such as toxicity and the interaction of nanoparticles with a specific wavelength of the light. Future directions should focus on stable and efficient light-responsive materials with minimal cytotoxicity.

Theranostic efficiency of biosurfactants against COVID-19 and similar viruses - A review.

The world has witnessed an extreme vulnerability of a pandemic during 2020; originated from China. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is infecting and beginning deaths in thousands to millions, creating of the global economic crisis. Biosurfactants (BSs) can carry the prevention, control and management of pandemic out through diverse approaches, such as pharmaceutical, therapeutic, hygienic and environmental. The microbiotas having virulent intrinsic properties towards starting as easily as spreading of diseases (huge morbidity and mortality) could be inhibited via BSs. Such elements could be recognised for their antimicrobial activity, capability to interact with the immune system via micelles formation and in nanoparticulate synthesis. However, they can be used for developing novel and more effective therapeutics, pharmaceuticals, non-toxic formulations, vaccines, and effective cleaning agents. Such approaches can be utilized for product development and implemented for managing and combating the pandemic conditions. This review emphasized on the potentiality of BSs as key components with several ways for protecting against unknown and known pathogens, including COVID-19.

Corrigendum to: GSK-3 Inhibitors in the Regulation and Control of Colon Carcinoma.

The author requested to add a co-author after the publication of the original article [1]. In this correction, the author has been added in the article entitled "GSK-3 Inhibitors in the Regulation and Control of Colon Carcinoma" in the journal "Current Drug Targets" 2021; 22(13), 1485-1495. Details of the error and a correction are provided here. The original editorial can be found online at 10.2174/1389450122666210204203950 We regret any errors and apologize to the readers. Original: Sitansu S. Nanda1, Md Imran Hossain1, Heongkyu Ju2 and Dong Kee Yi1,* 1Department of Chemistry, Myongji University, Yongin, 03674, South Korea; 2Department of Physics, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Corrected: Sitansu S. Nanda1, Md Imran Hossain1, Heongkyu Ju2, Georgia C. Papaefthymiou3 and Dong Kee Yi1,* 1Department of Chemistry, Myongji University, Yongin, 03674, South Korea; 2Department of Physics, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea 3Department of Physics, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania19085, USA.

Impact of Indazole Scaffold as Antibacterial and Antifungal Agent.

Heterocycles consisting of a nitrogen atom, Indazole, is a pungent, biological, heterocyclic, bicyclic compound possessing electron-rich portions. Indazole is composed of two nitrogen atoms put under the azoles family, further called isoindazolone. It is colorless solid nitrogen- containing heterocyclics with atomic formula-C7H6N2 are extraordinary scaffolds, still identified as isoindazole. Therefore, analogs of Indazole have experienced expert approaches in later times because of its special biological properties, such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti- HIV and antihypertensive actions. 1H-indazole and 2H-indazole are two toutomeric forms of Indazole. Sometimes, indazole produces three tautomeric forms that are 1H, 2H and 3H tautomers of indazole. 1H-indazole is reliable than 2H-indazole. We should note that a series of derivatives of indazole having 2H toutomers follow hybridization of cyclic systems and act as anti-inflammatory as well as anti-microbial compounds. It formed Indazole itself and derivatives of Indazole in natural products. A sequence of N-methyl-3-aryl inazoles has dominant against bacterial strains like xanthomon as campstris, Baillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus megaterium and a fungal strain candida albicans found by in-vitro anti-microbial study of indazole derivatives.

Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of coronavirus disease: a review.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019 and subsequently, declared a pandemic. As of 3 June 2021, 172,493,290 individuals have acquired COVID-19 and 3,708,334 patients have died worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. AREAS COVERED: This review explores epidemiology; virology; pathogenesis; genomic variations; mode of transmission; clinical occurrence; diagnosis; and treatment with antiviral agents, antibiotics, and supportive therapies. It covers a nanotechnology-based treatment approach and emphasizes the importance of herbal and marine antiviral drugs. The review attempts to explain current advances in research, prevention, and control of COVID-19 spread through artificial intelligence and vaccine development status under cosmopolitan consideration. EXPERT OPINION: While COVID-19 research is advancing at full capacity, the discovery of drugs or vaccines that can fight the pandemic is necessary. Human survival in such a critical situation will be possible only with the development of strong immunity by opting for exercise, yoga, and consumption of hygienic food and beverages. Therefore, education about COVID-19 lethality and its impact on livelihood is important. The pandemic has also shown positive effects on the environment, such as a significant reduction in environmental pollution and global warming and improvement in river water quality.

Fibres and films made from DNA and CTMA-modified DNA embedded with gold nanorods and organic light-emitting materials.

The scaffolding of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) makes DNA molecules effective templates for hosting various types of nanomaterials. Recently, electrospun fibres formed by a variety of polymers have begun to see use in a number of applications, such as filtration in energy applications, insulation in thermodynamics and protein scaffolding in biomedicine. In this study, we constructed electrospun fibres and thin films made of DNA and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTMA)-modified DNA (CDNA) embedded with dyes, organic light-emitting materials (OLEMs), and gold nanorods (GNRs). These materials provide significant advantages, including selectivity of dimensionality, solubility in organic and inorganic solvents, and functionality enhancement. In addition, coaxial fibres made of CDNA were constructed to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing relatively complex fibres with an electrospinner. To determine the basic physical characteristics of the fibres and thin films containing GNRs and OLEMs, we conducted current measurements, photoluminescence (PL) measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The currents in DNA and CDNA were found to exhibit Ohmic behaviour, while the PL emission could be controlled by OLEMs. In addition, the XPS provided the chemical configuration of samples, and the UV-Vis spectra revealed the plasmon resonance of GNR. Due to their simple fabrication and enhanced functionality, these DNA and CDNA fibres and thin films could be used in various devices (e.g., filters or blocking layers) and sensors (e.g., gas detectors and bio sensors) in a number of industries.

Enhanced proliferation of rabbit chondrocytes by using a well circulated nanoshock system.

The gold nanorods (GNRs) embedded alginate-chitosan (scaffold), which was designed and fabricated to produce efficient handling of the cell proliferations. Scaffold embedded GNR (SGNR) and NIR (near infrared) irradiations are developing into an interesting medical prognosis tool for rabbit chondrocyte (RC) proliferation. SGNR contained a pattern of uniform pores. Biocompatibility and cellular proliferation achieved by disclosures to NIR irradiations, providing high cell survival. SGNR and NIR irradiations could produce mechanical and biochemical cues for regulating RCs proliferations. To determine the thermal stress, it exposed RCs to 39-42 °C for 0-240 min at the start point of the cell culture cycle. It produced photothermal stress in cellular surrounding (cells located adjacent to and within scaffold) and it deals with the proliferation behavior of RC. All the processes were modeled with experimental criteria and time evolution process. Our system could help the cell proliferation by generating heat for cells. Hence, the present strategy could be implemented for supporting cell therapeutics after transplantation. This implementation would open new design techniques for integrating the interfaces between NIR irradiated and non-irradiated tissues.

GSK-3 Inhibitors in the Regulation and Control of Colon Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Glycogen syntheis kinase (GSK-3) inhibitors are novel therapeutic agents for treating various types of cancer, such as breast, lung, and gastric cancer. No pathological changes have been found by the morphological examination of GSK-3. OBJECTIVES: This review describes recent procedures using GSK-3 inhibitors, primarily in treating colon carcinoma. Furthermore, it also explains the mechanism of action of different GSK-3 inhibitors in treating various types of cancers and proposes some additional mechanisms may be useful for further research on GSK-3 inhibitors for cancers, including colon carcinoma. RESULTS: The majority of the cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions are stimulated by the transformation of membrane-bound arachidonic acid (AA) to eicosanoids, a transformation that promotes for the viability, proliferation, and spread of cancer. GSK-3 inhibitors can reinstate hostility to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) responsiveness in gastric adenocarcinoma cells. GSK-3, the final enzyme in glycogen synthesis, is a serine/threonine kinase that phosphorylates varied sequences that are more than a hundred in number, within proteins in an array of heterogeneous pathways. It is an essential module of an exceptionally large number of cellular processes, playing a fundamental role in many metabolic processes and diseases. Many patients diagnosed with colon cancer achieve long-term remission with outstanding survival through the GSK-3 inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Prior to the extensive application of these proposed mechanisms of GSK-3 inhibitor, further evaluation and clinical studies are needed. Only after the completion of appropriate clinical studies and morphological examinations, would extensive application be apprpriate.

Cancer Cell Detection on the Surface of Top-Gated Monolayer Graphene via Raman Spectroscopy.

A label-free biosensor is described based on the Raman spectroscopic signatures of monolayer graphene, which are modified in the compartment of cancer cells because of electron-phonon coupling in monolayer graphene. Specifically, the Raman spectra of electrostatically gated monolayer graphene on SiO2/Si substrates, in the voltage range from 0 to 5 V, were studied in the absence and the presence of cancer cells. Density functional theory simulations afforded a correlation between cancer cells and the observed Raman spectra, through the regulation of the intensities of the G and 2D Raman vibrational modes with applied voltage. The C-H and N-H bonds of phenylalanine enabled the detection of this biosensing activity. Significantly, this detection can be carried out even in the absence of cancer cell-culturing steps.

Monolayer Quantum-Dot Based Light-Sensor by a Photo-Electrochemical Mechanism.

Monolayer nanocrystal-based light sensors with cadmium-selenium thin film electrodes have been investigated using electrochemical cyclic voltammetry tests. An indium tin oxide electrode system, with a monolayer of homogeneously deposited cadmium-selenium quantum dots was proven to work as a photo-sensor via an electrochemical cell mechanism; it was possible to tune current densities under light illumination. Electrochemical tests on a quantum dot capacitor, using different sized (red, yellow and green) cadmium-selenium quantum dots on indium tin oxide substrates, showed typical capacitive behavior of cyclic voltammetry curves in 2M H2SO4 aqueous solutions. This arrangement provides a beneficial effect in, both, charge separation and light sensory characteristics. Importantly, the photocurrent density depended on quantum yield rendering tunable photo-sensing properties.

Effects of Aspect Ratio Heterogeneity of an Assembly of Gold Nanorod on Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance.

We examine the effects of aspect ratio (AR) heterogeneity of an assembly of gold nanorods (GNRs) in a colloid on the total cross-section for its light scattering via localized surface plasmons at visible wavelengths. We observe the extraordinary broadening of the extinction spectrum of light through an assembly of GNRs, a colloidal mixture of those having two different ARs. The interparticle distance estimated as ∼1.2-1.3 µm, being greater than the incident wavelength, allows the radiative dipolar coupling to govern the long-range interaction between GNRs. We find that the coupling enhanced local fields can activate the nonresonant polarization of GNRs to turn into a quasi-resonant one. These higher-order effects for GNR polarization can produce the deviation of total cross-section of GNRs assembly beyond the simple sum of an individual cross-section of GNRs that are assumed to have no such long-range coupling. The extraordinary properties of the extinction spectrum need to be taken into account for modulating the spectral distribution of electromagnetic field in photonic devices where an assembly of GNRs is utilized for field enhancement such as those for surface-enhanced spectroscopy, highly efficient photovoltaics, photothermal nanotherapy, and ultrathin absorption filters.

Designed growth of porous 2D Nb2O5 with Ag nano-particles for differential detection of UV-A and UV-C.

We demonstrate the differential detection of UV-A (ultra-violet 320-400 nm region) and UV-C (100-280 nm) using porous two-dimensional (2D) Nb2O5 and additional Ag nano-particle decoration. The 2D Nb2O5, which has band-absorption edge near the UV-A zone, was synthesized by thermodynamic conversion of 2D material NbSe2 (Nb2O5 has lower Gibbs formation energy than NbSe2). For the differential detection (to distinguish with UV-C absorption), we decorated the Ag nano-particles on the Nb2O5 surface. By coating Ag nano-particles, we can expect (i) a decrease in the area of light absorption by the Ag-coated area, and (ii) an increase of surface plasmon absorption by Ag nano-particles, especially the UV-A region, resulting in strong intensity ratio change UV-A/UV-C.

Strategies for the Development of Metallic-Nanoparticle-Based Label-Free Biosensors and Their Biomedical Applications.

Label-free biosensors offer accurate sensing capabilities due to the reliable quantification of biological and biochemical processes. These devices function by establishing a dynamic interaction of analyte and receptor molecules and convert this interaction into a measurable signal through a transducer. In recent decades, label-free biosensors have attracted attention in biomedical applications due to the ease of linking nanomaterials with bioreceptor molecules. In this review, recent advances in sensitivity, specificity, and sensing mechanism related to label-free biosensors of metallic nanoparticles of gold, silver, aluminium, copper, and zinc oxide are presented. Selected sensing methods based on fluorescence, surface plasmon resonance, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, metal-enhanced fluorescence, and electrochemical sensors are discussed. New measurement techniques and rapid progress of label-free biosensors are going to play a vital role in the real-time detection of biomarkers in clinical samples, such as blood plasma, serum, and urine, as well as in targeted drug delivery. Future trends of these label-free biosensing mechanisms and their development are also discussed.

Mechanophysical Cues in Extracellular Matrix Regulation of Cell Behavior.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a macromolecular network that can provide biochemical and structural support for cell adhesion and formation. It regulates cell behavior by influencing biochemical and physical cues. It is a dynamic structure whose components are modified, degraded, or deposited during connective tissue development, giving tissues strength and structural integrity. The physical properties of the natural ECM environment control the design of naturally or synthetically derived biomaterials to guide cell function in tissue engineering. Tissue engineering is an important field that explores physical cues of the ECM to produce new viable tissue for medical applications, such as in organ transplant and organ recovery. Understanding how the ECM exerts physical effects on cell behavior, when cells are seeded in synthetic ECM scaffolds, is of utmost importance. Herein we review recent findings in this area that report on cell behaviors in a variety of ECMs with different physical properties, i.e., topology, geometry, dimensionality, stiffness, and tension.

A new device concept for bacterial sensing by Raman spectroscopy and voltage-gated monolayer graphene.

Electron-phonon coupling in monolayer graphene results in a modification of its Raman spectra upon charge transfer processes induced by interaction with its chemical environment or the presence of strain or defects in its structure. Modification of Raman spectra is examined in order to develop ultra-sensitive biosensing techniques for the detection, identification, differentiation and classification of bacteria associated with infectious diseases. Specifically, the electrochemical properties of top gated monolayer graphene on SiO2/Si substrates, in the absence and presence of interaction with Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium), are probed by Raman spectroscopy in an applied voltage range from 0 V to 3 V. Bacteria and monolayer graphene interactions are thus electrostatically tuned. The resulting correlation of specific bacterial chemical properties and Raman spectral characteristics is reported, along with density functional theory simulations of the charge transfer mechanism. The intensities of the G and D Raman vibrational modes are modulated as a function of the applied voltage in the presence of bacteria, but remain unchanged in bare monolayer graphene. A fingerprint region is also identified in the range of 200 cm-1 to 600 cm-1, with disulfide bonds observed at 490 cm-1, associated with bacterial membrane proteins. Significantly, such observations are detected even in the absence of bacterial culturing, a time-consuming step.

Engineering nanoparticle strategies for effective cancer immunotherapy.

Cancer immunotherapy has been emerging in recent years, due to the inherent nature of the immune system. Although recent successes of immunotherapeutics in clinical application have attracted development of a novel immunotherapeutics, the off-target side effect and low immunogenicity of them remain challenges for the effective cancer immunotherapy. Theranostic nanoparticle system may one of key technology to address these issues by offering targeted delivery of various types of immunotherapeutics, resulting in significant improvements in the tumor immunotherapy. However, appropriate design or engineering of nanoparticles will be needed to improve delivery efficiency of antigen, adjuvant and therapeutics, resulting in eliciting antitumor immunity. Here, we review the current state of the art of cancer immunotherapeutic strategies, mainly based on nanoparticles (NPs). This includes NP-based antigen/adjuvant delivery vehicles to draining lymph nodes, and tumor antigen-specific T-lymphocytes for cancer immunotherapy. Several NP-based examples are shown for immune checkpoint modulation and immunogenic cell death. These overall studies demonstrate the great potential of NPs in cancer immunotherapy. Finally, engineering NP strategies will provide great opportunities to improve therapeutic effects as well as optimization of treatment processes, allowing to meet the individual needs in the cancer immunotherapy.

Recent advances in biocompatible semiconductor nanocrystals for immunobiological applications.

Quantum confinement in inorganic semiconductor nanocrystals produces brightly luminescent nanoparticles endowed with unique photo-physical properties, such as tunable optical properties. These have found widespread applications in nanotechnology. The ability to render such nanostructures biocompatible, while maintaining their tunable radiation in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum, renders them appropriate for bio-applications. Promising in vitro and in vivo diagnostic applications have been demonstrated, such as fluorescence-based detection of biological interactions, single molecule tracking, multiplexing and immunoassaying. In particular, these fluorescent inorganic semiconductor nanocrystals, generally known as quantum dots, have the potential of remarkable immunobiological applications. This review focuses on the current status of biocompatible quantum dots and their applications in immunobiology - immunosensing, immunofluorescent imaging and immunotherapy.