Shape-controlled synthesis of zinc nanostructures mediating macromolecules for biomedical applications

Abstract

Zinc nanostructures (ZnONSs) have attracted much attention due to their morphological, physicochemical, and electrical properties, which were entailed for various biomedical applications such as cancer and diabetes treatment, anti-inflammatory activity, drug delivery. ZnONS play an important role in inducing cellular apoptosis, triggering excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and releasing zinc ions due to their inherent nature and specific shape. Therefore, several new synthetic organometallic method has been developed to prepare ZnO crystalline nanostructures with controlled size and shape. Zinc oxide nanostructures' crystal size and shape can be controlled by simply changing the physical synthesis condition such as microwave irradiation time, reaction temperature, and TEA concentration at reflux. Physicochemical properties which are determined by the shape and size of ZnO nanostructures, directly affect their biological applications. These nanostructures can decompose the cell membrane and accumulate in the cytoplasm, which leads to apoptosis or cell death. In this study, we reviewed the various synthesis methods which affect the nano shapes of zinc particles, and physicochemical properties of zinc nanostructures that determined the shape of zinc nanomaterials. Also, we mentioned some macromolecules that controlled their physicochemical properties in a green and biological approaches. In addition, we present the recent progress of ZnONSs in the biomedical fields, which will help centralize biomedical fields and assist their future research development.

Keywords: Biomedical applications; Macromolecules; Reactive oxidative stress; Shape controlled zinc oxide nanostructures.

Fig. 1

A TEM of ZnO nanostructures obtained by mechanochemical process [21], B TEM of ZnO using solvothermal method [22], C, D, E Formation mechanism of ZnO nanoflowers and its SEM micrograph synthesized by precipitation process [23], F, G SEM images of the ultrathin anodic aluminum oxide membrane after sol filling and annealing treatment in which ZnO nanotubes are injected by sol–gel into the pores of membrane [24]

Fig. 2

A Synthesis and morphology control of crystalline ZnO particles in microemulsions and B, C TEM and SAED patterns of ZnO nanoparticles calcined at 800 °C [25], D TEM of ZnO multipods using microwave-assisted mehode [26], E, F SEM and Contour plots for the effects of time and temperature on ZnO particle size using hydrothermal process [23]

Fig. 3

The effect of particle shape and size on the morphology and optical properties of shape-controlled synthesis of ZnO nanostructures [27]

Fig. 4

The structure of ZnO [51]

Fig. 5

SEM of ZnONSs [53]

Fig. 6

IPCE values of nanoparticles and nanowire of DSSCs as a function of wavelength [18]

Fig. 7

Morphologies for a 0D, b 1D, c 2D, d 3D shape-controlled of ZnO nanostructure [58]

Fig. 8

Biomedical applications of shape-controlled ZnONSs

Fig. 9

Mechanism of antibacterial activity of ZnONSs [18]

Fig. 10

Mechanism of anti-Inflammatory activity of ZnONSs [103]

Fig. 11

ZnONSs for drug delivery activity [109]

Fig. 12

Zn-HDP polymer for condensation of DNA in a gene delivery process [117]

Fig. 13

Application of Zinc in autophagy [78]

Fig. 14

Blood vessel maturation implanted through polycaprolactone scaffolds containing 1% wt by weight of zinc oxide nanoparticles after 20 days of subcutaneous implantation [126]