Nanomedical research and development in Spain: improving the treatment of diseases from the nanoscale

Abstract

The new and unique possibilities that nanomaterials offer have greatly impacted biomedicine, from the treatment and diagnosis of diseases, to the specific and optimized delivery of therapeutic agents. Technological advances in the synthesis, characterization, standardization, and therapeutic performance of nanoparticles have enabled the approval of several nanomedicines and novel applications. Discoveries continue to rise exponentially in all disease areas, from cancer to neurodegenerative diseases. In Spain, there is a substantial net of researchers involved in the development of nanodiagnostics and nanomedicines. In this review, we summarize the state of the art of nanotechnology, focusing on nanoparticles, for the treatment of diseases in Spain (2017–2022), and give a perspective on the future trends and direction that nanomedicine research is taking.

The Biofilm Inhibition Properties of Glucosamine Gold Nanoparticles in Combination with Meropenem against Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the Endotracheal Tube: A Model of Biofilm-Related Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

“…To our knowledge, this study is the first to experiment with synthesizing glucosamine phosphate with gold nanoparticles (GlcN-AuNPs) and applying the resulting material simultaneously with meropenem to inhibit biofilm formation on the endotracheal tube. Gold nanoparticles are recognized for their significant potential in biomedical applications, including drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostics, due to their ease of preparation, surface reactivity, and unique optical properties [35]. Gold is a generally non-toxic nanomaterial; however, the substances employed in its preparation and modification may have toxic properties.…”

“…However, at specific concentrations, gold nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial effects without toxicity to normal cells [19]. In addition, the compact size of AuNPs and their biocompatibility with biological systems, minimal toxicity, and ability to combine different molecular functionalities simultaneously make them attractive for use in biomedical applications involving therapy and sensing [35].…”

The Biofilm Inhibition Properties of Glucosamine Gold Nanoparticles in Combination with Meropenem against <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> on the Endotracheal Tube: A Model of Biofilm-Related Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

“…Gold nanoparticles are widely recognized for their significant potential in various biomedical applications such as drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostics. Specifically, AuNPs have been extensively studied and investigated for their versatility in these fields including their ease of preparation, surface reactivity, and unique optical properties [31]. Gold is acknowledged as a non-toxic nanomaterial; however, the substances employed in its preparation and modification may have toxic properties.…”

“…At specific concentrations, these nanoparticles do not display toxic effects on normal cells [16]. In addition, the small size of AuNPs, along with their biocompatibility, minimal toxicity, and the potential for the simultaneous assembly of various molecular functionalities, renders them appealing for biomedical applications in therapy and sensing [31].…”