1. Multifunctional iron oxide nanoparticles as promising magnetic biomaterials in drug elivery : a ǂreviewKatja Vasić, Željko Knez, Maja Leitgeb, 2024, review article Keywords: multifunctional biomaterials, bio-composites, nanocarriers, magnetic nanoparticles, modification, drug delivery Published in DKUM: 20.08.2024; Views: 72; Downloads: 12
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2. Thermal study of APTES-functionalized magnetite nanoparticles with citric acid and polyacrylic acid for advanced forward osmosis systemsMatjaž Kristl, Urška Ostroško, Irena Ban, Irena Petrinić, Janja Stergar, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Iron-based magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have attracted considerable attention as promising draw solutes in forward osmosis processes due to various advantages. In the present study, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (MNPs) with diameters in the range of 12±2 nm were synthesized by applying the coprecipitation method and stabilized using (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES). The amino groups of APTES were further functionalized with various amounts of citric acid (CA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) to achieve higher osmotic pressure. The as-prepared and functionalized nanoparticles were characterized using diferent methods: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confrmed the binding of APTES and CA/PAA on the surface of the MNPs, while the size of the particles was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray powder difraction. The isoelectric point, zeta potential, and the particle size in suspension were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS)/zeta potential measuring system. The amount of free –COOH groups was determined by conductometric titrations. The amount of organic matter (APTES, CA, and PAA) bound on the surface was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), giving results between 7.6% for samples stabilized with APTES only and 17.5% for samples functionalized with APTES+PAA. TG provides a simple and efcient method for determining the amount of organic compounds bound to the surface of MNPs. The osmotic pressure measurements of double-layer coated MNPs provided encouraging results of up to 28 bar, enabling using the samples as draw solutions in an experimental forward osmosis system. Keywords: magnetic nanoparticles, magnetite, citrit acid, poly(acrylic acid), forward osmosis Published in DKUM: 14.08.2024; Views: 105; Downloads: 8
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3. Novel magnetic iron oxide-dextran sulphate nanocomposites as potential anticoagulants: Investigating interactions with blood components and assessing cytotoxicityOlivija Plohl, Lidija Fras Zemljič, Boštjan Vihar, Alenka Vesel, Sašo Gyergyek, Uroš Maver, Irena Ban, Matej Bračič, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Examining the critical role of anticoagulants in medical practice, particularly their central function in preventing abnormal blood clotting, is of the utmost importance. However, the study of interactions between blood proteins and alternative anticoagulant nano-surfaces is still understood poorly. In this study, novel approach involving direct functionalisation of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) as carriers with sulphated dextran (s-dext) is presented, with the aim of evaluating the potential of magnetically-responsive MNPs@s-dext as anticoagulants. The physicochemical characterisation of the synthesised MNPs@s-dext includes crystal structure analysis, morphology study, surface and electrokinetic properties, thermogravimetric analysis and magnetic properties` evaluation, which confirms the successful preparation of the nanocomposite with sulfonate groups. The anticoagulant potential of MNPs@s-dext was investigated using a standardised activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test and a modified APTT test with a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) which confirmed the anticoagulant effect. Time-resolved solid-liquid interactions between the MNPs@s-dext and model blood proteins bovine serum albumin and fibrinogen were also investigated, to gain insight into their hemocompatibility, and revealed protein-repellence of MNPs@s-dext against blood proteins. The study also addressed comprehensive cytotoxicity studies of prepared nanocomposites, and provided valuable insights into potential applicability of MNPs@s-dext as a promising magnetic anticoagulant in biomedical contexts. Keywords: dextran sulphate, magnetic nanoparticles, blood protein interactions, clot formation, anticoagulants, cytotoxicity studies Published in DKUM: 25.07.2024; Views: 107; Downloads: 20
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5. Novel methacrylate-based multilayer nanofilms with incorporated FePt-based nanoparticles and the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil for skin cancer treatmentKristijan Skok, Tanja Zidarič, Kristjan Orthaber, Matevž Pristovnik, Nina Kostevšek, Kristina Žužek Rožman, Sašo Šturm, Lidija Gradišnik, Uroš Maver, Tina Maver, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Despite medical advances, skin-associated disorders continue to pose a unique challenge to physicians worldwide. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, with more than one million new cases reported each year. Currently, surgical excision is its primary treatment; however, this can be impractical or even contradictory in certain situations. An interesting potential alternative could lie in topical treatment solutions. The goal of our study was to develop novel multilayer nanofilms consisting of a combination of polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate (PHEMA), polyhydroxypropyl methacrylate (PHPMA), sodium deoxycholate (NaDOC) with incorporated superparamagnetic iron–platinum nanoparticles (FePt NPs), and the potent anticancer drug (5-fluorouracil), for theranostic skin cancer treatment. All multilayer systems were prepared by spin-coating and characterised by atomic force microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurement. The magnetic properties of the incorporated FePt NPs were evaluated using magnetisation measurement, while their size was determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Drug release performance was tested in vitro, and formulation safety was evaluated on human-skin-derived fibroblasts. Finally, the efficacy for skin cancer treatment was tested on our own basal-cell carcinoma cell line. Keywords: nanomaterials, bimodal therapy, topical skin treatmen, magnetic nanoparticles, thin films, skin cancer, methacrylates Published in DKUM: 04.07.2024; Views: 98; Downloads: 16
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6. Magnetic nanoparticles in 3D-printed scaffolds for biomedical applicationsNina Marovič, Irena Ban, Uroš Maver, Tina Maver, 2023, review article Keywords: magnetic nanoparticles, 3D-printed scaffolds, iron oxide nanoparticles, mechanical properties, cellular responses Published in DKUM: 20.05.2024; Views: 195; Downloads: 13
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9. Microwave Synthesis of Poly(Acrylic) Acid-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles as Draw Solutes in Forward OsmosisSabina Vohl, Irena Ban, Mihael Drofenik, Hermina Bukšek, Sašo Gyergyek, Irena Petrinić, Claus Hélix-Nielsen, Janja Stergar, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Polyacrylic acid (PAA)-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNP@PAA) were synthesized and evaluated as draw solutes in the forward osmosis (FO) process. MNP@PAA were synthesized by microwave irradiation and chemical co-precipitation from aqueous solutions of Fe2+ and Fe3+ salts. The results showed that the synthesized MNPs have spherical shapes of maghemite Fe2O3 and superparamagnetic properties, which allow draw solution (DS) recovery using an external magnetic field. Synthesized MNP, coated with PAA, yielded an osmotic pressure of ~12.8 bar at a 0.7% concentration, resulting in an initial water flux of 8.1 LMH. The MNP@PAA particles were captured by an external magnetic field, rinsed in ethanol, and re-concentrated as DS in repetitive FO experiments with deionized water as a feed solution (FS). The osmotic pressure of the re-concentrated DS was 4.1 bar at a 0.35% concentration, resulting in an initial water flux of 2.1 LMH. Taken together, the results show the feasibility of using MNP@PAA particles as draw solutes. Keywords: magnetic nanoparticles, microwave synthesis, polyacrilic acid, osmotic pressure, draw solution, forward osmosis Published in DKUM: 05.12.2023; Views: 433; Downloads: 20
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10. Nanochemistry and Materials : a Laboratory ManualJanja Stergar, Irena Ban, 2022, higher education exercise book Abstract: The publication contains instructions for laboratory work in the subject Nanochemistry and Materials. Students are introduced to the experimental principles of nanochemistry in the laboratory. They learn about various synthesis and characterization methods, in conjunction with magnetic nanoparticles useful in biomedical and engineering applications. They learn about the safety of nanoparticles and their effects, impact on technology, and contribution to improving life on many levels when used properly. The instructions are written in English as they are intended for foreign students who choose the mentioned subject. Keywords: magnetic nanoparticles, coprecipitation, microemulsion technique, X-Ray powder diffraction, dynamic light scattering Published in DKUM: 29.08.2022; Views: 686; Downloads: 83
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