Minimum information reporting in bio-nano experimental literature

Assembly and biological functions of metal-biomolecule network nanoparticles formed by metal-phosphonate coordination

Metal-organic networks have attracted widespread interest owing to their hybrid physicochemical properties. Natural biomolecules represent attractive building blocks for these materials because of their inherent biological function and high biocompatibility; however, assembling them into coordination network materials, especially nanoparticles (NPs), is challenging. Herein, we exploit the coordination between metal ions and phosphonate groups, which are present in many biomolecules, to form metal-biomolecule network (MBN) NPs in aqueous solution at room temperature. Various phosphonate-containing biomolecules, including plant phytate, DNA, and proteins, were used to assemble MBN NPs with tunable physicochemical properties (e.g., size). In addition to excellent biocompatibility and high cargo-loading efficiency (>95%), these two-component MBN NPs have various biological functionalities, including endosomal escape, immune regulation, and molecular recognition, thus offering advantages over nonbiomolecular-based coordination materials. This work expands our understanding of metal-organic chemistry with the emerging class of metal-biomolecule systems and provides a pathway for incorporating biofunctionalities into advanced coordination materials for diverse fields.

l-Type amino acid transporter 1-targeting nanoparticles for antisense oligonucleotide delivery to the CNS

l-Type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1)-specific ligands and polyion complexes are used as brain-specific targets to deliver RNA-based drugs across the blood-brain barrier. We characterized an LAT1-targeting antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-encapsulated nanoparticle, Phe-NPs/ASO. A 25% density of phenylalanine effectively binds to the surface of LAT1-targeting NPs in the GL261-Luc cells, and Phe-NPs/ASO shows higher binding affinity compared to that without phenylalanine by cellular binding assay. To further characterize the blood-brain barrier-targeting effect and tissue distribution following a single-dose intravenous injection in mice, we performed in vivo biodistribution studies using fluorescence imaging. The Phe-NPs/ASOs were detected in the brain tissue 1 h post-intravenous injection at an approximately 64-fold higher ratio than that of the same ASOs administered in the absence of any NP carrier. The brain tissue delivery of ASO-loaded Phe-NPs was also confirmed in a fluorescence imaging study performed in non-human primates. These results demonstrate that Phe-NPs may successfully deliver an ASO to the brain tissue across brain regions. Phe-NPs loaded with RNA-based drugs have the potential to treat diseases of the CNS, including all forms of neurodegenerative diseases.

Approaching Two Decades: Biomolecular Coronas and Bio-Nano Interactions

It has been nearly two decades since the term "protein corona" was coined. This term has since evolved to "biomolecular corona" or "biocorona" to capture the diverse biomolecules that spontaneously form on the surface of nanoparticles upon exposure to biological fluids and drive nanoparticle interactions with biological systems. In this Perspective, we highlight the significant progress in this field, including studies on nonprotein corona components, lipid nanoparticles, and the role of the corona in endogenous organ targeting. We also discuss research opportunities in this field, particularly the need for improved characterization and standardization of analysis and how recent advances in artificial intelligence and ex vivo models can improve our understanding of the biomolecular corona in guiding nanomedicine design.

Rational strategies for improving the efficiency of design and discovery of nanomedicines

The rise of rational strategies in nanomedicine development, such as high-throughput methods and computer-aided techniques, has led to a shift in the design and discovery patterns of nanomedicines from a trial-and-error mode to a rational mode. This transition facilitates the enhancement of efficiency in the preclinical discovery pipeline of nanomaterials, particularly in improving the hit rate of nanomaterials and the optimization efficiency of promising candidates. Herein, we describe a directed evolution mode of nanomedicines driven by data to accelerate the discovery of nanomaterials with high delivery efficiency. Computer-aided design strategies are introduced in detail as one of the cutting-edge directions for the development of nanomedicines. Ultimately, we look forward to expanding the tools for the rational design and discovery of nanomaterials using multidisciplinary approaches. Rational design strategies may potentially boost the delivery efficiency of next-generation nanomedicines.

High-Throughput Approaches to Engineer Fluorescent Nanosensors

Optical sensors are powerful tools to identify and image (biological) molecules. Because of their optoelectronic properties, nanomaterials are often used as building blocks. To transduce the chemical interaction with the analyte into an optical signal, the interplay between surface chemistry and nanomaterial photophysics has to be optimized. Understanding these aspects promises major opportunities for tailored sensors with optimal performance. However, this requires methods to create and explore the many chemical permutations. Indeed, many current approaches are limited in throughput. This affects the chemical design space that can be studied, the application of machine learning approaches as well as fundamental mechanistic understanding. Here, an overview of selection-limited and synthesis-limited approaches is provided to create and identify molecular nanosensors. Bottlenecks are discussed and opportunities of non-classical recognition strategies are highlighted such as corona phase molecular recognition as well as the requirements for high throughput and scalability. Fluorescent carbon nanotubes are powerful building blocks for sensors and their huge chemical design space makes them an ideal platform for high throughput approaches. Therefore, they are the focus of this article, but the insights are transferable to any nanosensor system. Overall, this perspective aims to provide a fresh perspective to overcome current challenges in the nanosensor field.

mRNA delivery enabled by metal-organic nanoparticles

mRNA therapeutics are set to revolutionize disease prevention and treatment, inspiring the development of platforms for safe and effective mRNA delivery. However, current mRNA delivery platforms face some challenges, including limited organ tropism for nonvaccine applications and inflammation induced by cationic nanoparticle components. Herein, we address these challenges through a versatile, noncationic nanoparticle platform whereby mRNA is assembled into a poly(ethylene glycol)-polyphenol network stabilized by metal ions. Screening a range of components and relative compositional ratios affords a library of stable, noncationic, and highly biocompatible metal-organic nanoparticles with robust mRNA transfection in vitro and in mice. Intravenous administration of the lead mRNA-containing metal-organic nanoparticles enables predominant protein expression and gene editing in the brain, liver, and kidney, while organ tropism is tuned by varying nanoparticle composition. This study opens an avenue for realizing metal-organic nanoparticle-enabled mRNA delivery, offering a modular approach to assembling mRNA therapeutics for health applications.

Understanding the role of biomolecular coronas in human exposure to nanomaterials

Nanomaterials (NMs) are increasingly used in medical treatments, electronics, and food additives. However, nanosafety-the possible adverse effects of NMs on human health-is an area of active research. This review provides an overview of the influence of biomolecular coronas on NM transformation following various exposure routes. We discuss potential exposure pathways, including inhalation and ingestion, describing the physiology of exposure routes and emphasising the relevance of coronas in these environments. Additionally, we review other routes to NM exposure, such as synovial fluid, blood (translocation and injection), dermal and ocular exposure, as well as the dose and medium impact on NM interactions. We emphasize the need for an in-depth characterisation of coronas in different biological media, highlighting the need and opportunity to study lung and gastric fluids to understand NM behaviour and potential toxicity. Future research aims to predict better in vivo outcomes and address the complexities of NM interactions with biological systems.

A translational framework to DELIVER nanomedicines to the clinic

Nanomedicines have created a paradigm shift in healthcare. Yet fundamental barriers still exist that prevent or delay the clinical translation of nanomedicines. Critical hurdles inhibiting clinical success include poor understanding of nanomedicines' physicochemical properties, limited exposure in the cell or tissue of interest, poor reproducibility of preclinical outcomes in clinical trials, and biocompatibility concerns. Barriers that delay translation include industrial scale-up or scale-down and good manufacturing practices, funding and navigating the regulatory environment. Here we propose the DELIVER framework comprising the core principles to be realized during preclinical development to promote clinical investigation of nanomedicines. The proposed framework comes with design, experimental, manufacturing, preclinical, clinical, regulatory and business considerations, which we recommend investigators to carefully review during early-stage nanomedicine design and development to mitigate risk and enable timely clinical success. By reducing development time and clinical trial failure, it is envisaged that this framework will help accelerate the clinical translation and maximize the impact of nanomedicines.

Structuring lipid nanoparticles, DNA, and protein corona into stealth bionanoarchitectures for in vivo gene delivery

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) play a crucial role in addressing genetic disorders, and cancer, and combating pandemics such as COVID-19 and its variants. Yet, the ability of LNPs to effectively encapsulate large-size DNA molecules remains elusive. This is a significant limitation, as the successful delivery of large-size DNA holds immense potential for gene therapy. To address this gap, the present study focuses on the design of PEGylated LNPs, incorporating large-sized DNA, departing from traditional RNA and ionizable lipids. The resultant LNPs demonstrate a unique particle morphology. These particles were further engineered with a DNA coating and plasma proteins. This multicomponent bionanoconstruct exhibits enhanced transfection efficiency and safety in controlled laboratory settings and improved immune system evasion in in vivo tests. These findings provide valuable insights for the design and development of bionanoarchitectures for large-size DNA delivery, opening new avenues for transformative gene therapies.

Antibody-Free Glycogen Nanoparticles Engage Human Immune T Cells for Intracellular Delivery of Small Drugs or mRNA

T cells play a major role in immune defense against viral infections and diseases such as cancer. Accordingly, developing nanoparticle (NP) systems to effectively deliver therapeutics to T cells is of interest. However, NP-mediated delivery of drugs to T cells is challenging because of the nonphagocytic nature of T cells. To engage T cells and induce cellular internalization, NPs are typically decorated with specific receptor-targeting antibodies, often using laborious and costly procedures. Herein, we report that natural glycogen NPs (i.e., nanosugars) with different sizes (20-80 nm) and surface charges (neutral and positively charged) engage Jurkat T cells, undergo intracellular trafficking, and release encapsulated drug without the use of receptor-targeting antibodies. Specifically, glycogen-resveratrol constructs are employed to reactivate HIV-1 latently infected Jurkat T cells (J-Lat A2) and trigger proviral expression. Both neutral and positively charged glycogen NPs engage with J-Lat A2 cells. Large (84 ± 29 nm) and positively charged (23 ± 5 mV) NPs, denoted phytoglycogen-ethylenediamine (PGEDA) NPs, readily associate with the cell membrane and are internalized (60%) in J-Lat A2 cells but remain confined in the endocytic vesicles, with moderate reactivation of latent HIV-1 (4.7 ± 0.5%). Conversely, small (21 ± 5 nm) and positively charged (10 ± 6 mV) NPs, bovine glycogen-EDA (BGEDA) NPs, associate slowly with T cells but show nearly 100% internalization and efficient endosomal escape properties, resulting in 1.5-fold higher reactivation of latent HIV-1 in T cells. PGEDA NPs and BGEDA NPs are also internalized by primary human T cells (>90% cell association) and enable the transfection of mRNA, with BGEDA NPs showing a 2-fold higher transfection than PGEDA NPs. This work highlights the potential of BGEDA NPs for the effective intracellular delivery of small-molecule drugs and mRNA in T cells.

Doxorubicin-Loaded Ultrasmall Gold Nanoparticles (1.5 nm) for Brain Tumor Therapy and Assessment of Their Biodistribution

Ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (1.5 nm) were covalently conjugated with doxorubicin (AuDox) and AlexaFluor647 (AuAF647) to assess their biodistribution and their efficiency toward brain tumors (glioblastoma). A thorough characterization by transmission electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and differential centrifugal sedimentation confirmed their uniform ultrasmall nature which makes them very mobile in the body. Each nanoparticle carried either 13 doxorubicin molecules (AuDox) or 2.7 AlexaFluor-647 molecules (AuAF647). The firm attachment of the ligands to the nanoparticles was demonstrated by their resilience to extensive washing, followed by centrifugation. The particles easily entered mammalian cells (HeLa, T98-G, brain endothelial cells, and human astrocytes) due to their small size. The intravenously delivered fluorescing AuAF647 nanoparticles crossed the blood-brain barrier with ∼23% accumulation in the brain tumor in an orthotopic U87 brain tumor model in nude mice. This was confirmed by elemental analysis (gold; inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy) in various organs. The doxorubicin-loaded AuDox nanoparticles inhibited brain tumor growth and prolonged animal survival without adverse side effects. Most of the nanoparticles (84%) had been excreted from the animal after 24 h, indicating a high mobility in the body.

Impacts of graphene oxide contamination on a food web: Threats to somatic and reproductive health of organisms

Contamination of aquatic food webs with nanomaterials poses a significant ecological and human health challenge. Ingestion of nanomaterials alongside food disrupts digestion and impairs physiological processes, with potential consequences for organism fitness and survival. Complex interactions between nanomaterials and biota further exacerbate the issue, influencing life-history strategies and ecosystem dynamics. Accumulation of nanomaterials within autotrophic and detritus-based food webs raises concerns about biomagnification, especially for top-level consumers and seafood-dependent human populations. Understanding the extent and impact of nanomaterial contamination on aquatic biota is crucial for effective mitigation strategies. To address this challenge, we conducted a comprehensive study evaluating the bioaccumulation effects of graphene oxide (GO), a commonly used nanomaterial, within an aquatic food chain. Using a gnotobiotic freshwater microcosm, we investigated the effects of micro- and nano-scale GO sheets on key organisms: green algae (Chlorella vulgaris), brine shrimp (Artemia salina), and zebrafish (Danio rerio). Two feeding regimes, direct ingestion and trophic transfer, were employed to assess GO uptake and transfer within the food web. Direct exposure involved individual organisms being exposed to either nano- or micro-scale GO sheets, while trophic transfer involved a sequential exposure pathway: algae exposed to GO sheets, artemias feeding on the algae, and zebrafish consuming the artemias. Our study provides critical insights into nanomaterial contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Physicochemical properties of GO sheets, including ζ-potential and dispersion, were influenced by salt culture media, resulting in aggregation under salt conditions. Microscopic imaging confirmed the bioaccumulation of GO sheets within organisms, indicating prolonged exposure and potential long-term effects. Notably, biodistribution analysis in zebrafish demonstrated the penetration of nano-sized GO into the intestinal wall, signifying direct interaction with vital organs. Exposure to GO resulted in increased zebrafish mortality and impaired reproductive performance, particularly through trophic transfer. These findings emphasize the urgent need to address nanomaterial contamination in aquatic food webs to protect ecosystem components and human consumers. Our study highlights the importance of developing effective mitigation strategies to preserve the integrity of aquatic ecosystems, ensure resource sustainability, and safeguard human well-being. In conclusion, our study provides crucial insights into the impact of nanomaterial pollution on aquatic biota. By recognizing the challenges posed by nanomaterial contamination and implementing targeted interventions, we can mitigate the adverse effects, preserving the integrity of aquatic ecosystems and safeguarding human health.

Why bioprinting in regenerative medicine should adopt a rational technology readiness assessment

Bioprinting is an annex of additive manufacturing, as defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, characterized by the automated deposition of living cells and biomaterials. The tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TE&RM) community has eagerly adopted bioprinting, while review articles regularly herald its imminent translation to the clinic as functional tissues and organs. Here we argue that such proclamations are premature and counterproductive; they place emphasis on technological progress while typically ignoring the critical stage-gates that must be passed through to bring a technology to market. We suggest the technology readiness level (TRL) scale as a valuable metric for gauging the relative maturity of a bioprinting technology in relation to how it has passed a series of key milestones. We suggest guidelines for a bioprinting-oriented scale and use this to discuss the state-of-the-art of bioprinting in regenerative medicine (BRM) today. Finally, we make corresponding recommendations for improvements to BRM research that would support its progression to clinical translation.

A Metal-Phenolic Network-Enabled Nanoadjuvant to Modulate Immune Responses

The presence of hierarchical suppressive pathways in the immune system combined with poor delivery efficiencies of adjuvants and antigens to antigen-presenting cells are major challenges in developing advanced vaccines. The present study reports a nanoadjuvant constructed using aluminosilicate nanoparticles (as particle templates), incorporating cytosine-phosphate-guanosine (CpG) oligonucleotides and small-interfering RNA (siRNA) to counteract immune suppression in antigen-presenting cells. Furthermore, the application of a metal-phenolic network (MPN) coating, which can endow the nanoparticles with protective and bioadhesive properties, is assessed with regard to the stability and immune function of the resulting nanoadjuvant in vitro and in vivo. Combining the adjuvanticity of aluminum and CpG with RNA interference and MPN coating results in a nanoadjuvant that exhibits greater accumulation in lymph nodes and elicits improved maturation of dendritic cells in comparison to a formulation without siRNA or MPN, and with no observable organ toxicity. The incorporation of a model antigen, ovalbumin, within the MPN coating demonstrates the capacity of MPNs to load functional biomolecules as well as the ability of the nanoadjuvant to trigger enhanced antigen-specific responses. The present template-assisted fabrication strategy for engineering nanoadjuvants holds promise in the design of delivery systems for disease prevention, as well as therapeutics.

Bridging the gap: Innovative human-based in vitro approaches for nanomaterials hazard assessment and their role in safe and sustainable by design, risk assessment, and life cycle assessment

The application of nanomaterials in industry and consumer products is growing exponentially, which has pressed the development and use of predictive human in vitro models in pre-clinical analysis to closely extrapolate potential toxic effects in vivo. The conventional cytotoxicity investigation of nanomaterials using cell lines from cancer origin and culturing them two-dimensionally in a monolayer without mimicking the proper pathophysiological microenvironment may affect a precise prediction of in vitro effects at in vivo level. In recent years, complex in vitro models (also belonging to the new approach methodologies, NAMs) have been established in unicellular to multicellular cultures either by using cell lines, primary cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and reconstituted into relevant biological dimensions mimicking in vivo conditions. These advanced in vitro models retain physiologically reliant exposure scenarios particularly appropriate for oral, dermal, respiratory, and intravenous administration of nanomaterials, which have the potential to improve the in vivo predictability and lead to reliable outcomes. In this perspective, we discuss recent developments and breakthroughs in using advanced human in vitro models for hazard assessment of nanomaterials. We identified fit-for-purpose requirements and remaining challenges for the successful implementation of in vitro data into nanomaterials Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD), Risk Assessment (RA), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). By addressing the gap between in vitro data generation and the utility of in vitro data for nanomaterial safety assessments, a prerequisite for SSbD approaches, we outlined potential key areas for future development.

Transvascular transport of nanocarriers for tumor delivery

Nanocarriers (NCs) play a crucial role in delivering theranostic agents to tumors, making them a pivotal focus of research. However, the persistently low delivery efficiency of engineered NCs has been a significant challenge in the advancement of nanomedicine, stirring considerable debate. Transvascular transport is a critical pathway for NC delivery from vessels to tumors, yet a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between NCs and vascular systems remains elusive. In recent years, considerable efforts have been invested in elucidating the transvascular transport mechanisms of NCs, leading to promising advancements in tumor delivery and theranostics. In this context, we highlight various delivery mechanisms, including the enhanced permeability and retention effect, cooperative immune-driven effect, active transcytosis, and cell/bacteria-mediated delivery. Furthermore, we explore corresponding strategies aimed at enhancing transvascular transport of NCs for efficient tumor delivery. These approaches offer intriguing solutions spanning physicochemical, biological, and pharmacological domains to improve delivery and therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, we propose a forward-looking delivery framework that relies on advanced tumor/vessel models, high-throughput NC libraries, nano-bio interaction datasets, and artificial intelligence, which aims to guide the design of next-generation carriers and implementation strategies for optimized delivery.

Combatting Fungal Infections: Advances in Antifungal Polymeric Nanomaterials

Fungal pathogens cause over 6.5 million life-threatening systemic infections annually, with mortality rates ranging from 20 to 95%, even with medical intervention. The World Health Organization has recently emphasized the urgent need for new antifungal drugs. However, the range of effective antifungal agents remains limited and resistance is increasing. This Review explores the current landscape of fungal infections and antifungal drugs, focusing on synthetic polymeric nanomaterials like nanoparticles that enhance the physicochemical properties of existing drugs. Additionally, we examine intrinsically antifungal polymers that mimic naturally occurring peptides. Advances in polymer characterization and synthesis now allow precise design and screening for antifungal activity, biocompatibility, and drug interactions. These antifungal polymers represent a promising new class of drugs for combating fungal infections.

A template wizard for the cocreation of machine-readable data-reporting to harmonize the evaluation of (nano)materials

Making research data findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR) is typically hampered by a lack of skills in technical aspects of data management by data generators and a lack of resources. We developed a Template Wizard for researchers to easily create templates suitable for consistently capturing data and metadata from their experiments. The templates are easy to use and enable the compilation of machine-readable metadata to accompany data generation and align them to existing community standards and databases, such as eNanoMapper, streamlining the adoption of the FAIR principles. These templates are citable objects and are available as online tools. The Template Wizard is designed to be user friendly and facilitates using and reusing existing templates for new projects or project extensions. The wizard is accompanied by an online template validator, which allows self-evaluation of the template (to ensure mapping to the data schema and machine readability of the captured data) and transformation by an open-source parser into machine-readable formats, compliant with the FAIR principles. The templates are based on extensive collective experience in nanosafety data collection and include over 60 harmonized data entry templates for physicochemical characterization and hazard assessment (cell viability, genotoxicity, environmental organism dose-response tests, omics), as well as exposure and release studies. The templates are generalizable across fields and have already been extended and adapted for microplastics and advanced materials research. The harmonized templates improve the reliability of interlaboratory comparisons, data reuse and meta-analyses and can facilitate the safety evaluation and regulation process for (nano) materials.

Polyester nanoparticles delivering chemotherapeutics: Learning from the past and looking to the future to enhance their clinical impact in tumor therapy

Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), specifically those comprised of biodegradable and biocompatible polyesters, have been heralded as a game-changing drug delivery platform. In fact, poly(α-hydroxy acids) such as polylactide (PLA), poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) have been heavily researched in the past three decades as the material basis of polymeric NPs for drug delivery applications. As materials, these polymers have found success in resorbable sutures, biodegradable implants, and even monolithic, biodegradable platforms for sustained release of therapeutics (e.g., proteins and small molecules) and diagnostics. Few fields have gained more attention in drug delivery through polymeric NPs than cancer therapy. However, the clinical translational of polymeric nanomedicines for treating solid tumors has not been congruent with the fervor or funding in this particular field of research. Here, we attempt to provide a comprehensive snapshot of polyester NPs in the context of chemotherapeutic delivery. This includes a preliminary exploration of the polymeric nanomedicine in the cancer research space. We examine the various processes for producing polyester NPs, including methods for surface-functionalization, and related challenges. After a detailed overview of the multiple factors involved with the delivery of NPs to solid tumors, the crosstalk between particle design and interactions with biological systems is discussed. Finally, we report state-of-the-art approaches toward effective delivery of NPs to tumors, aiming at identifying new research areas and re-evaluating the reasons why some research avenues have underdelivered. We hope our effort will contribute to a better understanding of the gap to fill and delineate the future research work needed to bring polyester-based NPs closer to clinical application. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.

Using Nanoscale Passports To Understand and Unlock Ion Channels as Gatekeepers of the Cell

Natural ion channels are proteins embedded in the cell membrane that control many aspects of cell and human physiology by acting as gatekeepers, regulating the flow of ions in and out of cells. Advances in nanotechnology have influenced the methods for studying ion channels in vitro, as well as ways to unlock the delivery of therapeutics by modulating them in vivo. This review provides an overview of nanotechnology-enabled approaches for ion channel research with a focus on the synthesis and applications of synthetic ion channels. Further, the uses of nanotechnology for therapeutic applications are critically analyzed. Finally, we provide an outlook on the opportunities and challenges at the intersection of nanotechnology and ion channels. This work highlights the key role of nanoscale interactions in the operation and modulation of ion channels, which may prompt insights into nanotechnology-enabled mechanisms to study and exploit these systems in the near future.

Bionano Interactions of Organosilica Nanoparticles with Myeloid Derived Immune Cells

Investigating the interactions between nanomaterials and the cells they are likely to encounter in vivo is a critical aspect of designing nanomedicines for imaging and therapeutic applications. Immune cells such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and myeloid derived suppressor cells have a frontline role in the identification and removal of foreign materials from the body, with interactions shown to be heavily dependent on variables such as nanoparticle size, charge, and surface chemistry. Interactions such as cellular association or uptake of nanoparticles can lead to diminished functionality or rapid clearance from the body, making it critical to consider these interactions when designing and synthesizing nanomaterials for biomedical applications ranging from drug delivery to imaging and biosensing. We investigated the interactions between PEGylated organosilica nanoparticles and naturally endocytic immune cells grown from stem cells in murine bone marrow. Specifically, we varied the particle size from 60 nm up to 1000 nm and investigated the effects of size on immune cell association, activation, and maturation with these critical gatekeeper cells. These results will help inform future design parameters for in vitro and in vivo biomedical applications utilizing organosilica nanoparticles.

Standardizing Protein Corona Characterization in Nanomedicine: A Multicenter Study to Enhance Reproducibility and Data Homogeneity

We recently revealed significant variability in protein corona characterization across various proteomics facilities, indicating that data sets are not comparable between independent studies. This heterogeneity mainly arises from differences in sample preparation protocols, mass spectrometry workflows, and raw data processing. To address this issue, we developed standardized protocols and unified sample preparation workflows, distributing uniform protein corona digests to several top-performing proteomics centers from our previous study. We also examined the influence of using similar mass spectrometry instruments on data homogeneity and standardized database search parameters and data processing workflows. Our findings reveal a remarkable stepwise improvement in protein corona data uniformity, increasing overlaps in protein identification from 11% to 40% across facilities using similar instruments and through a uniform database search. We identify the key parameters behind data heterogeneity and provide recommendations for designing experiments. Our findings should significantly advance the robustness of protein corona analysis for diagnostic and therapeutics applications.

Emerging trends and future challenges of advanced 2D nanomaterials for combating bacterial resistance

The number of multi-drug-resistant bacteria has increased over the last few decades, which has caused a detrimental impact on public health worldwide. In resolving antibiotic resistance development among different bacterial communities, new antimicrobial agents and nanoparticle-based strategies need to be designed foreseeing the slow discovery of new functioning antibiotics. Advanced research studies have revealed the significant disinfection potential of two-dimensional nanomaterials (2D NMs) to be severed as effective antibacterial agents due to their unique physicochemical properties. This review covers the current research progress of 2D NMs-based antibacterial strategies based on an inclusive explanation of 2D NMs' impact as antibacterial agents, including a detailed introduction to each possible well-known antibacterial mechanism. The impact of the physicochemical properties of 2D NMs on their antibacterial activities has been deliberated while explaining the toxic effects of 2D NMs and discussing their biomedical significance, dysbiosis, and cellular nanotoxicity. Adding to the challenges, we also discussed the major issues regarding the current quality and availability of nanotoxicity data. However, smart advancements are required to fabricate biocompatible 2D antibacterial NMs and exploit their potential to combat bacterial resistance clinically.

A Network Toxicology Approach for Mechanistic Modelling of Nanomaterial Hazard and Adverse Outcomes

Hazard assessment is the first step in evaluating the potential adverse effects of chemicals. Traditionally, toxicological assessment has focused on the exposure, overlooking the impact of the exposed system on the observed toxicity. However, systems toxicology emphasizes how system properties significantly contribute to the observed response. Hence, systems theory states that interactions store more information than individual elements, leading to the adoption of network based models to represent complex systems in many fields of life sciences. Here, they develop a network-based approach to characterize toxicological responses in the context of a biological system, inferring biological system specific networks. They directly link molecular alterations to the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework, establishing direct connections between omics data and toxicologically relevant phenotypic events. They apply this framework to a dataset including 31 engineered nanomaterials with different physicochemical properties in two different in vitro and one in vivo models and demonstrate how the biological system is the driving force of the observed response. This work highlights the potential of network-based methods to significantly improve their understanding of toxicological mechanisms from a systems biology perspective and provides relevant considerations and future data-driven approaches for the hazard assessment of nanomaterials and other advanced materials.

Bacterial Susceptibility to Ceria Nanoparticles: The Critical Role of Surrounding Molecules

Investigating the ternary relationship among nanoparticles (NPs), their immediate molecular environment, and test organisms rather than the direct interaction between pristine NPs and test organisms has been thrust into the mainstream of nanotoxicological research. Diverging from previous work that predominantly centered on surrounding molecules affecting the toxicity of NPs by modulating their nanoproperties, this study has unveiled a novel dimension: surrounding molecules altering bacterial susceptibility to NPs, consequently impacting the outcomes of nanobio interaction. The study found that adding nitrate as the surrounding molecules could alter bacterial respiratory pathways, resulting in an enhanced reduction of ceria NPs (nanoceria) on the bacterial surfaces. This, in turn, increased the ion-specific toxicity originating from the release of Ce3+ ions at the nanobio interface. Further transcriptome analysis revealed more mechanistic details underlying the nitrate-induced changes in the bacterial energy metabolism and subsequent toxicity patterns. These findings offer a new perspective for the deconstruction of nanobio interactions and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of NPs' environmental fate and ecotoxicity.

Nanomaterial-Based Repurposing of Macrophage Metabolism and Its Applications

Macrophage immunotherapy represents an emerging therapeutic approach aimed at modulating the immune response to alleviate disease symptoms. Nanomaterials (NMs) have been engineered to monitor macrophage metabolism, enabling the evaluation of disease progression and the replication of intricate physiological signal patterns. They achieve this either directly or by delivering regulatory signals, thereby mapping phenotype to effector functions through metabolic repurposing to customize macrophage fate for therapy. However, a comprehensive summary regarding NM-mediated macrophage visualization and coordinated metabolic rewiring to maintain phenotypic equilibrium is currently lacking. This review aims to address this gap by outlining recent advancements in NM-based metabolic immunotherapy. We initially explore the relationship between metabolism, polarization, and disease, before delving into recent NM innovations that visualize macrophage activity to elucidate disease onset and fine-tune its fate through metabolic remodeling for macrophage-centered immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss the prospects and challenges of NM-mediated metabolic immunotherapy, aiming to accelerate clinical translation. We anticipate that this review will serve as a valuable reference for researchers seeking to leverage novel metabolic intervention-matched immunomodulators in macrophages or other fields of immune engineering.

Better nanoscience through open, collaborative, and critical discussions

We aim to foster a discussion of science correction and of how individual researchers can improve the quality and control of scientific production. This is crucial because although the maintenance of rigorous standards and the scrupulous control of research findings and methods are sometimes taken for granted, in practice, we are routinely confronted with articles that contain errors.

Artificial protein coronas: directing nanoparticles to targets

The protein corona surrounding nanoparticles (NPs) offers exciting possibilities for targeted drug delivery. However, realizing this potential requires direct evidence of corona-receptor interactions in vivo; a challenge hampered by the limitations of in vitro settings. This opinion proposes that utilizing engineered protein coronas can address this challenge. Artificial coronas made of selected plasma proteins retain their properties in vivo, enabling manipulation for specific receptor targeting. To directly assess corona-receptor interactions mimicking in vivo complexity, we propose testing artificial coronas with recently adapted quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) setups whose current limitations and potential advancements are critically discussed. Finally, the opinion proposes future experiments to decipher corona-receptor interactions and unlock the full potential of the protein corona for NP-based drug delivery.

Advanced nanomedicines and immunotherapeutics to treat respiratory diseases especially COVID-19 induced thrombosis

Immunotherapy and associated immune regulation strategies gained huge attraction in order to be utilized for treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases. Engineering specifically nanomedicines can be used to regulate host immunity in lungs in the case of respiratory diseases including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. COVID-19 causes pulmonary embolisms, thus new therapeutic options are required to target thrombosis, as conventional treatment options are either not effective due to the complexity of the immune-thrombosis pathophysiology. In this review, we discuss regulation of immune response in respiratory diseases especially COVID-19. We further discuss thrombosis and provide an overview of some antithrombotic nanoparticles, which can be used to develop nanomedicine against thrombo-inflammation induced by COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases. We also elaborate the importance of immunomodulatory nanomedicines that can block pro-inflammatory signalling pathways, and thus can be recommended to treat respiratory infectious diseases.

Mechanisms and Barriers in Nanomedicine: Progress in the Field and Future Directions

In recent years, steady progress has been made in synthesizing and characterizing engineered nanoparticles, resulting in several approved drugs and multiple promising candidates in clinical trials. Regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency released important guidance documents facilitating nanoparticle-based drug product development, particularly in the context of liposomes and lipid-based carriers. Even with the progress achieved, it is clear that many barriers must still be overcome to accelerate translation into the clinic. At the recent conference workshop "Mechanisms and Barriers in Nanomedicine" in May 2023 in Colorado, U.S.A., leading experts discussed the formulation, physiological, immunological, regulatory, clinical, and educational barriers. This position paper invites open, unrestricted, nonproprietary discussion among senior faculty, young investigators, and students to trigger ideas and concepts to move the field forward.

A large-scale machine learning analysis of inorganic nanoparticles in preclinical cancer research

Owing to their distinct physical and chemical properties, inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have shown promising results in preclinical cancer therapy, but designing and engineering them for effective therapeutic purposes remains a challenge. Although a comprehensive database of inorganic NP research is not currently available, it is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies. In this context, machine learning (ML) has emerged as a transformative tool, but its adaptation to nanomedicine is hindered by inexistent or small datasets. Here we assembled a large database of inorganic NPs, comprising experimental datasets from 745 preclinical studies in cancer nanomedicine. Using descriptive statistics and explainable ML models we mined this database to gain knowledge of inorganic NP design patterns and inform future NP research for cancer treatment. Our analyses suggest that NP shape and therapy type are prominent features in determining in vivo efficacy, measured as a percentage of tumour reduction. Moreover, our database provides a large-scale open-access resource for discriminative ML that the broader nanotechnology community can utilize. Our work blueprints data mining for translational cancer research and offers evidence for standardizing NP reporting to accelerate and de-risk inorganic NP-based drug delivery, which may help to improve patient outcomes in clinical settings.

Does the surface charge of the nanoparticles drive nanoparticle-cell membrane interactions?

Classical Coulombic interaction, characterized by electrostatic interactions mediated through surface charges, is often regarded as the primary determinant in nanoparticles' (NPs) cellular association and internalization. However, the intricate physicochemical properties of particle surfaces, biomolecular coronas, and cell surfaces defy this oversimplified perspective. Moreover, the nanometrological techniques employed to characterize NPs in complex physiological fluids often exhibit limited accuracy and reproducibility. A more comprehensive understanding of nanoparticle-cell membrane interactions, extending beyond attractive forces between oppositely charged surfaces, necessitates the establishment of databases through rigorous physical, chemical, and biological characterization supported by nanoscale analytics. Additionally, computational approaches, such as in silico modeling and machine learning, play a crucial role in unraveling the complexities of these interactions.

FAIR assessment of nanosafety data reusability with community standards

Nanomaterials hold great promise for improving our society, and it is crucial to understand their effects on biological systems in order to enhance their properties and ensure their safety. However, the lack of consistency in experimental reporting, the absence of universally accepted machine-readable metadata standards, and the challenge of combining such standards hamper the reusability of previously produced data for risk assessment. Fortunately, the research community has responded to these challenges by developing minimum reporting standards that address several of these issues. By converting twelve published minimum reporting standards into a machine-readable representation using FAIR maturity indicators, we have created a machine-friendly approach to annotate and assess datasets' reusability according to those standards. Furthermore, our NanoSafety Data Reusability Assessment (NSDRA) framework includes a metadata generator web application that can be integrated into experimental data management, and a new web application that can summarize the reusability of nanosafety datasets for one or more subsets of maturity indicators, tailored to specific computational risk assessment use cases. This approach enhances the transparency, communication, and reusability of experimental data and metadata. With this improved FAIR approach, we can facilitate the reuse of nanosafety research for exploration, toxicity prediction, and regulation, thereby advancing the field and benefiting society as a whole.

Critical parameters to standardize the size and concentration determination of nanomaterials by nanoparticle tracking analysis

The size and concentration are critical for the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of nanomaterials but the accurate measurement remains challenging. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) is widely used for size and concentration determination. However, highly repeatable standard operating procedures (SOPs) are absent. We adopted the "search-evaluate-test" strategy to standardize the measurement by searching the critical parameters. The particles per frame are linearly proportional to the sample concentration and the measured results are more accurate and repeatable when the concentration is 108-109 particles/ml. The optimal detection threshold is around 5. The optimal camera level is such that it allows clear observation of particles without diffractive rings and overexposure. The optimal speed is ≤ 50 in AU and ∼ 10 μl/min in flow rate. We then evaluated the protocol using polydisperse polystyrene particles and we found that NTA could discriminate particles in bimodal mixtures with high size resolution but the performance on multimodal mixtures is not as good as that of resistive pulse sensing (RPS). We further analyzed the polystyrene particles, SiO2 particles, and biological samples by NTA following the SOPs. The size and concentration measured by NTA differentially varies to those determined by RPS and transmission electron microscopy.

Single Extracellular Vesicle Imaging and Computational Analysis Identifies Inherent Architectural Heterogeneity

Evaluating the heterogeneity of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is crucial for unraveling their complex actions and biodistribution. Here, we identify consistent architectural heterogeneity of EVs using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), which has an inherent ability to image biological samples without harsh labeling methods while preserving their native conformation. Imaging EVs isolated using different methodologies from distinct sources, such as cancer cells, normal cells, immortalized cells, and body fluids, we identify a structural atlas of their dominantly consistent shapes. We identify EV architectural attributes by utilizing a segmentation neural network model. In total, 7,576 individual EVs were imaged and quantified by our computational pipeline. Across all 7,576 independent EVs, the average eccentricity was 0.5366 ± 0.2, and the average equivalent diameter was 132.43 ± 67 nm. The architectural heterogeneity was consistent across all sources of EVs, independent of purification techniques, and compromised of single spherical, rod-like or tubular, and double shapes. This study will serve as a reference foundation for high-resolution images of EVs and offer insights into their potential biological impact.

Nanotherapeutic Heterogeneity: Sources, Effects, and Solutions

Nanomaterials have revolutionized medicine by enabling control over drugs' pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and biocompatibility. However, most nanotherapeutic batches are highly heterogeneous, meaning they comprise nanoparticles that vary in size, shape, charge, composition, and ligand functionalization. Similarly, individual nanotherapeutics often have heterogeneously distributed components, ligands, and charges. This review discusses nanotherapeutic heterogeneity's sources and effects on experimental readouts and therapeutic efficacy. Among other topics, it demonstrates that heterogeneity exists in nearly all nanotherapeutic types, examines how nanotherapeutic heterogeneity arises, and discusses how heterogeneity impacts nanomaterials' in vitro and in vivo behavior. How nanotherapeutic heterogeneity skews experimental readouts and complicates their optimization and clinical translation is also shown. Lastly, strategies for limiting nanotherapeutic heterogeneity are reviewed and recommendations for developing more reproducible and effective nanotherapeutics provided.

Bridging Smart Nanosystems with Clinically Relevant Models and Advanced Imaging for Precision Drug Delivery

Intracellular delivery of nano-drug-carriers (NDC) to specific cells, diseased regions, or solid tumors has entered the era of precision medicine that requires systematic knowledge of nano-biological interactions from multidisciplinary perspectives. To this end, this review first provides an overview of membrane-disruption methods such as electroporation, sonoporation, photoporation, microfluidic delivery, and microinjection with the merits of high-throughput and enhanced efficiency for in vitro NDC delivery. The impact of NDC characteristics including particle size, shape, charge, hydrophobicity, and elasticity on cellular uptake are elaborated and several types of NDC systems aiming for hierarchical targeting and delivery in vivo are reviewed. Emerging in vitro or ex vivo human/animal-derived pathophysiological models are further explored and highly recommended for use in NDC studies since they might mimic in vivo delivery features and fill the translational gaps from animals to humans. The exploration of modern microscopy techniques for precise nanoparticle (NP) tracking at the cellular, organ, and organismal levels informs the tailored development of NDCs for in vivo application and clinical translation. Overall, the review integrates the latest insights into smart nanosystem engineering, physiological models, imaging-based validation tools, all directed towards enhancing the precise and efficient intracellular delivery of NDCs.

Metal-Phenolic-Mediated Assembly of Functional Small Molecules into Nanoparticles: Assembly and Bioapplications

Small molecules, including therapeutic drugs and tracer molecules, play a vital role in biological processing, disease treatment and diagnosis, and have inspired various nanobiotechnology approaches to realize their biological function, particularly in drug delivery. Desirable features of a delivery system for functional small molecules (FSMs) include high biocompatibility, high loading capacity, and simple manufacturing processes, without the need for chemical modification of the FSM itself. Herein, we report a simple and versatile approach, based on metal-phenolic-mediated assembly, for assembling FSMs into nanoparticles (i.e., FSM-MPN NPs) under aqueous and ambient conditions. We demonstrate loading of anticancer drugs, latency reversal agents, and fluorophores at up to ~80 % that is mostly facilitated by π and hydrophobic interactions between the FSM and nanoparticle components. Secondary nanoparticle engineering involving coating with a polyphenol-antibody thin film or sequential co-loading of multiple FSMs enables cancer cell targeting and combination delivery, respectively. Incorporating fluorophores into FSM-MPN NPs enables the visualization of biodistribution at different time points, revealing that most of these NPs are retained in the kidney and heart 24 h post intravenous administration. This work provides a viable pathway for the rational design of small molecule nanoparticle delivery platforms for diverse biological applications.

In Vivo Assessment of Hepatic and Kidney Toxicity Induced by Silicon Quantum Dots in Mice

In the last decade, silicon-based quantum dots (SiQDs) have attracted the attention of researchers due to their unique properties for which they are used in medical applications and in vivo imaging. Detection of cytotoxic effects in vivo is essential for understanding the mechanisms of toxicity, a mandatory step before their administration to human subjects. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the in vivo hepatic and renal acute toxicity of SiQDs obtained by laser ablation. The nanoparticles were administrated at different doses (0, 1, 10, and 100 mg of QDs/kg of body weight) by intravenous injection into the caudal vein of Swiss mice. After 1, 6, 24, and 72 h, the animals were euthanatized, and liver and kidney tissues were used in further toxicity tests. The time- and dose-dependent effects of SiQDs on the antioxidant defense system of mice liver and kidney were investigated by quantifying the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase) in correlation with the morphological changes and inflammatory status in the liver and kidneys. The results showed a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and histopathological changes, except for superoxide dismutase, in which no significant changes were registered compared with the control. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical expression of TNF-α was significant at doses over 10 mg of QDs/kg of body weight and were still evident at 72 h after administration. Our results showed that doses under 10 mg of SiQDs/kg of b.w. did not induce hepatic and renal toxicity, providing useful information for further clinical trials.

Environmental and Health Impacts of Graphene and Other Two-Dimensional Materials: A Graphene Flagship Perspective

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted tremendous interest ever since the isolation of atomically thin sheets of graphene in 2004 due to the specific and versatile properties of these materials. However, the increasing production and use of 2D materials necessitate a thorough evaluation of the potential impact on human health and the environment. Furthermore, harmonized test protocols are needed with which to assess the safety of 2D materials. The Graphene Flagship project (2013-2023), funded by the European Commission, addressed the identification of the possible hazard of graphene-based materials as well as emerging 2D materials including transition metal dichalcogenides, hexagonal boron nitride, and others. Additionally, so-called green chemistry approaches were explored to achieve the goal of a safe and sustainable production and use of this fascinating family of nanomaterials. The present review provides a compact survey of the findings and the lessons learned in the Graphene Flagship.

Exploring and Analyzing the Systemic Delivery Barriers for Nanoparticles

Most nanomedicines require efficient in vivo delivery to elicit diagnostic and therapeutic effects. However, en route to their intended tissues, systemically administered nanoparticles often encounter delivery barriers. To describe these barriers, we propose the term "nanoparticle blood removal pathways" (NBRP), which summarizes the interactions between nanoparticles and the body's various cell-dependent and cell-independent blood clearance mechanisms. We reviewed nanoparticle design and biological modulation strategies to mitigate nanoparticle-NBRP interactions. As these interactions affect nanoparticle delivery, we studied the preclinical literature from 2011-2021 and analyzed nanoparticle blood circulation and organ biodistribution data. Our findings revealed that nanoparticle surface chemistry affected the in vivo behavior more than other nanoparticle design parameters. Combinatory biological-PEG surface modification improved the blood area under the curve by ~418%, with a decrease in liver accumulation of up to 47%. A greater understanding of nanoparticle-NBRP interactions and associated delivery trends will provide new nanoparticle design and biological modulation strategies for safer, more effective, and more efficient nanomedicines.

Covalent Organic Frameworks: Opportunities for Rational Materials Design in Cancer Therapy

Nanomedicines are extensively used in cancer therapy. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline organic porous materials with several benefits for cancer therapy, including porosity, design flexibility, functionalizability, and biocompatibility. This review examines the use of COFs in cancer therapy from the perspective of reticular chemistry and function-oriented materials design. First, the modification sites and functionalization methods of COFs are discussed, followed by their potential as multifunctional nanoplatforms for tumor targeting, imaging, and therapy by integrating functional components. Finally, some challenges in the clinical translation of COFs are presented with the hope of promoting the development of COF-based anticancer nanomedicines and bringing COFs closer to clinical trials.

Minimum Information for Conducting and Reporting In Vitro Intracellular Infection Assays

Bacterial pathogens are constantly evolving to outsmart the host immune system and antibiotics developed to eradicate them. One key strategy involves the ability of bacteria to survive and replicate within host cells, thereby causing intracellular infections. To address this unmet clinical need, researchers are adopting new approaches, such as the development of novel molecules that can penetrate host cells, thus exerting their antimicrobial activity intracellularly, or repurposing existing antibiotics using nanocarriers (i.e., nanoantibiotics) for site-specific delivery. However, inconsistency in information reported across published studies makes it challenging for scientific comparison and judgment of experiments for future direction by researchers. Together with the lack of reproducibility of experiments, these inconsistencies limit the translation of experimental results beyond pre-clinical evaluation. Minimum information guidelines have been instrumental in addressing such challenges in other fields of biomedical research. Guidelines and recommendations provided herein have been designed for researchers as essential parameters to be disclosed when publishing their methodology and results, divided into four main categories: (i) experimental design, (ii) establishing an in vitro model, (iii) assessment of efficacy of novel therapeutics, and (iv) statistical assessment. These guidelines have been designed with the intention to improve the reproducibility and rigor of future studies while enabling quantitative comparisons of published studies, ultimately facilitating translation of emerging antimicrobial technologies into clinically viable therapies that safely and effectively treat intracellular infections.

Advanced optical imaging for the rational design of nanomedicines

Despite the enormous potential of nanomedicines to shape the future of medicine, their clinical translation remains suboptimal. Translational challenges are present in every step of the development pipeline, from a lack of understanding of patient heterogeneity to insufficient insights on nanoparticle properties and their impact on material-cell interactions. Here, we discuss how the adoption of advanced optical microscopy techniques, such as super-resolution optical microscopies, correlative techniques, and high-content modalities, could aid the rational design of nanocarriers, by characterizing the cell, the nanomaterial, and their interaction with unprecedented spatial and/or temporal detail. In this nanomedicine arena, we will discuss how the implementation of these techniques, with their versatility and specificity, can yield high volumes of multi-parametric data; and how machine learning can aid the rapid advances in microscopy: from image acquisition to data interpretation.

Neuronanomedicine for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease: Current progress and a guide to improve clinical translation

Neuronanomedicine is an emerging multidisciplinary field that aims to create innovative nanotechnologies to treat major neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). A key component of neuronanomedicine are nanoparticles, which can improve drug properties and demonstrate enhanced safety and delivery across the blood-brain barrier, a major improvement on existing therapeutic approaches. In this review, we critically analyze the latest nanoparticle-based strategies to modify underlying disease pathology to slow or halt AD/PD progression. We find that a major roadblock for neuronanomedicine translation to date is a poor understanding of how nanoparticles interact with biological systems (i.e., bio-nano interactions), which is partly due to inconsistent reporting in published works. Accordingly, this review makes a set of specific recommendations to help guide researchers to harness the unique properties of nanoparticles and thus realise breakthrough treatments for AD/PD.

The combined contamination of nano-polystyrene and nanoAg: Uptake, translocation and ecotoxicity effects on willow saplings

Nanoplastics (NPLs) and nanoAg (AgNPs) are emerging contaminants commonly detected in aquatic and terrestrial environments due to their widespread use in various domains. However, their uptake, translocation, and toxic effects on plants in cooccurrence environments remain largely unexplored. Therefore, a hydroponic experiment was conducted using 100 nm NPLs (1 mg/L and 10 mg/L), AgNPs (100 μg/L and 1000 μg/L) and saplings of willow (Salix matsudana 'J172') to investigate absorption, translocation and the physio-biochemical responses of the plants. The results indicated that NPLs and AgNPs were agglomerated with each other in solutions. NPLs not only penetrated the roots of the saplings but also translocated to the branches and leaves through xylem ducts. However, AgNPs was only detected in the roots, suggesting that the internalization of nanoparticles in plants depends on the properties and types of particles themselves. The combined exposure to NPLs and AgNPs selectively affected the absorption and distribution of K, Ca, Mg and Fe, resulting in inhibited saplings growth and photosynthesis. Furthermore, the presence of NPLs and AgNPs induced oxidative damage and stimulated the antioxidant stress system in the plants. This study provides novel insights into the internalization and ecotoxicological mechanisms of NPLs and AgNPs in woody vascular plants.

Single extracellular vesicle imaging and computational analysis identifies inherent architectural heterogeneity

Evaluating the heterogeneity of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is crucial for unraveling their complex actions and biodistribution. Here, we identify consistent architectural heterogeneity of EVs using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) which has an inherent ability to image biological samples without harsh labeling methods and while preserving their native conformation. Imaging EVs isolated using different methodologies from distinct sources such as cancer cells, normal cells, and body fluids, we identify a structural atlas of their dominantly consistent shapes. We identify EV architectural attributes by utilizing a segmentation neural network model. In total, 7,576 individual EVs were imaged and quantified by our computational pipeline. Across all 7,576 independent EVs, the average eccentricity was 0.5366, and the average equivalent diameter was 132.43 nm. The architectural heterogeneity was consistent across all sources of EVs, independent of purification techniques, and compromised of single spherical (S. Spherical), rod-like or tubular, and double shapes. This study will serve as a reference foundation for high-resolution EV images and offer insights into their potential biological impact.

Ten simple rules for starting FAIR discussions in your community

This work presents 10 rules that provide guidance and recommendations on how to start up discussions around the implementation of the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles and creation of standardised ways of working. These recommendations will be particularly relevant if you are unsure where to start, who to involve, what the benefits and barriers of standardisation are, and if little work has been done in your discipline to standardise research workflows. When applied, these rules will support a more effective way of engaging the community with discussions on standardisation and practical implementation of the FAIR principles.

New Opportunities and Old Challenges in the Clinical translation of Nanotheranostics

Nanoparticle-based systems imbued with both diagnostic and therapeutic functions, known as nanotheranostics, have enabled remarkable progress in guiding focal therapy, inducing active responses to endogenous and exogenous biophysical stimuli, and stratifying patients for optimal treatment. However, although in recent years more nanotechnological platforms and techniques have been implemented in the clinic, several important challenges remain that are specific to nanotheranostics. In this Review, we first discuss some of the many ways of 'constructing' nanotheranostics, focusing on the different imaging modalities and therapeutic strategies. We then outline nanotheranostics that are currently used in humans at different stages of clinical development, identifying specific advantages and opportunities. Finally, we define critical steps along the winding road of preclinical and clinical development and suggest actions to overcome technical, manufacturing, regulatory and economical challenges for the safe and effective clinical translation of nanotheranostics.

Silica nanoparticles: A review of their safety and current strategies to overcome biological barriers

Silica nanoparticles (SNP) have gained tremendous attention in the recent decades. They have been used in many different biomedical fields including diagnosis, biosensing and drug delivery. Medical uses of SNP for anti-cancer, anti-microbial and theranostic applications are especially prominent due to their exceptional performance to deliver many different small molecules and recently biologics (mRNA, siRNA, antigens, antibodies, proteins, and peptides) at targeted sites. The physical and chemical properties of SNP such as large specific surface area, tuneable particle size and porosity, excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility make them an ideal drug delivery and diagnostic platform. Based on the available data and the pre-clinical performance of SNP, recent interest has driven these innovative materials towards clinical application with many of the formulations already in Phase I and Phase II trials. Herein, the progress of SNP in biomedical field is reviewed, and their safety aspects are analysed. Importantly, we critically evaluate the key structural characteristics of SNP to overcome different biological barriers including the blood-brain barrier (BBB), skin, tumour barrier and mucosal barrier. Future directions, potential pathways, and target areas towards rapid clinical translation of SNP are also recommended.