Nanomedicine Journal
Volume:1 Issue: 5, Autumn 2014

Although several chemical and physical methods for gene delivery have been introduced, their cytotoxicity, non-specific immune responses and the lack of biodegradability remain the main issues. In this study, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (NPs) and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanol​amine (DOPE)-modified hydroxyapatite NPs was coated with antisense oligonucleotide of E6 mRNA, and their uptakes into the cervical cancer cell line were evaluated. Calcium nitrate and diammonium phosphate were used for the synthesis of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticle. Thus, they were coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG), DOPE and antisense oligonucleotide of E6 mRNA using a cross-linker. Then, hydroxyapatite NPs and DOPE-modified hydroxyapatite NPs were incubated 48 hours with cervical cancer cells and their uptakes were evaluated by fluorescent microscopy. The hydroxyapatite NPs had different shapes and some agglomeration with average size of 100 nm. The results showed DOPE-modified hydroxyapatite NPs had higher uptake than hydroxyapatite NPs (P<0.05). Hydroxyapatite NPs conjugated with DOPE are a good choice for gene delivery and silencing of viral genes in cervical cancer cells, but their efficacy should be addressed more in future studies.

Investigation of phase diagram of various drug formulations is effective to predict different phase region of drugs to detect final formula. The purpose of this research was to develop the ternary phase diagrams for a drug microemulsion system consisting of Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) oil, surfactant (Tween 80) and deionized water. An electrical conductivity was used to study the properties of system. Particle size analysis of microemulsion system was performed by dynamic light scattering. The electrical conductivity of the microemulsions increases with increasing of aqueous phase content. Structural transitions from the oil-in-water to a bi-continuous phase then inversion to water-in-oil occured in the system. Diameter of particles was calculated 70 nm (for 75 percent of particles) and 35 nm (for 25 percent of particles). Solubility results showed that microemulsion system of Cucurbita pepo oil can increase its solubility in aqueous medium due to droplet size reduction into nanometer size. Microemulsion technique can be used as a successful method in preparation of Cucurbita pepo oil drug formulation.

Bacterial biofilm has been considered responsible for many deaths and high health costs worldwide. Their better protection against antibacterial agents compared to free living cells leads to poor treatment efficiency. Nanotechnology is promising approach to combat biofilm infections. The aim of the present study was to eradicate Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm with silver nanoparticles (SNPs). SNPs were used at different concentrations (two fold dilutions) and incubation times (24, 48, 72 h). The crystal violet staining and pour plate assays were used to assess biofilm biomass and bacterial viability, respectively. The ability of SNPs on biofilm matrix eradication was assessed through optical density ratio (ODr). Positive control was defined as an ODr =1.0. The crystal violet assay indicated that the biofilm matrixes were intact at different concentrations of SNOs and incubation times. There were no significant differences between these parameters (P >0.05). Bacterial enumeration studies revealed that higher concentrations of SNPs were more effective in killing bacteria than lower ones. Although, longer incubation times led to enhancement of anti-biofilm activity of SNPs. The anti-biofilm activity of SNPs was concentration- and time-dependent. The results of this study highlighted that SNPs were effective against cell viability; however they were ineffective against biomass.

The mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been introduced as appropriate cells for tissue engineering and medical applications. Some studies have shown that topography of materials especially physical surface characteristics and particles size could enhance adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts. In the present research, we studied the distinction effect of 30 and 60 μg/ml of zinc oxide (ZnO) on differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblast. After the third passage, human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were exposed to 30 and 60 μg/ml of ZnO nanoparticles having a size of 30 nm. The control group has received no ZnO nanoparticles. On day 15 of incubation for monitoring the cellular differentiation, alizarin red staining and RT-PCR assays were performed to evaluate the level of osteopontin, osteocalsin and alkaline phosphatase genes expression. In the group receiving 30 μg/ml of ZnO nanoparticles, the expression of osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and osteopontin genes were significantly higher than both control and the group receiving 60 μg/ml ZnO nanoparticle. These data also confirmed by alizarin red staining. It seems the process of differentiation of MSCs affected by ZnO nanoparticles is dependent on dose as well as on the size of ZnO.

The present study aimed to investigate the antiseptic properties of a colloidal nano silver wound rinsing solution to inhibit a wide range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses and fungus present in chronic and acute wounds. The wound rinsing solution named SilvoSept® was prepared using colloidal nano silver suspension. Physicochemical properties, effectiveness against microorganism including Staphylocoocous aureus ATCC 6538P, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404, MRSA, Mycobacterium spp., HSV-1 and H1N1, and biocompatibility tests were carried out according to relevant standards. X-ray diffraction (XRD) scan was performed on the sample and verify single phase of silver particles in the compound. The size of the silver particles in the solution, measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniqu, ranged 80-90 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed spherical shape with smooth surface of the silver nanoparticles. SilvoSept® reduced 5 log from the initial count of 107 CFU/mL of Staphylocoocous aureus ATCC 6538P, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404, MRSA, Mycobacterium spp. Further assessments of SilvoSept solution exhibited a significant inhibition on the replication of HSV-1 and H1N1. The biocompatibility studies showed that the solution was non-allergic, non-irritant and noncytotoxic. Findings of the present study showed that SilvoSept® wound rinsing solution containing nano silver particles is an effective antiseptic solution against a wide spectrum of microorganism. This compound can be a suitable candidate for wound irrigation.

In recent years, nanotechnology has produced new forms of materials that are more effective than their predecessors. Magnesium is an essential element in the human body and certain studies have proved that its deficiency can induce anxiety in animals. In this study, the effect of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) on anxiety, related behaviors, and interaction between their effects and anxiolytic effect of the exercises were examined in comparison to the conventional MgO (cMgO). Adult male Wistar rats weighing 190±20 gr were divided into control groups (receiving saline, without physical activity), and exercise groups (receiving cMgO and/or MgO NPs (1 mg/kg i.p.) daily for 6 weeks with or/and without exercise). Exercise groups were performing their daily physical activity protocol 30 minutes after injection. At the end of period, an elevated plus maze apparatus was used to evaluate the anxiety (%pen arm time (%OAT) and %open arm entries (%OAE) and locomotor activity. Exercise significantly increased %OAT and %OAE (P<0.05). MgO NPs caused an increase in %OAT, while cMgO did not have any effect on %OAT or %OAE. There was no notable difference among anxiety parameters in exercise groups with or without taking MgO NPs. It seems that the anxiolytic effect of exercise and MgO NPs has been mediated through common mechanisms that were a part of the anxiety process of the central nervous system.

This paper reports on the toxicity of CuO NPs on hepatic enzymes and liver and lung histology. To assess the toxicity of copper nanoparticles (10-15 nm) in vivo, pathological examinations and blood biochemical indexes including serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) at various time points (2, 7 and 14 days)were studied. Thirty two Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. Treatment groups (group 1, 2, 3) received CuO NP solution containing 5, 10 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Control group received 0.5 mL of normal saline via ip injection for 7 consecutive days. After 14 days, the tissue of liver and lung were collected and investigated for their histological problems. The histology of the hepatic tissues showed vasculature in central veins and portal triad vessels in all three treatment groups. Histology of lungs showed air sac wall thickening and increased fibrous tissue in all three groups. Biochemical results of the hepatic enzymes showed that the SGOT levels in groups 1 and 2 were significantly higher than the control group two days after the intervention. Results of this study indicated that all concentration of copper nanoparticles [with 10-15 nm diameters, spherical shape, purity of 99.9%, mineral in nature, and wet synthesis method in liquid phase (alternation)] induce toxicity and changes of histo-pathological changes in liver and lung tissues of rats. It is evident that these nanoparticles cannot be used for human purposes because of their toxicity.

The silver nanoparticles, being very small size, can permeate the cellular membrane and interfere in the cell’s natural process. In the present study, the effects of time, the dosage of these particles and their use on blood molecules and hormones, the volume of drinking water, and the urine parameters were analyzed. Thirty six rats of the Wistar race, as subjects, were divided into six groups (one control group: C and five test groups: T1-T5). In the test groups, drinking water was replaced by the Nanosilver (NS) solution with concentrations of 5, 20, 35, 65, 95ppm. After three and six months, three rats were chosen randomly from each group, and their blood was collected. Various blood parameters were measured instantly, and the results were processed by one-way analyses of variance and Tukey''s test. The animal’s uptake of water increased significantly in parallel with the increasing of the particles’ concentration. Ketone bodies were noticed to be present in the urine of the female rats received high doses of the particles. The level of T4 decreased considerably (p<0.05) in parallel with the time and the concentration of the received particles. Depending on the dosage, and the time of use, blood testosterone increased, and the level of blood cortisol decreased. The observed effects were more evident in the proceedings with the concentration of 35ppm. Ingestion of NS particles, especially by high doses and in long terms, can cause high blood pressure, tissue injury–particularly liver injury–and endocrine glands.