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Cancer, a significant threat to human lives, has been the target of research for several decades. Although conventional therapies have drawbacks, such as side effects, low efficacy, and weak targeting, they have been applied extensively due to a lack of effective alternatives. The emergence of nanotechnology in medicine has opened up new possibilities and offered promising solutions for cancer therapy. In recent years, 2D nanomaterials have attracted enormous attention in nanomedicine due to their large surface-to-volume ratio, photo-responsivity, excellent electrical conductivity, etc. Among them, black phosphorus (BP) is a 2D nanomaterial consisting of multiple layers weakly bonded together through van der Waals forces. Its distinct structure makes BP suitable for biomedical applications, such as drug/gene carriers, PTT/PDT, and imaging agents. BP has demonstrated remarkable potential since its introduction in cancer therapy in 2015, particularly due to its selective anticancer activity even without the aid of near-infrared (NIR) or anticancer drugs. The present review makes efforts to cover and discuss studies published on the anticancer activity of BP. Based on the type of cancer, the subcategories are organized to shed light on the potential of BP nanosheets and BP quantum dots (BPQDs) against breast, brain, skin, prostate, and bone cancers, and a section is devoted to other cancer types. Since extensive attention has been paid to breast cancer cells and in vivo models, various subsections, including mono-, dual, and triple therapeutic approaches are established for this cancer type. Furthermore, the review outlines various synthesis approaches employed to produce BP nanomaterials, providing insights into key synthesis parameters. This review provides an up-to-date platform for the potential reader to understand what has been done about BP cancer therapy based on each disease, and the conclusions and outlook cover the directions in which this approach is going to proceed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Tissue engineering scaffolds are three-dimensional structures that provide an appropriate environment for cellular attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Depending on their specific purpose, these scaffolds must possess distinct features, including appropriate mechanical properties, porosity, desired degradation rate, and cell compatibility. This investigation aimed to fabricate a new nanocomposite scaffold using a 3D printing technique composed of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/Gelatin (GEL)/ordered mesoporous calcium-magnesium silicate (om-CMS) particles. Different weight ratios of om-CMS were added and optimized, and a series of scaffolds were constructed for comparison purposes, including PCL 50%/Gel 50%, PCL 50%/Gel 45%/om-CMS%5, and PCL 50%/Gel 40%/om-CMS%10. The optimized weight ratio of om-CMS was 10% without leaving behind negative effects on the filaments' structure. The scaffolds' physical and chemical properties were assessed using various techniques, and their degradation rate, bioactivity potential, cell viability, attachment, and ALP activity were evaluated in vitro. The results demonstrated that the PCL 50%/Gel 40%/om-CMS10% scaffold had promising potential for further studies in bone tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Paclitaxel (PTX) as the most important member of the taxane family is used against a wide range of cancers including breast, ovarian and lung cancers. However, the effectiveness of PTX in clinical practice is limited by its low water solubility and permeability in biological tissues. To address these limitations, PTX is formulated with Cremophor EL and dehydrated ethanol, known as Taxol®. Due to the adverse side effects of the formulation, efforts have been made in recent years to develop alternative PTX formulations. Polysaccharides, due to their low toxicity and biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ease of chemical modification are an excellent alternative to Cremophor EL for formulating PTX. This review focuses on recent advances to develop PTX formulations based on polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Breast cancer is the most malignant tumor in women, and there is no absolute cure for it. Although treatment modalities including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are utilized for breast cancer, it is still a life‐threatening disease for humans. Nanomedicine has provided a new opportunity in breast cancer treatment, which is the focus of the current study. The nanocarriers deliver chemotherapeutic agents and natural products, both of which increase cytotoxicity against breast tumor cells and prevent the development of drug resistance. The efficacy of gene therapy is boosted by nanoparticles and the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9, Noncoding RNAs, and RNAi, promoting their potential for gene expression regulation. The drug and gene codelivery by nanoparticles can exert a synergistic impact on breast tumors and enhance cellular uptake via endocytosis. Nanostructures are able to induce photothermal and photodynamic therapy for breast tumor ablation via cell death induction. The nanoparticles can provide tumor microenvironment remodeling and repolarization of macrophages for antitumor immunity. The stimuli‐responsive nanocarriers, including pH‐, redox‐, and light‐sensitive, can mediate targeted suppression of breast tumors. Besides, nanoparticles can provide a diagnosis of breast cancer and detect biomarkers. Various kinds of nanoparticles have been employed for breast cancer therapy, including carbon‐, lipid‐, polymeric‐ and metal‐based nanostructures, which are different in terms of biocompatibility and delivery efficiency. Highlights: Breast cancer is among the most malignant tumors around the world,Nanocarriers provide a platform for delivery of anticancer agents and their codelivery,Gene delivery and immunotherapy are boosted by nanostructures,Stimuli‐responsive nanocarriers selectively release cargo at tumor site,Nanoarchitectures can be employed for bioimaging in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Viruses are a major cause of mortality and socio-economic downfall despite the plethora of biopharmaceuticals designed for their eradication. Conventional antiviral therapies are often ineffective. Live-attenuated vaccines can pose a safety risk due to the possibility of pathogen reversion, whereas inactivated viral vaccines and subunit vaccines do not generate robust and sustained immune responses. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of strategies that combine nanotechnology concepts with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of viral infectious diseases. The present review provides a comprehensive introduction to the different strains of viruses involved in respiratory diseases and presents an overview of recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of viral infections based on nanotechnology concepts and applications. Discussions in diagnostic/therapeutic nanotechnology-based approaches will be focused on H1N1 influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, human parainfluenza virus type 3 infections, as well as COVID-19 infections caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus Delta variant and new emerging Omicron variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In this research, the Polycaprolactone/Gelatin/Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (PGH) scaffold was successfully fabricated through electrospinning technique and the physical, chemical, and biological properties were assessed. The morphological observation exhibited relatively bead-free uniform fibers and the fiber diameter, pore size, and porosity were 616 nm, 9 μm, and 86 %, respectively.Next, the stem cells isolated from human exfoliated deciduous teeth were cultured on the scaffolds and their proliferation and differentiation to osteoblast were examined through Alizarin red staining, MTT assay, q-RT-PCR technique, and ALP activity. Moreover, the efficacy of stem cell-seeded scaffolds to enhance the regeneration of Wistar rats' cranial bone defects was assessed. The results revealed that the PGH scaffold was completely biocompatible and it improved the stem cells' adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation significantly. Through thein vivo studies, it was revealed that the stem cell-seeded scaffolds could significantly accelerate the repair of the cranial bone defect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Polymers, due to their high molecular weight, tunable architecture, functionality, and buffering effect for endosomal escape, possess unique properties as a carrier or prophylactic agent in preventing pandemic outbreak of new viruses. Polymers are used as a carrier to reduce the minimum required dose, bioavailability, and therapeutic effectiveness of antiviral agents. Polymers are also used as multifunctional nanomaterials to, directly or indirectly, inhibit viral infections. Multifunctional polymers can interact directly with envelope glycoproteins on the viral surface to block fusion and entry of the virus in the host cell. Polymers can indirectly mobilize the immune system by activating macrophages and natural killer cells against the invading virus. This review covers natural and synthetic polymers that possess antiviral activity, their mechanism of action, and the effect of material properties like chemical composition, molecular weight, functional groups, and charge density on antiviral activity. Natural polymers like carrageenan, chitosan, fucoidan, and phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, and synthetic polymers like dendrimers and sialylated polymers are reviewed. This review discusses the steps in the viral replication cycle from binding to cell surface receptors to viral-cell fusion, replication, assembly, and release of the virus from the host cell that antiviral polymers interfere with to block viral infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Cancer is one of the top life‐threatening dangers to the human survival, accounting for over 10 million deaths per year. Bioactive glasses have developed dramatically since their discovery 50 years ago, with applications that include therapeutics as well as diagnostics. A new system within the bioactive glass family, mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs), has evolved into a multifunctional platform, thanks to MBGs easy‐to‐functionalize nature and tailorable textural properties—surface area, pore size, and pore volume. Although MBGs have yet to meet their potential in tumor treatment and imaging in practice, recently research has shed light on the distinguished MBGs capabilities as promising theranostic systems for cancer imaging and therapy. This review presents research progress in the field of MBG applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy, including synthesis of MBGs, mechanistic overview of MBGs application in tumor diagnosis and drug monitoring, applications of MBGs in cancer therapy (particularly, targeted delivery and stimuli‐responsive nanoplatforms), and immunological profile of MBG‐based nanodevices in reference to the development of novel cancer therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Bioactive Polycaprolactone/Collagen nanofibers containing gehlenite Nano-powder were fabricated using electrospinning for bone tissue engineering. The physicochemical properties of scaffolds measured using scanning electron microscopy, tensile test, FTIR spectroscopy, and water contact angle measurement test. A slight enhancement (∼20 nm) in fibers diameter was observed by adding gehlenite nanoparticles to the scaffolds, but the fiber diameter distributions for both scaffolds were within the normal range of extracellular matrix (50–500 nm). In vitro experiments demonstrated well attachment and higher proliferation of MG-63 cells on gehlenite nanoparticles containing scaffolds. Besides, the stimulatory cell differentiation effects of Polycaprolactone/Collagen/gehlenite scaffolds were demonstrated by Alizarin red staining. This study represents for advanced of the natural and synthetic polymers for bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Nylon is a human‐made material and has been applied in many industrial fields. This literature review explores the use of nylon in biomedical applications and discusses the properties and three‐dimensional (3D) printability of this material. Nylon is studied due to its versatility as an engineering plastic that can be easily transformed into fibers, films, and molded parts. Due to nylon's biocompatible nature, it has desirable chemical stability and tunable mechanical properties making this material and its derivatives widely used as sutures, catheters, dentures, and so on. However, the interactions between nylon and human body tissues have yet to be fully understood. Nevertheless, nylon is hybridized with different materials and used as skin dressings. In recent years, nylon composites have been actively researched in tissue engineering as an alternative to metallic implants with an appropriate bioactivity potential for bone growth. As nylon is supposed to be in contact with the tissue for a long time, hence researchers are developing antimicrobial strategies for the nylon materials to even promote their potential a step further. The 3D printing of nylon is currently confined to specific applications due to the printing technology's current limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Background: Recently, many studies have been done on the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds containing ceramic reinforcers in the field of bone tissue engineering. In this study, the physical, mechanical and biological properties of electrospined-fabricated PCL scaffolds containing gehlenite (GLN) nanoparticles (NPs) as a novel bioceramic were investigated. Methods: To obtain the appropriate mechanical properties, the solution contains 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10% wt. of GLN NPs were prepared. Fiber morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. In order to evaluate the NPs distribution, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy spectroscopy were used. The scaffold hydrophilicity was measured by the water contact angle test. The tensile test was used to check the mechanical strength of the scaffold. The proliferation of MG-63 cells was evaluated by the MTT test. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of MG-63 cells was also examined. Results: Average fibers' diameters and porosity of PCL/GLN7% were obtained 150–500 nm and 80%, respectively. An increase in the scaffold hydrophilicity was observed by the addition of GLN NPs. The strength of PCL/GLN7% was higher than the blank PCL scaffold. Cell proliferation of scaffolds containing GLN was higher than the blank PCL scaffold. A significant increase in the secretion of ALP for GLN-loaded scaffolds was seen. Discussion: The results showed that PCL/GLN7% composite scaffold could be a good candidate for bone tissue engineering. Conclusion: The overall results indicate that the scaffold (PCL /GLN7%) has suitable mechanical properties, a great cell compatibility for bone tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Scaffolds are regarded as 3D substrates providing an appropriate environment through which the cells attachment, proliferation, and differentiation rate can be accelerated; based on their application, these scaffolds must have certain characteristics like suitable mechanical properties and porosity, desired degradation rate, and cell compatibility. In the present study, a novel nanocomposite fibrous scaffold composed of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/Gelatin (GT)/Gehlenite (GLN) nanoparticles was fabricated through electrospinning method. Different weight ratios of GLN nanoparticles in the fibrous scaffolds were added and optimized and a series of samples including PCL, PCL/GT, and PCL/GT/GLN scaffolds were constructed in order to reach a better comparison between the scaffolds. It turned out that 7% was the optimized GLN weight ratio to be included into the scaffolds without destroying the fibers structure. Different characterization techniques were applied to assess the physical and chemical properties of scaffolds. Moreover, the scaffolds' degradation rate, bioactivity potential, cell viability, attachment, DAPI and Alizarin staining, and ALP activity were assessed in vitro as well. The overall results indicate that the ternary scaffold (PCL/GT/GLN7%) has a promising potential for bone tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Background: For a new biomaterial which is going to be applied in bone tissue regeneration, bioactivity (bone bonding ability) and desirable mechanical properties are very essential parameters to take into consideration. In the present study, the gehlenite's mechanical properties and bioactivity are assessed and compared with hydroxyapatite (HA) for bone tissue regeneration. Method: Gehlenite and HA nanoparticles are synthesized through sol–gel method and coprecipitation technique, respectively, and their physical and chemical properties are characterized through X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Results: The results prove that the gehlenite and HA phases without any undesirable phase are obtained, and the particles of both compounds are in the nanometer range with spherical morphology. The compressive strength of both compounds are assessed, and the values for gehlenite and HA disks are 144 ± 5 and 150 ± 4.8 MPa, respectively. Next, their bioactivity potential is assessed into simulated body fluid (SBF) up to 21 days, and the results show that after 14 days, gehlenite disk's surface is completely covered with newly formed Ca-P particles. However, some sporadic precipitations after 21 days soaking into SBF are formed onto the HA disk's surface. Conclusion: This comparative study shows that nanostructured gehlenite disk with desirable mechanical properties and faster bioactivity kinetic than HA can be considered as a promising bioceramic for bone tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: The aim of this research is to suggest both new and efficient synthesis method for preparation of pure phase nanoporous merwinite ((Ca3Mg(SiO4)2), NM) bioceramics and assess their in vitro drug delivery potential. Surfactant-assisted sol-gel method is used to produce NM using cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB) as a surfactant agent. The XRD results showed that a single-phase merwinite is obtained after calcination at 850 °C. Both the FESEM and N2 adsorption desorption results exhibited that the samples have hierarchical porous structure ranging from 25 nm to 3.5 μm. Potential application of the synthesized calcium-magnesium-silicate samples as a drug delivery agent is studied by estimating their ibuprofen release properties up to 180 h. This study revealed that NM is produced by surfactant-assisted sol-gel method at lower calcination temperature compared to other studies and the synthesized samples can be used as a promising local drug delivery system.Pure phase nanoporous merwinite was synthesized via surfactant-assisted sol-gel method. Potential application of the synthesized calcium-magnesium-silicate samples as a drug delivery agent was studied. This study revealed that merwinite is produced at lower calcination temperature compared to other studies and the synthesized samples can be used as a promising local drug delivery system. In this study, for the first time a simple and efficient strategy is developed to synthesize both nanoporous and pure phase merwinite as a new local drug delivery system.The results showed that single-phase nanoporous merwinite was synthesized by surfactant-assisted sol-gel method.Nanoporous samples had a hierarchical porous structure ranging from 25 nm to 3.5 μm.Samples showed sustained drug release up to 180 h and could be used as a promising drug delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: CuxZn0.5‐xMg0.5Fe2O4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) ferrite nanoparticles are synthesized via thermal treatment technique using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a capping agent. The effect of Cu2+ ions substitution on the magnetic and structural properties of ZnMg ferrite nanoparticles is assessed. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results prove the formation of spinel cubic ferrite with nanocrystalline structure. It is observed by increasing Cu2+ ions content in Cu2+‐substituted ZnMg ferrite samples, the lattice constant decreases. The field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) micrographs indicate that all samples have sizes in nanometer scale with almost spherical morphology and ZnMg ferrite nanoparticles size is increased as the result of Cu2+ substitution. Magnetic data show that by increasing in Cu2+ content, the saturation magnetization (Ms) increases up to x = 0.3 and then declines with the addition of more Cu2+ ions in the samples. To assess the heat release of Cu2+‐substituted ZnMg ferrite nanoparticles, an alternating magnetic (AC) field is applied. The results show an upward trend for the samples in the temperature vs time chart, as a result of increasing in Ms of the samples. The Cu0.3Zn0.2Mg0.5Fe2O4 sample exhibits a temperature increase up to 43°C during 510 seconds in the exposure of 125 Oe magnetic field intensity. The cell compatibility of the samples is investigated using osteoblast‐like cells (MG63). Results show that the substitution of Cu2+ significantly affects the cell compatibility of the ZnMg ferrite nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

At present, solvothermal fabrication method has widely been applied in the synthesis of spinel ferrite nanoparticles (SFNs), which is mainly because of its great advantages such as precise control over size, shape distribution, and high crystallinity that do not require postannealing treatment. Among various SFNs, Fe3O4 nanoparticles have attracted tremendous attention because of their favorable physical and structural properties which are advantageous, especially in biomedical applications, among which the vast application of these materials as targeted drug delivery systems, hyperthermia, and imaging agents in cancer therapy can be mentioned. The main focus of this study is to present an introduction to solvothermal method and key synthesis parameters of SFNs through this synthesis route. Moreover, most recent progress on the potential applications of Fe3O4 nanoparticles as the most important compound among the spinel ferrites family members is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In the present study, mesoporous calcium-magnesium-silicate was prepared via cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-assisted sol-gel method in both acidic and alkaline mediums. The effects of synthesis medium on structural properties, and drug delivery behavior of mesoporous calcium-magnesium-silicate by using ibuprofen as model drug are investigated. The X-ray diffraction results of the samples calcined at 600 °C showed that the sample synthesized at alkaline environment is composed of CaSiO and CaMgSiO phases, whereas in acidic condition the sample consists of akermanite, CaMgSiO, CaSiO, and MgO. The specific surface area of the mesoporous calcium-magnesium-silicate samples prepared in acidic and alkaline conditions were 220 and 140 m/g, respectively. The mesoporous calcium-magnesium-silicate sample synthesized in the acidic condition resulted in smaller particles with a size ranging between 50 and 100 nm. Encapsulation of ibuprofen into mesoporous calcium-magnesium-silicate was studied as a function of time. Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) as a biomaterial with excellent biocompatibility and cytocompatibility elicits a minimal immunological response from host tissue making it desirable for different biomedical applications. This article seeks to provide an in-depth overview of the properties and biomedical applications of pHEMA for bone tissue regeneration, wound healing, cancer therapy (stimuli and non-stimuli responsive systems), and ophthalmic applications (contact lenses and ocular drug delivery). As this polymer has been widely applied in ophthalmic applications, a specific consideration has been devoted to this field. Pure pHEMA does not possess antimicrobial properties and the site where the biomedical device is employed may be susceptible to microbial infections. Therefore, antimicrobial strategies such as the use of silver nanoparticles, antibiotics, and antimicrobial agents can be utilized to protect against infections. Therefore, the antimicrobial strategies besides the drug delivery applications of pHEMA were covered. With continuous research and advancement in science and technology, the outlook of pHEMA is promising as it will most certainly be utilized in more biomedical applications in the near future. The aim of this review was to bring together state-of-the-art research on pHEMA and their applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

As a hydrophilic renewable polymer, starch has been widely used in biocompatible plastics as a filler for more than two decades. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG), as a plasticizer, on the physicochemical properties of a hybrid composite—polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic starch (TPS). A solvent evaporation process was adopted to gelatinize the starch and disparate PEG contents ranging from 3 to 15 wt.% (with respect to the sample weight) were examined. It was revealed that the increase in the PEG content was accompanied by an increment in the starch gelatinization degree. Referring to the microstructural analyses, the TPS/PLA mixture yielded a ductile hybrid composite with a fine morphology and a uniform phase. Nevertheless, two different solvents, including acetone and ethanol, were used to assess if they had any effect on the hybrid's morphology, tensile strength and thermal properties. It was found that ethanol culminated in a porous hybrid composite with a finer morphology and better starch distribution in the PLA structure than acetone. As the result of PEG addition to the composite, the crystallinity and tensile strength were decreased, whereas the elongation increased. The hydrolytic degradation of samples was assessed under different pH and thermal conditions. Moreover, the microbial degradation of the PLA/TPS hybrid composite containing different PEG molar fractions was investigated in the soil for 45 days. The rate of degradation in both hydrolytic and biodegradation increased in the samples with a higher amount of PEG with ethanol solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...