Interactive models of communication at the nanoscale using nanoparticles that talk to one another

Abstract

‘Communication' between abiotic nanoscale chemical systems is an almost-unexplored field with enormous potential. Here we show the design and preparation of a chemical communication system based on enzyme-powered Janus nanoparticles, which mimics an interactive model of communication. Cargo delivery from one nanoparticle is governed by the biunivocal communication with another nanoparticle, which involves two enzymatic processes and the interchange of chemical messengers. The conceptual idea of establishing communication between nanodevices opens the opportunity to develop complex nanoscale systems capable of sharing information and cooperating.

Janus Gold Nanostars–Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for NIR‐Light‐Triggered Drug Delivery

“…The development of stimuli‐responsive‐gated nanodevices based in the use of mesoporous silica has attracted remarkable attention due to their potential applications in several research fields, such as payload‐controlled release, new sensing/recognition protocols, and abiotic communication processes . These nanodevices are mainly composed by two subunits: 1) an inorganic mesoporous silica support in which a cargo is entrapped and 2) (supra)molecular entities grafted onto the outer surface of the loaded solid .…”

“…Considering the above‐mentioned facts, and as a proof of concept, we present here new nanodevices based on Janus‐like nanoparticles comprising of a gold nanostar ( AuNSt ) as the NIR‐light sensitizer, and a gated mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSNP) as the drug carrier. Drug delivery involves the use of multiphotonic excitation of a 2‐nitrobenzil derivative grafted onto the AuNSt at low‐power irradiance and the generation of a “chemical messenger” that enables the communication between the AuNSt and the MSNP face, inducing the payload delivery.…”

ϵ‐Polylysine‐Capped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as Carrier of the C9h Peptide to Induce Apoptosis in Cancer Cells

“…These “gated” materials release the entrapped cargo in response to a local or external stimulus, such as pH, temperature, the presence of enzymes, electromagnetic field, near infrared (NIR) radiation, changes in redox potential, ultrasound or the presence of small molecules or biomolecules . Gated materials have been extensively used in controlled release, in sensing/recognition protocols and in complex communication networks . Furthermore, MSNs have shown to preferentially accumulate in tumors in bio‐distribution studies performed in human cancer xenograft models and effectively deliver drugs in tumors and suppress tumor growth, presenting a satisfactory biocompatibility …”

Bioinspired Chemical Communication between Synthetic Nanomotors

“…[1] Forinstance, cells communicate with their neighbors by exchanging chemical signals, [2] neurons share and process information using neurotransmitters, [3] while insects,b acteria, and mammals use pheromones to communicate with their own species.…”

“…[3] Recently,s ynthetic nanomotors have attracted considerable attention because of their fundamental importance and numerous potential applications. [5,6] Designing responsive and smart nanomachines offers considerable promise for autonomous behavior of artificial nanoscale machines.…”