nanoparticles Archives - Amazing Health Advances

New Nanobiomaterial from the Silk of a Mite with ‘Promising Biomedical Properties’

AHA Publisher — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 08:00:15 +0000

Universidad De La Rioja via EurekAlert – An international team of researchers has developed a new nanomaterial from the silk produced by the Tetranychus lintearius mite. This nanomaterial has the ability to penetrate human cells without damaging them and, therefore, has “promising biomedical properties”. The Nature Scientific Reports journal has published an article by an international scientific team led by Miodrag Grbi?, a researcher from the universities of La Rioja (Spain), Western Ontario (Canada) and Belgrade (Serbia), in its latest issue entitled ‘The silk of gorse spider mite Tetranychus lintearius represents a novel natural source of nanoparticles and biomaterials’ (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-74766-7). In it, researchers from the Murcian Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Development (IMIDA), the Barcelona Institute of Photonic Sciences, the University of Western Ontario (Canada), the University of Belgrade (Serbia) and the University of La Rioja describe the discovery and characterisation of this mite silk. They also demonstrate its great potential as a source of nanoparticles and biomaterials for medical and technological uses. The interest of this new material, which is more resistant than steel, ultra flexible, nano-sized, biodegradable, biocompatible and has an excellent ability to penetrate human cells without damaging them, lies in its natural character and its size (a thousand times smaller than human hair), which facilitates cell penetration. These characteristics are ideal for use in pharmacology and biomedicine since it is biocompatible with organic tissues (stimulates cell proliferation without producing toxicity) and, in principle, biodegradable due to its protein structure (it does not produce residues). Researcher Miodrag Grbi?, who heads the international group that has researched this mite silk, highlights “its enormous potential for biomedical applications, as thanks to its size it is able to easily penetrate both healthy and cancerous human cells”, which makes it ideal for transporting drugs in cancer therapies, as well as for the development of biosensors to detect pathogens and viruses. THE ‘RIOJANO BUG’ Tetranychus lintearius is an endemic mite from the European Atlantic coast that feeds exclusively on gorse (Ulex europaeus). It is around 0.3 mm in size, making it smaller than the comma on a keyboard, while the strength of its silk is twice as high as standard spider silk. It is a very rare species that has only been found so far in the municipality of Valgañón (La Rioja, Spain), in Sierra de la Demanda. It was located thanks to the collaboration of Rosario García, a botanist and former dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of La Rioja, which is why researchers call it “the Rioja bug” (“El Bicho Riojano”). The resistance of the silk produced by Tetranychus lintearius is twice that of spider silk, a standard material used for this type of research, and stronger than steel. It also has advantages over the fibres secreted by the silkworm due to its higher Young’s modulus, its electrical charge and its smaller size. These characteristics, along with its lightness, make it a promising natural nanomaterial for technological uses. This finding is the result of work carried out by the international group of researchers led by Miodrag Grbi?, who sequenced the genome of the red spider Tetranychus urticae in 2011, publishing the results in Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/nature10640. Unlike the red spider (Tetranychus urticae), the gorse mite (Tetranychus lintearius) produces a large amount of silk. It has been reared in the laboratories of the Department of Agriculture and Food of the University of La Rioja, under the care of Professor Ignacio Pérez Moreno, allowing research to continue. Red spider silk is difficult to handle and has a lower production rate. To read the original article click here.

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Nanotechnology — Nanoparticles As Weapons Against Cancer

AHA Publisher — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 08:00:56 +0000

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat München via EurekAlert – Many chemotherapeutic agents used to treat cancers are associated with side-effects of varying severity, because they are toxic to normal cells as well as malignant tumors. This has motivated the search for effective alternatives to the synthetic pharmaceuticals with which most cancers are currently treated. The use of calcium phosphate and citrate for this purpose has been under discussion for some years now, since they lead to cell death when delivered directly into cells, while their presence in the circulation has little or no toxic effect. The problem consists in finding ways to overcome the mechanisms that control the uptake of these compounds into cells, and ensuring that the compounds act selectively on the cells one wishes to eliminate. Researchers in the Department of Chemistry at LMU, led by Dr. Constantin von Schirnding, Dr. Hanna Engelke and Prof. Thomas Bein, now report the development of a class of novel amorphous nanoparticles made up of calcium and citrate, which are capable of breaching the barriers to uptake, and killing tumor cells in a targeted fashion. Both calcium phosphate and citrate are involved in the regulation of many cellular signaling pathways. Hence, the levels of these substances present in the cytoplasm are tightly controlled, in order to avoid disruption of these pathways. Crucially, the nanoparticles described in the new study are able to bypass these regulatory controls. “We have prepared amorphous and porous nanoparticles consisting of calcium phosphate and citrate, which are encapsulated in a lipid layer,” von Schirnding explains. The encapsulation ensures that these particles are readily taken up by cells without triggering countermeasures. Once inside the cell, the lipid layer is efficiently broken down, and large amounts of calcium and citrate are deposited in the cytoplasm. Experiments on cultured cells revealed that the particles are selectively lethal – killing cancer cells, but leaving healthy cells (which also take up particles) essentially unscathed. “Clearly, the particles can be highly toxic to cancer cells. – Indeed, we found that the more aggressive the tumor, the greater the killing effect,” says Engelke. During cellular uptake, the nanoparticles acquire a second membrane coat. The authors of the study postulate that an unknown mechanism – which is specific to cancer cells – causes a rupture of this outer membrane, allowing the contents of the vesicles to leak into the cytoplasm. In healthy cells, on the other hand, this outermost layer retains its integrity, and the vesicles are subsequently excreted intact into the extracellular medium. “The highly selective toxicity of the particles made it possible for us to successfully treat two different types of highly aggressive pleural tumors in mice. With only two doses, administered locally, we were able to reduce tumor sizes by 40 and 70%, respectively,” says Engelke. Many pleural tumors are the metastatic products of lung tumors, and they develop in the pleural cavity between the lung and the ribcage. Because this region is not supplied with blood, it is inaccessible to chemotherapeutic agents. “In contrast, our nanoparticles can be directly introduced into the pleural cavity,” says Bein. Furthermore, over the course of a 2-month treatment, no signs of serious side-effects were detected. Overall, these results suggest that the new nanoparticles have great potential for the further development of novel treatments for other types of cancer. To read the original article click here.

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Invisible Toxins in Food Can Damage Your Health

AHA Publisher — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 08:00:51 +0000

Jonathan Landsman via NaturalHealth365 – You can’t see, smell or taste them – but for many years silver nanoparticles have been added to our food supply (and medications) at an alarming rate. Like me, I’m sure you’re wondering why would food producers – and the pharmaceutical industry – place silver in their products? Sadly, the media loves to portray this idea of using nanoparticles as ‘no big deal.’ But, to be perfectly clear, we – at NaturalHealth365 – think that consuming silver nanoparticles is a bad idea. These particles are sprayed onto produce – as a pesticide – and incorporated into food packaging to extend shelf life, due to their antimicrobial properties. And, we’re not the only ones sounding the alarm. Scientific research warns us that the uptake of these tiny particles can cause cellular damage, kidney disorders, stomach upset, headaches, fatigue and skin irritation. Nanoparticles will NOT help you to “age gracefully” Researchers have demonstrated the devastating effects of silver nanoparticles on cell survival, and the integrity of the mitochondria. For example, animals treated with silver nanoparticles exhibited reduced cognitive/motor functions and altered cellular structures in the brain. And, just to be clear, many scientific studies suggest that chronic exposure to silver nanoparticles can damage brain function. Simply put, with all the other pollutants in our environment, should we really allow this kind of technology to contaminate our food supply?! Science clearly reveals an alarming (toxic) trend Further data shows silver nanoparticles induce toxicity in neurons with the resulting dysfunction of physiological function. These particles, once digested, get distributed inside the brain, heart, and blood – which can result in cardiac arrhythmia, slower blood flow and impaired motor skills. Observations, in laboratory animals, have shown that the uptake of these particles – in the digestive tract – can change the terrain. As you know, the digestive tract harbors beneficial bacteria along with pathogenic bacteria. But, silver nanoparticles can wipe out the “good” bacteria along with toxic ones. Naturally, if you disturb the healthy balance of bacteria, within our gut, you compromise the immune system – setting the stage for chronic disease. Scientists detect unwanted toxins on our fruit supply Scientists developed a new method for detecting silver nanoparticles in food during a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. This method was able to identify and measure relatively small amounts of these nanoparticles, in pears, according to Mengshi Lin, Ph.D. – study author and associate professor of food science at the University of Missouri. The pears were immersed in a silver nanoparticle solution, similar to a pesticide application, and then washed and rinsed repeatedly. Four days after the treatment and rinsing, the silver nanoparticles were still attached to the skin and some even penetrated the skin to reach the pear pulp. In addition, many food packing materials incorporate silver nanoparticles to prolong the shelf life of packaged foods. The nano material has been known to transfer to the food – inside the package. I hope, after reading this, you’ll feel even better about eating fresh (unprocessed) food – as much as possible. Keep in mind, nanoparticles can become airborne easily due to their size and mass. When inhaled, nanoparticles can go deeper into the lungs reaching more sensitive areas. These particles can inflame the lungs – which must work harder in attempts to remove the foreign particles. The only known protection from nanoparticle toxins It takes an incredibly small amount of this substance to cause health problems. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is on record saying that nanoparticles pose safety issues – because they significantly alter bioavailability properties of food, which alter how much your body can absorb a substance. This means it affects the amount of nutrients you absorb and the amount of toxins that can enter a cell. Unfortunately, companies aren’t required to label or test nano materials in the food they sell you or the packing they put it in. To counter the ever increasing amount of nanoparticles in food – you have to look for whole (unprocessed) foods, which aren’t commercially packaged. We’re talking about: apples, carrots and dark leafy greens. In terms of animal foods … only eat small amounts of wild caught fish or grass-fed, pasture-raised eggs, chicken and beef. Buy local (whenever possible) – since foods that are transported long distances are often treated with nanosilver particles to keep them looking “fresh.” Organic produce is less likely to be treated with nanoparticles. Plus, we know that organic farming techniques avoid the use of sewage sludge fertilizer – which can be tainted with nanoparticles. Thankfully, the world is changing and people are waking up to the truth about toxic food, medicine and personal care products. Vote with your dollars and be part of the solution. The rewards are worth the effort. Sources for this article include: ABC.net.au, Beyondpesticides.org, Sciencenordic.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Israeli Hospital Pilots Virus-Neutralizing Sticker for Masks to Combat Corona

AHA Publisher — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 07:00:58 +0000

Israel21c – In bid to protect medical staff during coronavirus outbreak, Galilee Medical Center pilots a facemask sticker to catch and kill virus nanoparticles. Israel’s Galilee Medical Center is piloting a virus-neutralizing sticker that attaches to surgical masks to better protect medical staff during the corona crisis. The 3D-printed “Maya” sticker was developed at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology by a mechanical engineering team led by Prof. Eyal Zussman. The sticker contains nanofibers that capture nanoparticles, and disinfectants believed capable of killing any viruses in those nanoparticles. The Technion team worked in coordination with Prof. Samer Srouji, director of the medical center’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department and Oral Medicine & Dentistry Institute; and in collaboration with the Directorate of Defense Research and Development of Israel’s Ministry of Defense. Israel’s Ministry of Health has given initial approval for the 723-bed government-owned hospital to trial the unique sticker. “This is a fast and available solution, using advanced technologies. We are excited to launch a pilot at the medical center to test adaptation of the sticker by the medical staff,” said Srouji. Dr. Masad Barhoum, general director of the Galilee Medical Center, said that if the Maya sticker meets expectations in protecting healthcare professionals against infection, the medical center will recommend it to other hospitals in Israel and abroad. Deputy Director General Dr. Tsvi Sheleg tells ISRAEL21c that the hospital also devised a special transparent PVC box that better protects anesthesiologists when they intubate COVID-19 patients. “We have a prototype and are building 100 of them. Once it is in medical use we will advise it to other hospitals because I think it is a crucial low-tech application that can help physicians.” To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

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Scientists Propose Nanoparticles That Can Treat Cancer with Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia

AHA Publisher — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 07:00:08 +0000

ITMO University via EurekAlert – A group of Russian scientists have synthesized manganese-zinc ferrite nanoparticles that can potentially be used in cancer treatment. A group of Russian scientists have synthesized manganese-zinc ferrite nanoparticles that can potentially be used in cancer treatment. Due to their unique magnetic properties, the particles can serve as deactivators of affected cells while having almost no negative impact on healthy tissues. The results have been published in the Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology. One of the most important global goals in today’s medicine is finding ways to combat cancer. Currently, there are several kinds of treatments with differing effectiveness and various side effects. In most cases, the treatment causes harmful impact not only to cancer cells but also the adjacent healthy tissues or the body at large. Magnetic fluid hyperthermia is a promising method that can help alleviate the side effects of cancer treatment. This method involves introducing a magnetic nanoparticles-containing sol into a tumor followed by its exposure to a variable magnetic field. This causes the heating of the nanoparticles and leads to the deactivation of cancer cells. However, the majority of the materials used for this purpose are toxic to the body. What is more, the particles continue to heat up to relatively high temperatures, which entails serious damage to healthy tissues. These problems could be solved by the application of special nanoparticles which can change their magnetic properties depending on the temperature. In physics, there is such a notion as the Curie temperature (also known as the Curie point), which is the temperature at which a sharp decrease in magnetization is observed. “When the Curie temperature is reached, a ferromagnetic changes into a paramagnetic, consequently the particles cease to be as susceptible to the magnetic field and their further heating stops,” explains Vasilii Balanov, a Master’s student at ITMO University and one of the research’s authors. “When the temperature drops back again, the particles resume their heating. Essentially, we observe a self-management of temperature in a narrow range. If we select a composition that experiences such a transition at the temperature we need, then it could prove effective for magnetic fluid hyperthermia.” Choosing the material, the scientists opted for ferrites – compounds of iron oxide (III)Fe2O3 with oxides of other metals. Generally, thanks to their properties, these materials are widely applied in computer technologies, but, as it turned out, they can also be used for medical purposes. “We took the particles with the general formula Zn(x)Mn(1-x)Fe2O4, in which zinc and manganese are selected in a certain proportion,” expounds Vasilii Balanov. “They don’t have a toxic effect on the body, and with the right ratio of manganese and zinc we were able to achieve a Curie temperature in the range of 40-60 degrees Celsius. This temperature allows us to deactivate cancer cells, concurrently, the short-term thermal contact is relatively harmless to healthy tissues.” As of now, the scientists have already synthesized the nanoparticles and studied their magnetic properties. The experiments confirmed that the material doesn’t heat up above 60 degrees Celsius when exposed to a variable magnetic field. Coming next will be the experiments on living cells and, if these are successful, on animals. To read the original article click here.

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Lighting Up Cardiovascular Problems Using Nanoparticles

AHA Publisher — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:00:06 +0000

University of Southern California via EurekAlert – A new nanoparticle innovation that detects unstable calcifications that can trigger heart attacks and stroke may allow doctors to pinpoint when plaque on the walls of blood vessels becomes dangerous. Heart disease and stroke are the world’s two most deadly diseases, causing over 15 million deaths in 2016 according to the World Health Organization. A key underlying factor in both of these global health crises is the common condition, atherosclerosis, or the build-up of fatty deposits, inflammation and plaque on the walls of blood vessels. By the age of 40, around half of us will have this condition, many without symptoms. A new nanoparticle innovation from researchers in USC Viterbi’s Department of Biomedical Engineering may allow doctors to pinpoint when plaque becomes dangerous by detecting unstable calcifications that can trigger heart attacks and strokes. The research – from Ph.D. student Deborah Chin under the supervision of Eun Ji Chung, the Dr. Karl Jacob Jr. and Karl Jacob III Early-Career Chair, in collaboration with Gregory Magee, assistant professor of clinical surgery from Keck School of Medicine of USC — was published in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Journal of Materials Chemistry B. When atherosclerosis occurs in coronary arteries, blockages due to plaque or calcification-induced ruptures can lead to a clot, cutting blood flow to the heart, which is the cause of most heart attacks. When the condition occurs in the vessels leading to the brain, it can cause a stroke. “An artery doesn’t need to be 80 percent blocked to be dangerous. An artery with 45% blockage by plaques could be more rupture-prone,” Chung said. “Just because it’s a big plaque doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an unstable plaque.” Chung said that when small calcium deposits, called microcalcifications, form within arterial plaques, the plaque can become rupture prone. However, identifying whether blood vessel calcification is unstable and likely to rupture is particularly difficult using traditional CT and MRI scanning methods, or angiography, which has other risks. “Angiography requires the use of catheters that are invasive and have inherent risks of tissue damage,” said Chin, the lead author. “CT scans on the other hand, involve ionizing radiation which can cause other detrimental effects to tissue.” Chung said that the resolution limitations of traditional imaging offers doctors a “bird’s eye view” of larger-sized calcification, which may not necessarily be dangerous. “If the calcification is on the micro scale, it can be harder to pick out,” she said. The research team developed a nanoparticle, known as a micelle, which attaches itself and lights up calcification to make it easier for smaller blockages that are prone to rupture to be seen during imaging. Chin said the micelles are able to specifically target hydroxyapatite, a unique form of calcium present in arteries and atherosclerotic plaques. “Our micelle nanoparticles demonstrate minimal toxicity to cells and tissue and are highly specific to hydroxyapatite calcifications,” Chin said. “Thus, this minimizes the uncertainty in identifying harmful vascular calcifications.” The team has tested their nanoparticle on calcified cells in a dish, within a mouse model of atherosclerosis, as well as using patient-derived artery samples provided by vascular surgeon, Magee, which shows their applicability not only in small animals but in human tissues. “In our case, we demonstrated that our nanoparticle binds to calcification in the most commonly used mouse model for atherosclerosis and also works in calcified vascular tissue derived from patients,” Chin said. Chung said that the next step for the team was to harness the micelle particles to be used in targeted drug therapy to treat calcification in arteries, rather than just as means of detecting the potential blockages. “The idea behind nanoparticles and nanomedicine is that it can be a carrier like the Amazon carrier system, shuttling drugs right to a specific address or location in the body, and not to places that you don’t want it to go to,” Chung said. “Hopefully that can allow for lower dosages, but high efficacy at the disease site without hurting normal cells and organ processes,” she said. To read the original article click here.

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