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Boswell-Patterson CA, Hétu MF, Pang SC, Herr JE, Zhou J, Jain S, Bambokian A, Johri AM. Novel theranostic approaches to neovascularized atherosclerotic plaques. Atherosclerosis 2023; 374:1-10. [PMID: 37149970 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
As the global burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease continues to rise, there is an increased demand for improved imaging techniques for earlier detection of atherosclerotic plaques and new therapeutic targets. Plaque lesions, vulnerable to rupture and thrombosis, are thought to be responsible for the majority of cardiovascular events, and are characterized by a large lipid core, a thin fibrous cap, and neovascularization. In addition to supplying the plaque core with increased inflammatory factors, these pathological neovessels are tortuous and leaky, further increasing the risk of intraplaque hemorrhage. Clinically, plaque neovascularization has been shown to be a significant and independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Microvessels can be detected through contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging, however, clinical assessment in vivo is generally limited to qualitative measures of plaque neovascularization. There is no validated standard for quantitative assessment of the microvessel networks found in plaques. Advances in our understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying plaque neovascularization and its significant role in the morbidity and mortality associated with atherosclerosis have made it an attractive area of research in translational medicine. Current areas of research include the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic agents to target plaque neovascularization stabilization. With recent progress in nanotechnology, nanoparticles have been investigated for their ability to specifically target neovascularization. Contrast microbubbles have been similarly engineered to carry loads of therapeutic agents and can be visualized using CEUS. This review summarizes the pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical significance of neovascularization, and importantly the emerging areas of theranostic tool development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-France Hétu
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen's (CINQ), Queen's University, Canada
| | - Stephen C Pang
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Julia E Herr
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen's (CINQ), Queen's University, Canada
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shagun Jain
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen's (CINQ), Queen's University, Canada
| | - Alexander Bambokian
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen's (CINQ), Queen's University, Canada
| | - Amer M Johri
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada; Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen's (CINQ), Queen's University, Canada.
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2
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Deng Q, Xie J, Kong S, Tang T, Zhou J. Long-Term Retention Microbubbles with Three-Layer Structure for Floating Intravesical Instillation Delivery. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2205630. [PMID: 36634975 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Intravesical instillation is an effective treatment for bladder cancer. However, clinical anticancer agents always suffer rapid excretion by periodic urination, leading to low therapeutic efficacy. Prolonging the retention time of drugs in the bladder is the key challenge for intravesical instillation treatment. Herein, a facile and powerful surface cross-linking-freeze drying strategy is proposed to generate ultra-stable albumin bovine air microbubbles (BSA-MBs) that can float and adhere to the bladder wall to overcome the excretion of urination and exhibit a remarkable property of long-term retention in the bladder. More noteworthy, BSA-MBs are endowed with a specific three-layer structure, namely, the outer membrane, middle drug loading layer and inner air core, which makes them have a low density to easily float and possess a high drug loading capacity. Based on their unique superiorities, the therapeutic potential of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded BSA-MBs (DOX-MBs) is exemplified by intravesical instillation for bladder cancer. After injection into the bladder, DOX-MBs can remain in the bladder for a long time and sustain the release of DOX in urine, exhibiting potent anticancer efficacy. Consequently, the prolonged retention of BSA-MBs in the bladder renders them as an effective floating drug delivery system for intravesical instillation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiurong Deng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Junyi Xie
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Shuying Kong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Tianmin Tang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
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3
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Deng Q, Mi J, Dong J, Chen Y, Chen L, He J, Zhou J. Superiorly Stable Three-Layer Air Microbubbles Generated by Versatile Ethanol-Water Exchange for Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Theranostics. ACS NANO 2023; 17:263-274. [PMID: 36354372 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles have been widely used as ultrasound contrast agents in clinical diagnosis. Moreover, most current preparation methods for microbubbles are uncontrollable, and the as-obtained microbubbles are unstable in aqueous solution or under ultrasound. Here, we report a strategy to prepare superiorly stable microbubbles with three-layer structures by the ethanol-water exchange. This versatile method can also be applied to prepare different kinds of protein microbubbles with various sizes for advanced biomedical applications. To demonstrate this, the protein air microbubbles are created, which is stable in water for several days with intact structures and exhibits excellent contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging. Moreover, the protein air microbubbles can also deliver a mass of drugs while maintaining their stable structures, making them a platform for ultrasound imaging-guided drug delivery. The versatile protein air microbubbles have great potential for the design and application of theranostic platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiurong Deng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510006, China
| | - Jiaomei Mi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510006, China
| | - Jianpei Dong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510006, China
| | - Yin Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510006, China
| | - Lanxi Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510006, China
| | - Jinxu He
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510006, China
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510006, China
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4
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Kukhta N, Marks A, Luscombe CK. Molecular Design Strategies toward Improvement of Charge Injection and Ionic Conduction in Organic Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conductors for Organic Electrochemical Transistors. Chem Rev 2022; 122:4325-4355. [PMID: 34902244 PMCID: PMC8874907 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Expanding the toolbox of the biology and electronics mutual conjunction is a primary aim of bioelectronics. The organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) has undeniably become a predominant device for mixed conduction materials, offering impressive transconduction properties alongside a relatively simple device architecture. In this review, we focus on the discussion of recent material developments in the area of mixed conductors for bioelectronic applications by means of thorough structure-property investigation and analysis of current challenges. Fundamental operation principles of the OECT are revisited, and characterization methods are highlighted. Current bioelectronic applications of organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs) are underlined. Challenges in the performance and operational stability of OECT channel materials as well as potential strategies for mitigating them, are discussed. This is further expanded to sketch a synopsis of the history of mixed conduction materials for both p- and n-type channel operation, detailing the synthetic challenges and milestones which have been overcome to frequently produce higher performing OECT devices. The cumulative work of multiple research groups is summarized, and synthetic design strategies are extracted to present a series of design principles that can be utilized to drive figure-of-merit performance values even further for future OMIEC materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadzeya
A. Kukhta
- Materials
Science and Engineering Department, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Adam Marks
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Christine K. Luscombe
- Materials
Science and Engineering Department, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Molecular
Engineering & Sciences Institute, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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Sun X, Yang P, Wang S, Xing H. Multifunctional zinc phthalocyanine‐phenolic resin (
ZnPc‐PFR
)@
MSN
nanocomposite based fluorescent imaging, photothermal therapy, and
pH
‐sensitive drug release. J Appl Polym Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/app.50854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangfei Sun
- School of Chemical Engineering Anhui University of Science and Technology Huainan Anhui China
| | - Ping Yang
- School of Chemical Engineering Anhui University of Science and Technology Huainan Anhui China
| | - Shaohua Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering Anhui University of Science and Technology Huainan Anhui China
| | - Honglong Xing
- School of Chemical Engineering Anhui University of Science and Technology Huainan Anhui China
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Chen L, Zhou J, Deng Q, Feng J, Qiu Q, Huang W, Chen Y, Li Y. Ultrasound-visualized, site-specific vascular embolization using magnetic protein microcapsules. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:2407-2416. [PMID: 33623935 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb02715d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Imaging-guided vascular embolization is frequently performed on patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to alleviate symptoms and extend their survival time. Current operation procedures are not only painful for patients, but are also inaccurate in tumor targeting after the release of embolic agents from the catheter, leading to injury to healthy tissues simultaneously. In this study, we developed an ultrasound-visualized, site-specific vascular embolization strategy with magnetic protein microcapsules (MPMs). MPMs were fabricated using a rapid emulsification method, giving it a smooth surface and a core-shell structure. Their diameters could be controlled within 10 μm, allowing them to pass through capillaries. The core-shell structure and loading of magnetic Fe3O4 endowed MPMs with good contrast under ultrasound imaging and magnetically inducible targeting properties, as well as aggregation response even under flowing conditions. In vitro cytotoxicity and hemolysis evaluation demonstrated good biocompatibility of the MPMs. Furthermore, mock embolization showed that cell death could be induced by aggregation of the MPMs. Such a combination of real-time monitoring using ultrasound and control on targeted vascular embolization might be a breakthrough in the treatment of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanxi Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Qiurong Deng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jialin Feng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Qiong Qiu
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Wenwei Huang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yin Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yan Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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7
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Wang S, Yang P, Sun X, Xing H, Shi J. Facile synthesis of novel fluorescent phenol formaldehyde resin nanospheres for drug release. J Appl Polym Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/app.50416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering Anhui University of Science and Technology Huainan P. R. China
| | - Ping Yang
- School of Chemical Engineering Anhui University of Science and Technology Huainan P. R. China
- Institute of Environment‐friendly Materials and Occupational Health Anhui University of Science and Technology Wuhu P. R. China
| | - Xiangfei Sun
- School of Chemical Engineering Anhui University of Science and Technology Huainan P. R. China
| | - Honglong Xing
- School of Chemical Engineering Anhui University of Science and Technology Huainan P. R. China
| | - Jianjun Shi
- School of Chemical Engineering Anhui University of Science and Technology Huainan P. R. China
- Institute of Environment‐friendly Materials and Occupational Health Anhui University of Science and Technology Wuhu P. R. China
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8
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Guo J, Hou L, Hou J, Yu J, Hu Q. Generation of Ultra-Thin-Shell Microcapsules Using Osmolarity-Controlled Swelling Method. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E444. [PMID: 32340189 PMCID: PMC7231318 DOI: 10.3390/mi11040444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Microcapsules are attractive core-shell configurations for studies of controlled release, biomolecular sensing, artificial microbial environments, and spherical film buckling. However, the production of microcapsules with ultra-thin shells remains a challenge. Here we develop a simple and practical osmolarity-controlled swelling method for the mass production of monodisperse microcapsules with ultra-thin shells via water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double-emulsion drops templating. The size and shell thickness of the double-emulsion drops are precisely tuned by changing the osmotic pressure between the inner cores and the suspending medium, indicating the practicability and effectiveness of this swelling method in tuning the shell thickness of double-emulsion drops and the resultant microcapsules. This method enables the production of microcapsules even with an ultra-thin shell less than hundreds of nanometers, which overcomes the difficulty in producing ultra-thin-shell microcapsules using the classic microfluidic emulsion technologies. In addition, the ultra-thin-shell microcapsules can maintain their intact spherical shape for up to 1 year without rupturing in our long-term observation. We believe that the osmolarity-controlled swelling method will be useful in generating ultra-thin-shell polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microcapsules for long-term encapsulation, and for thin film folding, buckling and rupturing investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Qingming Hu
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Qiqihar University, Wenhua Street 42, Qiqihar 161006, Heilongjiang, China; (J.G.); (L.H.); (J.H.); (J.Y.)
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9
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Huang W, Chen Y, Chen L, Zhong J, Johri AM, Zhou J. Multimodality imaging-guided local injection of eccentric magnetic microcapsules with electromagnetically controlled drug release. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2019; 2:e1154. [PMID: 32935461 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past decade, trackable smart drug delivery systems have played important roles in the treatment of many diseases such as cancer because the drug carriers can be visualized through their distinct physical properties. However, it is still difficult to achieve precise drug delivery because such systems usually rely on a single imaging system. AIM This study aimed to present a novel type of multimodality imaging-guided strategy to visualize the drug carriers of eccentric magnetic microcapsule (EMM) designed for potential treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHOD AND RESULTS The EMMs were prepared by using a three-phase microfluidic device. The as-prepared EMMs embedded with Fe3O4 nanoparticles are magnetic, with high density and acoustic impedance, allowing for visualization by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound (US) imaging during local injection. The release of drug from these EMMs can be further controlled by an external electromagnetic field (EMF). As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the process of multimodality imaging to guide local injection and the controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX) from the EMMs in a phantom. We showed that the release rate of DOX was directly correlated to the strength of the EMF. In addition, we cocultured green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transfected HeLa cancer cells with the DOX-loaded EMMs and documented their apoptosis by DOX following the release triggered by EMF. CONCLUSION The results suggest that these EMMs serve both as contrast agents that can be visualized by multimodality imaging techniques and as smart drug delivery systems, with great potential for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwei Huang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yin Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lanxi Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinshuang Zhong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Imaging Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Amer M Johri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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