Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chenxing Fu, Ying Tao, Haoting Chen, Minghui Li, Yafang Xiao, Yuying Yao, Jing Ma, Xiaodong Ning, Weirun Li, Jun Zheng, Songbo Dong, Guoqin Chen, Feng Cao, Caiwen Ou, Lu Liu, Weisheng Guo
Summary: A bio-activatable nano-shuttle based on human serum albumin was developed, containing curcumin to precisely inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis. The nano-shuttles were engulfed by inflammatory monocytes and co-migrated with them towards the plaques, where they were activated to release curcumin in response to the generation of legumain. Treatment assessments on mice showed that the nano-shuttles effectively inhibited the progression of atherosclerosis without any adverse effects. The selective accumulation and specific drug activation of the nano-shuttles in plaques can provide an advanced therapeutic strategy for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sandra Vols, Naomi Kaisar-Iluz, Merav E. Shaul, Arik Ryvkin, Haim Ashkenazy, Avishag Yehuda, Ronza Atamneh, Adina Heinberg, Meital Ben-David-Naim, Menucha Nadav, Shira Hirsch, Vera Mitesser, Seth J. Salpeter, Ron Dzikowski, Zvi Hayouka, Jonathan M. Gershoni, Zvi G. Fridlender, Zvi Granot
Summary: This article describes the discovery of peptides that specifically bind to neutrophils and the development of nanoparticles decorated with these peptides for neutrophil-specific targeting. The study also demonstrates the specific modulation of neutrophil function and longevity by encapsulating neutrophil modifying small molecules within these nanoparticles.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Shuang Wen, Xiao-Jie Ju, Wen-Ying Liu, Yu-Qiong Liu, Xing-Qun Pu, Zhuang Liu, Wei Wang, Rui Xie, Yousef Faraj, Liang-Yin Chu
Summary: A novel intestinal-targeted 0-shaped capsule with a pumping effect has been developed for the controlled release of hydrophobic drugs. The proposed capsule, composed of a Ca-alginate-chitosan/protamine/silica (ACPSi) composite shell and two chambers forming a 0-shape (0-ACPSi), provides improved protection for the encapsulated drug in the stomach and ensures targeted drug release in the intestine.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alexander D. Josowitz, Ranjit S. Bindra, W. Mark Saltzman
Summary: Glioblastoma presents significant challenges to the development of new therapies. Standard treatments have not seen much improvement in the past 17 years, and there is a lack of new chemotherapies. However, new technologies and techniques are being explored to overcome the obstacles in delivering drugs to the brain. Local delivery and the use of nanocarriers offer promising opportunities to improve the safety and efficacy of treatment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Syed Abdul Wasay, Syed Umer Jan, Muhammad Akhtar, Sobia Noreen, Rahman Gul
Summary: The study aimed to fabricate and evaluate Meloxicam loaded Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose microparticles for colon targeting. Through a series of experiments and analyses, the physicochemical characteristics of the microparticles were determined, and their potential to improve patient adherence and reduce gastrointestinal side effects in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) was demonstrated.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jianhui Liu, Sarah L. Perry, Ben Zhong Tang, Matthew V. Tirrell
Summary: This study reports pH-responsive complex coacervates that remain intact under acidic conditions and dissolve in alkaline conditions, showing potential for oral delivery to the gastrointestinal tract.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Staffan Berg, Julius Krause, Anders Bjorkbom, Katrin Walter, Said Harun, Andreas Granfeldt, David Janzen, Sandro Filipe Nunes, Malin Antonsson, Natalie Van Zuydam, Stanko Skrtic, Andreas Hugerth, Werner Weitschies, Nigel Davies, Bertil Abrahamsson, Christel A. S. Bergstrom
Summary: In this study, a 3D printed capsule designed to break under physiological pressures in the antropyloric region was evaluated for delivering synthetic octapeptide octreotide in beagle dogs co-administered with sodium caprate. The pressure sensitive capsules showed drug release in 50% of dogs, with no difference in octreotide bioavailability compared to enteric coated dosage forms. A correlation was observed between paracetamol C-max and octreotide bioavailability, indicating a potential benefit of high drug release rate for peptide absorption with sodium caprate.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Magnus Berggren, Eric D. Glowacki, Daniel T. Simon, Eleni Stavrinidou, Klas Tybrandt
Summary: The integration of the nervous system with modern electronics is a significant challenge, and organic electronics offer a platform to translate electronic signals into the language of neurobiology. This has important applications in neuromodulation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wentao Xia, Zixuan Tao, Bin Zhu, Wenxiang Zhang, Chang Liu, Siyu Chen, Mingming Song
Summary: The application of nanotechnology in cancer therapy has led to significant advancements, with polymer nanoparticles emerging as an innovative non-invasive drug delivery method that improves drug tumor selectivity and reduces toxicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuan Ma, Li Xu, Baoli Yin, Jinhui Shang, Fangfang Chen, Juntao Xu, Zhi-Ling Song, Bin Nan, Guosheng Song, Xiao-bing Zhang
Summary: The developed RSPN nanoparticles in this study can accurately assess the rupture risk of vulnerable plaque caused by acute pneumonia and successfully reflect the oxidative stress level in vulnerable plaque, providing a promising approach to reduce the mortality of atherosclerotic-induced cardiovascular disease.
Review
Polymer Science
Teresa Basinska, Mariusz Gadzinowski, Damian Mickiewicz, Stanislaw Slomkowski
Summary: The paper reviews the exceptional use of pure bioactive compounds in medical treatment, with drugs typically consisting of a combination of active compounds and auxiliary substances. One important drug form discussed is the combination of active substances and particle-shaped polymers in the nano- or micrometer size range. The review provides recent progress in this field balanced with basic information.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Malcolm Lim, Nicholas L. Fletcher, Jodi M. Saunus, Amy E. McCart Reed, Haarika Chittoory, Peter T. Simpson, Kristofer J. Thurecht, Sunil R. Lakhani
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of a HER3-targeted hyperbranched polymer (HBP) nanomedicine for the treatment of breast cancer brain metastases. The HBP carrier can selectively deliver and release the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) in a pH-responsive manner. The nanomedicine shows effective drug release and cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, and in a mouse model, it inhibits tumor proliferation, reduces tumor size, and prolongs overall survival. Furthermore, the nanomedicine exhibits lower toxicity compared to free DOX.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Cynthia D. Anderson, Jennifer Ataam Arthur, Yuan Zhang, Nike Bharucha, Ioannis Karakikes, Ralph V. Shohet
Summary: CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing technologies have the potential for clinical translation, but delivering nucleic acids into target cells in vivo is challenging. This study presents a new method using focused ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 base editing vectors to the mouse liver. The results demonstrate successful base editing in mouse liver cells, but with lower specificity and more off-target base exchange in vivo.
MOLECULAR THERAPY NUCLEIC ACIDS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cheng Gao, Qingfu Wang, Junyan Li, Cheryl H. T. Kwong, Jianwen Wei, Beibei Xie, Siyu Lu, Simon M. Y. Lee, Ruibing Wang
Summary: This study reports an in vivo strategy to construct cell-based nanomedicine carriers using bacteria-mimetic gold nanoparticles, which are selectively phagocytosed by immune cells and self-assemble into intracellular aggregates. The optimized carriers improve drug delivery and enhance antitumor immunotherapy through photothermal treatment and immune checkpoint blockade.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chun Wang, Qi Liu, Zhanzhan Zhang, Ying Wang, Yadan Zheng, Jialei Hao, Xinzhi Zhao, Yang Liu, Linqi Shi
Summary: This study introduces a nano-scale quaternary polyplex (NQP) for optimized delivery of siRNA targeting cancer cells, leading to efficient gene silencing and tumor growth inhibition in experimental models.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joel Yong, Albert S. S. Mellick, John Whitelock, Joseph Wang, Kang Liang
Summary: The application of nanomotors for cancer diagnosis and therapy combined with precision nanomedicine offers a promising solution to the issues encountered in passive nanoparticle development. This article aims to provide nanomotor and nanomedicine researchers with a comprehensive understanding of cancer cell biology, biochemistry, cell membrane compositions, and extracellular surfaces. The review includes an overview of the state-of-the-art nanomotors for cancer therapy and diagnosis, recommendations for future research directions, and a biomolecular targeting toolbox for selecting targeting molecules and cell surface targets. It is hoped that this review will inspire and guide future nanomotor and nanomedicine research.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qi-Zhi Zhong, Joseph J. J. Richardson, Yuan Tian, Haijiang Tian, Jiwei Cui, Stephen Mann, Frank Caruso
Summary: Metal-quinone networks (MQNs) have been developed as structurally tunable, universally adhesive, hydrophilic, and pH-degradable materials by coordinating metal ions with quinones through metal-acetylacetone coordination bonds. MQNs exhibit bidirectional pH-responsive disassembly and can be assembled into various forms such as particles, tubes, capsules, and films. Leveraging the tunable release ability of MQNs and the medicinal properties of quinones, MQN prodrugs with high drug loading are engineered for anti-cancer therapy and inhibition of the main protease in the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaohui Zhang, Huimin Geng, Xunhui Zhang, Yaqing Liu, Jingcheng Hao, Jiwei Cui
Summary: Researchers have successfully fabricated a homogeneous polymer double-network (DN) hydrogel by pre-seeding calcium carbonate (CaCO3) microparticles into sodium alginate (SA)/polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogels and triggering the release of Ca2+ in acidic solution. The acid-triggered cross-linking generates sacrificial ionic bonds, resulting in a hydrogel with high tensile strength, stretchability, fracture toughness, strain sensitivity, and durability. The hydrogel can be used as a strain sensor and monitor pain signals induced by wounds in a diabetic rat model.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi Ju, Chan-Jin Kim, Frank Caruso
Summary: Functional ligands, including small molecules, polymers, and biomacromolecules, have been used as building blocks for assembling nanoengineered particles. Self-assembly and template-mediated assembly strategies have been employed to develop particles with controlled physicochemical properties. The interaction between ligands can be manipulated to modulate bio-nano interactions and achieve desired particle functionalities.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jie Zhang, Zhishang Li, Qi Zhang, Lin Zhang, Tongtong Ma, Xinyue Ma, Kang Liang, Yibin Ying, Yingchun Fu
Summary: In this study, a unique nanolaminate film consisting of MXene nanosheets intercalated with MOF nanoparticles was developed. The intercalation of MOFs created nanochannels between MXene nanosheets, promoting fast water permeance. The film integrated size exclusion and selective adsorption mechanisms, enabling a rapid and selective liquid phase separation paradigm that performs simultaneous multiple chemicals and nanoparticles sieving.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rong Xu, Sukhvir Kaur Bhangu, Karly C. C. Sourris, Domitilla Vanni, Marc-Antoine Sani, John A. A. Karas, Karen Alt, Be'eri Niego, Anukreity Ale, Quinn A. A. Besford, Brendan Dyett, Joshua Patrick, Irena Carmichael, Jonathan E. E. Shaw, Frank Caruso, Mark E. E. Cooper, Christoph E. E. Hagemeyer, Francesca Cavalieri
Summary: Glucose-responsive insulin delivery platforms are developed using biodegradable and charge-switchable phytoglycogen nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can release insulin in response to glucose and maintain optimal blood glucose levels for up to 13 hours in diabetic mouse models. The morphology of the nanocomplexes plays a crucial role in controlling rapid and extended glucose-regulated insulin delivery in vivo. These findings demonstrate the potential of a glucose-responsive insulin delivery system based on natural and biodegradable nanosugar.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wanjun Xu, Shuaijun Pan, Benjamin B. Noble, Zhixing Lin, Sukhvir Kaur Bhangu, Chan-Jin Kim, Jingqu Chen, Yiyuan Han, Irene Yarovsky, Frank Caruso
Summary: This article reports on flexible metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) that exhibit stimuli-responsive behavior to various solute guests. The responsive behavior of the MPNs is primarily determined by the competitive coordination of metal ions to phenolic ligands with multiple coordination sites and solute guests. The embedding of glucose molecules into the dynamic MPNs leads to the reconfiguration of the metal-organic networks and changes in their physicochemical properties for targeted applications. This study expands the library of stimuli-responsive flexible metal-organic materials and enhances the understanding of intermolecular interactions between metal-organic materials and solute guests, which is crucial for the rational design of responsive materials for various applications.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Heidi K. Noddeland, Marianne Lind, Karsten Petersson, Frank Caruso, Martin Malmsten, Andrea Heinz
Summary: Protease-responsive multi-arm polyethylene glycol-based microparticles with biscysteine peptide crosslinkers (CGPGG↓LAGGC) were developed for intradermal drug delivery. The microparticles showed suitable size and dispensability for skin injections. Exposure to matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) resulted in partial network destruction and decreased elastic moduli, while multiple-time exposure showed increased release of tofacitinib citrate from the MMP-responsive microparticles. The complexity of the polyethylene glycol building blocks could tune not only the release profile but also the elastic moduli, and the cytotoxicity studies showed no reduction in metabolic activity.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yingjie Hu, Christina Cortez-Jugo, Yi Ju, Tian Zheng, Jiajing Zhou, Zhixing Lin, Robert De Rose, Christoph E. Hagemeyer, Karen Alt, Frank Caruso
Summary: This study investigated the impact of nanoparticle cross-linking on liver uptake. The findings indicate that the cross-linking structure of nanoparticle can modulate the targeting ability of antibody nanoparticles in model cell lines and their interaction with phagocytes in human blood. The molecular architecture of PEG can also increase the tumor accumulation of antibody nanoparticles by reducing their uptake in the liver.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ning Wang, Guiqiang Zhang, Peiyu Zhang, Kaijie Zhao, Yuan Tian, Jiwei Cui
Summary: Nanovaccine-based immunotherapy can initiate strong immune responses and establish a long-term immune memory to prevent tumor invasion and recurrence.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Peiji Deng, Yixian Liu, Yunliang Liu, Yaxi Li, Ruqiang Wu, Lijun Meng, Kang Liang, Yixiang Gan, Fen Qiao, Naiyun Liu, Zhenhui Kang, Haitao Li
Summary: In this study, a leaf-like MOF-derived Ni/Zn bimetallic co-doped nitrogen-coordinated porous carbon (Ni/Zn-NPC) was developed as an efficient electrocatalyst for NH3 synthesis. The resulting electrocatalyst achieved a high ammonia production rate under mild reaction conditions and exhibited excellent stability after microwave treatment.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xin Zhang, Shan Zhou, Lei Xie, Hui Zeng, Tianyi Liu, Yanan Huang, Miao Yan, Qirui Liang, Kang Liang, Lei Jiang, Biao Kong
Summary: Light-controlled nanochannels composed of 4-aminothiophenol and gold nanoparticles-modified mesoporous titania nanopillar arrays and alumina oxide (4-ATP-Au-MTI/AAO) are fabricated by the interfacial super-assembly strategy. Under illumination, the wettability of the nanochannel changes, resulting in a significant improvement of the photoresponsive current. This work opens a new route for the fabrication of high-performance light-controlled nanochannels by coupling light-responsive materials and light-responsive molecules.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xunhui Zhang, Hanru Liu, Huimin Geng, Kanaparedu P. C. Sekhar, Aixin Song, Jingcheng Hao, Jiwei Cui
Summary: This study developed a hemostatic needle with antibacterial property by coating it with biologically derived carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and Cirsium setosum extract (CsE). The coatings form hydrogels under wet conditions, allowing for detachment and sealing of the punctured site. The coatings demonstrate good hemostasis efficacy and antibacterial property without inducing an immune response.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Joel Yong, Karen Hakobyan, Jiangtao Xu, Albert S. S. Mellick, John Whitelock, Kang Liang
Summary: The use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as delivery systems for biologically functional macromolecules has been widely explored. Optimizing encapsulation efficiency is important for different biological applications. In this study, protein quantitation methods were compared to assess the encapsulation efficiency of ZIF-8 MOFs for bovine serum albumin (BSA) and catalase (CAT). Variances were observed among the methods, with fluorometric quantitation providing the most consistent results. BCA and Bradford assays were sensitive to background interference from the MOF linker 2-methylimidazole.
BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuan Tian, Zhiliang Gao, Mengqi Li, Ming Hu, Jingcheng Hao, Jiwei Cui
Summary: We have developed a versatile method for engineering functional polymer nanoparticles (NPs) with tunable sizes, stiffness, and responsiveness using zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) NPs as templates. This method allows for the incorporation of various components, including synthetic polymers and biomacromolecules, into ZIF-8 NPs, which are then cross-linked during template removal using different strategies. The reported method offers simple assembly, versatility in polymer components, and excellent control over physicochemical properties of the polymer NPs. The combination of versatile assembly and tunable functions makes these polymer NPs promising for therapeutic delivery.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
