Showing papers on "Nanobiotechnology published in 2012"

Gold nanoparticles: preparation, properties, and applications in bionanotechnology.

Abstract: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are important components for biomedical applications. AuNPs have been widely employed for diagnostics, and have seen increasing use in the area of therapeutics. In this mini-review, we present fabrication strategies for AuNPs and highlight a selection of recent applications of these materials in bionanotechnology.

Instantaneous and Quantitative Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles with Thiolated DNA Using a pH-Assisted and Surfactant-Free Route

Abstract: The attachment of thiolated DNA to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has enabled many landmark works in nanobiotechnology. This conjugate chemistry is typically performed using a salt-aging protocol where, in the presence of an excess amount of DNA, NaCl is gradually added to increase DNA loading over 1–2 days. To functionalize large AuNPs, surfactants need to be used, which may generate difficulties for downstream biological applications. We report herein a novel method using a pH 3.0 citrate buffer to complete the attachment process in a few minutes. More importantly, it allows for quantitative DNA adsorption, eliminating the need to quantify the number of adsorbed DNA and allowing the adsorption of multiple DNAs with different sequences at predetermined ratios. The method has been tested for various DNAs over a wide range of AuNP sizes. Our work suggests a synergistic effect between pH and salt in DNA attachment and reveals the fundamental kinetics of AuNP aggregation versus DNA adsorption, providing a novel ...

Prospects and applications of nanobiotechnology: a medical perspective

Abstract: Background Nanobiotechnology is the application of nanotechnology in biological fields. Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that currently recruits approach, technology and facility available in conventional as well as advanced avenues of engineering, physics, chemistry and biology.

Designer nanomaterials using chiral self-assembling peptide systems and their emerging benefit for society

Abstract: Chirality is absolutely central in chemistry and biology. The recent findings of chiral self-assembling peptides’ remarkable chemical complementarity and structural compatibility make it one of the most inspired designer materials and structures in nanobiotechnology. The emerging field of designer chemistry and biology further explores biological and medical applications of these simple D,L- amino acids through producing marvellous nanostructures under physiological conditions. These self-assembled structures include well-ordered nanofibers, nanotubes and nanovesicles. These structures have been used for 3-dimensional tissue cultures of primary cells and stem cells, sustained release of small molecules, growth factors and monoclonal antibodies, accelerated wound-healing in reparative and regenerative medicine as well as tissue engineering. Recent advances in molecular designs have also led to the development of 3D fine-tuned bioactive tissue culture scaffolds. They are also used to stabilize membrane proteins including difficult G-protein coupled receptors for designing nanobiodevices. One of the self-assembling peptides has been used in human clinical trials for accelerated wound-healings. It is our hope that these peptide materials will open doors for more and diverse clinical uses. The field of chiral self-assembling peptide nanobiotechnology is growing in a number of directions that has led to many surprises in areas of novel materials, synthetic biology, clinical medicine and beyond.

Instantaneous Attachment of an Ultrahigh Density of Nonthiolated DNA to Gold Nanoparticles and Its Applications

Abstract: The last 16 years have witnessed the landmark development of polyvalent thiolated DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNP's) possessing striking properties within the emerging field of nanobiotechnology. Many novel properties of this hybrid nanomaterial are attributed to the dense DNA shell. However, the question of whether nonthiolated polyvalent DNA–AuNP could be fabricated with a high DNA density and properties similar to those of its thiolated counterpart has not been explored in detail. Herein, we report that by simply tuning the pH of the DNA–AuNP mixture an ultrahigh capacity of nonthiolated DNA can be conjugated to AuNP's in a few minutes, resulting in polyvalent DNA–AuNP conjugates with cooperative melting behavior, a typical property of polyvalent thiolated DNA-functionalized AuNP's. With this method, large AuNP's (e.g., 50 nm) can be functionalized to achieve the colorimetric detection of sub-nanometer DNA. Furthermore, this fast, stable DNA loading was employed to separate AuNP's of differ...

Docking of ubiquitin to gold nanoparticles.

Abstract: Protein–nanoparticle associations have important applications in nanoscience and nanotechnology such as targeted drug delivery and theranostics. However, the mechanisms by which proteins recognize nanoparticles and the determinants of specificity are still poorly understood at the microscopic level. Gold is a promising material in nanoparticles for nanobiotechnology applications because of the ease of its functionalization and its tunable optical properties. Ubiquitin is a small, cysteine-free protein (ubiquitous in eukaryotes) whose binding to gold nanoparticles has been characterized recently by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). To reveal the molecular basis of these protein–nanoparticle interactions, we performed simulations at multiple levels (ab initio quantum mechanics, classical molecular dynamics and Brownian dynamics) and compared the results with experimental data (circular dichroism and NMR). The results provide a model of the ensemble of structures constituting the ubiquitin–gold surface compl...

Organically modified silica nanoparticles are biocompatible and can be targeted to neurons in vivo.

Abstract: The application of nanotechnology in biological research is beginning to have a major impact leading to the development of new types of tools for human health. One focus of nanobiotechnology is the development of nanoparticle-based formulations for use in drug or gene delivery systems. However most of the nano probes currently in use have varying levels of toxicity in cells or whole organisms and therefore are not suitable for in vivo application or long-term use. Here we test the potential of a novel silica based nanoparticle (organically modified silica, ORMOSIL) in living neurons within a whole organism. We show that feeding ORMOSIL nanoparticles to Drosophila has no effect on viability. ORMOSIL nanoparticles penetrate into living brains, neuronal cell bodies and axonal projections. In the neuronal cell body, nanoparticles are present in the cytoplasm, but not in the nucleus. Strikingly, incorporation of ORMOSIL nanoparticles into the brain did not induce aberrant neuronal death or interfered with normal neuronal processes. Our results in Drosophila indicate that these novel silica based nanoparticles are biocompatible and not toxic to whole organisms, and has potential for the development of long-term applications.

Determining peptide sequence effects that control the size, structure, and function of nanoparticles.

Abstract: The ability to tune the size, shape, and composition of nanomaterials at length scales <10 nm remains a challenging task. Such capabilities are required to fully realize the application of nanotechnology for catalysis, energy storage, and biomedical technologies. Conversely, nature employs biomacromolecules such as proteins and peptides as highly specific nanoparticle ligands that demonstrate exacting precision over the particle morphology through controlling the biotic/abiotic interface. Here we demonstrate the ability to finely tune the size, surface structure, and functionality of single-crystal Pd nanoparticles between 2 and 3 nm using materials directing peptides. This was achieved by selectively altering the peptide sequence to change the binding motif, which in turn modifies the surface structure of the particles. The materials were fully characterized before and after reduction using atomically resolved spectroscopic and microscopic analyses, which indicated that the coordination environment prior...

Bionanotechnology and Nanomedicine

Abstract: This special issue contains contributions from the broad interdisciplinary fields of bionanotechnology and nanomedicine. Nanotechnology has great promise in biology and medicine. This includes new approaches to fundamental studies, improved methods for detection of protein or nucleic acid-based biomarkers of disease, and new ways to administer drugs or vaccines or enhancing their effects. The tools of nanotechnology provide new insights into mechanisms of normal biological functions and diseases. Novel nanotechnology-based imaging methods reveal structural and functional information at progressively higher levels of resolution, both in vitro, in cells and in organisms. Molecular components of biological systems on their own can be often viewed as nanoscale machines with functions that have been tuned through evolution and with design principles often based on self-assembly and self-organization phenomena. These biological nanomachines can be incorporated into micro- and nanofabricated devices, a merger that yields novel structures and functionalities.

Atomic layer deposition: A versatile technique for plasmonics and nanobiotechnology

Abstract: While atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been used for many years as an industrial manufacturing method for microprocessors and displays, this versatile technique is finding increased use in the emerging fields of plasmonics and nanobiotechnology. In particular, ALD coatings can modify metallic surfaces to tune their optical and plasmonic properties, to protect them against unwanted oxidation and contamination, or to create biocompatible surfaces. Furthermore, ALD is unique among thin-film deposition techniques in its ability to meet the processing demands for engineering nanoplasmonic devices, offering conformal deposition of dense and ultra-thin films on high-aspect-ratio nanostructures at temperatures below 100 °C. In this review, we present key features of ALD and describe how it could benefit future applications in plasmonics, nanosciences, and biotechnology.

Designer Nanomaterials Using Chiral Self‐Assembling Peptide Systems and Their Emerging Benefit for Society

Abstract: Chirality is absolutely central in chemistry and biology. The recent findings of chiral self-assembling peptides’ remarkable chemical complementarity and structural compatibility make it one of the most inspired designer materials and structures in nanobiotechnology. The emerging field of designer chemistry and biology further explores biological and medical applications of these simple D,L- amino acids through producing marvellous nanostructures under physiological conditions. These self-assembled structures include well-ordered nanofibers, nanotubes and nanovesicles. These structures have been used for 3-dimensional tissue cultures of primary cells and stem cells, sustained release of small molecules, growth factors and monoclonal antibodies, accelerated wound-healing in reparative and regenerative medicine as well as tissue engineering. Recent advances in molecular designs have also led to the development of 3D fine-tuned bioactive tissue culture scaffolds. They are also used to stabilize membrane proteins including difficult G-protein coupled receptors for designing nanobiodevices. One of the self-assembling peptides has been used in human clinical trials for accelerated wound-healings. It is our hope that these peptide materials will open doors for more and diverse clinical uses. The field of chiral self-assembling peptide nanobiotechnology is growing in a number of directions that has led to many surprises in areas of novel materials, synthetic biology, clinical medicine and beyond.

Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology

Abstract: Nowadays nanotechnology has become a technological field with great potential since it can be applied in almost every aspect of modern life. One of the sectors where nanotechnology is expected to play a vital role is the field of medical science. The interaction of nanotechnology with medicine gave birth to a completely new scientific field called nanomedicine. Nanomedicine is a field that aims to use the nanotechnology tools and principles in order to improve human health in every possible way. Nanotechnology provides monitoring tools and technology platforms that can be used in terms of detection, diagnostic, bioanalysis and imaging. New nanoscale drug-delivery systems are constantly designed with different morphological and chemical characteristics and unique specificity against tumours, offering a less harmful approach alternative to chemoand radiotherapies. Furthermore, nanotechnology has led to great breakthroughs in the field of tissue engineering, making the replacement of damaged tissues and organs a much feasible procedure. The thorough analysis of bio and non-bio interactions achieved by versatile nanotools is essential for the design and development of highly performed medical implants. The continuous revolution in nanotechnology will result in the fabrication of nanostructures with properties and functionalities that can benefit patient’s physiology faster and more effectively than conventional medical procedures and protocols. The number of nanoscale therapeutical products is rapidly growing since more and more nanomedical designs are reaching the global market. However the nanotoxic impact that these designs can have on human health is an era that requires still more investigation. The development of specific guidance documents at a European level for the safety evaluation of nanotechnology products in medicine is strongly recommended and the need for further research in nanotoxicology is identified. Ethical and moral concerns also need to be addressed in parallel with the new developments. S. Logothetidis ( ) Physics Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece e-mail: logot@auth.gr S. Logothetidis (ed.), Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology, NanoScience and Technology, DOI 10.1007/978-3-642-24181-9 1, © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012 1

Peptide and protein‐based nanotubes for nanobiotechnology

Abstract: The development of biologically relevant nanosystems such as biomolecular probes and sensors requires systems that effectively interface specific biochemical environments with abiotic architectures. The most widely studied nanomaterial, carbon nanotubes, has proven challenging in their adaptation for biomedical applications despite their numerous advantageous physical and electrochemical properties. On the other hand, development of bionanosystems through adaptation of existing biological systems has several advantages including their adaptability through modern recombinant DNA strategies. Indeed, the use of peptides, proteins and protein assemblies as nanotubes, scaffolds, and nanowires has shown much promise as a bottom-up approach to the development of novel bionanosystems. We highlight several unique peptide and protein systems that generate protein nanotubes (PNTs) that are being explored for the development of biosensors, probes, bionanowires, and drug delivery systems.

Nano-biotechnology for biomedical and diagnostic research

Abstract: Preface.- 1. Biomolecule/Nanomaterial Hybrid Systems for Nanobiotechnology.- 1.1. Electrical Contacting of Enzymes with Electrodes for the Construction of Amperometric Biosensors and Biofuel Cells.- 1.2. Catalytic Properties of Metalic Nanoparticles (NPs) and their Implementation for Sensing and Nanocircuitry.- 1.3. Bioanalytical Applications of Hybrid Semiconductor-Protein Systems.- 1.4. Biomolecules as Templates for Nanoscale Circuitry.- 1.5. Conclusions and Perspectives.- 2. Superresolution Optical Flunctuation Imaging.- 2.1. Main article.- 2.2. Conclusion.- 3. Application of Nanoparticles for the Detection and Sorting of Pathogenic Bacteria by Flow-Cytometry.- 3.1. Introduction.- 3.2. Results.- 3.3. Conclusion.- 4. Advancing Nanostructured Porous Si-Based Optical Transducers for Label Free Bacteria Detection.- 4.1. Introduction.- 4.2. Materials and Methods.- 4.3. Results and Discussion.- 4.4. Conclusions.- 5. Gold Fibers as a Platform for Biosensing.- 5.1. Introduction.- 5.2. Experimental.- 5.3. Results and Discussion.- 5.4. Electrochemical Evaluation of Gox on Gold Fibers.- 5.5. Summary and Conclusions.- 6. Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Organic Molecules Adsorbed on Metallic Nanoparticles.- 6.1. Introduction.- 6.2. Experimental.- 6.3. Results and Discussion.- 6.4. Summary and Conclusions.- 7. Quantum Dots and Fluorescent Protein FRET-based Biosensors.- 7.1. Introduction.- 7.2. Materials and Methods.- 7.3. Results.- 7.4. Discussion.- 8. Semiconductor Quantum Dots as FRET-Acceptors for Multiplexed Diagnostics and Molecular Ruler Application.- 8.1. Introduction.- 8.2. Short Theoretical and Practical Background.- 8.3. Applications.- 8.4. Conclusions and Outlook.- 9. Assembly and Microscopic Characterization of DNA Origami Structures.- 9.1. Introduction.- 9.2. DNA as a Material for ?Molecular Self-Assembly.- 9.3. Modification of Origami Structures.- 9.4. Characterization of DNA Origami Structures.- 9.5. Conclusion and Outlook.- 10. DNA Nanotechnology.- 10.1. DNA Nanostructures for Amplified Sensing.- 10.2. Ultrasensitive Detection of DNA through Isothermal Replication Processes using DNA Enzymes.- 10.3. Programmed Nanostructures Acting as DNA Machines.- 10.4. Self-Assembly of Functional DNA-Protein Nanostructures.- 10.5. Conclusions and Perspectives.- 11. Role of Carbohydrate (lectin) receptors in the Macrophage Uptake of Dextran-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.- 11.1. Introduction.- 11.2. Materials and Methods.- 11.3. Results and Discussion.- 11.4. Conclusions.- 12. Toxicity of Gold Nanoparticles on Somatic and Reproductive Cells.- 12.1. Introduction.- 12.2. Effect of Gold Nanoparticles on Somatic Cells.- 12.3. Reproductive Toxicology of Gold Nanoparticles.- 12.4. Conclusion.-13. Ultrasound Activated Nano-Encapsulated Targeted Drug Delivery and Tumour Cell Poration.- 13.1. Introduction.- 13.2. Materials and Methods.- 13.3. Results.- 13.4. Discussion.- 13.5. Future Work.- 14. Ultrasound Mediated Localized Drug Delivery.- 14.1. Introduction.- 14.2. Ultrasound Intensity Level of 1.5 MPa.- 14.3. Ultrasound Intensity Levels Below 1 MPa.- 14.4. Localized SHERPA Activation.- 14.5. Discussion.- 14.6. Conclusions.- 15. Sonochemical Proteinaceous Microspheres for Wound Healing.- 15.1. Introduction.- 15.2. Materials and Methods.- 15.3. Results and Discussion.- 15.4. Conclusions.- 16. Alendronate Liposomes for Antitumor Therapy: Activation of gammadelta T Cells and Inhibition of Tumor Growth.- 16.1. Introduction.- 16.2. Materials and Methods.- 16.3. Results.- 16.4. Discussion.

DNA-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles in Macromolecularly Crowded Polymer Solutions

Abstract: DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are one of the most commonly used reagents in nanobiotechnology. They are important not only for practical applications in analytical chemistry and drug delivery, but also for fundamental understanding of nanoscience. For biological samples such as blood serum or for intracellular applications, the effects of crowded cellular proteins and nucleic acids need to be considered. The thermodynamic effect of crowding is to induce nanoparticle aggregation. But before such aggregation can take place, there might also be a depletion repulsive barrier. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is one of the most frequently used polymers to mimic the crowded cellular environment. We show herein that while DNA-functionalized AuNPs are very stable in buffer (e.g., no PEG) and citrate-capped AuNPs are very stable in PEG, DNA-functionalized AuNPs are unstable in PEG and are easily aggregated. Although such aggregation in PEG is mediated by DNA, no sharp melting transition typical for DNA-li...

Generic delivery of payload of nanoparticles intracellularly via hybrid polymer capsules for bioimaging applications.

Abstract: Towards the goal of development of a generic nanomaterial delivery system and delivery of the ‘as prepared’ nanoparticles without ‘further surface modification’ in a generic way, we have fabricated a hybrid polymer capsule as a delivery vehicle in which nanoparticles are loaded within their cavity. To this end, a generic approach to prepare nanomaterials-loaded polyelectrolyte multilayered (PEM) capsules has been reported, where polystyrene sulfonate (PSS)/polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH) polymer capsules were employed as nano/microreactors to synthesize variety of nanomaterials (metal nanoparticles; lanthanide doped inorganic nanoparticles; gadolinium based nanoparticles, cadmium based nanoparticles; different shapes of nanoparticles; co-loading of two types of nanoparticles) in their hollow cavity. These nanoparticles-loaded capsules were employed to demonstrate generic delivery of payload of nanoparticles intracellularly (HeLa cells), without the need of individual nanoparticle surface modification. Validation of intracellular internalization of nanoparticles-loaded capsules by HeLa cells was ascertained by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The green emission from Tb3+ was observed after internalization of LaF3:Tb3+(5%) nanoparticles-loaded capsules by HeLa cells, which suggests that nanoparticles in hybrid capsules retain their functionality within the cells. In vitro cytotoxicity studies of these nanoparticles-loaded capsules showed less/no cytotoxicity in comparison to blank capsules or untreated cells, thus offering a way of evading direct contact of nanoparticles with cells because of the presence of biocompatible polymeric shell of capsules. The proposed hybrid delivery system can be potentially developed to avoid a series of biological barriers and deliver multiple cargoes (both simultaneous and individual delivery) without the need of individual cargo design/modification.

Synthesis and characterisation of highly fluorescent core–shell nanoparticles based on Alexa dyes

Abstract: Current and future developments in the emerging field of nanobiotechnology are closely linked to the rational design of novel fluorescent nanomaterials, e.g. for biosensing and imaging applications. Here, the synthesis of bright near infrared (NIR)-emissive nanoparticles based on the grafting of silica nanoparticles (SNPs) with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) followed by covalent attachment of Alexa dyes and their subsequent shielding by an additional silica shell are presented. These nanoparticles were investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence spectroscopy. TEM studies revealed the monodispersity of the initially prepared and fluorophore-labelled silica particles and the subsequent formation of raspberry-like structures after addition of a silica precursor. Measurements of absolute fluorescence quantum yields of these scattering particle suspensions with an integrating sphere setup demonstrated the influence of dye labelling density-dependent fluorophore aggregation on the signaling behaviour of such nanoparticles.

Fabrication of lipid tubules with embedded quantum dots by membrane tubulation protein.

Abstract: The first one-dimensional (1D) assembly of low-toxicity CuInS(2) /ZnS quantum dots (QDs) embedded in lipid nanotubules, formed from liposomes using the Amphiphysin-BAR (Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs domain of human amphiphysin) protein to elongate the structure, is reported. The QD-containing lipid nanotubules display a high aspect ratio of ≈500:1 (≈40 nm diameter and 20 μm length) and are stable for more than 20 h. Furthermore, this methodology is extended to the assembly of various nanoparticle species within 1D lipid nanotubules, and includes materials such as CdSe and Au. Encapsulation within the hydrophobic core of the bilayer makes these materials highly biocompatible. The developed methodology and materials with these unique characteristics could be useful for various applications in nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine.

Self-assembled peptide nanostructures : advances and applications in nanobiotechnology

Abstract: Theoretical basis of biological self-assembly. Natural and designed self-assembling peptides and their applications in bionanotechnology. Peptide-based materials via molecular self-assembly. Self-assembling peptide nanostructures: towards bioactive artificial protein nanomaterials. Manipulation of self-assembled peptide nanostructures. Applications in bionanotechnology of self-assembled peptide nanostructures. Biomedical applications of assembled peptide and protein micro- or nanostructures. Self-assembling peptides as a new class of medical device for regenerative medicine.

Synthesis, conjugation, and labeling of multifunctional pRNA nanoparticles for specific delivery of siRNA, drugs, and other therapeutics to target cells.

Abstract: RNA is unique in nanoscale fabrication due to its amazing diversity of function and structure. RNA nanoparticles can be fabricated with a level of simplicity characteristic of DNA while possessing versatile tertiary structure and catalytic function similar to that of proteins. A large variety of single stranded loops are suitable for inter- and intramolecular interactions, serving as mounting dovetails in self-assembly without the need for external linking dowels. Novel properties of RNA nanoparticles have been explored for treatment and detection of diseases and various other realms. The higher thermodynamic stability, holding of noncanonical base pairing, stronger folding due to base stacking properties, and distinctive in vivo attributes make RNA unique in comparison to DNA. Indeed, the potential application of RNA nanotechnology in therapeutics is an exciting area of research. The use of RNAi in biomedical research has opened up new possibilities to silence or regulate the biological function of individual genes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been extensively explored to genetically manipulate the expression in vitro and in vivo of particular genes identified to play a key role in cancerous or viral diseases. However, the efficient silencing of the desired gene depends upon efficient delivery of siRNA to targeted cells, as well as in vivo stability. In this chapter, we use the bacteriophage phi29 motor pRNA-derived nanocarrier as a polyvalent targeted delivery system, introduce the potential of RNA-based therapeutics using nanobiotechnology or nanotechnology methods with the fabrication and modification of pRNA nanoparticles, and highlight its potential to become a valuable research tool and viable clinical approach for gene therapy.

Biomolecule/nanomaterial hybrid systems for nanobiotechnology.

Abstract: The integration of biomolecules with metallic or semiconductor nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes yields new hybrid nanostructures of unique features that combine the properties of the biomolecules and of the nano-elements. These unique features of the hybrid biomolecule/nanoparticle systems provide the basis for the rapid development of the area of nanobiotechnology. Recent advances in the implementation of hybrid materials consisting of biomolecules and metallic nanoparticles or semiconductor quantum dots will be discussed. The following topics will be exemplified: (i) The electrical wiring of redox enzymes with electrodes by means of metallic nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes, and the application of the modified electrodes as amperometric biosensors or for the construction of biofuel cells. (ii) The biocatalytic growth of metallic nanoparticles as a means to construct optical or electrical sensors. (iii) The functionalization of semiconductor quantum dots with biomolecules and the application of the hybrid nanostructures for developing different optical sensors, including intracellular sensor systems. (iv) The use of biomolecule-metallic nanoparticle nanostructures as templates for growing metallic nanowires, and the construction of fuel-driven nano-transporters.

Bionanoelectronics: Getting close to the action

Abstract: Two independent groups have demonstrated that nanoscale electrodes can record action potentials in neurons and cardiac muscle cells, and a third group has shown that nanowire field-effect transistors can make electrical measurements on biological materials with unprecedented spatial resolution.

Gene delivery: Designer DNA give RNAi more spine

Abstract: Precisely engineered DNA nanostructures can be used to deliver small interfering RNA molecules into cells and tumours to suppress genes.

Nanobiotechnology and nanostructured therapeutic delivery systems

Abstract: Pharmaceutical development and therapeutic delivery as they pertain to nanomedicine predominantly involve the use of nanometer-sized (1-100nm) structures or complexes comprised of two or more constituents whose goal is to deliver a specific therapeutic to a targeted site for localized treatment. This illustrates one of the predominant underlying paradigms in nanomedicine: increased efficacy through targeted therapeutic delivery. With the advent of nanobiotechnology the precisely targeted delivery of pharmaceuticals and therapeutic agents can be achieved through a myriad of approaches which can be delineated by the level of bio-activity beginning with the nano-scale dispersion of pharmaceuticals. The primary constituent of nano-scale medicinal complexes is the pharmaceutical itself with the other contributing as a uni-functional "vehicle" for transport; a bi-functional natural or synthetic biodegradable vesicle or "shell" for encapsulation and timed release; or multi-functional components which include surface modification of said vesicle/shells for target-specific binding and/or conjugated with a contrast or fluorescent agent for imaging and/or tracking of drug mobility. This review will focus on cutting-edge nanostructured drug delivery systems for various biomedical applications. In addition, nanobiotechnology and its role in mediating tissue regeneration will be introduced. Recent awarded patents and their role in nanotechnology and nanomedicine development will be discussed.

Nanotechnology and water

Abstract: In this paper the role of nanobiotechnology in the study of biological systems in water environment is presented. The functional nano-meter-scale structures in the cell such as genetic material, membranes, enzymes and molecular machines are decribed. The knowledge gained has applications in nanomedicine. Nanoparticles have practical applications in detection of water pollution and water purification, which is of public health importance worldwide.

Biomolecular Triconjugates Formed between Gold, Protamine, and Nucleic Acid: Comparative Characterization on the Nanoscale

Abstract: DNA and RNA micro- and nanoparticles are increasingly being used for gene and siRNA drug delivery and a variety of other applications in bionanotechnology. On the nanoscale, these entities represent unique challenges from a physicochemical characterization perspective. Here, nucleic acid conjugates with protamine and gold nanoparticles (GNP) were characterized comparatively in the nanorange of concentration by UV/Vis NanoDrop spectroscopy, fluorimetry, and gel electrophoresis. Given the intense interest in splice-site switching oligomers (SSOs), we utilized a human tumor cell culture system (HeLa pLuc-705), in which SSO-directed splicing repair upregulates luciferase expression, in order to investigate bioactivity of the bionanoconjugates. Process parameters important for bioactivity were investigated, and the bimolecular nanoconjugates were confirmed by shifts in the dynamic laser light scatter (DLLS), UV/Vis spectrum, gel electrophoresis, or sedimentation pattern. The data presented herein may be useful in the future development of pharmaceutical and biotechnology formulations, processes, and analyses concerning protein, DNA, or RNA bionanoconjugates.

Nanobiotechnology: An overview of drug discovery, delivery and development

Abstract: Nanobiotechnology is a new technology concerned specifi cally with the functionalism and modifi cation of chemical-physical structures on a biomolecular scale, and also is the application of nanotechnology to the life sciences. Nanotechnology for biotechnology and pharmaceutical applications has progressed from the concept stage to commercialization. Nanobiotechnology represents the future of medicine and healthcare. Various physical, chemical, electrical tools and methods used to investigate biological nanoobjects include optical tools, nanoforce and imaging, surface methods, mass spectrometry and microfl udics. Its application has an impact on diagnostics, drug delivery as well as drug discovery. Nanobiotechnology focuses on various areas such as nanobiotechnology and cancer, drug discovery and tools, and nanobiotechnology and medicine. Applications are emerging from all branches of nanobiotechnology in medicine and pharmacy. Several technologies including nanoparticles and nanodevices such as nanobiosensors and nanobiochips have been used to improve drug discovery and development. Some nanosubstances such as fullerenes and dendrimers/biodendrimers could be potential drugs for the future. Moreover, nanobiotechnology has the potential for combining drug design and drug delivery. However, limitations of the available nanoparticles still to be resolved for their application in the drug-discovery studies exist. The benefi ts of nanotechnology are enormous and so these benefi ts should be maximized while efforts are made to reduce the risks.