Electromagnetically Stimuli-Responsive Nanoparticles-Based Systems for Biomedical Applications: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) in the biomedical field are known for many decades as carriers for drugs that are used to overcome biological barriers and reduce drug doses to be administrated. Some types of NPs can interact with external stimuli, such as electromagnetic radiations, promoting interesting effects (e.g., hyperthermia) or even modifying the interactions between electromagnetic field and the biological system (e.g., electroporation). For these reasons, at present these nanomaterial applications are intensively studied, especially for drugs that manifest relevant side effects, for which it is necessary to find alternatives in order to reduce the effective dose. In this review, the main electromagnetic-induced effects are deeply analyzed, with a particular focus on the activation of hyperthermia and electroporation phenomena, showing the enhanced biological performance resulting from an engineered/tailored design of the nanoparticle characteristics. Moreover, the possibility of integrating these nanofillers in polymeric matrices (e.g., electrospun membranes) is described and discussed in light of promising applications resulting from new transdermal drug delivery systems with controllable morphology and release kinetics controlled by a suitable stimulation of the interacting systems (nanofiller and interacting cells).

Novel Contact Lenses Embedded with Drug-Loaded Zwitterionic Nanogels for Extended Ophthalmic Drug Delivery

“…Colloidal nanoparticles (nanogels, liposomes, micelles, microemulsions, etc.) have attracted great attention as drug delivery carriers because of their efficient drug loading and sustained-release properties [ 20 , 21 ]. Incorporating drug-loaded nanocarriers into hydrogels will prolong the drug-release time [ 22 , 23 ], for drugs need to release from the nanoparticles and then diffuse through the hydrogel matrix to reach the action site.…”

Thermal and mechanical characterization of complex electrospun systems based on polycaprolactone and gelatin

“…Many new electrospinning techniques have been developed for the design of new materials [10,11]. Moreover, the electrospinning process allows obtaining nanofiber membranes suitable for being used as scaffolds [12], as drug delivery systems [13] and with the possibility to obtain nanocomposite nanofibers [14][15][16]. However, wearable and implantable devices often require good biocompatibility [17].…”

Antibacterial Activity and Iron Release of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Biomaterials Synthesized via the Sol-Gel Route

“…Iron is an important metal for human life because it is a cofactor of many types of enzymes and cytochromes of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, and it is part of the haemoglobin and myoglobin structures, which act as oxygen transporters. The use of ferrous organic complexes, such as iron (II) citrate, represents an excellent option to improve health care, since they increase bioavailability and solubility, solving the iron deficiency problem [1][2][3][4]. At the physiological pH of blood (7.4), high levels of Fe 2+ (aq) would theoretically result in the precipitation of iron (II) hydroxide.…”