Showing papers on "Nanobiotechnology published in 2014"
TL;DR: The fundamental engineering principles used to design RCA nanotechnologies are introduced, the recently developed RCA-based diagnostics and bioanalytical tools are discussed, and the use of RCA to construct multivalent molecular scaffolds and nanostructures for applications in biology, diagnostic and therapeutics is summarized.
Abstract: Rolling circle amplification (RCA) is an isothermal enzymatic process where a short DNA or RNA primer is amplified to form a long single stranded DNA or RNA using a circular DNA template and special DNA or RNA polymerases. The RCA product is a concatemer containing tens to hundreds of tandem repeats that are complementary to the circular template. The power, simplicity, and versatility of the DNA amplification technique have made it an attractive tool for biomedical research and nanobiotechnology. Traditionally, RCA has been used to develop sensitive diagnostic methods for a variety of targets including nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), small molecules, proteins, and cells. RCA has also attracted significant attention in the field of nanotechnology and nanobiotechnology. The RCA-produced long, single-stranded DNA with repeating units has been used as template for the periodic assembly of nanospecies. Moreover, since RCA products can be tailor-designed by manipulating the circular template, RCA has been employed to generate complex DNA nanostructures such as DNA origami, nanotubes, nanoribbons and DNA based metamaterials. These functional RCA based nanotechnologies have been utilized for biodetection, drug delivery, designing bioelectronic circuits and bioseparation. In this review, we introduce the fundamental engineering principles used to design RCA nanotechnologies, discuss recently developed RCA-based diagnostics and bioanalytical tools, and summarize the use of RCA to construct multivalent molecular scaffolds and nanostructures for applications in biology, diagnostics and therapeutics.
788 citations
TL;DR: The present review highlights various parameters affecting the synthesis of nanoparticles by green nanobiotechnology and different techniques used for characterizing the nanoparticles for their potential use in biomedical and environmental applications.
Abstract: Nanobiotechnology is gaining tremendous impetus in this era owing to its ability to modulate metals into their nanosize, which efficiently changes their chemical, physical, and optical properties. Accordingly, considerable attention is being given to the development of novel strategies for the synthesis of different kinds of nanoparticles of specific composition and size using biological sources. However, most of the currently available techniques are expensive, environmentally harmful, and inefficient with respect to materials and energy use. Several factors such as the method used for synthesis, pH, temperature, pressure, time, particle size, pore size, environment, and proximity greatly influence the quality and quantity of the synthesized nanoparticles and their characterization and applications. Additionally, characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles is essential to their potential use in various drug delivery and biomedical applications.The present review highlights various parameters affecting the synthesis of nanoparticles by green nanobiotechnology and different techniques used for characterizing the nanoparticles for their potential use in biomedical and environmental applications.
416 citations
TL;DR: This work describes the use of DNA to control the biological delivery and elimination of inorganic nanoparticles by organizing them into colloidal superstructures, and demonstrates that this strategy reduces nanoparticle retention by macrophages and improves their in vivo tumour accumulation and whole-body elimination.
Abstract: The assembly of nanomaterials using DNA can produce complex nanostructures, but the biological applications of these structures remain unexplored. Here, we describe the use of DNA to control the biological delivery and elimination of inorganic nanoparticles by organizing them into colloidal superstructures. The individual nanoparticles serve as building blocks, whose size, surface chemistry and assembly architecture dictate the overall superstructure design. These superstructures interact with cells and tissues as a function of their design, but subsequently degrade into building blocks that can escape biological sequestration. We demonstrate that this strategy reduces nanoparticle retention by macrophages and improves their in vivo tumour accumulation and whole-body elimination. Superstructures can be further functionalized to carry and protect imaging or therapeutic agents against enzymatic degradation. These results suggest a different strategy to engineer nanostructure interactions with biological systems and highlight new directions in the design of biodegradable and multifunctional nanomedicine.
398 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review on the synthesis of nanoparticles with special emphasis on the use of plants parts for the synthesis process, its applications, and future prospectus is presented.
Abstract: Nanobiotechnology is emerging as a field of applied biological science and nanotechnology. Synthesis of nanoparticles is done by various physical and chemical methods but the biological methods are relatively simple, cost-effective, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly methods. The present review focuses on the synthesis of nanoparticles with special emphasis on the use of plants parts for the synthesis process, its applications, and future prospectus.
310 citations
TL;DR: The role of chemistry in the engineering of nanomaterials is highlighted, focusing on the fundamental role played by surface chemistry in controlling the interaction of NPs with proteins and cells.
Abstract: The exterior surface of nanoparticles (NPs) dictates the behavior of these systems with the outside world. Understanding the interactions of NP surface functionality with biosystems enables the design and fabrication of effective platforms for therapeutics, diagnostics, and imaging agents. In this review, we highlight the role of chemistry in the engineering of nanomaterials, focusing on the fundamental role played by surface chemistry in controlling the interaction of NPs with proteins and cells.
106 citations
TL;DR: A novel platform utilizing diamond nanoneedle arrays to facilitate efficient vector-free cytosolic delivery of plasmid DNAs into neurons with at least eightfold improvement in transfection efficiency with a dramatically shorter experimental protocol, when compared with the commonly used lipofection approach.
Abstract: The incorporation of foreign objects into cells can be used in various avenues of biological research, although crossing the cell membrane can be challenging. Here, the authors use a diamond nanoneedle array for enhanced delivery of various particles into cells, including neurons.
105 citations
TL;DR: A supramolecular self-assembly approach for the fabrication of polyacrylate-based nanoparticles with simultaneous loading of the anticancer drug doxorubicin for targeted delivery towards cancer treatment in vitro and in vivo is successfully developed.
Abstract: The advancement of nanobiotechnology has led to the development of various techniques for addressing target-specific drug delivery issues. In this article, we successfully developed a supramolecular self-assembly approach for the fabrication of polyacrylate-based nanoparticles with simultaneous loading of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) for targeted delivery towards cancer treatment in vitro and in vivo. Two types of polyacrylates functionalized with adamantane and β-cyclodextrin respectively could self-assemble to form supramolecular nanoparticles through strong host–guest complexation between adamantane and β-cyclodextrin. Folic acid was incorporated within the supramolecular nanoparticles in order to impart the targeting specificity towards selected cancerous cell lines, namely MDA-MB231 and B16-F10. The as-synthesized supramolecular nanoparticles were fully characterized by several techniques, revealing an average nanoparticle size of 35 nm in diameter, which is small enough for excellent blood circulation. The cytotoxicity studies indicate that the supramolecular nanoparticles without drug loading were non-cytotoxic under the concentrations measured, while DOX-loaded supramolecular nanoparticles showed significant cytotoxicity. In order to investigate the targeting specificity of DOX-loaded supramolecular nanoparticles towards the cancerous cells, a healthy cell line model HEK293 was employed for carrying out the comparison studies. Due to the presence of the targeting ligand, experimental results demonstrate that the supramolecular nanoparticles were highly specific for targeting the cancerous cells, but not for HEK293 cells. After the in vitro investigations, the in vivo drug delivery study using DOX-loaded supramolecular nanoparticles was performed. Tumor-bearing nude mice were treated with DOX-loaded supramolecular nanoparticles, and the analysis results indicate that DOX-loaded supramolecular nanoparticles have the capability to enhance the therapeutic effects of DOX for effectively inhibiting the tumor growth. Thus, the self-assembled polymeric nanoparticles exhibit a highly promising potential to serve as drug carriers for targeted drug delivery towards improved cancer treatment.
66 citations
TL;DR: The objective of this review is to describe the potential benefits and impacts of the nanobiotechnology in different areas.
Abstract: Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that covers a vast and diverse array of devices derived from engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology. Nanotechnology has opened up by rapid advances in science and technology, creating new opportunities for advances in the fields of medicine, electronics, foods, and the environment. Nanoscale structures and materials (nanoparticles, nanowires, nanofibers, nanotubes) have been explored in many biological applications (biosensing, biological separation, molecular imaging, anticancer therapy) because their novel properties and functions differ drastically from their bulk counterparts. Their high volume/surface ratio, improved solubility, and multifunctionality open many new possibilities. The objective of this review is to describe the potential benefits and impacts of the nanobiotechnology in different areas.
65 citations
TL;DR: These results demonstrate that treatment of human cells with various metal ions cause cell fixation and the cell lysis is used for production of different metal NPs.
Abstract: Developing nanoparticles that target the cell’s nucleus is a promising approach in biological research because of the genetic information inside the nucleus. However, nuclear targeting is diffi cult to achieve because nanoparticles have to fi pass into the cytoplasm and then cross the nuclear membrane. Here, the ability of the intracellular and extracellular formation of metal nanoparticles based on the reduction of metal salts was investigated in different cell lines. Moreover, the cells were fi xed by metal ion solution during the metal nanoparticle synthesis process. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and UV-Vis absorption were utilized to identify the formation of metal nanoparticles inside the cells as well as in the incubation solution. In addition, the potential of using these nanoparticles to enhance the Raman signals from the cell was examined. Synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) with different shapes and sizes is currently in high demand and is a challenging issue in various fi elds including nanotechnology and nanobiotechnology, [ 1 ] due to their unique physicochemical and optoelectronic properties. [ 2 ] The unique properties of gold (Au) NPs compared to other metals NPs (chemical, physical, optical, easy preparation, effi cient bioconjugation, potential noncytotoxicity, tunable, enhanced scattering and absorption properties, etc.), provide Au NPs great potential applications in several fi elds such as optoelectronic devices, ultrasensitive biochemical sensors, [ 3 ] medial therapeutics, [ 4 ] catalysis, [ 5 ] cancer applications, and as
53 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a gold core was added to silica nanoparticles (BrightSilica) to investigate the silica nano-biointeraction inside eukaryotic cells in situ.
Abstract: By adding a gold core to silica nanoparticles (BrightSilica), silica-like nanoparticles are generated that, unlike unmodified silica nanoparticles, provide three types of complementary information to investigate the silica nano-biointeraction inside eukaryotic cells in situ. Firstly, organic molecules in proximity of and penetrating into the silica shell in live cells are monitored by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The SERS data show interaction of the hybrid silica particles with tyrosine, cysteine and phenylalanine side chains of adsorbed proteins. Composition of the biomolecular corona of BrightSilica nanoparticles differs in fibroblast and macrophage cells. Secondly, quantification of the BrightSilica nanoparticles using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) micromapping indicates a different interaction of silica nanoparticles compared to gold nanoparticles under the same experimental conditions. Thirdly, the metal cores allow the investigation of particle distribution and interaction in the cellular ultrastructure by cryo nanoscale X-ray tomography (cryo-XT). In 3D reconstructions the assumption is confirmed that BrightSilica nanoparticles enter cells by an endocytotic mechanism. The high SERS intensities are explained by the beneficial plasmonic properties due to agglomeration of BrightSilica. The results have implications for the development of multi-modal qualitative and quantitative characterization in comparative nanotoxicology and bionanotechnology.
52 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of nanopore detection platforms including both biological pores and solid state counterparts is presented, and the advantage and disadvantage of each system are compared; their current and potential applications in nanonnedicine, biotechnology, and nanotechnology are discussed.
Abstract: Sensitivity and specificity are two most important factors to take into account for molecule sensing, chemical detection and disease diagnosis. A perfect sensitivity is to reach the level where a single molecule can be detected. An ideal specificity is to reach the level where the substance can be detected in the presence of many contaminants. The rapidly progressing nanopore technology is approaching this threshold. A wide assortment of biomotors and cellular pores in living organisms perform diverse biological functions. The elegant design of these transportation machineries has inspired the development of single molecule detection based on modulations of the individual current blockage events. The dynamic growth of nanotechnology and nanobiotechnology has stimulated rapid advances in the study of nanopore based instrumentation over the last decade, and inspired great interest in sensing of single molecules including ions, nucleotides, enantiomers, drugs, and polymers such as PEG, RNA, DNA, and polypeptides. This sensing technology has been extended to medical diagnostics and third generation high throughput DNA sequencing. This review covers current nanopore detection platforms including both biological pores and solid state counterparts. Several biological nanopores have been studied over the years, but this review will focus on the three best characterized systems including et-hemolysin and MspA, both containing a smaller channel for the detection of single stranded DNA, as well as bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor connector that contains a larger channel for the passing of double stranded DNA. The advantage and disadvantage of each system are compared; their current and potential applications in nanonnedicine, biotechnology, and nanotechnology are discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
TL;DR: The proposed method provides a new way to stabilize AuNPs for rapid and facile loading thiolated DNA on AuNBP and will find wide applications in many areas requiring DNA-AuNPs, including diagnosis, therapy, and imaging.
Abstract: Attaching thiolated DNA on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been extremely important in nanobiotechnology because DNA–AuNPs combine the programmability and molecular recognition properties of the biopolymers with the optical, thermal, and catalytic properties of the inorganic nanomaterials. However, current standard protocols to attach thiolated DNA on AuNPs involve time-consuming, tedious steps and do not perform well for large AuNPs, thereby greatly restricting applications of DNA–AuNPs. Here we demonstrate a rapid and facile strategy to attach thiolated DNA on AuNPs based on the excellent stabilization effect of mPEG-SH on AuNPs. AuNPs are first protected by mPEG-SH in the presence of Tween 20, which results in excellent stability of AuNPs in high ionic strength environments and extreme pHs. A high concentration of NaCl can be applied to the mixture of DNA and AuNP directly, allowing highly efficient DNA attachment to the AuNP surface by minimizing electrostatic repulsion. The entire DNA loading process ...
TL;DR: The most recent advances about colloidal nanoparticles designed for use as tools for cellular nanobiotechnology, in particular, for the preferential transport through different target compartments, including cell membrane, cytoplasm, mitochondria, and nucleus are depicted.
Abstract: Understanding the behavior of multifunctional colloidal nanoparticles capable of biomolecular targeting remains a fascinating challenge in materials science with dramatic implications in view of a possible clinical translation. In several circumstances, assumptions on structure-activity relationships have failed in determining the expected responses of these complex systems in a biological environment. The present Review depicts the most recent advances about colloidal nanoparticles designed for use as tools for cellular nanobiotechnology, in particular, for the preferential transport through different target compartments, including cell membrane, cytoplasm, mitochondria, and nucleus. Besides the conventional entry mechanisms based on crossing the cellular membrane, an insight into modern physical approaches to quantitatively deliver nanomaterials inside cells, such as microinjection and electro-poration, is provided. Recent hypotheses on how the nanoparticle structure and functionalization may affect the interactions at the nano-bio interface, which in turn mediate the nanoparticle internalization routes, are highlighted. In addition, some hurdles when this small interface faces the physiological environment and how this phenomenon can turn into different unexpected responses, are discussed. Finally, possible future developments oriented to synergistically tailor biological and chemical properties of nanoconjugates to improve the control over nanoparticle transport, which could open new scenarios in the field of nanomedicine, are addressed.
TL;DR: It is shown by Raman spectroscopy analysis that the ZnO nanostructures interact strongly with the nitrogen (N7) atom in the adenine ring of the ATP biomolecule, providing convincing evidence of pH-dependent interactions between ATP and zinc oxide nanomaterials.
Abstract: With the advent of nanobiotechnology, there will be an increase in the interaction between engineered nanomaterials and biomolecules. Nanoconjugates with cells, organelles, and intracellular structures containing DNA, RNA, and proteins establish sequences of nano–bio boundaries that depend on several intricate complex biophysicochemical reactions. Given the complexity of these interactions, and their import in governing life at the molecular level, it is extremely important to begin to understand such nanoparticle–biomaterial association. Here we report a unique method of probing the kinematics between an energy biomolecule, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanostructures using micro Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy experiments. For the first time we have shown by Raman spectroscopy analysis that the ZnO nanostructures interact strongly with the nitrogen (N7) atom in the adenine ring of the ATP biomolecule. Raman spectroscopy also confirms the ...
TL;DR: The synthesis of nanoparticles is the area of interest due to their physical, chemical, optical, electronic properties, and most importantly their larger surface area-to-volume ratio as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Abstract Bionanotechnology is the field dealing with the synthesis and application of different nanomaterials. Nanoparticles usually form the core of nanobiomaterials. For the past decade, a variety of inorganic nanoparticles have been newly created to provide superior material properties. Nowadays, synthesis of nanoparticles is the area of interest due to their physical, chemical, optical, electronic properties, and most importantly their larger surface area-to-volume ratio. Synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles is done by various physical and chemical processes, but biological route of synthesis is gaining more importance due to their eco-friendly nature. Bioactivity of nanoparticles broadly involves the wide range of nanoparticles and their biological application. They have been used as new tools not only for investigation of biological processes but also for sensing and treating diseases. In this respect, they are appearing to be novel antimicrobial agents even against drug-resistant microorganisms. On the other side at higher concentration, they show toxicity to the humans and ecosystem. Therefore, in the present review, we have briefly described the synthesis of different metal nanoparticles by different approaches mainly paying attention to their biosynthesis, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity. As silver nanoparticles are finding many applications among all of the inorganic nanoparticles, we paid special attention to them, too.
TL;DR: Current developments in bone tissue engineering are reviewed, with special focus on the promising role of nanobiotechnology, and different types of nanostructured scaffolds and delivery systems are presented.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to review current developments in bone tissue engineering, with special focus on the promising role of nanobiotechnology. This unique fusion between nanotechnology and biotechnology offers unprecedented possibilities in studying and modulating biological processes on a molecular and atomic scale. First we discuss the multiscale hierarchical structure of bone and its implication on the design of new scaffolds and delivery systems. Then we briefly present different types of nanostructured scaffolds, and finally we conclude with nanoparticle delivery systems and their potential use in promoting bone regeneration. This review is not meant to be exhaustive and comprehensive, but aims to highlight concepts and key advances in the field of nanobiotechnology and bone regeneration.
TL;DR: This work identifies, classifying and tracking firms with capabilities in both biotechnology and nanotechnology over time and analyses the emergence and evolution of the global nanobiotechnology industry.
Abstract: The confluence of nanotechnology and biotechnology provides significant commercial opportunities. By identifying, classifying and tracking firms with capabilities in both biotechnology and nanotechnology over time, we analyse the emergence and evolution of the global nanobiotechnology industry.
TL;DR: The proposed micelle-to-vesicle transition (MVT) method could be used in nanomedicine for the realization of theranostic systems and provides new, interesting perspectives for understanding the interactions between integral membrane proteins and nanoparticles, i.e., in nanotoxicology studies.
Abstract: Because of the growing potential of nanoparticles in biological and medical applications, tuning and directing their properties toward a high compatibility with the aqueous biological milieu is of remarkable relevance. Moreover, the capability to combine nanocrystals (NCs) with biomolecules, such as proteins, offers great opportunities to design hybrid systems for both nanobiotechnology and biomedical technology. Here we report on the application of the micelle-to-vesicle transition (MVT) method for incorporation of hydrophobic, red-emitting CdSe@ZnS NCs into the bilayer of liposomes. This method enabled the construction of a novel hybrid proteo–NC–liposome containing, as model membrane protein, the photosynthetic reaction center (RC) of Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Electron microscopy confirmed the insertion of NCs within the lipid bilayer without significantly altering the structure of the unilamellar vesicles. The resulting aqueous NC–liposome suspensions showed low turbidity and kept unaltered the wavelen...
TL;DR: An overview of the most relevant parameters and promising applications of EM-active nanoparticles for applications in life science are discussed with a view toward tailoring the interaction of nanoparticles with EM fields.
Abstract: Continuous advances in the field of bionanotechnology, particularly in the areas of synthesis and functionalization of colloidal inorganic nanoparticles with novel physicochemical properties, allow the development of innovative and/or enhanced approaches for medical solutions. Many of the present and future applications of bionanotechnology rely on the ability of nanoparticles to efficiently interact with electromagnetic (EM) fields and subsequently to produce a response via scattering or absorption of the interacting field. The cross-sections of nanoparticles are typically orders of magnitude larger than organic molecules, which provide the means for manipulating EM fields and, thereby, enable applications in therapy (e.g., photothermal therapy, hyperthermia, drug release, etc.), sensing (e.g., surface plasmon resonance, surface-enhanced Raman, energy transfer, etc.), and imaging (e.g., magnetic resonance, optoacoustic, photothermal, etc.). Herein, an overview of the most relevant parameters and promising applications of EM-active nanoparticles for applications in life science are discussed with a view toward tailoring the interaction of nanoparticles with EM fields.
TL;DR: This work focuses on synthesis of cationic gold nanoparticles (C-GNPs) for biological applications, especially in gene and drug delivery studies, by using peanut leaf extract in the presence of cysteamine.
TL;DR: By employing the silica nanoparticle-based probes in 19 F NMR signals, the quantitative analysis of the enzymatic activities was accomplished and the design concepts and the results are explained.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the recent developments in design and fabrication of multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles in as efficient drug delivery applications such as the site-specific delivery and intracellular controlled release of drugs.
Abstract: In the early 1990s the discovery of the MCM-41 and the M41S family of mesoporous materials had open new era in the chemistry and biology. They have prominent application inbiotechnological, biomedical and heterogeneous catalysts. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) exhibit unique structural features like as their large surface areas, tunable pore sizes in nanometer and well-defined surface properties. MSN materials which are comprised of a honeycomb-like porous structure with hundreds of empty mesoporous channel that are able to encapsulate relatively large amounts of biomolecules. They are ideal candidate for constructing multifunctional materials that encapsulate a variety of functional nanostructured materials. Multifunctional MSN materials have become one of the most attractive areas in nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine for various disease diagnosis and therapy. Multifunctional MSN have been successfully developed as a multifunctional platform to deliver therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Multifunctional MSNs are a highly promising platform for intracellular controlled release of drugs. In this review we discuss the recent developments in design and fabrication of multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles in as efficient drug delivery applications such as the site-specific delivery and intracellular controlled release of drugs.Abbreviations;APTES; 3-aminopropyl triethoxy sialne, ATP; Adenosine triphospahate, CD; cyclodextrinCPT; camptothecin, CS; Chitosan,CTAB; cyltrimethylammonium bromide,DNA; Deoxyribonucleic acid,DOX; doxorubicin,EDC; 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide,FD; fluorescein disodium,FSP;Fluroscent particle ,IBU;ibuprofen,MCM; mobil composition material, MPS; 3-trimethoxylsilyl propyl methacrylate, MS; mesoporous silica,MSN; mesoporous silica nanoparticle, MSNs; mesoporous silica nanoparticles,MSNP; mesoporous silica nanoparticle,NPS; nanoparticles;PFDTES;perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane, PAA; polyacrylic acid,PR;photo responsive,PMAA; polymethyl methacrylate,SBF; simulated body fluid,TEOS;tetraethyl orthosilicate,TUNA;Thio undecyl-tetraethyleneglycoestero-nitrobenzylethyldimethyl ammonium bromide.
TL;DR: Methodology is described that has been used to exploit and characterize the sequence-specific recognition of DNA nanostructures, with the aim of generating functional assemblies for bionanotechnology and synthetic biology applications.
TL;DR: This article is meant to be a starting point and a guide to the platforms in which natural DNA is employed such as DNA origami, optoelectronic devices and organic catalysis.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of antibacterial nanoparticles on bacteria is remarkable, but studies on the interactions of these particles with plasmids do not search or there are no adequate studies.
01 Sep 2014
TL;DR: The role of various biological resources e.g. bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, plant leaves, fruits and honey as well as animal tissues for the synthesis of nanoparticles mainly gold and silver are demonstrated with an overview of their potential applications.
Abstract: Nanomaterials synthesized by natural bioresources such as microorganisms, animals and plants in nature can also be synthesized in laboratories even on large scale. This is considered as an attractive prospect for eco-friendly or so-called green synthesis. Development of eco-friendly synthesis of biocompatible nanoparticles and their potential biomedical applications introduces the concept of nanobiotechnology. The lower cost and lesser side effects as compare to chemical methods of synthesis are the main advantages of biosynthesis. This review article demonstrates the role of various biological resources e.g. bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, plant leaves, fruits and honey as well as animal tissues for the synthesis of nanoparticles mainly gold and silver with an overview of their potential applications.
TL;DR: A novel method has been developed using glutathione-functionalized gold nanoparticles to mediate transformation of plasmid DNA (pUC19) into E. coli DH5α that does not require the preparation of competent cells and gave a higher transformation efficiency than the conventional CaCl2-mediated method.
Abstract: Transformation of bacteria is an important step in molecular biology. Viral and non-virus-based gene delivery techniques, including chemical/biological and physical approaches, have been applied to bacterial, mammalian and plant cells. E. coli is not competent to take up DNA; hence, different methods are used to incorporate plasmid DNA. A novel method has been developed using glutathione-functionalized gold nanoparticles to mediate transformation of plasmid DNA (pUC19) into E. coli DH5α that does not require the preparation of competent cells. The glutathione-functionalized gold nanoparticles acted as a vector and facilitated the entry of DNA into the host cell. The method also gave a higher transformation efficiency (4.2 × 107/μg DNA) compared to 2.3 × 105/μg DNA using the conventional CaCl2-mediated method. It was also non-toxic to the bacterium making it suitable for biotechnological applications.
01 Jan 2014
TL;DR: This chapter summarizes recent development in DNA nanotechnology and addresses its potential applications in drug delivery, analysis and diagnosis, electronics, and photovoltaics.
Abstract: Over the past three decades, tremendous progress has been made in our understanding of how to use DNA molecules to design and construct intricate nanostructures and nanodevices and how to use these nanoconstructs as versatile tools to functionally arrange a variety of molecules and moieties with nanometer spatial resolution. This chapter summarizes recent development in DNA nanotechnology and addresses its potential applications in drug delivery, analysis and diagnosis, electronics, and photovoltaics.