Home Chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles with potent and selective intrinsic activity against the breast cancer cells
Article Open Access

Chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles with potent and selective intrinsic activity against the breast cancer cells

  • Ahmed A. H. Abdellatif EMAIL logo , Ahmed Abdelfattah , Mahmoud A. Younis EMAIL logo , Saed M. Aldalaan and Hesham M. Tawfeek EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: May 4, 2023
Download Article (PDF)
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill
Submit Manuscript Author Information
Nanotechnology Reviews
From the journal Nanotechnology Reviews Volume 12 Issue 1

Graphical abstract

Abstract

Herein, we report on the development of chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-CHI) with an intrinsic activity against breast cancer cells. Following chemical synthesis via a simple, one-pot reaction, the chitosan coating of AgNPs was verified using Fourier-transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopies. The physicochemical properties and morphology were characterized using dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The shelf stability of the optimized platform was tracked for 3 months upon storage at either room temperature or 4°C. Then, the anticancer activities of AgNPs-CHI on human breast cancer cells, MCF-7, versus normal human cells, human skin fibroblasts (HSF), were evaluated via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide cytotoxicity assay and tumor-associated biomarkers determination by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in comparison with plain silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution. AgNPs were successfully coated with chitosan and demonstrated acceptable physicochemical properties, with a spherical morphology and high stability upon long-term storage. Although AgNPs-CHI and AgNO3 demonstrated comparable cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells, AgNPs-CHI resulted in 10-fold lower toxicity to HSF cells, suggesting a higher selectivity. In addition, AgNPs-CHI lowered IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in MCF-7 cells by 90 and 30%, respectively, compared to 60 and 10% in the case of plain AgNO3. The interesting therapeutic modality presented in this study is promising for potential clinical applications.

Keywords: breast cancer; silver nanoparticles; chitosan; IL-6; TNF-α

1 Introduction

Cancer is a leading cause of death across the globe [1,2]. Breast cancer is still the most common and widely spread cancer in females. It has been recently estimated in 2020 that approximately 2.261 million new cases and 0.685 million deaths are related to this type of cancer globally [3]. It is also a multifunctional disorder with a high degree of inter-tumoral and intra-tumoral molecular and morphological heterogeneity [4]. The treatment strategy and clinical decision depend on the tumor subtype according to the estimated biomarkers and the pathophysiological and clinically collected data [5,6]. Non-selective or non-targeted therapy based on conventional chemotherapeutics is a two-edged weapon, considering its detrimental effects on healthy tissues. In addition, the tricky physicochemical properties of these agents, such as low aqueous solubility, poor diffusion into the tumor mass, and systemic toxicity, have collectively obliged scientists to develop new formulations to tackle these problems [7,8,9]. Different nanomaterials and their drug conjugates have shown promise and successful applications, especially in breast adenocarcinoma management [10,11]. Moreover, nanomedicines can act as a platform for the bioimaging of tumors [12].

Inorganic/metallic nanoparticles have attracted attention recently owing to their ease of fabrication, scalability, and interesting properties [13,14]. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are considered the most relevant type of metallic nanomaterials in the area of anticancer therapeutics owing to their genotoxic effects and capability of programmed apoptosis induction [15,16]. In addition, it has been revealed that AgNPs can also modulate some interactions with the stromal cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, which subsequently promote anticancer activity [17]. Increasing number of recent studies have demonstrated the high potential of AgNPs in the treatment of a wide variety of cancers including lung cancer, melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, glioma, prostate cancer, and multidrug-resistant tumors [18,19,20]. Moreover, it has also been demonstrated by other researchers that AgNPs have a potential role in the treatment of breast cancer [21,22,23]. Capping AgNPs with different polymeric materials can modulate their physicochemical properties, biodistribution, nanoparticles–cells interactions, cellular uptake, and intracellular silver ion release, which subsequently affect the selectivity, cytotoxic efficiency, and biosafety [24,25]. Pinzaru and coworkers reported on the increased stability and biotolerability of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated AgNPs [26]. A recent study performed in our group has shown the significant effect of AgNPs coated with ethyl cellulose on the inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the breast cancer cell line, MCF-7 [27].

Chitosan (CHI) is a carbohydrate-based biopolymer that has been extensively investigated in the pharmaceutical literature as either a drug carrier or a coating material thanks to its ease of synthesis, economic price, biodegradability, and compatibility with most materials of pharmaceutical interest [28]. CHI has been investigated as a stabilizer and a functional coating for several metallic nanoparticles including platinum nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and copper nanoparticles [29,30].

In the present study, we investigated the impact of coating AgNPs with CHI on their performance against breast cancer cells. Our results revealed that chitosan-capped AgNPs (AgNPs-CHI) demonstrated an interesting potent and selective intrinsic anticancer activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cells, MCF-7, compared to a normal human cell model, human skin fibroblasts (HSF) cell line, as evidenced by a significant reduction in cell viability, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and TNF-α levels. In contrast, plain silver nitrate solution (AgNO3) showed significantly lower effects on the investigated tumor-associated biomarkers as well as non-selective cytotoxic effects, with severe damage to normal human cells. The therapeutic modality presented in this study holds promise as a non-classical treatment for breast cancer.

2 Materials and methods

2.1 Materials

Low molecular weight chitosan (50–190 kDa) and medium molecular weight chitosan (190–310 kDa) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich, USA. Human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and HSF were obtained from American Type Culture Collection, USA, and were cultured and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay kit was purchased from Abcam, UK. Quantikine® ELISA kits for human IL-6 and TNF-α were obtained from R&D Systems, USA. Bicinchoninic acid protein assay kit, radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) buffer, protease inhibitors, and phosphatase inhibitors were obtained from Thermofisher Scientific, USA. All the other used chemical reagents were of analytical grades and were used without further processing.

2.2 Preparation of AgNPs-CHI

Chitosan-coated AgNPs (AgNPs-CHI) were prepared according to the method reported by Mi et al. [31]. Fifty milligrams of CHI was dissolved in 10 mL of an aqueous solution of glacial acetic acid (10.0% v/v). Then, 5 mL of 1 mM AgNO3 aqueous solution was added to the CHI solution, which was then diluted to 100 mL with distilled water. The solution was maintained in an ice bath with a constant stirring for 10 min. Reduction of AgNO3 was mediated via the addition of 60 µL of 0.1 M sodium borohydride (NaBH4) dropwise while stirring for 45–60 min. Finally, the obtained AgNPs-CHI solution was kept at room temperature for another 15–30 min while being stirred. AgNPs-CHI dispersion was centrifuged, and then, the obtained pellets were dispersed in distilled water for being investigated in the subsequent experiments.

2.3 Characterization of AgNPs-CHI

2.3.1 Dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies

The geometrical particle size and the charge (ζ potential) of the produced AgNPs-CHI were determined by DLS using the Zetasizer Nano ZS analyzer (Malvern Instruments, UK) [32]. Simply, samples were adjusted to ∼25°C and then exposed to a laser beam of ≈633 nm at a scattering angle of ≈90°. Samples were run 20 times, with a run time of 10 s. The average measurement of 3–6 formulations was considered and presented ± standard deviation.

2.3.2 Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy

AgNPs-CHI solution was scanned from 300 to 600 nm using UV-VIS Spectrophotometer (Lambda 25, Perkin Elmer, Singapore). The absorbance spectra were plotted against the investigated wavelengths [33].

2.3.3 Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)

FT-IR spectrometer (Alpha II, model: Bruker, USA) was used to investigate the possible interaction and or coating of AgNPs with CHI. Spectra were collected from Solutions of medium molecular weight CHI, AgNO3 (as a reference for silver), and AgNPs-CHI after their scanning from 4,000 to 400 cm−1 as described previously [34].

2.3.4 Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

The morphology and aggregation status of the optimized AgNPs-CHI were examined using an SEM microscope (Zeiss EVO LS10, Cambridge, UK), as described previously [35]. Samples were fitted to the stubs using a double-sided adhesive carbon tape and coated with gold under a vacuum in an atmosphere of the Argon gas for 120 s, prior to scanning and imaging using either a low magnification power or a high magnification power.

2.3.5 Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

TEM was used to observe the morphology of the optimized AgNPs-CHI and estimate their particle diameter. Briefly, 10 µL of AgNPs-CHI solution was dropped onto the double-sided copper conductive tape surface and was allowed to dry overnight. Nanoparticles were visualized under the TEM microscope at 10–100k magnification power using an accelerating voltage of 100 kV. (JEM-1230, JEOL, Japan) [36].

2.4 Physical stability assessment

The stability of the optimized AgNPs-CHI against aggregation was investigated after storage for 3 months at two different conditions: room temperature (∼25°C) and 4.0 ± 0.5°C. The physical appearance of nanoparticles, including their color and morphology in addition to their particle size and zeta potential, were investigated at the beginning and the end of the storage period to judge their shelf stability.

2.5 Cytotoxicity study

The in vitro cytotoxicity of CHI, AgNPs-CHI, and AgNO3 solutions was evaluated on MCF-7 cells versus HSF cells using MTT assay as reported previously [37]. Briefly, 3 × 10 3 cells/well were seeded in 96-well plates 24 h prior to the experiments. Cells were treated with serial concentrations of the tested solutions in 50 µL of the corresponding growth medium. Forty-eight hours following the treatment, the media were aspirated, and the cells were incubated with 50 µL serum (-) medium and 50 µL of MTT reagent for 3 h at 37°C. Then, the cells were shaken with 150 µL of MTT solvent on an arbitrary shaker for 15 min. The absorbance of each sample was measured at 590 nm using BMG LABTECH®- FLUOstar Omega microplate reader (Allmendgrün, Ortenberg) and compared to the absorbance of non-treated cells after correction for the solvent background. The percentage of cell viability was plotted against the investigated concentrations, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were calculated using Graphpad Prism 8 software.

2.6 Evaluation of tumor-associated biomarkers

The tumor-associated biomarkers, IL-6 and TNF-α, were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as reported previously [32,38]. Sandwich ELISA protocol was adopted using pre-coated Quantikine® kits according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Cells were seeded as described earlier and treated with the investigated samples at concentrations corresponding to their IC50 values for 48 h. Then, the cells were lysed using RIPA buffer supplemented with protease/phosphatase inhibitors, and the cell lysate was centrifuged at 15,000g, 4°C for 10 min followed by protein quantification via BCA assay. Samples were diluted with deionized water to obtain a working protein concentration of 1 mg/mL. Fifty microliters of the tested samples was then diluted with an equal volume of the specific assay diluent solution prior to their introduction into the pre-coated ELISA plates and incubated at room temperature for 2 h. The plates were washed with wash buffer, treated with biotinylated antibodies, and incubated at room temperature for extra 2 h followed by washing. A polymeric solution of horse radish peroxidase (HRP)–streptavidin was added to conjugate to the biotinylated antibodies and the color reaction is formed by the addition of tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) substrate solution. The color reaction was stopped with the kit’s stop solution, and the absorbance was measured at 450 nm with correction by subtracting the readings at 540 or 570 nm. The biomarker concentration was calculated from a pre-constructed calibration curve and compared to the values of non-treated cells that were processed similarly.

2.7 Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using Graphpad Prism 8 software. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Bonferroni test was used for multiple comparisons in a single cell line (one-factor experiments), while two-way ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni test was used for multiple comparisons in different cell lines (two-factor experiments). P ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

3 Results

3.1 Preparation and characterization of AgNPs-CHI

The efficiency of AgNPs-CHI synthesis was confirmed by the color change of the reaction medium to the characteristic yellow color 15 min following the addition of NaBH4 solution.

To select the top-performing functional coating for AgNPs, CHI polymers with two different molecular weight ranges were investigated; namely low molecular weight CHI (50–190 kDa) and medium molecular weight CHI (190–310 kDa). The physicochemical properties of the resultant AgNPs were evaluated using DLS (Table 1 and Figure 1). The results revealed better physicochemical performance for the medium molecular weight CHI-coated AgNPs. Consequently, they were used for further experiments and referred to as chitosan-capped AgNPs (AgNPs-CHI) in the subsequent sections of this article (more details on the DLS images are shown Figures S1–S4).

Table 1

Comparison of the physicochemical properties of AgNPs coated with chitosan polymers with two different molecular weight ranges (n = 6, average ± standard deviation)*

Hydrodynamic diameter (nm) PDI ζ Potential (mV)
Low molecular weight 623.66 ± 55.5 0.583 ± 0.09 8.67 ± 2.74
Medium molecular weight 287.43 ± 1.89 0.411 ± 0.06 50.63 ± 2.2
  1. *

    The physicochemical properties were evaluated using DLS.

Figure 1 DLS of mean size (nm), zeta potential (mV), and polydispersity index of the formulated silver nanoparticles reduced with low and med molecular weight chitosan.
Figure 1

DLS of mean size (nm), zeta potential (mV), and polydispersity index of the formulated silver nanoparticles reduced with low and med molecular weight chitosan.

The efficiency of the functional coating was characterized by UV-VIS and FT-IR spectroscopies. AgNPs-CHI demonstrated a single-band UV absorption spectrum with a maximum absorption wavelength (λ max) of 405 nm (Figure 2). FT-IR spectra of plain AgNO3, used as a reference, are shown in Figure 3a. Pure CHI demonstrated a broadband, with a peak at 3451.57 cm−1, which refers to N–H and O–H stretching, and a characteristic double-spike peak at 1712.79 cm−1 and 1636.89 cm−1 for the NH2 group (Figure 3b). AgNPs-CHI retained the reference peaks of silver, while the double-spike peak of CHI disappeared (Figure 3c).

Figure 2 UV-Vis spectrum of the optimized AgNPs-CHI.
Figure 2

UV-Vis spectrum of the optimized AgNPs-CHI.

Figure 3 (a) FT-IR spectra of plain AgNO3, (b) medium molecular weight chitosan (CHI), and (c) AgNPs-CHI.
Figure 3

(a) FT-IR spectra of plain AgNO3, (b) medium molecular weight chitosan (CHI), and (c) AgNPs-CHI.

The morphology of the optimized AgNPs-CHI was examined by SEM, where the micrographs revealed spherical nanoparticles, with uniform particle size and a minimal degree of aggregation (Figure 4). Moreover, TEM micrographs of AgNPs-CHI showed spherical non-aggregated particles with a metallic core having an average size of 20.88 ± 2.57 nm (Figure 5).

Figure 4 Examination of the morphology of the optimized AgNPs-CHI by SEM at (a) low magnification and (b) high magnification. Scale bars represent 1 and 0.5 µm, respectively.
Figure 4

Examination of the morphology of the optimized AgNPs-CHI by SEM at (a) low magnification and (b) high magnification. Scale bars represent 1 and 0.5 µm, respectively.

Figure 5 Examination of the morphology of the optimized AgNPs-CHI by TEM. The scale bar represents 100 nm.
Figure 5

Examination of the morphology of the optimized AgNPs-CHI by TEM. The scale bar represents 100 nm.

3.2 Physical stability assessment

AgNPs-CHI demonstrated high stability at the two investigated storage temperature conditions. They did not show any color change or precipitation during the 3-month evaluation period. Moreover, the physicochemical properties of AgNPs-CHI showed negligible changes after storage at either room temperature or 4°C, in comparison with the freshly-prepared counterparts (Table 2).

Table 2

The physicochemical properties of AgNPs-CHI after a 3-month storage period at different conditions (n = 6, average ± standard deviation)*

Hydrodynamic diameter (nm) PDI ζ Potential (mV)
Freshly prepared 287.43 ± 1.89 0.411 ± 0.06 50.63 ± 2.2
Stored at 4°C 293.68 ± 2.88 0.405 ± 0.09 52.21 ± 3.1
Stored at room temperature 290.53 ± 3.54 0.428 ± 0.11 49.32 ± 1.7

  1. *The physicochemical properties were evaluated using DLS.

3.3 Evaluation of the anticancer activities of AgNPs-CHI

The anticancer performance of AgNPs-CHI was evaluated in MCF-7 cells (cancerous model) versus HSF cells (normal model) using cytotoxicity and ELISA assays. Interestingly, both AgNPs-CHI and plain AgNO3 solutions demonstrated an intrinsic anticancer activity on MCF-7 cells with comparable cytotoxic effects, where the IC50 values were 8.6 ± 1.6 and 10.86 ± 2.53 µg/mL for AgNPs-CHI and AgNO3, respectively. Meanwhile, the CHI itself had a far lower toxicity with IC50 ∼ 100 µg/mL. Surprisingly, AgNPs-CHI showed approximately 10-fold lower toxicity to HSF cells compared to AgNO3 (IC50 values were 29.63 ± 4.32 and 3.35 ± 0.5 µg/mL, respectively) (Figure 6a). Furthermore, AgNPs-CHI resulted in ∼90% inhibition of IL-6 and ∼30% inhibition of TNF-α in MCF-7 cells compared to only ∼60% and ∼10% inhibition of the same tumor markers in the case of AgNO3 (Figure 6b and c).

Figure 6 AgNPs-CHI exerts a potent and selective intrinsic anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells. (a) Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of AgNPs-CHI and AgNO3 solutions evaluated on breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and normal human cells (HSF) 48 h post treatment. *P < 0.05, #P < 0.0001. (b) Relative levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) in MCF-7 cells lysates 48 h post treatment with AgNPs-CHI or AgNO3 solutions at their corresponding IC50 values. **P < 0.01, #P < 0.0001 versus non-treated cells. ***P < 0.001 for AgNPs-CHI versus AgNO3. (c) Relative levels of TNF-α in MCF-7 cells lysates 48 h post treatment with AgNPs-CHI or AgNO3 solutions at their corresponding IC50 values. *P < 0.05, ***P < 0.001 versus non-treated cells. **P < 0.01 for AgNPs-CHI versus AgNO3. In all panels, n = 3, results are expressed as mean ± standard deviation.
Figure 6

AgNPs-CHI exerts a potent and selective intrinsic anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells. (a) Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of AgNPs-CHI and AgNO3 solutions evaluated on breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and normal human cells (HSF) 48 h post treatment. *P < 0.05, #P < 0.0001. (b) Relative levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) in MCF-7 cells lysates 48 h post treatment with AgNPs-CHI or AgNO3 solutions at their corresponding IC50 values. **P < 0.01, #P < 0.0001 versus non-treated cells. ***P < 0.001 for AgNPs-CHI versus AgNO3. (c) Relative levels of TNF-α in MCF-7 cells lysates 48 h post treatment with AgNPs-CHI or AgNO3 solutions at their corresponding IC50 values. *P < 0.05, ***P < 0.001 versus non-treated cells. **P < 0.01 for AgNPs-CHI versus AgNO3. In all panels, n = 3, results are expressed as mean ± standard deviation.

4 Discussion

AgNPs are inorganic nanomedicines with a high potential for various therapeutic applications. Most previous studies investigated the application of AgNPs as drug carriers [39]. Nevertheless, the investigation of the intrinsic drug activities of AgNPs is still premature. Some previous reports discussed the potential cytotoxic activities of AgNPs which may be mediated via the induction of genotoxicity through interaction with the cellular DNA, and the subsequent induction of apoptosis [40]. Buttacavoli and co-workers reported on the maximum accumulation of Ag+ in the mitochondria and nuclei following the cellular uptake of AgNPs [41]. Yet, extending such property to the clinical level is still risky, taking into consideration the off-target toxicity that might be caused by the non-selective AgNPs. Our group has been investigating the functional coating of AgNPs aiming at modulating their efficiency and selectivity [27]. In the present study, we investigated the impact of coating with CHI on the intrinsic anticancer activity of AgNPs, applying breast cancer as a tumor model.

We investigated CHI with two different molecular weight ranges. Coating AgNPs with low molecular weight CHI resulted in nanoparticles with a larger particle size, a higher polydispersity, and a lower zeta potential, in comparison with those coated with medium molecular weight CHI. This may be attributed to the lower spreadability of the low molecular weight CHI, resulting in an inefficient coating [42,43]. In addition, the low zeta potential resulting from such an inefficient coating might have allowed a higher aggregation tendency of AgNPs due to the low repulsive forces, with a subsequent increase in the particle size and particle size polydispersity [44]. Previous reports demonstrated that aggregation of AgNPs has a negative impact on their cytotoxic activity [45,46]. On the other hand, other reports pointed out that the ultra-fine nature of some AgNPs formulations may also exert a negative impact on their colloidal stability and biological performance [47,48]. Considering the earlier considerations, AgNPs with a moderate particle size and a high zeta potential would be favorable from a biological point of view. Therefore, medium molecular weight CHI was selected for further investigations. The optimized AgNPs-CHI demonstrated acceptable size and polydispersity, while the highly-positive zeta potential suggested successful coating of AgNPs with CHI. In addition, UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the successful formation of AgNPs, as evidenced by the strong absorption band in the visible region owing to their pronounced surface plasmon resonance effect. AgNPs-CHI spectrum had a maximum absorption wavelength (λ max) of 405 nm, which revealed a successful preparation of AgNPs as well as a spherical morphology of the obtained particles [49]. Furthermore, symmetrical particle size distribution was also predicted from the presence of one absorption band as reported previously [50]. FT-IR spectra confirmed the successful coating of AgNPs with CHI, as suggested by the disappearance of the double-spike peak of the NH2 group of the pure CHI, which indicated a strong interaction between the NH2 group in CHI and the silver [51]. Examination of the optimized AgNPs-CHI by various electron microscopes, SEM and TEM, confirmed their spherical morphology and colloidal stability. Meanwhile, the size values shown by TEM were mostly corresponding to the metallic silver core, contrary to the DLS measurements that showed the hydrodynamic diameter of the whole nanoparticle [52].

Interestingly, the AgNPs-CHI demonstrated high physical stability upon long-term storage at either room temperature or 4°C. This high stability may be attributed to the high zeta potential imparted by the CHI coating, which minimized interactions between the nanoparticles and inhibited the formation of aggregates [53]. Furthermore, the capability of AgNPs-CHI to retain their stability and physicochemical properties after prolonged storage at room temperature is an amazing advantage that promotes their clinical potential, unlike the vast majority of nanomedicines [13].

The functional coating of AgNPs retained their cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells, as evidenced by a comparable IC50 value to that of the plain AgNO3. Pure CHI showed minimal cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells, which excludes its additive cytotoxic effect on the overall cell viability evaluated by the MTT assay in the case of AgNPs-CHI and suggests high tolerability. Surprisingly, the functional coating with CHI resulted in a dramatic improvement in the selectivity of MCF-7 cells in comparison with a normal human cell line, HSF. Although we are still investigating the exact mechanism accounting for such a phenomenon, there are possible reasons that can be considered. First, the increased metabolic activity by cancer cells increases their affinity to carbohydrates and their associated polymers such as CHI, with a subsequent higher cellular uptake of CHI-coated particles by cancer cells compared to normal cells [41]. Second, it has been reported that the polyanionic Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs) are upregulated in the cellular membranes of cancer cells, which increases their affinity to positively charged particles like AgNPs-CHI (zeta potential ∼50 mV) [54,55,56]. Third, CHI has an acidic acid dissociation constant (pK a) ∼6.5 which may favor its protonation in the acidic tumorous microenvironment of MCF-7 cells compared to the normal cells, with a subsequent improvement in the cellular uptake [57,58]. Fourth, CHI may modulate the intracellular release of Ag+ and the interactions with the subcellular organelles such as mitochondria and nucleus following the cellular uptake, which can be speculated from the improved inhibitory effects on IL-6 and TNF-α in comparison with the plain uncoated AgNO3 [59,60]. On the other hand, the plain AgNO3 resulted in non-selective cytotoxicity which was mostly irrelevant to the anticancer activity, as indicated by their inferior impact on IL-6 and TNF-α. Figure 7 outlines the proposed mechanism of the selective cytotoxic effect of AgNPs-CHI against breast cancer cells.

Figure 7 An illustration outlining the proposed mechanism of the selective anticancer activity of AgNPs-CHI against breast cancer cells. The acidic tumor microenvironment promotes the protonation of chitosan, which may improve the interactions of AgNPs-CHI with the polyanionic HSPGs that are overexpressed on the cancer cells. Following the cellular uptake, the chitosan functional coating modulates the intracellular release of silver ions that accumulate into the nucleus resulting in genotoxicity, and in the mitochondria with subsequent disruption of the energy production, which collectively induces cellular apoptosis. Abbreviations: AgNPs-CHI, chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles; HSPGs, heparan sulfate proteoglycans. The figure was created with BioRender.com software, with a publication license (YS24N8UP2Z).
Figure 7

An illustration outlining the proposed mechanism of the selective anticancer activity of AgNPs-CHI against breast cancer cells. The acidic tumor microenvironment promotes the protonation of chitosan, which may improve the interactions of AgNPs-CHI with the polyanionic HSPGs that are overexpressed on the cancer cells. Following the cellular uptake, the chitosan functional coating modulates the intracellular release of silver ions that accumulate into the nucleus resulting in genotoxicity, and in the mitochondria with subsequent disruption of the energy production, which collectively induces cellular apoptosis. Abbreviations: AgNPs-CHI, chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles; HSPGs, heparan sulfate proteoglycans. The figure was created with BioRender.com software, with a publication license (YS24N8UP2Z).

Although some previous studies pointed to the cytotoxic effects of AgNPs against MCF-7 cells, the results shown in the present study were significantly better. A previous analysis by Tao et al. revealed that uncoated AgNPs induced cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells at IC50 of 150 µg/mL [61]. Similarly, in a second study by Sangour et al., the IC50 of the uncoated AgNPs on the same cell line was higher than 100 µg/mL [62]. In a third study by Hepokur and co-workers, uncoated AgNPs did not show a significant cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells until being loaded with the cytotoxic drug, capecitabine, which then demonstrated an IC50 of 41.25 μg/mL [63]. Upon comparing these findings with our present results, the value of CHI coating, investigated in the present study, can be speculated. We believe that the amazing finding presented in this study would be promising for future clinical applications, considering the collective advantages of the prepared AgNPs-CHI including the one-pot scalable preparation method, high stability at room temperature, high potency, high selectivity, and high biotolerability. Furthermore, the intrinsic drug-free anticancer activity of AgNPs-CHI is promising to reduce their production cost and extend their industrial applicability as a novel anticancer therapeutic modality.

5 Conclusions

We investigated the impact of the functional coating of AgNPs with CHI on their physicochemical and biological performance on breast cancer cells. Coating AgNPs with medium molecular weight CHI resulted in better physicochemical properties compared to the low molecular weight polymer. Spectroscopical analyses confirmed the successful functional coating of AgNPs. AgNPs-CHI demonstrated a high physical stability for up to 3 months upon storage either at room temperature or at 4°C. AgNPs-CHI demonstrated a potent and selective anticancer activity on breast cancer cells compared to normal human cells, with a significant inhibitory effect on IL-6 and TNF-α, contrary to the plain AgNO3 which resulted in non-selective cytotoxicity and inferior effects on the relevant tumor markers. The novel, scalable, stable, economic, selective, and drug-free therapeutic modality presented in this study is highly promising for potential clinical applications in the treatment of breast cancer, which would overcome the shortcomings of the existing chemotherapeutics. We are proceeding with its in vivo applicability in our upcoming research.

Acknowledgments

The researchers would like to thank the Deanship of Scientific Research, Qassim University, for funding this project. The authors also thank Qassim University for providing technical support.

  1. Funding information: The authors extend their appreciation to the Deputyship for Research and Innovation, Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia, for funding this research work through project number (QU-IF-1-2-1). The authors also thank the technical support of Qassim University.

  2. Author contributions: Ahmed A. H. Abdellatif: conceptualization, investigation, methodology, data curation, validation, writing-review and editing, and funding acquisition; Ahmed Abdelfattah: methodology, investigation, and data curation. Mahmoud A. Younis: data curation, validation, visualization, and writing the manuscript draft. Saed M. Aldalaan: visualization, methodology, data curation, and validation. Hesham M. Tawfeek: conceptualization, investigation, methodology, supervision, and writing-review and editing. All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

  3. Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.

  4. Data availability statement: The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

References

[1] Younis MA, Khalil IA, Harashima H. Gene therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Highlighting the journey from theory to clinical applications. Adv Ther. 2020;3:2000087.10.1002/adtp.202000087Search in Google Scholar

[2] Nakamura T, Sato Y, Yamada Y, Abd Elwakil MM, Kimura S, Younis MA, et al. Extrahepatic targeting of lipid nanoparticles in vivo with intracellular targeting for future nanomedicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2022;188:114417.10.1016/j.addr.2022.114417Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[3] Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, Laversanne M, Soerjomataram I, Jemal A, et al. Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021;71:209–49.10.3322/caac.21660Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[4] Ahirwar R. Recent advances in nanomaterials-based electrochemical immunosensors and aptasensors for HER2 assessment in breast cancer. Mikrochim Acta. 2021;188:317.10.1007/s00604-021-04963-2Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[5] Coates AS, Winer EP, Goldhirsch A, Gelber RD, Gnant M, Piccart-Gebhart M, et al. Tailoring therapies--improving the management of early breast cancer: St Gallen International Expert Consensus on the Primary Therapy of Early Breast Cancer 2015. Ann Oncol Off J Eur Soc Med Oncol. 2015;26:1533–46.10.1093/annonc/mdv221Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[6] Goldhirsch A, Winer EP, Coates AS, Gelber RD, Piccart-Gebhart M, Thürlimann B, et al. Personalizing the treatment of women with early breast cancer: Highlights of the St Gallen international expert consensus on the primary therapy of early breast cancer 2013. Ann Oncol Off J Eur Soc Med Oncol. 2013;24:2206–23.10.1093/annonc/mdt303Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[7] Probst CE, Zrazhevskiy P, Bagalkot V, Gao X. Quantum dots as a platform for nanoparticle drug delivery vehicle design. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2013;65:703–18.10.1016/j.addr.2012.09.036Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[8] Aleksandrowicz R, Taciak B, Krol M. Drug delivery systems improving chemical and physical properties of anticancer drugs currently investigated for treatment of solid tumors. J Physiol Pharmacol Off J Pol Physiol Soc. 2017;68:165–74.Search in Google Scholar

[9] Younis MA, Hetta HF, Abdel-Malek MAY, Ali HRH, Atia NN, Tawfeek HM. Combining acetyl salicylic acid and rofecoxib into novel oral tablets normalize platelet function with potential higher tolerability in patients with cardiovascular disorders. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol. 2020;59:101851.10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101851Search in Google Scholar

[10] Bhanumathi R, Manivannan M, Thangaraj R, Kannan S. Drug-carrying capacity and anticancer effect of the folic acid- and berberine-loaded silver nanomaterial to regulate the AKT-ERK pathway in breast cancer. ACS Omega. 2018;3:8317–28.10.1021/acsomega.7b01347Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[11] Zhang D, Zhang J. Surface engineering of nanomaterials with phospholipid-polyethylene glycol-derived functional conjugates for molecular imaging and targeted therapy. Biomaterials. 2020;230:119646.10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119646Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[12] Abdellatif AAH, Tawfeek HM. Development and evaluation of fluorescent gold nanoparticles. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2018;44:1679–84.10.1080/03639045.2018.1483400Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[13] Younis MA, Tawfeek HM, Abdellatif AAH, Abdel-Aleem JA, Harashima H. Clinical translation of nanomedicines: Challenges, opportunities, and keys. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2022;181:114083.10.1016/j.addr.2021.114083Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[14] Abdellatif AAH, Younis MA, Alsharidah M, Al Rugaie O, Tawfeek HM. Biomedical applications of quantum dots: Overview, challenges, and clinical potential. Int J Nanomed. 2022;17:1951–70.10.2147/IJN.S357980Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[15] Jeong J-K, Gurunathan S, Kang M-H, Han JW, Das J, Choi Y-J, et al. Hypoxia-mediated autophagic flux inhibits silver nanoparticle-triggered apoptosis in human lung cancer cells. Sci Rep. 2016;6:21688.10.1038/srep21688Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[16] Heydari R. Biological applications of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles through the utilization of plant extracts. Herb Med J. 2017;2:87–95.Search in Google Scholar

[17] Kovács D, Igaz N, Gopisetty MK, Kiricsi M. Cancer therapy by silver nanoparticles: Fiction or reality? Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23:839.10.3390/ijms23020839Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[18] Tang Y, Liang J, Wu A, Chen Y, Zhao P, Lin T, et al. Co-delivery of trichosanthin and albendazole by nano-self-assembly for overcoming tumor multidrug-resistance and metastasis. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2017;9:26648–64.10.1021/acsami.7b05292Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[19] Huy TQ, Huyen PTM, Le AT, Tonezzer M. Recent advances of silver nanoparticles in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Anti-Cancer Agents Med Chem. 2020;20:1276–87.10.2174/1871520619666190710121727Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[20] Shanmugasundaram T, Radhakrishnan M, Gopikrishnan V, Kadirvelu K, Balagurunathan R. Biocompatible silver, gold and silver/gold alloy nanoparticles for enhanced cancer therapy: in vitro and in vivo perspectives. Nanoscale. 2017;9:16773–90.10.1039/C7NR04979JSearch in Google Scholar PubMed

[21] Mohamed N. Synthesis of hybrid chitosan silver nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin with promising anti-cancer activity. BioNanoScience. 2020;10:758–65.10.1007/s12668-020-00760-ySearch in Google Scholar

[22] Heydari R, Rashidipour M. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using extract of oak fruit hull (jaft): Synthesis and in vitro cytotoxic effect on mcf-7 cells. Int J Breast Cancer. 2015;2015:846743.10.1155/2015/846743Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[23] Rashidipour M, Heydari R. Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using extract of olive leaf: synthesis and in vitro cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells. J Nanostruct Chem. 2014;4:112.10.1007/s40097-014-0112-3Search in Google Scholar

[24] Cotton GC, Gee C, Jude A, Duncan WJ, Abdelmoneim D, Coates DE. Efficacy and safety of alpha lipoic acid-capped silver nanoparticles for oral applications. RSC Adv. 2019;9:6973–85.10.1039/C9RA00613CSearch in Google Scholar

[25] Verma SK, Jha E, Panda PK, Mishra A, Thirumurugan A, Das B, et al. Rapid novel facile biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from bacterial release induce biogenicity and concentration dependent in vivo cytotoxicity with embryonic zebrafish-a mechanistic insight. Toxicol Sci Off J Soc Toxicol. 2018;161:125–38.10.1093/toxsci/kfx204Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[26] Pinzaru I, Coricovac D, Dehelean C, Moacă EA, Mioc M, Baderca F, et al. Stable PEG-coated silver nanoparticles - A comprehensive toxicological profile. Food Chem Toxicol Int J Publ Br Ind Biol Res Assoc. 2018;111:546–56.10.1016/j.fct.2017.11.051Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[27] Abdellatif AAH, Alsharidah M, Al Rugaie O, Tawfeek HM, Tolba NS. Silver nanoparticle-coated ethyl cellulose inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α of breast cancer cells. Drug Des Dev Ther. 2021;15:2035–46.10.2147/DDDT.S310760Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[28] Jiménez-Gómez CP, Cecilia JA. Chitosan: A natural biopolymer with a wide and varied range of applications. Molecules. 2020;25:3981.10.3390/molecules25173981Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[29] Javed R, Zia M, Naz S, Aisida SO, Ain Nu, Ao Q. Role of capping agents in the application of nanoparticles in biomedicine and environmental remediation: recent trends and future prospects. J Nanobiotechnol. 2020;18:172.10.1186/s12951-020-00704-4Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[30] Franconetti A, Carnerero JM, Prado-Gotor R, Cabrera-Escribano F, Jaime C. Chitosan as a capping agent: Insights on the stabilization of gold nanoparticles. Carbohydr Polym. 2019;207:806–14.10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.12.046Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[31] Mi F-L, Wu S-J, Zhong W-Q, Huang C-Y. Preparation of a silver nanoparticle-based dual-functional sensor using a complexation–reduction method. Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2015;17:21243–53.10.1039/C4CP05012FSearch in Google Scholar PubMed

[32] Younis MA, Sato Y, Elewa YHA, Kon Y, Harashima H. Self-homing nanocarriers for mRNA delivery to the activated hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis. J Control Release Off J Control Rel Soc. 2023;353:685–98.10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.020Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[33] Atia NN, Tawfeek HM, Rageh AH, El-Zahry MR, Abdelfattah A, Younis MA. Novel sublingual tablets of Atorvastatin calcium/Trimetazidine hydrochloride combination; HPTLC quantification, in vitro formulation and characterization. Saudi Pharm J SPJ Off Publ Saudi Pharm Soc. 2019;27:540–9.10.1016/j.jsps.2019.02.001Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[34] Aboutaleb AE, Abdel-rahman SI, Ahmed MO, Younis MA. Design and evaluation of domperidone sublingual tablets. Int J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2016;8:195–201.Search in Google Scholar

[35] Younis MA, El-Zahry MR, Tallat MA, Tawfeek HM. Sulpiride gastro-retentive floating microsponges; analytical study, in vitro optimization and in vivo characterization. J Drug Target. 2020;28:386–97.10.1080/1061186X.2019.1663526Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[36] Tawfeek HM, Abdellatif AAH, Abdel-Aleem JA, Hassan YA, Fathalla D. Transfersomal gel nanocarriers for enhancement the permeation of lornoxicam. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol. 2020;56:101540.10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101540Search in Google Scholar

[37] Younis MA, Khalil IA, Abd Elwakil MM, Harashima H. A multifunctional lipid-based nanodevice for the highly specific codelivery of sorafenib and midkine siRNA to hepatic cancer cells. Mol Pharm. 2019;16:4031–44.10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00738Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[38] Younis MA, Khalil IA, Elewa YHA, Kon Y, Harashima H. Ultra-small lipid nanoparticles encapsulating sorafenib and midkine-siRNA selectively-eradicate sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo. Off J Control Rel Soc. 2021;331:335–49.10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.01.021Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[39] Gomes HIO, Martins CSM, Prior JAV. Silver nanoparticles as carriers of anticancer drugs for efficient target treatment of cancer cells. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2021;11:964.10.3390/nano11040964Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[40] Gomathi AC, Xavier Rajarathinam SR, Mohammed Sadiq A, Rajeshkumar S. Anticancer activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous fruit shell extract of Tamarindus indica on MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol. 2020;55:101376.10.1016/j.jddst.2019.101376Search in Google Scholar

[41] Buttacavoli M, Albanese NN, Di Cara G, Alduina R, Faleri C, Gallo M, et al. Anticancer activity of biogenerated silver nanoparticles: an integrated proteomic investigation. Oncotarget. 2017;9:9685–705.10.18632/oncotarget.23859Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[42] Kouchak M, Avadi M, Abbaspour M, Jahangiri A, Boldaji SK. Effect of different molecular weights of chitosan on preparation and characterization of insulin loaded nanoparticles by ion gelation method. Int J Drug Dev Res. 2012;4:271–7.Search in Google Scholar

[43] Kapadnis G, Dey A, Dandekar P, Jain R. Effect of degree of deacetylation on solubility of low-molecular-weight chitosan produced via enzymatic breakdown of chitosan. Polym Int. 2019;68:1054–63.10.1002/pi.5795Search in Google Scholar

[44] Bathi JR, Roy S, Tareq S, Potts GE, Palchoudhury S, Sweck SO, et al. Dispersion and aggregation fate of individual and co-existing metal nanoparticles under environmental aqueous suspension conditions. Mater (Basel, Switz). 2022;15:6733.10.3390/ma15196733Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[45] Bélteky P, Rónavári A, Igaz N, Szerencsés B, Tóth IY, Pfeiffer I, et al. Silver nanoparticles: aggregation behavior in biorelevant conditions and its impact on biological activity. Int J Nanomed. 2019;14:667–87.10.2147/IJN.S185965Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[46] Kong IC, Ko KS, Koh DC. Evaluation of the Effects of Particle Sizes of Silver Nanoparticles on Various Biological Systems. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21:8465.10.3390/ijms21228465Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[47] Fehaid A, Taniguchi A. The double-edged effect of silver nanoparticles is determined by their physical characteristics. Nano Biomed. 2019;11:49–56.Search in Google Scholar

[48] Bélteky P, Rónavári A, Zakupszky D, Boka E, Igaz N, Szerencsés B, et al. Are smaller nanoparticles always better? Understanding the biological effect of size-dependent silver nanoparticle aggregation under biorelevant conditions. Int J Nanomed. 2021;16:3021–40.10.2147/IJN.S304138Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[49] Roe D, Karandikar B, Bonn-Savage N, Gibbins B, Roullet JB. Antimicrobial surface functionalization of plastic catheters by silver nanoparticles. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2008;61:869–76.10.1093/jac/dkn034Search in Google Scholar PubMed

[50] Hajji S, Salem RBS-B, Hamdi M, Jellouli K, Ayadi W, Nasri M, et al. Nanocomposite films based on chitosan–poly(vinyl alcohol) and silver nanoparticles with high antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Process Saf Environ Prot. 2017;111:112–21.10.1016/j.psep.2017.06.018Search in Google Scholar

[51] Nate Z, Moloto MJ, Mubiayi PK, Sibiya PN. Green synthesis of chitosan capped silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial activity. MRS Adv. 2018;3:2505–17.10.1557/adv.2018.368Search in Google Scholar

[52] Fissan H, Ristig S, Kaminski H, Asbach C, Epple M. Comparison of different characterization methods for nanoparticle dispersions before and after aerosolization. Anal Methods. 2014;6:7324–34.10.1039/C4AY01203HSearch in Google Scholar

[53] Kaufman ED, Belyea J, Johnson MC, Nicholson ZM, Ricks JL, Shah PK, et al. Probing protein adsorption onto mercaptoundecanoic acid stabilized gold nanoparticles and surfaces by quartz crystal microbalance and zeta-potential measurements. Langmuir ACS J Surf Colloids. 2007;23:6053–62.10.1021/la063725aSearch in Google Scholar PubMed

[54] Nagarajan A, Malvi P, Wajapeyee N. Heparan sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans in cancer initiation and progression. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018;9:483–3.10.3389/fendo.2018.00483Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[55] Hatabe S, Kimura H, Arao T, Kato H, Hayashi H, Nagai T, et al. Overexpression of heparan sulfate 6‑O‑sulfotransferase‑2 in colorectal cancer. Mol Clin Oncol. 2013;1:845–50.10.3892/mco.2013.151Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[56] De Pasquale V, Pavone LM. Heparan sulfate proteoglycan signaling in tumor microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21:6588.10.3390/ijms21186588Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[57] Mohammed MA, Syeda JTM, Wasan KM, Wasan EK. An overview of chitosan nanoparticles and its application in non-parenteral drug delivery. Pharmaceutics. 2017;9:53.10.3390/pharmaceutics9040053Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[58] Montcourrier P, Silver I, Farnoud R, Bird I, Rochefort H. Breast cancer cells have a high capacity to acidify extracellular milieu by a dual mechanism. Clin Exp Metastasis. 1997;15:382–92.10.1023/A:1018446104071Search in Google Scholar

[59] Biba R, Košpić K, Komazec B, Markulin D, Cvjetko P, Pavoković D, et al. Surface coating-modulated phytotoxic responses of silver nanoparticles in plants and freshwater green algae. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2021;12:24.10.3390/nano12010024Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[60] Jin S, Li J, Wang J, Jiang J, Zuo Y, Li Y, et al. Electrospun silver ion-loaded calcium phosphate/chitosan antibacterial composite fibrous membranes for guided bone regeneration. Int J Nanomed. 2018;13:4591–605.10.2147/IJN.S167793Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[61] Tao L, Chen X, Sun J, Wu C. Silver nanoparticles achieve cytotoxicity against breast cancer by regulating long-chain noncoding RNA XLOC_006390-mediated pathway. Toxicol Res. 2021;10:123–33.10.1093/toxres/tfaa090Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

[62] Sangour MH, Ali IM, Atwan ZW, Al Ali AAALA. Effect of Ag nanoparticles on viability of MCF-7 and Vero cell lines and gene expression of apoptotic genesEgyptian. J Med Hum Genet. 2021;22:9.10.1186/s43042-020-00120-1Search in Google Scholar

[63] Hepokur C, Kariper İA, Mısır S, Ay E, Tunoğlu S, Ersez MS, et al. Silver nanoparticle/capecitabine for breast cancer cell treatment. Toxicol Vitro. 2019;61:104600.10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104600Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Received: 2022-08-11
Revised: 2022-11-16
Accepted: 2023-04-05
Published Online: 2023-05-04

© 2023 the author(s), published by De Gruyter

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Research Articles
  2. Preparation of CdS–Ag2S nanocomposites by ultrasound-assisted UV photolysis treatment and its visible light photocatalysis activity
  3. Significance of nanoparticle radius and inter-particle spacing toward the radiative water-based alumina nanofluid flow over a rotating disk
  4. Aptamer-based detection of serotonin based on the rapid in situ synthesis of colorimetric gold nanoparticles
  5. Investigation of the nucleation and growth behavior of Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC nano-precipitates in TiAl alloys
  6. Dynamic recrystallization behavior and nucleation mechanism of dual-scale SiCp/A356 composites processed by P/M method
  7. High mechanical performance of 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane/epoxy cured in a sandwich construction of 3D carbon felts foam and woven basalt fibers
  8. Applying solution of spray polyurea elastomer in asphalt binder: Feasibility analysis and DSR study based on the MSCR and LAS tests
  9. Study on the chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity of iron-based bioabsorbable stents
  10. Influence of microalloying with B on the microstructure and properties of brazed joints with Ag–Cu–Zn–Sn filler metal
  11. Thermohydraulic performance of thermal system integrated with twisted turbulator inserts using ternary hybrid nanofluids
  12. Study of mechanical properties of epoxy/graphene and epoxy/halloysite nanocomposites
  13. Effects of CaO addition on the CuW composite containing micro- and nano-sized tungsten particles synthesized via aluminothermic coupling with silicothermic reduction
  14. Cu and Al2O3-based hybrid nanofluid flow through a porous cavity
  15. Design of functional vancomycin-embedded bio-derived extracellular matrix hydrogels for repairing infectious bone defects
  16. Study on nanocrystalline coating prepared by electro-spraying 316L metal wire and its corrosion performance
  17. Axial compression performance of CFST columns reinforced by ultra-high-performance nano-concrete under long-term loading
  18. Tungsten trioxide nanocomposite for conventional soliton and noise-like pulse generation in anomalous dispersion laser cavity
  19. Microstructure and electrical contact behavior of the nano-yttria-modified Cu-Al2O3/30Mo/3SiC composite
  20. Melting rheology in thermally stratified graphene-mineral oil reservoir (third-grade nanofluid) with slip condition
  21. Re-examination of nonlinear vibration and nonlinear bending of porous sandwich cylindrical panels reinforced by graphene platelets
  22. Parametric simulation of hybrid nanofluid flow consisting of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with second-order slip and variable viscosity over an extending surface
  23. Chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles with potent and selective intrinsic activity against the breast cancer cells
  24. Multi-core/shell SiO2@Al2O3 nanostructures deposited on Ti3AlC2 to enhance high-temperature stability and microwave absorption properties
  25. Solution-processed Bi2S3/BiVO4/TiO2 ternary heterojunction photoanode with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance
  26. Electroporation effect of ZnO nanoarrays under low voltage for water disinfection
  27. NIR-II window absorbing graphene oxide-coated gold nanorods and graphene quantum dot-coupled gold nanorods for photothermal cancer therapy
  28. Nonlinear three-dimensional stability characteristics of geometrically imperfect nanoshells under axial compression and surface residual stress
  29. Investigation of different nanoparticles properties on the thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluids by molecular dynamics simulation
  30. Optimized Cu2O-{100} facet for generation of different reactive oxidative species via peroxymonosulfate activation at specific pH values to efficient acetaminophen removal
  31. Brownian and thermal diffusivity impact due to the Maxwell nanofluid (graphene/engine oil) flow with motile microorganisms and Joule heating
  32. Appraising the dielectric properties and the effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding of graphene reinforced silicone rubber nanocomposite
  33. Synthesis of Ag and Cu nanoparticles by plasma discharge in inorganic salt solutions
  34. Low-cost and large-scale preparation of ultrafine TiO2@C hybrids for high-performance degradation of methyl orange and formaldehyde under visible light
  35. Utilization of waste glass with natural pozzolan in the production of self-glazed glass-ceramic materials
  36. Mechanical performance of date palm fiber-reinforced concrete modified with nano-activated carbon
  37. Melting point of dried gold nanoparticles prepared with ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and lyophilisation
  38. Graphene nanofibers: A modern approach towards tailored gypsum composites
  39. Role of localized magnetic field in vortex generation in tri-hybrid nanofluid flow: A numerical approach
  40. Intelligent computing for the double-diffusive peristaltic rheology of magneto couple stress nanomaterials
  41. Bioconvection transport of upper convected Maxwell nanoliquid with gyrotactic microorganism, nonlinear thermal radiation, and chemical reaction
  42. 3D printing of porous Ti6Al4V bone tissue engineering scaffold and surface anodization preparation of nanotubes to enhance its biological property
  43. Bioinspired ferromagnetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles: Potential pharmaceutical and medical applications
  44. Significance of gyrotactic microorganisms on the MHD tangent hyperbolic nanofluid flow across an elastic slender surface: Numerical analysis
  45. Performance of polycarboxylate superplasticisers in seawater-blended cement: Effect from chemical structure and nano modification
  46. Entropy minimization of GO–Ag/KO cross-hybrid nanofluid over a convectively heated surface
  47. Oxygen plasma assisted room temperature bonding for manufacturing SU-8 polymer micro/nanoscale nozzle
  48. Performance and mechanism of CO2 reduction by DBD-coupled mesoporous SiO2
  49. Polyarylene ether nitrile dielectric films modified by HNTs@PDA hybrids for high-temperature resistant organic electronics field
  50. Exploration of generalized two-phase free convection magnetohydrodynamic flow of dusty tetra-hybrid Casson nanofluid between parallel microplates
  51. Hygrothermal bending analysis of sandwich nanoplates with FG porous core and piezomagnetic faces via nonlocal strain gradient theory
  52. Design and optimization of a TiO2/RGO-supported epoxy multilayer microwave absorber by the modified local best particle swarm optimization algorithm
  53. Mechanical properties and frost resistance of recycled brick aggregate concrete modified by nano-SiO2
  54. Self-template synthesis of hollow flower-like NiCo2O4 nanoparticles as an efficient bifunctional catalyst for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution in alkaline media
  55. High-performance wearable flexible strain sensors based on an AgNWs/rGO/TPU electrospun nanofiber film for monitoring human activities
  56. High-performance lithium–selenium batteries enabled by nitrogen-doped porous carbon from peanut meal
  57. Investigating effects of Lorentz forces and convective heating on ternary hybrid nanofluid flow over a curved surface using homotopy analysis method
  58. Exploring the potential of biogenic magnesium oxide nanoparticles for cytotoxicity: In vitro and in silico studies on HCT116 and HT29 cells and DPPH radical scavenging
  59. Enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes by heteroatom-doped nickel tungstate nanoparticles
  60. A facile method to synthesize nZVI-doped polypyrrole-based carbon nanotube for Ag(i) removal
  61. Improved osseointegration of dental titanium implants by TiO2 nanotube arrays with self-assembled recombinant IGF-1 in type 2 diabetes mellitus rat model
  62. Functionalized SWCNTs@Ag–TiO2 nanocomposites induce ROS-mediated apoptosis and autophagy in liver cancer cells
  63. Triboelectric nanogenerator based on a water droplet spring with a concave spherical surface for harvesting wave energy and detecting pressure
  64. A mathematical approach for modeling the blood flow containing nanoparticles by employing the Buongiorno’s model
  65. Molecular dynamics study on dynamic interlayer friction of graphene and its strain effect
  66. Induction of apoptosis and autophagy via regulation of AKT and JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in breast cancer cell lines exposed to gold nanoparticles loaded with TNF-α and combined with doxorubicin
  67. Effect of PVA fibers on durability of nano-SiO2-reinforced cement-based composites subjected to wet-thermal and chloride salt-coupled environment
  68. Effect of polyvinyl alcohol fibers on mechanical properties of nano-SiO2-reinforced geopolymer composites under a complex environment
  69. In vitro studies of titanium dioxide nanoparticles modified with glutathione as a potential drug delivery system
  70. Comparative investigations of Ag/H2O nanofluid and Ag-CuO/H2O hybrid nanofluid with Darcy-Forchheimer flow over a curved surface
  71. Study on deformation characteristics of multi-pass continuous drawing of micro copper wire based on crystal plasticity finite element method
  72. Properties of ultra-high-performance self-compacting fiber-reinforced concrete modified with nanomaterials
  73. Prediction of lap shear strength of GNP and TiO2/epoxy nanocomposite adhesives
  74. A novel exploration of how localized magnetic field affects vortex generation of trihybrid nanofluids
  75. Fabrication and physicochemical characterization of copper oxide–pyrrhotite nanocomposites for the cytotoxic effects on HepG2 cells and the mechanism
  76. Thermal radiative flow of cross nanofluid due to a stretched cylinder containing microorganisms
  77. In vitro study of the biphasic calcium phosphate/chitosan hybrid biomaterial scaffold fabricated via solvent casting and evaporation technique for bone regeneration
  78. Insights into the thermal characteristics and dynamics of stagnant blood conveying titanium oxide, alumina, and silver nanoparticles subject to Lorentz force and internal heating over a curved surface
  79. Effects of nano-SiO2 additives on carbon fiber-reinforced fly ash–slag geopolymer composites performance: Workability, mechanical properties, and microstructure
  80. Energy bandgap and thermal characteristics of non-Darcian MHD rotating hybridity nanofluid thin film flow: Nanotechnology application
  81. Green synthesis and characterization of ginger-extract-based oxali-palladium nanoparticles for colorectal cancer: Downregulation of REG4 and apoptosis induction
  82. Abnormal evolution of resistivity and microstructure of annealed Ag nanoparticles/Ag–Mo films
  83. Preparation of water-based dextran-coated Fe3O4 magnetic fluid for magnetic hyperthermia
  84. Statistical investigations and morphological aspects of cross-rheological material suspended in transportation of alumina, silica, titanium, and ethylene glycol via the Galerkin algorithm
  85. Effect of CNT film interleaves on the flexural properties and strength after impact of CFRP composites
  86. Self-assembled nanoscale entities: Preparative process optimization, payload release, and enhanced bioavailability of thymoquinone natural product
  87. Structure–mechanical property relationships of 3D-printed porous polydimethylsiloxane films
  88. Nonlinear thermal radiation and the slip effect on a 3D bioconvection flow of the Casson nanofluid in a rotating frame via a homotopy analysis mechanism
  89. Residual mechanical properties of concrete incorporated with nano supplementary cementitious materials exposed to elevated temperature
  90. Time-independent three-dimensional flow of a water-based hybrid nanofluid past a Riga plate with slips and convective conditions: A homotopic solution
  91. Lightweight and high-strength polyarylene ether nitrile-based composites for efficient electromagnetic interference shielding
  92. Review Articles
  93. Recycling waste sources into nanocomposites of graphene materials: Overview from an energy-focused perspective
  94. Hybrid nanofiller reinforcement in thermoset and biothermoset applications: A review
  95. Current state-of-the-art review of nanotechnology-based therapeutics for viral pandemics: Special attention to COVID-19
  96. Solid lipid nanoparticles for targeted natural and synthetic drugs delivery in high-incidence cancers, and other diseases: Roles of preparation methods, lipid composition, transitional stability, and release profiles in nanocarriers’ development
  97. Critical review on experimental and theoretical studies of elastic properties of wurtzite-structured ZnO nanowires
  98. Polyurea micro-/nano-capsule applications in construction industry: A review
  99. A comprehensive review and clinical guide to molecular and serological diagnostic tests and future development: In vitro diagnostic testing for COVID-19
  100. Recent advances in electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid: Mechanism, catalyst, coupling system
  101. Research progress and prospect of silica-based polymer nanofluids in enhanced oil recovery
  102. Review of the pharmacokinetics of nanodrugs
  103. Engineered nanoflowers, nanotrees, nanostars, nanodendrites, and nanoleaves for biomedical applications
  104. Research progress of biopolymers combined with stem cells in the repair of intrauterine adhesions
  105. Progress in FEM modeling on mechanical and electromechanical properties of carbon nanotube cement-based composites
  106. Antifouling induced by surface wettability of poly(dimethyl siloxane) and its nanocomposites
  107. TiO2 aerogel composite high-efficiency photocatalysts for environmental treatment and hydrogen energy production
  108. Structural properties of alumina surfaces and their roles in the synthesis of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs)
  109. Nanoparticles for the potential treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: A physiopathological approach
  110. Current status of synthesis and consolidation strategies for thermo-resistant nanoalloys and their general applications
  111. Recent research progress on the stimuli-responsive smart membrane: A review
  112. Dispersion of carbon nanotubes in aqueous cementitious materials: A review
  113. Applications of DNA tetrahedron nanostructure in cancer diagnosis and anticancer drugs delivery
  114. Magnetic nanoparticles in 3D-printed scaffolds for biomedical applications
  115. An overview of the synthesis of silicon carbide–boron carbide composite powders
  116. Organolead halide perovskites: Synthetic routes, structural features, and their potential in the development of photovoltaic
  117. Recent advancements in nanotechnology application on wood and bamboo materials: A review
  118. Application of aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials in molecular imaging of tumors
  119. Recent progress on corrosion mechanisms of graphene-reinforced metal matrix composites
  120. Research progress on preparation, modification, and application of phenolic aerogel
  121. Application of nanomaterials in early diagnosis of cancer
  122. Plant mediated-green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles: An insight into biomedical applications
  123. Recent developments in terahertz quantum cascade lasers for practical applications
  124. Recent progress in dielectric/metal/dielectric electrodes for foldable light-emitting devices
  125. Nanocoatings for ballistic applications: A review
  126. A mini-review on MoS2 membrane for water desalination: Recent development and challenges
  127. Recent updates in nanotechnological advances for wound healing: A narrative review
  128. Recent advances in DNA nanomaterials for cancer diagnosis and treatment
  129. Electrochemical micro- and nanobiosensors for in vivo reactive oxygen/nitrogen species measurement in the brain
  130. Advances in organic–inorganic nanocomposites for cancer imaging and therapy
  131. Advancements in aluminum matrix composites reinforced with carbides and graphene: A comprehensive review
  132. Modification effects of nanosilica on asphalt binders: A review
  133. Decellularized extracellular matrix as a promising biomaterial for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration
  134. Review of the sol–gel method in preparing nano TiO2 for advanced oxidation process
  135. Micro/nano manufacturing aircraft surface with anti-icing and deicing performances: An overview
  136. Cell type-targeting nanoparticles in treating central nervous system diseases: Challenges and hopes
  137. An overview of hydrogen production from Al-based materials
  138. A review of application, modification, and prospect of melamine foam
  139. A review of the performance of fibre-reinforced composite laminates with carbon nanotubes
  140. Research on AFM tip-related nanofabrication of two-dimensional materials
  141. Advances in phase change building materials: An overview
  142. Development of graphene and graphene quantum dots toward biomedical engineering applications: A review
  143. Nanoremediation approaches for the mitigation of heavy metal contamination in vegetables: An overview
  144. Photodynamic therapy empowered by nanotechnology for oral and dental science: Progress and perspectives
  145. Biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles: Bioreduction and biomineralization
  146. Current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) and the role of nanomaterial-based theragnosis in combating the pandemic
  147. Application of two-dimensional black phosphorus material in wound healing
  148. Special Issue on Advanced Nanomaterials and Composites for Energy Conversion and Storage - Part I
  149. Helical fluorinated carbon nanotubes/iron(iii) fluoride hybrid with multilevel transportation channels and rich active sites for lithium/fluorinated carbon primary battery
  150. The progress of cathode materials in aqueous zinc-ion batteries
  151. Special Issue on Advanced Nanomaterials for Carbon Capture, Environment and Utilization for Energy Sustainability - Part I
  152. Effect of polypropylene fiber and nano-silica on the compressive strength and frost resistance of recycled brick aggregate concrete
  153. Mechanochemical design of nanomaterials for catalytic applications with a benign-by-design focus
https://doi.org/10.1515/ntrev-2022-0546
Keywords for this article
breast cancer; silver nanoparticles; chitosan; IL-6; TNF-α
Creative Commons
BY 4.0

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Research Articles
  2. Preparation of CdS–Ag2S nanocomposites by ultrasound-assisted UV photolysis treatment and its visible light photocatalysis activity
  3. Significance of nanoparticle radius and inter-particle spacing toward the radiative water-based alumina nanofluid flow over a rotating disk
  4. Aptamer-based detection of serotonin based on the rapid in situ synthesis of colorimetric gold nanoparticles
  5. Investigation of the nucleation and growth behavior of Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC nano-precipitates in TiAl alloys
  6. Dynamic recrystallization behavior and nucleation mechanism of dual-scale SiCp/A356 composites processed by P/M method
  7. High mechanical performance of 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane/epoxy cured in a sandwich construction of 3D carbon felts foam and woven basalt fibers
  8. Applying solution of spray polyurea elastomer in asphalt binder: Feasibility analysis and DSR study based on the MSCR and LAS tests
  9. Study on the chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity of iron-based bioabsorbable stents
  10. Influence of microalloying with B on the microstructure and properties of brazed joints with Ag–Cu–Zn–Sn filler metal
  11. Thermohydraulic performance of thermal system integrated with twisted turbulator inserts using ternary hybrid nanofluids
  12. Study of mechanical properties of epoxy/graphene and epoxy/halloysite nanocomposites
  13. Effects of CaO addition on the CuW composite containing micro- and nano-sized tungsten particles synthesized via aluminothermic coupling with silicothermic reduction
  14. Cu and Al2O3-based hybrid nanofluid flow through a porous cavity
  15. Design of functional vancomycin-embedded bio-derived extracellular matrix hydrogels for repairing infectious bone defects
  16. Study on nanocrystalline coating prepared by electro-spraying 316L metal wire and its corrosion performance
  17. Axial compression performance of CFST columns reinforced by ultra-high-performance nano-concrete under long-term loading
  18. Tungsten trioxide nanocomposite for conventional soliton and noise-like pulse generation in anomalous dispersion laser cavity
  19. Microstructure and electrical contact behavior of the nano-yttria-modified Cu-Al2O3/30Mo/3SiC composite
  20. Melting rheology in thermally stratified graphene-mineral oil reservoir (third-grade nanofluid) with slip condition
  21. Re-examination of nonlinear vibration and nonlinear bending of porous sandwich cylindrical panels reinforced by graphene platelets
  22. Parametric simulation of hybrid nanofluid flow consisting of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with second-order slip and variable viscosity over an extending surface
  23. Chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles with potent and selective intrinsic activity against the breast cancer cells
  24. Multi-core/shell SiO2@Al2O3 nanostructures deposited on Ti3AlC2 to enhance high-temperature stability and microwave absorption properties
  25. Solution-processed Bi2S3/BiVO4/TiO2 ternary heterojunction photoanode with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance
  26. Electroporation effect of ZnO nanoarrays under low voltage for water disinfection
  27. NIR-II window absorbing graphene oxide-coated gold nanorods and graphene quantum dot-coupled gold nanorods for photothermal cancer therapy
  28. Nonlinear three-dimensional stability characteristics of geometrically imperfect nanoshells under axial compression and surface residual stress
  29. Investigation of different nanoparticles properties on the thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluids by molecular dynamics simulation
  30. Optimized Cu2O-{100} facet for generation of different reactive oxidative species via peroxymonosulfate activation at specific pH values to efficient acetaminophen removal
  31. Brownian and thermal diffusivity impact due to the Maxwell nanofluid (graphene/engine oil) flow with motile microorganisms and Joule heating
  32. Appraising the dielectric properties and the effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding of graphene reinforced silicone rubber nanocomposite
  33. Synthesis of Ag and Cu nanoparticles by plasma discharge in inorganic salt solutions
  34. Low-cost and large-scale preparation of ultrafine TiO2@C hybrids for high-performance degradation of methyl orange and formaldehyde under visible light
  35. Utilization of waste glass with natural pozzolan in the production of self-glazed glass-ceramic materials
  36. Mechanical performance of date palm fiber-reinforced concrete modified with nano-activated carbon
  37. Melting point of dried gold nanoparticles prepared with ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and lyophilisation
  38. Graphene nanofibers: A modern approach towards tailored gypsum composites
  39. Role of localized magnetic field in vortex generation in tri-hybrid nanofluid flow: A numerical approach
  40. Intelligent computing for the double-diffusive peristaltic rheology of magneto couple stress nanomaterials
  41. Bioconvection transport of upper convected Maxwell nanoliquid with gyrotactic microorganism, nonlinear thermal radiation, and chemical reaction
  42. 3D printing of porous Ti6Al4V bone tissue engineering scaffold and surface anodization preparation of nanotubes to enhance its biological property
  43. Bioinspired ferromagnetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles: Potential pharmaceutical and medical applications
  44. Significance of gyrotactic microorganisms on the MHD tangent hyperbolic nanofluid flow across an elastic slender surface: Numerical analysis
  45. Performance of polycarboxylate superplasticisers in seawater-blended cement: Effect from chemical structure and nano modification
  46. Entropy minimization of GO–Ag/KO cross-hybrid nanofluid over a convectively heated surface
  47. Oxygen plasma assisted room temperature bonding for manufacturing SU-8 polymer micro/nanoscale nozzle
  48. Performance and mechanism of CO2 reduction by DBD-coupled mesoporous SiO2
  49. Polyarylene ether nitrile dielectric films modified by HNTs@PDA hybrids for high-temperature resistant organic electronics field
  50. Exploration of generalized two-phase free convection magnetohydrodynamic flow of dusty tetra-hybrid Casson nanofluid between parallel microplates
  51. Hygrothermal bending analysis of sandwich nanoplates with FG porous core and piezomagnetic faces via nonlocal strain gradient theory
  52. Design and optimization of a TiO2/RGO-supported epoxy multilayer microwave absorber by the modified local best particle swarm optimization algorithm
  53. Mechanical properties and frost resistance of recycled brick aggregate concrete modified by nano-SiO2
  54. Self-template synthesis of hollow flower-like NiCo2O4 nanoparticles as an efficient bifunctional catalyst for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution in alkaline media
  55. High-performance wearable flexible strain sensors based on an AgNWs/rGO/TPU electrospun nanofiber film for monitoring human activities
  56. High-performance lithium–selenium batteries enabled by nitrogen-doped porous carbon from peanut meal
  57. Investigating effects of Lorentz forces and convective heating on ternary hybrid nanofluid flow over a curved surface using homotopy analysis method
  58. Exploring the potential of biogenic magnesium oxide nanoparticles for cytotoxicity: In vitro and in silico studies on HCT116 and HT29 cells and DPPH radical scavenging
  59. Enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes by heteroatom-doped nickel tungstate nanoparticles
  60. A facile method to synthesize nZVI-doped polypyrrole-based carbon nanotube for Ag(i) removal
  61. Improved osseointegration of dental titanium implants by TiO2 nanotube arrays with self-assembled recombinant IGF-1 in type 2 diabetes mellitus rat model
  62. Functionalized SWCNTs@Ag–TiO2 nanocomposites induce ROS-mediated apoptosis and autophagy in liver cancer cells
  63. Triboelectric nanogenerator based on a water droplet spring with a concave spherical surface for harvesting wave energy and detecting pressure
  64. A mathematical approach for modeling the blood flow containing nanoparticles by employing the Buongiorno’s model
  65. Molecular dynamics study on dynamic interlayer friction of graphene and its strain effect
  66. Induction of apoptosis and autophagy via regulation of AKT and JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in breast cancer cell lines exposed to gold nanoparticles loaded with TNF-α and combined with doxorubicin
  67. Effect of PVA fibers on durability of nano-SiO2-reinforced cement-based composites subjected to wet-thermal and chloride salt-coupled environment
  68. Effect of polyvinyl alcohol fibers on mechanical properties of nano-SiO2-reinforced geopolymer composites under a complex environment
  69. In vitro studies of titanium dioxide nanoparticles modified with glutathione as a potential drug delivery system
  70. Comparative investigations of Ag/H2O nanofluid and Ag-CuO/H2O hybrid nanofluid with Darcy-Forchheimer flow over a curved surface
  71. Study on deformation characteristics of multi-pass continuous drawing of micro copper wire based on crystal plasticity finite element method
  72. Properties of ultra-high-performance self-compacting fiber-reinforced concrete modified with nanomaterials
  73. Prediction of lap shear strength of GNP and TiO2/epoxy nanocomposite adhesives
  74. A novel exploration of how localized magnetic field affects vortex generation of trihybrid nanofluids
  75. Fabrication and physicochemical characterization of copper oxide–pyrrhotite nanocomposites for the cytotoxic effects on HepG2 cells and the mechanism
  76. Thermal radiative flow of cross nanofluid due to a stretched cylinder containing microorganisms
  77. In vitro study of the biphasic calcium phosphate/chitosan hybrid biomaterial scaffold fabricated via solvent casting and evaporation technique for bone regeneration
  78. Insights into the thermal characteristics and dynamics of stagnant blood conveying titanium oxide, alumina, and silver nanoparticles subject to Lorentz force and internal heating over a curved surface
  79. Effects of nano-SiO2 additives on carbon fiber-reinforced fly ash–slag geopolymer composites performance: Workability, mechanical properties, and microstructure
  80. Energy bandgap and thermal characteristics of non-Darcian MHD rotating hybridity nanofluid thin film flow: Nanotechnology application
  81. Green synthesis and characterization of ginger-extract-based oxali-palladium nanoparticles for colorectal cancer: Downregulation of REG4 and apoptosis induction
  82. Abnormal evolution of resistivity and microstructure of annealed Ag nanoparticles/Ag–Mo films
  83. Preparation of water-based dextran-coated Fe3O4 magnetic fluid for magnetic hyperthermia
  84. Statistical investigations and morphological aspects of cross-rheological material suspended in transportation of alumina, silica, titanium, and ethylene glycol via the Galerkin algorithm
  85. Effect of CNT film interleaves on the flexural properties and strength after impact of CFRP composites
  86. Self-assembled nanoscale entities: Preparative process optimization, payload release, and enhanced bioavailability of thymoquinone natural product
  87. Structure–mechanical property relationships of 3D-printed porous polydimethylsiloxane films
  88. Nonlinear thermal radiation and the slip effect on a 3D bioconvection flow of the Casson nanofluid in a rotating frame via a homotopy analysis mechanism
  89. Residual mechanical properties of concrete incorporated with nano supplementary cementitious materials exposed to elevated temperature
  90. Time-independent three-dimensional flow of a water-based hybrid nanofluid past a Riga plate with slips and convective conditions: A homotopic solution
  91. Lightweight and high-strength polyarylene ether nitrile-based composites for efficient electromagnetic interference shielding
  92. Review Articles
  93. Recycling waste sources into nanocomposites of graphene materials: Overview from an energy-focused perspective
  94. Hybrid nanofiller reinforcement in thermoset and biothermoset applications: A review
  95. Current state-of-the-art review of nanotechnology-based therapeutics for viral pandemics: Special attention to COVID-19
  96. Solid lipid nanoparticles for targeted natural and synthetic drugs delivery in high-incidence cancers, and other diseases: Roles of preparation methods, lipid composition, transitional stability, and release profiles in nanocarriers’ development
  97. Critical review on experimental and theoretical studies of elastic properties of wurtzite-structured ZnO nanowires
  98. Polyurea micro-/nano-capsule applications in construction industry: A review
  99. A comprehensive review and clinical guide to molecular and serological diagnostic tests and future development: In vitro diagnostic testing for COVID-19
  100. Recent advances in electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid: Mechanism, catalyst, coupling system
  101. Research progress and prospect of silica-based polymer nanofluids in enhanced oil recovery
  102. Review of the pharmacokinetics of nanodrugs
  103. Engineered nanoflowers, nanotrees, nanostars, nanodendrites, and nanoleaves for biomedical applications
  104. Research progress of biopolymers combined with stem cells in the repair of intrauterine adhesions
  105. Progress in FEM modeling on mechanical and electromechanical properties of carbon nanotube cement-based composites
  106. Antifouling induced by surface wettability of poly(dimethyl siloxane) and its nanocomposites
  107. TiO2 aerogel composite high-efficiency photocatalysts for environmental treatment and hydrogen energy production
  108. Structural properties of alumina surfaces and their roles in the synthesis of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs)
  109. Nanoparticles for the potential treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: A physiopathological approach
  110. Current status of synthesis and consolidation strategies for thermo-resistant nanoalloys and their general applications
  111. Recent research progress on the stimuli-responsive smart membrane: A review
  112. Dispersion of carbon nanotubes in aqueous cementitious materials: A review
  113. Applications of DNA tetrahedron nanostructure in cancer diagnosis and anticancer drugs delivery
  114. Magnetic nanoparticles in 3D-printed scaffolds for biomedical applications
  115. An overview of the synthesis of silicon carbide–boron carbide composite powders
  116. Organolead halide perovskites: Synthetic routes, structural features, and their potential in the development of photovoltaic
  117. Recent advancements in nanotechnology application on wood and bamboo materials: A review
  118. Application of aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials in molecular imaging of tumors
  119. Recent progress on corrosion mechanisms of graphene-reinforced metal matrix composites
  120. Research progress on preparation, modification, and application of phenolic aerogel
  121. Application of nanomaterials in early diagnosis of cancer
  122. Plant mediated-green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles: An insight into biomedical applications
  123. Recent developments in terahertz quantum cascade lasers for practical applications
  124. Recent progress in dielectric/metal/dielectric electrodes for foldable light-emitting devices
  125. Nanocoatings for ballistic applications: A review
  126. A mini-review on MoS2 membrane for water desalination: Recent development and challenges
  127. Recent updates in nanotechnological advances for wound healing: A narrative review
  128. Recent advances in DNA nanomaterials for cancer diagnosis and treatment
  129. Electrochemical micro- and nanobiosensors for in vivo reactive oxygen/nitrogen species measurement in the brain
  130. Advances in organic–inorganic nanocomposites for cancer imaging and therapy
  131. Advancements in aluminum matrix composites reinforced with carbides and graphene: A comprehensive review
  132. Modification effects of nanosilica on asphalt binders: A review
  133. Decellularized extracellular matrix as a promising biomaterial for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration
  134. Review of the sol–gel method in preparing nano TiO2 for advanced oxidation process
  135. Micro/nano manufacturing aircraft surface with anti-icing and deicing performances: An overview
  136. Cell type-targeting nanoparticles in treating central nervous system diseases: Challenges and hopes
  137. An overview of hydrogen production from Al-based materials
  138. A review of application, modification, and prospect of melamine foam
  139. A review of the performance of fibre-reinforced composite laminates with carbon nanotubes
  140. Research on AFM tip-related nanofabrication of two-dimensional materials
  141. Advances in phase change building materials: An overview
  142. Development of graphene and graphene quantum dots toward biomedical engineering applications: A review
  143. Nanoremediation approaches for the mitigation of heavy metal contamination in vegetables: An overview
  144. Photodynamic therapy empowered by nanotechnology for oral and dental science: Progress and perspectives
  145. Biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles: Bioreduction and biomineralization
  146. Current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) and the role of nanomaterial-based theragnosis in combating the pandemic
  147. Application of two-dimensional black phosphorus material in wound healing
  148. Special Issue on Advanced Nanomaterials and Composites for Energy Conversion and Storage - Part I
  149. Helical fluorinated carbon nanotubes/iron(iii) fluoride hybrid with multilevel transportation channels and rich active sites for lithium/fluorinated carbon primary battery
  150. The progress of cathode materials in aqueous zinc-ion batteries
  151. Special Issue on Advanced Nanomaterials for Carbon Capture, Environment and Utilization for Energy Sustainability - Part I
  152. Effect of polypropylene fiber and nano-silica on the compressive strength and frost resistance of recycled brick aggregate concrete
  153. Mechanochemical design of nanomaterials for catalytic applications with a benign-by-design focus
Sign up now to receive a 20% welcome discount
Institutional Access
How does access work?
Have an idea on how to improve our website?
Please write us.
© 2025 De Gruyter Brill
Downloaded on 10.9.2025 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/ntrev-2022-0546/html
Scroll to top button