Emerging nanomedicines for macrophage-mediated cancer therapy

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) contribute to tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis, remodeling the tumor extracellular matrix, inducing tumor invasion and metastasis, as well as immune evasion. Due to the high plasticity of TAMs, they can polarize into different phenotypes with distinct functions, which are primarily categorized as the pro-inflammatory, anti-tumor M1 type, and the anti-inflammatory, pro-tumor M2 type. Notably, anti-tumor macrophages not only directly phagocytize tumor cells, but also present tumor-specific antigens and activate adaptive immunity. Therefore, targeted regulation of TAMs to unleash their potential anti-tumor capabilities is crucial for improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Nanomedicine serves as a promising vehicle and can inherently interact with TAMs, hence, emerging as a new paradigm in cancer immunotherapy. Due to their controllable structures and properties, nanomedicines offer a plethora of advantages over conventional drugs, thus enhancing the balance between efficacy and toxicity. In this review, we provide an overview of the hallmarks of TAMs and discuss nanomedicines for targeting TAMs with a focus on inhibiting recruitment, depleting and reprogramming TAMs, enhancing phagocytosis, engineering macrophages, as well as targeting TAMs for tumor imaging. We also discuss the challenges and clinical potentials of nanomedicines for targeting TAMs, aiming to advance the exploitation of nanomedicine for cancer immunotherapy.

Near-infrared-triggered release of self-accelerating cascade nanoreactor delivered by macrophages for synergistic tumor photothermal therapy/starvation therapy/chemodynamic therapy

Macrophages have emerged as promising cellular vehicles for the delivery of therapeutic agents to tumor sites. However, the cytotoxicity of therapeutic agents toward the cellular carriers and the effective release of therapeutic agents at the tumor site remain the main challenges faced by macrophage-mediated drug delivery systems. Herein, a near-infrared (NIR)-triggered release of self-accelerating cascade nanoreactor (HCFG) delivered by macrophages (HCFG@R) was developed for synergistic tumor photothermal therapy (PTT)/starvation therapy (ST)/chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Attributed to the inherent tumor tropism of macrophages, HCFG@R could accumulate in tumor tissues and subsequently be disrupted by NIR laser, allowing the release of HCFG nanoparticles (NPs) from macrophage carriers. The released HCFG catalyzed the generation of O2 from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which in turn enhanced glucose oxidase (GOx)-mediated ST. Simultaneously, the H2O2 and gluconic acid generated by ST could promote the production of hydroxyl radicals (·OH), thereby improving the therapeutic effect of CDT. The present study provides an innovative strategy for enhanced PTT/ST/CDT synergistic therapy through a macrophage-mediated delivery system.

Dual-target magneto-immunoassay with bifunctional nanohybrids for breast cancer exosome detection

Exosomes, crucial for intercellular communication, hold potential as noninvasive liquid biopsy biomarkers especially in early breast cancer detection benefitted from the distinctive "cancer signature" on their membrane surface. Yet, the present methodologies of exosomes for breast cancer detection have involved the implementation of only a single member from the tetraspanin protein group as a biomarker. Moreso, due to the high concentration of exosomes in complex body fluids, there is a compelling need to measure a small concentration of cancer-derived exosomes with a low background noise signal. In this study, we designed and characterized magnetic core-gold shell nanohybrids (mAuNHs) that function as detection and isolator probes, which were integrated in a simple colorimetric sandwich magneto-immunoassay (mLISA). The magnetic core of mAuNHs facilitates the separation of exosomes from complex samples of biological origin whereby amorphous structures were effectively removed, decreasing background signal. Meanwhile, the coalescence effect of pairing biologically abundance exosomal marker (CD9 antibody) with the cancer specific (CD24 antibody) offers a highly selective and sensitive detection of our target model, MCF7 exosomes. As a result, using our mLISA system, exosomes derived from MCF7 can be selectively recognized from other tested cancer cell lines, BT474 and PC3. Besides, as low as 37 particles/μL of limit of detection (LOD) was achieved using mLISA sensor, exhibiting a good sensitivity as compared to conventional ELISA. Overall, our proposed dual-target biosensor offers a great reduction on background noise from samples, simplicity for users as in exosome's lengthy preparation is reduced as well as good sensitivity.

Borate ester-crosslinked polysaccharide hydrogel reinforced by proanthocyanidins for oral ulcer therapy

Oral ulcers are prone to recurrence and often complicated by bacterial infections. Currently, antibiotics, glucocorticoids, and anesthetics are commonly employed in clinical practice to alleviate symptoms. However, these medications exhibit limited retention in the moist and dynamic environment of the oral cavity, and their long-term use may lead to various side effects or drug resistance. In this study, we designed a borate ester cross-linked oxidation-responsive hydrogel (AHQP hydrogel) for the treatment of oral ulcers. The AHQP hydrogel is composed of phenylboronic acid-functionalized hyaluronic acid, sodium alginate, and quaternized chitosan (QCS), and is further enhanced by the incorporation of proanthocyanidins (PA) to strengthen its borate ester cross-linked network. These natural raw materials comprising the AHQP hydrogel exhibit excellent biocompatibility and degradability, ensuring that the hydrogel is safe for use in the oral cavity. Once the AHQP hydrogel adheres to the wet wound tissue, it degrades in response to reactive oxygen species, thereby releasing QCS and PA to exert therapeutic effects. Our results demonstrated that the AHQP hydrogel exhibits significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pro-angiogenic properties, thereby facilitating the healing of oral ulcers. Overall, this borate ester cross-linked polysaccharide hydrogel reinforced by PA presents promising prospects for the treatment of oral ulcers.

A sustained H2S-releasing nanocellulose-based hydrogel with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties for promoting infected wound healing

Infected wounds present unique challenges during healing, often characterized by prolonged inflammation and delayed tissue recovery. To address these issues, we developed a composite hydrogel (CAEG), which integrated a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor (GYY4137), carboxylated nanocellulose (CNF-C) and ε-polylysine (ε-PL). This hydrogel was designed to enhance wound healing by mitigating inflammation and preventing infections. In vitro studies demonstrated that CAEG hydrogel facilitated cell migration, angiogenesis, and macrophage polarization toward the M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype through controlled H2S release. The ε-PL component provided additional antibacterial effects via electrostatic interactions. In vivo experiments confirmed that the CAEG hydrogel effectively accelerated wound closure in full-thickness skin infected wounds. These findings highlighted the CAEG hydrogel's potential as a promising tool for treating infected wounds by leveraging its dual anti-inflammatory and antibacterial capabilities.

Injectable myocardium-derived hydrogels with SDF-1α releasing for cardiac repair

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a predominant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Therapeutic chemokines, such as stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α), present a promising opportunity to treat the profibrotic remodeling post-MI if they can be delivered effectively to the injured tissue. However, direct injection of SDF-1α or physical entrapment in a hydrogel has shown limited efficacy. Here, we developed a sustained-release system consisting of SDF-1α loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) and an injectable porcine cardiac decellularized extracellular matrix (cdECM) hydrogel. This system demonstrated a sustained release of SDF-1α over four weeks while there is one week release for SDF-1α directly encapsulated in the cdECM hydrogel during in vitro testing. The incorporation of PLGA NPs into the cdECM hydrogel significantly enhanced its mechanical properties, increasing the Young's modulus from 561 ± 228 kPa to 1007 ± 2 kPa and the maximum compressive strength from 639 ± 42 kPa to 1014 ± 101 kPa. This nanocomposite hydrogel showed good cell compatibility after 7 days of culture with H9C2 cells, while the released SDF-1α retained its bioactivity, as evidenced by its chemotactic effects in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo studies further highlighted its significant ability to promote angiogenesis in the infarcted area and improve cardiac function after intramyocardial injection. These results demonstrated the therapeutic potential of combining local release of SDF-1α with the cdECM hydrogel for MI treatment.

Sequential activation of osteogenic microenvironment via composite peptide-modified microfluidic microspheres for promoting bone regeneration

The osteogenic microenvironment (OME) significantly influences bone repair; however, reproducing its dynamic activation and repair processes remains challenging. In this study, we designed injectable porous microspheres modified with composite peptides to investigate cascade alterations in OME and their underlying mechanisms. Poly l-lactic acid microfluidic microspheres underwent surface modifications through alkaline hydrolysis treatment, involving heterogeneous grafting of bovine serum albumin nanoparticles with stem cell-homing peptides (BNP@SKP) and BMP-2 mimicking peptides (P24), respectively. These modifications well-organized the actions of initial release and subsequent in situ grafting of peptides. Cellular experiments demonstrated varied degrees of chemotactic recruitment and osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells. Further biological analysis revealed that BNP@SKP targeted the Ras/Erk axis and upregulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 expression, thereby enhancing initial chemotaxis and recruitment. In vivo studies validated the establishment of a dynamically regulated OME centered on the microspheres, resulting in increased stem cell recruitment, sequential activation of the differentiation microenvironment, and facilitation of in situ osteogenesis without ectopic ossification. In conclusion, this study successfully fabricated composite peptide-modified microspheres and systematically explored the mechanisms of bone formation through sequential activation of OME via heterogeneous grafting of signaling molecules. This provides theoretical evidence for biomaterials based on microenvironment regulation.

Phototheranostics: An advanced approach for precise diagnosis and treatment of gynecological inflammation and tumors

Gynecological inflammations have a significant impact on the daily lives of women. Meanwhile, cancers such as ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers pose severe threats to their physical and mental well-being. While current options such as conventional pharmacotherapy, surgical interventions, and recent advancements in immunotherapy and targeted therapy provide viable solutions, they possess limitations in effectively addressing the intricacies associated with gynecological diseases. These complexities include post-surgical complications, early cancer detection, and drug resistance. The management of these challenges, however, requires the implementation of innovative treatment modalities. Phototheranostics has emerged as a promising approach to effectively address these challenges. It not only treats inflammation and tumors efficiently but also aids in disease imaging and diagnosis. The distinguishing features of phototheranostics lie in their non-invasive nature, minimal risk of drug resistance, and precise targeting capabilities through the use of photosensitizers or photothermal agents. These distinctive features underscore its potential to revolutionize early diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions. This review aims to summarize the application of phototheranostics in managing gynecological inflammation and tumors while highlighting its significant potential for early disease detection and treatment.

Regulating tumor cells to awaken T cell antitumor function and enhance melanoma immunotherapy

Tumor cells transmit various immunosuppressive signals and induce a dysfunctional state in T cells, which essentially leads to immune escape and tumor progression. However, developing effective strategies to counteract the domestication of T cells by tumor cells remains a challenge. Here, we prepared pH-responsive lipid nanoparticles (NL/PLDs) co-loaded with PCSK9 shRNA, lonidamine (LND), and low-dose doxorubicin (DOX). NL/PLDs can awaken domesticated T cells function by sending pro-activation, pro-recognition, and pro-killing signals by increasing tumor immunogenicity, increasing the expression of major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I) on tumor cells, and alleviating the suppression effect of tumor-secreted lactic acid (LA) on the T cell effector function, respectively. In melanoma-bearing mice, NL/PLDs effectively relieved tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME) and enhanced the antitumor immunity mediated by CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, when combined with aPD-1, NL/PLDs demonstrated strong antitumor effects and increased immunotherapeutic efficacy. This regulatory strategy provides new insights for enhancing immunotherapy by regulating tumor immunosuppressive signals and shows significant potential for clinical tumor treatment.

Engineering a cpGFP-based biosensor for enhanced quantification of glycolate production in Escherichia coli

The growing demand for glycolate, fueled by economic development, requires the advancement of production methods. Escherichia coli (E. coli), a preferred host for glycolate production, has undergone extensive metabolic engineering to improve yield. Developing rapid and precise methods for quantifying glycolate concentration is essential for screening high-yielding strains. Here, we present the engineering of a novel circularly permuted green fluorescent protein (cpGFP)-based glycolate sensor, termed GLYCO. GLYCO exhibits high specificity (minimal interference from other metabolites), stability (no decrease in performance after 15 days at -80 °C), and ease of detection via fluorescence measurement, enabling effective in vitro glycolate quantification. GLYCO spans a quantification range from 10 μM to 1 mM, facilitating effective monitoring of glycolate production in metabolically engineered E. coli strains. This biosensor represents a significant advancement in the metabolic engineering toolkit, facilitating efficient detection and optimization of glycolate production in E. coli, with potential applications in industrial biotechnology.

Hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles for drug formulation and delivery: Opportunities for cancer therapy

The advantages of large surface area, high volume ratio, good biocompatibility, and controllable surface functionalization make hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) an ideal drug carrier. HMSNs can achieve high efficiency, targeting, and controlled release by adjusting the microstructure and surface modification of its particles, which makes it broad application prospects in the field of medical therapy, especially in cancer therapy. Numerous studies have shown that preparation method, shape, particle size, hollow inner diameter, aperture and wall thickness of the HMSNs, the characteristics of the drugs, the interaction between the drugs and the carriers, and the external environment all closely affect the drug delivery, release, and efficacy. The external environment includes temperature, pH value, light intensity, magnetic field intensity, enzyme type and concentration, etc. This review summarizes the research progress of HMSNs as carrier materials in the past five years, analyzes the existing problems in the application process and presents the development prospects of HMSNs.

High-density lipoprotein-like nanoparticles with cationic cholesterol derivatives for siRNA delivery

A new approach to siRNA delivery using high-density lipoprotein-like nanoparticles (HDL NPs) was investigated, incorporating oligoamine and cholesterol-derived cationic lipids (CLs) to associate siRNA with the carrier. Newly designed or commercially available compounds, including GL67 and 3-β-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl]cholesterol (DC-Cholesterol), were tested for siRNA binding, cytotoxicity, and siRNA cellular uptake. GL67 emerged as the most promising CL for siRNA delivery via HDL NPs. While it contributed to substantial siRNA uptake and cytosolic delivery in HepG2 cells, gene silencing remained limited, indicating a need for further optimization. Despite this, the study highlights the potential of positively charged cholesterol derivatives for siRNA delivery using HDL NPs. An analysis of the relationship between CL head group structure and HDL NPs' siRNA binding efficiency and cytotoxicity showed that factors such as oligoamine molecule conjugation site, linker type, amine group ethylation, and alkyl chain length between amine groups are crucial for optimizing CL design. Furthermore, the phospholipid environment surrounding CLs significantly influences HDL NPs' performance, particularly in siRNA cellular uptake. The study also revealed that intracellular siRNA trafficking varies by cell type, emphasizing the importance of customizing HDL NP formulations for specific cells. These insights are important for designing more effective HDL NPs for siRNA therapeutic delivery.

The antibacterial activity and selectivity of bismuth(III) tris(8-hydroxyquinolinates)

The series of bismuth(III) tris(8-hydroxyquinolinates); [Bi(Q")3] (1), [Bi(Q'Cl)3] (2), [Bi(QCl2)3] (3), [Bi(QBr2)3] (4), and [Bi(QI2)3] (5) (where Q"-H = C9H7NO; Q'Cl-H = C9H6NOCl, QCl2-H = C9H5NOCl2; QBr2-H = C9H5NOBr2; and QI2-H = C9H5NOI2) were synthesised, fully characterised, and evaluated for their antibacterial activity towards three Gram-positive bacteria (vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis, S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus), and four Gram-negative bacteria (A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and E. coli) and also their cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells. New crystallographic data on 4 indicates it is dimeric in the solid state through 'Bi2O2' bridging which is consistent with data previously reported for 5. The five complexes (1-5) all exhibited good but variable antibacterial activity and selectivity. Complexes 2 and 5 showed significant activity towards Gram-positive bacteria with MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values ranging from 0.78 μM - 3.13 μM and selectivity indices of 6.2 - ≥16.0. For Gram-negative species, complexes 3 and 4 exhibited highly selective activity towards multi-drug resistant strains of A. baumannii with a range of MIC values 0.39-1.56 μM and selectivity indices of 3.14-7.23 respectively. While some of the 8-hydroxyquinolines themselves show reasonable antibacterial activity this is generally enhanced through complexation to bismuth(III).

LA-peptide Hydrogel-Regulation of macrophage and fibroblast fates and their crosstalk via attenuating TGF-β to promote scarless wound healing

The homeostasis of the wound microenvironment is fundamental for scarless wound healing, while the excessive accumulation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in the wound microenvironment always leads to hypertrophic scars (HS) formation by regulating cell fates and crosstalk among various types of cells, such as macrophages and fibroblasts. This study reports that an injectable, self-assembling LA-peptide hydrogel has the potential to facilitate scarless cutaneous wound healing through dynamically adsorbing TGF-β within the wound environment. We found that the released LA peptides led to the suppression of both the PI3K/Akt and TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathways in macrophages and fibroblasts. As expected, the application of LA-peptide hydrogel alleviated the M2 type polarization of macrophages and inhibited fibroblasts activation by adsorbing TGF-β both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, designated concentrations of the LA-peptide hydrogel achieved controlled release of LA peptides, enabling dynamic regulation of TGF-β for maintaining microenvironment homeostasis during different phases of wound healing. This contributed to the inhibition of HS formation without delaying wound healing in both a mouse full-thickness skin wound model and a rabbit ear scar model. Overall, the LA-peptide hydrogel provides promising avenues for promoting scarless healing of wounds, exemplifying precision medicine-guided targeting of specific pathogenic molecules, such as TGF-β, and highlighting the significance of dynamic regulation of TGF-β homeostasis in wound microenvironment.

Polymer-modified DNA hydrogels for living mitochondria and nanozyme delivery in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to joint deformities and functional impairments. Traditional treatment approaches, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and molecular targeted therapies, often fail to simultaneously achieve efficient inflammation relief and cartilage tissue repair. DNA hydrogels, derived from nucleic acid nanotechnology, have demonstrated potential in RA therapy due to their programmability, high biocompatibility, and tunable degradation properties. However, their application is still hindered by challenges including high synthesis costs, immunogenicity risks, and uncontrolled degradation rates. To address these limitations, this study proposes a dual-action strategy involving a polymer-modified DNA hydrogel co-delivering nanozymes and living mitochondria to overcome the constraints of traditional therapies and comprehensively optimize RA treatment outcomes. The incorporation of functionalized polymers significantly reduces synthesis costs and immunogenicity while fine-tuning the degradation rate of the hydrogel, enabling sustained support during bone and cartilage repair. The hydrogel is loaded with Prussian blue nanozymes to scavenge excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the RA microenvironment, alleviating inflammation, and facilitates intracellular delivery of living mitochondria to inhibit ROS production at its source, promoting tissue repair. By integrating endogenous ROS reduction with exogenous ROS clearance, this strategy markedly enhances therapeutic efficacy, offering a novel approach for precise RA treatment and advancing the clinical translation of biomaterials.

Anthocyanin and phenolic landscape of Syzygium cumini extracts via green extraction

This study determined the anthocyanin and phenolic profile of Syzygium cumini bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins and other flavonoids, alongside diverse phenolic compounds. The study optimized a green extraction technique (ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE)) to obtain anthocyanin-rich extract from the fruit pulp of S. cumini using the pectinase enzyme. UHPLC-LC/MS, FTIR, and SEM were used to profile the secondary metabolites, functional groups, and surface morphology. Two major anthocyanins, cyanidin and malvidin, and twenty-three non-anthocyanins, including gallic acid, naringenin, myricetin, and kaempferol, were identified in the enzymatic extract of S. cumini. A central-composite design was used to optimize the extraction, analyzing the effects of enzyme concentration (0.01-0.03 %), pH (1-3), and ultrasonication time (5-15 min) on total anthocyanin content (438.75 ± 29.81 mg C3G/100 g db), determining the optimal points (0.01 %, 2 pH and 10 mins). The optimized extract was further investigated for total phenolic content and antioxidant activities. The study utilized an economical approach to effectively extract maximum anthocyanins from S. cumini fruit for their potential applications as a biocolorant in food products, simultaneously establishing promising health potential through available literature.

Rapid improvement in postpartum pulmonary hypertension associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Postpartum pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) complicated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare condition. Diagnosing and treating PAH in patients with HHT can be challenging. To the best of our knowledge, no previous reports have investigated the efficacy of pulmonary vasodilators in improving hemodynamics in postpartum patients with this disease.

CASE SUMMARY

In this paper, we report a postpartum case of HHT combined with PAH, presenting with worsening dyspnea. Genetic testing revealed that the patient carried a heterozygous variant of activin receptor-like kinase 1. The patient received various treatments, including diuretics, anticoagulants, sildenafil, macitentan, inhalation of nitric oxide, and iloprost. Changes in PaO₂/FiO₂, pulmonary artery systolic pressure as assessed by echocardiography, and N-terminus pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels suggested that, except for iloprost inhalation, the other treatments appeared to have limited efficacy.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first report on efficacy of pulmonary vasodilators in postpartum patients with HHT and PAH.

Understanding drug solubilization in intestinal mixed micelles through molecular dynamics simulations

HYPOTHESIS

Solubilization is a fundamental process that underpins various technologies in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry. However, knowledge of the location, orientation and interactions of solubilized molecules in the micelles is still limited. We expect all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to improve the molecular-level understanding of solubilization and to enable its in silico prediction.

METHODS

The solubilization of six drugs in intestinal mixed micelles composed of taurocholate and dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine was simulated by molecular dynamics in explicit water and measured experimentally by liquid chromatography. The location and orientation of the solubilized drugs were visualized by cumulative radial distribution functions and interactions were characterized by radial distribution function ratios and hydrogen bonding.

FINDINGS

A new simulation-derived parameter was defined, which accounts for drug-micelle and drug-water interactions and correlates (R2 = 0.83) with the experimentally measured solubilization. Lipophilicity was found to govern the location of all drugs in the micelle (hydrophobic core, palisade layer or on the surface), while hydrogen bonding was crucial for orientation and solubilization of two of the molecules. The study demonstrates that explicit, hydrogen bond-forming water molecules are vital for accurate prediction of solubilization and provides a comprehensive framework for quantitative studies of drug location and orientation within the micelles.

Real-time quantification of microfluidic hydrogel crosslinking via gas-phase electrophoresis

This study presents a novel approach for the controlled synthesis and real-time characterization of crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels utilizing a microfluidic platform coupled with hyphenated electrospray-differential mobility analysis (ES-DMA). By precisely controlling key synthesis parameters within the microfluidic environment, including pH, temperature, reaction time, and the molar ratio of HA to crosslinker (1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether, BDDE), we successfully synthesized HA hydrogels with tailored size and properties. The integrated ES-DMA system provides rapid, in-line analysis of hydrogel particle size and distribution, enabling real-time monitoring and optimization of the synthesis process. Furthermore, small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) was employed to complement ES-DMA analysis, providing valuable insights into the internal structure and extent of crosslinking within the synthesized hydrogels. The evolution of the number-based particle size distribution revealed a strong correlation with the synthesis conditions, demonstrating the high degree of controllability achieved by this integrated approach. This novel methodology offers a promising platform for the high-throughput synthesis of uniform and well-defined hydrogel nanoparticles with enhanced traceability, paving the way for advancements in various applications including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biomaterials.

Protecting monoclonal antibodies via competitive interfacial adsorption of nonionic surfactants

HYPOTHESIS

Bioengineered monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have gained significant recognition as medical therapies. However, during processing, storage and use, mAbs are susceptible to interfacial adsorption and desorption, leading to structural deformation and aggregation, and undermining their bioactivity. To suppress antibody surface adsorption, nonionic surfactants are commonly used in formulation. But how surface hydrophobicity affects the adsorption and desorption of mAbs and nonionic surfactants individually and as a mixture remains inconclusive.

EXPERIMENTS

The rapid tuning of the siliconized surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic was controlled by the UV oxidation time of a self-assembled trimethoxy(7-octen-1-yl)silane (TMOS) monolayer. Spectroscopic ellipsometry and neutron reflection were used to determine the dynamic adsorption and structural changes of the co-adsorbed mAb (COE-3) and the commercial nonionic surfactant PS80, which is composed primarily of polyoxyethylene-sorbitan monooleate with an average molecular weight of about 1310 g/mol.

FINDINGS

COE-3 adsorption on both TMOS or UV-TMOS surface was irreversible. However, nonionic surfactant PS80 could partially remove pre-adsorbed COE-3 from these surfaces, forming a co-adsorption layer. Interestingly, while the hydrophobic TMOS surface prevented mAb adsorption when pre-treated with PS80, the amphiphilic UV-TMOS did not. Furthermore, when COE-3 and PS80 were injected as a mixture, PS80 formed a preventative layer on both surfaces against COE-3 adsorption. These results highlight the significance of surface hydrophobicity in controlling mAb adsorption in the presence of nonionic surfactants.

The impact of colloid-solvent dynamic coupling on the coarsening rate of colloidal phase separation

Phase separation, a fundamental phenomenon in both natural and industrial settings, involves the coarsening of domains over time t to reduce interfacial energy. While well-understood for simple viscous liquid mixtures, the physical laws governing coarsening dynamics in complex fluids, such as colloidal suspensions, remain unclear. Here, we investigate colloidal phase separation through particle-based simulations with and without hydrodynamic interactions (HIs). The former incorporates many-body HIs through momentum conservation, while the latter simplifies their effects into a constant friction coefficient on a particle. In cluster-forming phase separation with HIs, the domain size ℓ grows as ℓ∝t1/3, aligning with the Brownian-coagulation mechanism. Without HIs, ℓ∝t1/5, attributed to an improper calculation of cluster thermal diffusion. For network-forming phase separation, ℓ∝t1/2 with HIs, while ℓ∝t1/3 without HIs. In both cases, network coarsening is governed by the mechanical stress relaxation of the colloid-rich phase, yet with distinct mechanisms: slow solvent permeation through densely packed colloids for the former and free draining for the latter. Our results provide a clear and concise physical picture of colloid-solvent dynamic coupling via momentum conservation, offering valuable insights into the self-organization dynamics of particles like colloids, emulsions, and globular proteins suspended in a fluid.

A novel injectable sodium alginate/chitosan/sulfated bacterial cellulose hydrogel as biohybrid artificial pancreas for real-time glycaemic regulation

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are characterized by blood glucose elevation with pancreatic β cells deficiency. As a safe alternative to frequent subcutaneous insulin injection, pancreatic β cell transplantation provides a promising therapeutic option for blood glucose control in T1DM. However, pancreatic β cell transplantation faces intractable challenges of the poor viability and severe host immune rejection. Therefore, a novel approach capable of improving the poor oxygen/nutrients supply and severe host immune rejection is highly desired. Herein, a novel biohybrid artificial pancreas, presenting glucose-dependent insulin release behavior, is constructed via pancreatic β cells encapsulating in a hydrogel scaffold. The hydrogel scaffold is made of the commixture of sodium alginate (SA), chitosan (CS) and sulfated bacterial cellulose (SBC). The biocompatible three-dimensional (3D) hydrogels protected pancreatic β cells from immune response but also allowed the exchange of nutrients and insulin. As a result of the synergistic effect, the biohybrid artificial pancreas can reverse the hyperglycemia and achieve sustained glycemic control for at least 30 days in diabetic mice. Collectively, we consider that this biohybrid artificial pancreas with an elaborate structure could provide an effective option for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.

3D bioprinting: Advancing the future of food production layer by layer

3D bioprinting is an advanced manufacturing technique that involves the precise layer-by-layer deposition of biomaterials, such as cells, growth factors, and biomimetic scaffolds, to create three-dimensional living structures. It essentially combines the complexity of biology with the principles of 3D printing, making it possible to fabricate complex biological structures with extreme control and accuracy. This review discusses how 3D bioprinting is developing as an essential step in the creation of alternative food such as cultured meat and seafood. In light of the growing global issues associated with food sustainability and the ethical challenges raised by conventional animal agriculture, 3D bioprinting is emerging as a key technology that will transform food production in the years to come. This paper also addresses in detail each of the components that make up bioprinting systems, such as the bioinks and scaffolds used, the various types of bioprinter models, and the software systems that control the production process. It offers a thorough examination of the processes involved in printing diverse food items using bioprinting. Beyond the scope of this conversation, 3D bioprinting, which provides superior precision and scalability in tissue engineering, is a crucial node in the broader system of cultured meat and seafood production. But like any emerging technology, 3D bioprinting has its limitations. In light of this, this study emphasizes the necessity of ongoing research and development to advance bioprinting towards widespread use and, ultimately, promote a more resilient, ethical, and sustainable food supply system.

Tunable architecture of cobalt-nickel metal-organic framework/activated carbon composites for superior electrochemical performance in asymmetric supercapacitors

Cobalt-nickel metal-organic framework/activated carbon (MOF/AC) composites with tunable flower-like architectures were synthesized via a straightforward hydrothermal method, utilizing activated carbon as a structural and functional modifier. This modification increased the surface area from 20.3 m2/g to 164.5 m2/g, providing a high density of nucleation sites and optimizing the morphology for efficient ion diffusion and electrolyte permeability. The incorporation of activated carbon (AC) not only improved structural stability but also facilitated electron transfer, thereby enhancing conductivity. Among the synthesized composites, MOF/AC-180 exhibited a specific capacitance of 731.8 F/g at 1 A/g, with 67.0 % retention at higher current densities. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) based on MOF/AC-180 achieved an energy density of 35.9 Wh/kg at a power density of 750 W/kg, along with considerable cycling stability, retaining 91 % of its initial capacitance after 10,000 cycles. This study highlights the potential of using ACto enhance the structure and conductivity of MOF composites. The tunable morphology improves ion transport and electrochemical performance, making these materials viable for supercapacitor applications. Furthermore, the straightforward synthesis method and scalability provide a basis for future industrial applications across various multifunctional material fields.

Oral multistage nanomedicine for synergistic chemo/chemodynamic/near-infrared-II photothermal cancer therapy

The oral administration of drugs for cancer therapy can maintain optimal blood concentrations, is biologically safe and simple, and is preferred by many patients. However, the complex lumen environment, mucus layer, and intestinal epithelial cells are biological barriers that hinder the absorption of orally administered drugs. In this study, sea urchin-like manganese-doped copper selenide nanoparticles (Mn-Cu2-xSe NPs) were designed using an anion exchange method and coated with calcium alginate and chitosan (AC) to form Mn-Cu2-xSe@AC capsules. The pH-responsive swelling behavior of the AC protective layer aided doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded Mn-Cu2-xSe NPs in overcoming multiple biological barriers, maintained their stability in gastric acid, and facilitated the release of the NPs in the small intestine. The intestinal epithelial cell permeability of DOX/Mn-Cu2-xSe NPs was confirmed using a monolayer absorption model involving Caco-2 human epithelial cells. The released DOX/Mn-Cu2-xSe NPs smoothly passed through the mucus layer, and were absorbed by intestinal epithelial cells. In mice, the NPs circulated in the blood and passively targeted the tumors through blood circulation by enhancing the permeability and retention effect to achieve significant tumor suppression and reduce damage to normal tissues. In addition, the unique sea urchin-like morphology of Mn-Cu2-xSe NPs enhanced the absorption in the near-infrared-II (NIR-II) window for photothermal therapy, realized the near-infrared-stimulated response release of DOX for increased chemotherapy, and promoted the Fenton-like effect because of the doping of manganese ions for chemodynamic therapy. These effects could permit the development of various synergistic cancer treatments. The use of DOX/Mn-Cu2-xSe@AC capsules as a multistage oral drug delivery system may overcome the sequential absorption barriers that currently hinder chemotherapy, chemodynamic, and photothermal therapies.

Design and biofabrication of barnacle and spider silk protein decorated composite bacterial cellulose for diabetic wound healing

Delayed healing of wounds in diabetics is mainly due to tissue inflammation, poor vasculature, lack of neovascularization, and bacterial infection. Therefore, a therapeutic protocol that disrupts this cycle and speeds healing is urgently needed. Despite attempts to enhance wound dressing effectiveness through hydrogels with diverse complexes such as bacterial cellulose (BC) combined with chitosan, BC/ chitosan/hyaluronic acid, and BC/chitosan/collagen, the toughness and adhesion properties of hydrogel remain constrained, leading to inadequate and uncontrollable wound healing. To address the challenge, we have devised an innovative solution by integrating barnacle cement protein (cp19k) and spider silk protein (major ampullate spidroin 1, MaSp1) into a BC matrix, complemented by chitosan. This development has led to the creation of a novel BC-based composite hydrogel BC/cp19k-MaSp1/C150k. The composite hydrogel stands out with its remarkable mechanical (3.92 Mpa) and adhesion properties (8.4 kPa) compared to its BC/C150k counterpart. Meanwhile, the BC/cp19k-MaSp1/C150k hydrogel also demonstrated antimicrobial activity, coagulation, and biocompatibility. The BC/cp19k-MaSp1/C150k hydrogel showed an exceptional capacity to enhance wound healing in a diabetic rat model, achieving a significant wound closure rate of over 98 % on day 14 when compared to BC and commercially available dressing 3 M™ Tegaderm™. This advancement holds significant promise in revolutionizing wound management for diabetics.

Exploring novel antifungal peptides from peptic hydrolysis of chicken cruor protein via regression-based machine learning approach

There is a growing interest in natural preservatives driven by consumer demand for clean-label products. In Canada, approximately 48 million liters of blood are produced annually during chicken slaughter, offering an opportunity to valorize cruor, the solid blood component rich in hemoglobin, for use in food preservation. This study investigated the hydrolysis of chicken cruor with pepsin at pH 2, 3, 4, and 5 for 180 min to produce antimicrobial peptides. The highest degree of hydrolysis (11.70 ± 0.77 %) was observed at pH 2, similar to pH 3 where the enzyme exhibited a zipper mechanism. Hydrolysates at pH 2 and 3 inhibited fungal strains (Paecilomyces spp., Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Mucor racemosus) with MIC: 0.63 mM, while no antibacterial activity was observed. Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) allowed the identification of 31 antifungal peptides, including LARKYH, active against R. mucilaginosa (MIC: 0.63 mM), highlighting chicken cruor's potential as a source of bio-preservatives.

Innovative applications of natural polysaccharide polymers in intravesical therapy of bladder diseases

Natural polysaccharide polymers, characterized by their remarkable biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural versatility, hold great promise for intravesical therapy in treating of bladder diseases. Conditions such as bladder cancer and interstitial cystitis compromise drug efficacy by affecting the permeability of the bladder wall. Traditional therapeutic approaches are often hindered by physiological challenges, including rapid drug clearance and the intrinsic permeability barrier of the bladder. Polysaccharides like hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CS) have emerged as promising materials for intravesical drug delivery systems (IDDS), owing to their ability to repair tight junctions in the bladder wall, mitigate inflammation, and enhance permeability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms through which polysaccharide-based natural polymers regulate bladder wall permeability and highlights their advancements in delivery platforms, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, floating systems, and composite materials. By improving drug retention, enhancing bioavailability, and promoting patient adherence, these materials offer a solid foundation for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for bladder diseases.

Metal-based mesoporous polydopamine with dual enzyme-like activity as biomimetic nanodrug for alleviating liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a common pathological stage in the development of several chronic liver diseases, and early intervention can effectively reverse the developing process. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) can promote the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), but existing treatments have not addressed this problem. In this study, different metal-based mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) was prepared by the soft template method, and their free radical scavenging abilities, as well as the efficacy and safety of the carriers were investigated, so as to select Cu2+-coordinated MPDA (CMP) as the optimal nanocarrier. CMP exhibited superior SOD- and CAT-like activities compared to MPDA. Subsequently, a novel liver-targeted nanodrug delivery system (Cur/CMPH) with biosafety was constructed. Moreover, Cur/CMPH consisted of CMP loaded with the antifibrotic drug curcumin (Cur/CMP) and coated hyaluronic acid (HA) with liver-targeting properties on the surface of Cur/CMP, thus effectively intervening in the progression of liver fibrosis. Cur/CMPH possessed uniform particle size, negative Zeta potential, excellent antioxidant capacity, and pH-responsive drug release. Furthermore, Cur/CMPH in vitro studies demonstrated efficient cellular uptake, inhibition of the proliferation of HSCs, and excellent intracellular ROS scavenging without cytotoxicity. Besides, Cur/CMPH had specific targeting effect on fibrotic liver as well as good accumulation ability. In vivo studies, Cur/CMPH showcased the combined therapeutic effect of Cur and CMP, which significantly decreased the deposition of collagen fibers and alleviated the degree of liver fibrosis with good biosafety. In summary, the construction of Cur/CMPH opens up a novel idea in the field of nanodrug delivery systems for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Rational design of a near-infrared fluorescent probe for rapid monitoring of carboxylesterase in live cells and drug-induced liver injury mice

BACKGROUND

Carboxylesterase (CE) is an important enzyme that mainly exists in liver cells and can catalyze the hydrolysis of esters in a variety of pharmaceuticals and xenobiotics. Real-time and non-invasive imaging of CE is of great significance for the study of CE-related metabolic diseases. Although fluorescence sensing technology is considered a promising candidate, the slow response rate (> 60 min), low sensitivity, and short emission wavelength (<650 nm) of most CE probes limit their practical application. Therefore, it is significant and urgent to develop novel fluorescent probes for the rapid diagnosis of CE-related diseases.

RESULTS

Herein, a near-infrared fluorescent probe, CF3-BDP-CE, has been developed by introducing acetyl as the CE recognition unit into the fluorophore meso-trifluoromethyl-BODIP for the detection of CE. CF3-BDP-CE exhibited a remarkable fluorescence enhancement at 690 nm for CE with a limit of detection of 7.9 × 10-4 U/mL. Importantly, the fast response kinetics (within 3 min) make CF3-BDP-CE superior to most reported probes. The emission turn-on mechanism was confirmed by theoretical calculation, revealing that after the hydrolysis of CF3-BDP-CE, the intramolecular charge transfer process leads to strong fluorescence. Furthermore, CF3-BDP-CE has been successfully applied to real-time imaging of endogenous CE changes in living cells and to imaging CE activity differences between tumor and normal cells. In addition, CF3-BDP-CE has been successfully used to track CE abnormalities in acetaminophen-induced liver injury model mice.

SIGNIFICANCE

A NIR fluorescent probe CF3-BDP-CE was developed to effectively track the dynamic change of CE fluctuation in living cells and mice, with potential applications in the diagnosis of CE-related diseases.

Nano-drug delivery systems integrated with low radiation doses for enhanced therapeutic efficacy in cancer treatment

BACKGROUND

Precision medicine is an emerging field that includes tumor-targeted delivery and tumor microenvironment. This review explores the synergistic potential of combining nano-drug delivery systems with low radiation doses to achieve optimized therapeutic outcomes, particularly in the context of cancer treatment. Nanoparticle-based drug carriers offer precise and targeted delivery, enhancing the therapeutic index of anticancer agents. The use of lower radiation doses has become a focus in radiation oncology to minimize off-target effects on healthy tissues in palliation treatment with high-target volume lesions.

AIM

To conduct a bibliometric review of nanomedicine and glioblastoma (GBM), all relevant studies from the last two decades were included.

METHODS

The search strategy comprised the keywords ”nanomedicine “and “glioblastoma” in the title and/or abstract. All English-language documents from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2023 were considered for the analysis. R code (version 4.2.0) with R Studio (version 2022.12.0-353) and the Bibliometrix package (version 4.0.1) were used for the analysis. A total of 680 documents were collected.

RESULTS

We analyzed the bibliometric features of nanomedicine in glioma. With the limitations of the research, our analysis aims to highlight the increasing interest of researchers in the precision medicine field in GBM treatment and lead us to suggest further studies focusing on the association between nanomedicine and radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Due to the poor prognosis associated with GBM, new therapeutic approaches are necessary. There is an increasing interest in precision medicine, which includes nanomedicine and radiotherapy, for GBM treatment. This integration enhances the efficacy of targeted treatments and provides a promising avenue for reducing adverse effects, signifying a notable advancement in precision oncology.

Artificial intelligence with wrapper multioutput regression to identify chemical contents of fresh and dried manure samples using NIR spectroscopy

Analyzing manure nutrients such as total ammonium nitrogen (NH+4), dry matter (DM), calcium oxide (CaO), total nitrogen (-N), phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), magnesium oxide (MgO), and potassium oxide (K2O) helps in fulfilling crop nutritional needs while improving the profitability and a lower risk of pollutants. This study used two Near Infra Red (NIR) spectral datasets of fresh and dried manure. The freshly prepared NH4Cl, CaO, Ca(OH)2, P2O5, MgO, and K2O samples were used for spectral signature peak identification and calibration. The pre-processing methods, Savitzky-Golay (SG), Multiplicative Scatter Correction (MSC) and Standard Normal Variate (SNV), were applied to correct the spectra and PCA to reduce the dimension of these pre-processed spectra. Several regressors and classifiers with wrapper multioutput regression algorithms (WMRA) and stacking generalization models were applied to identify the chemical contents. In the regression analysis, the WMRA achieved the highest coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.983 and RPD of 7.68 for fresh manure, while R2 of 0.949 and RPD of 4.42 for dried manure. In classification analysis, k-nearest neighbors (KNN) achieved 100.0% highest accuracy, while 98.1% 5-fold average accuracy. The overall findings of this study indicate that NIR, in conjunction with WMRA and KNN, has a high potential for quick detection of nutrients in manure.

Progress in the genetics and epigenetics of pelvic floor disorder

Pelvic floor disorder (PFD) is a common gynecological disorder, and with the ageing of the population, PFD has a serious impact on the physical and mental health of patients and their quality of life. The most prominent of these are pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI), about which the etiology is still unclear, and it is urgent to explore their pathogenesis. Advances in genetics and epigenetics have provided new insights into the pathophysiology of PFD. Candidate genes and genome-wide association studies have identified susceptibility genes for POP and UI. These susceptibility genes typically promote POP by affecting pelvic floor connective tissue. The role of susceptibility genes in UI is multifactorial and includes promoting inflammation, damaging pelvic floor connective tissue, and modulating neurogenic effects. The association of epigenetic changes with POP and UI has also been investigated. DNA methylation studies have identified several important pathways associated with POP. miRNAs play an important role in the development of POP and UI, and this may be an important therapeutic direction for the future. The studies conducted so far have shown that genetic and epigenetic techniques are of great importance in exploring the etiology of PFD and that more in-depth studies are needed in the future.

Inorganic nanoparticles and blood-brain barrier modulation: Advancing targeted neurological therapies

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a protective barrier that complicates the treatment of neurological disorders. Pharmaceutical compounds encounter significant challenges in crossing the central nervous system (CNS). Nanoparticles (NPs) are promising candidates for treating neurological conditions as they help facilitate drug delivery. This review explores the diverse characteristics and mechanisms of inorganic NPs (INPs), including metal-based, ferric-oxide, and carbon-based nanoparticles, which facilitate their passage through the BBB. Emphasis is placed on the physicochemical properties of NPs such as size, shape, surface charge, and surface modifications and their role in enhancing drug delivery efficacy, reducing immune clearance, and improving BBB permeability. Specific synthesis approaches are demonstrated, with an emphasis on the influence of each one on NP property, biological activity and the capability of an NP for its intended application. As for the advances in the field, the review emphasizes those characterized the NP formulation and surface chemistry that conquered the BBB and tested the need for its alteration. Current findings indicate that NP therapy can in the future enable effective targeting of specific brain disorders and eventually evolve this drug delivery system, which would allow for lower doses with less side effects.

From Dyrk1A inhibitors to a novel class of antiviral agents: Targeting Enterovirus EV-A71 with 2-aryl-substituted thiophene scaffolds

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is a major causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) especially in children. The majority of EV-A71 cases are mild, however, severe cases have exhibited an array of neurological complications which often lead to death. In a screening campaign to discover hits against EV-A71, we identified six 2,4-diaryl-substituted thiophene compounds that were previously reported as Dyrk1A inhibitors. From these, compound S43 (EC50 = 4.4 μM; CC50 = 12.8 μM and SI = 2.9) was selected for an optimization campaign. Our SAR study revealed that the terminal pyridine could be removed without loss of the antiviral activity, which led to the new lead compound 23, maintaining anti-EV-A71 activity (EC50 = 4.3 μM; CC50 = 75.7 μM and SI = 17.6) while the cytotoxicity was 6-fold lower. Importantly, this modification also eliminated Dyrk1A inhibitory activity, avoiding further potential side effects related to inhibition of this kinase. Further results using harmine, a structurally distinct Dyrk1A inhibitor, ruled out Dyrk1A as a target in the observed antiviral effect against EV-A71. Mechanistically, our compounds act on the post-entry stage of the viral infection. When tested against a panel of related viruses, the compounds exhibited a broad spectrum against the enterovirus genus but could not inhibit the influenza virus. Additionally, S43 showed potent inhibition against herpes simplex virus (HSV). Altogether, we discovered 2-aryl thiophenes as a new class of antiviral compounds, which might be developed further into therapeutics against enterovirus infections.

Theoretical basis of all-optical modulation of a probe laser beam due to photothermal modulation of the aggregation state in organic dyes, with experimental proof of the principle

The inherent potential for self-assembly is a well-known attribute of organic dye molecules. This work takes advantage of the changes in dye photochemical and photophysical properties produced by the aggregation phenomenon, to investigate the behavior of all-optical modulation in molecular aggregates. The theoretical principles for a dual beam all-optical modulation, as well as the conception of an optical logic gate by exploring the aggregation phenomenon are discussed throughout the article. The deposition of heat by an excitation laser beam in a dye sample induces the dissociation of the self-assembled species, which modulates the dye transparency at the spectral absorption range of the aggregates and, simultaneously, modulates the darkness at the monomer spectral absorption range, because the dissociation of an aggregate of order n potentially produces n monomer units. Experimental proof of the principles was performed by using the methylene blue dye and two laser beams in a pump-probe configuration. The laser wavelength used to excite or to probe the absorption of the aggregated species was 532 nm. To excite or to probe the monomer absorption band, a diode laser at 663 nm wavelength was used. When probing the sample with the 532 nm green laser beam, an in-phase signal modulation was obtained. Within such conditions, an optical gate could be conceived allowing the Boolean operation A·B. When probing the sample with the 663 nm red laser beam, an inverted signal modulation was obtained, which allowed the Boolean operation A¯·B. The achievable signal modulation amplitudes for methylene blue and toluidine blue dyes were measured and compared.

Turn-off fluorescent magnetic Mn-ZnS molecularly imprinted probe for the detection of chlorpyrifos in vegetable samples

A sensitive and efficient fluorescent sensor based on a magnetic manganese-doped zinc sulfide molecularly imprinted probe (Fe3O4/Mn-ZnS/MIP) was successfully developed for the detection of chlorpyrifos (CPF). The probe combined the advantages of magnetic separation, the fluorescence properties of Mn-ZnS, and the exceptional molecule recognition capabilities of molecularly imprinted polymers. The developed sensor exhibits selective binding to CPF, resulting in a quenching of fluorescence intensity of Fe3O4/Mn-ZnS/MIP by a photo-induced electron transfer mechanism. The sensor demonstrated a detection limit of 0.41 ng/mL within a linear range of 1-50 ng/mL. Further, the probe was effectively utilized to analyze vegetable samples (cabbage, and cauliflower), yielding recoveries of 97.10-102.15 %. The objective of this research is to contribute to the development of a highly effective fluorescence sensing system capable of detecting several dangerous substances, including chlorpyrifos.

A microfluidic chip incorporating magnetic sorting and invasive separation for isolation, culture and telomerase analysis of circulating tumor cells

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a crucial indicator of cancer metastasis, and are vital for early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and treatment response evaluation. However, their extremely low concentration and the complexities of isolation techniques pose a significant challenge in capturing and analyzing CTCs. In this study, we developed a novel microfluidic system that integrates magnetic capture and invasive screening onto a single microfluidic chip. By attaching positively charged magnetic nanoparticles to negatively charged CTCs, the magnetic separation of CTCs within the chip effectively eliminates interference from blood cells. A total of 2 mL blood sample can be processed within 3 min, achieving an impressive tumor capture efficiency of 84 %. Using the chip, we also successfully achieved long-term culture of CTCs, and identified CTCs with high activity and invasive potential in blood samples from 11 patients with colorectal cancer. Finally, we analyzed telomerase activity in cultured CTCs on the microfluidic chip. Significantly higher invasive potential and telomerase activity were observed in CTCs from the malignant tumor group compared to the benign group (P < 0.01), highlighting their increased aggressiveness. This study offers a novel approach for efficient CTCs isolation, culture, and telomerase analysis, clarifying the crucial role of telomerase in tumor metastasis and providing profound insights for future research on telomerase-targeted tumor metastasis.

On the formation and stability mechanisms of diverse lipid-based nanostructures for drug delivery

In the evolving landscape of nanotechnology and pharmaceuticals, lipid nanostructures have emerged as pivotal areas of research due to their unique ability to mimic biological membranes and encapsulate active molecules. These nanostructures offer promising avenues for drug delivery, vaccine development, and diagnostic applications. This comprehensive review explores the complex mechanisms underlying the formation and stability of various lipid nanostructures, including lipid liquid crystalline nanoparticles and solid lipid nanoparticles. Drawing upon a wide array of studies, we integrate current knowledge on the physicochemical properties of lipids that contribute to nanostructure formation, such as lipid composition, charge, and the role of environmental factors such as pH and ionic strength. We further discuss the stabilisation mechanisms that preserve the integrity and functionality of these nanostructures in biological systems, highlighting the influence of surface modification, PEGylation, and the incorporation of stabilising agents. Through a methodical examination of both classical theories and cutting-edge research, our review highlights the critical factors that dictate the self-assembly of lipids into nanostructures, the dynamics of their formation, and the interplay between different stabilising forces. The implications of these insights for the design of lipid-based delivery systems are vast, offering the potential to enhance the bioavailability of therapeutics, target specific tissues or cells, and minimise adverse effects. The integration of lipid nanostructures in pharmaceutical nanotechnology not only stands to revolutionise the delivery of therapeutic agents but also paves the way for innovative applications in targeted therapy, personalised medicine, and vaccine adjuvant development. By bridging the gap between fundamental biophysical studies and applied research, this review contributes to the ongoing discourse on lipid nanostructures, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach to harness their full potential.

Injectable biomimetic hydrogel based on modified chitosan and silk fibroin with decellularized cartilage extracellular matrix for cartilage repair and regeneration

Cartilage defect repair remains a challenge for clinicians due to the limited self-healing capabilities of cartilage. Microenvironment-specific biomimetic hydrogels have shown great potential in cartilage regeneration because of their excellent biological properties. In this study, a hydrogel system consisting of p-hydroxybenzene propanoic acid-modified chitosan (PC), silk fibroin (SF) and decellularized cartilage extracellular matrix (DCM) was prepared. Under the catalysis of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), the phenol hydroxyl groups on PC and SF were crosslinked to form a hydrogel. DCM incorporation into the hydrogel facilitated an emulation of the natural cartilage extracellular matrix. The synthesized injectable hydrogels could fill irregular defects and formed network structures that promoted cell adhesion and proliferation. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the hydrogels had biocompatibility and promoted chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The DCM-derived hydrogel exhibited low immunogenicity in vivo, and in the treatment of both rabbit trochlear groove cartilage defects and goat femoral condyle cartilage defects, the hydrogel accelerated the cartilage regeneration. In summary, our developed composite hydrogel system in the study offers a potential strategy for the effective repair of cartilage defects.

Targeting tumor microenvironment with RGD-functionalized nanoparticles for precision cancer therapy

The need for precision therapies arises from the complexities associated with high-risk types of cancer, due to their aggressiveness and resistance to treatment. These diseases represent a global issue that requires transversal strategies involving cooperation among oncology specialists and experts from related fields, including nanomedicine. Nanoparticle-mediated active targeting of tumors has proven to be a revolutionary approach to address the most challenging neoplasms by overcoming the poor permeation at tumor site of untargeted, and nowadays questioned, strategies that rely solely on Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effects. The decoration of nanoparticles with Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides, which selectively target integrins on the cell membrane, marks a turning point in tumor microenvironment (TME) targeted strategies, enabling precision and efficiency in the delivery of chemotherapeutics. This review delves into the intricacies of the TME's features and targetable components (i.e. integrins), and the development of RGDs for nanoparticles' functionalization for active TME targeting. It provides a translational perspective on the integration of RGD-functionalized nanoparticles in oncology, highlighting their potential to overcome current therapeutic challenges, particularly in precision medicine. The current landscape of targeted nanomedicines in the clinic, and the development of RGD-nanomedicine for pediatric cancers are also discussed.

PreTKcat: A pre-trained representation learning and machine learning framework for predicting enzyme turnover number

The enzyme turnover number (kcat) is crucial for understanding enzyme kinetics and optimizing biotechnological processes. However, experimentally measured kcat values are limited due to the high cost and labor intensity of wet-lab measurements, necessitating robust computational methods. To address this issue, we propose PreTKcat, a framework that integrates pre-trained representation learning and machine learning to predict kcat values. PreTKcat utilizes the ProtT5 protein language model to encode enzyme sequences and the MolGNet molecular representation learning model to encode substrate molecular graphs. By integrating these representations, the ExtraTrees model is employed to predict kcat values. Additionally, PreTKcat accounts for the impact of temperature on kcat prediction. In addition, PreTKcat can also be used to predict enzyme-substrate affinity, i.e. km values. Comparative assessments with various state-of-the-art models highlight the superior performance of PreTKcat. PreTKcat serves as an effective tool for investigating enzyme kinetics, offering new perspectives for enzyme engineering and its industrial uses.

Antimicrobial peptides in Clarias batrachus epidermal mucus: Characterization and therapeutic potential

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated global antibiotic usage, contributing to the rise of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Fish, as key players in aquatic ecosystems, have evolved unique defense mechanisms, including the secretion of antimicrobial compounds in their epidermal mucus, these antimicrobials could be used to treat antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. This study investigates the antimicrobial potential of acidic extracts from the epidermal mucus of Clarias batrachus against clinically significant pathogens. The extract demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against seven selected human pathogenic and opportunistic microbes. The antimicrobial mechanism was explored using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), revealing structural damage to the microbial cells. The physicochemical stability of the mucus compounds was experimentally validated under various conditions. Protein characterization through SDS-PAGE identified prominent bands at 11 kDa, corresponding to hemoglobin subunit-like chains (α and β), as confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis. Bioinformatic evaluations suggested that these peptides possess not only antimicrobial but also potential antiviral and anticancer activities. Molecular docking studies further supported the applicability of these peptides against antibiotic-resistant targets (erm proteins), including NDM superbugs, highlighting their potential as novel therapeutic agents. This research underlines the promise of fish mucus-derived compounds in combating antimicrobial resistance, offering a natural and sustainable alternative to conventional antibiotics for both fish and human pathogens.

Fucoidan and chitosan electrostatically coated nanoliposomes enhance physicochemical stability and bioavailability of rutin

Rutin, a promising bioactive hydrophobic compound, suffers from poor physicochemical stability, resulting in low bioavailability. Herein, we used positively charged chitosan and negatively charged fucoidan as biopolymers coating rutin-nanoliposome (RNL) via electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly approach to prepare fucoidan/chitosan-coated rutin-nanoliposome (FC-RNL). The FC-RNL exhibited the encapsulation efficiency of 77.01% for rutin, with the particle size of 346 nm and a zeta potential of -33.5 mV under the optimized conditions (lecithin to rutin ratio of 10, 0.05 wt% fucoidan and 0.20 wt% chitosan). The results of Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy suggested that fucoidan/chitosan-coated nanoliposome could effectively load rutin. The coating of fucoidan and chitosan not only improved the retention rate of rutin (> 85 %) under thermal, oxidative and UV-light conditions, but also showed excellent stability over a wide pH range (pH 3.0-11.0) and high ionic strength (400 mM NaCl). In addition, FC-RNL was more stable than C-RNL and RNL at 4 °C for 5-week storage. In vitro simulated digestion indicated that FC-RNL significantly controlled the rutin release, and preserved 6.86 % and 50.47 % of rutin at the end of simulated gastric and intestinal digestion, respectively. Furthermore, FC-RNL exhibited satisfactory biocompatibility, and cellular uptake studies demonstrated that FC-RNL displayed the highest Rh123 uptake efficiency reaching approximately 189 %. This study provides an effective fucoidan/chitosan-coated nanoliposome carrier for the delivery of hydrophobic bioactive compounds within the functional food industry.

Mechanisms and structure-activity relationships of natural polysaccharides as potential anti-osteoporosis agents: A review

In recent years, polysaccharides derived from natural sources have garnered significant attention due to their safety and potential anti-osteoporotic effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the sources, distribution, structures, and mechanisms of anti-osteoporosis polysaccharides, as well as an investigation into their structure-activity relationships. Over thirty distinct, homogenous polysaccharides with anti-osteoporosis properties have been extracted from natural sources, primarily categorized as glucans, fructans, galactomannans, glucomannans, and various other heteropolysaccharides. Natural polysaccharides can effectively enhance osteoblast differentiation and mineralization while suppressing osteoclast activation, with the mechanism regulated by the BMP/SMAD/RUNX2, Wnt/Catenin, OPG/RANKL/RANK, and TLR2/NF-κB/NFATc1 signaling pathways. Furthermore, polysaccharides contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis by mitigating oxidative stress, decreasing inflammation, and modulating the gut microbiota. This review also summarizes the relationship between the monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, and glycosidic bond type of polysaccharides and their anti-osteoporotic activity. A comprehensive summary and analysis of the existing deficiencies and challenges in the research of anti-osteoporotic polysaccharides is also concluded. This review may serve as a significant reference for the discovery and utilization of naturally derived anti-osteoporotic polysaccharides in the pharmaceutical and health industries.

STING activation and overcoming the challenges associated with STING agonists using ADC (antibody-drug conjugate) and other delivery systems

In current immunotherapy cGAS (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase)-STING (stimulator of interferon genes) pathway considered as most focused area after CAR-T cell. Exploitation of host immunity against cancer using STING agonists generates the most interest as a therapeutic target. Classically cGAS activation through cytoplasmic DNA generates 2'3'cGAMP that is naturally identified STING agonist. Activation of STING leads to activation of type-1 interferon response and pro-inflammatory cytokines through TBK/IRF-3, TBK/NF-κB pathways. Pro-inflammatory cytokines attract immune cells to the tumor microenvironment and type-1 interferon exposes tumor antigens to T cells and NK cells, which leads to the activation of cellular immunity against tumor cells and eliminates tumor cells. Initially bacterial-derived c-di-AMP and c-di-GMP were identified as CDNs (Cyclic-dinucleotide) STING agonists. Moreover, chemically modified CDNs and completely synthetic STING agonists have been developed. Even though the breakthrough preclinical development none of the STING agonists were approved the by FDA for cancer therapy. All identified natural CDNs have poor pharmacokinetic properties due to high hydrophilicity and negative charge. Moreover, phosphodiester bonds in CDNs are most vulnerable to enzymatic degradation. Synthetic STING agonists have an off-target effect that generates autoimmunity and cytokine storm. STING agonist needs to improve for pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety. In this scenario delivery systems can overcome the challenges associated with STING agonists. Here, we highlight the ways of STING agonisms as direct and indirect, and further, we also discuss the existing STING agonists associated challenges and ongoing efforts for delivery of STING agonists in the tumor microenvironment (TME) via different non-targeted carriers like Nanoparticle, Hydrogel, Micelle, Liposome. We also discussed the most advanced targeted deliveries of ADC (Antibody-drug conjugate) and aptamers-based delivery.

Structural regression modelling of peptide based drug delivery vectors for targeted anti-cancer therapy

Drug resistance in cancer poses a serious challenge in finding an effective remedy for cancer patients, because of the multitude of contributing factors influencing this complex phenomenon. One way to counter this problem is using a more targeted and dose-limiting approach for drug delivery, rather than relying on conventional therapies that exhibit multiple pernicious side-effects. Stability and specificity have traditionally been the core issues of peptide-based delivery vectors. In this study, we employed a structural regression modelling approach in the design, synthesis and characterization of a series of peptides that belong to approximately same topological cluster, yet with different electrostatic signatures encoded as a result of their differential positioning of amino acids in a given sequence. The peptides tagged with the fluorophore 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, showed higher uptake in cancer cells with some of them colocalizing in the lysosomes. The peptides tagged with the anti-cancer drug methotrexate have displayed enhanced cytotoxicity and inducing apoptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells. They also showed comparable uptake in side-population cells of lung cancer with stem-cell like properties. The most-optimized peptide showed accumulation in the tumor resulting in significant reduction of tumor size, compared to the untreated mice in in-vivo studies. Our results point to the following directives; (i) peptides can be design engineered for targeted delivery (ii) stereochemical engineering of peptide main chain can resist proteolytic enzymes and (iii) cellular penetration of peptides into cancer cells can be modulated by varying their electrostatic signatures.

Exploration of enalapril-lacidipine co-amorphous system with superior dissolution, in vivo absorption and physical stability via incorporated into mesoporous silica

In the present study, enalapril (ENP) was taking as a potential co-former to fabricate co-amorphous system with lacidipine (LCDP). The ENP/LCDP co-amorphous system was firstly prepared with or without mesoporous SiO2 and characterized by DSC, XRD and SEM technologies. The potential molecular interactions were evaluated by FTIR spectrums. Furthermore, the dissolution and pharmacokinetics behavior of various formulations were also carried out. It was demonstrated that the completely co-amorphization was obtained at ENP/LCDP 2:1 molar ratio by the intermolecular interactions between ENP and LCDP. The ENP/LCDP co-amorphous system significantly improve the dissolution rate of LCDP and ENP respectively. Compared to the naked ENP/LCDP co-amorphous system, remarkable enhancement of dissolution rate and bioavailability of model drugs was observed by incorporated the co-amorphous system into mesoporous SiO2, and a superior physical stability was also observed after accelerated study. Raman mapping revealed that the less microstructure phase separation could be the main reason for the better stability in presence of mesoporous SiO2. In conclusion, ENP could be successfully used as a potential co-former to fabricate co-amorphous system with poorly water-soluble drugs and collaborates the co-amorphous with mesoporous SiO2 become a promising strategy to achieve stable amorphous formulation for further enhancement of dissolution rate and bioavailability.

Enhanced delivery of azithromycin using asymmetric polyethersulfone membrane modified with KIT-6 mesoporous material: Optimization and mechanistic studies

This study presents the development of a novel drug delivery system designed for improving the release profile and sustained delivery of azithromycin (AZI), particularly aimed at applications requiring localized infection control and improved tissue compatibility. The system employs an asymmetric polyethersulfone (PES) membrane modified with KIT-6 mesoporous material, offering improved drug release performance and biocompatibility over conventional delivery platforms. Membrane optimization was achieved by systematically varying parameters such as thickness (150-600 µm), drug concentration (500-1500 mg/L), polymer content (13-21 % PES), pore maker percentage (0-4 % polyvinylpyrrolidone), and KIT-6 modifier percentage (0.5-2 %). Characterization included scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle measurements, porosity, tensile strength evaluation, and comprehensive bioactivity testing (cytotoxicity, antimicrobial efficacy, blood compatibility, and a novel tissue integrity assay). The optimized formulation (17 % PES, 2 % PVP, 1 % KIT-6) achieved a controlled and sustained release profile with improved drug availability (464 mg/L) compared to unmodified membranes (252 mg/L), with a sustained release profile governed by the Higuchi model. Additionally, the membrane demonstrated superior biocompatibility (-90 % cell viability, low hemolysis at 1.2 %) and preserved tissue integrity better than unmodified counterparts, as evidenced by in vitro and ex vivo studies. Notably, the system showed robust reusability over prolonged use, indicating its potential as an effective, sustainable, and biocompatible solution for localized AZI delivery. These advantages position this system as a promising alternative for medical applications requiring precise drug release and minimal tissue disruption.