ArticleLiterature Review

Fortina, P. , Kricka, L.J. , Surrey, S. & Grodzinski, P. Nanobiotechnology: the promise and reality of new approaches to molecular recognition. Trends Biotechnol. 23, 168-173

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Abstract

Nanobiotechnology is the convergence of engineering and molecular biology that is leading to a new class of multifunctional devices and systems for biological and chemical analysis with better sensitivity and specificity and a higher rate of recognition. Nano-objects with important analytical applications include nanotubes, nanochannels, nanoparticles, nanopores and nanocapacitors. Here, we take a critical look at the subset of recent developments in this area relevant to molecular recognition. Potential benefits of using nano-objects (nanotubes, quantum dots, nanorods and nanoprisms) and nanodevices (nanocapacitors, nanopores and nanocantilevers) leading to an expanded range of label multiplexing are described along with potential applications in future diagnostics. We also speculate on further pathways in nanotechnology development and the emergence of order in this somewhat chaotic, yet promising, new field.

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... Continuous agricultural innovations, such as the use of nanotechnology, are important to feed the rapidly growing world population. The term "Nanotechnology" was coined by Eric Drexler [2], and involves dealing with materials whose structures exhibit appreciably unique and enhanced chemical, physical, and biological possessions as a result of their particle size in the nanoscale [3]. Nanotechnology has great effects on the commercial implementation of nano minerals in the fields of information technology, engineering, medicine, food, and pigments, with pharmaceutical, biological, and electrical applications [4]. ...
... Glycine max Enhancement in plant growth and development [17] Triticum aestivum Enhanced shoot growth, biomass, grain yield [18] Zea mays Increased stem and root growth [16] Sorghum Enhanced assimilation rates of carbon in leaf and seed yield [19] Allium cepa Improved growth, yield, and nutrient content [20] Ag Lolium multifolium Enhanced plant growth and development [21] Eruca sativa Increased root length [21] Zea mays Increased root length [22] Oryza sativa Enhanced root length [23] SiO 2 Lycopersicum esculentum Increased seed germination [24] Al 2 O 3 ...
Article
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Nanoparticles (NPs) are playing an important role in addressing various environmental constraints by giving ingenious and successful resolutions. Heavy metal (HM) stress has gained significant importance in the last few years because of its speedy incorporation into agricultural sectors. Due to exclusive physiochemical properties, NPs can be effectively applied for stress mitigation strategies. NPs are highly effective over bulk scale parts owing to the control of the enhanced surface area and the possibility for specific properties to enhance nutrient uptake. In the present review, we explore the use of NPs as an environmentally sound practice to enhance plant growth when exposed to abiotic stress, particularly HM stress. Furthermore, we display an extensive summary of recent progress concerning the role of NPs in HM stress tolerance. This review paper will also be useful for comprehending phytoremediation of contaminated soils and indicates the prospective research required for the cooperative submission of NPs in the soil for sustainable agriculture.
... They can also be adapted for analytes other than DNA, e.g., by attaching enzymes to detect substrate analytes. 122,131 They offer interesting advantages that are relative to or better than spherical nanoparticles in some biotechnological and diagnostic applications. 120 Its internal and external surfaces can be chemically functionalized to entrap drugs, and their unique open-ended barrels may make the internal surface accessible and allow incorporation of certain active molecules within the tubes easily. ...
... 129 They can scan samples and yield hybridization with the single-stranded DNA when the targeted sequence is determined. This is another important feature of cantilevers that can permit multiple analyses.128,131 ...
Book
Nanotechnology in Periodontics
... In the last decade, many significant technological advances have been made using nanomaterials for the detection of biomolecules. Combined with the development of electrochemical, optical, and different other methods for monitoring biorecognition events on solid vehicles and in solution, a lot of effort has been put into realizing sensitive, selective, accurate, and practical nano-sensing systems for both point-of-care applications and laboratory conditions [20,21]. ...
... Novelty in molecular detection has some purposes [21]. Most importantly, it is now focused on: (i) moving toward highly multiplexed molecular recognition using re-configurable arrays, and thus departing from arrays with fixed recognition sites printed on solid polymer surfaces [35]; and (ii) developing novel platforms for registering and quantitating a specific binding event through electrochemical or electronic measurements, preferably without using a label [36]. ...
Chapter
Nanomaterial-based sensor platforms are being designed for multiplex-functionality, high-flexibility, and high-efficiency sensing applications. Many current nano-sensor systems have the native capacity to obtain such aims; however, these tools need further improvement into consumer and operator-friendly devices with the capability to detect molecules before these unachievable locations, as well as at a greater scale than until now possible. Nano-sensors are described as smart analytical devices, incorporating biological recognition elements or biomimetics, and are applied for the rapid detection and real-time monitoring of different molecules that are important for the medical, homeland security, food, and environment fields. Nano-sensors must provide the important requirements such as response accuracy, reproducibility, high selectivity target molecule, nontoxicity, sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness. Here, we present and discuss how nano-sensors have great promise to provide widespread and potentially low-cost monitoring of viruses, disease epidemics, and animal plagues detection in the biological disaster monitoring.”
... Recently, agro-nanotechnology is gaining significant importance and started to show potential impact in farming activities by improving crop protection and production efficiency [1]. New advances in nanomaterials (NMs) regarding optical, magnetic, and electrical properties are also shifting the regular carrier-based efficiency improvement to the next level of smart agriculture [2,3]. Apart from the production and protection, the scope of the nanotechnological applications in the field of agriculture includes crop improvement J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f 4 ...
... The unique properties of CNTs are seen to arise a range of applications in the field of nanobiotechnology by using it as a nanocomposite [69]. The major share of CNTs interest in different purposes like plant germination, growth, and gene expression studies comes from their inimitable mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical properties [3]. A number of researchers have reported the dramatic effect of MWCNTs on plant growth and development not only by enhancing the water uptake ability but also have a positive effect on gene expression [70][71][72][73]. ...
Article
The impact of the carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) wave in agro-application has been growing in recent years. The carbon nanomaterials family includes graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotube (CNT), carbon nanofiber (CNF), carbon nanohorns (CNH), carbon nanodots (CND), carbon nano-onions (CNO), fullerene, and nano-diamond. The former seven belong to the sp² carbon and the later belong to sp³ carbon. Based on the selection of the forms of allotropes, morphology, size, and the potential combination to form hybrids; the CNMs have shown different performance in the agro activities. Hence, in this review, all these studies along with our contributions are detailed briefly with the information about material synthesis, characterization, and application efficiency; the application includes the role in pesticide, fertilizer, and preservative sector. The review is finally concluded with the highlights about advantages, gaps/risks identified for the industry application, quality assurance status, and future perspectives.
... Os impactos dessa tecnologia são inquestionáveis devido ao seu grande potencial, revelando um futuro promissor (VALENTE et al., 2014). Dentre as definições de nanobiotecnologia, temos a de que se trata da interseção entre as grandes áreas de Engenharia e Biologia Molecular, permitindo o desenvolvimento de uma nova classe de dispositivos com maior sensibilidade e especificidade para análises biológicas e químicas (FORTINA et al., 2005). As aplicações da nanobiotecnologia abrangem diversas áreas como a militar, no que tange a armamentos em geral; cosmetologia, melhorando a performance dos componentes de cada formulação; eletrônica com os nanotubos de carbono; agropecuária e alimentícia, com desenvolvimento de nanosensores para melhoria de detecção de patógenos, embalagens ativas proporcionando a segurança dos alimentos (MAZZEO; SANTOS, 2018). ...
Article
Full-text available
A nanotecnologia é a aplicação tecnológica da nanociência, onde nanoestruturas estão sendo desenvolvidas e aplicadas em diversas áreas. Já a nanobiotecnologia é um ramo desta ciência que engloba as grandes áreas da engenharia e biologia molecular, desenvolvendo dispositivos para análises biológicas e químicas. Na indústria de alimentos, essa tecnologia visa aumentar a produção, a vida útil, a biodisponibilidade de nutrientes e pode ser aplicada na fabricação de embalagens. Além disso, os nanomateriais podem ser utilizados como sensores no diagnóstico de qualidade e segurança alimentar, bem como potenciais substitutos aos conservantes alimentícios tradicionais. Dessa forma, o objetivo do estudo em questão é evidenciar as aplicações da nanobiotecnologia no setor lácteo, em toda cadeia de produção até o consumo. Assim, foi constatado durante o estudo, a utilização de nanomateriais na cadeia produtiva, na substituição de conservantes tradicionais, no desenvolvimento de embalagens, no monitoramento da qualidade e na detecção de contaminantes nos produtos lácteos. Portanto, é notável que as aplicações e os impactos dessa tecnologia são inquestionáveis devido ao seu grande potencial, revelando um futuro promissor em tanto na indústria láctea quanto em outros setores.
... Nanotechnology offers enormous potential in agriculture, due to the nano-size of particles exhibiting higher reactivity, bioactivity and bioavailability, and occupying larger surface effect of nano-particles for smart protection against biotic/abiotic stresses in plants (Kadam et al. 2021). It may alleviate the effects of climate change and enhance abiotic stress management measures (Fortina et al. 2005). The application of nanotechnology in biotic and abiotic stresses have been reported by some researchers. ...
Article
Full-text available
Nanotechnology provides tremendous potential in agriculture, mitigating climate change impact and improving abiotic stress management strategy. Chitosan nanoparticles (NCS) were synthesised using the ion gelation method and characterised for size (75.5 nm in particle size analyser), shape (spherical under scanning electron microscopy) and stability (132.2 mV zeta potential). Further, salicylic acid was incorporated into NCS to craft salicylic acid-functionalised chitosan nanoparticles (SA-NCS) and illustrated for size (517 nm), shape (spherical) and stability (197.1 mV). The influence of the exogenous application of SA-NCS (0.08%) was studied at the reproductive stage of three genotypes of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum): (1) heat-tolerant Solar-651 BGII; (2) moderately heat-tolerant Solar-701 BGII; and (3) heat-susceptible Solar-805 BGII, exposed to different temperature regimes: (1) H1 (optimal), 32/20 ± 2°C; (2) H2 (sub-optimal), 38/24 ± 2°C; H3 (supra-optimal), 45/30 ± 2°C. Heat stress significantly reduces carbon-fixing Rubisco, enzymes related to sucrose metabolism and pollen tube length. Considering three genotypes and reproductive stages (sepal and anther tissues), activities of Rubisco (sepals), invertase (sepals), sucrose phosphate synthase (anthers), sucrose content (sepals) and pollen tube length were elevated under high-temperature regimes, signifying better source to sink transposition of sucrose influenced by SA-NCS. The study provides new insights into SA-NCS to improve source–sink imbalance and restore sucrose metabolism for better growth of reproductive structure under heat stress in cotton.
... Nowadays, nanotechnology has been discovered as an imminent technology to modify biological processes (Fortina et al., 2005). Particularly, in the agriculture field, nano-TEs aid in developing agricultural infrastructure (Robinson & Morrison, 2009). ...
Chapter
Full-text available
With an expanding global population, world food demand relies on agriculture. Due to rapid climate change, abiotic stresses are posing a negative effecton the productivity of plants and diminish the majority of crop production. To cope with adverse growing conditions, it becomes critical to understand the physiological effects of the abiotic stresses and search for ways to make plants more adaptive. Trace elements (TEs) are needed minimally for the ideal growth and development of plants. Recently, there have been several successes concerning using TEs at their low levels to enhance plants’ abiotic stress tolerance. The role of TEs in ameliorating abiotic stresses is multi-farious, such as regulating various metabolic processes, signal transduction, gene regulation, biosynthesis of proteins, sugars, and lipids, energy metabolism, and hormone perception. Here, we describe the role of some prominent TEs, their favorable aspects to boost crop production, and the part of TEs in conferring resilience to abiotic stresses in different plant species.
... Fullerenols have been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties, which are due to the presence of hydroxyl groups on functionalized fullerene structures (molecules made up of periodic carbon atom arrangements) [345]. They additionally act as free radical scavengers, which may reduce NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate)-, AMPA-, glutamate-, and kainate-induced apoptosis and excitotoxicity [346][347][348][349]. Neuroprotection facilitated by fullerenol has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo [350]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Artificial, de-novo manufactured materials (with controlled nano-sized characteristics) have been progressively used by neuroscientists during the last several decades. The introduction of novel implantable bioelectronics interfaces that are better suited to their biological targets is one example of an innovation that has emerged as a result of advanced nanostructures and implantable bioelectronics interfaces, which has increased the potential of prostheses and neural interfaces. The unique physical–chemical properties of nanoparticles have also facilitated the development of novel imaging instruments for advanced laboratory systems, as well as intelligently manufactured scaffolds and microelectrodes and other technologies designed to increase our understanding of neural tissue processes. The incorporation of nanotechnology into physiology and cell biology enables the tailoring of molecular interactions. This involves unique interactions with neurons and glial cells in neuroscience. Technology solutions intended to effectively interact with neuronal cells, improved molecular-based diagnostic techniques, biomaterials and hybridized compounds utilized for neural regeneration, neuroprotection, and targeted delivery of medicines as well as small chemicals across the blood–brain barrier are all purposes of the present article.
... La investigación científica puede entender mejor la manera como los átomos se combinan para formar moléculas complejas y cómo estas, a su vez, se agregan según un principio fundamental común para formar estructuras no solo orgánicas, sino inorgánicas. La tecnología puede apalancar los procesos naturales hacia la ingeniería de nuevos materiales, nuevos productos biológicos y máquinas a nanoescala (Fortina, Kricka, Surrey y Grodzinski, 2005). 2. Los mismos principios nos permitirán entender y, cuando sea deseable, controlar el comportamiento de microsistemas complejos, tales como neuronas y componentes de computador y de macrosistemas complejos como el metabolismo humano y el transporte vehicular (Roco, 2003(Roco, , 2004. 3. Los avances revolucionarios de integración en las interfaces entre campos de la ciencia y la tecnología previamente separados, están creando herramientas claves de NBIC, incluyendo instrumentos científicos, metodologías analíticas y sistemas de materiales radicalmente nuevos. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
The scientific advances in the field of the robotics are revolutionizing the way in which the human beings interact. The robotic systems have penetrated into many fields of the daily life, as processes of manufacture, exploration, where high risk exists for the integrity of the person and support in activities locomotion and manipulation, and so on, applications that imply an interaction human-robot who changes the executor's role of the human being to that of user or operator; this interaction tries to improve the results in the diverse tasks in which the robots take part, under standards defined by the field nature application. The interaction human-robot generates a normative frame orientated to a sure utilization of systems and robotic applications. This paper presents various applications of robotics, their incidence and rules or norms that should be considered for their interaction with living beings.
... Bionanotechnology (and its counterpart nanobiotechnology) is an interdisciplinary field of biotechnology and nanotechnology that combines the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials. By combining biological and physical sciences it opens groundbreaking and novel systems with better specificity, sensitivity, and functionality (Fortina, Kricka, Surrey, & Grodzinski, 2005). This interdisciplinary research offers an innovative tool to understand the biological principles guided by nanotechnology. ...
Chapter
Nanomaterials have distinctively different properties from their bulk and molecular counterparts with better specificity, sensitivity, and functionality. Nanomaterials with different physiochemical properties have paved a path leading to a nanorevolution in different fields of science and technology such as health, agriculture, industry, and cosmetics. Synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) can come through traditional physical and chemical approaches, while biological synthesis is a proficiently proved and competent approach toward the development of green nanomanufacturing due to its cost effectiveness and ecofriendly nature. Nanomaterial and microbial interaction play a significant role in antimicrobial activity. Inhibitory mechanisms of microbes include biomolecule damage, Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion, pore formation in cell membrane, generation of reactive oxygen species, and so forth. This chapter recapitulates the deeper knowledge of biosynthesis pathways of NPs, their types, nanomaterial and microbial interaction mechanisms as well as recent applications in different fields of science and technology.
... Nanotechnology is a platform for developing tools and technology for the improvement of the bio system [25]. Nanoparticles (NPs) are small molecular aggregates with dimensions of 1-100 nm [26]. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
Nanotechnology is currently seeking much attention of researchers because of their wide applications in diverse sectors including agriculture. The influence of nanoparticles on physiological state of plants at the different levels of their organization, beginning from molecular, has been studied at various plants. It is known that nanoparticles in different concentrations can impact both positive and negative biological effects. Nanomaterials confer profound uses for sustainable crop production, reducing loss of nutrients, suppression of diseases and thereby enhancing the yields. Concerning the role of nanomaterials in alleviating the damage of plant abiotic stresses or in inhibiting plant growth and its toxicity, further studies are essential under different levels including plant molecular and cellular levels. A wide variety of research has been conducted to study plant responses to waterlogging stress that include various disciplines like molecular, biochemical, and physiological, anatomical and morphological examinations. Nano technological implications for curbing water-logged conditions recently came into limelight and have drawn much attention in the last few years. Nanotechnology is defined as the systems and processes which operate at a scale of 100 nm or less. Nanotechnology has many applications in the field of agriculture. There are majority of nano-materials which are known for its plant growth promoting effects. Nanoparticles have unique physiochemical properties such as high reactivity, particle morphology, and large surface area. They also boost the plant metabolism.
... QDs are being applied in various fields, such as diagnosis and biosensing, owing to their unique optical and electrical properties. QDs characteristically show various emission wavelengths and colors, depending on their size and shape [71][72][73][74]. However, as electrons are easily lost from QDs because of their high energy states, a structure in which a polymer coats the core and shell is mainly used [75,76]. ...
Article
Full-text available
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic poses serious global health concerns with the continued emergence of new variants. The periodic outbreak of novel emerging and re-emerging infectious pathogens has elevated concerns and challenges for the future. To develop mitigation strategies against infectious diseases, nano-based approaches are being increasingly applied in diagnostic systems, prophylactic vaccines, and therapeutics. This review presents the properties of various nanoplatforms and discusses their role in the development of sensors, vectors, delivery agents, intrinsic immunostimulants, and viral inhibitors. Advanced nanomedical applications for infectious diseases have been highlighted. Moreover, physicochemical properties that confer physiological advantages and contribute to the control and inhibition of infectious diseases have been discussed. Safety concerns limit the commercial production and clinical use of these technologies in humans; however, overcoming these limitations may enable the use of nanomaterials to resolve current infection control issues via application of nanomaterials as a platform for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of viral diseases.
... La investigación científica puede entender mejor la manera como los átomos se combinan para formar moléculas complejas y cómo estas, a su vez, se agregan según un principio fundamental común para formar estructuras no solo orgánicas, sino inorgánicas. La tecnología puede apalancar los procesos naturales hacia la ingeniería de nuevos materiales, nuevos productos biológicos y máquinas a nanoescala (Fortina, Kricka, Surrey y Grodzinski, 2005). 2. Los mismos principios nos permitirán entender y, cuando sea deseable, controlar el comportamiento de microsistemas complejos, tales como neuronas y componentes de computador y de macrosistemas complejos como el metabolismo humano y el transporte vehicular (Roco, 2003(Roco, , 2004. 3. Los avances revolucionarios de integración en las interfaces entre campos de la ciencia y la tecnología previamente separados, están creando herramientas claves de NBIC, incluyendo instrumentos científicos, metodologías analíticas y sistemas de materiales radicalmente nuevos. ...
... Nanoparticles have been developed for tumors imaging and drug delivery targeting. The other particles such as nanocantilever and nanoprobes, as well as nanoparticles coupled with specific ligands have also been studied in tumor imaging and peripheral metastasis (8,9). Super magnetic nanoparticles that are conjugated with biological antibodies can be useful in imaging and managing breast cancer (10). ...
... The fluorescence property of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) proved its potential in functionalized manner such as carbon nanotubes and fullerenes. Biocompatiblity and chemically inert property of CNPs increased its utilization in biological labeling, bioimaging and other different optoelectronic device applications [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. These carbon nanoparticles have more advantages over conventional cadmium based quantum dots [19]. ...
Article
Graphical Abstract Abstract Carbon nanoparticles are known because of their highly fluorescent property. Thus, among several different types of nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles have great potential of bio imaging applications. Highly fluorescent crystalline carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have been synthesized in a facile, rapid method which involves microwave irradiation of sucrose with phosphoric acid at 100 W for 4 mins. Hence this method is fleet and cost effective for large scale applications. Physical characterization of synthesized CNPs was done by DLS and Zeta potential, Hydrodynamic size of CNPs as measured by DLS was 281.2 d.nm. The surface charge of carbon nanoparticles was found to be-39.7 mV. These CNPs have green fluorescence under UV exposure. CNPs enter into cell without any further modification and show their efficiency as fluorescence based cell imaging application. Further, we have explored the antibacterial property of carbon nanoparticles by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). MOL2NET, 2020, 6, ISSN: 2624-5078 2 http://sciforum.net/conference/mol2net-06
... The fluorescence property of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) proved its potential in functionalized manner such as carbon nanotubes and fullerenes. Biocompatiblity and chemically inert property of CNPs increased its utilization in biological labeling, bioimaging and other different optoelectronic device applications [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. These carbon nanoparticles have more advantages over conventional cadmium based quantum dots [19]. ...
... In the last decades nanobiotechnology based applications are attracting researcher's attention in this direction. Nanotechnology is an emerging multi-disciplinary area that involved technology of diverse fields at nano level i.e., Biological sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and Computer science and Material science etc. Nanotechnology, offers an opportunity to develop tools and technology for investigation and transformation of biological systems [1]. Nanotechnology explores wide area and opens large scope for diverse applications in fields of biotechnology and agricultural sector [2]. ...
... It may also be defined as the branch of science and technology that deals with the manipulation and usage of materials at one-billionth of a meter (Regis, 1995). For the understanding of advancement in the field of science and technology, especially nanotechnology by a common man, much efforts have been made like NPs are not new materials but represent a divided state of matter at an extremely small scale, that is nanoscale (Fortina et al., 2005). At nanoscale, a tremendous change in physicochemical and biological properties of materials has been observed like the surface area to volume ratio (Ditta, 2012). ...
Chapter
Wood is a natural renewable material with unique properties helping mankind to build and develop its communities since the genesis of human on the Earth. Moreover, wood/cellulosic composites provide the opportunity to utilize low-density wood species and agricultural materials that are basically not suitable for structural applications; they also provide homogeneous structures that are of great value for different applications. Never, over the history of civilization, was it possible to exclude wood and wood products from human life. In the recent century or so, iron and concrete ‘tried’ to replace wood, presenting higher strength and less susceptibility to environmental weathering and biological deteriorating agents. Nevertheless, modern structures and buildings erected by iron and concrete lack the warm atmosphere which is the unique characteristic of wood. Although wood is considered irreplaceable, it has some disadvantages narrowing its applications and limiting its service life. These disadvantages mainly include its susceptibility to water and water vapor, biological deteriorating fungi, insects, termites, and marine borers. Various nano-materials have been developed to successfully overcome these shortcomings in the past two decades. The present chapter tries to summarize some main areas in which nanotechnology is being used to improve wood and cellulosic composites. Moreover, some new applications and capabilities of this precious natural material are also brought into perspective, emerging from the utilization of nanotechnology, areas such as transparent wood, self-cleaning coatings, and smart windows. Though some areas have been thoroughly studied, much potential still exists for further studies and commercialization.
... With the advancement of nanotechnology studies and evidence that proves the positive effects that nanoscale dimensions have on materials, increasing interest has developed in technology and products with new features and functions. The diverse nanostructures include nanomatrices, nanowires, nanocapacitors, nanotubes, nanopores, nanoplanes, nanofibers, nanospheres, and nanocapsules [2]. ...
... Nanotechnology has revolutionized the world with nano-objects which include nanotubes, nano-channels ( Figure 1), NPs, nano-pores and nano-capacitors. 33 These nano-objects have significant analytical applications in the world. Nano-biotechnology can also be defined as the junction of nanotechnology and biotechnology, which intends to create, improve, and utilize nanoscale structures for advanced biotechnology. ...
... Nanotechnology has revolutionized the world with nano-objects which include nanotubes, nano-channels ( Figure 1), NPs, nano-pores and nano-capacitors. 33 These nano-objects have significant analytical applications in the world. Nano-biotechnology can also be defined as the junction of nanotechnology and biotechnology, which intends to create, improve, and utilize nanoscale structures for advanced biotechnology. ...
Article
Full-text available
Malaria, the exterminator of ~1.5 to 2.7 million human lives yearly, is a notorious disease known throughout the world. The eradication of this disease is difficult and a challenge to scientists. Vector elimination and effective chemotherapy for the patients are key tactics to be used in the fight against malaria. However, drug resistance and environmental and social concerns are the main hurdles in this fight against malaria. Overcoming these limitations is the major challenge for the 21st-century malarial researchers. Adapting the principles of nano-biotechnology to both vector control and patient therapy is the only solution to the problem. Several compounds such as lipids, proteins, nucleic acid and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have been successfully used for the control of this lethal malaria disease. Other useful natural reagents such as microbes and their products, carbohydrates, vitamins, plant extracts and biodegradable polymers, are also used to control this disease. Among these particles, the plant-based particles such as leaf, root, stem, latex, and seed give the best antagonistic response against malaria. In the present review, we describe certain efforts related to the control, prevention and treatment of malaria. We hope that this review will open new doors for malarial research.
... Nanotechnology has revolutionized the world with nano-objects which include nanotubes, nano-channels ( Figure 1), NPs, nano-pores and nano-capacitors. 33 These nano-objects have significant analytical applications in the world. Nano-biotechnology can also be defined as the junction of nanotechnology and biotechnology, which intends to create, improve, and utilize nanoscale structures for advanced biotechnology. ...
Article
Full-text available
Malaria, the exterminator of ~1.5 to 2.7 million human lives yearly, is a notorious disease known throughout the world. The eradication of this disease is difficult and a challenge to scientists. Vector elimination and effective chemotherapy for the patients are key tactics to be used in the fight against malaria. However, drug resistance and environmental and social concerns are the main hurdles in this fight against malaria. Overcoming these limitations is the major challenge for the 21st-century malarial researchers. Adapting the principles of nano-biotechnology to both vector control and patient therapy is the only solution to the problem. Several compounds such as lipids, proteins, nucleic acid and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have been successfully used for the control of this lethal malaria disease. Other useful natural reagents such as microbes and their products, carbohydrates, vitamins, plant extracts and biodegradable polymers, are also used to control this disease. Among these particles, the plant-based particles such as leaf, root, stem, latex, and seed give the best antagonistic response against malaria. In the present review, we describe certain efforts related to the control, prevention and treatment of malaria. We hope that this review will open new doors for malarial research.
... Semi-Conductor Fluorescent Nonocrystals such as quantum dots conjugated with antibodies can cause marking determining their exact amount in a small piece of breast tumor [7]. Other particles in nano scale such as nano-cantilerer and nano probes and coupled nanoparticles with specific ligands have been studied in field of cancer tumor imaging and determining environmental metastasis [8,9]. Relevant studies have shown that nanoparticles conjugated with metal core and super magnetic force with biologic antibodies against ERBB2 gene can simultaneously be useful in imaging and treatment of breast cancer [10]. ...
Preprint
Cancer is the main cause of mortality at the developed countries and is the second cause of mortality at the developing countries and breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy and the first cause of mortality among women of the world. At the US, 28% of new cancer cases and 15% of mortality caused by that in 2010 was caused by breast cancer. Moreover, breast cancer is the most common cancer among Iranian women, which includes 24.4% of overall malignancies and causes 3.3% of mortalities per 1.000 people. The disease is most spread in Tehran and including 25.5% of all cancers. According to the mentioned, the study has tried to assess the effect of nanotechnology in form of a review to diagnose and treat breast cancer. The method applied in this study is descriptive analytical method and library method has been used for data collection purpose. In the data collection method, 45 articles relevant to structure of types of nanoparticles and their uses in diagnosis, imaging and medicine delivery systems and breast cancer treatment have been used. Although there are still some challenges and limitations to use nanoparticles in medication, it is hope that nanoparticles can make wonderful revolution not only in oncology, but also in medication in near future. The most underlying headlines of the present study include mineral nanoparticles, antibodies and tumor imaging methods. Keywords: magnetic nanoparticles, breast cancer, nanobody.
... New advances in nanosized engineered materials have demonstrated great potentials in the field of agriculture science and plant biology. 1 As a part of this technological innovation, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with their distinct morphological characters, pore size, and surface properties have been demonstrated to have distinct properties that can be intensively employed for nano-biotechnological applications. 2 In the recent past, we have noticed that with the advent of nanotechnology in agriculture, more investigations are focussed on studying the detrimental impacts of different nanomaterials on plant ecology and environment rather than their affirmative implications. 3−5 Especially, increased investigations on examining the impact of CNTs on the germination of varied plants have been allured because of their ability to penetrate plant cells. ...
Article
In the current scenario, nanotechnological applications in the agriculture sector showing potential impacts on the improvement of plant growth in terms of protection and safety are at a very nascent stage. The present study deals with the synergistic role of zinc (Zn) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) synthesized as ZnO/MWCNTs nanocomposite, a prospective applicant to modulate the micronutrient supply and enhance the growth of onion seeds thereby replacing harmful, unsafe chemical fertilizers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report wherein MWCNTs have been envisaged as a micronutrient distributor and a nutrient stabilizer enhancing the growth of onion plant under arid conditions. The growth trend of onion seeds was evaluated in an aqueous medium with varied concentrations of (i) MWCNTs (ii) Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and (iii) ZnO/MWCNTs nanocomposites. ZnO/MWCNTs nanocomposites with 15 µg/ml of concentration displayed the best seedling growth with maximum number of cells in telophase. Significant growth trend with increased concentration of ZnO/MWCNTs displayed no negative impact on plant growth in contrast to the use of MWCNTs. The synergistic role of Zn nanoparticles and MWCNTs in ZnO/MWCNTs nanocomposites on the rate of germination was explained via mechanism supported by Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM).
... Інтенсивний розвиток нанотехнологій дав змо гу створити наносполуки біогенних елементів з карбоновими кислотами, у тому числі цитра тів з високим ступенем чистоти [3,22]. Окре мими дослідженнями встановлено, що цитрати металів каталізують обмін протеїнів, ліпідів та мінеральних речовин в організмі [5,7]. ...
... Unlike molecular fluorophores, which typically have very narrow excitation spectra, semiconductor quantum dots absorb light over a very broad spectral range. This makes it possible to optically excite a broad spectrum of quantum dot colors using a single excitation laser wavelength, which enables one to simultaneously probe several markers [36,43]. ...
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Wide-scale DNA testing requires the development of small, fast and easy-to-use devices. This article describes the preparation, operation and applications of biosensors and gene chips, which provide fast, sensitive and selective detection of DNA hybridization. Various new strategies for DNA biosensors and gene chips are examined, along with recent trends and future directions. The integration of hybridization detection schemes with the sample preparation process in a ‘Lab-on-a-Chip’ format is also covered. While the use of DNA biosensors and gene chips is at an early stage, such devices are expected to have an enormous effect on future DNA diagnostics.
Article
Standard DNA microarray technology has revolutionized the large-scale study of gene expression and genotyping. In this TechView, David Walt discusses the design of a new microarray technology that uses etched optical fibers and microspheres tagged with fluorescent DNA probes.
Article
CARBON nanotubes1 are expected to have a wide variety of interesting properties. Capillarity in open tubes has already been demonstrated2–5, while predictions regarding their electronic structure6–8 and mechanical strength9 remain to be tested. To examine the properties of these structures, one needs tubes with well defined morphologies, length, thickness and a number of concentric shells; but the normal carbon-arc synthesis10,11 yields a range of tube types. In particular, most calculations have been concerned with single-shell tubes, whereas the carbon-arc synthesis produces almost entirely multi-shell tubes. Here we report the synthesis of abundant single-shell tubes with diameters of about one nanometre. Whereas the multi-shell nanotubes are formed on the carbon cathode, these single-shell tubes grow in the gas phase. Electron diffraction from a single tube allows us to confirm the helical arrangement of carbon hexagons deduced previously for multi-shell tubes1.
Article
A nanoelectrode array based on vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) embedded in SiO2 is used for ultrasensitive DNA detection. Characteristic electrochemical behaviors are observed for measuring bulk and surface-immobilized redox species. Sensitivity is dramatically improved by lowering the nanotube density. Oligonucleotide probes are selectively functionalized to the open ends of nanotubes. The hybridization of subattomole DNA targets can be detected by combining such electrodes with Ru(bpy)32+ mediated guanine oxidation.
Article
We describe a multi-analyte biosensor that uses magnetic microbeads as labels to detect DNA hybridization on a micro-fabricated chip. The beads are detected by giant magnetoresistance (GMR) magnetoelectronic sensors embedded in the chip. The prototype device is a tabletop unit containing electronics, a chip carrier with a microfluidic flow cell, and a compact electromagnet and is capable of simultaneous detection of eight different analytes.
Article
The preparation of a new type of finite carbon structure consisting of needlelike tubes is reported. Produced using an arc-discharge evaporation method similar to that used for fullerene sythesis, the needles grow at the negative end of the electrode used for the arc discharge. Electron microscopy reveals that each needle comprises coaxial tubes of graphitic sheets ranging in number from two up to about 50. On each tube the carbon-atom hexagons are arranged in a helical fashion about the needle axis. The helical pitch varies from needle to needle and from tube to tube within a single needle. It appears that this helical structure may aid the growth process. The formation of these needles, ranging from a few to a few tens of nanometers in diameter, suggests that engineering of carbon structures should be possible on scales considerably greater than those relevant to the fullerenes.
Article
Wide-scale DNA testing requires the development of small, fast and easy-to-use devices. This article describes the preparation, operation and applications of biosensors and gene chips, which provide fast, sensitive and selective detection of DNA hybridization. Various new strategies for DNA biosensors and gene chips are examined, along with recent trends and future directions. The integration of hybridization detection schemes with the sample preparation process in a 'Lab-on-a-Chip' format is also covered. While the use of DNA biosensors and gene chips is at an early stage, such devices are expected to have an enormous effect on future DNA diagnostics.
Article
A method for analyzing combinatorial DNA arrays using oligonucleotide-modified gold nanoparticle probes and a conventional flatbed scanner is described here. Labeling oligonucleotide targets with nanoparticle rather than fluorophore probes substantially alters the melting profiles of the targets from an array substrate. This difference permits the discrimination of an oligonucleotide sequence from targets with single nucleotide mismatches with a selectivity that is over three times that observed for fluorophore-labeled targets. In addition, when coupled with a signal amplification method based on nanoparticle-promoted reduction of silver(I), the sensitivity of this scanometric array detection system exceeds that of the analogous fluorophore system by two orders of magnitude.
Article
A photoinduced method for converting large quantities of silver nanospheres into triangular nanoprisms is reported. The photo-process has been characterized by time-dependent ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, allowing for the observation of several key intermediates in and characteristics of the conversion process. This light-driven process results in a colloid with distinctive optical properties that directly relate to the nanoprism shape of the particles. Theoretical calculations coupled with experimental observations allow for the assignment of the nanoprism plasmon bands and for the first identification of two distinct quadrupole plasmon resonances for a nanoparticle. Unlike the spherical particles they are derived from that Rayleigh light-scatter in the blue, these nanoprisms exhibit scattering in the red, which could be useful in developing multicolor diagnostic labels on the basis not only of nanoparticle composition and size but also of shape.
Article
Recent advances in nanomaterials have produced a new class of fluorescent labels by conjugating semiconductor quantum dots with biorecognition molecules. These nanometer-sized conjugates are water-soluble and biocompatible, and provide important advantages over organic dyes and lanthanide probes. In particular, the emission wavelength of quantum-dot nanocrystals can be continuously tuned by changing the particle size, and a single light source can be used for simultaneous excitation of all different-sized dots. High-quality dots are also highly stable against photobleaching and have narrow, symmetric emission spectra. These novel optical properties render quantum dots ideal fluorophores for ultrasensitive, multicolor, and multiplexing applications in molecular biotechnology and bioengineering.
Article
Multiplexed detection of oligonucleotide targets has been performed with gold nanoparticle probes labeled with oligonucleotides and Raman-active dyes. The gold nanoparticles facilitate the formation of a silver coating that acts as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering promoter for the dye-labeled particles that have been captured by target molecules and an underlying chip in microarray format. The strategy provides the high-sensitivity and high-selectivity attributes of gray-scale scanometric detection but adds multiplexing and ratioing capabilities because a very large number of probes can be designed based on the concept of using a Raman tag as a narrow-band spectroscopic fingerprint. Six dissimilar DNA targets with six Raman-labeled nanoparticle probes were distinguished, as well as two RNA targets with single nucleotide polymorphisms. The current unoptimized detection limit of this method is 20 femtomolar.
Article
We demonstrate a rapid and highly sensitive all-electronic technique based on the resistive pulse method of particle sizing with a pore to detect the binding of unlabeled antibodies to the surface of latex colloids. Here, we use an on-chip pore to sense colloids derivatized with streptavidin and measure accurately their diameter increase on specific binding to several different types of antibodies. We show the sensitivity of this technique to the concentration of free antibody and that it can be used to perform immunoassays in both inhibition and sandwich configurations. Overall, our technique does not require labeling of the reactants and is performed rapidly by using very little solution, and the pore itself is fabricated quickly and inexpensively by using soft lithography. Finally, because this method relies only on the volume of bound ligand, it can be generally applied to detecting a wide range of ligand-receptor binding reactions.
Article
Nucleic-acid hybridization assays based on the use of different inorganic-colloid (quantum dots) nanocrystal tracers for the simultaneous electrochemical measurements of multiple DNA targets are described. Three encoding nanoparticles (zinc sulfide, cadmium sulfide, and lead sulfide) are used to differentiate the signals of three DNA targets in connection to stripping-voltammetric measurements of the heavy metal dissolution products. These products yield well-defined and resolved stripping peaks at -1.12 V (Zn), -0.68 V (Cd), and -0.53 V (Pb) at the mercury-coated glassy-carbon electrode (vs Ag/AgCl reference). The position and size of these peaks reflect the identity and level of the corresponding DNA target. The multi-target detection capability is coupled to the amplification feature of stripping voltammetry (to yield femtomole detection limits) and with an efficient magnetic removal of nonhybridized nucleic acids to offer high sensitivity and selectivity. The protocol is illustrated for the simultaneous detection of three DNA sequences related to the BCRA1 breast-cancer gene in a single sample in connection to magnetic beads bearing the corresponding oligonucleotide probes. The new electrochemical coding is expected to bring new capabilities for DNA diagnostics, and for bioanalysis, in general.
Article
The fabrication and attractive performance of carbon nanotube (CNT)/Teflon composite electrodes, based on the dispersion of CNT within a Teflon binder, are described. The resulting CNT/Teflon material brings new capabilities for electrochemical devices by combining the advantages of CNT and "bulk" composite electrodes. The electrocatalytic properties of CNT are not impaired by their association with the Teflon binder. The marked electrocatalytic activity toward hydrogen peroxide and NADH permits effective low-potential amperometric biosensing of glucose and ethanol, respectively, in connection with the incorporation of glucose oxidase and alcohol dehydrogenase/NAD(+) within the three-dimensional CNT/Teflon matrix. The accelerated electron transfer is coupled with minimization of surface fouling and surface renewability. These advantages of CNT-based composite devices are illustrated from comparison to their graphite/Teflon counterparts. The influence of the CNT loading upon the amperometric and voltammetric data, as well as the electrode resistance, is examined. SEM images offer insights into the nature of the CNT/Teflon surface. The preparation of CNT/Teflon composites overcomes a major obstacle for creating CNT-based biosensing devices and expands the scope of CNT-based electrochemical devices.
Article
A resistive-pulse Coulter counter based on a membrane containing a single multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) channel was used to simultaneously determine the size and surface charge of carboxy-terminated polystyrene nanoparticles. The membrane was prepared from an epoxy section containing a MWNT channel mounted on a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) support structure. The PDMS support reduced the background noise level by a factor of > 20 compared to the Si/Si3N4 support structure used in our previous study. The lower noise level makes it possible to accurately measure the height and width of resistive-pulse signals resulting from transport of individual particles through the MWNT channel. Particle sizes, calculated from current pulse heights, were comparable to those determined by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The width of the current pulses is a measure of the nanoparticle transport time, and it permits calculation of the electrokinetic surface charge. Different types of polystyrene nanoparticles having nearly the same size, but different electrokinetic surface charge, could be resolved on the basis of the difference in their transport time.
Article
Biomolecules are notorious for their unpredictable flexibility. Some of the smallest nanopores ever created are being used to manipulate individual DNA molecules, with far-from simple results.
Article
Recent developments in the application of micro- and nanosystems for drug administration include a diverse range of new materials and methods. New approaches include the on-demand activation of molecular interactions, novel diffusion-controlled delivery devices, nanostructured 'smart' surfaces and materials, and prospects for coupling drug delivery to sensors and implants. Micro- and nanotechnologies are enabling the design of novel methods such as radio-frequency addressing of individual molecules or the suppression of immune response to a release device. Current challenges include the need to balance the small scale of the devices with the quantities of drugs that are clinically necessary, the requirement for more stable sensor platforms, and the development of methods to evaluate these new materials and devices for safety and efficacy.
Article
The biological and physical sciences share a common interest in small structures (the definition of 'small' depends on the application, but can range from 1 nm to 1 mm). A vigorous trade across the borders of these areas of science is developing around new materials and tools (largely from the physical sciences) and new phenomena (largely from the biological sciences). The physical sciences offer tools for synthesis and fabrication of devices for measuring the characteristics of cells and sub-cellular components, and of materials useful in cell and molecular biology; biology offers a window into the most sophisticated collection of functional nanostructures that exists.
Article
In this paper, we demonstrate how one can chemically design Raman dye-functionalized nanoparticle probes with specific protein-binding affinities and use these probes, coupled with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy, to perform multiplexed screening of protein-small molecule interactions and protein-protein interactions in a protein microarray format.
Article
A new strategy for dramatically amplifying enzyme-linked electrical detection of proteins and DNA using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for carrying numerous enzyme tracers and accumulating the enzymatically liberated product on CNT-modified transducer is described. Such a CNT-derived double-step amplification pathway (of both the recognition and transduction events) allows the detection of DNA and proteins down to 1.3 and 160 zmol, respectively, in 25-50 muL samples and indicates great promise for PCR-free DNA analysis. The new protocol is illustrated for monitoring sandwich hybridization and antibody-antigen interactions in connection with alkaline-phosphatase tracers. The DNA-linking of CNTs and particles holds promise also for assembling hybrid nanostructures relevant to molecular electronic devices.
Article
Novel two-component oligonucleotide-modified nanoparticle probes have been designed and used in a bio-bar-code assay with a 500 zeptomolar target DNA sensitivity limit.
Article
Employing methods developed for the control of shape and size in silver nanoparticles, we have compared the optical properties of nanorods, nanoprisms, nanodisks, and nanospheres. Solutions of these particles show distinct surface plasmon resonant absorption signatures that are directly correlated with the symmetries of their morphology. Nonlinear optical behavior for suspensions of these nanostructures, for nanosecond pulses at 532 and 1064 nm, have been correlated to plasmon resonances determined by shape and size.
Article
As the dimensions of electronic devices approach those of molecules, the size, geometry, and chemical composition of the contact electrodes play increasingly dominant roles in device functions. It is shown here that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) can be used as quasi-one-dimensional (1D) electrodes to construct organic field effect transistors (FET) with molecular scale width ( approximately 2 nm) and channel length (1-3 nm). An important feature owing to the quasi-1D electrode geometry is the favorable gate electrostatics that allows for efficient switching of ultra-short organic channels. This affords room temperature conductance modulation by orders of magnitude for organic transistors that are only several molecules in length, with switching characteristics superior to similar devices with lithographically patterned metal electrodes. With nanotubes, covalent carbon-carbon bonds could be utilized to form contacts to molecular materials. The unique geometrical, physical, and chemical properties of carbon nanotube electrodes may lead to various interesting molecular devices.