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1.
Iron/iron oxide nanoparticles: advances in microbial fabrication, mechanism study, biomedical, and environmental applications.
Ashraf, N, Ahmad, F, Da-Wei, L, Zhou, RB, Feng-Li, H, Yin, DC
Critical reviews in microbiology. 2019;(3):278-300
Abstract
Microbially synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) hold great potential for biomedical, clinical, and environmental applications owing to their several unique features. Biomineralization, a process that exists in almost every living organism playing a significant role in the fabrication of FeONPs through the involvement of 5-100 nm sized protein compartments such as dodecameric (Dps), ferritin, and encapsulin with their diameters 9, 12, and ∼32 nm, respectively. This contribution provides a detailed overview of the green synthesis of FeONPs by microbes and their applications in biomedical and environmental fields. The first part describes our understanding in the biological fabrication of zero-valent FeONPs with special emphasis on ferroxidase (FO) mediated series of steps involving in the translocation, oxidation, nucleation, and storage of iron in Dps, ferritin, and encapsulin protein nano-compartments. Secondly, this review elaborates the significance of biologically synthesized FeONPs in biomedical science for the detection, treatment, and prevention of various diseases. Thirdly, we tried to provide the recent advances of using FeONPs in the environmental process, e.g. detection, degradation, remediation and treatment of toxic pesticides, dyes, metals, and wastewater.
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2.
Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Resistance to Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles.
Niño-Martínez, N, Salas Orozco, MF, Martínez-Castañón, GA, Torres Méndez, F, Ruiz, F
International journal of molecular sciences. 2019;(11)
Abstract
The increase in bacterial resistance to one or several antibiotics has become a global health problem. Recently, nanomaterials have become a tool against multidrug-resistant bacteria. The metal and metal oxide nanoparticles are one of the most studied nanomaterials against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Several in vitro studies report that metal nanoparticles have antimicrobial properties against a broad spectrum of bacterial species. However, until recently, the bacterial resistance mechanisms to the bactericidal action of the nanoparticles had not been investigated. Some of the recently reported resistance mechanisms include electrostatic repulsion, ion efflux pumps, expression of extracellular matrices, and the adaptation of biofilms and mutations. The objective of this review is to summarize the recent findings regarding the mechanisms used by bacteria to counteract the antimicrobial effects of nanoparticles.
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3.
Recent Developments in the Plant-Mediated Green Synthesis of Ag-Based Nanoparticles for Environmental and Catalytic Applications.
Nasrollahzadeh, M, Mahmoudi-Gom Yek, S, Motahharifar, N, Ghafori Gorab, M
Chemical record (New York, N.Y.). 2019;(12):2436-2479
Abstract
Among different metallic nanoparticles, sliver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are one of the most essential and fascinating nanomaterials. Importantly, among the metal based nanoparticles, Ag NPs play a key role in various fields such as biomedicine, biosensors, catalysis, pharmaceuticals, nanoscience and nanotechnology, particularly in nanomedicine. A main concern about the chemical synthesis of Ag NPs is the production of hazardous chemicals and toxic wastes. To overcome this problem, many research studies have been carried out on the green synthesis of Ag NPs using green sources such as plant extracts, microorganisms and some biopolymers without formation of hazardous wastes. Among green sources, plants could be remarkably valuable to exploring the biosynthesis of Ag NPs. In this review, the green synthesis of Ag-based nanocatalysts such as Ag NPs, AgPd NPs, Au-Ag NPs, Ag/AgPd NPs, Ag/Cu NPs, Ag@AgCl NPs, Au-Ag@AgCl nanocomposite, Ag-Cr-AC nanocomposite and Ag NPs immobilized on various supports such as Natrolite zeolite, bone, ZnO, seashell, hazelnut shell, almond shell, SnO2 , perlite, ZrO2 , TiO2 , α-Al2 O3 , CeO2 , reduced graphene oxide (rGO), h-Fe2 O3 @SiO2 , and Fe3 O4 using numerous plant extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents in the absence of hazardous surfactant and capping agents has been focused. This work describes the state of the art and future challenges in the biosynthesis of Ag-based nanocatalysts. The fact about the application of living plants in metal nanoparticle (MNPs) industry is that it is a more economical and efficient biosynthesis biosynthetic procedure. In addition, the catalytic activities of the synthesized, Ag-based recyclable nanocatalysts using various plant extracts in several chemical reactions such as oxidation, reduction, coupling, cycloaddition, cyanation, epoxidation, hydration, degradation and hydrogenation reactions have bben extensively discussed.
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4.
Genotoxicity of engineered nanoparticles in higher plants.
Ghosh, M, Ghosh, I, Godderis, L, Hoet, P, Mukherjee, A
Mutation research. Genetic toxicology and environmental mutagenesis. 2019;:132-145
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are an emerging environmental threat. However, studies of NPs in different environmental components are limited. In this review, we discuss studies that have evaluated the genotoxicity of NPs in higher plants. Among the 29 studies reviewed, silver NPs were most studied (n = 7 articles), with fewer studies reporting the genotoxicity of carbon nanotubes (n = 3), titanium dioxide NPs (n = 4), and zinc oxide NPs (n = 3). Most of the genotoxicity studies were performed in the model plant systems Allium sp (n = 22), Nicotiana sp (n = 4) and Vicia sp (n = 4) using chromosome aberration (n = 22), micronucleus (n = 15) and comet assays (n = 14). Genotoxicity was observed in most of the studies; however, many studies did consider key determinants of NP toxicity such as particle characterization, dissolution, and uptake. From this review, we propose a set of guidelines that should be considered when reporting results of NP toxicity in plants.
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5.
The Story of Nanoparticles in Differentiation of Stem Cells into Neural Cells.
Asgari, V, Landarani-Isfahani, A, Salehi, H, Amirpour, N, Hashemibeni, B, Rezaei, S, Bahramian, H
Neurochemical research. 2019;(12):2695-2707
Abstract
Stem cells have been long looked at as possible therapeutic vehicles in regenerative medicine largely due to their multi-lineage differentiation potential and paracrine actions. Therefore, development of new procedures for the differentiation of stem cells into different cell types holds great potential for opening new opportunities in regenerative medicine. In addition to various methods for inducing stem cell differentiation, the utilization of nanomaterials for differentiation of stem cells has recently received considerable attention and has become a potential tool for such purpose. Multiple lines of evidence revealed that nanomaterial-based scaffolds, inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), and biodegradable polymers have led to significant progress in regulation of stem cell differentiation. Several studies indicated that different NPs including selenium, gold, graphene quantum dots (QDs) and silica could be employed for the regulation of differentiation of stem cells such as human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In addition, magnetic core-shell NPs could be applied for the regulation of neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation. Taken together, these findings suggested that NPs are potential candidates which could be utilized for the differentiation of stem cells into various cell types such as neural cells. Herein, we summarized the application of NPs for differentiation of stem cells into various cells in particular neural cells.
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6.
Selection of Optimum Strategies for the Fabrication of Plant-Mediated Metal Nanoparticles: Emerging Problems in Sustainability.
Din, MI, Rani, A
Critical reviews in analytical chemistry. 2018;(5):406-415
Abstract
The green fabrication of nanoparticles (NPs) by using plants as reducing and capping agents involves energy efficient, less toxic, safer and simpler pathways. These pathways have been related to the rational use of numerous substances in fabrication of NPs and synthetic strategies, which have been mainly discussed in this article. The subject matter of this review is to discuss how a chemist can follow the green chemistry principles in terms of selection of substances and protocols used for NPs fabrication. Furthermore, it describes how a researcher can modify the physical properties of NPs by varying the reaction conditions. In short, this review article provides a scheme for the synthesis of NPs from selection of suitable plant to characterization of formed NPs by employing green chemistry.
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7.
A review on bio-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using plant extracts as reductants and stabilizing agents.
Basnet, P, Inakhunbi Chanu, T, Samanta, D, Chatterjee, S
Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology. 2018;:201-221
Abstract
In the age of technology, nanoparticles have proven to be one of the essential needs for development. These nanoparticles have the potential to be used for a wide variety of applications, thereby, development in improving the quality of nanoparticles, to make them more application specific, is still under research. In this regard, an important point to note is that the procedures employed in synthesizing nanoparticles require to be cost-effective and less-steps involved and have an additional advantage, i.e. they should be eco-friendly. This means that the synthesis procedure needs avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, and negligible generation of any noxious by-products. The green synthesis (biosynthesis) method employs simple procedures, easily available raw materials and ambiance for the synthesis process, where the precursors used are safe, with minute possibility for the production of harmful by-products. Considering these advantages, the current review includes a brief description on the various chemical and physical synthesis method of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with emphasis on the biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using plant extracts (and briefly microbes), the phytochemicals present in the plant extracts, the plausible mechanisms involved in the formation of ZnO nanoparticles and applications of the as-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles as photocatalysts and microbial inhibitors.
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8.
Metallic nanoparticles influence the structure and function of the photosynthetic apparatus in plants.
Tighe-Neira, R, Carmora, E, Recio, G, Nunes-Nesi, A, Reyes-Diaz, M, Alberdi, M, Rengel, Z, Inostroza-Blancheteau, C
Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB. 2018;:408-417
Abstract
The applications of nanoparticles continue to expand into areas as diverse as medicine, bioremediation, cosmetics, pharmacology and various industries, including agri-food production. The widespread use of nanoparticles has generated concerns given the impact these nanoparticles - mostly metal-based such as CuO, Ag, Au, CeO2, TiO2, ZnO, Co, and Pt - could be having on plants. Some of the most studied variables are plant growth, development, production of biomass, and ultimately oxidative stress and photosynthesis. A systematic appraisal of information about the impact of nanoparticles on these processes is needed to enhance our understanding of the effects of metallic nanoparticles and oxides on the structure and function on the plant photosynthetic apparatus. Most nanoparticles studied, especially CuO and Ag, had a detrimental impact on the structure and function of the photosynthetic apparatus. Nanoparticles led to a decrease in concentration of photosynthetic pigments, especially chlorophyll, and disruption of grana and other malformations in chloroplasts. Regarding the functions of the photosynthetic apparatus, nanoparticles were associated with a decrease in the photosynthetic efficiency of photosystem II and decreased net photosynthesis. However, CeO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles may have a positive effect on photosynthetic efficiency, mainly due to an increase in electron flow between the photosystems II and I in the Hill reaction, as well as an increase in Rubisco activity in the Calvin and Benson cycle. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The future mechanistic work needs to be aimed at characterizing the enhancing effect of nanoparticles on the active generation of ATP and NADPH, carbon fixation and its incorporation into primary molecules such as photo-assimilates.
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9.
Nanostructures: between natural environment and medical practice.
Trovato, MC, Andronico, D, Sciacchitano, S, Ruggeri, RM, Picerno, I, Di Pietro, A, Visalli, G
Reviews on environmental health. 2018;(3):295-307
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10.
Immunological effects of iron oxide nanoparticles and iron-based complex drug formulations: Therapeutic benefits, toxicity, mechanistic insights, and translational considerations.
Shah, A, Dobrovolskaia, MA
Nanomedicine : nanotechnology, biology, and medicine. 2018;(3):977-990
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Abstract
Nanotechnology offers several advantages for drug delivery. However, there is the need for addressing potential safety concerns regarding the adverse health effects of these unique materials. Some such effects may occur due to undesirable interactions between nanoparticles and the immune system, and they may include hypersensitivity reactions, immunosuppression, and immunostimulation. While strategies, models, and approaches for studying the immunological safety of various engineered nanoparticles, including metal oxides, have been covered in the current literature, little attention has been given to the interactions between iron oxide-based nanomaterials and various components of the immune system. Here we provide a comprehensive review of studies investigating the effects of iron oxides and iron-based nanoparticles on various types of immune cells, highlight current gaps in the understanding of the structure-activity relationships of these materials, and propose a framework for capturing their immunotoxicity to streamline comparative studies between various types of iron-based formulations.