T-Cell-Mimicking Nanoparticles Can Neutralize HIV Infectivity

Red Blood Cell Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles Enable Incompatible Blood Transfusions

Blood transfusions save lives and improve health every day. Despite the matching of blood types being stricter than it ever has been, emergency transfusions among incompatible blood types are still inevitable in the clinic when there is a lack of acceptable blood types for recipients. Here to overcome this, a counter measure nanoplatform consisting of a polymeric core coated by a red blood cell (RBC) membrane is developed. With A-type or B-type RBC membrane camouflaging, the nanoplatform is capable of specifically capturing anti-A or anti-B IgM antibodies within B-type or A-type whole blood, thereby decreasing the corresponding IgM antibody levels and then allowing the incompatible blood transfusions. In addition to IgM, the anti-RBC IgG antibody in a passive immunization murine model can likewise be neutralized by this nanoplatform, leading to prolonged circulation time of incompatible donor RBCs. Noteworthily, nanoplatform made by expired RBCs (>42 days stored hypothermically) and then subjected to lyophilization does not impair their effect on antibody neutralization. Most importantly, antibody-captured RBC-NP do not exacerbate the risk of inflammation, complement activation, and coagulopathy in an acute hemorrhagic shock murine model. Overall, this biomimetic nanoplatform can safely neutralize the antibody to enable incompatible blood transfusion.

Biomembrane camouflaged nanoparticles: A paradigm shifts in targeted drug delivery system

Targeted drug delivery has emerged as a pivotal approach within precision medicine, aiming to optimize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. Advanced biomimetic membrane-coated formulations have garnered significant interest from researchers as a promising strategy for targeted drug delivery, site-specific accumulation and heightened therapeutic outcomes. Biomimetic nanotechnology is able to retain the biological properties of the parent cell thus are able to exhibit superior targeting compared to conventional formulations. In this review, we have described different types of cell membrane camouflaged NPs. Mechanism of isolation and coating of the membranes along with the applications of each type of membrane and their mechanism to reach the desired site. Furthermore, a fusion of different membranes in order to prepare hybrid membrane biomimetic NPs which could possess better efficacy is discussed in detail in the review. Later, applications of the hybrid membrane-cloaked NPs along with current development were discussed in detail along with the challenges associated with it. Although membrane-cloaked NPs are currently in the preliminary stage of development, there is a huge potential to explore this biodegradable and biocompatible delivery system.

Cell membrane-coated nanoparticles for targeting carcinogenic bacteria

The etiology of cancers is multifactorial, with certain bacteria established as contributors to carcinogenesis. As the understanding of carcinogenic bacteria deepens, interest in cancer treatment through bacterial eradication is growing. Among emerging antibacterial platforms, cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (CNPs), constructed by enveloping synthetic substrates with natural cell membranes, exhibit significant promise in overcoming challenges encountered by traditional antibiotics. This article reviews recent advancements in developing CNPs for targeting carcinogenic bacteria. It first summarizes the mechanisms of carcinogenic bacteria and the status of cancer treatment through bacterial eradication. Then, it reviews engineering strategies for developing highly functional and multitasking CNPs and examines the emerging applications of CNPs in combating carcinogenic bacteria. These applications include neutralizing virulence factors to enhance bacterial eradication, exploiting bacterium-host binding for precise antibiotic delivery, and modulating antibacterial immunity to inhibit bacterial growth. Overall, this article aims to inspire technological innovations in developing CNPs for effective cancer treatment through oncogenic bacterial targeting.

The Prospect of Biomimetic Immune Cell Membrane-Coated Nanomedicines for Treatment of Serious Bacterial Infections and Sepsis

Invasive bacterial infections and sepsis are persistent global health concerns, complicated further by the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance. Over the past 40 years, collaborative endeavors to improve the diagnosis and critical care of septic patients have improved outcomes, yet grappling with the intricate immune dysfunction underlying the septic condition remains a formidable challenge. Anti-inflammatory interventions that exhibited promise in murine models failed to manifest consistent survival benefits in clinical studies through recent decades. Novel therapeutic approaches that target bacterial virulence factors, for example with monoclonal antibodies, aim to thwart pathogen-driven damage and restore an advantage to the immune system. A pioneering technology addressing this challenge is biomimetic nanoparticles-a therapeutic platform featuring nanoscale particles enveloped in natural cell membranes. Borne from the quest for a durable drug delivery system, the original red blood cell-coated nanoparticles showcased a broad capacity to absorb bacterial and environmental toxins from serum. Tailoring the membrane coating to immune cell sources imparts unique characteristics to the nanoparticles suitable for broader application in infectious disease. Their capacity to bind both inflammatory signals and virulence factors assembles the most promising sepsis therapies into a singular, pathogen-agnostic therapeutic. This review explores the ongoing work on immune cell-coated nanoparticle therapeutics for infection and sepsis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Invasive bacterial infections and sepsis are a major global health problem made worse by expanding antibiotic resistance, meaning better treatment options are urgently needed. Biomimetic cell-membrane-coated nanoparticles are an innovative therapeutic platform that deploys a multifaceted mechanism to action to neutralize microbial virulence factors, capture endotoxins, and bind excessive host proinflammatory cytokines, seeking to reduce host tissue injury, aid in microbial clearance, and improve patient outcomes.

T Cell and Natural Killer Cell Membrane-Camouflaged Nanoparticles for Cancer and Viral Therapies

Extensive research has been conducted on the application of nanoparticles in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Due to their exceptional characteristics and flexible structure, they are classified as highly efficient drug delivery systems, ensuring both safety and targeted delivery. Nevertheless, nanoparticles still encounter obstacles, such as biological instability, absence of selectivity, recognition as unfamiliar elements, and quick elimination, which restrict their remedial capacity. To surmount these drawbacks, biomimetic nanotechnology has been developed that utilizes T cell and natural killer (NK) cell membrane-encased nanoparticles as sophisticated methods of administering drugs. These nanoparticles can extend the duration of drug circulation and avoid immune system clearance. During the membrane extraction and coating procedure, the surface proteins of immunological cells are transferred to the biomimetic nanoparticles. Such proteins present on the surface of cells confer several benefits to nanoparticles, including prolonged circulation, enhanced targeting, controlled release, specific cellular contact, and reduced in vivo toxicity. This review focuses on biomimetic nanosystems that are derived from the membranes of T cells and NK cells and their comprehensive extraction procedure, manufacture, and applications in cancer treatment and viral infections. Furthermore, potential applications, prospects, and existing challenges in their medical implementation are highlighted.

Novel Drug Delivery Systems: An Important Direction for Drug Innovation Research and Development

The escalating demand for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced adverse effects in the pharmaceutical domain has catalyzed a new frontier of innovation and research in the field of pharmacy: novel drug delivery systems. These systems are designed to address the limitations of conventional drug administration, such as abbreviated half-life, inadequate targeting, low solubility, and bioavailability. As the disciplines of pharmacy, materials science, and biomedicine continue to advance and converge, the development of efficient and safe drug delivery systems, including biopharmaceutical formulations, has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. This article presents an overview of the latest advancements in drug delivery systems, categorized into four primary areas: carrier-based and coupling-based targeted drug delivery systems, intelligent drug delivery systems, and drug delivery devices, based on their main objectives and methodologies. Additionally, it critically analyzes the technological bottlenecks, current research challenges, and future trends in the application of novel drug delivery systems.

Cell membrane coated nanoparticles: cutting-edge drug delivery systems for osteoporosis therapy

Osteoporosis, characterized by a reduction in bone mineral density, represents a prevalent skeletal disorder with substantial global health implications. Conventional therapeutic strategies, exemplified by bisphosphonates and hormone replacement regimens, though effective, encounter inherent limitations and challenges. Recent years have witnessed the surge of cell-membrane-coated nanoparticles (CMNPs) as a promising intervention for osteoporosis, leveraging their distinct attributes including refined biocompatibility, heightened pharmaceutical payload capacity, as well as targeted drug release kinetics. However, a comprehensive review consolidating the application of CMNPs-based therapy for osteoporosis remains absent within the existing literature. In this review, we provide a concise overview of the distinctive pathogenesis associated with osteoporosis, alongside an in-depth exploration of the physicochemical attributes intrinsic to CMNPs derived from varied cellular sources. Subsequently, we explore the potential utility of CMNPs, elucidating emerging trends in their deployment for osteoporosis treatment through multifaceted therapeutic approaches. By linking the notable attributes of CMNPs with their roles in mitigating osteoporosis, this review serves as a catalyst for further advances in the design of advanced CMNPs tailored for osteoporosis management. Ultimately, such progress is promising for enhancing outcomes in anti-bone loss interventions, paving the way for clinical translation in the near future.

Engineered and Mimicked Extracellular Nanovesicles for Therapeutic Delivery

Exosomes are spherical extracellular nanovesicles with an endosomal origin and unilamellar lipid-bilayer structure with sizes ranging from 30 to 100 nm. They contain a large range of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acid species, depending on the state and origin of the extracellular vesicle (EV)-secreting cell. EVs' function is to encapsulate part of the EV-producing cell content, to transport it through biological fluids to a targeted recipient, and to deliver their cargos specifically within the aimed recipient cells. Therefore, exosomes are considered to be potential biological drug-delivery systems that can stably deliver their cargo into targeted cells. Various cell-derived exosomes are produced for medical issues, but their use for therapeutic purposes still faces several problems. Some of these difficulties can be avoided by resorting to hemisynthetic approaches. We highlight here the uses of alternative exosome-mimes involving cell-membrane coatings on artificial nanocarriers or the hybridization between exosomes and liposomes. We also detail the drug-loading strategies deployed to make them drug-carrier systems and summarize the ongoing clinical trials involving exosomes or exosome-like structures. Finally, we summarize the open questions before considering exosome-like disposals for confident therapeutic delivery.

Lipid Nanoparticle-Based Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Host Cell Infection

Purpose

The global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the lingering threat to public health has fueled the search for effective therapeutics to treat SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to develop lipid nanoparticle (LNP) inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 entry to reduce viral infection in the nose and upper airway.

Methods

Two types of LNP formulations were prepared following a microfluidic mixing method. The LNP-Trap consisted of DOPC, DSPC, cholesterol, and DSPE-PEG-COOH modified with various spike protein binding ligands, including ACE2 peptide, recombinant human ACE2 (rhACE2) or monoclonal antibody to spike protein (mAb). The LNP-Trim consisted of ionizing cationic DLin-MC3-DMA, DSPC, cholesterol, and DMG-PEG lipids encapsulating siACE2 or siTMPRSS2. Both formulations were assayed for biocompatibility and cell uptake in airway epithelial cells (Calu-3). Functional assessment of activity was performed using SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding assays (LNP-Trap), host receptor knockdown (LNP-Trim), and SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization assay (LNP-Trap and LNP-Trim). Localization and tissue distribution of fluorescently labeled LNP formulations were assessed in mice following intranasal administration.

Results

Both LNP formulations were biocompatible based on cell impedance and MTT cytotoxicity studies in Calu-3 cells at concentrations as high as 1 mg/mL. LNP-Trap formulations were able to bind spike protein and inhibit pseudovirus infection by 90% in Calu-3 cells. LNP-Trim formulations reduced ACE2 and TMPRSS2 at the mRNA (70% reduction) and protein level (50% reduction). The suppression of host targets in Calu-3 cells treated with LNP-Trim resulted in over 90% inhibition of pseudovirus infection. In vivo studies demonstrated substantial retention of LNP-Trap and LNP-Trim in the nasal cavity following nasal administration with minimal systemic exposure.

Conclusion

Both LNP-Trap and LNP-Trim formulations were able to safely and effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviral infection in airway epithelial cells. These studies provide proof-of-principle for a localized treatment approach for SARS-CoV-2 in the upper airway.

Engineered Bacterial Biomimetic Vesicles Reprogram Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Remodel Tumor Microenvironment to Promote Innate and Adaptive Antitumor Immune Responses

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are among the most abundant infiltrating leukocytes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Reprogramming TAMs from protumor M2 to antitumor M1 phenotype is a promising strategy for remodeling the TME and promoting antitumor immunity; however, the development of an efficient strategy remains challenging. Here, a genetically modified bacterial biomimetic vesicle (BBV) with IFN-γ exposed on the surface in a nanoassembling membrane pore structure was constructed. The engineered IFN-γ BBV featured a nanoscale structure of protein and lipid vesicle, the existence of rich pattern-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and the costimulation of introduced IFN-γ molecules. In vitro, IFN-γ BBV reprogrammed M2 macrophages to M1, possibly through NF-κB and JAK-STAT signaling pathways, releasing nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and increasing the expression of IL-12 and iNOS. In tumor-bearing mice, IFN-γ BBV demonstrated a targeted enrichment in tumors and successfully reprogrammed TAMs into the M1 phenotype; notably, the response of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) in TME was promoted while the immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) was suppressed. The tumor growth was found to be significantly inhibited in both a TC-1 tumor and a CT26 tumor. It was indicated that the antitumor effects of IFN-γ BBV were macrophage-dependent. Further, the modulation of TME by IFN-γ BBV produced synergistic effects against tumor growth and metastasis with an immune checkpoint inhibitor in an orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer model which was insensitive to anti-PD-1 mAb alone. In conclusion, IFN-γ-modified BBV demonstrated a strong capability of efficiently targeting tumor and tuning a cold tumor hot through reprogramming TAMs, providing a potent approach for tumor immunotherapy.

Sulfated liposome-based artificial cell membrane glycocalyx nanodecoys for coronavirus inactivation by membrane fusion

As a broad-spectrum antiviral nanoparticle, the cell membrane nanodecoy is a promising strategy for preventing viral infections. However, most of the cell membrane nanodecoys can only catch virus and cannot induce inactivation, which may bring about a considerably high risk of re-infection owing to the possible viral escape from the nanodecoys. To tackle this challenge, sulfated liposomes are employed to mimic the cell membrane glycocalyx for constructing an artificial cell membrane glycocalyx nanodecoy that exhibits excellent anti-coronavirus activity against HCoV-OC43, wild-type SARS-CoV-2, Alpha and Delta variant SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. In addition, this nanodecoy, loaded with surface sulfate groups as SARS-CoV-2 receptor arrays, can enhance the antiviral capability to virus inactivation through destroying the virus membrane structure and transfer the spike protein to postfusion conformation. Integrating bio-inspired recognition and inactivation of viruses in a single supramolecular entity, the artificial cell membrane nanodecoy opens a new avenue for the development of theranostic antiviral nanosystems, whose mass production is favored due to the facile engineering of sulfated liposomes.

Aggregation-Induced Emission-Based Macrophage-Like Nanoparticles for Targeted Photothermal Therapy and Virus Transmission Blockage in Monkeypox

The recent prevalence of monkeypox has led to the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Monkeypox lesions are typically ulcers or pustules (containing high titers of replication-competent virus) in the skin and mucous membranes, which allow monkeypox virus to transmit predominantly through intimate contact. Currently, effective clinical treatments for monkeypox are lacking, and strategies for blocking virus transmission are fraught with drawbacks. Herein, this work constructs a biomimetic nanotemplate (termed TBD@M NPs) with macrophage membranes as the coat and polymeric nanoparticles loading a versatile aggregation-induced emission featured photothermal molecule TPE-BT-DPTQ as the core. In a surrogate mouse model of monkeypox (vaccinia-virus-infected tail scarification model), intravenously injected TBD@M NPs show precise tracking and near-infrared region II fluorescence imaging of the lesions. Upon 808 nm laser irradiation, the virus is eliminated by the photothermal effect and the infected wound heals rapidly. More importantly, the inoculation of treated lesion tissue suspensions does not trigger tail infection or inflammatory activation in healthy mice, indicating successful blockage of virus transmission. This study demonstrates for the first time monkeypox theranostics using nanomedicine, and may bring a new insight into the development of a viable strategy for monkeypox management in clinical trials.

Cell membrane-coated biomimetic nanomedicines: productive cancer theranostic tools

As the second-leading cause of human death, cancer has drawn attention in the area of biomedical research and therapy from all around the world. Certainly, the development of nanotechnology has made it possible for nanoparticles (NPs) to be used as a carrier for delivery systems in the treatment of tumors. This is a biomimetic approach established to craft remedial strategies comprising NPs cloaked with membrane obtained from various natural cells like blood cells, bacterial cells, cancer cells, etc. Here we conduct an in-depth exploration of cell membrane-coated NPs (CMNPs) and their extensive array of applications including drug delivery, vaccination, phototherapy, immunotherapy, MRI imaging, PET imaging, multimodal imaging, gene therapy and a combination of photothermal and chemotherapy. This review article provides a thorough summary of the most recent developments in the use of CMNPs for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It critically assesses the state of research while recognizing significant accomplishments and innovations. Additionally, it indicates ongoing problems in clinical translation and associated queries that warrant deeper research. By doing so, this study encourages creative thinking for future projects in the field of tumor therapy using CMNPs while also educating academics on the present status of CMNP research.

Bacteria-based drug delivery for treating non-oncological diseases

Bacteria inhabit all over the human body, especially the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, urogenital tract, as well as specific lesion sites, such as wound and tumor. By leveraging their distinctive attributes including rapid proliferation, inherent abilities to colonize various biointerfaces in vivo and produce diverse biomolecules, and the flexibility to be functionalized via genetic engineering or surface modification, bacteria have been widely developed as living therapeutic agents, showing promising potential to make a great impact on the exploration of advanced drug delivery systems. In this review, we present an overview of bacteria-based drug delivery and its applications in treating non-oncological diseases. We systematically summarize the physiological positions where living bacterial therapeutic agents can be delivered to, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and female genital tract. We discuss the success of using bacteria-based drug delivery systems in the treatment of diseases that occur in specific locations, such as skin wound healing/infection, inflammatory bowel disease, respiratory diseases, and vaginitis. We also discuss the advantages as well as the limitations of these living therapeutics and bacteria-based drug delivery, highlighting the key points that need to be considered for further translation. This review article may provide unique insights for designing next-generation bacteria-based therapeutics and developing advanced drug delivery systems.

Rapid plasma membrane isolation via intracellular polymerization-mediated biomolecular confinement

Plasma membrane isolation is a foundational process in membrane proteomic research, cellular vesicle studies, and biomimetic nanocarrier development, yet separation processes for this outermost layer are cumbersome and susceptible to impurities and low yield. Herein, we demonstrate that cellular cytosol can be chemically polymerized for decoupling and isolation of plasma membrane within minutes. A rapid, non-disruptive in situ polymerization technique is developed with cell membrane-permeable polyethyleneglycol-diacrylate (PEG-DA) and a blue-light-sensitive photoinitiator, lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP). The photopolymerization chemistry allows for precise control of intracellular polymerization and tunable confinement of cytosolic molecules. Upon cytosol solidification, plasma membrane proteins and vesicles are rapidly derived and purified as nucleic acids and intracellular proteins as small as 15 kDa are stably entrapped for removal. The polymerization chemistry and membrane derivation technique are broadly applicable to primary and fragile cell types, enabling facile membrane vesicle extraction from shorted-lived neutrophils and human primary CD8 T cells. The study demonstrates tunable intracellular polymerization via optimized live cell chemistry, offers a robust membrane isolation methodology with broad biomedical utility, and reveals insights on molecular crowding and confinement in polymerized cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Isolating the minute fraction of plasma membrane proteins and vesicles requires extended density gradient ultracentrifugation processes, which are susceptible to low yield and impurities. The present work demonstrates that the membrane isolation process can be vastly accelerated via a rapid, non-disruptive intracellular polymerization approach that decouples cellular cytosols from the plasma membrane. Following intracellular polymerization, high-yield plasma membrane proteins and vesicles can be derived from lysis buffer and sonication treatment, respectively. And the intracellular content entrapped within the polymerized hydrogel is readily removed within minutes. The technique has broad utility in membrane proteomic research, cellular vesicle studies, and biomimetic materials development, and the work offers insights on intracellular hydrogel-mediated molecular confinement.

Multifunctional cell membranes-based nano-carriers for targeted therapies: a review of recent trends and future perspective

Nanotechnology has ignited a transformative revolution in disease detection, prevention, management, and treatment. Central to this paradigm shift is the innovative realm of cell membrane-based nanocarriers, a burgeoning class of biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) that redefine the boundaries of biomedical applications. These remarkable nanocarriers, designed through a top-down approach, harness the intrinsic properties of cell-derived materials as their fundamental building blocks. Through shrouding themselves in natural cell membranes, these nanocarriers extend their circulation longevity and empower themselves to intricately navigate and modulate the multifaceted microenvironments associated with various diseases. This comprehensive review provides a panoramic view of recent breakthroughs in biomimetic nanomaterials, emphasizing their diverse applications in cancer treatment, cardiovascular therapy, viral infections, COVID-19 management, and autoimmune diseases. In this exposition, we deliver a concise yet illuminating overview of the distinctive properties underpinning biomimetic nanomaterials, elucidating their pivotal role in biomedical innovation. We subsequently delve into the exceptional advantages these nanomaterials offer, shedding light on the unique attributes that position them at the forefront of cutting-edge research. Moreover, we briefly explore the intricate synthesis processes employed in creating these biomimetic nanocarriers, shedding light on the methodologies that drive their development.

Efficient SARS-CoV-2 infection antagonization by rhACE2 ectodomain multimerized onto the Avidin-Nucleic-Acid-NanoASsembly

Nanodecoy systems based on analogues of viral cellular receptors assembled onto fluid lipid-based membranes of nano/extravescicles are potential new tools to complement classic therapeutic or preventive antiviral approaches. The need for lipid-based membranes for transmembrane receptor anchorage may pose technical challenges along industrial translation, calling for alternative geometries for receptor multimerization. Here we developed a semisynthetic self-assembling SARS-CoV-2 nanodecoy by multimerizing the biotin labelled virus cell receptor -ACE2- ectodomain onto a poly-avidin nanoparticle (NP) based on the Avidin-Nucleic-Acid-NanoASsembly-ANANAS. The ability of the assembly to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in human lung cells and the affinity of the ACE2:viral receptor-binding domain (RBD) interaction were measured at different ACE2:NP ratios. At ACE2:NP = 30, 90 % SARS-CoV-2 infection inhibition at ACE2 nanomolar concentration was registered on both Wuhan and Omicron variants, with ten-fold higher potency than the monomeric protein. Lower and higher ACE2 densities were less efficient suggesting that functional recognition between multi-ligand NPs and multi-receptor virus surfaces requires optimal geometrical relationships. In vivo studies in mice showed that the biodistribution and safety profiles of the nanodecoy are potentially suitable for preventing viral infection upon nasal instillation. Viral receptor multimerization using ANANAS is a convenient process which, in principle, could be rapidly adapted to counteract also other viral infections.

Advanced targeted drug delivery by bioengineered white blood cell-membrane camouflaged nanoparticulate delivery nanostructures

Targeted drug delivery has emerged as a pivotal approach within precision medicine, aiming to optimize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. Leukocyte membrane coated nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted a lot of interest as an effective approach for delivering targeted drugs, capitalizing on the natural attributes of leukocytes to achieve site-specific accumulation, and heightened therapeutic outcomes. An overview of the present state of the targeted medication delivery research is given in this review. Notably, Leukocyte membrane-coated NPs offer inherent advantages such as immune evasion, extended circulation half-life, and precise homing to inflamed or diseased tissues through specific interactions with adhesion molecules. leukocyte membrane-coated NPs hold significant promise in advancing targeted drug delivery for precision medicine. As research progresses, they are anticipated to contribute to improved therapeutic outcomes, enabling personalized and effective treatments for a wide range of diseases and conditions. The review covers the method of preparation, characterization, and biological applications of leucocytic membrane coated NPs. Further, patents related factors, gap of translation from laboratory to clinic, and future prospective were discussed in detail. Overall, the review covers extensive literature to establish leucocytic membrane NPs for targeted drug delivery.

Cytoplasm Hydrogelation-Mediated Cardiomyocyte Sponge Alleviated Coxsackievirus B3 Infection

Viral myocarditis (VMC), commonly caused by coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection, lacks specific treatments and leads to serious heart conditions. Current treatments, such as IFNα and ribavirin, show limited effectiveness. Herein, rather than inhibiting virus replication, this study introduces a novel cardiomyocyte sponge, intracellular gelated cardiomyocytes (GCs), to trap and neutralize CVB3 via a receptor-ligand interaction, such as CAR and CD55. By maintaining cellular morphology, GCs serve as sponges for CVB3, inhibiting infection. In vitro results revealed that GCs could inhibit CVB3 infection on HeLa cells. In vivo, GCs exhibited a strong immune escape ability and effectively inhibited CVB3-induced viral myocarditis with a high safety profile. The most significant implication of this study is to develop a universal antivirus infection strategy via intracellular gelation of the host cell, which can be employed not only for treating defined pathogenic viruses but also for a rapid response to infection outbreaks caused by mutable and unknown viruses.

Current Overview of Metal Nanoparticles' Synthesis, Characterization, and Biomedical Applications, with a Focus on Silver and Gold Nanoparticles

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered considerable attention, due to their unique physicochemical properties, that render them promising candidates for various applications in medicine and industry. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the most recent advancements in the manufacturing, characterization, and biomedical utilization of metal NPs, with a primary focus on silver and gold NPs. Their potential as effective anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents, drug delivery systems, and imaging agents in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of disorders is reviewed. Moreover, their translation to therapeutic settings, and the issue of their inclusion in clinical trials, are assessed in light of over 30 clinical investigations that concentrate on administering either silver or gold NPs in conditions ranging from nosocomial infections to different types of cancers. This paper aims not only to examine the biocompatibility of nanomaterials but also to emphasize potential challenges that may limit their safe integration into healthcare practices. More than 100 nanomedicines are currently on the market, which justifies ongoing study into the use of nanomaterials in medicine. Overall, the present review aims to highlight the potential of silver and gold NPs as innovative and effective therapeutics in the field of biomedicine, citing some of their most relevant current applications.

Capsulated Cellular Nanosponges for the Treatment of Experimental Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal tract disorder characterized by uncontrolled inflammatory responses to the disrupted intestinal epithelial barrier and gut microbiome dysbiosis. Currently available small-molecule immunosuppressive agents and anticytokine biologics show limited potency, mainly due to the complexity of the inflammatory network involved in IBD. Here, we develop an oral formulation of macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles capsulated in enteric polymer-coated gelatin capsules (denoted "cp-MΦ-NPs") for IBD treatment. The capsules protect the nanoparticles from gastric degradation and allow for targeted delivery to the colon. At the inflamed colon, cp-MΦ-NPs act as macrophage decoys that bind and neutralize pro-inflammatory cytokines. The in vivo treatment efficacy of cp-MΦ-NPs is tested in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. In both prophylactic and delayed treatment regimens, the oral delivery of cp-MΦ-NPs significantly alleviates IBD severity, reflected by reduced intestinal inflammation and intestinal barrier restoration. Overall, cp-MΦ-NPs provide a biomimetic nanomedicine strategy for the treatment of IBD.

Exploring the Microfluidic Production of Biomimetic Hybrid Nanoparticles and Their Pharmaceutical Applications

Nanomedicines have made remarkable advances in recent years, addressing the limitations of traditional therapy and treatment methods. Due to their improved drug solubility, stability, precise delivery, and ability to target specific sites, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have emerged as highly promising solutions. The successful interaction of nanoparticles with biological systems, on the other hand, is dependent on their intentional surface engineering. As a result, biomimetic nanoparticles have been developed as novel drug carriers. In-depth knowledge of various biomimetic nanoparticles, their applications, and the methods used for their formulation, with emphasis on the microfluidic production technique, is provided in this review. Microfluidics has emerged as one of the most promising approaches for precise control, high reproducibility, scalability, waste reduction, and faster production times in the preparation of biomimetic nanoparticles. Significant advancements in personalized medicine can be achieved by harnessing the benefits of biomimetic nanoparticles and leveraging microfluidic technology, offering enhanced functionality and biocompatibility.

Recent Advances in Cell Membrane Coated-Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems for Tackling Urological Diseases

Recent studies have revealed the functional roles of cell membrane coated-nanoparticles (CMNPs) in tackling urological diseases, including cancers, inflammation, and acute kidney injury. Cells are a fundamental part of pathology to regulate nearly all urological diseases, and, therefore, naturally derived cell membranes inherit the functional role to enhance the biopharmaceutical performance of their encapsulated nanoparticles on drug delivery. In this review, methods for CMNP synthesis and surface engineering are summarized. The application of different types of CMNPs for tackling urological diseases is updated, including cancer cell membrane, stem cell membrane, immune cell membrane, erythrocytes cell membranes, and extracellular vesicles, and their potential for clinical use is discussed.

How Nanotherapeutic Platforms Play a Key Role in Glioma? A Comprehensive Review of Literature

Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive form of brain cancer, is considered one of the deadliest cancers, and even with the most advanced medical treatments, most affected patients have a poor prognosis. However, recent advances in nanotechnology offer promising avenues for the development of versatile therapeutic and diagnostic nanoplatforms that can deliver drugs to brain tumor sites through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Despite these breakthroughs, the use of nanoplatforms in GBM therapy has been a subject of great controversy due to concerns over the biosafety of these nanoplatforms. In recent years, biomimetic nanoplatforms have gained unprecedented attention in the biomedical field. With advantages such as extended circulation times, and improved immune evasion and active targeting compared to conventional nanosystems, bionanoparticles have shown great potential for use in biomedical applications. In this prospective article, we endeavor to comprehensively review the application of bionanomaterials in the treatment of glioma, focusing on the rational design of multifunctional nanoplatforms to facilitate BBB infiltration, promote efficient accumulation in the tumor, enable precise tumor imaging, and achieve remarkable tumor suppression. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and future trends in this field. Through careful design and optimization of nanoplatforms, researchers are paving the way toward safer and more effective therapies for GBM patients. The development of biomimetic nanoplatform applications for glioma therapy is a promising avenue for precision medicine, which could ultimately improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Antiviral Nanobiologic Therapy Remodulates Innate Immune Responses to Highly Pathogenic Coronavirus

Highly pathogenic coronavirus (CoV) infection induces a defective innate antiviral immune response coupled with the dysregulated release of proinflammatory cytokines and finally results in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A timely and appropriate triggering of innate antiviral response is crucial to inhibit viral replication and prevent ARDS. However, current medical countermeasures can rarely meet this urgent demand. Here, an antiviral nanobiologic named CoVR-MV is developed, which is polymerized of CoVs receptors based on a biomimetic membrane vesicle system. The designed CoVR-MV interferes with the viral infection by absorbing the viruses with maximized viral spike target interface, and mediates the clearance of the virus through its inherent interaction with macrophages. Furthermore, CoVR-MV coupled with the virus promotes a swift production and signaling of endogenous type I interferon via deregulating 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) inhibition of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) activation in macrophages. These sequential processes re-modulate the innate immune responses to the virus, trigger spontaneous innate antiviral defenses, and rescue infected Syrian hamsters from ARDS caused by SARS-CoV-2 and all tested variants.

Design Strategies for Cellular Nanosponges as Medical Countermeasures

The interest in using therapeutic nanoparticles to bind with harmful molecules or pathogens and subsequently neutralize their bioactivity has grown tremendously. Among various nanomedicine platforms, cell membrane-coated nanoparticles, namely, "cellular nanosponges," stand out for their broad-spectrum neutralization capability challenging to achieve in traditional countermeasure technologies. Such ability is attributable to their cellular function-based rather than target structure-based working principle. Integrating cellular nanosponges with various synthetic substrates further makes their applications exceptionally versatile and adaptive. This review discusses the latest cellular nanosponge technology focusing on how the structure-function relationship in different designs has led to versatile and potent medical countermeasures. Four design strategies are discussed, including harnessing native cell membrane functions for biological neutralization, functionalizing cell membrane coatings to enhance neutralization capabilities, combining cell membranes and functional cores for multimodal neutralization, and integrating cellular nanosponges with hydrogels for localized applications. Examples in each design strategy are selected, and the discussion is to highlight their structure-function relationships in complex disease settings. The review may inspire additional design strategies for cellular nanosponges and fulfill even broader medical applications.

Lymphocyte Membrane- and 12p1-Dual-Functionalized Nanoparticles for Free HIV-1 Trapping and Precise siRNA Delivery into HIV-1-Infected Cells

Despite the success of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in clinical settings and its potential value in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) therapy, the rapid clearance and absence of precise delivery to target cells still hinder the therapeutic effect of siRNA. Herein, a new system, which can escape immune recognition, has HIV-1 neutralizing capacity, and the ability to deliver siRNA specifically into HIV-1-infected cells, is constructed by functionalizing siRNA delivery lipid nanoparticles with the lymphocyte membrane and 12p1. The constructed system is shown to escape uptake by the mononuclear phagocyte system. The constructed system exhibits strong binding ability with gp120, thus displaying distinguished neutralizing breadth and potency. The constructed system neutralizes all tested HIV-1 pseudotyped viruses with a geometric mean 80% inhibitory concentration (IC80) of 29.75 µg mL^-1 and inhibits X4-tropic HIV-1 with an IC80 of 64.20 µg mL^-1 , and R5-tropic HIV-1 with an IC80 of 16.39 µg mL^-1 . The new system also specifically delivers siRNA into the cytoplasm of HIV-1-infected cells and exhibits evident gene silencing of tat and rev. Therefore, this new system can neutralize HIV-1 and deliver siRNA selectively into HIV-1-infected cells and may be a promising therapeutic candidate for the precise therapy of HIV.

Versatile biomimetic nanomedicine for treating cancer and inflammation disease

Nanosized drug delivery systems (NDDSs) have emerged as a powerful tool to optimize drug delivery in complex diseases, including cancer and inflammation. However, the therapeutic effect of NDDSs is still far from satisfactory due to their poor circulation time, low delivery efficiency, and innate toxicity. Fortunately, biomimetic approaches offer new opportunities to develop nanomedicine, which is derived from a variety of native biomolecules including cells, exosomes, bacteria, and so on. Since inheriting the superior biocompatibility and versatile functions of natural materials, biomimetic nanomedicine can mimic biological processes, prolong blood circulation, and lower immunogenicity, serving as a desired platform for precise drug delivery for treating cancer and inflammatory disease. In this review, we outline recent advances in biomimetic NDDSs, which consist of two concepts: biomimetic exterior camouflage and bioidentical molecule construction. We summarize engineering strategies that further functionalized current biomimetic NDDSs. A series of functional biomimetic NDDSs created by our group are introduced. We conclude with an outlook on remaining challenges and possible directions for biomimetic NDDSs. We hope that better technologies can be inspired and invented to advance drug delivery systems for cancer and inflammation therapy.

Anti-CXCR2 antibody-coated nanoparticles with an erythrocyte-platelet hybrid membrane layer for atherosclerosis therapy

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of mortality globally. RBC-platelet hybrid membrane-coated nanoparticles ([RBC-P]NPs), which biologically mimic platelets in vivo, display evidence of anti-atherosclerotic activity. The efficacy of a targeted RBC-platelet hybrid membrane-coated nanoparticles ([RBC-P]NP)-based approach was investigated as a primary preventive measure against atherosclerosis. A ligand-receptor interactome analysis conducted with circulating platelets and monocytes derived from CAD patients and healthy controls identified CXCL8-CXCR2 as a key platelet ligand-monocyte receptor dyad in CAD patients. Based on this analysis, a novel anti-CXCR2 [RBC-P]NP that specifically binds to CXCR2 and blocks the interaction between CXCL8 and CXCR2 was engineered and characterized. Administering anti-CXCR2 [RBC-P]NPs to Western diet-fed Ldlr^-/- mice led to diminished plaque size, necrosis, and intraplaque macrophage accumulation relative to control [RBC-P]NPs or vehicle. Importantly, anti-CXCR2 [RBC-P]NPs demonstrated no adverse bleeding/hemorrhagic effects. A series of in vitro experiments was conducted to characterize anti-CXCR2 [RBC-P]NP's mechanism of action in plaque macrophages. Mechanistically, anti-CXCR2 [RBC-P]NPs inhibited p38α (Mapk14)-mediated, pro-inflammatory M1 skewing and corrected efferocytosis in plaque macrophages. This targeted [RBC-P]NP-based approach, in which the cardioprotective effects of anti-CXCR2 [RBC-P]NP therapy overweighs its bleeding/hemorrhagic risks, could potentially be used to proactively manage atherosclerotic progression in at-risk populations.

Trends in nano-platforms for the treatment of viral infectious diseases

Viral diseases have always been a major health issue, from the currently eradicated poliovirus to the still unresolved human immunodeficiency virus, and have since become a recent global threat brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pathogenic viruses easily spread through various means such as contaminated food and water intake, exchange of bodily fluids, or even inhalation of airborne particles mainly due to their miniscule size. Furthermore, viral coats contain virulent proteins which trigger assimilation into target cells on contact through either direct penetration or induction of endocytosis. In some viruses their outer envelope contains masking ligands that create a means of escape from detection of immune cells. To deal with the nanometer size range and biomolecular-based invasion mechanism, nanoparticles are highly suitable for the treatment. The review highlights the progress in nanoparticle technology, particularly viral therapeutics, including therapeutic strategies and existing clinical applications.

Vesicular Antibodies: Shedding Light on Antibody Therapeutics with Cell Membrane Nanotechnology

The high stability of antibodies and their ability to precisely bind to antigens and endogenous immune receptors, as well as their susceptibility to protein engineering, enable antibody-based therapeutics to be widely applied in cancer, inflammation, infection, and other disorders. Nevertheless, the application of traditional antibody-based therapeutics has certain limitations, such as high price, limited permeability, and protein engineering complexity. Recent breakthroughs in cell membrane nanotechnology have deepened the understanding of the critical role of membrane protein receptors in disease treatment, enabling vesicular-antibody-based therapeutics. Here, the concept of vesicular antibodies that are obtained by modifying target antibodies onto cell membranes for biomedical applications is proposed. Given that an antibody is basically a protein, as an extension of this concept, vesicles or membrane-coated nanoparticles that use surface antibodies and protein receptors on cell membranes for biomedical applications as vesicular antibodies are defined. Furthermore, several engineering strategies for vesicular antibodies are summarized and how vesicular antibodies can be used in a variety of situations is highlighted. In addition, current challenges and future prospects of vesicular antibodies are also discussed. It is anticipated this perspective will provide new insights on the development of next-generation antibodies for enhanced therapeutics.

Biomimetic cell membrane-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) are commonly used for drug delivery because of their favored biocompatibility and suitability for sustained and controlled drug release. To prolong NP circulation time, enable target-specific drug delivery and overcome physiological barriers, NPs camouflaged in cell membranes have been developed and evaluated to improve drug delivery. Here, we discuss recent advances in cell membrane-coated PLGA NPs, their preparation methods, and their application to cancer therapy, management of inflammation, treatment of cardiovascular disease and control of infection. We address the current challenges and highlight future research directions needed for effective use of cell membrane-camouflaged NPs.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and their EVs as Potential Leads for SARSCoV2 Treatment

In December 2019, a betacoronavirus was isolated from pneumonia cases in China and rapidly turned into a pandemic of COVID-19. The virus is an enveloped positive-sense ssRNA and causes a severe respiratory syndrome along with a cytokine storm, which is the main cause of most complications. Therefore, treatments that can effectively control the inflammatory reactions are necessary. Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and their EVs are well-known for their immunomodulatory effects, inflammation reduction, and regenerative potentials. These effects are exerted through paracrine secretion of various factors. Their EVs also transport various molecules such as microRNAs to other cells and affect recipient cells' behavior. Scores of research and clinical trials have indicated the therapeutic potential of EVs in various diseases. EVs also seem to be a promising approach for severe COVID-19 treatment. EVs have also been used to develop vaccines since EVs are biocompatible nanoparticles that can be easily isolated and engineered. In this review, we have focused on the use of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and their EVs for the treatment of COVID-19, their therapeutic capabilities, and vaccine development.

Protective role of engineered extracellular vesicles loaded quercetin nanoparticles as anti-viral therapy against SARS-CoV-2 infection: A prospective review

Quercetin (QCT) is a naturally occurring phenolic flavonoid compound with inbuilt characteristics of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune protection. Several recent studies have shown that QCT and QCTits nanoparticles have therapeutic potential against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Novel therapeutics also include the implication of extracellular vesicles (EVs) to protect from SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. This article highlighted the therapeutic/prophylactic potential of engineered EVs loaded with QCT against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Several biotechnological engineering approaches are available to deliver EVs loaded with QCT nanoparticles. Among these biotechnological advances, a specific approach with significantly higher efficiency and yield has to be opted to fabricate such drug delivery of nano molecules, especially to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection. The current treatment regime protects the human body from virus infection but has some limitations including drugs and long-term steroid side effects. However, the vaccine strategy is somehow effective in inhibiting the spread of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection. Moreover, the proposed exosomal therapy met the current need to repair the damaged tissue along with inhibition of COVID-19-associated complications at the tissue level. These scientific findings expand the possibilities and predictability of developing a novel and cost-effective therapeutic approach that combines the dual molecule, EVs and QCT nanoparticles, to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, the most suitable engineering method to fabricate such a drug delivery system should be better understood before developing novel therapeutics for clinical purposes.

Correct Identification of the Core-Shell Structure of Cell Membrane-Coated Polymeric Nanoparticles

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of negatively stained cell membrane (CM)-coated polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) reveal a characteristic core-shell structure. However, negative staining agents can create artifacts that complicate the determination of the actual NP structure. Herein, it is demonstrated with various bare polymeric core NPs, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-block-PLGA, and poly(caprolactone), that certain observed core-shell structures are actually artifacts caused by the staining process. To address this issue, fluorescence quenching was applied to quantify the proportion of fully coated NPs and statistical TEM analysis was used to identify and differentiate whether the observed core-shell structures of CM-coated PLGA (CM-PLGA) NPs are due to artifacts or to the CM coating. Integrated shells in TEM images of negatively stained CM-PLGA NPs are identified as artifacts. The present results challenge current understanding of the structure of CM-coated polymeric NPs and encourage researchers to use the proposed characterization approach to avoid misinterpretations.

Cell-Membrane-Coated Cationic Nanoparticles Disguised as Macrophages for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. In this process, innate immune cells play a crucial role in recognizing the stimuli (free fatty acid, lipopolysaccharide, and cytokines) and mediating the inflammatory response, contributing to the development of T2DM. Neutralizing inflammatory cytokines and blocking the inflammation cascade provide great potential for the treatment of T2DM. Here, we applied a macrophage membrane as a bait, which could specifically recognize and bind the stimuli, to encapsulate nanoparticles and capture the stimuli, further preventing inflammation. The in vivo experiment results suggest that the nanoparticles could reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines, decrease insulin resistance, and realize significant therapeutic effects for T2DM. A potential strategy is thus offered for blocking immune response, holding a wide application in metabolic and autoimmune diseases.

Recent Advances in Delivery Systems for Genetic and Other Novel Vaccines

Vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective prophylactic measures against diseases, especially infectious diseases including smallpox and polio. However, the development of effective prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines for other diseases such as cancer remains challenging. This is often due to the imprecise control of vaccine activity in vivo which leads to insufficient/inappropriate immune responses or short immune memory. The development of new vaccine types in recent decades has created the potential for improving the protective potency against these diseases. Genetic and subunit vaccines are two major categories of these emerging vaccines. Owing to their nature, they rely heavily on delivery systems with various functions, such as effective cargo protection, immunogenicity enhancement, targeted delivery, sustained release of antigens, selective activation of humoral and/or cellular immune responses against specific antigens, and reduced adverse effects. Therefore, vaccine delivery systems may significantly affect the final outcome of genetic and other novel vaccines and are vital for their development. This review introduces these studies based on their research emphasis on functional design or administration route optimization, presents recent progress, and discusses features of new vaccine delivery systems, providing an overview of this field.

Biomimetic fabrication of nanotherapeutics by leukocyte membrane cloaking for targeted therapy

Cell membrane cloaking is an important biomimetic approach for improving drug residence time in the body due to its distinctive concealment ability, making it highly biocompatible and efficient for targeted drug delivery. Leukocytes are considered a fundamental part of the immune system. Leukocyte membrane cloaked nanoparticles offer site-specificity and can escape the opsonization process besides enhanced systemic circulation time. This review emphasizes the anatomical and physiological features of different leukocytes in addition to the preparation and characterization of leukocyte membrane cloaked nanoparticles. It also covers the recent advancements of this biointerfacing platform in cancer therapy, inflammatory disorders, multifunctional targeted therapy and hybrid membrane-coated nanoparticles. However, leukocytes are complex, nucleated cell structures and isolating their membranes poses a greater difficulty. Leukocyte membrane cloaking is an upcoming strategy in the infancy stage; nevertheless, there is immense scope to explore this biomimetic delivery system in terms of clinical transition, particularly for inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Current strategies to induce selective killing of HIV-1-infected cells

Although combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to significant HIV-1 suppression and improvement in immune function, persistent viral reservoirs remain that are refractory to intensified ART. ART poses many challenges such as adherence to drug regimens, the emergence of resistant virus, and cumulative toxicity resulting from long-term therapy. Moreover, latent HIV-1 reservoir cells can be stochastically activated to produce viral particles despite effective ART and contribute to the rapid viral rebound that typically occurs within 2 weeks of ART interruption; thus, lifelong ART is required for continued viral suppression. Several strategies have been proposed to address the HIV-1 reservoir such as reactivation of HIV-1 transcription using latency reactivating agents with a combination of ART, host immune clearance and HIV-1-cytotoxicity to purge the infected cells-a "shock and kill" strategy. However, these approaches do not take into account the multiple transcriptional and translational blocks that contribute to HIV-1 latency or the complex heterogeneity of the HIV-1 reservoir, and clinical trials have thus far failed to produce the desired results. Here, we describe alternative strategies being pursued that are designed to kill selectively HIV-1-infected cells while sparing uninfected cells in the absence of enhanced humoral or adaptive immune responses.

Exosomes and mimics as novel delivery platform for cancer therapy

Exosomes are nano-sized biological extracellular vesicles transmitting information between cells and constituting a new intercellular communication mode. Exosomes have many advantages as an ideal drug delivery nanocarrier, including good biocompatibility, permeability, low toxicity, and low immunogenicity. Recently, exosomes have been used to deliver chemotherapeutic agents, natural drugs, nucleic acid drugs, and other antitumor drugs to treat many types of tumors. Due to the limited production of exosomes, synthetic exosome-mimics have been developed as an ideal platform for drug delivery. This review summarizes recent advances in the application of exosomes and exosome-mimics delivering therapeutic drugs in treating cancers.

Multivalent ACE2 engineering-A promising pathway for advanced coronavirus nanomedicine development

The spread of coronavirus diseases has resulted in a clarion call to develop potent drugs and vaccines even as different strains appear beyond human prediction. An initial step that is integral to the viral entry into host cells results from an active-targeted interaction of the viral spike (S) proteins and the cell surface receptor, called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Thus, engineered ACE2 has been an interesting decoy inhibitor against emerging coronavirus infestation. This article discusses promising innovative ACE2 engineering pathways for current and emerging coronavirus therapeutic development. First, we provide a brief discussion of some ACE2-associated human coronaviruses and their cell invasion mechanism. Then, we describe and contrast the individual spike proteins and ACE2 receptor interactions, highlighting crucial hotspots across the ACE2-associated coronaviruses. Lastly, we address the importance of multivalency in ACE2 nanomedicine engineering and discuss novel approaches to develop and achieve multivalent therapeutic outcomes. Beyond coronaviruses, these approaches will serve as a paradigm to develop new and improved treatment technologies against pathogens that use ACE2 receptor for invasion.

Advances in nanotechnology application in biosafety materials: A crucial response to COVID-19 pandemic

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has adversely affected the public domain causing unprecedented cases and high mortality across the globe. This has brought back the concept of biosafety into the spotlight to solve biosafety problems in developing diagnostics and therapeutics to treat COVID-19. The advances in nanotechnology and material science in combination with medicinal chemistry have provided a new perspective to overcome this crisis. Herein, we discuss the efforts of researchers in the field of material science in developing personal protective equipment (PPE), detection devices, vaccines, drug delivery systems, and medical equipment. Such a synergistic approach of disciplines can strengthen the research to develop biosafety products in solving biosafety problems.

Bacterial membrane vesicles for vaccine applications

Vaccines have been highly successful in the management of many diseases. However, there are still numerous illnesses, both infectious and noncommunicable, for which there are no clinically approved vaccine formulations. While there are unique difficulties that must be overcome in the case of each specific disease, there are also a number of common challenges that have to be addressed for effective vaccine development. In recent years, bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs) have received increased attention as a potent and versatile vaccine platform. BMVs are inherently immunostimulatory and are able to activate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Additionally, BMVs can be readily taken up and processed by immune cells due to their nanoscale size. Finally, BMVs can be modified in a variety of ways, including by genetic engineering, cargo loading, and nanoparticle coating, in order to create multifunctional platforms that can be leveraged against different diseases. Here, an overview of the interactions between BMVs and immune cells is provided, followed by discussion on the applications of BMV vaccine nanotechnology against bacterial infections, viral infections, and cancers.

Nanomedicines: A Focus on Nanomaterials as Drug Delivery System with Current Trends and Future Advancement

The rapid advancement of nanomedicine presents novel alternatives that have the potential to transform health care. Targeted drug delivery as well as the synthesis of nanocarriers is a growing discipline that has been intensively researched to reduce the complexity of present medicines in a variety of diseases and to develop new treatment and diagnostic techniques. There are several designed nanomaterials used as a delivery system such as liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, polymers, carbon-based materials, and many other substances, which deliver the drug moiety directly into its targeted body area reducing toxic effect of conventional drug delivery, thus reducing the amount of drug required for therapeutic efficacy and offering many more advantages. Currently, these are used in many applications, including cancer treatment, imaging contrast agents, and biomarker detection and so on. This review provides a comprehensive update in the field of targeted nano-based drug delivery systems, by conducting a thorough examination of the drug synthesis, types, targets, and application of nanomedicines in improving the therapeutic efficiency.

Nanoprojectile Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry for Nanometrology of Nanoparticles and Their Interfaces

Nanoscale molecular characterization plays a crucial role in enhancing our insights into fundamental and materials processes occurring at the nanoscale. However, for many traditional techniques, measurements on different ensembles are mixed and the analytical result reflects the average surface composition or arrangement. Advances in nanometrologies that allow for measurements to be differentiated based on the chemical environment examined are critical for accurate analysis. Here, we present a variant of secondary ion mass spectrometry, SIMS, termed nanoprojectile SIMS, NP-SIMS, capable of nanoscale molecular analysis. The technique examines the sample with a suite, 10⁶-10⁷, of individual gold nanoprojectiles (e.g., Au₄₀₀⁴⁺) which stochastically probe the surface. Analysis of coemitted ions from each impact allows for the inspection of colocalized moieties within the ejected volume of a single projectile impact (10-15 nm in diameter). If some of these 10⁶-10⁷ measurements arise from nanodomains of similar composition, data can be grouped based on the detected secondary ions. We applied the method to examine a mixture of three different-sized nanoparticles with identical metal cores (3-5 nm in diameter), differing in the length of the attached ligand (decanetiol, tetradecanethiol, and hexadecanethiol). Using NP-SIMS, we determined the relative abundance of the three particles on the surface and isolated measurements based on the impact parameter between the impacting nanoprojectile and the surface particle, demonstrating that measurements occurring near the center of the particle can be differentiated from those at the particle-particle and particle-substrate interfaces. The results suggest that the described methodology is well-suited for molecular analysis of nanoassemblies and may be applied for tracking defects. Here we demonstrate that, using NP-SIMS, ensemble averaging can be avoided and molecular analysis can be undertaken at a scale below 5 nm, allowing for nanoscale molecular analysis of nano-objects and their interfaces.

Latest Advances in Biomimetic Cell Membrane-Coated and Membrane-Derived Nanovectors for Biomedical Applications

In the last decades, many nanovectors were developed for different diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. However, most nanosystems have been designed using a “bottom-up” approach, in which the basic components of the nanovector become assembled to achieve complex and specific behaviors. Despite the fine control of formulative conditions, the complexity of these systems often results cumbersome and difficult to scale-up. Recently, biomimetic materials emerged as a complementary or alternative design approach through a “top-down strategy”, using cell-derived materials as building blocks to formulate innovative nanovectors. The use of cell membranes as nanoparticle coatings endows nanomaterials with the biological identity and some of the functions of the cells they are derived from. In this review, we discuss some of the latest examples of membrane coated and membrane-derived biomimetic nanomaterials and underline the common general functions offered by the biomaterials used. From these examples, we suggest a systematic classification of these biomimetic materials based on their biological sources and formulation techniques, with their respective advantages and disadvantages, and summarize the current technologies used for membranes isolation and integration on nanovectors. We also discuss some current technical limitations and hint to future direction of the improvement for biomimetics.

Emerging vaccine nanotechnology: From defense against infection to sniping cancer

Looking retrospectively at the development of humanity, vaccination is an unprecedented medical landmark that saves lives by harnessing the human immune system. During the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, vaccination is still the most effective defense modality. The successful clinical application of the lipid nanoparticle-based Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines highlights promising future of nanotechnology in vaccine development. Compared with conventional vaccines, nanovaccines are supposed to have advantages in lymph node accumulation, antigen assembly, and antigen presentation; they also have, unique pathogen biomimicry properties because of well-organized combination of multiple immune factors. Beyond infectious diseases, vaccine nanotechnology also exhibits considerable potential for cancer treatment. The ultimate goal of cancer vaccines is to fully mobilize the potency of the immune system as a living therapeutic to recognize tumor antigens and eliminate tumor cells, and nanotechnologies have the requisite properties to realize this goal. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in vaccine nanotechnology from infectious disease prevention to cancer immunotherapy and highlight the different types of materials, mechanisms, administration methods, as well as future perspectives.