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Abstract:
The shortage of face masks and the lack of antipathogenic functions has been significant since the recent pandemic's inception. Moreover, the disposal of an enormous number of contaminated face masks not only carries a significant environmental impact but also escalates the risk of cross-contamination. This study proposes a strategy to upgrade available surgical masks into antibacterial masks with enhanced particle and bacterial filtration. Plasmonic nanoparticles can provide photodynamic and photothermal functionalities for surgical masks. For this purpose, gold nanorods act as on-demand agents to eliminate pathogens on the surface of the masks upon near-infrared light irradiation. Additionally, the modified masks are furnished with polymer electrospun nanofibrous layers. These electrospun layers can enhance the particle and bacterial filtration efficiency, not at the cost of the pressure drop of the mask. Consequently, fabricating these prototype masks could be a practical approach to upgrading the available masks to alleviate the environmental toll of disposable face masks.

Abstract:
In recent times, the use of personal protective equipment, such as face masks or respirators, is becoming more and more critically important because of common pollution; furthermore, face masks have become a necessary element in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, the main mission of scientists has become the development of face masks with exceptional properties that will enhance their performance. The versatility of electrospun polymer nanofibers has determined their suitability as a material for constructing “smart” filter media. This paper provides an overview of the research carried out on nanofibrous filters obtained by electrospinning. The progressive development of the next generation of face masks whose unique properties can be activated in response to a specific external stimulus is highlighted. Thanks to additional components incorporated into the fiber structure, filters can, for example, acquire antibacterial or antiviral properties, self-sterilize the structure, and store the energy generated by users. Despite the discovery of several fascinating possibilities, some of them remain unexplored. Stimuli-responsive filters have the potential to become products of large-scale availability and great importance to society as a whole.

Keywords:
nanostructured face masks, stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, electrospun nanofibers, active filtration, smart filters, COVID-19, antipathogen

Abstract:
One of the most fascinating areas in the field of smart biopolymers is biomolecule sensing. Accordingly, multifunctional biomimetic, biocompatible, and stimuli-responsive materials based on hydrogels have attracted much interest. Within this framework, the design of nanostructured materials that do not require any external energy source is beneficial for developing a platform for sensing glucose in body fluids. In this article, we report the realization and application of an innovative platform consisting of two outer layers of a nanocomposite plasmonic hydrogel plus one inner layer of electrospun mat fabricated by electrospinning, where the outer layers exploit photoinitiated free radical polymerization, obtaining a compact and stable device. Inspired by the exceptional features of chameleon skin, plasmonic silver nanocubes are embedded into a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogel network to obtain enhanced thermoresponsive and antibacterial properties. The introduction of an electrospun mat creates a compatible environment for the homogeneous hydrogel coating while imparting excellent mechanical and structural properties to the final system. Chemical, morphological, and optical characterizations were performed to investigate the structure of the layers and the multifunctional platform. The synergetic effect of the nanostructured system’s photothermal responsivity and antibacterial properties was evaluated. The sensing features associated with the optical properties of silver nanocubes revealed that the proposed multifunctional system is a promising candidate for glucose-sensing applications.

Abstract:
The importance of having a fast, accurate, and reusable track for detection has led to an increase investigation in the field of biosensing. Optical biosensing using plasmonic nanoparticles, such as gold and silver, introduces localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensors. LSPR biosensors are progressive in their sensing precision and detection limit. Also, the possibility to tune the sensing range by varying the size and shape of the particles has made them extremely useful. Hydrogels being hydrophilic 3D networks can be beneficial when used as matrices, because of a more efficient biorecognition. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels can be great candidates, as their response to a stimulus can increase recognition and detection. This article highlights recent advances in combining hydrogels as a matrix and plasmonic nanoparticles as sensing elements. The end capability and diversity of these novel biosensors in different applications in the near future are discussed.

Keywords:
Smart materials, Plasmonic hydrogel, Biosensing

Abstract:
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) emergency has demonstrated that the utilization of face masks plays a critical role in limiting the outbreaks. Healthcare professionals utilize masks all day long without replacing them very frequently, thus representing a source of cross‐infection for patients and themselves. Nanotechnology is a powerful tool with the capability to produce nanomaterials with unique physicochemical and anti‐pathogen properties. Here, we outline how to realize non‐disposable and highly comfortable respirators with light‐triggered self‐disinfection ability by bridging bioactive nanofiber properties and stimuli‐responsive nanomaterials. The visionary road highlighted in this Concept is based on the possibility to develop a new generation of masks based on multifunctional membranes where the presence of nanoclusters and plasmonic nanoparticles arranged in a hierarchical structure enables the realization of a chemically‐driven and on‐demand anti‐pathogen activities. Multilayer electrospun membranes have the ability to dissipate humidity present within the mask, enhancing the wearability and usability. The photo‐thermal disinfected membrane is the core of these 3D printed and reusable masks with moisture pump capability. Personalized face masks with smart nano‐assisted destruction of pathogens will bring enormous advantages to the entire global community, especially for front‐line personnel, and will open up great opportunities for innovative medical applications.

Keywords:
face masks, light-responsive nanomaterials, anti-pathogen, electrospinning, digitally personalized

Abstract:
In recent years, the main quest of science has been the pioneering of the groundbreaking biomedical strategies needed for achieving a personalized medicine. Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) are outstanding bioactive macromolecules identified as pivotal actors in regulating a wide range of biochemical pathways. The ability to intimately control the cell fate and tissue activities makes RNA-based drugs the most fascinating family of bioactive agents. However, achieving a widespread application of RNA therapeutics in humans is still a challenging feat, due to both the instability of naked RNA and the presence of biological barriers aimed at hindering the entrance of RNA into cells. Recently, material scientists’ enormous efforts have led to the development of various classes of nanostructured carriers customized to overcome these limitations. This work systematically reviews the current advances in developing the next generation of drugs based on nanotechnology-assisted RNA delivery. The features of the most used RNA molecules are presented, together with the development strategies and properties of nanostructured vehicles. Also provided is an in-depth overview of various therapeutic applications of the presented systems, including coronavirus disease vaccines and the newest trends in the field. Lastly, emerging challenges and future perspectives for nanotechnology-mediated RNA therapies are discussed.

Abstract:
Thermoplasmonics deals with the generation and manipulation of nanoscale heating associated with noble metallic nanoparticles. To this end, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are unique nanomaterials with the intrinsic capability to generate a nanoscale confined light-triggered thermal effect. This phenomenon is produced under the excitation of a suitable light of a wavelength that matches the localized surface plasmonic resonance frequency of AuNPs. Liquid crystals (LCs) and hydrogels are temperature-sensitive materials that can detect the host AuNPs and their photo-induced temperature variations. In this perspective, new insight into thermoplasmonics, by describing a series of methodologies for monitoring, detecting, and exploiting the photothermal properties of AuNPs, is offered. From conventional infrared thermography to highly sophisticated temperature-sensitive materials such as LCs and hydrogels, a new scenario in thermoplasmonic-based, next generation, photonic components is presented and discussed. Moreover, a new road in thermoplasmonic-driven biomedical applications, by describing compelling and innovative health technologies such as on-demand drug-release and smart face masks with smart nano-assisted destruction of pathogens, is proposed. The latter represents a new weapon in the fight against COVID-19.Thermoplasmonics deals with the generation and manipulation of nanoscale heating associated with noble metallic nanoparticles. To this end, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are unique nanomaterials with the intrinsic capability to generate a nanoscale confined light-triggered thermal effect. This phenomenon is produced under the excitation of a suitable light of a wavelength that matches the localized surface plasmonic resonance frequency of AuNPs. Liquid crystals (LCs) and hydrogels are temperature-sensitive materials that can detect the host AuNPs and their photo-induced temperature variations. In this perspective, new insight into thermoplasmonics, by describing a series of methodologies for monitoring, detecting, and exploiting the photothermal properties of AuNPs, is offered. From conventional infrared thermography to highly sophisticated temperature-sensitive materials such as LCs and hydrogels, a new scenario in thermoplasmonic-based, next generation, photonic components is presented and discussed. Moreover, a new road in thermoplasmonic-driven biomedical applications, by describing compelling and innovative health technologies such as on-demand drug-release and smart face masks with smart nano-assisted destruction of pathogens, is proposed. The latter represents a new weapon in the fight against COVID-19.

Abstract:
Multifunctional nanomaterials with the ability torespond to near-infrared (NIR) light stimulation are vital for thedevelopment of highly efficient biomedical nanoplatforms with apolytherapeutic approach. Inspired by the mesoglea structure ofjellyfish bells, a biomimetic multifunctional nanostructured pillowwith fast photothermal responsiveness for NIR light-controlled on-demand drug delivery is developed. We fabricate a nanoplatformwith several hierarchical levels designed to generate a series ofcontrolled, rapid, and reversible cascade-like structural changesupon NIR light irradiation. The mechanical contraction of thenanostructured platform, resulting from the increase of temper-ature to 42°C due to plasmonic hydrogel−light interaction, causesa rapid expulsion of water from the inner structure, passing through an electrospun membrane anchored onto the hydrogel core. Themutual effects of the rise in temperature and waterflow stimulate the release of molecules from the nanofibers. To expand thepotential applications of the biomimetic platform, the photothermal responsiveness to reach the typical temperature level forperforming photothermal therapy (PTT) is designed. The on-demand drug model penetration into pig tissue demonstrates theefficiency of the nanostructured platform in the rapid and controlled release of molecules, while the high biocompatibility confirmsthe pillow potential for biomedical applications based on the NIR light-driven multitherapy strategy.

Keywords:
bioinspired materials, NIR-light responsive nanomaterials, multifunctional platforms, electrospun nanofibers, plasmonic hydrogel, photothermal-based polytherapy, on-demand drug delivery

Abstract:
This work describes the morphological, optical, and thermo‐optical properties of a temperature‐sensitive hydrogel poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐N‐isopropylmethacrylamide) [P(NIPAm‐co‐NIPMAm]) film containing a specific amount of gold nanorods (GNRs). The light‐induced thermoplasmonic heating of GNRs is used to control the optical scattering of an initially transparent hydrogel film. A hydrated P(NIPAm‐co‐NIPMAm) film is optically clear at room temperature. When heated to temperatures over 37 °C via light irradiation with a resonant source (λ = 810 nm) to the GNRs, a reversible phase transition from a swollen hydrated state to a shrunken dehydrated state occurs. This phenomenon causes a drastic and reversible change in the optical transparency from a clear to an opaque state. A significant red shift (≈30 nm) of the longitudinal band can also be seen due to an increased average refractive index surrounding the GNRs. This change is in agreement with an ad hoc theoretical model which uses a modified Gans theory for ellipsoidal nanoparticles. Morphological analysis of the composite film shows the presence of well‐isolated and randomly dispersed GNRs. Thermo‐optical experiments demonstrate an all‐optically controlled light attenuator (65% contrast ratio) which can be easily integrated in several modern optical applications such as smart windows and light‐responsive optical attenuators.

Keywords:
active plasmonics, gold nanorods, hydrogels, optical attenuators, optical transparency, plasmonic nanoparticles, polymers

Abstract:
Materials for the treatment of cancer have been studied comprehensively over the past few decades. Among the various kinds of biomaterials, polymer-based nanomaterials represent one of the most interesting research directions in nanomedicine because their controlled synthesis and tailored designs make it possible to obtain nanostructures with biomimetic features and outstanding biocompatibility. Understanding the chemical and physical mechanisms behind the cascading stimuli-responsiveness of smart polymers is fundamental for the design of multifunctional nanomaterials to be used as photothermal agents for targeted polytherapy. In this review, we offer an in-depth overview of the recent advances in polymer nanomaterials for photothermal therapy, describing the features of three different types of polymer-based nanomaterials. In each case, we systematically show the relevant benefits, highlighting the strategies for developing light-controlled multifunctional nanoplatforms that are responsive in a cascade manner and addressing the open issues by means of an inclusive state-of-the-art review. Moreover, we face further challenges and provide new perspectives for future strategies for developing novel polymeric nanomaterials for photothermally assisted therapies.

Abstract:
Lysozyme, an enzyme found in various bodily fluids, holds immense importance as a biomolecule with numerous diagnostic implications. In the realm of ophthalmology, lysozyme detection in tears emerges as a precious tool for identifying and addressing dry and inflamed eyes. To enhance the precision and efficiency of lysozyme detection, Smart materials, such as hydrogels and electrospun nanofibers, have been confirmed to be promising candidates for sensing platforms. Plasmonic nanoparticles, on the other hand, offer enhanced optical properties that allow for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), which has been used alongside these substrates. By integrating these smart materials into biosensing platforms, researchers can achieve rapid, reliable, and non-invasive lysozyme detection from tears.
To achieve this goal, a layered platform consisting of a hydrogel layer, electrospun nanofibers, and plasmonic nanoparticles was designed and fabricated. Electrospun mat of poly (L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) was used as the support, providing suitable mechanical properties to the platform. Silver nanoplates were immobilized on top of the electrospun nanofibers, where a layer of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogel was added. With its porous 3D structure and high water content, the hydrogel network allows enhancement in photothermal responsivity. Moreover, due to its fluid nature, the maneuvering of the biomolecules is much easier, making the biosensing procedure more accurate. The structure of each layer, their cross-section, and the whole platform were investigated chemically, morphologically, and optically. The fast photothermal responsitivity of the platform and sensing features were studied, revealing the applicability of the system as a biosensor for detecting lysozyme.

Abstract:
Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems are gaining a lot of interest due to their numerous advantages, especially when compared to conventional pharmaceutical dosage forms. One of the examples is photo stimulation that together with nanometer size agents, having high absorption in the near-infrared region, generate heat due to the interaction with light. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels with gold nanorods (AuNRs), that are used as photothermal converters, can aid in releasing drugs on-demand with a fast release rate through different mechanisms. Here we report an easy method for preparing AuNRs encapsulated in a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogel that release water-soluble drugs due to photo stimulation. PNIPAm-AuNRs demonstrated remote, pulsatile drug release and ex vivo action after irradiation using a NIR laser. Morphological and chemical characterization as well as drug release studies were carried out to confirm the material’s ability to supply different doses of drugs on demand and to study the release mechanism. By combining the photothermal property of AuNRs and thermal-responsive effect of PNIPAm, the hydrogel shows fast thermal/photoresponse, high heating rate, high structural integrity and increased drug release due to phase change mechanism.

Keywords:
drug delivery systems, nanofibers