Red Blood Cell-Shaped Microparticles with a Red Blood Cell Membrane Demonstrate Prolonged Circulation Time in Blood

Features of Anisotropic Drug Delivery Systems

Natural materials are anisotropic. Delivery systems occurring in nature, such as viruses, blood cells, pollen, and many others, do have anisotropy, while delivery systems made artificially are mostly isotropic. There is apparent complexity in engineering anisotropic particles or capsules with micron and submicron sizes. Nevertheless, some promising examples of how to fabricate particles with anisotropic shapes or having anisotropic chemical and/or physical properties are developed. Anisotropy of particles, once they face biological systems, influences their behavior. Internalization by the cells, flow in the bloodstream, biodistribution over organs and tissues, directed release, and toxicity of particles regardless of the same chemistry are all reported to be factors of anisotropy of delivery systems. Here, the current methods are reviewed to introduce anisotropy to particles or capsules, including loading with various therapeutic cargo, variable physical properties primarily by anisotropic magnetic properties, controlling directional motion, and making Janus particles. The advantages of combining different anisotropy in one entity for delivery and common problems and limitations for fabrication are under discussion.

Combining Acoustic Bioprinting with AI-Assisted Raman Spectroscopy for High-Throughput Identification of Bacteria in Blood

Identifying pathogens in complex samples such as blood, urine, and wastewater is critical to detect infection and inform optimal treatment. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and machine learning (ML) can distinguish among multiple pathogen species, but processing complex fluid samples to sensitively and specifically detect pathogens remains an outstanding challenge. Here, we develop an acoustic bioprinter to digitize samples into millions of droplets, each containing just a few cells, which are identified with SERS and ML. We demonstrate rapid printing of 2 pL droplets from solutions containing S. epidermidis, E. coli, and blood; when they are mixed with gold nanorods (GNRs), SERS enhancements of up to 1500× are achieved.We then train a ML model and achieve ≥99% classification accuracy from cellularly pure samples and ≥87% accuracy from cellularly mixed samples. We also obtain ≥90% accuracy from droplets with pathogen:blood cell ratios <1. Our combined bioprinting and SERS platform could accelerate rapid, sensitive pathogen detection in clinical, environmental, and industrial settings.

Protein precoating modulates biomolecular coronas and nanocapsule-immune cell interactions in human blood

The biomolecular corona that forms on particles upon contact with blood plays a key role in the fate and utility of nanomedicines. Recent studies have shown that precoating nanoparticles with serum proteins can improve the biocompatibility and stealth properties of nanoparticles. However, it is not fully clear how precoating influences biomolecular corona formation and downstream biological responses. Herein, we systematically examine three precoating strategies by coating bovine serum albumin (single protein), fetal bovine serum (FBS, mixed proteins without immunoglobulins), or bovine serum (mixed proteins) on three nanoparticle systems, namely supramolecular template nanoparticles, metal-phenolic network (MPN)-coated template (core-shell) nanoparticles, and MPN nanocapsules (obtained after template removal). The effect of protein precoating on biomolecular corona compositions and particle-immune cell interactions in human blood was characterized. In the absence of a pre-coating, the MPN nanocapsules displayed lower leukocyte association, which correlated to the lower amount (by 2-3 fold) of adsorbed proteins and substantially fewer immunoglobulins (more than 100 times) in the biomolecular corona relative to the template and core-shell nanoparticles. Among the three coating strategies, FBS precoating demonstrated the most significant reduction in leukocyte association (up to 97% of all three nanoparticles). A correlation analysis highlights that immunoglobulins and apolipoproteins may regulate leukocyte recognition. This study demonstrates the impact of different precoating strategies on nanoparticle-immune cell association and the role of immunoglobulins in bio-nano interactions.

Recent Progress in Red Blood Cells-Derived Particles as Novel Bioinspired Drug Delivery Systems: Challenges and Strategies for Clinical Translation

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)-derived particles are an emerging group of novel drug delivery systems. The natural attributes of RBCs make them potential candidates for use as a drug carrier or nanoparticle camouflaging material as they are innately biocompatible. RBCs have been studied for multiple decades in drug delivery applications but their evolution in the clinical arena are considerably slower. They have been garnering attention for the unique capability of conserving their membrane proteins post fabrication that help them to stay non-immunogenic in the biological environment prolonging their circulation time and improving therapeutic efficiency. In this review, we discuss about the synthesis, significance, and various biomedical applications of the above-mentioned classes of engineered RBCs. This article is focused on the current state of clinical translation and the analysis of the hindrances associated with the transition from lab to clinic applications.

Curcumin encapsulation in functional PLGA nanoparticles: A promising strategy for cancer therapies

Nanoparticles have emerged as promising drug delivery systems for the treatment of several diseases. Novel cancer therapies have exploited these particles as alternative adjuvant therapies to overcome the traditional limitations of radio and chemotherapy. Curcumin is a natural bioactive compound found in turmeric, that has been reported to show anticancer activity against several types of tumors. Despite some biological limitations regarding its absorption in the human body, curcumin encapsulation in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), a non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, represents an effective strategy to deliver a drug to a tumor site. Furthermore, PLGA nanoparticles can be engineered with targeting moieties to reach specific cancer cells, thus enhancing the antitumor effects of curcumin. We herein aim to bring an up-to-date summary of the recently developed strategies for curcumin delivery to different types of cancer cells through encapsulation in PLGA nanoparticles, correlating their effects with those of curcumin on the biological capabilities acquired by cancer cells (cancer hallmarks). We discuss the targeting strategies proposed for advanced curcumin delivery and the respective improvements achieved for each cancer cell analyzed, in addition to exploring the encapsulation techniques employed. The conjugation of correct encapsulation techniques with tumor-oriented targeting design can result in curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles that can successfully integrate the elaborate network of development of alternative cancer treatments along with traditional ones. Finally, the current challenges and future demands to launch these nanoparticles in oncology are comprehensively examined.

A ROS and shear stress dual-sensitive bionic system with cross-linked dendrimers for atherosclerosis therapy

Atherosclerosis is an important pathological basis for cardiovascular disease. Thus, the treatment of atherosclerosis can effectively improve the prognosis and reduce the mortality of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we developed simvastatin acid (SA)-loaded cross-linked dendrimer nanoparticles (SA PAM) that were adsorbed to the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) to obtain SA PAM@RBCs, a ROS and shear stress dual response drug delivery system for the treatment of atherosclerosis. SA PAM could continuously release SA in an H₂O₂-triggered manner, and effectively eliminate excessive H₂O₂ in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, achieving the target of using the special microenvironment at the plaque to release drugs. At the same time, the shear sensitive model also proved that only 12.4% of SA PAM detached from the RBCs under low shear stress (20 dynes per cm²), while 61.3% SA PAM desorbed from the RBCs under a high shear stress (100 dynes per cm²) stimulus, revealing that SA PAM could desorb in response to the shear stress stimulus. Both the FeCl₃ model and ApoE^-/- model showed that SA PAM@RBCs had better therapeutic effects than free SA, and with excellent safety in vivo. Therefore, a biomimetic drug delivery system with dual sensitivity to ROS and shear stress would become a promising strategy for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Cell Membrane-Coated Mimics: A Methodological Approach for Fabrication, Characterization for Therapeutic Applications, and Challenges for Clinical Translation

Cell membrane-coated (CMC) mimics are micro/nanosystems that combine an isolated cell membrane and a template of choice to mimic the functions of a cell. The design exploits its physicochemical and biological properties for therapeutic applications. The mimics demonstrate excellent biological compatibility, enhanced biointerfacing capabilities, physical, chemical, and biological tunability, ability to retain cellular properties, immune escape, prolonged circulation time, and protect the encapsulated drug from degradation and active targeting. These properties and the ease of adapting them for personalized clinical medicine have generated a significant research interest over the past decade. This review presents a detailed overview of the recent advances in the development of cell membrane-coated (CMC) mimics. The primary focus is to collate and discuss components, fabrication methodologies, and the significance of physiochemical and biological characterization techniques for validating a CMC mimic. We present a critical analysis of the two main components of CMC mimics: the template and the cell membrane and mapped their use in therapeutic scenarios. In addition, we have emphasized on the challenges associated with CMC mimics in their clinical translation. Overall, this review is an up to date toolbox that researchers can benefit from while designing and characterizing CMC mimics.

Fabrication of Multi-Layered Microspheres Based on Phase Separation for Drug Delivery

In this work, we used a co-flow microfluidic device with an injection and a collection tube to generate droplets with different layers due to phase separation. The phase separation system consisted of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate 700 (PEGDA 700), PEGDA 250, and sodium alginate aqueous solution. When the mixture droplets formed in the outer phase, PEGDA 700 in the droplets would transfer into the outer aqueous solution, while PEGDA 250 still stayed in the initial droplet, breaking the miscibility equilibrium of the mixture and triggering the phase separation. As the phase separation proceeded, new cores emerged in the droplets, gradually forming the second and third layers. Emulsion droplets with different layers were polymerized under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at different stages of phase separation to obtain microspheres. Microspheres with different layers showed various release behaviors in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). The release rate decreased with the increase in the number of layers, which showed a potential application in sustained drug release.

Shear stress and ROS-responsive biomimetic micelles for atherosclerosis via ROS consumption

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well-known important initiating factors required for atherosclerosis formation, which leads to endothelial dysfunction and plaque formation. Most of the existing antithrombotic therapies use ROS-responsive drug delivery systems, which have a certain therapeutic effect but cannot eliminate excess ROS. Therefore, the atherosclerosis cannot be treated from the source. Moreover, nanoparticles are easily cleared by the immune system during blood circulation, which is not conducive to long-term circulation. In this study, we developed an intelligent response system that could simultaneously respond to ROS and the shear stress microenvironment of atherosclerotic plaques. This system was formed by red blood cells (RBCs) and simvastatin-loaded micelles (SV MC). The micelles consisted of poly(glycidyl methacrylate)-polypropylene sulfide (PGED-PPS). The hydrophobic PPS could react with excess ROS to become hydrophilic, which forced the micelle rupture, resulting in drug release. Most importantly, PPS could also significantly deplete the ROS level, realizing the synergistic treatment of atherosclerosis with drugs and materials. The positively charged SV MC and negatively charged RBCs were self-assembled through electrostatic adsorption to obtain SV MC@RBCs. The SV MC@RBCs could respond to the high shear stress at the atherosclerotic plaque, and the shear stress induced SV MC desorption from the RBC surface. Using biomimetic methods to evade the SV MC@RBCs elimination by the immune system and to reduce the ROS plays a vital role in improving atherosclerosis treatment. The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that SV MC@RBCs could effectively treat atherosclerosis. Moreover, not only does the SV MC@RBCs system avoid the risk of bleeding, but it also has excellent in vivo safety. The study results indicate that the SV MC@RBCs system is a promising therapeutic nanomedicine for treating ROS-related diseases.

Erythrocyte Membrane Cloaked Curcumin-Loaded Nanoparticles for Enhanced Chemotherapy

In this study, curcumin-loaded porous poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and surface modified with red blood cell membranes (RBCM) to yield biomimetic RBCM-p-PLGA@Cur NPs. The NPs displayed a visible cell-membrane structure at their exterior and had a uniform size of 162 ± 3 nm. In vitro studies showed that drug release from non-porous PLGA NPs was slow and that much of the drug remained trapped in the NPs. In contrast, release was accelerated from the porous PLGA NPs, and after the RBCM coating, a sustained release over 48 h was obtained. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry results revealed that the RBCM-p-PLGA NPs led to a greater cellular uptake by H22 hepatocarcinoma cells than the uncoated analogue NPs, but could avoid phagocytosis by macrophages. The drug-free formulations were highly biocompatible, while the drug-loaded systems were effective in killing cancer cells. RBCM-p-PLGA@Cur NPs possess potent anti-tumor activity in a murine H22 xenograft cancer model (in terms of reduced tumor volume and mass, as well as inducing apoptosis of tumor cells), and have no observable systemic toxicity. Overall, our study demonstrates that the use of the RBCM to cloak nanoscale drug delivery systems holds great promise for targeted cancer treatment, and can ameliorate the severe side effects currently associated with chemotherapy.

Microparticles in Contact with Cells: From Carriers to Multifunctional Tissue Modulators

For several decades microparticles have been exclusively and extensively explored as spherical drug delivery vehicles and large-scale cell expansion carriers. More recently, microparticulate structures gained interest in broader bioengineering fields, integrating myriad strategies that include bottom-up tissue engineering, 3D bioprinting, and the development of tissue/disease models. The concept of bulk spherical micrometric particles as adequate supports for cell cultivation has been challenged, and systems with finely tuned geometric designs and (bio)chemical/physical features are current key players in impacting technologies. Herein, we critically review the state of the art and future trends of biomaterial microparticles in contact with cells and tissues, excluding internalization studies, and with emphasis on innovative particle design and applications.

Re-designing materials for biomedical applications: from biomimicry to nature-inspired chemical engineering

Gathering inspiration from nature for the design of new materials, products and processes is a topic gaining rapid interest among scientists and engineers. In this review, we introduce the concept of nature-inspired chemical engineering (NICE). We critically examine how this approach offers advantages over straightforward biomimicry and distinguishes itself from bio-integrated design, as a systematic methodology to present innovative solutions to challenging problems. The scope of application of the nature-inspired approach is demonstrated via examples from the field of biomedicine, where much of the inspiration is still more narrowly focused on imitation or bio-integration. We conclude with an outlook on prospective future applications, offered by the more systematic and mechanistically based NICE approach, complemented by rapid progress in manufacturing, computation and robotics. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology'.