Assessing the responses of cellular proteins induced by hyaluronic acid-modified surfaces utilizing a mass spectrometry-based profiling system: over-expression of CD36, CD44, CDK9, and PP2A

Hyaluronic Acid-Conjugated Carbon Nanomaterials for Enhanced Tumour Targeting Ability

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been implemented for chemo and photothermal therapy to target tumour cells overexpressing the CD44+ receptor. HA-targeting hybrid systems allows carbon nanomaterial (CNM) carriers to efficiently deliver anticancer drugs, such as doxorubicin and gemcitabine, to the tumour sites. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are grouped for a detailed review of the novel nanocomposites for cancer therapy. Some CNMs proved to be more successful than others in terms of stability and effectiveness at removing relative tumour volume. While the literature has been focused primarily on the CNTs and GO, other CNMs such as carbon nano-onions (CNOs) proved quite promising for targeted drug delivery using HA. Near-infrared laser photoablation is also reviewed as a primary method of cancer therapy-it can be used alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy to achieve promising chemo-photothermal therapy protocols. This review aims to give a background into HA and why it is a successful cancer-targeting component of current CNM-based drug delivery systems.

Unchain My Heart: Integrins at the Basis of iPSC Cardiomyocyte Differentiation

The cellular response to the extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment mediated by integrin adhesion is of fundamental importance, in both developmental and pathological processes. In particular, mechanotransduction is of growing importance in groundbreaking cellular models such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), since this process may strongly influence cell fate and, thus, augment the precision of differentiation into specific cell types, e.g., cardiomyocytes. The decryption of the cellular machinery starting from ECM sensing to iPSC differentiation calls for new in vitro methods. Conveniently, engineered biomaterials activating controlled integrin-mediated responses through chemical, physical, and geometrical designs are key to resolving this issue and could foster clinical translation of optimized iPSC-based technology. This review introduces the main integrin-dependent mechanisms and signalling pathways involved in mechanotransduction. Special consideration is given to the integrin-iPSC linkage signalling chain in the cardiovascular field, focusing on biomaterial-based in vitro models to evaluate the relevance of this process in iPSC differentiation into cardiomyocytes.

Selective delivery of PLXDC1 small interfering RNA to endothelial cells for anti-angiogenesis tumor therapy using CD44-targeted chitosan nanoparticles for epithelial ovarian cancer

Angiogenesis plays an essential role in the growth and metastasis of tumor cells, and the modulation of angiogenesis can be an effective approach for cancer therapy. We focused on silencing the angiogenic gene PLXDC1 as an important factor for anti-angiogenesis tumor therapy. Herein, we developed PLXDC1 small interfering siRNA (siRNA)-incorporated chitosan nanoparticle (CH-NP/siRNA) coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) to target the CD44 receptor on tumor endothelial cells. This study aimed to improve targeted delivery and enhance therapeutic efficacy for tumor anti-angiogenesis. The HA-CH-NP/siRNA was 200 ± 10 nm in size with a zeta potential of 26.4 mV. The loading efficiency of siRNA to the HA-CH-NP/siRNA was up to 60%. The selective binding of HA-CH-NP/siRNA to CD44-positive tumor endothelial cells increased by 2.1-fold compared with that of the CD44 nontargeted CH-NP/siRNA. PLXDC1 silencing by the HA-CH-NP/siRNA significantly inhibited tumor growth in A2780 tumor-bearing mice compared with that in the control group (p < .01), and mRNA expression of PLXDC1 was significantly reduced in the HA-CH-NP/siRNA-treated group. Furthermore, treatment with HA-CH-NP/siRNA resulted in significant inhibition of cell proliferation (p < .001), reduced microvessel density (p < .001), and increased cell apoptosis (p < .001). This study demonstrates that HA-CH-NP/siRNA is a highly selective delivery platform for siRNA, and has broad potential to be used in anti-angiogenesis tumor therapy.

Surface-modified polymers for cardiac tissue engineering

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), leading to myocardial infarction and heart failure, is one of the major causes of death worldwide. The physiological system cannot significantly regenerate the capabilities of a damaged heart. The current treatment involves pharmacological and surgical interventions; however, less invasive and more cost-effective approaches are sought. Such new approaches are developed to induce tissue regeneration following injury. Hence, regenerative medicine plays a key role in treating CVD. Recently, the extrinsic stimulation of cardiac regeneration has involved the use of potential polymers to stimulate stem cells toward the differentiation of cardiomyocytes as a new therapeutic intervention in cardiac tissue engineering (CTE). The therapeutic potentiality of natural or synthetic polymers and cell surface interactive factors/polymer surface modifications for cardiac repair has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. This review will discuss the recent advances in CTE using polymers and cell surface interactive factors that interact strongly with stem cells to trigger the molecular aspects of the differentiation or formulation of cardiomyocytes for the functional repair of heart injuries or cardiac defects.

Proteomic Profiling of Neuroblastoma Cells Adhesion on Hyaluronic Acid-Based Surface for Neural Tissue Engineering

The microenvironment of neuron cells plays a crucial role in regulating neural development and regeneration. Hyaluronic acid (HA) biomaterial has been applied in a wide range of medical and biological fields and plays important roles in neural regeneration. PC12 cells have been reported to be capable of endogenous NGF synthesis and secretion. The purpose of this research was to assess the effect of HA biomaterial combining with PC12 cells conditioned media (PC12 CM) in neural regeneration. Using SH-SY5Y cells as an experimental model, we found that supporting with PC12 CM enhanced HA function in SH-SY5Y cell proliferation and adhesion. Through RP-nano-UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analyses, we identified increased expression of HSP60 and RanBP2 in SH-SY5Y cells grown on HA-modified surface with cotreatment of PC12 CM. Moreover, we also identified factors that were secreted from PC12 cells and may promote SH-SY5Y cell proliferation and adhesion. Here, we proposed a biomaterial surface enriched with neurotrophic factors for nerve regeneration application.

PLGA Microparticles Entrapping Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles for the Ocular Delivery of Ranibizumab

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of certified vision loss worldwide. The standard treatment for neovascular AMD involves repeated intravitreal injections of therapeutic proteins directed against vascular endothelial growth factor, such as ranibizumab. Biodegradable polymers, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), form delivery vehicles which can be used to treat posterior segment eye diseases, but suffer from poor protein loading and release. This work describes a "system-within-system", PLGA microparticles incorporating chitosan-based nanoparticles, for improved loading and sustained intravitreal delivery of ranibizumab. Chitosan-N-acetyl-l-cysteine (CNAC) was synthesized and its synthesis confirmed using FT-IR and (1)H NMR. Chitosan-based nanoparticles composed of CNAC, CNAC/tripolyphosphate (CNAC/TPP), chitosan, chitosan/TPP (chit/TPP), or chit/TPP-hyaluronic acid (chit/TPP-HA) were incorporated in PLGA microparticles using a modified w/o/w double emulsion method. Nanoparticles and final nanoparticles-within-microparticles were characterized for their protein-nanoparticle interaction, size, zeta potential, morphology, protein loading, stability, in vitro release, in vivo antiangiogenic activity, and effects on cell viability. The prepared nanoparticles were 17-350 nm in size and had zeta potentials of -1.4 to +12 mV. Microscopic imaging revealed spherical nanoparticles on the surface of PLGA microparticles for preparations containing chit/TPP, CNAC, and CNAC/TPP. Ranibizumab entrapment efficiency in the preparations varied between 13 and 69% and was highest for the PLGA microparticles containing CNAC nanoparticles. This preparation also showed the slowest release with no initial burst release compared to all other preparations. Incorporation of TPP to this formulation increased the rate of protein release and reduced entrapment efficiency. PLGA microparticles containing chit/TPP-HA showed the fastest and near-complete release of ranibizumab. All of the prepared empty particles showed no effect on cell viability up to a concentration of 12.5 mg/mL. Ranibizumab released from all preparations maintained its structural integrity and in vitro activity. The chit/TPP-HA preparation enhanced antiangiogenic activity and may provide a potential biocompatible platform for enhanced antiangiogenic activity in combination with ranibizumab. In conclusion, the PLGA microparticles containing CNAC nanoparticles showed significantly improved ranibizumab loading and release profile. This novel drug delivery system may have potential for improved intravitreal delivery of therapeutic proteins, thereby reducing the frequency, risk, and cost of burdensome intravitreal injections.

Design of Chitosan-Grafted Carbon Nanotubes: Evaluation of How the -OH Functional Group Affects Cs+ Adsorption

In order to explore the effect of –OH functional groups in Cs⁺ adsorption, we herein used the low temperature plasma-induced grafting method to graft chitosan onto carbon nanotubes (denoted as CTS-g-CNTs), as raw-CNTs have few functional groups and chitosan has a large number of –OH functional groups. The synthesized CTS-g-CNT composites were characterized using different techniques. The effect of –OH functional groups in the Cs⁺ adsorption process was evaluated by comparison of the adsorption properties of raw-CNTs with and without grafting chitosan. The variation of environmental conditions such as pH and contact time was investigated. A comparison of contaminated seawater and simulated groundwater was also evaluated. The results indicated that: (1) the adsorption of Cs⁺ ions was strongly dependent on pH and the competitive cations; (2) for CNT-based material, the –OH functional groups have a positive effect on Cs⁺ removal; (3) simulated contaminated groundwater can be used to model contaminated seawater to evaluate the adsorption property of CNTs-based material. These results showed direct observational evidence on the effect of –OH functional groups for Cs⁺ adsorption. Our findings are important in providing future directions to design and to choose effective material to remedy the removal of radioactive cesium from contaminated groundwater and seawater, crucial for public health and the human social environment.

The Role of CD44 in Disease Pathophysiology and Targeted Treatment

The cell-surface glycoprotein CD44 is involved in a multitude of important physiological functions including cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, hematopoiesis, and lymphocyte activation. The diverse physiological activity of CD44 is manifested in the pathology of a number of diseases including cancer, arthritis, bacterial and viral infections, interstitial lung disease, vascular disease, and wound healing. This diversity in biological activity is conferred by both a variety of distinct CD44 isoforms generated through complex alternative splicing, posttranslational modifications (e.g., N- and O-glycosylation), interactions with a number of different ligands, and the abundance and spatial distribution of CD44 on the cell surface. The extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid (HA) is the principle ligand of CD44. This review focuses both CD44-hyaluronan dependent and independent CD44 signaling and the role of CD44–HA interaction in various pathophysiologies. The review also discusses recent advances in novel treatment strategies that exploit the CD44–HA interaction either for direct targeting or for drug delivery.

Enhancing lung cancer diagnosis: electrochemical simultaneous bianalyte immunosensing using carbon nanotubes-chitosan nanocomposite

A label-free electrochemical bianalyte immunosensor has been designed for simultaneous detection of lung cancer biomarkers (anti-MAGE A2 and anti-MAGE A11) using carbon nanotubes-chitosan (CNT-CHI) composite. To achieve this, acid-functionalized single-walled CNTs were used to prepare CNT-CHI gel and electrodes were fabricated by drop casting method onto graphite surface. Lung cancer biomarkers specific antigens (Ag), i.e., MAGE A2 and MAGE A11, were covalently immobilized onto CNT-CHI/graphite electrode separately for fabrication process. Fabricated immunoelectrodes (MAGE A2/CNT-CHI/graphite and MAGE A11/CNT-CHI/graphite) were characterized at each modification step by cyclic voltammetry (CV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both immunoelectrodes showed successful detection of respective analytes (anti-MAGE A2 and anti-MAGE A11) from 5 fg mL(-1) to 50 ng mL(-1) using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Both Ag/CNT-CHI/graphite immunoelectrodes (using MAGE A2 and MAGE A11) were independently capable of distinguishing specific and nonspecific analytes like CD59, D-dimers, etc. Response studies of both immunoelectrodes revealed successful demonstration of simultaneous detection of anti-MAGE A2 and A11 independently in a single experimental run when exposed to a mixture of various analyte concentrations in different combinations irrespective of the presence of other analyte present in the same vessel.

Characteristics of cesium ion sorption from aqueous solution on bentonite- and carbon nanotube-based composites

The technology development of Cs(+) capture from aqueous solution is crucial for the disposal of nuclear waste and still remains a significant challenge. Previous researches have been proven that ion exchanges with the cations and hydroxyl exchange are the main sorption mechanisms for Cs(+). Therefore, how important are the cation exchange and the hydroxyl exchange mechanisms to Cs(+) sorption? And whether can we improve the sorption capacity of the material by increasing the amount of hydroxyl groups? With these in mind, we herein designed the chitosan-grafted carbon nanotubes (CS-g-CNTs) and the chitosan-grafted bentonite (CS-g-bentonite) by plasma-induced grafting method. The interactions of Cs(+) with CNTs, bentonite, CS-g-CNTs and CS-g-bentonite composites were investigated. The sorption of Cs(+) is mainly dominated by strong cation exchange in monovalent Group I and divalent Group II. And the cation-exchange mechanism is much more effective than the hydroxyl group exchange. The effect of hydroxyl groups is dependent on the property of the matrix. We cannot improve the Cs adsorption capacity of material for Cs(+) only by increasing the amount of hydroxyl groups in any case. The spatial structure and the cation-exchange capacity of the material are important factors for choosing the sorbent for Cs(+) removal from radioactive waste water.

Adenosine diphosphate-decorated chitosan nanoparticles shorten blood clotting times, influencing the structures and varying the mechanical properties of the clots

Chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) decorated with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (ANPs) or fibrinogen (FNPs) were used to fabricate hemostatic NPs that can shorten blood clotting time and prevent severe local hemorrhage. The structure and mechanical properties of the blood clot induced with ANP (clot/ANP) or FNP (clot/FNP) were also investigated. The NPs, ANPs, and FNPs, which had particle sizes of 245.1±14.0, 251.0±9.8, and 326.5±14.5 nm and zeta potentials of 24.1±0.5, 20.6±1.9, and 15.3±1.5 mV (n=4), respectively, were fabricated by ionic gelation and then decorated with ADP and fibrinogen. The zeta potentials and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of the NPs confirmed that their surfaces were successfully coated with ADP and fibrinogen. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs of the structure of the clot induced with “undecorated” chitosan NPs (clot/NP), clot/ANP, and clot/FNP (at 0.05 wt%) were different, after citrated bloods had been recalcified by a calcium chloride solution containing NPs, ANPs, or FNPs. This indicated that many NPs adhered on the membrane surfaces of red blood cells, that ANPs induced many platelet aggregates, and that FNPs were incorporated into the fibrin network in the clots. Measurements of the blood clotting times (Tc) of blood clot/NPs, clot/ANPs, and clot/FNPs, based on 90% of ultimate frequency shifts measured on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), were significantly (P<0.05) (n=4) shorter than that of a clot induced by a phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) (clot/PBS) (63.6%±3.1%, 48.3%±6.2%, and 63.2%±4.7%, respectively). The ΔF₂ values in the spectra of frequency shifts associated with the propagation of fibrin networks in the clot/ANPs and clot/FNPs were significantly lower than those of clot/PBS. Interestingly, texture profile analysis of the compressional properties showed significantly lower hardness and compressibility in clot/NPs and clot/ANPs (P<0.05 or better) (n=4) compared with clot/PBS and clot/FNPs. Accordingly, among the hemostatic NPs, ANP substantially reduced blood clotting times, ΔF₂ values, and compression flow properties of the clot. Hence, ANPs have potential applications for preventing severe local hemorrhage.

Characterization of silk fibroin modified surface: a proteomic view of cellular response proteins induced by biomaterials

The purpose of this study was to develop the pathway of silk fibroin (SF) biopolymer surface induced cell membrane protein activation. Fibroblasts were used as an experimental model to evaluate the responses of cellular proteins induced by biopolymer material using a mass spectrometry-based profiling system. The surface was covered by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and SF to increase the surface area, enhance the adhesion of biopolymer, and promote the rate of cell proliferation. The amount of adhered fibroblasts on CNTs/SF electrodes of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) greatly exceeded those on other surfaces. Moreover, analyzing differential protein expressions of adhered fibroblasts on the biopolymer surface by proteomic approaches indicated that CD44 may be a key protein. Through this study, utilization of mass spectrometry-based proteomics in evaluation of cell adhesion on biopolymer was proposed.