Search results
Search for "protein" in Full Text gives 362 result(s) in Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology. Showing first 200.
Polyurethane/silk fibroin-based electrospun membranes for wound healing and skin substitute applications
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 591–612, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.46
- deposits of the ECM and collagen protein, contributing to tissue repair. Interaction between the dermis and epidermis helps in regulating and restoring the skin’s homeostasis function while maintaining its overall integrity. This period might extend from a few months to a year, depending on the wound [45
- [73]. This silk comprises two proteins called fibroin and sericin. Fibroin is present in the thread core and is responsible for approximately 70% of the total thread weight, while sericin is present on the outside and accounts for roughly 30% of the total silk thread weight [74]. The sericin protein
- urea, enzyme, and borax/HCl buffer treatments to effectively remove sericin. After removing the sticky protein, the fibroin fibers are dissolved in an aqueous solution, usually with lithium bromide and similar solvents. Once dissolved, the solution undergoes dialysis to remove any impurities. Finally
Nanomaterials in targeting amyloid-β oligomers: current advances and future directions for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and therapy
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 561–580, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.44
- ; dissociation; nanomaterials; Review Introduction The etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has traditionally been linked to the presence of amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42), a protein widely recognized as a key marker of the disease. However, a growing body of recent scientific evidence suggests that it may be the amyloid
- oligomers with smaller molecular weight, rather than the more conspicuous amyloid fibrils, that play a pivotal role in the development and progression of various protein misfolding diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and type-II diabetes. Numerous studies have highlighted a disconnect between
- definitive understanding. Genetic studies on AD patients indicate that mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP), such as the Osaka [3] and Arctic mutations [4], lead to an overproduction of soluble AβOs. These mutations are associated with an earlier onset of AD, often occurring before the age of 50
Functionalized gold nanoflowers on carbon screen-printed electrodes: an electrochemical platform for biosensing hemagglutinin protein of influenza A H1N1 virus
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 540–550, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.42
- current across the electrode as a function of H1 concentration. This was performed on a series of samples of artificial saliva containing H1 protein in a clinically relevant concentration range. In these experiments, the biosensor showed a limit of detection of 19 pg/mL. Finally, the biosensor platform
- only the H1, H2, H3, N1 and N2 strains have been associated with widespread human epidemics [3]. H1 protein initiates infection by binding to the cell surface and inducing membrane fusion. This protein is considered as a prime determinant of the pathogenicity and is the most abundant influenza surface
- glycoprotein [4]. These features make H1 protein a great target for biosensing. Traditionally, infections caused by influenza A H1N1 are diagnosed through viral culture, immunofluorescence assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) [5]. These techniques suffer from two key drawbacks. They require
Synthetic-polymer-assisted antisense oligonucleotide delivery: targeted approaches for precision disease treatment
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 435–463, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.34
- specific protein [15]. Since their discovery in 1978 by Zamecnik and Stephenson [16], design and synthesis of novel ASOs have been developed extensively with the aim to improve their biostability, pharmacokinetics, and intracellular accumulation. To date these synthetic oligonucleotides can be classified
- design, ASOs can regulate protein expression by either knocking down mRNA transcripts or modulating the pre-mRNA splicing process (Figure 2). RNase H-dependent ASOs promote mRNA cleavage by forming stable RNA–DNA hybrids, which serve as enzymatic substrate for RNase H activation, thereby reducing RNA
- transcription and protein translation (Figure 2A) [33]. This category includes certain phosphorothioate ASO drugs such as fomivirsen, which inhibits the replication of human cytomegalovirus, as well as several 2′-methoxyethyl-modified gapmers such as mipomersen, inotersen, and volanesorsen, which are used to
Engineered PEG–PCL nanoparticles enable sensitive and selective detection of sodium dodecyl sulfate: a qualitative and quantitative analysis
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 385–396, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.29
- ]. Apart from that, quantitative and qualitative measurements of SDS in terms of laboratory use are necessary. The SDS is widely used in protein estimation via polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) [10]. Several research groups widely explore nanoparticle synthesis using SDS as a capping agent for
- can interact with the G-250 dye in the Bradford method, a commonly used method for protein quantification [36]. However, the interaction is not visually or optically measured without protein in a sample. In typical protein quantification methods, the interaction of the G-250 dye with proteins produces
- a plasmon resonance peak around 595 nm, forming a blue form of the dye–protein complex [37]. Furthermore, the quantification of SDS is not possible with a dye, only without involving protein. Therefore, the current study utilized NPs with PEG–PCL to detect SDS in the presence of the Bradford reagent
Development of a mucoadhesive drug delivery system and its interaction with gastric cells
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 371–384, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.28
- protein-digesting enzyme pepsin [44]. Despite the challenges, remarkable developments are unfolding. Recently a peptide-based therapeutic delivery system that is absorbed in the stomach was approved by the FDA as oral formulation to be used in type-II diabetic patients [45]. This inspired us to develop
Graphene oxide–chloroquine conjugate induces DNA damage in A549 lung cancer cells through autophagy modulation
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 316–332, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.24
- ataxia-telangiectasia mutated, Rad3-related (ATR), and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), upon exposure to chemotherapeutics is a major hurdle in the treatment of chemoresistant tumors due to its complexity and redundancy [5]. Various preclinical studies have shown that inhibition
- . P4170), Triton X-100 (Cat. No. T8787), monodansylcadaverine (MDC; Cat. No. D4008), anti-SQSTM1 (Cat. No. P0067), anti-MLKL primary antibody (Cat. No. SAB5700808), protein A/G agarose beads (Cat. No. IP10), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; Cat. No. H1009) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA
- -cell extract was prepared using a radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) cell lytic reagent (Cat. No. R0278; Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Missouri, USA) supplemented with protease and phosphatase inhibitors. The protein content was quantitated using the Bradford assay and further resolved by sodium dodecyl
Fabrication and evaluation of BerNPs regarding the growth and development of Streptococcus mutans
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 308–315, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.23
- , ultimately triggering cell death [32]. The findings of Peng et al. on Streptococcus agalactiae indicated that berberine significantly disrupted the cell membrane structure. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis results showed that some protein bands were blurred or absent, suggesting that berberine led to complete or
- , BerNPs demonstrated the ability to inhibit biofilm formation at various concentrations (Figure 5). The biofilm formation of S. mutans relies on the secretion of glycosyltransferase enzymes and several membrane-bound proteins [38]. SrtA, a surface protein involved in adhesion, biofilm formation, and
Radiosensitizing properties of dual-functionalized carbon nanostructures loaded with temozolomide
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 229–251, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.18
- to changes in the structure of RNA, protein chromatin structure, gene expression and replication, and synthesis and repair of DNA [30]. It has also been shown that TMZ has radiosensitizing effects [31][32], increasing the degradation of DNA strains and cell death when combined with RT, which is a
- necrosis was observed, with the involvement of toll-like receptor-, transforming growth factor β-, tumor necrosis factor α-, and mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent pathways in the signaling pathway network and oxidative stress playing a crucial role in these pathways [75][76]. However, all
- more significant biological effects such as cell death, ROS generation, and expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha [86]. Considering the type of CNs, in one study [87], SWCNTs showed significantly higher toxicity than MWCNTs; however, both CNTs induced significant toxic effects at low
Recent advances in photothermal nanomaterials for ophthalmic applications
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 195–215, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.16
- collapse of these VNBs transform thermal energy into mechanical forces, such as jets and acoustic shock waves, enabling cellular or tissue treatment with minimal thermal damage. Currently, VNBs are being explored for applications in cancer cell eradication [51], harmful protein aggregate degradation [52
Nanocarriers and macrophage interaction: from a potential hurdle to an alternative therapeutic strategy
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 97–118, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.10
- the IL-4Rα1 receptor, triggered by the binding with IL-4 or IL-13. This process inhibits the M1 response by blocking NF-κB and activator protein 1 (AP-1) by activating the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) [17]. Within this broader M2 category, macrophages can be further classified
- opsonization in the bloodstream, mediated by opsonins that recognize plasma proteins (serum albumin, apolipoproteins, complement components, and immunoglobulins) adsorbed onto the surface of circulating NPs. This forms the so-called “protein corona” (PC), a layer of more than 300 proteins that effectively
- surface with hydrophilic polymers such as PEG. PEGylation is widely used for its “stealth” effect, hindering protein adsorption on the hydrophobic polymer surface by steric repulsion [36]. However, the long-term use of PEGylated NCs for treating chronic diseases can lead to side effects, such as
Instance maps as an organising concept for complex experimental workflows as demonstrated for (nano)material safety research
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 57–77, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.7
- to the breadth of the nanosafety research domain; often, the researchers who produced or characterised the nanomaterials are different from those undertaking the different steps of exposure or hazard assessment. Indeed, this effect of specialisation was observed in studies of nanomaterials’ protein
- coronas, where the documentation of the nanomaterials’ dispersion and corona formation steps was very complete, but the description of the protein isolation and informatics steps was much less complete. This gap in documentation was attributed to the fact that the omics analyses are often performed by
- ’ nanotopography was realised through pore formation during synthesis using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The non-covalent conjugations between nanomaterials and proteins were quantitatively characterised, directly by gel electrophoresis and indirectly by quantifying the amount of unbound protein in the
Mechanistic insights into endosomal escape by sodium oleate-modified liposomes
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1667–1685, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.131
Attempts to preserve and visualize protein corona on the surface of biological nanoparticles in blood serum using photomodification
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1654–1666, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.130
- protein corona is present on any nanoparticle (NP) entering biological fluids; however, the existence of a natural protein corona on natural NPs has not been experimentally confirmed. We used our previously developed photomodification method to fix the natural corona on “biological nanoparticles” (bio-NPs
- results showed that a protein corona is present on extracellular vesicles and lipoproteins isolated by UC. The isolation of bio-NPs through sucrose gradient or cushion did not preserve the protein corona. At the same time, we observed signs of a negative effect of the sucrose gradient on bio-NPs of intact
- and photomodified serum; when isolating these particles on a sucrose cushion, no negative effects were observed. We believe that the data we present will be useful to researchers using sucrose solutions to isolate bio-NPs and working on the properties of the protein corona. In this work, we have
Biomimetic nanocarriers: integrating natural functions for advanced therapeutic applications
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1619–1626, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.127
- manipulation of matter on a nanoscale, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nm [2]. At this scale, nanoparticles can effectively interact with DNA and protein molecules [3][4]. Matter can exhibit distinct physical, chemical, and biological properties at the nanoscale compared to the macroscale, with significant
- cellular membranes and carriers is coextrusion through polyester or polycarbonate membranes with various pore sizes [51][52]. In this method, mechanical extrusion forces the nanocarriers into the membrane vesicles. This approach yields product uniformity and preserves membrane protein layers, though it
Natural nanofibers embedded in the seed mucilage envelope: composite hydrogels with specific adhesive and frictional properties
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1603–1618, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.126
- elements of the cell wall and the mucilage envelope [7][13][16]. Samateh et al. [8] did not detect them. This can be a result of the prior treatment, such as dehydration in alcohol series before CPD (possibly an effect of the protein denaturation), or due to differences in chemical composition between the
- composed of pectic polysaccharides and arabinogalactan protein [140]. This glue-like substance is secreted also by other climbing plants (Parthenocissus quinquefolia and Campsis radicans), which develop special organs, such as tendrils, supporting them in attachment to the substrates [141]. Quantification
Liver-targeting iron oxide nanoparticles and their complexes with plant extracts for biocompatibility
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1593–1602, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.125
- complexes on biochemical markers of liver function (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, total protein, and albumin) and morphological indicators of rat liver was investigated. Fe3O4 NPs, rutin, and T. polium extract do not show direct hepatotoxicity when administered intraperitoneally to rats
- albumin is 29.33 ± 1.3 g/L, and the level of total protein is 45.23 ± 1.43 g/L. In the control series of experiments, hyperalbuminemia is observed in groups III, IV, V, and VI according to this indicator (Table 2). Against this background, almost all groups, except for the groups II and V, also show an
- increase in total protein content. Increases compared to almost normal albumin levels are characteristic in pathological conditions when the total protein fraction increases due to acute phase proteins. Increases in total protein content may also be due to the release of ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT enzymes into
Ultrablack color in velvet ant cuticle
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1554–1565, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.122
- resilin [18]. Insect cuticle with protein-dominated regions, which can include resilin, an elastic protein present in arthropod cuticles, or unsclerotized chitin exhibits autofluorescence when excited with a laser of 405 nm wavelength. Regions with a low degree or high degree of sclerotization emit
- longitudinal absorptive bands. These are often rods of chitin embedded in a protein matrix [23]. The authors also suggested that there is a proteinaceous filling material, which tends to leach out during preparation of the specimens for SEM, leaving behind empty lacunae. Modelled reflectance of V. orientalis
- on top of each other (E and F). There are also dark transverse bands that interconnect two consecutive longitudinal bands of the same lamellae (arrow), or of two separate lamellae (A and B). Legend: L = lamellae; P = pillars; R = rugosity of chitin fibers embedded in a protein matrix. Scale bars: 100
Polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles for phytochemical delivery: challenges, progress, and future prospects
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1473–1497, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.118
- . This modification provides several advantages. PEGylation increases the stability of the PLHNPs in biological fluids by preventing aggregation and reducing protein adsorption. It also extends the circulation time of nanoparticles in the bloodstream by reducing immune system recognition and clearance
Nanotechnological approaches for efficient N2B delivery: from small-molecule drugs to biopharmaceuticals
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1400–1414, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.113
- conducted for polymeric nanoparticles to understand their role in N2B delivery. For instance, Gabold et al. reported the preparation of protein-loaded chitosan NPs decorated with transferrin as a proof-of-concept study to demonstrate a versatile surface functionalization that can also be suitable for N2B
A biomimetic approach towards a universal slippery liquid infused surface coating
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1376–1389, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.111
- reducing the thrombogenicity of a material lies in addressing the intricate layer of protein within blood that adsorbs to any surface it comes into contact with. This layer is responsible for the initiation of host responses such as coagulation or inflammation. To address the body’s reaction to these
- removal and or repulsion of these important molecules that control the clotting cascade. The most prominent of the methods are ones that aim to reduce non-specific protein adsorption, increase adhesion resistance, use biomolecules to remove targets of interest, and enhance endothelial cell attachment. One
- was added to each well of a 96-well plate blocked with BSA. After incubation for 60 min, 90 μL of protein solution was removed and added to a new plate containing 5 μL 4.7mM soybean trypsin inhibitor (Sigma). 5 μL of chromogenic substrate S-2302 (Chromogenix) was added to each well and the absorbance
Interaction of graphene oxide with tannic acid: computational modeling and toxicity mitigation in C. elegans
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1297–1311, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.105
- C. elegans [35][54]. Oxidative stress is one of the central mechanisms and, in fact, the main cause of the toxicity outcomes discussed above. It is associated to changes in the function or expression of superoxide dismutase, “Rieske” iron-sulfur protein, mitochondrial complex I, and the ubiquinone
- biosynthesis protein COQ7 [51][53][54][55]. The co-exposure of GO with antioxidant molecules, such as ʟ-cysteine and ascorbate, can mitigate the oxidative effects of the material and minimize GO’s toxicity [35][53]. Moreover, GO also shows important neuronal effects; for example, it influences protein–protein
Functional morphology of cleaning devices in the damselfly Ischnura elegans (Odonata, Coenagrionidae)
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1260–1272, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.102
- , situated on the foreleg tibiae, were observed using scanning electron microscopy, and the presence and distribution of resilin, an elastomeric protein that enhances cuticle flexibility, were analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Eye and antennal grooming behavior were analyzed to evaluate the
- used to clean the head and, especially, the eyes and the antennae. The microstructures were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the presence and distribution of resilin, an elastomeric protein that enhances cuticle deformability and flexibility (review in [36]), were analyzed using
- exoskeleton structures, green color indicates chitinous and non- or weakly sclerotized exoskeleton structures, and blue color indicates exoskeleton structures that either contain large proportions of the elastic protein resilin or are unsclerotized. (a) Dorsal view of the tibial grooming devices, revealing
Dual-functionalized architecture enables stable and tumor cell-specific SiO2NPs in complex biological fluids
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1238–1252, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.100
- -depth studies in complex environments to evaluate nanoparticle stability, protein corona formation, hemolytic activity, and targeting capabilities. To address this issue, fluorescent silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) are here functionalized with zwitterionic (kinetic stabilizer) and folate groups
- biological identity of these particles, impairing their therapeutic efficiency [12][13][14][15]. Proteins and other biomolecules can be adsorbed on the surface of NPs (protein corona formation), masking their original functionality and hiding their target ability [16][17][18]. Protein corona can further lead
- and (ii) targeting peptide for targeted delivery aimed at increasing efficiency against cancer. Although valuable, these systems have not been able to provide reduced protein corona formation and targeting ability, or they have not been scrutinized in complex biological environments. In fact, there is
Realizing active targeting in cancer nanomedicine with ultrasmall nanoparticles
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1208–1226, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.98
- globular proteins, usNPs exhibit unique physicochemical properties and physiological behavior distinct from larger particles, including lack of protein corona formation, efficient renal clearance, and reduced recognition and sequestration by the reticuloendothelial system. In cancer treatment, usNPs
- reliance on passive targeting, the more complex designs of targeted NPs, the potential for attached functional ligands to increase phagocytic capture and shorten blood circulation time, and the formation of a protein corona that may block the targeting ligand on the particle surface [15][16][17]. Over the
- , iron oxide, copper sulfide), and rare earth-based usNPs (cerium oxide, gadolinium oxide) [22]. Ultrasmall NPs have dimensions comparable to those of a typical globular protein of 3 to 6 nm in diameter [22][25], although the precise size criteria can vary among researchers. For the purpose of this
Other Beilstein-Institut Open Science Activities
