Nanobiotechnology

About: Nanobiotechnology is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 796 publications have been published within this topic receiving 46309 citations. The topic is also known as: bionanotechnology & nanobiology.

Atomic force microscopy as an imaging tool to study the bio/nonbio complexes.

Abstract: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) besides X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy is one of the most attractive methods to study bio/nonbio complexes. Information on how biomacromolecules interact with nanomaterials under different environmental conditions has important implications for the practice of nanomedicine and concerning the safety of nanomaterials. These complexes cover a broad range both in terms of stability and composition. AFM offers a wealth of structural and functional data about such assemblies. The variety of samples investigated using AFM in biology includes nanometre-sized proteins, lipids, DNA, amyloid fibrils, as well as larger objects such as cells. Herein we choose to review the significance of AFM to study various biological aspects of selected assemblies. We have focused on the exploitation of AFM operating in the air. The presented AFM research offers a unique and often unexpected insight into the structure and function of the bio/nonbio complexes. LAY DESCRIPTION: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) besides X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy is one of the most attractive methods to study bio/nonbio complexes. Information on how biomacromolecules interact with nanomaterials under different environmental conditions has important implications for the practice of nanomedicine and concerning the safety of nanomaterials. These complexes cover a broad range both in terms of stability and composition. AFM offers a wealth of structural and functional data about such assemblies. The variety of samples investigated using AFM in biology includes nanometre-sized proteins, lipids, DNA, amyloid fibrils, as well as larger objects such as cells. Herein we choose to review the significance of AFM to study various biological aspects of selected assemblies. The presented AFM research offers a unique and often unexpected insight into the structure and function of the bio/nonbio complexes. Nature has set us a perfect example of how to elegantly optimise and fine tune different types of processes. The relatively young field of nanotechnology has studied biological processes and exploited their unique strengths as novel materials. The resulting area of bionanotechnology has adopted interaction schemes presented to us by biology, to provide enhanced selectivity, efficiency or versatility of molecular attachment strategies. Two scenarios of this synergistic scheme are: the conjugation of nanostructures as a tool for research in biological science and the conjugation of biological particles as a tool for nanotechnology. The use of nanotechnologies for medical applications raises high expectations regarding diagnosis, drug delivery, gene therapy, and tissue engineering. There is an increasing number of reports using AFM as a nanodiagnostic tool with patient cells. The use of AFM, in combination with more conventional analytical approaches, could inform decisions related to recommendations for treatments. Applying AFM techniques in nanomedicine is becoming well established. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is one of the most functional and powerful microscopy technology for studying biological and material samples at the nanoscale. It is advantageous because an atomic force microscope can image three-dimensional topography of very small objects. It also provides various types of surface measurements to the needs of scientists and engineers if combined with other electromagnetic waves. It is powerful because an AFM can generate images at atomic resolution with 10-9 m scale resolution height information, with minimum sample preparation. AFM gives details on how biological molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and amyloid aggregates, interact with nanomaterials under different environmental conditions. Here, we have shown several examples of relevant applications of AFM to study structural, functional and mechanical properties useful for the medicine and concerning the safety of nanomaterials.

Editorial: DNA-based nanoarchitectures and nanomachines.

Abstract: The emerging area of DNA-based architectures and machines promises exciting opportunities and will impact on the future of DNA structures in nanobiotechnology.

Recent advances in surface modification of micro- and nano-scale biomaterials with biological membranes and biomolecules

Abstract: Surface modification of biomaterial can improve its biocompatibility and add new biofunctions, such as targeting specific tissues, communication with cells, and modulation of intracellular trafficking. Here, we summarize the use of various natural materials, namely, cell membrane, exosomes, proteins, peptides, lipids, fatty acids, and polysaccharides as coating materials on micron- and nano-sized particles and droplets with the functions imparted by coating with different materials. We discuss the applicability, operational parameters, and limitation of different coating techniques, from the more conventional approaches such as extrusion and sonication to the latest innovation seen on the microfluidics platform. Methods commonly used in the field to examine the coating, including its composition, physical dimension, stability, fluidity, permeability, and biological functions, are reviewed.

Nanobiotechnology-mediated sustainable agriculture and post-harvest management

Abstract: Humans directly depend on food and agriculture. However, an estimated one- third of agricultural produce is wasted every year post-harvest loss. The major reasons for post-harvest loss include microbial contamination, moisture content, degradation, and adverse effects of the physical and chemical methods used for storage. Conventional post-harvest methods do not adequately prevent the loss of agricultural produce therefore, new strategies are increasingly needed to address the shortcomings of traditional agricultural post-harvest practices. In this regard, nanotechnology (the manipulation of materials at <100 nm) has emerged as a promising field to replace traditional practices. The use of engineered nanoagroparticles greatly enhances agricultural productivity and mitigates the environmental issues posed by conventional chemical fertilizers. This review aims to describe applications of nanotechnology in various fields of agriculture including seed storage, seed germination, plant growth, priming, fertigation and crop productivity. In addition, nanomaterials used as intelligent delivery systems for crop productivity, stress tolerance and plant adaptation are discussed. Moreover, nanomaterials used as sensors for precision agriculture and crop protection are described in detail. Importantly, we discuss the use of nanomaterials as fertilizers to replace chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture. Finally, we emphasize the use of nanomaterials for the post-harvest management of fruits and vegetables.