Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anna S. Vikulina, Jack Campbell
Summary: An undeniable trend in modern bioengineering and nanotechnology is the use of various biomolecules, primarily polymeric, for designing novel functional materials in controlled drug delivery, bioimaging, tissue engineering, and other bioapplications. Biogenic polymers with features like biocompatibility, biodegradability, replicating natural cellular microenvironments, and minimal toxicity, have gained growing interest as building blocks for fourth-generation biomaterials. Recent studies highlight the promise of hard-templating approach in fabricating nano- and microparticles using biopolymers, covering up-to-date knowledge on this topic and assessing the progress and challenges in the field.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shiyong Teng, Yandong Han, Yang Hu, Jinshuo Li, Min Wang, Zilong Guo, Wensheng Yang
Summary: In this study, we successfully prepared HPMO capsules with tunable shell thickness and efficiently loaded hydrophobic drug PTX into the capsules. The prepared capsules exhibited excellent swellability and improved performance in killing cancer cells.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Yifei Wang, Nicholas Starvaggi, Emily Pentzer
Summary: Polymeric capsules with responsive shells have been widely studied for various applications. By introducing stimuli-responsive properties to the shells, the performance of these structures can be tailored for applications such as on-demand cargo release and varied shell permeability. This minireview focuses on the structure-property relationships of responsive polymer capsules beyond drug delivery and discusses fabrication techniques, chemistries, and application-oriented performances.
Review
Polymer Science
Yifei Wang, Nicholas Starvaggi, Emily Pentzer
Summary: Polymeric capsules with core-shell structures have been extensively studied for various applications such as molecule separations, energy storage, and catalysis. In order to enhance their application-oriented performance, researchers have endowed the capsule shells with stimuli-responsive properties. This minireview focuses on responsive polymer capsules and their applications beyond drug delivery, highlighting the structure-property relationships.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Li, Bogdan V. Parakhonskiy, Andre G. Skirtach
Summary: The article provides an overview of the fabrication methods and applications of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules, highlighting the current trends and expanding range of applications.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Economics
Peter Radchenko, Andrey L. Vasnev, Wendun Wang
Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive investigation into the emergence of negative weights when combining forecasts. The study challenges the usual practice of ignoring or trimming negative weights, suggesting that trimming can improve the combined forecast. A proposed optimal trimming threshold is introduced to enhance forecasting performance, and its effectiveness is demonstrated through simulations and empirical examples.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FORECASTING
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jesus Alberto Afonso Urich, Anna Fedorko, Bettina Hoelzer, Johannes Khinast
Summary: This article introduces a ready-to-fill functional capsule, EUDRACAP (R), which can effectively mitigate the challenges in developing delayed-release formulations for acid-sensitive actives. The experimental results demonstrate that EUDRACAP (R) has excellent acid protection capability and performs well in vitro compared to commercial products.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shuo Zu, Zhihui Zhang, Qingping Liu, Zhenguo Wang, Zhengyi Song, Yunting Guo, Yuanzhu Xin, Shuang Zhang
Summary: Researchers have developed core-shell structured hydrogel capsules using four-dimensional (4D) printing, which can autonomously control drug release based on temperature and shell thickness. This method shows great potential in smart controlled release of drugs and macromolecular active agents.
BIO-DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jiseob Woo, Yoonhee Na, Won Il Choi, Sunghyun Kim, Junsik Kim, Jinkee Hong, Daekyung Sung
Summary: A multifunctional multilayer film based on ferrocene polymers was developed for controlled drug release, anti-biofilm activity, and improved biocompatibility. The film showed promising results in preventing biofilm formation, drug delivery, and anti-cancer efficacy.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guorui Su, Baoshan Jia, Peng Wang, Ru Zhang, Zhuo Shen
Summary: The study analyzed the factors influencing spontaneous combustion in coal mines from the aspects of coal's spontaneous combustion tendency, air leakage, oxygen supply, and heat storage. A new evaluation model was proposed using a combination ordered weighted averaging (COWA) calculation to optimize subjective weighting and verify with actual cases. The results showed that the Lingquan coal mine has a relatively safe level of spontaneous combustion risk, with coal's spontaneous combustion tendency being the main factor.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Morgan Giles, Justin Hong, Yayuan Liu, Jie Tang, Tinghui Li, Avital Beig, Anna Schwendeman, Steven Schwendeman
Summary: Encapsulation of bioactive peptides in slow-release particles is achieved through a simple and low-cost method of remote encapsulation using polymer phase absorption. This technique allows for extended duration of action of peptide drugs and eliminates the need for organic solvents and critical removal steps.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shiwen Bao, Quantao Liu, Hechuan Li, Lei Zhang, Diego Maria Barbieri
Summary: In this study, calcium alginate capsules encapsulating sunflower oil as a repair agent were synthesized and tested in asphalt concrete. Results showed that with an increase in compression loading cycles, more oil was released from the capsules, leading to an obvious increase in the self-healing level of the asphalt concrete. The released oil softened the asphalt, decreasing the complex modulus and increasing the phase angle of the asphalt.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomasz Urbaniak, Gabriela S. Garcia-Briones, Alexander Zhigunov, Sviatoslav Hladysh, Edyta Adrian, Volodymyr Lobaz, Tereza Krunclova, Olga Janouskova, Ognen Pop-Georgievski, Dana Kubies
Summary: This study investigated layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte coatings with the ability to release heparin-binding proteins. The use of tannic acid as a physical crosslinker resulted in more stable films during assembly and increased protein release. The proteins released more when they were part of the heparin layers rather than as individual protein layers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Neha Singh, Madhu Vinjamur, Mamata Mukhopadhyay
Summary: This study provides insights into the adsorptive drug loading process in silica aerogels from supercritical CO2. A new method for accurate measurement of drug loading is presented, which yields lower results compared to the prevalent method. Both methods correlate well with the Langmuir adsorption equation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhuoran Wang, Shuai Zhang, Ruofei Zhang, Xuehui Chen, Guoming Sun, Meng Zhou, Qiubai Han, Baoli Zhang, Yue Zhao, Bing Jiang, Yili Yang, Xiyun Yan, Kelong Fan
Summary: The Am-PNCage is a novel protein nanocarrier with dual-targeting properties, allowing for effective drug loading and promoting drug penetration and accumulation in tumors in vivo.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jayachandra Reddy Nakkala, Yiyuan Duan, Jie Ding, Wali Muhammad, Deteng Zhang, Zhengwei Mao, Hongwei Ouyang, Changyou Gao
Summary: Immunomodulation is critical for tissue regeneration and regenerative medicine, and macrophage membrane-coated PCL nanofibers show potential in modulating immune responses and promoting anti-inflammation. The M2-PCL nanofibers effectively polarize macrophages to M2 phenotype, inhibit toll like receptors signaling induced NF-kB and IRF-5, and decrease the expression of inflammation-associated chemokines, which is important for tissue regeneration.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wali Muhammad, Zihe Zhai, Shuqin Wang, Changyou Gao
Summary: Pneumonia is a common yet serious infectious disease, where pathogens interact with the lungs to cause inflammation response. While pharmacotherapies are effective, developing inflammation modulation nanoparticles show promise in alleviating pneumonia and acute lung injury.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jieqi Xie, Yuejun Yao, Shuqin Wang, Linge Fan, Jie Ding, Yun Gao, Shifen Li, Liyin Shen, Yang Zhu, Changyou Gao
Summary: In this study, a segmented polyurethane material with high efficiency of reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination was synthesized. Electrospun composite patches made from this material showed antioxidation capacity and ROS-responsive degradation. Implantation of these patches on heart tissue surface reduced ROS level, membrane peroxidation, and cell apoptosis, while decreasing inflammation and fibrosis, leading to improved cardiac functions.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Cong Du, Jian Hu, Xinyu Wu, Huimin Shi, Hai Chao Yu, Jin Qian, Jun Yin, Changyou Gao, Zi Liang Wu, Qiang Zheng
Summary: In this work, tough hydrogel constructs were fabricated using kappa-carrageenan/polyacrylamide double-network gels and toughened by soaking in zirconyl chloride solution. The obtained hydrogels showed good stability in water and possessed good mechanical properties. Optimized printing parameters allowed for the fabrication of 3D printed constructs with high aspect ratio and shape fidelity. Additionally, a biomimetic strategy was applied to create hydrogel composites by filling the tough hydrogel scaffold with a cell-laden fibrin hydrogel, demonstrating a favorable microenvironment for cells under cyclic compression.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zihe Zhai, Wei Ouyang, Yuejun Yao, Yuqi Zhang, Haolan Zhang, Feng Xu, Changyou Gao
Summary: A therapeutic nanoplatform with ROS-responsiveness was developed for the regulation of inflammation, thereby efficiently treating acute lung injury.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xin Shi, Tong Zhou, Shenyu Huang, Yuejun Yao, Peifang Xu, Shaodan Hu, Chenxi Tu, Wei Yin, Changyou Gao, Juan Ye
Summary: Ocular alkali burn is a serious emergency characterized by persistent inflammation and irreversible vision loss. A double network biomaterial, composed of electrospun nanofibres of thioketal-containing polyurethane (PUTK) and a ROS-scavenging hydrogel (RH), was prepared and transplanted onto a rat corneal alkali burn model. The composite patch showed strong antioxidant activity and accelerated corneal wound healing by inhibiting inflammation, promoting epithelial regeneration, and decreasing scar formation.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Wenbo Zhang, Luca Bertinetti, Efe Cuma Yavuzsoy, Changyou Gao, Emanuel Schneck, Peter Fratzl
Summary: Physical forces play a crucial role in the development and function of biological tissues. However, the measurement of osmotic pressures in cell and organ culture systems has been challenging. In this study, novel liposomal sensors based on resonance energy transfer (FRET) were developed to accurately measure osmotic pressures in physiological conditions. These sensors were successfully applied in pre-osteoblastic cell culture systems, paving the way for in situ osmotic pressure sensing in biological cultures.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haijun Hu, Xiping Chen, Kefei Zhao, Weiwei Zheng, Changyou Gao
Summary: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health problem that often results in severe disability and significant financial burden. The detrimental pathological environment caused by TBI triggers secondary injuries, leading to loss of nerve function and hindrance of nerve regeneration. Advances in adaptive biomaterials now allow for the regulation of the microenvironment to reduce secondary injuries and promote neurogenesis. This review discusses the development of pathology after TBI, introduces adaptive biomaterials based on various pathological characteristics, summarizes the use of biomaterials carrying neurotrophic factors and stem cells for TBI treatment, and suggests current drawbacks and future perspectives.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chao Li, Yu Chen, Yong Gao, Xin Wang, Jiaqiang Wang, Peng Zhang, Xiaobo Hu, Lei Li, Weijun Tong, Zhigang Ren, Weitao Yao
Summary: By utilizing PtF coordination-driven assembly, a stoichiometric coordination complex of camptothecin and organoplatinum (II) (Pt-CPT) was constructed, displaying synergistic antitumor effects. The Pt-CPT complex was encapsulated in an amphiphilic polymer with H2O2-responsiveness and glutathione-depleting ability (PO), resulting in the formation of Pt-CPT@PO nanomedicine with prolonged blood circulation and enhanced tumor accumulation. The Pt-CPT@PO nanomedicine exhibited remarkable synergistic antitumor efficacy and antimetastatic effect in a mice orthotopic breast tumor model.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuheng Bao, Yanni Ge, Mengjie Wu, Zhengwei Mao, Juan Ye, Weijun Tong
Summary: In this study, a highly efficient nitric oxide (NO) nanogenerator was developed by loading NO donor NMA into hyaluronic acid-modified hollow manganese dioxide nanoparticles. Under ultrasound irradiation, this nanogenerator can release Mn2+ at the tumor sites, leading to cascade tumor pyroptosis and cGAS-STING-based immunotherapy, effectively inhibiting tumor growth.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zhixin Zhu, Haipeng Lu, Lulu Jin, Yong Gao, Zhefeng Qian, Pan Lu, Weijun Tong, Pik Kwan Lo, Zhengwei Mao, Haifei Shi
Summary: Neuroinflammatory responses following ischemic stroke lead to irreversible nerve cell death. Cell free-double strand DNA (dsDNA) segments from ischemic tissue debris are sensed by microglia's cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), triggering the activation of the STING pathway and initiating chronic inflammatory cascade. In order to reduce neuroinflammation, the immunogenic dsDNA should be decomposed and the innate immune STING should be inhibited. A novel nano-drug was developed to balance the cGAS-STING axis for enhancing stroke therapeutics by combining a DNase-mimetic Ce4+ enzyme and STING inhibitor synergistically. It provides a new approach to modulating CNS inflammatory signaling pathways and improving stroke prognosis.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mengli Zhang, Weijun Tong
Summary: With the advancement of nanotechnology, nanozymes have emerged as potential substitutes for natural enzymes due to their unique properties of nanomaterials, such as high activity, easy preparation, low cost, and robust stability. However, the constant activity of nanozymes in biomedical applications poses a potential threat to normal tissues. To address this issue, stimuli-responsive nanozymes have been designed to manipulate their activities. This review discusses two types of stimuli-responsive nanozymes, including those with stimuli-switchable activities and those exhibiting responsive release from specific carriers. The biomedical applications of stimuli-responsive nanozymes in cancer therapy, antibacterial therapy, biosensing, and anti-inflammatory therapy are also briefly explored. Finally, the challenges and prospects in this field are addressed.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weiwei Zheng, Shun-Yu Yao, Haijun Hu, Xiping Chen, Zhefeng Qian, Wenxing Liu, Yang Zhu, Zhengwei Mao, Dong-Sheng Guo, Changyou Gao
Summary: In this study, a hypoxia-responsive self-assembled peptide hydrogel was prepared for ischemic stroke treatment. The hydrogel showed the ability to release drugs and effectively improve motor function, reduce infarct volume, and alleviate inflammation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tong Zhou, Hao Xiong, Shun-Yu Yao, Shuqin Wang, Shifen Li, Jieting Chang, Zihe Zhai, Dong-Sheng Guo, Cunyi Fan, Changyou Gao
Summary: An injectable hydrogel microsphere system triggered by the hypoxic condition has been developed for the treatment of osteoarthritis with an inflammatory microenvironment. The system exhibits high drug loading capacity and ROS scavenging ability, effectively inhibiting inflammatory responses and protecting cartilage.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ziming Li, Tengfei Zhao, Jie Ding, Haochen Gu, Qiaoxuan Wang, Yifan Wang, Deteng Zhang, Changyou Gao
Summary: In this study, a hydrogel containing thioketal and ROS-scavenging properties was used to encapsulate bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The hydrogel promoted neurogenesis and axon regeneration by scavenging excessive ROS and creating a regenerative microenvironment. It effectively reduced endogenous ROS production, attenuated ROS-mediated oxidative damage, and downregulated inflammatory cytokines, resulting in decreased cell apoptosis and scar formation, as well as improved motor functional recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI) rats. This strategy could have potential applications in other central nervous system diseases with similar pathological conditions.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.
