Application of magnetism in tissue regeneration: recent progress and future prospects

Tissue regeneration is a hot topic in the field of biomedical research in this century. Material composition, surface topology, light, ultrasonic, electric field and magnetic fields (MFs) all have important effects on the regeneration process. Among them, MFs can provide nearly non-invasive signal transmission within biological tissues, and magnetic materials can convert MFs into a series of signals related to biological processes, such as mechanical force, magnetic heat, drug release, etc. By adjusting the MFs and magnetic materials, desired cellular or molecular-level responses can be achieved to promote better tissue regeneration. This review summarizes the definition, classification and latest progress of MFs and magnetic materials in tissue engineering. It also explores the differences and potential applications of MFs in different tissue cells, aiming to connect the applications of magnetism in various subfields of tissue engineering and provide new insights for the use of magnetism in tissue regeneration.

Cancer nanotechnology: Enhancing tumor cell response to chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers due to its complexities, reoccurrence after surgical resection, metastasis and heterogeneity. In addition to sorafenib and lenvatinib for the treatment of HCC approved by FDA, various strategies including transarterial chemoembolization, radiotherapy, locoregional therapy and chemotherapy have been investigated in clinics. Recently, cancer nanotechnology has got great attention for the treatment of various cancers including HCC. Both passive and active targetings are progressing at a steady rate. Herein, we describe the lessons learned from pathogenesis of HCC and the understanding of targeted and non-targeted nanoparticles used for the delivery of small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, miRNAs and peptides. Exploring current efficacy is to enhance tumor cell response of chemotherapy. It highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by nanotechnologies in contemporary hepatocellular carcinoma therapy, where personalized medicine is increasingly becoming the mainstay. Overall objective of this review is to enhance our understanding in the design and development of nanotechnology for treatment of HCC.

Reproducible Large-Scale Synthesis of Surface Silanized Nanoparticles as an Enabling Nanoproteomics Platform: Enrichment of the Human Heart Phosphoproteome

A reproducible synthetic strategy was developed for facile large-scale (200 mg) synthesis of surface silanized magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles (NPs) for biological applications. After further coupling a phosphate-specific affinity ligand, these functionalized magnetic NPs were used for the highly specific enrichment of phosphoproteins from a complex biological mixture. Moreover, correlating the surface silane density of the silanized magnetite NPs to their resultant enrichment performance established a simple and reliable quality assurance control to ensure reproducible synthesis of these NPs routinely in large scale and optimal phosphoprotein enrichment performance from batch-to-batch. Furthermore, by successful exploitation of a top-down phosphoproteomics strategy that integrates this high throughput nanoproteomics platform with online liquid chromatography (LC) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), we were able to specifically enrich, identify, and characterize endogenous phosphoproteins from highly complex human cardiac tissue homogenate. This nanoproteomics platform possesses a unique combination of scalability, specificity, reproducibility, and efficiency for the capture and enrichment of low abundance proteins in general, thereby enabling downstream proteomics applications.

Force-Mediating Magnetic Nanoparticles to Engineer Neuronal Cell Function

Cellular processes like membrane deformation, cell migration, and transport of organelles are sensitive to mechanical forces. Technically, these cellular processes can be manipulated through operating forces at a spatial precision in the range of nanometers up to a few micrometers through chaperoning force-mediating nanoparticles in electrical, magnetic, or optical field gradients. But which force-mediating tool is more suitable to manipulate cell migration, and which, to manipulate cell signaling? We review here the differences in forces sensation to control and engineer cellular processes inside and outside the cell, with a special focus on neuronal cells. In addition, we discuss technical details and limitations of different force-mediating approaches and highlight recent advancements of nanomagnetics in cell organization, communication, signaling, and intracellular trafficking. Finally, we give suggestions about how force-mediating nanoparticles can be used to our advantage in next-generation neurotherapeutic devices.

A supramolecular approach for versatile biofunctionalization of magnetic nanoparticles

A convenient and versatile approach for biofunctionalization of magnetic nanoparticles was developed based on supramolecular host–guest interaction.

Coupling functionalized cobalt ferrite nanoparticle enrichment with online LC/MS/MS for top-down phosphoproteomics

An integrated top-down phosphoproteomics strategy enabled by functionalized cobalt ferrite nanoparticle enrichment and online LC/MS/MS for identification, quantification, and characterization of low abundance phosphoproteins is presented.

Phosphorylation plays pivotal roles in cellular processes and dysregulated phosphorylation is considered as an underlying mechanism in many human diseases. Top-down mass spectrometry (MS) analyzes intact proteins and provides a comprehensive analysis of protein phosphorylation. However, top-down MS-based phosphoproteomics is challenging due to the difficulty in enriching low abundance intact phosphoproteins as well as separating and detecting the enriched phosphoproteins from complex mixtures. Herein, we have designed and synthesized the next generation functionalized superparamagnetic cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) nanoparticles (NPs), and have further developed a top-down phosphoproteomics strategy coupling phosphoprotein enrichment enabled by the functionalized CoFe₂O₄ NPs with online liquid chromatography (LC)/MS/MS for comprehensive characterization of phosphoproteins. We have demonstrated the highly specific enrichment of a minimal amount of spike-in β-casein from a complex tissue lysate as well as effective separation and quantification of its phosphorylated genetic variants. More importantly, this integrated top-down phosphoproteomics strategy allows for enrichment, identification, quantification, and comprehensive characterization of low abundance endogenous phosphoproteins from complex tissue extracts on a chromatographic time scale.

Rationally Developed Organic Salts of Tolfenamic Acid and Its β-Alanine Derivatives for Dual Purposes as an Anti-Inflammatory Topical Gel and Anticancer Agent

A new series of primary ammonium monocarboxylate (PAM) salts of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), namely, tolfenamic acid (TA), and its β-alanine derivatives were generated. Nearly 67 % of the salts in the series showed gelling abilities with various solvents, including water (biogenic solvent) and methyl salicylate (typically used for topical gel formulations). Gels were characterized by rheology, electron microscopy, and so forth. Structure-property correlations based on single-crystal and powder XRD data of several gelator and nongelator salts revealed intriguing insights. Studies (in vitro) on an aggressive human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) with the l-tyrosine methyl ester salt of TA (S7) revealed that the hydrogelator salt was more effective at killing cancer cells than the mother drug TA (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay); displayed better anti-inflammatory activity compared with that of TA (prostaglandin E₂ assay); could be internalized within the cancer cells, as revealed by fluorescence microscopy; and inhibited effectively migration of the cancer cells. Thus, the easily accessible ambidextrous gelator salt S7 can be used for two purposes: as an anti-inflammatory topical gel and as an anticancer agent.

Nanostructures for NIR light-controlled therapies

In general, effective clinical treatment demands precision medicine, which requires specific perturbation to disease cells with no damage to normal tissue. Thus far, guaranteeing that selective therapeutic effects occur only at targeted disease areas remains a technical challenge. Among the various endeavors to achieve such an outcome, strategies based on light-controlled therapies have received special attention, mostly due to their unique advantages, including the low-invasive property and the capability to obtain spatial and temporal precision at the targeted sites via specific wavelength light irradiation. However, most conventional light-mediated therapies, especially those based on short-wavelength UV or visible light irradiation, have potential issues including limited penetration depth and harmful photo damage to healthy tissue. Therefore, the implemention of near-infrared (NIR) light illumination, which can travel into deeper tissues without causing obvious photo-induced cytotoxcity, has been suggested as a preferable option for precise phototherapeutic applications in vitro and in vivo. In this article, an overview is presented of existing therapeutic applications through NIR light-absorbed nanostructures, such as NIR light-controlled drug delivery, NIR light-mediated photothermal and photodynamic therapies. Potential challenges and relevant future prospects are also discussed.

Facile preparation of hybrid core-shell nanorods for photothermal and radiation combined therapy

The hybrid platinum@iron oxide core-shell nanorods with high biocompatibility were synthesized and applied for combined therapy. These hybrid nanorods exhibit a good photothermal effect on cancer cells upon irradiation with a NIR laser. Furthermore, due to the presence of a high atomic number element (platinum core), the hybrid nanorods show a synergistic effect between photothermal and radiation therapy. Therefore, the as-prepared core-shell nanorods could play an important role in facilitating synergistic therapy between photothermal and radiation therapy to achieve better therapeutic efficacy.

Ectoenzyme switches the surface of magnetic nanoparticles for selective binding of cancer cells

Enzymatic switch, such as phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of proteins, is the most important mechanism for cellular signal transductions. Inspired by Nature and encouraged by our recent unexpected observation of the dephosphorylation of d-tyrosine phosphate-contain small peptides, we modify the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) with d-tyrosine phosphate that is a substrate of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Our studies find that ALP is able to remove the phosphate groups from the magnetic nanoparticles. Most importantly, placental alkaline phosphatase (ALPP), an ectoenzyme that locates on cell surface with catalytic domains outside the plasma membrane and is overexpressed on many cancer cells, dephosphorylate the d-tyrosine phosphates on the surface of the magnetic nanoparticle and enable the magnetic nanoparticles to adhere selectively to the cancer cells, such as HeLa cells. Unlikely commonly used antibodies, the selectivity of the magnetic nanoparticles to cancer cells originates from the enzymatic reaction catalyzed by ALPP. The use of enzymatic reaction to modulate the surface of various nanostructures may lead to a general method to broadly target cancer cells without relying on specific ligand-receptor interactions (e.g., antibodies). This work, thus, illustrates a fundamentally new concept to allow cells to actively engineer the surface of colloids materials, such as magnetic nanoparticles, for various applications.

A generic magnetic microsphere platform with "clickable" ligands for purification and immobilization of targeted proteins

While much effort has been made to prepare magnetic microspheres (MMs) with surface moieties that bind to affinity tags or fusion partners of interest in the recombinant proteins, it remains a challenge to develop a generic platform that is capable of incorporating a variety of capture ligands by a simple chemistry. Herein, we developed core-shell structured magnetic microspheres with a high magnetic susceptibility and a low nonspecific protein adsorption. Surface functionalization of these MMs with azide groups facilitates covalent attachment of alkynylated ligands on their surfaces by "click" chemistry and creates a versatile platform for selective purification and immobilization of recombinant proteins carrying corresponding affinity tags. The general applicability of the approach was demonstrated in incorporating four widely used affinity ligands with different reactive groups (-CHO, -SH, -COOH, and -NH2) onto the MMs platform for purification and immobilization of targeted proteins. The azide-functionalized MMs would be applicable for a variety of ligands and substrates that are amenable to alkynylation modification.

Specific enrichment of phosphoproteins using functionalized multivalent nanoparticles

Analysis of protein phosphorylation remains a significant challenge due to the low abundance of phosphoproteins and the low stoichiometry of phosphorylation, which requires effective enrichment of phosphoproteins. Here we have developed superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) whose surface is functionalized by multivalent ligand molecules that specifically bind to the phosphate groups on any phosphoproteins. These NPs enrich phosphoproteins from complex cell and tissue lysates with high specificity as confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis with a phosphoprotein-specific stain and mass spectrometry analysis of the enriched phosphoproteins. This method enables universal and effective capture, enrichment, and detection of intact phosphoproteins toward a comprehensive analysis of the phosphoproteome.

Temperature-switched controlled release nanosystems based on molecular recognition and polymer phase transition

Novel temperature-switched controlled release nanosystems based on molecular recognition of β-CD and thermosensitivity of PNIPAM phase transition of is developed.

Preparation of fluorine-doped, carbon-encapsulated hollow Fe3O4 spheres as an efficient anode material for Li-ion batteries

Herein we report the design and synthesis of fluorine-doped, carbon-encapsulated hollow Fe3O4 spheres (h-Fe3O4@C/F) through mild heating of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-coated hollow Fe3O4 spheres. The spheres exhibit enhanced cyclic and rate performances. The as-prepared h-Fe3O4@C/F shows significantly improved electrochemical performance, with high reversible capacities of over 930 mA h g(-1) at a rate of 0.1 C after 70 cycles, 800 mA h g(-1) at a rate of 0.5 C after 120 cycles and 620 mA h g(-1) at a rate of 1 C after 200 cycles. This improved lithium storage performance is mainly ascribed to the encapsulation of the spheres with fluorine-doped carbon, which not only improves the reaction kinetics and stability of the solid electrolyte interface film but also prevents aggregation and drastic volume change of the Fe3O4 particles. These spheres thus represent a promising anode material in lithium-ion battery applications.

Maltodextrin-modified magnetic microspheres for selective enrichment of maltose binding proteins

In this work, maltodextrin-modified magnetic microspheres Fe3O4@SiO2-Maltodextrin (Fe3O4@SiO2-MD) with uniform size and fine morphology were synthesized through a facile and low-cost method. As the maltodextrins on the surface of microspheres were combined with maltose binding proteins (MBP), the magnetic microspheres could be applied to enriching standard MBP fused proteins. Then, the application of Fe3O4@SiO2-MD in one-step purification and immobilization of MBP fused proteins was demonstrated. For the model protein we examined, Fe3O4@SiO2-MD showed excellent binding selectivity and capacity against other Escherichia coli proteins in the crude cell lysate. Additionally, the maltodextrin-modified magnetic microspheres can be recycled for several times without significant loss of binding capacity.

Temporally controlled targeting of 4-hydroxynonenal to specific proteins in living cells

In-depth chemical understanding of complex biological processes hinges upon the ability to systematically perturb individual systems. However, current approaches to study impacts of biologically relevant reactive small molecules involve bathing of the entire cell or isolated organelle with excess amounts, leading to off-target effects. The resultant lack of biochemical specificity has plagued our understanding of how biological electrophiles mediate signal transduction or regulate responses that confer defense mechanisms to cellular electrophilic stress. Here we introduce a target-specific electrophile delivery platform that will ultimately pave the way to interrogate effects of reactive electrophiles on specific target proteins in cells. The new methodology is demonstrated by photoinducible targeted delivery of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) to the proteins Keap1 and PTEN. Covalent conjugation of the HNE-precursor to HaloTag fused to the target proteins enables directed HNE delivery upon photoactivation. The strategy provides proof of concept of selective delivery of reactive electrophiles to individual electrophile-responsive proteins in mammalian cells. It opens a new avenue enabling more precise determination of the pathophysiological consequences of HNE-induced chemical modifications on specific target proteins in cells.

A chemically functionalized magnetic nanoplatform for rapid and specific biomolecular recognition and separation

We have developed a target-molecule-functionalized magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-based method to facilitate the study of biomolecular recognition and separation. The superparamagnetic property of MNPs allows the corresponding biomolecules to be rapidly separated from crude biofluids with a significant improvement in recovery yield and specificity. Various MNPs functionalized with tag molecules (chitin, heparin, and amylose) were synthesized for recombinant protein purification, and several probe-functionalized MNPs, such as nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)@MNP and P(k)@MNP, exhibited excellent extraction efficiency for proteins. In a cell recognition study, mannose-functionalized MNPs allowed specific purification of Escherichia coli with FimH adhesin on the surface. In an immunoprecipitation assay, the antibody-conjugated MNPs reduced the incubation time from 12 to 1 h while maintaining a comparable efficiency. The functionalized MNPs were also used in a membrane proteomic study that utilized the interaction between streptavidin-functionalized MNPs and biotinylated cell membrane proteins. Overall, the functionalized MNPs were demonstrated to be promising probes for the specific separation of targets from proteins to cells and proteomics.