Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

This work shows the obtaining of osteospheroids, which have the ability to produce mineralized nodules, which can be used as study models to test nanodrugs or nanomaterials. Cell suspension cultures were made to obtain fetal osteoblast spheroids, with different cell concentrations/mL for 5 days. The condition where the diameter ranges from 80 to 150 μM was selected to make tests at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. The cell viability of the osteospheroids was quantified by trypan blue exclusion and clonogenic assays were realized to determine the effect of the mineralizing medium on the formation of these structures. The integrity of the osteospheroids was observed by H&E and the formation of mineralized nodules was detected by alizarin red staining. The results show regular osteospheroids without aggregates at a concentration of 5 x 102 cells/mL and viable above 70% after 7 days of formation. Clonogenic assays do not show significant differences in morphology or the number of colonies between the control and the medium that induces mineralization. H&E stains show nuclei and defined cytoplasm at 3, 7, and 14 days, and at 7 and 14 days, alizarin red staining suggests that they are generating calcium deposits. 

The first thing that comes to mind when we hear about nanoparticles is their small size or their wide range of applications, but we rarely focus on their synthesis, which is the most important part because that is where their sizes and properties are determined. To synthesize them, there are many procedures, ranging from those that require the use of dangerous reagents or long times to those that are environmentally friendly. Green chemistry is one of those eco-friendly methods that is gaining relevance for its ease, speed, and sustainability. This approach uses natural resources and bioactive compounds that act as reducing, stabilizing, and coating agents, making the process more efficient in practically a single step. Among the various properties that nanoparticles have been proven to have is their antibacterial capacity, demonstrating that, when interacting with bacteria, they trigger a series of processes that culminate in the elimination of the microorganism. This article provides an overview of green chemistry and how it is used to synthesize nanoparticles, delving into the different resources available for this procedure, the factors that influence the synthesis, and the antibacterial properties attributed to these nanomaterials.

Microplastics and nanoplastics represent a threat to human health and the environment. These nano- and micrometer-scale fragments come from a variety of generation sources, all resulting from human activities and man-made products. The implications for human health and the environment are of concern and due to their chemical nature, they present significant challenges for detection and disposal because they can function as vectors for the transfer of chemical and biological contaminants. In terms of identification and removal methods, physical, chemical, and biotechnological approaches are currently being explored. However, in-depth research is still needed to improve the efficacy and feasibility of these techniques on the scale necessary to address the problem. The management of microplastics and nanoplastics represents a multifaceted challenge that requires coordinated action to mitigate their negative impacts. This review addresses the potential harm caused by microplastics and nanoplastics to human health and environmental balance, sources of generation, physicochemical methods for their identification, and disposal routes. 

In this study, synthesis, characterization, and application of a pectin - magnetite bioadsorbent with magnetic properties for heavy metal removal in aqueous solutions were carried out. Pectin was obtained from Aloe Vera leaves whereas magnetite nanoparticles were incorporated through coprecipitation method. The material was characterized via FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques. The maximum adsorption capacity for Lead (II) and Chromium (VI) ions was estimated through adsorption isotherms, resulting in  36,442 mg Pb/g and 2,254 mg Cr/g. This indicates a higher affinity from the bioadsorbent toward Lead (II). The removal of Lead (II) was also evaluated in a packed bed adsorber, both with fresh bed, and reused bed under an external magnetic field; adsorption capacities of  9,6 mg/g and 5,3 mg/g were obtained, respectively. The magnetic properties of the material allowed for modifications in the evaluated schemes, proposing new arrangements and comparing their efficiency in terms of adsorption capacity and dimensions. The most efficient schemes were the packed column and the coated tube (WCOT), where the adsorbent was annularly disposed on a coated wall.

Agricultural production worldwide is becoming more demanding every day. Among the main limitations for food production are arthropod pests (insects and mites), which cause significant damage to crops, directly to production and yield. Phytophagous insects and mites represent a strong threat to agricultural crops, causing great economic losses. Chemical control, one of the most used for the management of pests and mites, has caused resistance problems in different pests, and has affected human and animal health, as well as non-target and beneficial species. In recent years, different nanotechnology alternatives have been explored for the management and control of the main groups of pest insects and mites. In this review we will present and debate the role of nanoparticles (NPs) as tools in the control and management of the main insect and mite pest species. 

Self-nano-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) are nanotechnology-based pharmaceutical formulations of great interest for poorly water-soluble drugs (PWSD). SNEDDS comprises an oily phase, a surfactant, and a cosurfactant that gives rise to an isotropic mixture capable of forming nanoemulsions when in contact with intestinal fluids. A vast amount of information in the literature highlights the importance of SNEDDS for the development of new formulations with PWSD. Through the application of nanotechnology, SNEDDS have proven to be formulations capable of overcoming the challenges associated with poor aqueous solubility, low absorption, and low bioavailability of drugs, improving the therapeutic applications in which this nanotechnology has been used. Additionally, the scale-up of the manufacturing process is possible and does not involve investment in sophisticated equipment, unlike other nanostructured systems such as liposomes or polymeric nanoparticles. Trends in SNEDDS modification include their application in new specialized treatments, such as gene therapy, and combination with other nanocarriers to overcome limitations in stability and efficacy. SNEDDS, driven by advances in nanotechnology, not only represents a breakthrough in pharmaceutical formulation but also points a way towards improving patient health, standing out as a key to the future of nanomedicine.

Chronic kidney disease is a global health problem that affects millions of people around the world. One of the most common treatments for this condition is hemodialysis, which involves the removal of uremic toxins from the bloodstream through an extracorporeal system. However, the effectiveness of hemodialysis may be limited by the presence of low molecular weight uremic toxins that are difficult to eliminate using conventional techniques. In recent years, the use of carbonaceous nanomaterials and silicon oxide as adsorbents for the removal of these toxins has been investigated, due to their unique properties of high surface area and adsorption capacity. These materials represent a new and promising class of adsorbents for the removal of uremic toxins in patients with chronic renal failure, improving the percentage of removal in the blood and increasing the quality of life of patients. In this review, a detailed analysis of the most recent advances in the use of carbonaceous nanomaterials and silicon oxide for the removal of uremic toxins, as well as the most recent advances in this field, with a focus on adsorption mechanisms and removal efficiency.

For an anticancer molecule to effectively enter a tumor cell and perform its function, it must overcome the physical and physiological barriers that the human body imposes. These barriers must be carefully considered and translated into specific physicochemical characteristics that the molecule must possess to ensure successful delivery. One strategy to enhance drug delivery involves using nanomaterials as carriers to facilitate the targeted delivery of drugs and bioactive molecules. This work reviews key biological aspects relevant to the topic. It examines how to tune and modulate the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials to overcome these barriers. Specifically, it discusses how parameters such as particle size, chemical composition, and functionalization can be optimized to improve drug targeting to neoplastic cells. This work focuses on emulsion polymerization as a method for nanocarrier synthesis, emphasizing the control of the average and size distribution of the particle. Furthermore, it highlights a physical functionalization method developed by our research group, which has led to a patent innovation.

This work aimed to optimize the transesterification of canola oil to generate biodiesel with Sr/CaO catalysts obtained from eggshells by studying the effect of the amount of strontium, calcination temperature, and the Box-Behnken method. Sr/CaO catalysts with 3, 6, and 9 wt% Sr calcined at 500, 650, and 800 °C were prepared by wet impregnation using Sr(NO3)2 dissolved in methanol. As the amount of Sr and the calcination temperature of all series increases, so does the biodiesel yield. This is because more superficial active sites are generated with high Sr concentration and calcination temperature. Likewise, it was observed that SrCO3 species are formed, which would limit the catalyst performance. Based on the results, the catalyst with 9 wt% Sr calcined at 800 °C was the most active and used in the optimization. To achieve this, Box-Behnken method was used with the methanol/oil molar ratio, temperature, and time were used as factors using 8 wt% catalyst to oil. The optimum yield was 90.81 % at a methanol/oil molar ratio=10, 68.58 °C for 2 h.

Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, faces limitations in its current treatment due to the low efficiency of drugs in the chronic phase and their adverse effects. Viromimetic nanoparticles that emulate the properties of viruses are a promising strategy for the delivery of antisense oligonucleotides in T. cruzi, offering an alternative method that avoids cytotoxicity and improves transfection specificity. These systems, inspired by the viral structure, manage to encapsulate, and deliver genetic material in a controlled manner, overcoming the limitations associated with traditional methods such as electroporation. These viromimetic nanoparticles exhibit stability and low immunogenicity. Their modular design gives them the advantage of being adaptable to improve specificity and efficacy in the genetic manipulation of T. cruzi, being useful both for the study of gene function and for the development of new targeted therapies. This technology represents an important advance in the research and treatment of Chagas disease, opening opportunities for more effective and safe therapies in the future.