Graphene-Based Nanosystems: Versatile Nanotools for Theranostics and Bioremediation

Since its revolutionary discovery in 2004, graphene— a two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial consisting of single-layer carbon atoms packed in a honeycomb lattice— was thoroughly discussed for a broad variety of applications including quantum physics, nanoelectronics, energy efficiency, and catalysis. Graphene and graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) have also captivated the interest of researchers for innovative biomedical applications since the first publication on the use of graphene as a nanocarrier for the delivery of anticancer drugs in 2008. Today, GBNs have evolved into hybrid combinations of graphene and other elements (e.g., drugs or other bioactive compounds, polymers, lipids, and nanoparticles). In the context of developing theranostic (therapeutic + diagnostic) tools, which combine multiple therapies with imaging strategies to track the distribution of therapeutic agents in the body, the multipurpose character of the GBNs hybrid systems has been further explored. Because each therapy and imaging strategy has inherent advantages and disadvantages, a mixture of complementary strategies is interesting as it will result in a synergistic theranostic effect. The flexibility of GBNs cannot be limited to their biomedical applications and, these nanosystems emerge as a viable choice for an indirect effect on health by their future use as environmental cleaners. Indeed, GBNs can be used in bioremediation approaches alone or combined with other techniques such as phytoremediation. In summary, without ignoring the difficulties that GBNs still present before being deemed translatable to clinical and environmental applications, the purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the remarkable potential of GBNs on health by presenting examples of their versatility as nanotools for theranostics and bioremediation

Lipid nanocarriers loaded with natural compounds: Potential new therapies for age related neurodegenerative diseases?

Article in pressAge related neurodegenerative disorders (ARND) are presented as the most debilitating and challenging diseases associated with the central nervous system. Despite the advent of active molecules with a positive role on neurodegenerative mechanisms, many of the current therapeutic strategies remain ineffective in treating or preventing ARND. Lipid nanocarriers have emerged as efficient delivery systems with the capability to cross biological barriers, especially the blood brain barrier (BBB). Also, when associated to natural compounds, lipid nanocarriers have demonstrated to be an interesting alternative to ARND therapies with multiple beneficial effects. This comprehensive review focus on state-of-the-art lipid based nanocarriers for the delivery of natural compounds targeting neurodegeneration. A critical analysis of published reports will be also provided giving indications to researchers about the most promising ARND nanotherapy strategies.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UID/FIS/04650/2013. Marlene Lúcio acknowledges the exploratory project funded by FCT with the reference IF/00498/2012. Telma Soares acknowledges COMPETE 2020 “Programa Operacional Competitividade e internacionalização”info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Chapter 14: Lipid-based colloidal carriers for topical application of antiviral drugs

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Comparison between three methods to value lower tear meniscus measured by image software

To measure different parameters of lower tear meniscus height (TMH) by using photography with open software of measurement. TMH was addressed from lower eyelid to the top of the meniscus (absolute TMH) and to the brightest meniscus reflex (reflex TMH). 121 young healthy subjects were included in the study. The lower tear meniscus was videotaped by a digital camera attached to a slit lamp. Three videos were recorded in central meniscus portion on three different methods: slit lamp without fluorescein instillation, slit lamp with fluorescein instillation and TearscopeTM without fluorescein instillation. Then, a masked observed obtained an image from each video and measured TMH by using open source software of measurement based on Java (NIH ImageJ). Absolute central (TMH-CA), absolute with fluorescein (TMH-F) and absolute using the Tearscope (TMH-Tc) were compared each other as well as reflex central (TMH-CR) and reflex Tearscope (TMH-TcR). Mean ± S.D. values of TMH-CA, TMH-CR, TMH-F, TMH-Tc and TMH-TcR of 0.209 ± 0.049, 0.139 ± 0.031, 0.222 ± 0.058, 0.175 ± 0.045 and 0.109 ± 0.029 mm, respectively were found. Paired t-test was performed for the relationship between TMH-CA – TMH-CR, TMH-CA – TMH-F, TMH-CA – TMH-Tc, TMH-F – TMH-Tc, TMH-Tc – TMH-TcR and TMH-CR – TMH-TcR. In all cases, it was found a significant difference between both variables (all p < 0.008).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Design of a lipid nano-delivery system containing recombinant Candida albicans chitinase 3 as a potential vaccine against fungal infections

Opportunistic fungi cause lethal systemic infections and impose high medical costs to health systems. The World Health Organization has recognized the importance of fungal infections, including them in its global priority list guiding research, development, and discovery of new therapeutic approaches. Fungal vaccine development has been proposed as one of the treatment and prevention strategies in the last decade. In this study, we present the design of a lipid antigen delivery system based on Dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide: Monoolein (DODAB: MO) containing recombinant Candida albicans Chitinase 3 (Cht3) for modulation the immune response against fungal infections. Several DODAB:MO liposomes containing Cht3 were prepared and those prepared by the incubation method and containing 5 µg/mL Cht3 were selected due to their favorable size, ζ-potential and stability, suited for antigen delivery applications. The encapsulation of Cht3 in these liposomes resulted in a significant increase in cellular uptake compared to empty liposomes, demonstrating their efficacy in delivering the antigen. Moreover, the liposomes proved to be safe for use in immunization procedures. Subcutaneous administration of Cht3 liposomes elicited a Th1/Th17 immune response profile, associated with the production of high levels of antibodies against Cht3. These antibodies recognized both the native and the recombinant forms of the protein, opsonizing mother-yeast at the cell scars, which has the potential to disrupt cell separation and hinder yeast growth. The findings suggest that the designed lipid antigen delivery system shows promise as a potential candidate for enhancing immune responses against fungal infections, offering a valuable strategy for future fungal vaccine development