Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nahid S. Awad, Mohamed Haider, Vinod Paul, Nour M. AlSawaftah, Jayalakshmi Jagal, Renu Pasricha, Ghaleb A. Husseini
Summary: The study successfully encapsulated hydrophilic graphene quantum dots in stealth liposomes and triggered their release using low-frequency ultrasound, providing an effective method to deliver QDs to tumor cells while reducing systemic toxicity.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Felix Sauvage, Van Phuc Nguyen, Yanxiu Li, Aranit Harizaj, J. Sebag, Dimitri Roels, Viktor Van Havere, Karen Peynshaert, Ranhua Xiong, Juan C. Fraire, Marie-Jose Tassignon, Katrien Remaut, Yannis M. Paulus, Kevin Braeckmans, Stefaan C. De Smedt
Summary: This paper introduces a new method for treating eye floaters, involving the generation of vapour nanobubbles by exposing gold nanoparticles or indocyanine green to low-energy laser pulses to disrupt collagen aggregates in the eyes. This approach may provide a safe and efficient treatment for millions of patients suffering from debilitating vitreous opacities and opens up the possibility of highly safe use of pulsed lasers in the posterior segment of the eye.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juan C. Fraire, Maria Guix, Ana C. Hortelao, Noelia Ruiz-Gonzalez, Anna C. Bakenecker, Pouria Ramezani, Charlotte Hinnekens, Felix Sauvage, Stefaan C. De Smedt, Kevin Braeckmans, Samuel Sanchez
Summary: Nanomotors, powered by enzymes and triggered by laser irradiation, can improve drug delivery efficiency and overcome biological barriers. These nanomotors can collectively displace and disrupt protein fibers in a blocked microchannel. This active motion and mechanical disruption provide a clear advantage for improving therapy.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Seunghyun Moon, Qiushi Zhang, Zhihao Xu, Dezhao Huang, Seongmin Kim, Jarrod Schiffbauer, Eungkyu Lee, Tengfei Luo
Summary: The field of plasmonic nanobubbles is rapidly growing with studies in theory, simulation, and experiments revealing fundamental physics. Applications are progressing and there is a need for further research in theoretical, simulation, and experimental fronts to apply fundamental understanding to practical applications.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiyuan Yi, Yong Luo, Qi Zhou, Jun Wang, Zengtao Yang
Summary: Insulin therapy is the most effective way to control blood glucose in diabetic patients, and subcutaneous injection is the most effective administration route. Chitosan poly-acrylic acid nanobubbles were developed as drug carriers for insulin, achieving visually controlled pulsatile release triggered by focused ultrasound. The release of insulin from nanobubbles could be accurately controlled under ultrasound guidance, significantly reducing the injection frequency of insulin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Cinthia Alves-Barroco, Lorenzo Rivas-Garcia, Alexandra R. Fernandes, Pedro Viana Baptista
Summary: This study investigates the use of gold-silver alloy nanoparticles (AuAgNPs) to eradicate bacterial biofilms. Visible light irradiation of AuAgNPs disrupts the biofilms' matrix, leading to increased permeability for antibiotics and subsequent eradication of biofilms. Additionally, AuAgNPs inhibit the formation of biofilms by downregulating critical genes involved in biofilm production.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yiqin Rao, Yingying Sun, Pengyu Li, Mao Xu, Xiaonan Chen, Yalong Wang, Yan Chen, Xin Deng, Shihui Yu, Haiyan Hu
Summary: The study proposes an antibiotic-adjuvant liposome called NANO@PS-LPs, which combines azithromycin, an adjuvant, and a biofilm dispersant to effectively eliminate Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, kill dispersed bacteria, inhibit survivor metabolism, and prevent recurrent infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahmed Refaat, Blanca del Rosal, Jathushan Palasubramaniam, Geoffrey Pietersz, Xiaowei Wang, Simon E. Moulton, Karlheinz Peter
Summary: Smart drug delivery systems utilizing near-infrared light-responsive liposomal gold nanorods show potential for targeted therapy of cancer and cardiovascular diseases with minimal adverse effects. This novel platform combines light-triggered protein release with photothermal thrombolytic effects for site-specific thrombolysis, offering a promising approach for advanced medical treatment.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alice Abu Dayyih, Bernd Gutberlet, Eduard Preis, Konrad H. Engelhardt, Muhammad Umair Amin, Ahmed M. Abdelsalam, Martina Bonsu, Udo Bakowsky
Summary: This study developed near-infrared (NIR)-activated thermosensitive liposomes (TSL) for antibacterial therapy. The liposomes loaded with NIR dye and water-soluble hypericin showed synergistic photothermal and photodynamic effects, effectively eliminating bacterial infections. The results indicate that the NIR-activated TSL have immense therapeutic potential and good biocompatibility.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Li Ruiyi, Jia Hui, Li Nana, Xu Dan, Li Zaijun
Summary: The paper describes the synthesis of gold-graphene hybrid using histidine-functionalized graphene quantum dot as the linker between gold and graphene. The hybrid exhibits good dispersion and catalytic activity. By coupling with DNA cycling signal amplification, the hybrid is able to detect chlorpyrifos in fruits with high sensitivity and selectivity.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Fang, Wanfeng Wu, Yan Zhao, Haoqiang Liu, Zongda Li, Xinbo Li, Minwei Zhang, Yanan Qin
Summary: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are a novel broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that may be potential candidates in biomedical and food safety fields due to their outstanding antimicrobial properties and excellent biocompatibility. RNA-sequencing and LC-MS analysis were used to investigate the overall regulation of genes and metabolites in Escherichia coli (E. coli) after GQDs stimulation. The GQDs stimulation influenced gene transcription and metabolite expression related to crucial biomolecular processes including biofilm formation, bacterial secretion system, sulfur metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism. This study provides insights into the GQDs stress response in E. coli, which can be beneficial for the development and application of GQDs in food safety.
Article
Polymer Science
Anthony Blanchard, Fabrice Gouanve, Eliane Espuche
Summary: This study investigated ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) nanocomposites prepared with different fillers, showing that the properties of the nanocomposites significantly depended on the nature of the fillers. The nanocomposite film prepared with expanded graphite filler exhibited the best mechanical and barrier properties.
Article
Oncology
Seyed Mohammad Amini, Seyed Mahdi Rezayat, Rassoul Dinarvand, Sharmin Kharrazi, Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
Summary: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and overcoming drug resistance in cancer treatment is a challenge. This study introduces a multifunctional theranostic nanostructure that improves cancer diagnosis and treatment through the co-encapsulation of small gold clusters and the anticancer drug doxorubicin. The results show that this nanostructure enhances the effect of radiotherapy and reduces the viability of cancer cells. Further investigation is warranted to explore its potential in cancer treatment.
Article
Biophysics
Daria Stoia, Roxana Pop, Andreea Campu, Madalina Nistor, Simion Astilean, Adela Pintea, Maria Suciu, Dumitrita Rugina, Monica Focsan
Summary: In this study, a novel polymeric microcapsule model was designed for controlled drug delivery in human retina cells to treat diabetic retinopathy. By utilizing a Layer-by-Layer deposition technique, the microcapsules were developed as potential intraocular RSV delivery vehicles for therapy of DR. This research aims to implement the microcapsules in delivering therapeutic molecules to treat ocular complications such as DR.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Timo L. M. ten Hagen, Matthew R. Dreher, Sara Zalba, Ann L. B. Seynhaeve, Mohamadreza Amin, Li Li, Dieter Haemmerich
Summary: The study developed a computational model to simulate Intravascular Triggered Drug Delivery Systems (IV-DDS) for local drug delivery and validated the model through experiments. The model explained delivery kinetics, identified optimal delivery parameters, and highlighted key factors affecting drug delivery. It also demonstrated the importance of fast drug release and rapid tissue uptake for efficient delivery.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Mona Bove, Mette Kolpen, Mads Lichtenberg, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Tom Coenye
Summary: In this study, the fitness, antimicrobial susceptibility, metabolic activity, gene expression, in vitro production of virulence factors and in vivo virulence of experimentally evolved Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 were evaluated. Mutations in mexT and fusA1 were found in the evolved strains, leading to altered fitness, metabolic activity, mexE expression, and antimicrobial susceptibility. However, the in vitro production of virulence factors and virulence in vivo were unchanged compared to the wild-type strains. These evolved strains also showed reduced susceptibility to tobramycin in an in vivo mouse model. Overall, this study highlights the impact of experimental evolution on the fitness and antimicrobial susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ranhua Xiong, Felix Sauvage, Juan C. Fraire, Chaobo Huang, Stefaan C. De Smedt, Kevin Braeckmans
Summary: Delivering biological effector molecules in cultured cells is crucial for studying gene expression modulation. However, delivering these molecules across cell membranes while minimizing adverse effects remains challenging.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juan C. Fraire, Maria Guix, Ana C. Hortelao, Noelia Ruiz-Gonzalez, Anna C. Bakenecker, Pouria Ramezani, Charlotte Hinnekens, Felix Sauvage, Stefaan C. De Smedt, Kevin Braeckmans, Samuel Sanchez
Summary: Nanomotors, powered by enzymes and triggered by laser irradiation, can improve drug delivery efficiency and overcome biological barriers. These nanomotors can collectively displace and disrupt protein fibers in a blocked microchannel. This active motion and mechanical disruption provide a clear advantage for improving therapy.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomasz Swebocki, Alexandre Barras, Amar Abderrahmani, Kamel Haddadi, Rabah Boukherroub
Summary: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of studies focusing on the synthesis and characterization of deep eutectic solvents (DESs). DESs, known for their stability, ease of synthesis, and ability to tailor properties, are considered one of the greenest solvent families used in various fields such as organic synthesis, catalysis, electrochemistry, and medicine. However, there is a lack of research on specific groups of DESs, particularly those comprising organic acids (OA-DESs), despite their potential in biomedical applications. This review aims to highlight the importance and applications of OA-DESs as antimicrobial agents and drug delivery enhancers, providing valuable insights for future developments in this field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ines De Hoon, Rabah Boukherroub, Stefaan C. C. De Smedt, Sabine Szunerits, Felix Sauvage
Summary: Drug permeation across the cornea poses challenges due to its unique and complex anatomy and physiology. Static barriers and dynamic factors present hurdles for effective ophthalmic drug delivery. Novel drug formulations such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, and nanoparticles have been explored to address these limitations. Reliable in vitro and ex vivo alternatives are needed for corneal drug development, adhering to the principles of the 3Rs, and models such as in vitro cell culture and ex vivo porcine eyes have shown promise in studying corneal permeation.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Andrea M. Sass, Tom Coenye
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the biological role of the conserved small RNA NcS25 and its cognate target, outer membrane protein BCAL3473, in Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteria. NcS25 strongly represses the expression of BCAL3473, while other factors such as a LysR-type regulator and nitrogen-depleted growth conditions activate its expression. BCAL3473 is involved in the transport of arginine, tyrosine, tyramine, and putrescine across the outer membrane, playing an important role in nitrogen metabolism.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Go Inoue, Alexandre Barras, Yunfei Ma, Ning Cao, Alexandre Fadel, Pascal Roussel, Mu Naushad, Sabine Szunerits, Rabah Boukherroub
Summary: In this study, a solar-driven interfacial evaporator was developed using cigarette butts and petroleum coke powder. The 3D evaporator showed the best performance in terms of evaporation rate and solar conversion efficiency. It was also capable of producing safe fresh water from contaminated sources.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Haniyeh Tahzibi, Saeid Azizian, Sabine Szunerits, Rabah Boukherroub
Summary: A method for the preparation of a Janus carbon cloth (Janus-CC) is reported, which involves polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating and flame exposure. The Janus-CC has a superhydrophobic face and a superhydrophilic face, exhibiting different properties underwater. The movement of bubbles on the Janus-CC and the buoyancy force of a sited bubble are discussed, and a modified Young-Laplace equation is derived for interpretation.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Xuerui Bao, Ellen Goeteyn, Aurelie Crabbe, Tom Coenye
Summary: D,L-malate enhances ciprofloxacin activity against P. aeruginosa, improving antibiotic therapy in infection environments. The choice of model system influences the outcome of the experiment, emphasizing the importance of using models that closely mimic the in vivo environment. This study confirms the potential of D,L-malate to enhance ciprofloxacin activity against P. aeruginosa-associated infections.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Tom Coenye
Summary: Our understanding of biofilm biology has greatly increased, but it has not yet resulted in major changes in clinical practice. The lack of standardized tools for studying biofilms in the clinical microbiology laboratory, particularly in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), is a major obstacle. Biofilm lifestyle significantly impacts antibiotic susceptibility, but AST is still typically conducted using planktonic cells. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of biofilm AST, highlight knowledge gaps, discuss potential ways to improve AST, and address the bottlenecks preventing its use in clinical practice.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Luciana Meneses, Ana Catarina Brandao, Tom Coenye, Ana Cristina Braga, Diana Priscila Pires, Joana Azeredo
Summary: This systematic review summarizes and analyzes the published data on the use of bacteriophages to control pre-formed biofilms in vitro, providing recommendations for future experiments. The findings suggest that phage concentration, burst size, and latent period can influence the efficacy of biofilm control, with higher concentrations and specific characteristics leading to better outcomes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tianyu Gao, Kilaparthi Sravan Kumar, Zhen Yan, Maya Marinova, Martine Trentesaux, Mohammed A. Amin, Sabine Szunerits, Yong Zhou, Vlad Martin-Diaconescu, Sebastien Paul, Rabah Boukherroub, Vitaly Ordomsky
Summary: The hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER) are crucial steps in electrochemical water splitting. Efficient electrocatalysts for both reactions under alkaline conditions are still a challenge. Currently, nitrogen-doped carbon stabilized single atom Ru and RuO2 are the preferred materials for HER and OER, respectively. This study proposes a strategy for preparing Ru embedded in a carbon nitride matrix for efficient HER and OER in KOH solution, demonstrating smaller overpotentials and high catalytic stability compared to benchmark catalysts.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sravan Kumar Kilaparthi, Ahmed Addad, Alexandre Barras, Sabine Szunerits, Rabah Boukherroub
Summary: This study proposes an innovative strategy to simultaneously tackle PET waste and CO2 emissions through the integration of CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction with PET hydrolysate oxidation. The use of BOC@rGO and CuCoO@rGO catalysts allows for the concurrent production of formate, which can be achieved at low cell voltage with high efficiency. This innovation offers a novel route for PET waste upcycling, CO2 reduction, and environmental sustainability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Asmaa Khalil, Alexandre Barras, Rabah Boukherroub, Ching-Li Tseng, David Devos, Thierry Burnouf, Winfried Neuhaus, Sabine Szunerits
Summary: Paracellular permeability is regulated by tight junctions, which not only restrict the diffusion of ions and hydrophilic molecules, but also play important roles in cell polarization and protein localization. New understanding of tight junction components has challenged the traditional concept of diffusion barriers. Nanotechnological approaches and nanomaterials offer potential solutions for enhancing drug delivery across tight junctions.
NANOSCALE HORIZONS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Mads Lichtenberg, Tom Coenye, Matthew R. Parsek, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Tim Holm Jakobsen
Summary: In vitro biofilms are distinct microbial communities characterized by physical traits, phenotypic features, and antibiotic tolerance. The importance of these traits varies depending on the environment and bacterial species. Mechanisms enabling antibiotic resistance in biofilms include physical barriers, physiological adaptations, and changes in gene expression. However, there is little consensus on gene expression profiles in biofilms, and a definitive "biofilm signature transcriptome" has not been identified. Spatial and temporal variability in biofilms greatly differs across systems or environments. Clinical biofilms may differ from those cultivated in laboratories and found in the environment, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of their characteristics.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)