Bioceramics: from bone substitutes to nanoparticles for drug delivery

Since the second half of the 20th century, bioceramics are used for bone repair and regeneration. Inspired by bones and teeth, and aimed at mimicking their structure and composition, several artificial bioceramics were developed for biomedical applications. And nowadays, in the 21st century, with the increasing prominence of nanoscience and nanotechnology, certain bioceramics are being used to build smart drug delivery systems, among other applications. This minireview will mainly describe both tendencies through the research work carried out by the research team of María Vallet-Regí

Nanomotors for Nucleic Acid, Proteins, Pollutants and Cells Detection

The development of nanomachines able to operate at the nanoscale, performing complex tasks such as drug delivery, precision surgery, or cell detection, constitutes one of the most important challenges in nanotechnology. The principles that rule the nanoscale are completely different from the ones which govern the macroscopic world and, therefore, the collaboration of scientists with expertise in different fields is required for the effective fabrication of these tiny machines. In this review, the most recent advances carried out in the synthesis and application of nanomachines for diagnosis applications will be presented in order to provide a picture of their potential in the detection of important biomolecules or pathogens in a selective and controlled manne

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Co-Delivery of Drugs and Nucleic Acids in Oncology: A Review.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles have attracted much attention in recent years as drug and gene delivery systems for biomedical applications. Among their most beneficial features for biomedicine, we can highlight their biocompatibility and their outstanding textural properties, which provide a great loading capacity for many types of cargos. In the context of cancer nanomedicine, combination therapy and gene transfection/silencing have recently been highlighted as two of its most promising fields. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the different small molecule drug-nucleic acid co-delivery combinations that have been developed using mesoporous silica nanoparticles as carriers. By carefully selecting the chemotherapeutic drug and nucleic acid cargos to be co-delivered by mesoporous silica nanoparticles, different therapeutic goals can be achieved by overcoming resistance mechanisms, combining different cytotoxic mechanisms, or providing an additional antiangiogenic effect. The examples here presented highlight the great promise of this type of strategies for the development of future therapeutics

Silica Materials for Medical Applications

The two main applications of silica-based materials in medicine and biotechnology, i.e. for bone-repairing devices and for drug delivery systems, are presented and discussed. The influence of the structure and chemical composition in the final characteristics and properties of every silica-based material is also shown as a function of the both applications presented. The adequate combination of the synthesis techniques, template systems and additives leads to the development of materials that merge the bioactive behavior with the drug carrier ability. These systems could be excellent candidates as materials for the development of devices for tissue engineering

Influence of the Surface Functionalization on the Fate and Performance of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles have been broadly applied as drug delivery systems 14 owing to their exquisite features, such as excellent textural properties or biocompatibility. However, 15 there are various biological barriers that prevent their proper translation into the clinic, including 16 (1) lack of selectivity toward tumor tissues, (2) lack of selectivity for tumoral cells and (3) endosomal 17 sequestration of the particles upon internalization. In addition, their open porous structure may 18 lead to premature drug release, consequently affecting healthy tissues and decreasing the efficacy 19 of the treatment. First, this review will provide a comprehensive and systematic overview of the 20 different approximations that have been implemented into mesoporous silica nanoparticles to 21 overcome each of such biological barriers. Afterward, the potential premature and non-specific drug 22 release from these mesoporous nanocarriers will be addressed by introducing the concept of stimuli23 responsive gatekeepers, which endow the particles with on-demand and localized drug delivery

Advances in laser ablation synthesized silicon-based nanomaterials for the treatment of bacterial infection.

Nanomaterials have unique properties and characteristics derived from their shape and small size that are not present in bulk materials. If size and shape are decisive, the synthesis method used, which determines the above parameters, is equally important. Among the different nanomaterial’s synthesis methods, we can find chemical methods (microemulsion, sol-gel, hydrothermal treatments, etc.), physical methods (evaporation-condensation, laser treatment, etc.) and biosynthesis. Among all of them, the use of laser ablation that allows obtaining non-toxic nanomaterials (absence of foreign compounds) with a controlled 3D size, has emerged in recent years as a simple and versatile alternative for the synthesis of a wide variety of nanomaterials with numerous applications. This manuscript reviews the latest advances in the use of laser ablation for the synthesis of silicon-based nanomaterials, highlighting its usefulness in the prevention of bacterial infection

Ultrasound responsive Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Nanotechnology, which has already revolutionised many technological areas, is expected to transform life sciences. In this sense, nanomedicine could address some of the most important limitations of conventional medicine. In general, nanomedicine include three major objectives: (1) trap and protect a great amount of therapeutic agents; (2) carry them to the specific site of disease avoiding any leakage; and (3) release on-demand high local concentrations of therapeutic agents. This feature article will make special emphasis on mesoporous silica nanoparticles that release their therapeutic cargo in response to ultrasound

Modificaciones, por tratamientos térmicos de propiedades de superficie y estructura cristalina en geles de Tio2

This paper reconstructs, in non-formal terms, the development of Vilfredo Pareto’s writings on what was to become known as “Pareto optimality”. Notably, I rebuild the various versions preceeding the final definition of paretian optimum in economics and I give a few comments on its sociological adaptation.Cet article retrace, dans des termes non formels, le developpement, dans les écrits de Vilfredo Pareto, du concept que l’on connaît aujourd’hui sous l’appellation d’optimum paretien. Nous rétablissons notamment les différentes versions qui ont précédé la definition finale dudit concept en théorie économique et commentons l’adaptation sociologique qu’en a faite Pareto

Our Contributions to Applications of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Our contribution to mesoporous silica materials in the field of biomedicine are reported in this article. This perspective article represents our work in the basics of the material, preparingdifferent ranges of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with different diameters and with varied pore sizes. We demonstrated the high loading capacity of these materials. Additionally, the possibility of functionalizing both internal and external surface with different organic or inorganic moieties allowed the development of stimuli-responsive features which allowed a proper control on the administered dose. In addition, we have demonstrated that these carriers are not toxic, and we have also ensured that the load reaches its destination without affecting healthy tissues. Statement of Significance: Advances on mesoporous silica materials in the field of biomedicine are herein reported. This perspective article represents our work on the fundametals of the material, preparing different ranges of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with different diameters and with varied pore sizes. The high drug loading capacity of these materials is demonstrated. Moreover, the possibility of functionalizing both internal and external surface with different organic or inorganic moieties allowed the development of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers which allowed a proper control on the administered dose. In addition, we have demonstrated that these carriers are not toxic, and we have also ensured that the load reaches its target without affecting healthy tissues