Orthopedic revolution:The emerging role of nanotechnology

This review summarizes the latest progress in orthopedic nanotechnology,ex-plores innovative applications of nanofibers in tendon repair,and evaluates the potential of selenium and cerium oxide nanoparticles in osteoarthritis and osteo-blast differentiation.This review also describes the emerging applications of inje-ctable hydrogels in cartilage engineering,emphasizing the critical role of inter-disciplinary research and highlighting the challenges and future prospects of in-tegrating nanotechnology into orthopedic clinical practice.This comprehensive approach provides a holistic perspective on the transformative impact of nanote-chnology in orthopedics,offering valuable insights for future research and clinical applications.

Nanotechnology in Nuclear Reactors: Innovations in Fusion and Fission Power Generation

This article explores the transformative potential of nanotechnology and MMs(memory metals)in enhancing the design and operation of nuclear reactors,encompassing both fission and fusion technologies.Nanotechnology,with its ability to engineer materials at the atomic scale,offers significant improvements in reactor safety,efficiency,and longevity.In fission reactors,nanomaterials enhance fuel rod integrity,optimize thermal management,and improve in-core instrumentation.Fusion reactors benefit from nanostructured materials that bolster containment and heat dissipation,addressing critical challenges in sustaining fusion reactions.The integration of SMAs(shape memory alloys),or MMs,further amplifies these advancements.These materials,characterized by their ability to revert to a pre-defined shape under thermal conditions,provide self-healing capabilities,adaptive structural components,and enhanced magnetic confinement.The synergy between nanotechnology and MMs represents a paradigm shift in nuclear reactor technology,promising a future of cleaner,more efficient,and safer nuclear energy production.This innovative approach positions the nuclear industry to meet the growing global energy demand while addressing environmental and safety concerns.

Nanotechnology applications for the therapy of liver fibrosis

Chronic liver diseases represent a major global health problem both for their high prevalence worldwide and,in the more advanced stages,for the limited available curative treatment options.In fact,when lesions of different etiologies chronically affect the liver,triggering the fibrogenesis mechanisms,damage has already occurred and the progression of fibrosis will have a major clinical impact entailing severe complications,expensive treatments and death in end-stage liver disease.Despite significant advances in the understanding of the mechanisms of liver fibrinogenesis,the drugs used in liver fibrosis treatment still have a limited therapeutic effect.Many drugs showing potent antifibrotic activities in vitro often exhibit only minor effects in vivo because insufficient concentrations accumulate around the target cell and adverse effects result as other non-target cells are affected.Hepatic stellate cells play a critical role in liver fibrogenesis,thus they are the target cells of antifibrotic therapy.The application of nanoparticles has emerged as a rapidly evolving area for the safe delivery of various therapeutic agents(including drugs and nucleic acid)in the treatment of various pathologies,including liver disease.In this review,we give an overview of the various nanotechnology approaches used in the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Cancer nanotechnology: Enhancing tumor cell response to chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the deadliest cancers due to its complexities,reoccurrence after surgical resection,metastasis and heterogeneity.In addition to sorafenib and lenvatinib for the treatment of HCC approved by FDA,various strategies including transarterial chemoembolization,radiotherapy,locoregional therapy and chemotherapy have been investigated in clinics.Recently,cancer nanotechnology has got great attention for the treatment of various cancers including HCC.Both passive and active targetings are progressing at a steady rate.Herein,we describe the lessons learned from pathogenesis of HCC and the understanding of targeted and non-targeted nanoparticles used for the delivery of small molecules,monoclonal antibodies,miRNAs and peptides.Exploring current efficacy is to enhance tumor cell response of chemotherapy.It highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by nanotechnologies in contemporary hepatocellular carcinoma therapy,where personalized medicine is increasingly becoming the mainstay.Overall objective of this review is to enhance our understanding in the design and development of nanotechnology for treatment of HCC.

Nanotechnology-based combination therapy for overcoming multidrug-resistant cancer

Multidrug resistance(MDR) is a major obstacle to successful cancer treatment and is crucial to cancer metastasis and relapse.Combination therapy is an effective strategy for overcoming MDR. However, the different pharmacokinetic(PK) profiles of combined drugs often undermine the combination effect in vivo, especially when greatly different physicochemical properties(e.g.,those of macromolecules and small drugs) combine. To address this issue, nanotechnology-based codelivery techniques have been actively explored. They possess great advantages for tumor targeting, controlled drug release, and identical drug PK profiles. Thus,a powerful tool for combination therapy is provided, and the translation from in vitro to in vivo is facilitated. In this review, we present a summary of various combination strategies for overcoming MDR and the nanotechnology-based combination therapy.

Current applications and future prospects of nanotechnology in cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy is an artificial stimulation of the immune system to recognize cancer cells and activate specific immune cells to target and attack cancer cells.In clinical trials, immunotherapy has recently shown impressive results in the treatment of multiple cancers.Thus, cancer immunotherapy has gained a lot of attention for its unique advantages and promising future.With extensive research on cancer immunotherapy, its safety and effectiveness has gradually been revealed.However, it is still a huge challenge to expand and drive this therapy while maintaining low toxicity, high specificity, and long-lasting efficacy.As a unique technology, nanotechnology has been applied in many fields, the advantages of which will promote the development of cancer immunotherapies.Researchers have tried to apply nanomaterials to cancer immunotherapy due to their advantageous properties,such as large specific surface areas, effective drug delivery, and controlled surface chemistry, to improve treatment efficacy.Here,we briefly introduce the current applications of nanomaterials in cancer immunotherapy, including adoptive cell therapy(ACT),therapeutic cancer vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies, and throw light on future directions of nanotechnology-based cancer immunotherapy.

Application of nanotechnology in a silver/graphite contact material and optimization of its physical and mechanical properties

By applying nanotechnology, a new type of silver/graphite (AgC) electricalcontact was fabricated and characterized. The AgC coating powders were obtained through high-energyball milling and reducer liquid spraying-coating method. The as-prepared powders were examined bytransmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction(XRD). The results show that the thickness of graphite flakes milled for 10 h is about 50-60 nm andthe AgC coating powders exhibit flocculent structure with quite fine and homogeneous internalmicropores. XRD implies that the average crystalline size of silver in coating powders is about 50nm. The mechanical and physical properties of this newly developed AgC contact made from theabove-mentioned nanocrystalline powders by traditional powder metallurgy technique were measured.Compared with its counterparts made from other techniques, the properties of this new AgC contacthave been optimized. High surface energy and high-energy interfaces of the nanocrystalline AgCcoating powders provide powerful driving force for sintering densification. Moreover, the flocculentstructure of the powders is also an important factor to acquire fine density ratio.

Nanotechnology-based approach for safer enrichment of semen with best spermatozoa

Background: Advances in nanotechnology have permitted molecular-based targeting of cells through safe and biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles(MNP). Their use to detect and remove damaged spermatozoa from semen doses could be of great interest. Here, MNP were synthesized and tested for their ability to target apoptotic(annexin V) and acrosome-reacted(lectin) boar spermatozoa, for high-throughout retrieval in a magnetic field(nanoselection). The potential impacts of nanoselection on sperm functions and performance of offspring sired by sperm subjected to nanoselection were determined. Fresh harvested and extended boar semen was mixed with various amounts(0, 87.5, and 175 μg) of MNP-conjugates(Annexin V-MNP or Lectin-MNP) and incubated(10 to15 min) for 37 °C in Exp. 1. In Exp. 2, extended semen was mixed with optimal concentrations of MNP-conjugates and incubated(0, 30, 90, or 120 min). In Exp. 3, the synergistic effects of both MNP-conjugates(87.5 μg– 30 min)on spermatozoa was evaluated, followed by sperm fertility assessments through pregnancy of inseminated gilts and performance of neonatal offspring. Sperm motion, viability, and morphology characteristics were evaluated in all experiments.Results: Transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and hyperspectral imaging techniques were used to confirm attachment of MNP-conjugates to damaged spermatozoa. The motility of nanoselected spermatozoa was improved(P < 0.05). The viability of boar sperm, as assessed by the abundance of reactive oxygen species and the integrity of the acrosome, plasma membrane, and mitochondrial membrane was not different between nanoselected and control spermatozoa. The fertility of gilts inseminated with control or nanoselected spermatozoa, as well as growth and health of their offspring were not different between(P > 0.05).Conclusions: The findings revealed the benefit of magnetic nanoselection for high-throughput targeting of damaged sperm, for removal and rapid and effortless enrichment of semen doses with highly motile, viable,and fertile spermatozoa. Therefore, magnetic nanoselection for removal of abnormal spermatozoa from semen is a promising tool for improving fertility of males, particularly during periods, such as heat stress during the summer months.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine research and development: Conventional vaccines and biomimetic nanotechnology strategies

The development of a massively producible vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),a novel coronavirus,is essential for stopping the current coronavirus disease(COVID-19)pandemic.A vaccine must stimulate effective antibody and T cell responses in vivo to induce long-term protection.Scientific researchers have been developing vaccine candidates for the severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS)and Middle East respiratory syndrome(MERS)since the outbreaks of these diseases.The prevalence of new biotechnologies such as genetic engineering has shed light on the generation of vaccines against novel viruses.In this review,we present the status of the development of coronavirus vaccines,focusing particularly on the biomimetic nanoparticle technology platform,which is likely to have a major role in future developments of personalized medicine.

Recent progress of nanotechnology-based theranostic systems in cancer treatments

Theranostics that integrates therapy and diagnosis in one system to achieve accurate cancer diagnosis and treatment has attracted tremendous interest,and has been recognized as a potential breakthrough in overcoming the challenges of conventional oncotherapy.Nanoparticles are ideal candidates as carriers for theranostic agents,which is attributed to their extraordinary physicochemical properties,including nanoscale sizes,functional properties,prolonged blood circulation,active or passive tumor targeting,specific cellular uptake,and in some cases,excellent optical properties that ideally meet the needs of phototherapy and imaging at the same time.Overall,with the development of nanotechnology,theranostics has become a reality,and is now in the transition stage of"bench to bedside."In this review,we summarize recent progress on nanotechnology-based theranostics,i.e.,nanotheranostics,that has greatly assisted traditional therapies,and has provided therapeutic strategies emerging in recent decades,as well as"cocktail"theranostics mixing various treatment modalities.

Nanotechnology assisted photo-and sonodynamic therapy for overcoming drug resistance

Drug resistance is considered the most important reason for the clinical failure of cancer chemotherapy.Circumventing drug resistance and improving the efficacy of anticancer agents remains a major challenge.Over the past several decades,photodynamic therapy(PDT)and sonodynamic therapy(SDT)have attracted substantial attention for their efficacy in cancer treatment,and have been combined with chemotherapy to overcome drug resistance.However,simultaneously delivering sensitizers and chemotherapy drugs to same tumor cell remains challenging,thus greatly limiting this combinational therapy.The rapid development of nanotechnology provides a new approach to solve this problem.Nano-based drug delivery systems can not only improve the targeted delivery of agents but also co-deliver multiple drug components in single nanoparticles to achieve optimal synergistic effects.In this review,we briefly summarize the mechanisms of drug resistance,discuss the advantages and disadvantages of PDT and SDT in reversing drug resistance,and describe state-of-the-art research using nano-mediated PDT and SDT to solve these refractory problems.This review also highlights the clinical translational potential for this combinational therapy.

Nanotechnology and vaccine development

Despite the progress of conventional vaccines,improvements are clearly required due to concerns about the weak immunogenicity of these vaccines,intrinsic instability in vivo,toxicity,and the need for multiple administrations.To overcome such problems,nanotechnology platforms have recently been incorporated into vaccine development.Nanocarrier-based delivery systems offer an opportunity to enhance the humoral and cellular immune responses.This advantage is attributable to the nanoscale particle size,which facilitates uptake by phagocytic cells,the gut-associated lymphoid tissue,and the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue,leading to efficient antigen recognition and presentation.Modifying the surfaces of nanocarriers with a variety of targeting moieties permits the delivery of antigens to specific cell surface receptors,thereby stimulating specific and selective immune responses.In this review,we introduce recent advances in nanocarrierbased vaccine delivery systems,with a focus on the types of carriers,including liposomes,emulsions,polymer-based particles,and carbon-based nanomaterials.We describe the remaining challenges and possible breakthroughs,including the development of needlefree nanotechnologies and a fundamental understanding of the in vivo behavior and stability of the nanocarriers in nanotechnology-based delivery systems.

2D organic semiconductors, the future of green nanotechnology

The discovery of 2D organic semiconductors of atomically thin structures has attracted great attention due to their emerging optical, electronic, optoelectronic and mechatronic properties. Recent progress in such organic nanostructures has opened new opportunities for engineering material properties in many ways, such as, 0D/1D/2D nanoparticles hybridization, strain engineering, atomic doping etc. Moreover, 2D organic nanostructures exhibit a unique feature of bio–functionality and are highly sensitive to bio-analytes. Such peculiar behavior in 2D organics can be utilized to design highly-efficient bio-sensors. Also, a bio-molecular integrated electronic/optoelectronic device with enhanced performance can be attained. Furthermore, the bio-degradable, biocompatible, biometabolizable, non-toxic behaviour and natural origin of organic nanomaterials can address the current ecological concerns of increasing inorganic material based electronic waste. This review highlights the benefits of 2D organic semiconductors. Considering the importance of strategic techniques for growing thin 2D organic layers,this review summarizes progress towards this direction. The possible challenges for long-time stability and future research directions in 2D organic nano electronics/optoelectronics are also discussed. We believe that this review article provides immense research interests in organic 2D nanotechnology for exploiting green technologies in the future.

Advanced development in upstream of petroleum industry using nanotechnology

Nowadays,energy supply is one of the most important issues due to limitation of oil,gas and coal sources.Because of rapid population,civilization and energy consumption growth,the improved technologies to make optimal use of the sources,solving related problems and finding new energy sources are important.More than 10 years ago,nanotechnology as one of the most important technologies has also been applied to progress in the oil and gas industry(upstream,midstream and downstream).The experience of these years has shown that application of nanotechnology in the oil industry improves the exploration of crude oil and natural gas(underground or deep water),drilling and bringing the crude oil or raw natural gas to the surface,as well as transportation,storage,processing and purifying methods.Nanoparticles with high specific surface area,pore volume and small size show unique physical and chemical properties,which could be applied in several applications.In this regard,many researchers have been focused on various nanoparticles for upstream industries and studied their potential in oil exploration,drilling,production and enhanced oil recovery(EOR).Also,in downstream and midstream which involve refining of crude oil,processing and purifying of raw natural gas,transportation and storage of crude or refined petroleum products,the nanomaterials have been used to improve the quality of oil and make it appropriate for the environment.Lowering sulfur gasoline,enhancing the octane number and coating the transportation system are among the goals that have been achieved successfully using nanotechnology.In this work,various types of nanoparticles such as metallic,metal oxide,hybrid nanoparticles,carbon nanomaterials,nano-composites and their applications in oil upstream industry are reviewed.Also,their usage in different types of oil upstream processes is discussed.

Development of Inorganic Solar Cells by Nanotechnology

Inorganic solar cells, as durable photovoltaic devices for harvesting electric energy from sun light,have received tremendous attention due to the fear of exhausting the earth's energy resources and damaging the living environment due to greenhouse gases. Some recent developments in nanotechnology have opened up new avenues for more relevant inorganic solar cells produced by new photovoltaic conversion concepts and effective solar energy harvesting nanostructures. In this review, the multiple exciton generation effect solar cells, hot carrier solar cells, one dimensional material constructed asymmetrical schottky barrier arrays, noble nanoparticle induced plasmonic enhancement, and light trapping nanostructured semiconductor solar cells are highlighted.

Exosomes: Emerging implementation of nanotechnology for detecting and managing novel corona virus-SARS-CoV-2

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 as an emerging novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had progressed as a worldwide pandemic since the end of 2019. COVID-19 affects firstly lungs tissues which are known for their very slow regeneration. Afterwards, enormous cytokine stimulation occurs in the infected cells immediately after a lung infection which necessitates good management to save patients. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles of nanometric size released by reticulocytes on maturation and are known to mediate intercellular communications. The exosomal cargo serves as biomarkers in diagnosing various diseases;moreover, exosomes could be employed as nanocarriers in drug delivery systems. Exosomes look promising to combat the current pandemic since they contribute to the immune response against several viral pathogens. Many studies have proved the potential of using exosomes either as viral elements or host systems that acquire immune-stimulatory effects and could be used as a vaccine or drug delivery tool. It is essential to stop viral replication, prevent and reverse the massive storm of cytokine that worsens the infected patients’ situations for the management of COVID-19. The main benefits of exosomes could be;no cells will be introduced, no chance of mutation, lack of immunogenicity and the damaged genetic material that could negatively affect the recipient is avoided. Additionally, it was found that exosomes are static with no ability for in vivo reproduction. The current review article discusses the possibilities of using exosomes for detecting novel coronavirus and summarizes state of the art concerning the clinical trials initiated for examining the use of COVID-19 specific T cells derived exosomes and mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes in managing COVID-19.

Insight into the Disciplinary Structure of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Purpose： This paper aims to gain an insight into the disciplinary structure of nanoscience ＆ nanotechnology （N＆N）： What is the disciplinary network of N＆N like？ Which disciplines are being integrated into N＆N over time？ For a specific discipline, how many other disciplines have direct or indirect connections with it？ What are the distinct subgroups of N＆N at different evolutionary stages？ Such critical issues are to be addressed in this paper. Design/methodology/approach： We map the disciplinary network structure of N＆N by employing the social network analysis tool, Netdraw, identifying which Web of Science Categories （WCs） mediate nbetweenness centrality in different stages of nano development. Cliques analysis embedded in the Ucinet program is applied to do the disciplinary cluster analysis in the study according to the path of ＂Network-Subgroup-Cliques,＂ and a tree diagram is selected as the visualizing type. Findings： The disciplinary network structure reveals the relationships among different disciplines in the N＆N developing process clearly, and it is easy for us to identify which disciplines are connected with the core ＂N＆N＂ directly or indirectly. The tree diagram showing N＆N related disciplines provides an interesting perspective on nano research and development （R＆D） structure. Research limitations： The matrices used to draw the N＆N disciplinary network are the original ones, and normalized matrix could be tried in future similar studies. Practical implications： Results in this paper can help us better understand the disciplinary structure of N＆N, and the dynamic evolution of N＆N related disciplines over time. The findings could benefit R＆D decision making. It can support policy makers from government agencies engaging in science and technology （S＆T） management or S＆T strategy planners to formulate efficient decisions according to a perspective of converging sciences and technologies. Originality/value： The novelty of this study lies in mapping the disciplinary network structure of N＆N clearly, identifying which WCs have a mediating effect in different developmental stages （especially analyzing clusters among disciplines related to N＆N, revealing close or distant relationships among distinct areas pertinent to N＆N）.

Highlights in applications of nanotechnology in radiation research

Translational Cancer Research （Transl Cancer Res; TCR; Print ISSN： 2218-676X; Online ISSN 2219-6803; www. thetcr.org） launched in August 2013 a special issue on Applications of Nanotechnology in Radiation Research inviting Prof. Rao V.L. Papineni from University of Kansas Medical Center, Pataje G.S. Prasanna from National Cancer Institute and Mansoor M. Ahmed, National Cancer Institute to serve as the Guest Editors.

Effect of nanotechnology on heavy metal removal from aqueous solution

The effect of nanotechnology on cadmium and zinc removal from aqueous solution was investigated. In order to characterize micro and nano phragmites australis adsorbent, we analyzed the data via FTIR, SEM, PSA, and EDX. The effect of various parameters such as p H, contact time, amount of adsorbent and initial concentration, was investigated. The optimum p H for the removal of cadmium for micro and nano phragmites australis adsorbent was 7, and for the removal of zinc by the micro adsorbent was 7 and by nano adsorbent was 6. The equilibrium time of zinc was 90 min and for the adsorption of cadmium by micro and nano adsorbent were 90 and 30 min, respectively. The optimum dose of micro adsorbent for the removal of cadmium was 0.7 g, and the other dose for the removal of zinc and cadmium was 0.5 g. The evaluation of adsorbent's distribution coefficient showed that the highest rates of distribution coefficient with initial concentration of 5, 10, 30, and 50 mg/L were 394.83, 587.62, 759.39 and 1101.52 L/kg, respectively, which were observed in nano adsorbent. Desorption experiments for the nano adsorbent in three cycles were done. Among kinetics models, our experimental data were more consistent with Hoo kinetic model and for isotherm models, Freundlich isotherm was more consistent. The results show that nanotechnology could increase the performance of adsorbents and enhance the efficiency of the adsorption of cadmium and zinc ions.

Advances in nanotechnology-based delivery systems for EGFR tyrosine kinases inhibitors in cancer therapy

Oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs) against epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) family have been introduced into the clinic to treat human malignancies for decades. Despite superior properties of EGFR-TKIs as small molecule targeted drugs, their applications are still restricted due to their low solubility, capricious oral bioavailability, large requirement of daily dose, high binding tendency to plasma albumin and initial/acquired drug resistance. Nanotechnology is a promising tool to improve efficacy of these drugs. Through non-oral routes. Various nanotechnology-based delivery approaches have been developed for providing efficient delivery of EGFR-TKIs with a better pharmacokinetic profile and tissue-targeting ability. This review aims to indicate the advantage of nanocarriers for EGFR-TKIs delivery.