Biodegradable Polymer Microparticles with Tunable Shapes and Surface Textures for Enhancement of Dendritic Cell Maturation

Organic/inorganic heterostructures templated by interfacial instability-driven BCP colloids in deformable emulsion droplets

Hybrid heterostructure materials have received considerable attention due to the integration of each component and abundant functional applications in micromotors, catalysis, photothermal therapy, drug delivery, and bioimaging. However, the preparation of organic/inorganic heterostructure nanoparticles (HSNPs) with high quality still remains a remarkable challenge since thermodynamically metastable structures usually coexist, resulting in a lack of organic scaffolds with extreme uniformity both in shape and size distribution. Here, we prepared polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) block copolymer (BCP) core-shell spherical colloids driven by interfacial instability of soft and deformable emulsion droplets. Ultra-low interfacial tension was achieved through the co-adsorption of BCP segments and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant, which had a strong affinity with the P4VP segment at the interface of the emulsified droplets. The excellent and homogeneous BCP colloids were further utilized as organic scaffolds to selectively grow a functional SiO2 layer on the surface of the BCP spherical colloids, producing BCP/SiO2 HSNPs with highly uniform shape and size distribution originating from the PS-b-P4VP scaffolds, thus providing an efficient and general strategy to construct and design organic/inorganic HSNPs with diverse applications.

Microfluidic preparation of monodisperse PLGA-PEG/PLGA microspheres with controllable morphology for drug release

Monodisperse biodegradable polymer microspheres show broad applications in drug delivery and other fields. In this study, we developed an effective method that combines microfluidics with interfacial instability to prepare monodispersed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres with tailored surface morphology. By adjusting the mass ratio of PLGA-PEG to PLGA, the concentration of stabilizers and the type of PLGA, we generated microspheres with various unique folded morphologies, such as "fishtail-like", "lace-like" and "sponge-like" porous structures. Additionally, we demonstrated that risperidone-loaded PLGA-PEG/PLGA microspheres with these folded morphologies significantly enhanced drug release, particularly in the initial stage, by exhibiting a logarithmic release profile. This feature could potentially address the issue of delayed release commonly observed in sustained-release formulations. This study presents a straightforward yet effective approach to construct precisely engineered microspheres offering enhanced control over drug release dynamics.

Chitin nanocrystals-stabilized emulsion as template for fabricating injectable suspension containing polylactide hollow microspheres

One of the promising applications of rod-like chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) is the use as particle emulsifier to develop Pickering emulsions. We reported a ChNC-stabilized oil-in-water emulsion system, and developed a Pickering emulsion-templated method to prepare polylactide (PLA) hollow microspheres here. The results showed that both non-modified ChNCs and acetylated ChNCs could well emulsify the dichloromethane (DCM) solution of PLA-in-aqueous mannitol solution systems, forming very stable emulsions. At the same oil-to-water ratios and ChNC loadings, the emulsion stability was improved with increasing acetylation levels of ChNCs, accompanied by reduced size of droplets. Through the solvent evaporation, the PLA hollow microspheres were templated successfully, and the surface structure was also strongly dependent on the acetylation level of ChNCs. At a low level of acetylation, the single-hole or multi-hole surface structure formed, which was attributed to the out-diffusion of DCM caused by the solvent extraction and evaporation. These surface defects decreased with increased acetylation levels of ChNCs. Moreover, the aqueous suspension with as-obtained PLA microspheres revealed shear-thinning property and good biocompatibility, thereby had promising application as injectable fillers. This work can provide useful information around tuning surface structures of the Pickering emulsion-templated polymer hollow microspheres by regulating acetylation level of ChNCs.

Fabrication of polymeric microspheres for biomedical applications

Polymeric microspheres (PMs) have attracted great attention in the field of biomedicine in the last several decades due to their small particle size, special functionalities shown on the surface and high surface-to-volume ratio. However, how to fabricate PMs which can meet the clinical needs and transform laboratory achievements to industrial scale-up still remains a challenge. Therefore, advanced fabrication technologies are pursued. In this review, we summarize the technologies used to fabricate PMs, including emulsion-based methods, microfluidics, spray drying, coacervation, supercritical fluid and superhydrophobic surface-mediated method and their advantages and disadvantages. We also review the different structures, properties and functions of the PMs and their applications in the fields of drug delivery, cell encapsulation and expansion, scaffolds in tissue engineering, transcatheter arterial embolization and artificial cells. Moreover, we discuss existing challenges and future perspectives for advancing fabrication technologies and biomedical applications of PMs.

Unveiling the potentials of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers in microparticle systems: Opportunities and challenges in processing techniques

Conventional drug delivery systems are associated with various shortcomings, including low bioavailability and limited control over release. Biodegradable polymeric microparticles have emerged as versatile carriers in drug delivery systems addressing all these challenges. This comprehensive review explores the dynamic landscape of microparticles, considering the role of hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials. Within the continuously evolving domain of microparticle preparation methods, this review offers valuable insights into the latest advancements and addresses the factors influencing microencapsulation, which is pivotal for harnessing the full potential of microparticles. Exploration of the latest research in this dynamic field unlocks the possibilities of optimizing microencapsulation techniques to produce microparticles of desired characteristics and properties for different applications, which can help contribute to the ongoing evolution in the field of pharmaceutical science.

Light-adjusted supramolecular host-guest interfacial recognition for reconfiguring soft colloidal aggregates

The soft interfacial template-assisted confined self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) guiding colloidal aggregates has been extensively investigated by interfacial instability. Whether the macromolecular polymer architectonics possessed stimulus-responsive self-regulated structural controllability more readily implement the morphological diversity of colloidal aggregates. Herein, we in-situ constructed the alginate-modified β-cyclodextrin/azobenzene-functionalized alkyl chains (Alg-β-CD/AzoC12) system by supramolecular host-guest interfacial recognition-engineered strategy, in which possessed photo-stimulated responsive structural reconfigurability by modulating assembly/disassembly behaviors between CD and Azo at oil/water interface. The host-guest droplet interfaces acted as soft templates managing interfacial instability by synergistically integrating supra-amphiphilic host-guest polymers with cosurfactants, further constructing various soft supracolloidal aggregates, including soft nanoaggregates, microspheres with tunable degrees of surface roughness. Additionally, the stimuli-altering structural reconfigurability of supramolecular host-guest polymers was regulated by ultraviolet/visible irradiation, endowing soft aggregates with structural diversity. It's highly anticipated that the supramolecular host-guest interfacial recognition self-assembly establishes great bridge between supramolecular host-guest chemistry and colloid interface science.

Synthetic Strategies for Polymer Particles with Surface Concavities

Over the past decade or so, there has been increasing interest in the synthesis of polymer particles with surface concavities, which mainly include golf ball-like, dimpled and surface-wrinkled polymer particles. Such syntheses generally can be classified into direct polymerization and post-treatment on preformed polymer particles. This review aims to provide an overview of the synthetic strategies of such particles. Some selected examples are given to present the formation mechanisms of the surface concavities. The applications and future development of these concave polymer particles are also briefly discussed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Core-shell microparticles: From rational engineering to diverse applications

Core-shell microparticles, composed of solid, liquid, or gas bubbles surrounded by a protective shell, are gaining considerable attention as intelligent and versatile carriers that show great potential in biomedical fields. In this review, an overview is given of recent developments in design and applications of biodegradable core-shell systems. Several emerging methodologies including self-assembly, gas-shearing, and coaxial electrospray are discussed and microfluidics technology is emphasized in detail. Furthermore, the characteristics of core-shell microparticles in artificial cells, drug release and cell culture applications are discussed and the superiority of these advanced multi-core microparticles for the generation of artificial cells is highlighted. Finally, the respective developing orientations and limitations inherent to these systems are addressed. It is hoped that this review can inspire researchers to propel the development of this field with new ideas.

Microfluidic droplet-based functional materials for cell manipulation

Functional materials from the microfluidic-based droplet community are emerging as enabling tools for various applications in tissue engineering and cell biology. The innovative micro- and nano-scale materials with diverse sizes, shapes and components can be fabricated without the use of complicated devices, allowing unprecedented control over the cells that interact with them. Here, we review the current development of microfluidic-based droplet techniques for creation of functional materials (i.e., liquid droplet, microcapsule, and microparticle). We also describe their various applications for manipulating cell fate and function.

Janus Nanoparticles: From Fabrication to (Bio)Applications

Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) refer to the integration of two or more chemically discrepant composites into one structure system. Studies into JNPs have been of significant interest due to their interesting characteristics stemming from their asymmetric structures, which can integrate different functional properties and perform more synergetic functions simultaneously. Herein, we present recent progress of Janus particles, comprehensively detailing fabrication strategies and applications. First, the classification of JNPs is divided into three blocks, consisting of polymeric composites, inorganic composites, and hybrid polymeric/inorganic JNPs composites. Then, the fabrication strategies are alternately summarized, examining self-assembly strategy, phase separation strategy, seed-mediated polymerization, microfluidic preparation strategy, nucleation growth methods, and masking methods. Finally, various intriguing applications of JNPs are presented, including solid surfactants agents, micro/nanomotors, and biomedical applications such as biosensing, controlled drug delivery, bioimaging, cancer therapy, and combined theranostics. Furthermore, challenges and future works in this field are provided.

MnO2 Nanoflowers Induce Immunogenic Cell Death under Nutrient Deprivation: Enabling an Orchestrated Cancer Starvation-Immunotherapy

MnO2 nanoparticles have been widely employed in cancer immunotherapy, playing a subsidiary role in assisting immunostimulatory drugs by improving their pharmacokinetics and/or creating a favorable microenvironment. Here, the stereotype of the subsidiary role of MnO2 nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy is challenged. This study unravels an intrinsic immunomodulatory property of MnO2 nanoparticles as a unique nutrient-responsive immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducer, capable of directly modulating immunosurveillance toward tumor cells. MnO2 nanoflowers (MNFs) constructed via a one pot self-assembly approach selectively induce ICD to nutrient-deprived but not nutrient-replete cancer cells, which is confirmed by the upregulated damage associated molecular patterns in vitro and a prophylactic vaccination in vivo. The underlying mechanism of the MNFs-mediated selective ICD induction is likely associated with the concurrently upregulated oxidative stress and autophagy. Built on their unique immunomodulatory properties, an innovative nanomaterials orchestrated cancer starvation-immunotherapy is successfully developed, which is realized by the in situ vaccination with MNFs and vascular disrupting agents that cut off intratumoral nutrient supply, eliciting potent efficacy for suppressing local and distant tumors. These findings open up a new avenue toward biomedical applications of MnO2 materials, enabling an innovative therapeutics paradigm with great clinical significance.

Fabrication of biodegradable particles with tunable morphologies by the addition of resveratrol to oil in water emulsions

Particles for biomedical applications can be produced by emulsifying biocompatible polymers dissolved in an organic solvent in water. The emulsion is then transferred to an extraction bath that removes the solvent from the dispersed droplets, which leads to polymer precipitation and particle formation. Typically, the particles are smooth and spherical, likely because the droplets remain fluid throughout the solvent extraction process allowing minimization of surface area as the volume decreases. Few modifications to this technique exist that alter the spherical geometry, even though particle performance, from drug delivery to engaging cells of the body, can be tuned with morphology. Here we demonstrate that incorporation of resveratrol, with the aid of ethanol, into the oil phase of an emulsion of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and dichloromethane in aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) leads to a crumpled particle morphology. Video microscopy of particle formation revealed that during solvent extraction the droplet crumples in on itself, which does not occur when only ethanol is added to the emulsion. It is unclear why this occurs with resveratrol, but its hydroxyl groups appear to be optimally positioned because removal of the 4' hydroxyl or addition of a 3' hydroxyl resulted in a loss of crumpled particle morphology. We demonstrate that particle morphology can be tuned from that of a crumpled sheet of paper to a deflated sphere by switching out ethanol for a different cosolvent. We quantify the degree of particle deformation with surface area calculated from krypton adsorption isotherms and BET theory and find surface area correlates with resveratrol loading in the particle. Furthermore, spherical particles are achieved when ethyl acetate is used in lieu of dichloromethane and a cosolvent. We propose that during solvent extraction, resveratrol accumulates at the droplet surface where it inhibits polymer chain motion necessary to maintain a spherical geometry and the role of cosolvent is to redistribute resveratrol from the droplet bulk to its surface. This method of producing nonspherical particles extends to polycaprolactone and poly(L-lactic acid) and is compatible with the encapsulation of a hydrophobic fluorescent dye, suggesting hydrophobic bioactive agents could be encapsulated. Taken together, we demonstrate an ability to control morphology of biocompatible polymer particles produced by the widely practiced oil-in-water/solvent extraction protocol via the addition of resveratrol and a cosolvent to the oil phase. The methodology reported is straight forward, and scalable, and expected to be of utility in applications in which a deviation from the default smooth, spherical morphology is desired.