Nanobiotechnology for the Detection and Control of Waterborne Parasites

Nowadays, the fast development of nanobiotechnology, has led to rapid diagnosis of important infectious diseases such as arboviruses-borne diseases, vector-borne infections and waterborne parasites diseases and others in order to reduce and avoid further dissemination of the infections within the general population. Furthermore, new nanomedicines based on the application of silver and gold nanoparticles which are less toxic, more effective, and that does not generate resistance could help to solve the problems of parasitic disease like leishmaniasis and chagas disease. It turns out that the combination of nanoparticles with antibiotics not only reduces the toxicity of both agents towards human cells but also enhances their ability to destroy bacteria by facilitating the binding of antibiotics to the microbes. Moreover, combining nanoparticles with antimicrobial peptides and essential oils with nanoparticles generates genuine synergy against microbial resistance.

Review Article: Immobilized Molecules Using Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology

Immobilized molecules using biomaterials and nanobiotechnology is a very interesting topic that touching almost all aspects of our life. It uses the sciences of biology, chemistry, physics, materials engineering and computer science to develop instruments and products that are at the cutting edge of some of today’s most promising scientific frontiers. In this review article, the author based on his experience in this arena has tried to focus on some of the supports for im-mobilization;the most important molecules to be immobilized such as DNA, cells, enzymes, metals, polysaccharides, etc and their applications in medicine, food, drug, water treatment, energy and even in aerospace. He specified a special section on what is new in the arena of supports and technologies used in enzyme immobilization and finally a recommendation by the author for future work with a special attention to up-to-date references.

Nanobiotechnology in Agricultural Sector:Overview and Novel Applications

The agricultural sector has many problems achieving the desired yield in products because of pathogens, viruses, pesticides, herbicides, temperature, soil moisture, among others. Nanotechnology, along with other sciences, has emerged in industry and society due to the interest in solving problems such as those mentioned above, in order to serve the needs of the world population. The present review discusses the principal topics about Nanobiotechnology, such as generalities, applications, aspects that can be improved and perspectives, beside its influence in the agriculture industry.

Plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles:A newer and safer tool against mosquito-borne diseases?

Prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases is a key challenge of huge public health importance.Plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles has recently gained attention as a cheap,rapid and eco-friendly method to control mosquito vector populations,with special reference to young instars.Furthermore,plant-fabricated nanoparticles have been successfully employed as dengue virus growth inhibitors.In this Editorial,parasitologists,entomologists and researchers in drug nanosynthesis are encouraged to deal with a number of crucial challenges of public health importance.

The interaction of nanostructured antimicrobials with biological systems:Cellular uptake,trafficking and potential toxicity

Nanomaterials have been found increasing applications in the food sector.Nanostructured antimicrobials can be incorporated either to food matrix of food packaging or to provide extended safety and quality.However,the interactions and effects of nanomaterials with biological systems are still poorly understood.Nanoparticles can enter the organism by oral,dermal and inhalation routes and distributed to different tissues by the circulatory system.Increasing evidence indicate that targeting to specific tissues,cellular uptake and intracellular fate of nanoparticles are strongly influenced by size,shape and surface properties.The specific characteristics of nanomaterials are also determinant for their toxicity in higher organisms.The dose,exposure time and administration route are important aspects influencing toxicity of nanoparticles as well.Both in vitro and in vivo evaluation studies on different types of nanostructures have providing information to support a better understanding about the interactions of nanoscale materials with biological systems.

Synthesis and Characterization of Various Protein <i>α</i>-Lactalbumin Nanotubes Structures by Chemical Hydrolysis Method

New water-based nanofluids including unparalleled milk protein α-lactalbumin hollow nano-bio-tubes using low cost, available and advanced partial chemical hydrolysis strategy in bottom-up nano-assembly have been employed in this work. The aqueous sol-gel chemistry in nanotechnology which we selected for this goal offers new fabrication as interesting smart protein nanotubes. The kinds of nanometer sized tubular structures such as waved, helically coiled, bent, bamboo-shaped, bead-like and branched single-walled protein nanotubes (SWPNTs) with a range of 3 - 8 nm in outer diameters were produced by this method. Complete characterization for natural produced nanotubes including SEM, TEM images, G bond and D bond in Raman spectroscopy, XRD patterns, DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) and FTIR analysis were evaluated which they are most significant experiments in synthesized protein nanotubes soluble in clear water nanofluids and stabilization of transparent nanofluids was proved within more than one year after preparation. Various necessary ligand ion salts such as Mn2+, Zn2+ and Ca2+ or mixtures as bridge makers and producing biological self-assembly hollow SWPNTs were performed and we focused on new chemical technology under specific acidic hydrolysis method not conventional enzymatic proteolysis and applying surfactants, pH reagent, Tris-HCl buffer, polar solvent which could be produced by β-sheet stacked hydrolysed protein α-lactalbumin mechanism under appropriate conditions to achieving high efficiency new protein nanotubes skeleton. They can be promising materials applied in food science, diet nutrition, nanomedicine, nano-biotechnology and surgery.

Elucidation and Identification of Double-Tip Effects in Atomic Force Microscopy Studies of Biological Structures

While atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been increasingly applied to life science, artifactual measurements or images can occur during nanoscale analyses of cell components and biomolecules. Tip-sample convolution effect is the most common mechanism responsible for causing artifacts. Some deconvolution-based methods or algorithms have been developed to reconstruct the specimen surface or the tip geometry. Double-tip or double-probe effect can also induce artifactual images by a different mechanism from that of convolution effect. However, an objective method for identifying the double-tip/probe-induced artifactual images is still absent. To fill this important gap, we made use of our expertise of AFM to analyze artifactual double-tip images of cell structures and biomolecules, such as linear DNA, during AFM scanning and imaging. Mathematical models were then generated to elucidate the artifactual double-tip effects and images develop during AFM imaging of cell structures and biomolecules. Based on these models, computational formulas were created to measure and identify potential double-tip AFM images. Such formulas proved to be useful for identification of double-tip images of cell structures and DNA molecules. The present studies provide a useful methodology to evaluate double-tip effects and images. Our results can serve as a foundation to design computer-based automatic detection of double-tip AFM images during nanoscale measuring and imaging of biomolecules and even non-biological materials or structures, and then personal experience is not needed any longer to evaluate artifactual images induced by the double-tip/probe effect.

Influence of Modified ZnO Quantum Dots and Nanostructures as New Antibacterials

Antibacterial activities of various spherical zinc oxide nanoparticles and nano special morphological structures including quantum dots, nanorod arrays, nanoporous shapes and needle-like crystals had been investigated as new nanomedicine compounds. Also antibacterial activity based on minimal inhibitory concentration and the growth inhibitory zone (well method) was evaluated. ZnO nanostructures were fabricated by novel hydrolysis sol-gel-hydrothermal process followed with rapid quenching as new technique using glycerine, vegetable fatty esters such as coconut, sunflower and Lauric alcohol ethoxylated as organic templates soluble in eco-friendly nanofluids. The results showed that Bacillus anthracis and Pseudomonas aerogenes were extremely sensitive to treatment with unique ZnO nanostructured. Their growth inhibitory zone presented 30 mm and 25 mm inhibition zone with better inhibitory effect compared to the Gentamicin antibiotic standard. ZnO nanostructures had also been indicated to have a wide range of antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria especially more effective on (gr+) species using the growth inhibitory zone. We could design and make significant formulations of fatty acids and esters-capped ZnO quantum dots nanofluids which created high promising agents for controlling Anthrax, Staphylococcus epidermidis and their influences in antimicrobial properties with low cost for future.

ZnO Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Adsorption Study

A low-cost, green and reproducible probiotic microbe (Lactobacillus sporogens) mediated biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles is reported. The synthesis is performed akin to room tem-perature in five replicate samples. X-ray and transmission electron microscopy analyses are performed to ascertain the formation of ZnO nanoparticles. Rietveld analysis to the X-ray data indicated that ZnO nanoparticles have hexagonal unit cell structure. Individual nanoparticles having the size of 5-15 nm are found. A possible involved mechanism for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles has been pro-posed. The H2S adsorption characteristic of ZnO nanoparticles has also been assayed.

Implications of Nanobiosensors in Agriculture

Nanotechnology has emerged as a boon to the society with immense potential in varied area of research and our day-to-day life. The application of nanotechnology for the advancement of biosensor leads to an efficient nanobiosensor with miniature structure as compared to conventional biosensors. Nanobiosensors can be effectively used for sensing a wide variety of fertilizers, herbicide, pesticide, insecticide, pathogens, moisture, and soil pH. Taken together, proper and controlled use of nanobiosensor can support sustainable agriculture for enhancing crop productivity.

Nanostructured biohybrid material with wide-ranging antiviral action

Respiratory pathogens kill more people than any other infectious agent each year worldwide.Development of novel,economically friendly,sustainable,and highly efficient materials against viruses is a major challenge.Herein,we describe a nanostructured material composed of very small crystalline phosphate copper nanoparticles synthesized using a new biohybrid technology that employs a biological agent for its formation at room temperature in aqueous media.The evaluation of different enzymes in the final preparation of the nanomaterial or even in synthetic methods was performed.Biochemical characterization revealed the formation of Cu species in the protein network.The best biomaterial synthesized using a lipase called BioCuNPs showed excellent inhibition capacity against functional proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2);for example,assent 3-chymotrypsin like protease(3CLpro)complete inhibition was achieved by using 5µg/mL,or acetone(ACE)–spike protein interaction was inhibited by more than 80%in the presence of 400µg/mL of BioCuNPs.Taking these in vitro results into account,an efficacy analysis against human coronavirus 229E(HCoV-E229)coronavirus was performed.A virus reduction of 99%was obtained in 5 min.Additionally,SARS-CoV-2 virus was tested to demonstrate high efficiency,with>99%inhibition in 15 min using 500 microgram of material.To determine the wide applicability of this nanohybrid against viruses,an evaluation was carried out against a non-enveloped virus such as Human Rhinovirus(HRV-14),obtaining a virus reduction of 99.9%in 5 min.Finally,the virucidal capacity against different bacteriophages was also evaluated,obtaining an excellent inhibition effect against PhageΦX174(99.999%reduction in 5 min).

Advancing sustainable agriculture: Enhancing crop nutrition with next-generation nanotech-based fertilizers

The pressing need to enhance nutrient use efficiency(NUE)in fertilizers has become increasingly urgent in light of food insecurity and climate-related issues.Nanotechnology offers promising prospects for the development of effective and environmentally friendly alternatives in the field of fertilization.This review focuses on the impact of nanotechnology on conventional fertilizers,encompassing inorganic,organic,and microbial approaches.We emphasize the superior attributes of nano-fertilizers compared with their conventional counterparts and explore their potential and versatility in boosting crop productivity,reducing fertilizer expenses,and mitigating detrimental environmental impacts.In conclusion,given the significant challenges posed by food insecurity and climate change,the application of nano-fertilizers demonstrates immense potential for advancing sustainable and intelligent agricultural practices.

Construction of RNA nanotubes

Nanotubes are miniature materials with significant potential applications in nanotechnological, medical, biological and material sciences. The quest for manufacturing methods of nano-mechanical modules is in progress. For example, the application of carbon nanotubes has been extensively investigated due to the precise width control, but the precise length control remains challenging. Here we report two approaches for the one-pot self-assembly of RNA nanotubes. For the first approach, six RNA strands were used to assemble the nanotube by forming a 11 nm long hollow channel with the inner diameter of 1.7 nm and the outside diameter of 6.3 nm. For the second approach, six RNA strands were designed to hybridize with their neighboring strands by complementary base pairing and formed a nanotube with a six-helix hollow channel similar to the nanotube assembled by the first approach. The fabricated RNA nanotubes were characterized by gel electrophoresis and atomic force microscopy (AFM), confirming the formation of nanotube-shaped RNA nanostructures. Cholesterol molecules were introduced into RNA nanotubes to facilitate their incorporation into lipid bilayer. Incubation of RNA nanotube complex with the free-standing lipid bilayer membrane under applied voltage led to discrete current signatures. Addition of peptides into the sensing chamber revealed discrete steps of current blockage. Polyarginine peptides with different lengths can be detected by current signatures, suggesting that the RNA-cholesterol complex holds the promise of achieving single molecule sensing of peptides.

Functional DNA Materials Controlled by Surrounding Conditions

1 Results Addressable, controllable, and switchable supramolecular devices can provide keys to regulate the structure and function of nanomaterials. From this viewpoint, oligonucleotides are promising supramolecular materials because their assembly is addressable and they can be programmed. The G-quadruplexes of the oligonucleotide possess at least two important aspects: functions in vivo and applications in vitro. In addition, it is demonstrated that the G-quadruplex is promising for nanomolecular mach...

Translation of the long-term fundamental studies on viral DNA packaging motors into nanotechnology and nanomedicine

Many years of fundamental studies on viral genome packaging motors have led to fruitful applications.The double-stranded DNA(dsDNA)viruses package their genomes into preformed protein shells via nanomotors including several elegant and meticulous coaxial modules.The motor is geared by the hexameric RNA ring.An open washer displayed as hexametric string of phi29 motor ATPase has been reported.The open washer linked into a filament as a queue with left-handed chirality along the dsDNA chain.It was found that a free 5′-and 3′-dsDNA end is not required for one gp16 dimer and four monomers to assemble into the hexametric washer on dsDNA.The above studies have inspired several applications in nanotechnology and nanomedicine.These applications include:(i)studies on the precision motor channels have led to their application in the single pore sensing;(ii)investigations into the hand-in-hand integration of the hexametric pRNA ring have resulted in the emergence of the new field of RNA nanotechnology;and(iii)the studies on the motor stoichiometry of homologous multi-subunits that subsequently have inspired the discovery of new methods in highly potent drug development.This review focuses on the structure and function of the viral DNA packaging motors and describes how fundamental studies inspired various applications.Given these advantages,more nanotechnological and biomedical applications using bacteriophage motor components are expected.

Nanotechnology meets atopic dermatitis: Current solutions, challenges and future prospects. Insights and implications from a systematic review of the literature

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic,relapsing,non-contiguous,exudative eczema/dermatitis,which represents a complex,multi-factorial disorder,due to an impairment of the stratum corneum barrier.Currently available drugs have a low skin bioavailability and may give rise to severe adverse events.Nanotechnologies,including nanoparticles,liposomes,nano-gels,nano-mixtures,nano-emulsions and other nano-carriers,offer unprecedented solutions to these issues,enabling:i)the management of different clinical forms of atopic dermatitis,especially the recalcitrant ones,i)a better bio-availability and trans-dermal drug targeted delivery at the inflammation site,ii)dose control,iii)significant improvements both in clinical symptoms and immune responses,iv)with less adverse events being reported and a better safety profile.However,some nano-sized structures could amplify and even worsen symptoms in particularly susceptible individuals.Furthermore,most studies included in the present systematic review have been conducted in-vitro or in-vivo,with few randomized controlled clinical trials(RCTs).Future investigations should adopt this design in order to enable scholars achieving robust findings and evidence.Therefore,given the above-mentioned shortcomings,further research in the field is urgently warranted.