Temperature-Responsive Liposome-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Using Immunoliposomes

Neuroinflammation in the Evolution of Motor Function in Stroke and Trauma Patients: Treatment and Potential Biomarkers

Neuroinflammation has a significant impact on different pathologies, such as stroke or spinal cord injury, intervening in their pathophysiology: expansion, progression, and resolution. Neuroinflammation involves oxidative stress, damage, and cell death, playing an important role in neuroplasticity and motor dysfunction by affecting the neuronal connection responsible for motor control. The diagnosis of this pathology is performed using neuroimaging techniques and molecular diagnostics based on identifying and measuring signaling molecules or specific markers. In parallel, new therapeutic targets are being investigated via the use of bionanomaterials and electrostimulation to modulate the neuroinflammatory response. These novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have the potential to facilitate the development of anticipatory patterns and deliver the most beneficial treatment to improve patients' quality of life and directly impact their motor skills. However, important challenges remain to be solved. Hence, the goal of this study was to review the implication of neuroinflammation in the evolution of motor function in stroke and trauma patients, with a particular focus on novel methods and potential biomarkers to aid clinicians in diagnosis, treatment, and therapy. A specific analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities was conducted, highlighting the key challenges to be faced in the coming years.

Recent updates on liposomal formulations for detection, prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

The unprecedented outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2) worldwide has rendered it one of the most notorious pandemics ever documented in human history. As of November 2022, nearly 626 million cases of infection and over 6.6 million deaths have been reported globally. The scientific community has made significant progress in therapeutics and prevention for the management of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including the development of vaccines and antiviral agents such as monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs. Although many advancements and a plethora of positive results have been obtained and global restrictions are being uplifted, obstacles in efficiently delivering these therapies, such as their rapid clearance, suboptimal biodistribution, and toxicity to organs, have yet to be addressed. To address these drawbacks, researchers have attempted applying nanotechnology-based formulations. Here, we summarized the recent data about COVID-19, its emergence, pathophysiology and life cycle, diagnosis, and currently-available medications. Subsequently, we discussed the progress in lipid nanocarriers, such as liposomes in infection detection and control. This review provides critical insights into the design of the latest liposomal-based formulations for tackling the barriers to detecting, preventing, and treating SARS-CoV-2.

Red-Emitting Latex Nanoparticles by Stepwise Entrapment of β-Diketonate Europium Complexes

The core-shell structure of poly(St-co-MAA) nanoparticles containing β-diketonate Eu³⁺ complexes were synthesized by a step-wise process. The β-diketonate Eu³⁺ complexes of Eu (TFTB)₂(MAA)P(Oct)₃ [europium (III); 4,4,4-Trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedione = TFTB; trioctylphosphine = (P(Oct)₃); methacrylic acid = MAA] were incorporated to poly(St-co-MAA). The poly(St-co-MAA) has highly monodispersed with a size of 300 nm, and surface charges of the poly(St-co-MAA) are near to neutral. The narrow particle size distribution was due to the constant ionic strength of the polymerization medium. The activated carboxylic acid of poly(St-co-MAA) further chelated with europium complex and polymerize between acrylic groups of poly(St-co-MAA) and Eu(TFTB)₂(MAA)P(Oct)₃. The E_m spectra of europium complexes consist of multiple bands of E_m at 585, 597, 612 and 650 nm, which are assigned to ⁵D₀→⁷F_{J (J = 0-3)} transitions of Eu³⁺, respectively. The maximum E_m peak is at 621 nm, which indicates a strong red E_m characteristic associated with the electric dipole ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺ complexes. The cell-specific fluorescence of Eu(TFTB)₂(MAA)P(Oct)₃@poly(St-co-MAA) indicated endocytosis of Eu(TFTB)₂(MAA)P(Oct)₃@poly(St-co-MAA). There are fewer early apoptotic, late apoptotic and necrotic cells in each sample compared with live cells, regardless of the culture period. Eu(TFTB)₂(MAA)P(Oct)₃@poly(St-co-MAA) synthesized in this work can be excited in the full UV range with a maximum E_m at 619 nm. Moreover, these particles can substitute red luminescent organic dyes for intracellular trafficking and cellular imaging agents.