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Abstract_Lluis F. MARSAL

Micro and nanostructured porous anodic alumina (NAA) is gaining popularity as a versatile platform in medicine, with applications in diagnostics, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. A key feature of NAA is its well-defined cylindrical pores, which can be tuned from a few to hundreds of nanometers in diameter and modulated in depth to create photonic structures. Here, we present recent advances in the structural design of NAA and its applications in biosensing, drug delivery, and cell culture.

We discuss the fabrication of self-ordered NAA structures through electrochemical etching and explore novel 2D and 3D micro- and nanostructures based on NAA. The influence of technological parameters on NAA’s geometry and properties is analyzed, along with innovative nanostructures created using NAA as a template, incorporating metals, polymers, and nanoparticles within its nanopores.

Additionally, we present the application of advanced photonic NAA structures for detecting biomarkers such as Amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). We demonstrate how the pore surface can be chemically and biologically modified to enhance biosensing capabilities. Furthermore, we evaluate NAA for stimuli-responsive drug delivery, showing how polyelectrolytes and tailored nanopore shapes enable controlled DOX release in response to pH changes.

Finally, we explore the use of NAA for replicating 3D cellular microenvironments to study complex cellular interactions. The impact of NAA’s geometry and functionalization on the adhesion and morphology of human aortic endothelial cells is investigated, with biocompatibility confirmed through cell viability and cytotoxicity analyses. These findings highlight the potential of NAA nanostructures in advancing disease diagnosis and treatment.

References

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