Multi-facet implications of PEGylated lysozyme stabilized-silver nanoclusters loaded recombinant PTEN cargo in cancer theranostics

Transmembrane TNFα-Expressed Macrophage Membrane-Coated Chitosan Nanoparticles as Cancer Therapeutics

Transmembrane TNFα, a crucial signaling cytokine, holds anticell proliferative potential. Successful delivery of this intact transmembrane protein to the target site is quite intriguing. Amidst numerous nanocarriers, a novel class of new generation macrophage membrane-coated nanocarriers is endowed with innate tumor homing abilities and inherent capacity of escaping body's defense machinery. In this perspective, a novel therapeutic module has been fabricated by coating a nontoxic, biodegradable chitosan nanoparticle core with engineered macrophage membrane-tethered TNFα. Herein, the expression of membrane-bound TNFα was induced by challenging phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-differentiated THP-1 cells with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Subsequently, the as-synthesized chitosan nanoparticle core was coated with a TNFα-expressed macrophage membrane through an extrusion process. While transmission electron microscopy imaging, sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and western blotting results demonstrated successful coating of the chitosan nanoparticles with the TNFα-induced membrane, the cell viability assays on several cancer cells such as-HeLa, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 revealed significant innate anticell proliferative potential of these membrane-coated nanoparticles. Additionally, evaluation of expression of several interleukins after treatment demonstrated excellent biocompatibility of the membrane-coated nanoparticles. The fabricated nanoparticles also demonstrated a dose-dependent cell death in tumor spheroids, which was further corroborated with calcein AM/propidium iodide dual staining results. Translation of the therapeutic efficacy of the synthesized nanoparticles from monolayers to tumor spheroids augments its potential in cancer therapy.

Deciphering therapeutic potential of PEGylated recombinant PTEN-silver nanoclusters ensemble on 3D spheroids

The therapeutic application of recombinant proteins is limited due to their inherent structural complexity. Additionally, screening of therapeutic potential of protein products requires an appropriate testing platform to achieve biological relevance. Fabrication of three dimensional cultures bridges the gap between in vitro based monolayer cultures and clinical applications. In this perspective, glioblastoma U-87 MG and breast cancer MCF7 spheroids were generated to assess the therapeutic prospect of recombinant PTEN protein. PTEN bound to silver nanoclusters was encapsulated within PEG coating, which resulted in fabrication of spherical nanocarriers named as PTEN-nanocomposites. Internalization of PTEN-nanocomposites in the spheroids was confirmed by confocal microscopy. Upon uptake, PTEN-nanocomposites led to modulation of cyclins and apoptosis gene regulators culminating in cell cycle arrest and reduced cell viability as confirmed by calcein-AM/PI dual staining and alamar blue assay. Further, combination of tamoxifen and PTEN-nanocomposites on U-87 MG spheroids resulted in two-fold reduction of drug dosage. The study revealed that the monolayer culture results translated to the 3D culture as well, however higher dose of the recombinant PTEN was required for the spheroid system. The anti-proliferative role of PTEN-nanocomposites in a complex 3D environment augments its biological implication and paves the way for recombinant PTEN based therapeutic applications.

Recent Advances in Biomaterials Science and Engineering Research in India: A Minireview

Biomedical research in health innovation and product development encompasses convergent technologies that primarily integrate biomaterials science and engineering at its core. Particularly, research in this area is instrumental for the implementation of biomedical devices (BMDs) that offer innovative solutions to help maintain and improve quality of life of patients worldwide. Despite achieving extraordinary success, implantable BMDs are still confronted with complex engineering and biological challenges that need to addressed for augmenting device performance and prolonging lifetime in vivo. Biofabrication of tissue constructs, designing novel biomaterials and employing rational biomaterial design approaches, surface engineering of implants, point of care diagnostics and micro/nano-based biosensors, smart drug delivery systems, and noninvasive imaging methodologies are among strategies exploited for improving clinical performance of implantable BMDs. In India, advances in biomedical technologies have dramatically advanced health care over the last few decades and the country is well-positioned to identify opportunities and translate emerging solutions. In this article, we attempt to capture the recent advances in biomedical research and development progressing across the country and highlight the significant research work accomplished in the areas of biomaterials science and engineering.