Physico-Chemical Properties of Inorganic NPs Influence the Absorption Rate of Aquatic Mosses Reducing Cytotoxicity on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Model.

Noble metals nanoparticles (NPs) and metal oxide NPs are widely used in different fields of application and commercial products, exposing living organisms to their potential adverse effects. Recent evidences suggest their presence in the aquifers water and consequently in drinking water. In this work, we have carefully synthesized four types of NPs, namely, silver and gold NPs (Ag NPs and Au NPs) and silica and titanium dioxide NPs (SiO2 NPs and TiO2 NPs) having a similar size and negatively charged surfaces. The synthesis of Ag NPs and Au NPs was carried out by colloidal route using silver nitrate (AgNO3) and tetrachloroauric (III) acid (HAuCl4) while SiO2 NPs and TiO2 NPs were achieved by ternary microemulsion and sol-gel routes, respectively. Once the characterization of NPs was carried out in order to assess their physico-chemical properties, their impact on living cells was studied. We used the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2), known as the best representative intestinal epithelial barrier model to understand the effects triggered by NPs through ingestion. Then, we moved to explore how water contamination caused by NPs can be lowered by the ability of three species of aquatic moss, namely, Leptodictyum riparium, Vesicularia ferriei, and Taxiphyllum barbieri, to absorb them. The experiments were conducted using two concentrations of NPs (100 µM and 500 Μm as metal content) and two time points (24 h and 48 h), showing a capture rate dependent on the moss species and NPs type. Then, the selected moss species, able to actively capture NPs, appear as a powerful tool capable to purify water from nanostructured materials, and then, to reduce the toxicity associated to the ingestion of contaminated drinking water.

Colorimetric Paper-Based Device for Hazardous Compounds Detection in Air and Water: A Proof of Concept.

In the last decades, the increase in global industrialization and the consequent technological progress have damaged the quality of the environment. As a consequence, the high levels of hazardous compounds such as metals and gases released in the atmosphere and water, have raised several concerns about the health of living organisms. Today, many analytical techniques are available with the aim to detect pollutant chemical species. However, a lot of them are not affordable due to the expensive instrumentations, time-consuming processes and high reagents volumes. Last but not least, their use is exclusive to trained operators. Contrarily, colorimetric sensing devices, including paper-based devices, are easy to use, providing results in a short time, without particular specializations to interpret the results. In addition, the colorimetric response is suitable for fast detection, especially in resource-limited environments or underdeveloped countries. Among different chemical species, transition and heavy metals such as iron Fe(II) and copper Cu(II) as well as volatile compounds, such as ammonia (NH3) and acetaldehyde (C2H4O) are widespread mainly in industrialized geographical areas. In this work, we developed a colorimetric paper-based analytical device (PAD) to detect different contaminants, including Fe2+ and Cu2+ ions in water, and NH3 and C2H4O in air at low concentrations. This study is a "proof of concept" of a new paper sensor in which the intensity of the colorimetric response is proportional to the concentration of a detected pollutant species. The sensor model could be further implemented in other technologies, such as drones, individual protection devices or wearable apparatus to monitor the exposure to toxic species in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Acute Cytotoxic Effects on Morphology and Mechanical Behavior in MCF-7 Induced by TiO2NPs Exposure.

The side effects induced by nanoparticle exposure at a cellular level are one of the priority research topics due to the steady increase in the use of nanoparticles (NPs). Recently, the focus on cellular morphology and mechanical behavior is gaining relevance in order to fully understand the cytotoxic mechanisms. In this regard, we have evaluated the morphomechanical alteration in human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) exposed to TiO2NPs at two different concentrations (25 and 50 µg/mL) and two time points (24 and 48 h). By using confocal and atomic force microscopy, we demonstrated that TiO2NP exposure induces significant alterations in cellular membrane elasticity, due to actin proteins rearrangement in cytoskeleton, as calculated in correspondence to nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. In this work, we have emphasized the alteration in mechanical properties of the cellular membrane, induced by nanoparticle exposure.

Silver Nanoparticles Addition in Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Dental Matrix: Topographic and Antimycotic Studies.

The widespread use of nanoparticles (NPs) in medical devices has opened a new scenario in the treatment and prevention of many diseases and infections owing to unique physico-chemical properties of NPs. In this way, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known to have a strong antimicrobial activity, even at low concentrations, due to their ability to selectively destroy cellular membranes. In particular, in the field of dental medicine, the use of AgNPs in different kinds of dental prosthesis matrixes could be a fundamental tool in immunodepressed patients that suffer of different oral infections. Candida albicans (C. albicans), an opportunistic pathogenic yeast with high colonization ability, is one of the causative agents of oral cavity infection. In our work, we added monodispersed citrate-capping AgNPs with a size of 20 nm at two concentrations (3 wt% and 3.5 wt%) in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), the common resin used to develop dental prostheses. After AgNPs characterization, we evaluated the topographical modification of PMMA and PMMA with the addition of AgNPs by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), showing the reduction of surface roughness. The C. albicans colonization on PMMA surfaces was assessed by the Miles and Misra technique as well as by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 24 h and 48 h with encouraging results on the reduction of yeast viability after AgNPs exposure.

Encapsulation of Thermo-Sensitive Lauric Acid in Silica Shell: A Green Derivate for Chemo-Thermal Therapy in Breast Cancer Cell.

Lauric acid is a green derivate that is abundant in some seeds such as coconut oil where it represents the most relevant fatty acid. Some studies have emphasized its anticancer effect due to apoptosis induction. In addition, the lauric acid is a Phase Change Material having a melting temperature of about 43.2 °C: this property makes it a powerful tool in cancer treatment by hyperthermal stress, generally induced at 43 °C. However, the direct use of lauric acid can have some controversial effects, and it can undergo degradation phenomena in the extracellular environment. For this reason, we have encapsulated lauric acid in a silica shell with a one-step and reproducible synthetic route in order to obtain a monodispersed SiO2@LA NPs with a good encapsulation efficiency. We have used these NPs to expose breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) at different concentrations in combination with hyperthermal treatment. Uptake, viability, oxidative stress induction, caspases levels, and morphometric parameters were analyzed. These nanovectors showed double action in anticancer treatments thanks to the synergic effect of temperature and lauric acid activity.

Morphomechanical and structural changes induced by ROCK inhibitor in breast cancer cells.

The EMT phenomenon is based on tumour progression. The cells lose their physiologic phenotype and assumed a mesenchymal phenotype characterized by an increased migratory capacity, invasiveness and high resistance to apoptosis. In this process, RHO family regulates the activation or suppression of ROCK (Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase) which in turn regulates the cytoskeleton dynamics. However, while the biochemical mechanisms are widely investigated, a comprehensive and careful estimation of biomechanical changes has not been extensively addressed. In this work, we used a strong ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632, to evaluate the effects of inhibition on living breast cancer epithelial cells by a biomechanical approach. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used to estimate changes of cellular elasticity, quantified by Young's modulus parameter. The morphometric alterations were analyzed by AFM topographies and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). Our study revealed a significant modification in the Young's modulus after treatment, especially as regards cytoskeletal region. Our evidences suggest that the use of Y-27632 enhanced the cell rigidity, preventing cell migration and arrested the metastasization process representing a potential powerful factor for cancer treatment.

Transforming Growth Factor-ß Promotes Morphomechanical Effects Involved in Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Living Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological multistep process involving epithelial cells acquiring a mesenchymal-like phenotype. It is widely demonstrated that EMT is linked to tumor progression and metastasis. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß pathways have been widely investigated, but its role in the hepatocarcinoma EMT is still unclear. While the biochemical pathways have been extensively studied, the alteration of biomechanical behavior correlated to cellular phenotype and motility is not yet fully understood. To better define the involvement of TGF-ß1 in the metastatic progression process in different hepatocarcinoma cell lines (HepG2, PLC/PRF/5, HLE), we applied a systematic morphomechanical approach in order to investigate the physical and the structural characteristics. In addition, we evaluated the antitumor effect of LY2157299, a TGF-ßR1 kinase inhibitor, from a biomechanical point of view, using Atomic Force and Confocal Microscopy. Our approach allows for validation of biological data, therefore it may be used in the future as a diagnostic tool to be combined with conventional biomolecular techniques.

Hybrid polymeric-protein nano-carriers (HPPNC) for targeted delivery of TGFß inhibitors to hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

TGFß1 pathway antagonists have been considered promising therapies to attenuate TGFß downstream signals in cancer cells. Inhibiting peptides, as P-17 in this study, are bound to either TGFß1 or its receptors, blocking signal transduction. However, for efficient use of these TGFß1antagonist as target therapeutic tools, improvement in their delivery is required. Here, a plasmid carrying specific shDNA (SHT-DNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the peptide (P-17) were loaded separately into folic acid (FA)-functionalized nano-carriers made of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). The two building blocks of the carrier, (BSA and FA) were used because of the high affinity of albumin for liver and for the overexpression of folate receptors on the membrane of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The empty and the encapsulated carriers were thoroughly investigated to characterize their structure, to evaluate the colloidal stability and the surface functionalization. The entrapment of SHT-DNA, siRNA and P-17, respectively, was demonstrated by morphological and quantitative analysis. Finally, cellular studies were performed to assess the targeting efficiency of the hybrid carriers. These vectors were used because of the high affinity of albumin for liver and for the overexpression of folate receptors on the membrane hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The empty and the encapsulated carriers were thoroughly investigated to characterize their structure, to evaluate the colloidal stability and the surface functionalization. The entrapment of SHT-DNA, siRNA and P-17, respectively, was demonstrated by morphological and quantitative analysis. A novel fabrication of Hybrid Polymeric-Protein Nano-Carriers (HPPNC) for delivering TGF ß1 inhibitors to HCC cells has been developed. SHT-DNA, siRNA and P-17 have been successfully encapsulated. TGF ß1 inhibitors-loaded HPPNC were efficiently uptaken by HLF cells.

Green silver nanoparticles: Prospective nanotools against neurodegenerative cell line model.

Neurodegenerative diseases represent an increasingly burdensome challenge of the past decade, primarily driven by the global aging of the population. Ongoing efforts focus on implementing diverse strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of neurodegeneration, with the goal of decelerating the pathology progression. Notably, in recent years, it has emerged that the use of nanoparticles (NPs), particularly those obtained through green chemical processes, could constitute a promising therapeutic approach. Green NPs, exclusively sourced from phytochemicals, are deemed safer compared to NPs synthetized through conventional chemical route. In this study, the effects of green chemistry-derived silver NPs (AgNPs) were assessed in neuroblastoma cells, SHSY-5Y, which are considered a pivotal model for investigating neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, we used two different concentrations (0.5 and 1 µM) of AgNPs and two time points (24 and 48 h) to evaluate the impact on neuroblastoma cells by observing viability reduction and intracellular calcium production, especially using 1 µM at 48 h. Furthermore, investigation using atomic force microscopy (AFM) unveiled an alteration in Young's modulus due to the reorganization of cortical actin following exposure to green AgNPs. This evidence was further corroborated by confocal microscopy acquisitions as well as coherency and density analyses on actin fibers. Our in vitro findings suggest the potential efficacy of green AgNPs against neurodegeneration; therefore, further in vivo studies are imperative to optimize possible therapeutic protocols.

Gold and silver nanoparticles in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diagnostics and treatments.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) impose substantial medical and public health burdens on people worldwide and represent one of the major threats to human health. The prevalence of these age-dependent disorders is dramatically increasing over time, a process intrinsically related to a constantly rising percentage of the elderly population in recent years. Among all the NDs, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are considered the most debilitating as they cause memory and cognitive loss, as well as severely affecting basic physiological conditions such as the ability to move, speak, and breathe. There is an extreme need for new and more effective therapies to counteract these devastating diseases, as the available treatments are only able to slow down the pathogenic process without really stopping or resolving it. This review aims to elucidate the current nanotechnology-based tools representing a future hope for NDs treatment. Noble metal nano-systems, that is, gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs), have indeed unique physicochemical characteristics enabling them to deliver any pharmacological treatment in a more effective way within the central nervous system. This can potentially make NPs a new hope for reversing the actual therapeutic strategy based on slowing down an irreversible process into a more effective and permanent treatment.

Shape-Driven Response of Gold Nanoparticles to X-rays.

Radiotherapy (RT) involves delivering X-ray beams to the tumor site to trigger DNA damage. In this approach, it is fundamental to preserve healthy cells and to confine the X-ray beam only to the malignant cells. The integration of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the X-ray methodology could be considered a powerful tool to improve the efficacy of RT. Indeed, AuNPs have proven to be excellent allies in contrasting tumor pathology upon RT due to their high photoelectric absorption coefficient and unique physiochemical properties. However, an analysis of their physical and morphological reaction to X-ray exposure is necessary to fully understand the AuNPs' behavior upon irradiation before treating the cells, since there are currently no studies on the evaluation of potential NP morphological changes upon specific irradiations. In this work, we synthesized two differently shaped AuNPs adopting two different techniques to achieve either spherical or star-shaped AuNPs. The spherical AuNPs were obtained with the Turkevich-Frens method, while the star-shaped AuNPs (AuNSs) involved a seed-mediated approach. We then characterized all AuNPs with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Uv-Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The next step involved the treatment of AuNPs with two different doses of X-radiation commonly used in RT, namely 1.8 Gy and 2 Gy, respectively. Following the X-rays' exposure, the AuNPs were further characterized to investigate their possible physicochemical and morphological alterations induced with the X-rays. We found that AuNPs do not undergo any alteration, concluding that they can be safely used in RT treatments. Lastly, the actin rearrangements of THP-1 monocytes treated with AuNPs were also assessed in terms of coherency. This is a key proof to evaluate the possible activation of an immune response, which still represents a big limitation for the clinical translation of NPs.

AFM Characterization of Halloysite Clay Nanocomposites' Superficial Properties: Current State-of-the-Art and Perspectives.

Natural halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) are versatile inorganic reinforcing materials for creating hybrid composites. Upon doping HNTs with polymers, coating, or loading them with bioactive molecules, the production of novel nanocomposites is possible, having specific features for several applications. To investigate HNTs composites nanostructures, AFM is a very powerful tool since it allows for performing nano-topographic and morpho-mechanical measurements in any environment (air or liquid) without treatment of samples, like electron microscopes require. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of recent AFM investigations of HNTs and HNT nanocomposites for unveiling hidden characteristics inside them envisaging future perspectives for AFM as a smart device in nanomaterials characterization.

Impact of Nanomaterials in Biological Systems and Applications in Nanomedicine Field.

The increasingly widespread use of engineered nanomaterials in many applications increases the need to understand the mechanisms behind their toxicity [...].

Inorganic Nanomaterials versus Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Overcoming Neurodegeneration.

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) affect a great number of people worldwide and also have a significant socio-economic impact on the aging population. In this context, nanomedicine applied to neurological disorders provides several biotechnological strategies and nanoformulations that improve life expectancy and the quality of life of patients affected by brain disorders. However, available treatments are limited by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (B-CSFB). In this regard, nanotechnological approaches could overcome these obstacles by updating various aspects (e.g., enhanced drug-delivery efficiency and bioavailability, BBB permeation and targeting the brain parenchyma, minimizing side effects). The aim of this review is to carefully explore the key elements of different neurological disorders and summarize the available nanomaterials applied for neurodegeneration therapy looking at several types of nanocarriers. Moreover, nutraceutical-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) and synthesized NPs using green approaches are also discussed underling the need to adopt eco-friendly procedures with a low environmental impact. The proven antioxidant properties related to several natural products provide an interesting starting point for developing efficient and green nanotools useful for neuroprotection.

Green Silver Nanoparticles Promote Inflammation Shutdown in Human Leukemic Monocytes.

The use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in the biomedical field deserves a mindful analysis of the possible inflammatory response which could limit their use in the clinic. Despite the anti-cancer properties of Ag NPs having been widely demonstrated, there are still few studies concerning their involvement in the activation of specific inflammatory pathways. The inflammatory outcome depends on the synthetic route used in the NPs production, in which toxic reagents are employed. In this work, we compared two types of Ag NPs, obtained by two different chemical routes: conventional synthesis using sodium citrate and a green protocol based on leaf extracts as a source of reduction and capping agents. A careful physicochemical characterization was carried out showing spherical and stable Ag NPs with an average size between 20 nm and 35 nm for conventional and green Ag NPs respectively. Then, we evaluated their ability to induce the activation of inflammation in Human Leukemic Monocytes (THP-1) differentiated into M0 macrophages using 1 µM and 2 µM NPs concentrations (corresponded to 0.1 µg/mL and 0.2 µg/mL respectively) and two-time points (24 h and 48 h). Our results showed a clear difference in Nuclear Factor κB (NF-κb) activation, Interleukins 6-8 (IL-6, IL-8) secretion, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression exerted by the two kinds of Ag NPs. Green Ag NPs were definitely tolerated by macrophages compared to conventional Ag NPs which induced the activation of all the factors mentioned above. Subsequently, the exposure of breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) to the green Ag NPs showed that they exhibited antitumor activity like the conventional ones, but surprisingly, using the MCF-10A line (not tumoral breast cells) the green Ag NPs did not cause a significant decrease in cell viability.

High Doses of Silica Nanoparticles Obtained by Microemulsion and Green Routes Compromise Human Alveolar Cells Morphology and Stiffness Differently.

Among all the inorganic nanomaterials used in commercial products, industry, and medicine, the amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) appeared to be often tolerated in living organisms. However, despite several toxicity studies, some concerns about the exposure to high doses of SiO2 NPs with different sizes were raised. Then, we used the microemulsion method to obtain stable SiO2 NPs having different sizes (110 nm, 50 nm, and 25 nm). In addition, a new one-pot green synthetic route using leaves extract of Laurus nobilis was performed, obtaining monodispersed ultrasmall SiO2 NPs without the use of dangerous chemicals. The NPs achieved by microemulsion were further functionalized with amino groups making the NPs surface positively charged. Then, high doses of SiO2 NPs (1 mg/mL and 3 mg/mL) achieved from the two routes, having different sizes and surface charges, were used to assess their impact on human alveolar cells (A549), being the best cell model mimicking the inhalation route. Cell viability and caspase-3 induction were analyzed as well as the cellular uptake, obtaining that the smallest (25 nm) and positive-charged NPs were more able to induce cytotoxicity, reaching values of about 60% of cell death. Surprisingly, cells incubated with green SiO2 NPs did not show strong toxicity, and 70% of them remained vital. This result was unusual for ultrasmall nanoobjects, generally highly toxic. The actin reorganization, nuclear morphology alteration, and cell membrane elasticity analyses confirmed the trend achieved from the biological assays. The obtained data demonstrate that the increase in cellular softness, i.e., the decrease in Young's modulus, could be associated with the smaller and positive NPs, recording values of about 3 kPa. On the contrary, green NPs triggered a slight decrease of stiffness values (c.a. 6 kPa) compared to the untreated cells (c.a. 8 kPa). As the softer cells were implicated in cancer progression and metastasization, this evidence strongly supported the idea of a link between the cell elasticity and physicochemical properties of NPs that, in turn, influenced the interaction with the cell membrane. Thus, the green SiO2 NPs compromised cells to a lesser extent than the other SiO2 NPs types. In this scenario, the elasticity evaluation could be an interesting tool to understand the toxicity of NPs with the aim of predicting some pathological phenomena associated with their exposure.

Pulse-Atomic Force Lithography: A Powerful Nanofabrication Technique to Fabricate Constant and Varying-Depth Nanostructures.

The widespread use of nanotechnology in different application fields, resulting in the integration of nanostructures in a plethora of devices, has addressed the research toward novel and easy-to-setup nanofabrication techniques to realize nanostructures with high spatial resolution and reproducibility. Owing to countless applications in molecular electronics, data storage, nanoelectromechanical, and systems for the Internet of Things, in recent decades, the scientific community has focused on developing methods suitable for nanopattern polymers. To this purpose, Atomic Force Microscopy-based nanolithographic techniques are effective methods that are relatively less complex and inexpensive than equally resolute and accurate techniques, such as Electron Beam lithography and Focused Ion Beam lithography. In this work, we propose an evolution of nanoindentation, named Pulse-Atomic Force Microscopy, to obtain continuous structures with a controlled depth profile, either constant or variable, on a polymer layer. Due to the modulation of the characteristics of voltage pulses fed to the AFM piezo-scanner and distance between nanoindentations, it was possible to indent sample surface with high spatial control and fabricate highly resolved 2.5D nanogrooves. That is the real strength of the proposed technique, as no other technique can achieve similar results in tailor-made graded nanogrooves without the need for additional manufacturing steps.

Pile-Ups Formation in AFM-Based Nanolithography: Morpho-Mechanical Characterization and Removal Strategies.

In recent decades, great efforts have been made to develop innovative, effective, and accurate nanofabrication techniques stimulated by the growing demand for nanostructures. Nowadays, mechanical tip-based emerged as the most promising nanolithography technique, allowing the pattern of nanostructures with a sub-nanometer resolution, high reproducibility, and accuracy. Unfortunately, these nanostructures result in contoured pile-ups that could limit their use and future integration into high-tech devices. The removal of pile-ups is still an open challenge. In this perspective, two different AFM-based approaches, i.e., Force Modulation Mode imaging and force-distance curve analysis, were used to characterize the structure of pile-ups at the edges of nanogrooves patterned on PMMA substrate by means of Pulse-Atomic Force Lithography. Our experimental results showed that the material in pile-ups was less stiff than the pristine polymer. Based on this evidence, we have developed an effective strategy to easily remove pile-ups, preserving the shape and the morphology of nanostructures.

Investigation of the Effects of Pulse-Atomic Force Nanolithography Parameters on 2.5D Nanostructures' Morphology.

In recent years, Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)-based nanolithography techniques have emerged as a very powerful approach for the machining of countless types of nanostructures. However, the conventional AFM-based nanolithography methods suffer from low efficiency, low rate of patterning, and high complexity of execution. In this frame, we first developed an easy and effective nanopatterning technique, termed Pulse-Atomic Force Lithography (P-AFL), with which we were able to pattern 2.5D nanogrooves on a thin polymer layer. Indeed, for the first time, we patterned nanogrooves with either constant or varying depth profiles, with sub-nanometre resolution, high accuracy, and reproducibility. In this paper, we present the results on the investigation of the effects of P-AFL parameters on 2.5D nanostructures' morphology. We considered three main P-AFL parameters, i.e., the pulse's amplitude (setpoint), the pulses' width, and the distance between the following indentations (step), and we patterned arrays of grooves after a precise and well-established variation of the aforementioned parameters. Optimizing the nanolithography process, in terms of patterning time and nanostructures quality, we realized unconventional shape nanostructures with high accuracy and fidelity. Finally, a scanning electron microscope was used to confirm that P-AFL does not induce any damage on AFM tips used to pattern the nanostructures.

Substrate stiffness effect on molecular crosstalk of epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediators of human glioblastoma cells.

The complexity of the microenvironment effects on cell response, show accumulating evidence that glioblastoma (GBM) migration and invasiveness are influenced by the mechanical rigidity of their surroundings. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-recognized driving force of the invasive behavior of cancer. However, the primary mechanisms of EMT initiation and progression remain unclear. We have previously showed that certain substrate stiffness can selectively stimulate human GBM U251-MG and GL15 glioblastoma cell lines motility. The present study unifies several known EMT mediators to uncover the reason of the regulation and response to these stiffnesses. Our results revealed that changing the rigidity of the mechanical environment tuned the response of both cell lines through change in morphological features, epithelial-mesenchymal markers (E-, N-Cadherin), EGFR and ROS expressions in an interrelated manner. Specifically, a stiffer microenvironment induced a mesenchymal cell shape, a more fragmented morphology, higher intracellular cytosolic ROS expression and lower mitochondrial ROS. Finally, we observed that cells more motile showed a more depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential. Unravelling the process that regulates GBM cells' infiltrative behavior could provide new opportunities for identification of new targets and less invasive approaches for treatment.