Mashhad University of Medical SciencesNanomedicine Journal2322-30497120200101Bimodal magnetic resonance imaging-computed tomography nanoprobes: A Review1121361410.22038/nmj.2020.07.01ENFatemeh Bakhtiari-AslMedical Radiation Sciences Research Group, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IranDepartment of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IranBaharak DivbandDental and Periodontal Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IranDepartment of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tabriz, C.P. 51664, Tabriz, IranAsghar MesbahiMedical Radiation Sciences Research Group, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IranDepartment of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IranNahideh GharehaghajiDepartment of Radiology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran0000-0002-3102-1811Journal Article20190806Bimodal imaging combines two imaging modalities in order to benefit from their advantages and compensate the limitations of each modality. This technique could accurately detect diseases for diagnostic purposes. Nanoparticles simultaneously offer diagnostic data via various imaging modalities owing to their unique properties. Moreover, bimodal nanoprobes could be incorporated into theranostic systems for the design of multifunctional agents. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are frequently used as noninvasive imaging modalities. These powerful, noninvasive diagnostic techniques used for the imaging of soft and hard tissues, respectively. However, MRI has low sensitivity and is not suitable for the imaging of bony structures. On the other hand, low soft tissue contrast is a major limitation of CT. Therefore, the development of various contrast agents that are proper for bimodal MRI/CT nanoprobes could largely influence modern medicine. This review aimed to specifically focus on the imaging properties of bimodal MRI/CT nanoprobes and their biomedical applications.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesNanomedicine Journal2322-30497120200101The antibacterial activity of an epoxy resin-based dental sealer containing bioactive glass, hydroxyapatite, and fluorohydroxyapatite nanoparticles against Enterococcus Faecalis and Streptococcus mitis13201360310.22038/nmj.2020.07.02ENBahaa Abdulrazzaq Jerri Al-BakhshDepartment of Dental Biomaterials, School of Dentistry, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDepartment of Endodontic, Dental School of the University of Basra, Basra, IraqFarhad ShafieiDepartment of Dental Biomaterials, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDepartment of Dental Biomaterials, School of Dentistry/Research Center for Science and Technology in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMaryam PourhajibagherDental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDental Implant Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, TehranDepartment of Microbiology, School of Medicine, TehranKiana ShekoftehDepartment of Dental Biomaterials, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDepartment of Dental Biomaterials, School of Dentistry/Research Center for Science and Technology in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranAtieh HashemianDepartment of Dental Biomaterials, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDepartment of Dental Biomaterials, School of Dentistry/Research Center for Science and Technology in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMarjan BehroozibakhshDepartment of Dental Biomaterials, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDepartment of Dental Biomaterials, School of Dentistry/Research Center for Science and Technology in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article20190805Objective(s): The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial properties of a conventional epoxy-based dental sealer modified with synthesized bioactive glass (BG), hydroxyapatite (HA), and fluorine-substituted hydroxyapatite (FHA) nano-fillers. <br />Materials and Methods: The synthesized nano-fillers were incorporated into the conventional epoxy-based dental seaer at the concentration of 10%. The antimicrobial properties of the unmodified sealers (controls) and modified seaers with BG, HA, and FHA nanoparticles (NPs) were evaluated based on biofilm formation and using the direct contact test (DCT) of Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mitis. Data analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post-hoc test at the significance level of 5%. <br />Results: A significant reduction was observed in the biofilm formation and DCT of the microbial strains in the three modified groups compared to the unmodified conventional epoxy sealer (P<0.05). The addition of FHA NPs resulted in the most significant antibacterial effects against E. faecalis and S. mitis, as well as a statistically significant reduction compared to the unmodified and BG-modified groups (P≤0.001). <br />Conclusion: According to the results of this preliminary study, nano-structured FHA, HA, and BG fillers incorporated into epoxy-based dental sealers could be potentially effective biomaterials for antibacterial approaches to root canal treatments.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesNanomedicine Journal2322-30497120200101Various parameters in the preparation of chitosan/polyethylene oxide electrospun nanofibers containing Aloe vera extract for medical applications21281334710.22038/ nmj.2020.07.03ENMohammad NikbakhtDepartment of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technology in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMajid SalehiDepartment of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, IranSeyed Mahdi RezayaDepartment of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technology in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranReza Faridi MajidiDepartment of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technology in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article20190622Objective(s): The present study aimed to fabricate chitosan/polyethylene oxide (CS/PEO) electrospun nanofibers loaded with Aloe vera extract for biomedical applications. The polymer-to-extract ratio and electrospinning parameters (applied voltage and nozzle-to-collector distance) were evaluated in order to optimize the process of nanofiber fabrication. <br />Materials and Methods: The characterizations were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ImageJ software, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), tensile strength test, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. <br />Results: The obtained results indicated that the fabrication of nanofibers from pure Aloe vera extract was unsuccessful, and reducing the extract concentration from 100% to 92% resulted in the formation of the nanofibers. Moreover, further reduction in the extract from 92% to 50% led to the production of fine nanofibers (mean diameters: 204±42 and 398±51 nm, respectively). Therefore, it was concluded that the reduced concentration of the herbal extract increased the diameters of the prepared nanofibers. In addition, the results of the optimization process indicated a direct correlation between the applied voltage and nanofiber diameters, as well as an inverse correlation between the nozzle-to-collector distance and nanofiber diameters. The FTIR spectroscopy also confirmed the presence of CS, PEO, and Aloe vera in the final prepared scaffold. The release measurement revealed a burst effect within the first five hours, followed by a sustain release within 30 hours. Moreover, the biocompatibility assay confirmed the proliferative potential of Aloe vera within seven days.<br />Conclusion: According to the results, a nanofibrous scaffold composed of CS and PEO could be fabricated as the carrier of Aloe vera extract, which is a suitable platform for biomedical applications.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesNanomedicine Journal2322-30497120200101Liposomes containing the imiquimod adjuvant as a vaccine in the cutaneous leishmaniasis model29391339310.22038/nmj.2020.07.04ENAhmad MehravaranInfectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, IranDepartment of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran0000-0002-2079-7972Hadi MirahmadiInfectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, IranDepartment of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, IranJavad AkhtariToxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran0000-0001-9040-0267Journal Article20190630Objective(s): Attempts to produce vaccines for leishmaniasis need adjuvants to trigger the kind of immune reaction required for protection. In this study, we examined the properties of the TLR7 agonist imiquimod, a vaccine adjuvant, making use of a live model of infection where the immune reactions could be identified prior to and following the challenge of infection. <br />Materials and Methods: The liposomes of EPC containing the imiquimod adjuvant were prepared and characterized for protein concentration, surface charge, and particle size. Vaccination was done using the soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA) as a first-generation vaccine model in the liposomal state to vaccinate BALB/c mice against the challenge of leishmania major. BALB/c mice were vaccinated subcutaneously, three times at a two-week interval. Parasite burden, footpad swelling, IgG isotype, as well as the level of IL-4 and IFN-γ were assessed as the protection criteria.<br />Results: The group of mice vaccinated by Lip+Imiquimod+SLA demonstrated a lower amount of footpad swelling and parasite burden than the buffer group. In addition, the highest level of IFN-γ and the lowest level of IL-4 production was noticed in the splenocytes of the mice vaccinated with the formulation of Lip+Imiquimod+SLA. <br />Conclusion: These results imply that imiquimod added to the formulation of liposomes is able to modulate the immune reaction of the BALB/c mice vaccinated preferably to a Th1 reaction rather than a Th2 reaction which can also lead to partial protection against the challenge of Leishmania.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesNanomedicine Journal2322-30497120200101Use of laser-triggered gold nanoparticle-grafted dual light and temperature-responsive polymeric sensor for the recognition of thioguanine as anti-tumor agent40481362010.22038/nmj.2020.07.05ENKamyar PourghaziDepartment of Chemistry, Kharazmi University, Tehran, IranMajid Amoli DivaSchool of Dentistry, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, IranMahsa ShahmirzadiResearch and Development Department, Darou Pakhsh Pharmaceutical Mfg. Co, Tehran, IranJournal Article20190807Objective(s): Today, there is an urgent need for improved sensor materials for drug sensing and effective monitoring and interventions in this area are highly required to struggle drug abuse. The present study aimed to synthesize a thioguanine-responsive sensor based on a nanocomposite consisting of AuNP-grafted light- and temperature-responsive poly butylmethacrylate-co-acrylamide-co-methacrylic acid ([P(BMA-co-AAm-co-MAA)] with an On/Off switching property in the presence and absence of light radiation.<br />Materials and Methods: The incorporation of AuNPs into the structure of a polymer as the sensing moiety allows the detection of thiol-containing drug based on established gold-sulfur chemistry. The prepared nanocomposite sensor was characterized using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, the thermal sensitivity and thermal and optical switching properties of the nanocomposite were investigated. The sensor could be triggered by laser radiation at the wavelengths matched with the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) frequency of the AuNPs, providing it with an On/Off switching property.<br />Results: The sensor was observed to have high binding ability indicating its promising sensing applications with the wide linear responsive range of 20-250 µM and low limit of detection (0.1 µM) toward thioguanine.<br />Conclusion: The prepared sensor could be used to detect the analyte in biological and pharmaceutical samples, while it is also efficient in the detection of thioguanine in actual samples.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesNanomedicine Journal2322-30497120200101Comparison of the presence and non-presence states of magnetite nanoparticles in tissue-equivalent breast phantom via radiofrequency hyperthermia49571356010.22038/nmj.2020.07.06ENSeyede Mahsa KavousiDepartment of Physics and Medical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran0000-0002-7185-755XSeyed Erfan SaadatmandDepartment of Physics and Medical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran0000-0001-6399-8961Nader Riyahi AlamDepartment of Physics and Medical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, IranSeyed Rabi MahdaviDepartment of Physics and Medical Engineering, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranLeila KhalafDepartment of Physics and Medical Engineering, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article20190730Objective(s): Breast cancer is a fatal disease and the leading cause of mortality in women. Radiofrequency hyperthermia is an approach to the treatment of cancer cells through increasing their temperature. The present study aimed to investigate breast tumor ablation via radiofrequency hyperthermia in the presence and non-presence states of magnetite nanoparticles and assess the effects of magnetite nanoparticles on breast cancer treatment in hyperthermia.<br />Materials and Methods: Radius hemisphere geometry (5 cm) was designed, which was similar to an actual breast based on the fat tissues, glandular tissues as a semi-oval embedded in the hemisphere, and a radius sphere (1 cm) as a tumor region inside. After utilization in a three-dimensional printer, each layer of the phantom was filled with a proper combination of oil-gelatin with similar dielectric and thermal properties to an actual breast. To evaluate the effects of the magnetite nanoparticles, three weights of the magnetite were added to the tumor region (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 g). Finally, the phantom was placed in a radiofrequency device with the frequency of 13.56 MHz.<br />Results: Temperature differences were measured at four different points of the phantom. The power and time in the treatment were estimated at 40 watts and five minutes, respectively. The temperature and specific absorption rate plots were obtained for all the states in several graphs for five minutes.<br />The results showed that the heat generation with the utilization of the magnetite state was higher by approximately 2.5-7˚C compared to the state without magnetite. Furthermore, the temperature of 0.05 gram of magnetite indicated that without causing damage in the healthy tissues, the entire tumor region could attain adequate heat uniformly (6.1-6.4˚C). <br />Conclusion: Therefore, it could be concluded that 0.05 gram of magnetite could cause ablation in the entire tumor region.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesNanomedicine Journal2322-30497120200101EEffects of nano-curcumin and curcumin on the oxidant and antioxidant system of the liver mitochondria in aluminum phosphide-induced experimental toxicity58641362810.22038/nmj.2020.07.07ENAkram RanjbarMedicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran0000-0002-4564-3603Leila GholamiMedicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, IranHassan GhasemiDepartment of Clinical Biochemistry, Abadan School of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran0000-0002-2568-4168Nejat KheiripourResearch Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran0000-0003-0684-7125Journal Article20190807Objective(s): Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is commonly used pesticide which could cause poisoning mainly through the induction of oxidative stress. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of nano-curcumin and curcumin on the oxidant and antioxidant system in the liver mitochondria using AIP-induced toxicity model.<br />Materials and Methods: In this study, 36 male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=6). The control subjects and animals poisoned with AlP (2 mg/kg) received treatment with and without nano-curcumin (100 mg/kg) and curcumin (100 mg/kg) for seven days. Mitochondria were isolated from the liver and analyzed in terms of lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol groups (TTGs), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activity. In addition, mitochondrial viability was assessed. <br />Results: AlP caused a significant increase in the LPO levels, while significantly decreasing TAC, TTG, SOD, catalase activity, and mitochondrial viability compared to the controls (P<0.05). Moreover, nano-curcumin treatment significantly enhanced TAC, TTG, SOD, and mitochondrial viability (P<0.05). Curcumin could also improve TTG and mitochondrial viability (P<0.05). <br />Conclusion: According to the results, nano-curcumin exerted protective effects against AlP-induced experimental toxicity, and the effect was attributed to the antioxidant properties of this compound.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesNanomedicine Journal2322-30497120200101In-vitro efficacy of nanoparticulate calcium sodium phosphosilicate in the obstruction of dentinal tubules65721373710.22038/nmj.2020.07.08ENShabnam AghayanDepartment of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranRoya AsaadiFaculty of Dentistry, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranAbdolmajid Bayandori MoghaddamSchool of Engineering Science, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranRoya BahmaniFaculty of Dentistry, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20190825Objective(s): The present study aimed to assess the in-vitro efficacy of nanoparticulate calcium sodium phosphosilicate mouthwash in the obstruction of dentinal tubules.<br />Materials and Methods: This in-vitro, study was conducted on 120 sections obtained from extracted human premolars, which were etched with citric acid for two minutes and rinsed with distilled water. Afterwards, the sections were randomly divided into two groups (60 per each) of nanoparticulate and regular mouthwash. In addition, each group was divided into six subgroups of 10. In the nanoparticulate mouthwash subgroups, one subgroup (n=10) was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The remaining five subgroups were immersed in artificial saliva for different time periods and inspected using SEM. The control subgroups were exposed to regular mouthwash. The diameters and number of the open dentinal tubules were evaluated and compared using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).<br />Results: The mean number of the open dentinal tubules was significantly lower in the nanoparticulate mouthwash group compared to that of the regular mouthwash group at all the time intervals (P<0.05). Moreover, the mean diameters of the open dentinal tubules were significantly smaller in the nanoparticulate mouthwash subgroups at all the time intervals (P<0.05), with the exception of four-, six-, and 12-hour intervals. <br />Conclusion: According to the results, nanoparticulate mouthwash was more effective in the obstruction of dentinal tubules compared to regular mouthwash.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesNanomedicine Journal2322-30497120200101A Novel Biocompatible Nanoprobe Based on Lipoproteins for Breast Cancer Cell Imaging73791398010.22038/nmj.2020.07.09ENMehdi MirzaeiCancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranIran Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Deputy Ministry for Education, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-3707-7082Mohammad Esmaeil AkbariCancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMohammad Ali MohagheghiCancer Institute Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranSeyed Amir Mohsen ZiaeeLabbafinejad Medical Center, Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMojdeh MohseniRadiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article20190930Objective(s): Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of breast cancer provides valuable data on the disease state of patients. Biocompatible nanoprobes are expected to play a pivotal role in medical diagnosis in the future owing to their prominent advantages. The present study aimed to introduce a novel biocompatible nanoprobe based on lipoproteins for breast cancer cell imaging.<br />Materials and Methods: In this study, a biocompatible nanoprobe based on high-density lipoprotein was synthesized successfully. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used for material characterization, and cellular uptake and in-vitro and in-vivo imaging were investigated using the nanoprobe. <br />Results: The nanoprobe could significantly reduce the relaxation time in the phantom and cancer cells with no toxicity in the studied cells. In addition, the nanoprobe demonstrated proper cellular uptake in the cancer cells. The in-vivo tumor images were obtained 30, 60, and 120 minutes after the injection of the nanoprobe (5.0 µmol/kg) via the tail vein, and the results indicated that the synthesized nanoprobe could be introduced as a potential MRI contrast agent. <br />Conclusion: Future developments may allow the application of this nanoparticle to be used in pathological and physiological processes in preclinical models.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesNanomedicine Journal2322-30497120200101The physicochemical and organoleptic evaluation of the nano/micro encapsulation of Omega-3 fatty acids in lipid vesicular systems80861402410.22038/nmj.2020.07.010ENSahar ShariatDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Quchan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Quchan, IranVahid HakimzadehDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Quchan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Quchan, IranAbbas PardakhtyPharmaceutics Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-1848-5961Journal Article20191009Objective(s): Omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in maintaining human health. The present study aimed to reduce the fishy smell and taste of omega-3 fatty acids through the encapsulation of lipid vesicles. <br />Materials and Methods: Different non-ionic surfactants from the sorbitan ester family and egg lecithin with cholesterol were utilized to form micro-niosomal and liposomal formulations in order to encapsulate omega-3. The size of the selected microparticulate suspension was reduced using the liposome extruder. In addition, the vesicular physical stability, encapsulation efficiency (EE), release profile, and organoleptic properties were evaluated. <br />Results: All the amphiphiles formed omega-3 vesicles with masked omega-3 taste and smell. Span/Tween (ST) 60 niosomes had the highest EE (98.60%), while the physical stability of the liquid state forming the mixture (ST 20/cholesterol) was significantly lower compared to the other formulations. Moreover, the two-step release profile of omega-3 was achieved following entrapment in lipid bilayers. <br />Conclusion: According to the results, lipid vesicular systems on the micro or nano-scale could be used to encapsulate and protect omega-3 for the production of functional foods with appropriate organoleptic properties.