Search

Over the years, natural-based scaffolds have presented impressive results for bone tissue engineering (BTE) application. Further, outstanding interactions have been observed during the interaction of graphene oxide (GO)-reinforced biomaterials with both specific cell cultures and injured bone during in vivo experimental conditions. This research hereby addresses the potential of fish gelatin/chitosan (GCs) hybrids reinforced with GO to support in vitro osteogenic differentiation and, further, to investigate its behavior when implanted ectopically. Standard GCs formulation was referenced against genipin (Gp) crosslinked blend and 0.5 wt.% additivated GO composite (GCsGp/GO 0.5 wt.%). Pre-osteoblasts were put in contact with these composites and induced to differentiate in vitro towards mature osteoblasts for 28 days. Specific bone makers were investigated by qPCR and immunolabeling. Next, CD1 mice models were used to assess de novo osteogenic potential by ectopic implantation in the subcutaneous dorsum pocket of the animals. After 4 weeks, alkaline phosphate (ALP) and calcium deposits together with collagen synthesis were investigated by biochemical analysis and histology, respectively. Further, ex vivo materials were studied after surgery regarding biomineralization and morphological changes by means of qualitative and quantitative methods. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy underlined the newly fashioned material structuration by virtue of mineralized extracellular matrix. Specific bone markers determination stressed the osteogenic phenotype of the cells populating the material in vitro and successfully differentiated towards mature bone cells. In vivo results of specific histological staining assays highlighted collagen formation and calcium deposits, which were further validated by micro-CT. It was observed that the addition of 0.5 wt.% GO had an overall significant positive effect on both in vitro differentiation and in vivo bone cell recruitment in the subcutaneous region. These data support the GO bioactivity in osteogenesis mechanisms as being self-sufficient to elevate osteoblast differentiation and bone formation in ectopic sites while lacking the most common osteoinductive agents.

Biocompatibility, biodegradability, shear tinning behavior, quick gelation and an easy crosslinking process makes alginate one of the most studied polysaccharides in the field of regenerative medicine. The main purpose of this study was to obtain tissue-like materials suitable for use in bone regeneration. In this respect, alginate and several types of clay were investigated as components of 3D-printing, nanocomposite inks. Using the extrusion-based nozzle, the nanocomposites inks were printed to obtain 3D multilayered scaffolds. To observe the behavior induced by each type of clay on alginate-based inks, rheology studies were performed on composite inks. The structure of the nanocomposites samples was examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), while the morphology of the 3D-printed scaffolds was evaluated using Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM) and Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT). The swelling and dissolvability of each composite scaffold in phosfate buffer solution were followed as function of time. Biological studies indicated that the cells grew in the presence of the alginate sample containing unmodified clay, and were able to proliferate and generate calcium deposits in MG-63 cells in the absence of specific signaling molecules. This study provides novel information on potential manufacturing methods for obtaining nanocomposite hydrogels suitable for 3D printing processes, as well as valuable information on the clay type selection for enabling accurate 3D-printed constructs. Moreover, this study constitutes the first comprehensive report related to the screening of several natural clays for the additive manufacturing of 3D constructs designed for bone reconstruction therapy.

3D printing technology has changed academia and industry perception regarding the course of evolution in the manufacturing of customizable products, paving the way towards refined patient treatment plans that can best fit individual needs. Coupling 3D printing with suitable biomaterial and CT-scan personalized implants resembling complex tissue architecture and able to sustain cell seeding and proliferation can be fabricated. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of 3D printing available techniques and aspects related to the standards of congruity between material and procedure. The present state of development in 3D printing materials is also assessed with the focus on graphene and graphene composite inks and the optimization of these formulations for various 3D printing methods. Recent advances in printing with cell containing inks and the new concept of 4D printing are also addressed. Biosensor fabrication benefits from graphene inks and 3D printing are highlighted and recent reports on user-friendly 3D printed graphene biosensors for biomolecule detection have also been reviewed. Overall, the manuscript outlines the benefits and limitation of 3D printing techniques and graphene based inks for biomedical purposes and their potential impact in healthcare.

The structure and biocompatibility analysis of a hydrogel based on cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) combined with alginate/pectin (A.CNF or P.CNF) and enriched with 1% or 5% 5-FU revealed more favorable properties for the cellular component when pectin was dispersed within CNFs. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolite fluoropyrimidine used as antineoplastic drug for the treatment of multiple solid tumors. 5-FU activity leads to caspase-1 activation, secretion and maturation of interleukins (IL)-1, IL-18 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, the effects of embedding 5-FU in P.CNF were explored in order to suppress breast tumor cell growth and induce inflammasome complex activation together with extra- and intracellular ROS generation. Exposure of tumor cells to P.CNF/5-FU resulted in a strong cytotoxic effect, an increased level of caspase-1 released in the culture media and ROS production—the latter directly proportional to the concentration of anti-tumor agent embedded in the scaffolds. Simultaneously, 5-FU determined the increase of p53 and caspase-1 expressions, both at gene and protein levels. In conclusion, P.CNF/5-FU scaffolds proved to be efficient against breast tumor cells growth due to pyroptosis induction. Furthermore, biocompatibility and the potential to support human adipose-derived stem cell growth were demonstrated, suggesting that these 3D systems could be used in soft tissue reconstruction post-mastectomy.

Micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) is an X-ray technique with (sub)micron resolution, [...]

The bone-tissue engineering (BTE) field is continuously growing due to a major need for bone substitutes in cases of serious traumas, when the bone tissue has reduced capacity for self-regeneration. So far, graphene oxide (GO)-reinforced natural materials provide satisfactory results for BTE, for both in vitro and in vivo conditions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility of a new biocomposite consisting of chitosan and fish gelatin crosslinked with genipin and loaded with various concentrations of GO (0.5, 1, 2, 3 wt.%) for prospective BTE applications. Scaffold characterizations revealed a constant swelling degree and good resistance to enzyme degradation. The composites presented a porous structure with pores of similar size, thus mimicking the bone structure. In vitro biocompatibility assays demonstrated an overall beneficial interaction between preosteoblasts, and these particular composites, particularly with 0.5 wt.% GO, reinforced composition. Next, the materials were implanted subcutaneously in 6-week old CD1 mice for in vivo evaluation of biocompatibility and inflammatory activity. Immunohistochemical staining revealed maximal cell infiltration and minimal inflammatory reaction for fish gelatin/chitosan/genipin with 0.5 wt.% GO scaffold, thus demonstrating the best biocompatibility for this particular composition, confirming the in vitro results. This study revealed the potential use of fish gelatin/chitosan GO composites for further implementation in the BTE field.

We designed graphene oxide composites with increased morphological and structural variability using fatty acid-coupled polysaccharide co-polymer as the continuous phase. The matrix was synthesized by N, O-acylation of chitosan with palmitic and lauric acid. The obtained co-polymer was crosslinked with genipin and composited with graphene oxide. FTIR spectra highlighted the modification and multi-components interaction. DLS, SEM, and contact angle tests demonstrated that the conjugation of hydrophobic molecules to chitosan increased surface roughness and hydrophilicity, since it triggered a core-shell macromolecular structuration. Nanoindentation revealed a notable durotaxis gradient due to chitosan/fatty acid self-organization and graphene sheet embedment. The composited building blocks with graphene oxide were more stable during in vitro enzymatic degradation tests and swelled less. In vitro viability, cytotoxicity, and inflammatory response tests yielded promising results, and the protein adsorption test demonstrated potential antifouling efficacy. The robust and stable substrates with heterogeneous architecture we developed show promise in biomedical applications.

Regenerative medicine is challenged by the need to conform to rigorous guidelines for establishing safe and effective development and translation of stem cell-based therapies. Counteracting widespread concerns regarding unproven cell therapies, stringent cell-based assays seek not only to avoid harm but also to enhance quality and efficacy. Potency indicates that the cells are functionally fit for purpose before they are administered to the patient. It is a paramount quantitative critical quality attribute serving as a decisive release criterion. Given a broad range of stem cell types and therapeutic contexts the potency assay often comprises one of the most demanding hurdles for release of a cell therapy medicinal product. With need for improved biomarker assessment and expedited measurement, recent advances in graphene-based biosensors suggest that they are poised to be valuable platforms for accelerating potency assay development. Among several potential advantages, they offer versatility for sensitive measurement of a broad range of potential biomarker types, cell biocompatibility for direct measurement, and small sample sufficiency, plus ease of use and point-of-care applicability.

Nanostructures are more and more evolved through extensive research on their functionalities; thus, the aim of this study was to obtain layered clay–graphene oxide nanohybrids with application as reinforcing agents in polyurea nanocomposites with enhanced thermal–mechanical and fire-retardant properties. Montmorillonite (MMT) was combined with graphene oxide (GO) and amine functionalized graphene oxide (GOD) through a new cation exchange method; the complex nanostructures were analyzed through FTIR and XPS to assess ionic interactions between clay layers and GO sheets by C1s deconvolution and specific C sp3, respective/ly, C-O secondary peaks appearance. The thermal decomposition of nanohybrids showed a great influence of MMT layers in TGA, while the XRD patterns highlighted mutual MMT and GO sheets crystalline-structure disruption by the d (002) shift 2θ = 6.29° to lower values. Furthermore, the nanohybrids were embedded in the polyurea matrix, and the thermo-mechanical analysis gave information about the stiffness of MMT–GO nanocomposites, while GOD insertion within the MMT layers resulted in a 30 °C improvement in the Tg of hard domains, as shown in the DSC study. The micro CT analysis show good dispersion of inorganic structures within the polyurea, while the SEM fracture images revealed smooth surfaces. Cone calorimetry was used to evaluate fire-retardant properties through limiting the oxygen index, and MMT–GOD based nanocomposites showed a 35.4% value.

The aim of our work is to prepare mucoadhesive particles with biopolymers and 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5ASA) using the ionotropic gelation technique to ensure a controlled drug release at the colon level with potential applications in the treatment of intestinal bowel disease (IBD). The preparation of particles through the crosslinking of Chitosan (CS) with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) using different mass ratios and the influence of the k-Carrageenan (kCG) layer were studied. UV–VIS spectrometry was employed to assess encapsulation efficiency and drug release profile of 5ASA. The particles were investigated using FT-IR spectrometry for chemical characterization and the DLS results highlighted a monodisperse particle size distribution. The morphology of the polymeric beads was investigated using micro-computer tomography (µCT) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Particles based on Chitosan and k-Carrageenan were able to incorporate and preserve 5ASA in an acidic and alkaline medium. The 5ASA loaded polymeric particles obtained after immersion for 1 h in kCG solution exhibited the lowest release rate in pH = 1.2. Biocompatibility studies performed on all of the particles displayed a good viability for the CCD 841 CoN cells and low cytotoxicity. All of the results have shown that these new biomaterials could be a versatile platform of targeted carriers with potential applications in inflammatory bowel disease treatment.

Technological advances in engineering and cell biology stimulate novel approaches for medical treatment, in particular cell-based therapy. The first cell-based gene therapy against cancer was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Progress in cancer diagnosis includes a blood test detecting five cancer types. Numerous stem cell phase I/II clinical trials showing safety and efficacy will soon pursue qualifying criteria for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP), aspiring to join the first stem-cell therapy approved by the European Medicines Agency. Cell based therapy requires extensive preclinical characterisation of biomarkers indicating mechanisms of action crucial to the desired therapeutic effect. Quantitative analyses monitoring critical functions for the manufacture of optimal cell and tissue-based clinical products include successful potency assays for implementation. The challenge to achieve high quality measurement is increasingly met by progress in biosensor design. We adopt a cell therapy perspective to highlight recent examples of graphene-enhanced biointerfaces for measurement of biomarkers relevant to cancer treatment, diagnosis and tissue regeneration. Graphene based biosensor design problems can thwart their use for health care transformative point of care testing and real-time applications. We discuss concerns to be addressed and emerging solutions for establishing clinical grade biosensors to accelerate human cell therapy.

A main challenge for optical graphene-based biosensors detecting nucleic acid is the selection of key parameters e.g. graphenic chemical structure, nanomaterial dispersion, ionic strength, and appropriate molecular interaction mechanisms. Herein we study interactions between a fluorescein-labelled DNA (FAM-DNA) probe and target single-stranded complementary DNA (cDNA) on three graphenic species, aiming to determine the most suitable platform for nucleic acid detection. Graphene oxide (GO), carboxyl graphene (GO-COOH) and reduced graphene oxide functionalized with PEGylated amino groups (rGO-PEG-NH2, PEG (polyethylene glycol)) were dispersed and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The influence of ionic strength on molecular interaction with DNA was examined by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) comparing fluorescence intensity and anisotropy. Results indicated an effect of graphene functionalization, dispersion and concentration-dependent quenching, with GO and GO-COOH having the highest quenching abilities for FAM-DNA. Furthermore, GO and GO-COOH quenching was accentuated by the addition of either MgCl2 or MgSO4 cations. At 10 mM MgCl2 or MgSO4, the cDNA induced a decrease in fluorescence signal that was 2.7-fold for GO, 3.4-fold for GO-COOH and 4.1-fold for rGO-PEG-NH2. Best results, allowing accurate target detection, were observed when selecting rGO-PEG-NH2, MgCl2 and fluorescence anisotropy as an advantageous combination suitable for nucleic acid detection and further rational design biosensor development.

This study was targeted towards the synthesis and characterization of new chitosan&ndash, gelatin biocomposite films reinforced with graphene oxide and crosslinked with genipin. The composites&rsquo, mode of structuration was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, while morphology and topography were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, nano-computer tomography and profilometry. Eventually, thermal stability was evaluated through thermogravimetrical analysis, mechanical properties assessment was carried out to detect potential improvements as a result of graphene oxide (GO) addition and in vitro enzyme degradation was performed to discern the most promising formulations for the maturation of the study towards in vivo assays. In accordance with similar works, results indicated the possibility of using GO as an agent for adjusting films&rsquo, roughness, chemical stability and polymer structuration. The enzymatic stability of chitosan&ndash, gelatin (CHT-GEL) films was also improved by genipin (GEN) crosslinking and GO supplementation, with the best results being obtained for CHT-GEL-GEN and CHT-GEL-GEN-GO3 (crosslinked formulation with 3 wt.% GO). Yet, contrary to previous reports, no great enhancement of CHT-GEN-GEL-GO thermal performances was obtained by the incorporation of GO.

The main goal of this study was to predict the capacity of the hybrid nanoparticles based on poli (lactic-co-glycolic acid) PLGA-vegetable oil to encapsulate and then to release a bioactive compound. Therefore, the compatibility of different drugs molecules, taking into account the chemical structure, solubility, partition coefficient (log P) with the standard PLGA or hybrid polymer-oil matrix was studied, quantifying the quality of interactions between polymeric matrix and the encapsulated drug using Flory-Huggins theory and computational mesoscopic (MesoDyn) approach. All the drugs-loaded formulations were obtained by emulsion solvent evaporation method. The main parameters such as hydrodynamic characteristics, encapsulation efficiency and release profiles were studied and correlated with the compatibility parameter, drug's partition coefficient and computational mesoscopic simulation. Drugs solubilization, respectively its distribution and loading into a formulation was found to be reliant on the system's compatibility, calculated by the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (χ), while the drug's partition coefficient has proven to be a key influencer in the drug release kinetics. A consistent correlation of experimental results, computational data and thermodynamic theory was observed for lipophilic drugs, while for more hydrophilic drugs some discrepancy between the experimental/theoretical and computational modelling results was registered.

Carbon-based nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide (GO) or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are currently used in various medical applications due to their positive influence on biocompatibility, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as their contribution to modulating cell behavior in response to nanomaterial substrates. In this context, in this study, novel flexible membranes based on cellulose acetate (CA) enriched with CNT and GO in different percentages were tested for their versatility to be used as substrates for soft or hard tissue engineering (TE), namely, for their ability to support human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) adhesion during adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation. For this purpose, differentiation markers were assessed both at gene and protein levels, while histological staining was performed to show the evolution of the processes in response to CA-CNT-GO substrates. Micro-CT analysis indicated porous morphologies with open and interconnected voids. A slightly lower total porosity was obtained for the samples filled with the highest amount of GO and CNTs, but thicker walls, larger and more uniform pores were obtained, providing beneficial effects on cell behavior and increased mechanical stability. The addition of 1 wt% GO and CNT to the biocomposites enhanced hASCs adhesion and cytoskeleton formation. The evolution of both adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation processes was found to be augmented proportionally to the GO-CNT concentration. In conclusion, CA-CNT-GO biomaterials displayed good properties and versatility as platforms for cell differentiation with potential as future implantable materials in TE applications.

Offering more advantages compared to the old-fashioned chemical-staining techniques, quantum dots (QD)-mediated imaging has become one of the most explored approaches when it comes to molecular, cellular, and intracellular labeling and biodetection of cytotoxic ions or molecules, organic molecules (DNA, peptides, gluthatione, cancer, cardiac/renal/ocular diseases markers, intracellular markers of various organelles) for biomedical and forensic evaluation, or pH measurements, with extremely low detection limits, upon attomolar range. Optical techniques for biomolecular imaging are being researched intensively and breakthroughs in molecular staining and imaging are being made daily. The fluorescent/phosphorescent emissions are to be factored in according to the nature of the medium in which QDs are employed for specific detection, as being used on a large scale for various immunoassays, fluorescent sensing, in vivo tumor imaging and biomolecule detection, even though certain parameters can disable the QDs sensing mechanisms. Techniques for fluorescence, phosphorescence, respectively, sensitivity and biocompatibility enhancement have been developed for a better biological behavior, in terms of parameter optimization: layer thickness, surface modification, coatings, polymer coupling, doping, crystalline size etc. Regenerative medicine might benefit from the properties of QDs, which are proven to be efficient in stem cells labeling for fluorescent imaging in vivo, with high sensitivity; antitumor and antimicrobial efficiency are also reported. In this chapter, we show also that most of the recently investigated biomedical applications can benefit from green synthesis routes of QDs.

Aggressive biofilms, severe nosocomial infections incriminating various drug-resistant microorganisms, many times related to implants and medical instruments led to numerous studies meant to discover and perfect powerful strategies, principally to ensure their prevention and efficient therapy. Natural molecules of vegetal origin, synthetic organic and inorganic compounds, nanoparticles, and hybrid structures are intensely reviewed as the prospects are challenging. The scientific communities understood that often, ecological precepts involving natural products could be applied in drug and also material designs due to their undeniable advantages such as a lower toxicity and also the versatility and the undeniably wider applicability compared to the standard chemical treatments. Modulation of quorum sensing (QS) as a therapeutic target has emerged following the imperative need of novel treatment methods against biofilm-embedded and drug-resistant pathogens. In this field, outstanding results have been registered, but the use of QS inhibitors in clinical practice is still a challenge. Many types of organic and inorganic compounds used as pure solutions or after chemical modifications could be used in the prevention and treatment of various infections. Inorganic compounds, as anti-infectious agents, have the major advantage of a better plasticity as they are usually more stable than the organic bioactive substances. Nanomaterials also proved impressive results and offered innovative perspectives to improve antimicrobial therapy and prophylactic approaches.

Cancer treatment has dramatically evolved as understanding of the underlying biological process has increased. As new treatments are developed and modified we expect increased precision, survivability, and effectiveness of novel approaches. One of the most controversial cancer treatments is targeted cancer therapy. Targeted therapies often imply the use of cytostatics, which prevent the progress of the tumor cells. However, cytostatics trigger extensive side effects and could induce irreversible damage to the patients. Nanotechnology may offer a great advantage in cancer therapy by advanced targeting and controlled release of the anticancer drug. Even though nanostructures may offer a great advantage in cancer therapy, numerous toxicity-related aspects should be still considered in order to implement the use of anticancer nanosystems in current cancer treatment.

Graphene research, already prized, is nonetheless challenged to provide material advantages that bring about unique and novel applications rather than simply an improved substitute to existing materials. Arguably driving significant progress are new approaches to its manufacture including combination with other atoms and nanobiocomposite materials that introduce new functional properties. Functionalized graphene can interface with biomolecules to provide new health sector benefits in the form of highly sensitive biosensors that may offer continuous label-free measurement of key bioactive cell molecules, innovative nanoparticles for tissue targeted drug delivery and scaffolds for tissue engineering with previously unachievable qualities favouring tissue integration and biocompatibility. We here describe graphene functionalization methods and provide recent examples of how graphene can be used to achieve biological interactions with innovative outcomes. Above all, these laboratory focused advances each contribute to an incrementally improved understanding of how different forms of graphene and its derivatives can best be tailored to meet biological demands. Much has yet to be discovered with regard to safety profiles and improved manufacture yet considering how carefully derived rational insights might be combined with computational biology to accelerate complex performance models, prospects that graphene-based biomaterials can achieve extraordinary real-world benefits are optimistically poised.

Benign or pathogenic, microbial biofilms can be found on various viable and inert surfaces, due to the high number of species that are prone to form such multicellular consortia. Biofilm formation can develop on virtually any medical device, representing thus an emerging problem in public health sector because of the increased tolerance to current antimicrobial therapy. With the highest prevalence, bacterial biofilms are also the most intensely studied. In humans, Gram-positive bacterial infections are more prevalent than Gram-negative ones, resulting in biofilm development on the surface of medical devices, facilitated by certain human blood components. Surface of medical devices, regardless of their different synthetic composition could also be colonized by different fungal species, the most recognized fungal infections being those related to Candida species. The rather undocumented or dismissed archaea and protozoan biofilm structures are also relevant for the comprehension of illness setup, and their study could lead to the boost of antibiofilm techniques. Many approaches to obtain biofilm inhibition were developed, but their efficiency is limited by the complex properties of these microbial communities. Hybrid approaches of both classical and modern treatments involving bioactive substances and nanotechnology, materials design, and engineering have been applied in prototype systems aiming to interfere with the virulence of microorganisms, to reduce the adhesion, initiation, and maturation of biofilms.

The success of a dental implant depends on the surgeon’s skills, the correlation between the design and chemical composition of the implant and its purpose, and the patients’ transition to their regular lifestyle after surgery. Over the years, a consistent amount of materials have been used for the obtaining of implants meant to replace missing or damaged teeth. Along with the fast development of technology, the quality of the implants has been improved, mainly due to the intense research in the field of materials science. The main classes of materials employed in the fabrication of implants were metals, at first, followed by polymers and recently by ceramics and composites. In addition, new manufacturing techniques, such as computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing, have gained a great deal of interest and are continuously developing since they are able to ensure the precise route of shaping personalized implants for precise destinations. A major obstacle in obtaining efficient, stable, long-term functioning implants lies in the infections associated with the implantation which are continuously increasing in the healthcare system, requiring the development of novel strategies to prevent and annihilate antibioresistant pathogens and biofilms. Most complications occur shortly after the surgical interventions and are related to deficient recovery practices; however, some may occur a long time after the surgery and be difficult to trace back to their origin. In order to improve the properties of the dental composites for a safer and easier transition for the patient, several approaches have been studied: direct incorporation of antibacterial agents, immobilization of antibacterial monomers/polymers, silver, fluoride, or calcium phosphate doping. The purpose of this chapter is to review the main materials used for the fabrication of dental implants, the dental implant-associated infections, and ways of optimization to decrease the infectious risk.

Silver nanoparticles have attracted significant attention from researchers because of their large number of applications, such as medical imaging, filters, drug delivery, nanocomposites, cell electrodes, and antimicrobial products. Plenty of studies revealed advantageous size- and shape-depending properties, which can be used in order to achieve complex systems for various purposes. Silver nanoparticles can be obtained by many methods but the most used technique is green synthesis. In this method, silver nanoparticles can be easily synthesized by manipulating different microorganisms or plants including: green tea (Camellia sinensis), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), and Brassica juncea. The elimination of toxic and expensive chemical substances is the most substantial benefit. Due to their novel properties, silver nanoparticles are considered potentially ideal for cancer therapy. In recent years, numerous studies have claimed that silver nanoparticles can be successfully used as antitumor agents due to their antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing properties. Both in vivo and in vitro tests have been performed on various types of cancer cells in order to correlate the physical properties of nanosilver and the administered doses with a satisfactory effect on tumor and the healthy tissues surrounding it. However, for silver nanoparticles to become influential in nanomedicine and for patient safety, all the mechanisms related to their anticancer activity must be understood.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit a consistent amount of flexible properties which endorse them for a larger spectrum of applications in biomedicine and related fields. Over the years, silver nanoparticles have been subjected to numerous in vitro and in vivo tests to provide information about their toxic behavior towards living tissues and organisms. Researchers showed that AgNPs have high antimicrobial efficacy against many bacteria species including Escherichia coli, Neisseria gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis and also viruses. Due to their novel properties, the incorporation of silver nanoparticles into different materials like textile fibers and wound dressings can extend their utility on the biomedical field while inhibiting infections and biofilm development. Among the noble metal nanoparticles, AgNPs present a series of features like simple synthesis routes, adequate and tunable morphology, and high surface to volume ratio, intracellular delivery system, a large plasmon field area recommending them as ideal biosensors, catalysts or photo-controlled delivery systems. In bioengineering, silver nanoparticles are considered potentially ideal gene delivery systems for tissue regeneration. The remote triggered detection and release of bioactive compounds of silver nanoparticles has proved their relevance also in forensic sciences. The authors report an up to date review related to the toxicity of AgNPs and their applications in antimicrobial activity and biosensors for gene therapy.