Intramembrane Nanoaggregates of Antimicrobial Peptides Play a Vital Role in Bacterial Killing.

Recent developments in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have focused on the rational design of short sequences with less than 20 amino acids due to their relatively low synthesis costs and ease of correlation of the structure-function relationship. However, gaps remain in the understanding of how short cationic AMPs interact with the bacterial outer and inner membranes to affect their antimicrobial efficacy and dynamic killing. The membrane-lytic actions of two designed AMPs, G(IIKK)3 I-NH2 (G3 ) and G(IIKK)4 I-NH2 (G4 ), and previously-studied controls GLLDLLKLLLKAAG-NH2 (LDKA, biomimetic) and GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKR-NH2 (Melittin, natural) are examined. The mechanistic processes of membrane damage and the disruption strength of the four AMPs are characterized by molecular dynamics simulations and experimental measurements including neutron reflection and scattering. The results from the combined studies are characterized with distinctly different intramembrane nanoaggregates formed upon AMP-specific binding, reflecting clear influences of AMP sequence, charge and the chemistry of the inner and outer membranes. G3 and G4 display different nanoaggregation with the outer and inner membranes, and the smaller sizes and further extent of insertion of the intramembrane nanoaggregates into bacterial membranes correlate well with their greater antimicrobial efficacy and faster dynamic killing. This work demonstrates the crucial roles of intramembrane nanoaggregates in optimizing antimicrobial efficacy and dynamic killing.

Remediation of microplastics using bionanomaterials: A review.

Pollution by microplastics (MPs) formed by the physicochemical breakdown of plastics are a worldwide issue with long-lasting and hazardous natural effects. The natural expulsion of MPs takes several years and can be dangerous. Several effective technological innovations have been developed over the years to remediate harmful MPs. Among them, a blend of nanotechnological techniques using bionanomaterials has been investigated to a large extent. The objective of this review is to compile the MPs found in the environment and bionanomaterial-based approaches for their removal. This information is important for researchers who are exploring the adverse consequences of MPs and their remediation and developing advanced eco-friendly strategies to control and eradicate MPs in the future. The control and eradication of MPs depend on all of us; hence, the proper awareness of MPs pollution must be provided to every individual, as all of us are a part of the environment.

Recent advances on nanocellulose biomaterials for environmental health photoremediation: An overview.

As one of the potential bionanomaterials, nanocellulose has appeared as a favorable candidate for photoremediation of the environment because of its abundance in nature, inexpensive, eco-friendly, decomposable, high surface area, and outstanding mechanical properties. The current review carefully summarized the diverse type of nanocellulose, their preparation approaches, and several previous works on the use of nanocellulose for photoremediation. These include the role of nanocellulose for the increased surface active site of the hybrid photocatalysts by providing a large surface area for enhanced adsorption of photons and pollutant molecules, as a dispersing agent to increase distribution of metal/non-metal dopants photocatalysts, as well as for controlled size and morphology of the dopants photocatalysts. Furthermore, the recommendations for upcoming research provided in this review are anticipated to ignite an idea for the development of other nanocellulose-based photocatalysts. Other than delivering beneficial information on the present growth of the nanocellulose biomaterials photocatalysts, this review is expected will attract more interest to the utilization of nanocellulose photocatalyst and distribute additional knowledge in this exciting area of environmental photoremediation. This could be attained by considering that a review on nanocellulose biomaterials for environmental health photoremediation has not been described elsewhere, notwithstanding intensive research works have been dedicated to this topic.

Cell Volume Regulation Mechanisms in Differentiated Astrocytes.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The ability of astrocytes to control extracellular volume homeostasis is critical for brain function and pathology. Uncovering the mechanisms of cell volume regulation by astrocytes will be important for identifying novel therapeutic targets for neurological conditions, such as those characterized by imbalances to hydro saline challenges (as in edema) or by altered cell volume regulation (as in glioma). One major challenge in studying the astroglial membrane channels involved in volume homeostasis in cell culture model systems is that the expression patterns of these membrane channels do not resemble those observed in vivo. In our previous study, we demonstrated that rat primary astrocytes grown on nanostructured interfaces based on hydrotalcite-like compounds (HTlc) in vitro are differentiated and display molecular and functional properties of in vivo astrocytes, such as the functional expression of inwardly rectifying K+ channel (Kir 4.1) and Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) at the astrocytic microdomain. Here, we take advantage of the properties of differentiated primary astrocytes in vitro to provide an insight into the mechanism underpinning astrocytic cell volume regulation and its correlation with the expression and function of AQP4, Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4(TRPV4), and Volume Regulated Anion Channel (VRAC). METHODS: The calcein quenching method was used to study water transport and cell volume regulation. Calcium imaging and electrophysiology (patch-clamp) were used for functional analyses of calcium dynamics and chloride currents. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to analyse the expression and localization of the channel proteins of interest. RESULTS: We found that the increase in water permeability, previously observed in differentiated astrocytes, occurs simultaneously with more efficient regulatory volume increase and regulatory volume decrease. Accordingly, the magnitude of the hypotonic induced intracellular calcium response, typically mediated by TRPV4, as well as the hypotonic induced VRAC current, was almost twice as high in differentiated astrocytes. Interestingly, while we confirmed increased AQP4 expression in the membrane of differentiated astrocytes, the expression of the channels TRPV4 and Leucine-Rich Repeats-Containing 8-A (LRRC8-A) were comparable between differentiated and non-differentiated astrocytes. CONCLUSION: The reported results indicate that AQP4 up-regulation observed in differentiated astrocytes might promote higher sensitivity of the cell to osmotic changes, resulting in increased magnitude of calcium signaling and faster kinetics of the RVD and RVI processes. The implications for cell physiology and the mechanisms underlying astrocytic interaction with nanostructured interfaces are discussed.

Nanotoxicity: a challenge for future medicine

Background/aim: Due to nanomaterials' potential benefits for diagnosis and treatment, they are widely used in medical applications and personal care products. Interaction of nanomaterials, which are very small in size, with tissue, cell and microenvironment, can reveal harmful effects that cannot be created with chemically identical and larger counterparts in biological organisms. In this review, a challenge for future medicine, nanotoxicity of nanomaterials is discussed. Materials and methods: A detailed review of related literature was performed and evaluated as per medical applications of nanomaterials their toxicity. Results and conclusion: Most authors state "the only valid technology will be nanotechnology in the next era"; however, there is no consensus on the impact of this technology on humankind, environment and ecological balance. Studies dealing with the toxic effect of nanomaterials on human health have also varied with developing technology. Nanotoxicology studies such as in vivo-like on 3D human organs, cells, advanced genetic studies, and -omic approaches begin to replace conventional methods. Nanotoxicity and adverse effects of nanomaterials in exposed producers, industry workers, and patients make nanomaterials a double-edged sword for future medicine. In order to control and tackle related risks, regulation and legislations should be implemented, and researchers have to conduct joint multidisciplinary studies in various fields of medical sciences, nanotechnology, nanomedicine, and biomedical engineering.

Carbon-dot wrapped ZnO nanoparticle-based photoelectrochemical sensor for selective monitoring of H2O2 released from cancer cells.

This study reports on a simple approach for the fabrication of an electrode modified with biocompatible C-dot wrapped ZnO nanoparticles for selective photoelectrochemical monitoring of H2O2 released from living cells. The biocompatibility of the ZnO nanoparticles was confirmed through in-vitro cellular testing using the MTT assay on Huh7 cell lines. The ZnO nanoparticles wrapped with dopamine-derived C-dots possess numerous catalytically active sites, excessive surface defects, good electrical conductivity, and efficient separation ability of photo-induced electrons and holes. These properties offer highly sensitive and selective non-enzymatic photo-electrochemical monitoring of H2O2 released from HeLa cells after stimulation with N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. The sensor has a wide linear range (20-800 nM), low detection limit (2.4 nM), and reliable reproducibility, this implying its suitability for biological and biomedical applications. Graphical abstract Schematic of the fabrication of ZnO nanoparticles by using a plant extract as a reducing agent. Wrapping of ZnO with C-dots enhances the photoelectrocatalytic efficacy. Sensitive and selective photoelectrochemical monitoring of H2O2 released from cancer cells is demonstrated.

Recent Advances in Managing Atherosclerosis via Nanomedicine.

Atherosclerosis, driven by chronic inflammation of the arteries and lipid accumulation on the blood vessel wall, underpins many cardiovascular diseases with high mortality rates globally, such as stroke and ischemic heart disease. Engineered bio-nanomaterials are now under active investigation as carriers of therapeutic and/or imaging agents to atherosclerotic plaques. This Review summarizes the latest bio-nanomaterial-based strategies for managing atherosclerosis published over the past five years, a period marked by a rapid surge in preclinical applications of bio-nanomaterials for imaging and/or treating atherosclerosis. To start, the biomarkers exploited by emerging bio-nanomaterials for targeting various components of atherosclerotic plaques are outlined. In addition, recent efforts to rationally design and screen for bio-nanomaterials with the optimal physicochemical properties for targeting plaques are presented. Moreover, the latest preclinical applications of bio-nanomaterials as carriers of imaging, therapeutic, or theranostic agents to atherosclerotic plaques are discussed. Finally, a mechanistic understanding of the interactions between bio-nanomaterials and the plaque ("athero-nano" interactions) is suggested, the opportunities and challenges in the clinical translation of bio-nanomaterials for managing atherosclerosis are discussed, and recent clinical trials for atherosclerotic nanomedicines are introduced.

Tetramer formation of tumor suppressor protein p53: Structure, function, and applications.

Tetramer formation of p53 is essential for its tumor suppressor function. p53 not only acts as a tumor suppressor protein by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to genotoxic stress, but it also regulates other cellular processes, including autophagy, stem cell self-renewal, and reprogramming of differentiated cells into stem cells, immune system, and metastasis. More than 50% of human tumors have TP53 gene mutations, and most of them are missense mutations that presumably reduce tumor suppressor activity of p53. This review focuses on the role of the tetramerization (oligomerization), which is modulated by the protein concentration of p53, posttranslational modifications, and/or interactions with its binding proteins, in regulating the tumor suppressor function of p53. Functional control of p53 by stabilizing or inhibiting oligomer formation and its bio-applications are also discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 598-612, 2016.

Radiolabeling of bionanomaterials with technetium 99m: current state and future prospects.

Radiolabeling of bionanomaterials with technetium-99m (99mTc) has become a promising approach in combining the benefits of nanotechnology and nuclear medicine for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This review is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art of radiolabeling of bionanomaterials with 99mTc, highlighting the synthesis methods, labeling mechanisms, biological evaluation, physicochemical characterization and clinical applications of 99mTc-labeled bionanomaterials. Various types of nanomaterials are considered in the review, including lipid- and protein-based nanosystems, dendrimers and polymeric nanomaterials. Moreover, the review assesses the challenges presented by this emerging field, such as stability of the radiolabel, potential toxicity of the nanomaterials and regulatory aspects. Finally, promising future perspectives and areas of research development in 99mTc-labeled bionanomaterials are discussed.

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A General and Convenient Peptide Self-Assembling Mechanism for Developing Supramolecular Versatile Nanomaterials Based on The Biosynthetic Hybrid Amyloid-Resilin Protein.

Self-assembling peptides are valuable building blocks to fabricate supramolecular biomaterials, which have broad applications from biomedicine to biotechnology. However, limited choices to induce different globular proteins into hydrogels hinder these designs. Here, an easy-to-implement and tunable self-assembling strategy, which employs Ure2 amyloidogenic peptide, are described to induce any target proteins to assemble into supramolecular hydrogels alone or in combination with notable compositional control. Furthermore, the collective effect of nanoscale interactions among amyloid nanofibrils and partially disordered elastomeric polypeptides are investigated. This led to many useful macroscopic material properties simultaneously emerging from one pure protein material, i.e. strong adhesion to any substrates under wet conditions, rapidly self--assembling into robust and porous hydrogels, adaptation to remodeling processes, strongly promoting cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, he demonstrated this supramolecular material's robust performance in vitro and vivo for tissue engineering, cosmetic and hemostasis applications and exhibited superior performance compared to corresponding commercial counterparts. To the best of his knowledge, few pure protein-based materials could meet such seemingly mutually exclusive properties simultaneously. Such versatility renders this novel supramolecular nanomaterial as next-generation functional protein-based materials, and he demonstrated the sequence level modulation of structural order and disorder as an untapped principle to design new proteins.

Synergies in stem cell research: Integrating technologies, strategies, and bionanomaterial innovations.

Since the 1960 s, there has been a substantial amount of research directed towards investigating the biology of several types of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, brain cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. In contemporary times, a wide array of stem cells has been utilized to treat several disorders, including bone marrow transplantation. In recent years, stem cell treatment has developed as a very promising and advanced field of scientific research. The progress of therapeutic methodologies has resulted in significant amounts of anticipation and expectation. Recently, there has been a notable proliferation of experimental methodologies aimed at isolating and developing stem cells, which have emerged concurrently. Stem cells possess significant vitality and exhibit vigorous proliferation, making them suitable candidates for in vitro modification. This article examines the progress made in stem cell isolation and explores several methodologies employed to promote the differentiation of stem cells. This study also explores the method of isolating bio-nanomaterials and discusses their viewpoint in the context of stem cell research. It also covers the potential for investigating stem cell applications in bioprinting and the usage of bionanomaterial in stem cell-related technologies and research. In conclusion, the review article concludes by highlighting the importance of incorporating state-of-the-art methods and technological breakthroughs into the future of stem cell research. Putting such an emphasis on constant innovation highlights the ever-changing character of science and the never-ending drive toward unlocking the maximum therapeutic potential of stem cells. This review would be a useful resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in the stem cell research area, guiding the next steps in this fast-developing scientific concern.

Engineered Bacteriophage-Based In Situ Vaccine Remodels a Tumor Microenvironment and Elicits Potent Antitumor Immunity.

In situ vaccines (ISVs) utilize the localized delivery of chemotherapeutic agents or radiotherapy to stimulate the release of endogenous antigens from tumors, thereby eliciting systemic and persistent immune activation. Recently, a bioinspired ISV strategy has attracted tremendous attention due to its features such as an immune adjuvant effect and genetic plasticity. M13 bacteriophages are natural nanomaterials with intrinsic immunogenicity, genetic flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale production, demonstrating the potential for application in cancer vaccines. In this study, we propose an ISV based on the engineered M13 bacteriophage targeting CD40 (M13CD40) for dendritic cell (DC)-targeted immune stimulation, named H-GM-M13CD40. We induce immunogenic cell death and release tumor antigens through local delivery of (S)-10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT), followed by intratumoral injection of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and M13CD40 to enhance DC recruitment and activation. We demonstrate that this ISV strategy can result in significant accumulation and activation of DCs at the tumor site, reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In addition, H-GM-M13CD40 can synergize with the PD-1 blockade and induce abscopal effects in cold tumor models. Overall, our study verifies the immunogenicity of the engineered M13CD40 bacteriophage and provides a proof of concept that the engineered M13CD40 phage can function as an adjuvant for ISVs.

Biomimetic nanomaterials in myocardial infarction treatment: Harnessing bionic strategies for advanced therapeutics.

Myocardial infarction (MI) and its associated poor prognosis pose significant risks to human health. Nanomaterials hold great potential for the treatment of MI due to their targeted and controlled release properties, particularly biomimetic nanomaterials. The utilization of biomimetic strategies based on extracellular vesicles (EVs) and cell membranes will serve as the guiding principle for the development of nanomaterial therapy in the future. In this review, we present an overview of research progress on various exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells, cardiomyocytes, or induced pluripotent stem cells in the context of myocardial infarction (MI) therapy. These exosomes, utilized as cell-free therapies, have demonstrated the ability to enhance the efficacy of reducing the size of the infarcted area and preventing ischaemic reperfusion through mechanisms such as oxidative stress reduction, polarization modulation, fibrosis inhibition, and angiogenesis promotion. Moreover, EVs can exert cardioprotective effects by encapsulating therapeutic agents and can be engineered to specifically target the infarcted myocardium. Furthermore, we discuss the use of cell membranes derived from erythrocytes, stem cells, immune cells and platelets to encapsulate nanomaterials. This approach allows the nanomaterials to camouflage themselves as endogenous substances targeting the region affected by MI, thereby minimizing toxicity and improving biocompatibility. In conclusion, biomimetic nano-delivery systems hold promise as a potentially beneficial technology for MI treatment. This review serves as a valuable reference for the application of biomimetic nanomaterials in MI therapy and aims to expedite the translation of NPs-based MI therapeutic strategies into practical clinical applications.

Recent Trends in Bio-nanomaterials and Non-invasive Combinatorial Approaches of Photothermal Therapy against Cancer.

In 2020, approximately 10 million deaths worldwide were attributed to cancer, making it the primary cause of death globally. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is one of the novel ways to treat and abolish cancer. PTT significantly impacts cancer theranostics compared to other therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy due to its remarkable binding capability to tumor sites and lower invasiveness into normal healthy tissues. PTT relies on photothermal agents (PTAs), which generate heat by absorbing the near-infrared (NIR) light and destroying cancer cells. Several PTT agents remain longer in the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and induce toxicity, restricting their use in the biomedical field. To overcome this problem, the usage of biodegradable nano-photothermal agents is required. This review has discussed the PTT mechanism of action and different types of novel bio-nanomaterials used for PTT. We also focussed on the combinatorial effects of PTT with other cancer therapies and their effect on human health. The role of LED lights and mild hypothermia in PTT has been discussed briefly in this review.

Advancements of the Molecular Directed Design and Structure-Activity Relationship of Ferritin Nanocage.

Ferritin nanocages possess remarkable structural properties and biological functions, making them highly attractive for applications in functional materials and biomedicine. This comprehensive review presents an overview of the molecular characteristics, extraction and identification of ferritin, ferritin receptors, as well as the advancements in the directional design of high-order assemblies of ferritin and the applications based on its unique structural properties. Specifically, this Review focuses on the regulation of ferritin assembly from one to three dimensions, leveraging the symmetry of ferritin and modifications on key interfaces. Furthermore, it discusses targeted delivery of nutrition and drugs through facile loading and functional modification of ferritin. The aim of this Review is to inspire the design of micro/nano functional materials using ferritin and the development of nanodelivery vehicles for nutritional fortification and disease treatment.

Lignocellulosic Bionanomaterials for Biosensor Applications.

The rapid population growth, increasing global energy demand, climate change, and excessive use of fossil fuels have adversely affected environmental management and sustainability. Furthermore, the requirements for a safer ecology and environment have necessitated the use of renewable materials, thereby solving the problem of sustainability of resources. In this perspective, lignocellulosic biomass is an attractive natural resource because of its abundance, renewability, recyclability, and low cost. The ever-increasing developments in nanotechnology have opened up new vistas in sensor fabrication such as biosensor design for electronics, communication, automobile, optical products, packaging, textile, biomedical, and tissue engineering. Due to their outstanding properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, improved electrical and thermal conductivity, high physical and mechanical properties, high surface area and catalytic activity, lignocellulosic bionanomaterials including nanocellulose and nanolignin emerge as very promising raw materials to be used in the development of high-impact biosensors. In this article, the use of lignocellulosic bionanomaterials in biosensor applications is reviewed and major challenges and opportunities are identified.

An overview to nanocellulose clinical application: Biocompatibility and opportunities in disease treatment.

Recently, the demand for organ transplantation has promptly increased due to the enhanced incidence of body organ failure, the increasing efficiency of transplantation, and the improvement in post-transplant outcomes. However, due to a lack of suitable organs for transplantation to fulfill current demand, significant organ shortage problems have emerged. Developing efficient technologies in combination with tissue engineering (TE) has opened new ways of producing engineered tissue substitutes. The use of natural nanoparticles (NPs) such as nanocellulose (NC) and nano-lignin should be used as suitable candidates in TE due to their desirable properties. Many studies have used these components to form scaffolds and three-dimensional (3D) cultures of cells derived from different tissues for tissue repair. Interestingly, these natural NPs can afford scaffolds a degree of control over their characteristics, such as modifying their mechanical strength and distributing bioactive compounds in a controlled manner. These bionanomaterials are produced from various sources and are highly compatible with human-derived cells as they are derived from natural components. In this review, we discuss some new studies in this field. This review summarizes the scaffolds based on NC, counting nanocrystalline cellulose and nanofibrillated cellulose. Also, the efficient approaches that can extract cellulose with high purity and increased safety are discussed. We concentrate on the most recent research on the use of NC-based scaffolds for the restoration, enhancement, or replacement of injured organs and tissues, such as cartilage, skin, arteries, brain, and bone. Finally, we suggest the experiments and promises of NC-based TE scaffolds.

From Synthesis to Clinical Trial: Novel Bioinductive Calcium Deficient HA/ß-TCP Bone Grafting Nanomaterial.

Maxillary sinus augmentation is a commonly used procedure for the placement of dental implants. However, the use of natural and synthetic materials in this procedure has resulted in postoperative complications ranging from 12% to 38%. To address this issue, we developed a novel calcium deficient HA/ß-TCP bone grafting nanomaterial using a two-step synthesis method with appropriate structural and chemical parameters for sinus lifting applications. We demonstrated that our nanomaterial exhibits high biocompatibility, enhances cell proliferation, and stimulates collagen expression. Furthermore, the degradation of ß-TCP in our nanomaterial promotes blood clot formation, which supports cell aggregation and new bone growth. In a clinical trial involving eight cases, we observed the formation of compact bone tissue 8 months after the operation, allowing for the successful installation of dental implants without any early postoperative complications. Our results suggest that our novel bone grafting nanomaterial has the potential to improve the success rate of maxillary sinus augmentation procedures.

Nanomaterials Based on Honey and Propolis for Wound Healing-A Mini-Review.

Wound healing is a public health concern worldwide, particularly in chronic wounds due to delayed healing and susceptibility to bacterial infection. Nanomaterials are widely used in wound healing treatments due to their unique properties associated with their size and very large surface-area-to-volume ratio compared to the same material in bulk. The properties of nanomaterials can be expanded and improved upon with the addition of honey and propolis, due to the presence of bioactive molecules such as polyphenols, flavonoids, peptides, and enzymes. These bionanomaterials can act at different stages of wound healing and through different mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, collagen synthesis stimulation, cell proliferation, and angiogenic effects. Biomaterials, at the nanoscale, show new alternatives for wound therapy, allowing for targeted and continuous delivery of beekeeping products at the injection site, thus avoiding possible systemic adverse effects. Here, we summarize the most recent therapies for wound healing based on bionanomaterials assisted by honey and propolis, with a focus on in vitro and in vivo studies. We highlight the type, composition (honey, propolis, and polymeric scaffolds), biological, physicochemical/mechanical properties, potential applications and patents related of the last eight years. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges, advantages, disadvantages and stability of different bionanomaterials related to their clinical translation and insight into the investigation and development of new treatments for wound healing.

Tannic Acid-Iron Complex-Based Nanoparticles as a Novel Tool against Oxidative Stress.

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species in cells leads to oxidative stress, with consequent damage for cellular components and activation of cell-death mechanisms. Oxidative stress is often associated with age-related conditions, as well as with several neurodegenerative diseases. For this reason, antioxidant molecules have attracted a lot of attention, especially those derived from natural sources─like polyphenols and tannins. The main issue related to the use of antioxidants is their inherent tendency to be oxidized, their quick enzymatic degradation in biological fluids, and their poor bioavailability. Nanomedicine, in this sense, has helped in finding new solutions to deliver and protect antioxidants; however, the concentration of the encapsulated molecule in conventional nanosystems could be very low and, therefore, less effective. We propose to exploit the properties of tannic acid, a known plant-derived antioxidant, to chelate iron ions, forming hydrophobic complexes that can be coated with a biocompatible and biodegradable phospholipid to improve stability in biological media. By combining nanoprecipitation and hot sonication procedures, we obtained three-dimensional networks composed of tannic acid-iron with a hydrodynamic diameter of ≈200 nm. These nanostructures show antioxidant properties and scavenging activity in cells after induction of an acute chemical pro-oxidant insult; moreover, they also demonstrated to counteract damage induced by oxidative stress both in vitro and on an in vivo model organism (planarians).