Article
Biology
Gaetana Restivo, Aizhan Tastanova, Zsolt Balazs, Federica Panebianco, Maren Diepenbruck, Caner Ercan, Bodgan-T Preca, Juerg Hafner, Walter P. Weber, Christian Kurzeder, Marcus Vetter, Simone Munst Soysal, Christian Beisel, Mohamed Bentires-Alj, Salvatore Piscuoglio, Michael Krauthammer, Mitchell P. Levesque
Summary: Fresh and slow-frozen tissues from various malignancies are comparable and suitable for different methods, including culture establishment and RNA sequencing, with similar results to freshly analyzed material.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bianca Bazzolo, Elisabetta Sieni, Annj Zamuner, Martina Roso, Teresa Russo, Antonio Gloria, Monica Dettin, Maria Teresa Conconi
Summary: The study demonstrated that HCC1954 cell cultures grown on electrospun PCL exhibit distinct characteristics of mucopolysaccharide production and an increased cancer stem cell population in vitro. Furthermore, these PCL-based cultures showed lower sensitivity to doxorubicin and electroporation/bleomycin compared to cultures grown on polystyrene plates. Overall, the data suggest that PCL-based cultures may serve as promising tools for preclinical studies.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hendrika M. Duivenvoorden, Natasha K. Brockwell, Cameron J. Nowell, Kaylene J. Simpson, Belinda S. Parker
Summary: Studying the early interaction between cancer cells and the microenvironment can provide valuable insights into the initiation and progression of invasive breast cancers. Myoepithelial cells play a crucial role in preventing cancer cell invasion by acting as a physical barrier, and changes in their expression profile and properties can impact cancer development. Knocking down specific genes and conducting co-culture experiments can help identify myoepithelial proteins necessary for controlling cancer cell invasion.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Laura Chastagnier, Christophe Marquette, Emma Petiot
Summary: Gene transfection has been widely used in various research fields, bioproduction, and therapy to induce the expression of target genes. Current transfection protocols mainly focus on 2D adherent cells or suspension cultures, but there is a growing need for in situ transfection of tissues and 3D cell cultures in the field of gene therapy and regenerative medicine.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Miriam M. Kraemer, Theodora Tsimpaki, Utta Berchner-Pfannschmidt, Nikolaos E. Bechrakis, Berthold Seitz, Miltiadis Fiorentzis
Summary: Calcium electroporation (CaEP) demonstrates comparable anti-tumor effects to electrochemotherapy (ECT) in uveal melanoma (UM) cell lines with lower cytotoxicity. CaEP induces cell death and ATP depletion, making it a potential alternative therapy for local tumor control.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kai Yao, Jie Sun, Kaizhu Huang, Linzhi Jing, Hang Liu, Dejian Huang, Curran Jude
Summary: Fibrous scaffolds are widely used in 3D cell culture systems, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is commonly used to characterize cell behavior on these scaffolds. However, the lack of effective cell segmentation methods has hindered the translation of this information. In this study, we developed an end-to-end model called AD-GAN for 3D unsupervised nuclei segmentation of CLSM images. Compared with existing methods, AD-GAN can effectively and efficiently distinguish nuclei with preserved shape and location information, which can improve scaffold design.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOPRINTING
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Kevin Hollevoet, Debby Thomas, Griet Compernolle, Giles Vermeire, Elien De Smidt, Stephanie De Vleeschauwer, Trevor R. F. Smith, Paul D. Fisher, Maarten Dewilde, Nick Geukens, Paul Declerck
Summary: DNA-encoded delivery and in vivo expression of antibody therapeutics offer an innovative approach for cancer treatment. In this study, sheep were used as animal models to evaluate the delivery protocol and the impact of pDNA dose and host immune response on the pharmacokinetics of the expressed antibody. The results showed robust and prolonged production of anti-cancer DNA-encoded antibody therapeutics in sheep, providing valuable insights for clinical translation.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Carlos A. Pinzon-Arteaga, Yinjuan Wang, Yulei Wei, Ana E. Ribeiro Orsi, Leijie Li, Giovanna Scatolin, Lizhong Liu, Masahiro Sakurai, Jianfeng Ye, Hao Ming, Leqian Yu, Bo Li, Zongliang Jiang, Jun Wu
Summary: We developed an efficient method to generate bovine blastocyst-like structures (blastoids) by assembling bovine trophoblast stem cells and expanded potential stem cells. Bovine blastoids resemble blastocysts in morphology, cell composition, single-cell transcriptomes, in vitro growth, and the ability to elicit maternal recognition of pregnancy following transfer to recipient cows. Bovine blastoids serve as an accessible in vitro model for studying embryogenesis and improving reproductive efficiency in livestock species.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shamapto Guha Anthon, Karolina Papera Valente
Summary: Traditional 2D cell culture models fail to accurately replicate the cellular environment in vivo, leading to discrepancies between preclinical and in vivo testing. Recent advancements in tissue engineering have enabled the development of 3D cell culture systems that can accurately mimic the cellular and tissue microenvironment. However, the lack of perfusion systems limits their application as drug screening platforms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Edoardo D'Imprima, Marta Garcia Montero, Sylwia Gawrzak, Paolo Ronchi, Ievgeniia Zagoriy, Yannick Schwab, Martin Jechlinger, Julia Mahamid
Summary: 3D cell cultures, especially organoids, are emerging models for studying healthy or diseased tissues. In order to understand the complex cellular sociology in organoids, a multi-scale imaging approach is presented, which enables integration of imaging modalities across different scales. This approach allows for tracking organoids' growth, analyzing their morphology, identifying areas of interest, and studying their 3D ultra-structure. The workflow is demonstrated on mouse and human 3D cultures and applied to analyze subcellular structures in patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids using automated image segmentation. The continuum-resolution imaging pipeline combines the advantages of light and electron microscopy, making it suitable for basic and translational organoid research.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Charalampos Pitsalidis, Douglas van Niekerk, Chrysanthi-Maria Moysidou, Alexander J. Boys, Aimee Withers, Romane Vallet, Roisin M. Owens
Summary: In this study, a novel multiwell plate bioelectronic platform, called e-transmembrane, was developed to support and monitor complex 3D cell structures. The e-transmembrane, made of PEDOT:PSS, functions as both a separating membrane for compartmentalized cell cultures and electronic components for real-time recordings. Its high surface area-to-volume ratio allows the generation of deep tissues and cell polarization. Impedance spectroscopy measurements can identify different cellular systems and extract critical functional parameters. This platform has the potential to be a universal tool for high-throughput drug screening assays.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yichun Wang, Hyunsu Jeon
Summary: 3D cell cultures play a crucial role in drug discovery and development, but face challenges due to their complexity, time-consuming process, and lack of compatibility with traditional screening protocols. The integration of micro fabrication techniques, automation systems, and high-throughput analytical tools is needed to reveal the effects of therapeutics in 3D cultures.
TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Andrew Clark, Subhadip Ghatak, Poornachander Reddy Guda, Mohamed S. El Masry, Yi Xuan, Amy Y. Sato, Teresita Bellido, Chandan K. Sen
Summary: This study utilizes a non-viral tissue nanotransfection platform to deliver MyoD to injured tissue and successfully restores muscle function. This approach shows promising potential in the treatment of muscle tissue injuries.
NPJ REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Saminathan Subburaj, Sarah Zanon Agapito-Tenfen
Summary: This study successfully transferred the CRISPR/Cas9 RNP system into soybean protoplasts using the Neon electroporation system, achieving efficient and effective gene editing. It provides an alternative delivery method for genome editing and potential trait improvement in soybean and related species.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberta Vadeikiene, Baltramiejus Jakstys, Rasa Ugenskiene, Saulius Satkauskas, Elona Juozaityte
Summary: Electroporation is an effective method to transfer molecules into non-adherent cells. However, the viability of transfected cells should be carefully considered as increasing cell membrane permeability can lead to higher cell death. This study evaluated the distribution of hard-to-transfect UT-7 cells among different sub-populations and found that plasmid concentration played the most significant role in gene electrotransfer efficacy.
Review
Oncology
Marinella Marzano, Bruno Fosso, Elisabetta Piancone, Giuseppe Defazio, Graziano Pesole, Mariangela De Robertis
Summary: The complex interaction between gut microbiota and colorectal cancer pathogenesis through impaired intestinal stem niche is a key focus of recent research. Significant advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the relationship between microbiota and cancer stem cells (CSCs) initiation have been highlighted, with a growing interest in the implementation of precision medicine approaches.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
T. Komel, M. Bosnjak, S. Kranjc Brezar, M. De Robertis, M. Mastrodonato, G. Scillitani, G. Pesole, E. Signori, G. Sersa, M. Cemazar
Summary: The study demonstrated the high antitumor efficacy of combined IL-2 and IL-12 gene electrotransfer protocols in low-immunogenicity murine B16.F10 melanoma, resulting in significant tumor growth delay and 71% complete tumor regression through the activation of immune cells and inflammatory signals.
BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Jean Carlos dos Santos da Luz, Fernanda Antunes, Maria Alejandra Clavijo-Salomon, Emanuela Signori, Nayara Gusmao Tessarollo, Bryan E. Strauss
Summary: Reversible electropermeabilization is a technique that transiently increases membrane permeability by applying electrical pulses, widely used in various fields from medicine to food processing. In oncology, it is applied for intracellular transport of chemotherapeutic drugs and delivery of genetic material, serving as important cancer therapies.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Manuele Bertoluzzo, Paolo Di Barba, Michele Forzan, Maria Evelina Mognaschi, Elisabetta Sieni
Summary: The paper focuses on the optimization of the compensation network in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS) for dynamic conditions. A laboratory prototype of the WPTS is used as a reference, allowing for experimental data and numerical models to replicate the device's configuration. A numerical model using FEM analysis is utilized to simulate the movement in a 'recharge while driving' condition. Inductive parameters computed from FEM results are used for the optimal design of the compensation network. Objective functions are defined for optimizing the resonance circuits to achieve constant transmitted power and high electrical efficiency during various coupling conditions. The performance of the optimized network is compared and discussed.
Article
Biophysics
Rocco Cancelliere, Alessio Di Tinno, Andrea Maria Di Lellis, Giorgio Contini, Laura Micheli, Emanuela Signori
Summary: This study presents two novel label-free voltammetric immunosensors for rapid and accurate detection of IL-6 in human serum. The immunosensors showed good analytical performances and outperformed a commercial ELISA kit in terms of sensitivity, reproducibility, and detection time. They were also successfully applied in blood samples, demonstrating good sensitivity and reproducibility.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marco Barozzi, Sabrina Copelli, Eleonora Russo, Paolo Sgarbossa, Maria Cristina Lavagnolo, Annalisa Sandon, Cristiana Morosini, Elisabetta Sieni
Summary: In the context of sustainability, addressing water shortages and water pollution is crucial. This study focuses on the application of magnetic nanostructured adsorbents (MNAs) for removing metal ions from textile wastewaters. The results demonstrate that MNAs exhibit a high efficiency in removing metal ions, offering potential for water treatment in the textile industry.
Article
Cell Biology
Mariangela De Robertis, Maria Raffaella Greco, Rosa Angela Cardone, Tommaso Mazza, Flaviana Marzano, Nikolay Mehterov, Maria Kazakova, Nikolay Belev, Apollonia Tullo, Graziano Pesole, Victoria Sarafian, Emanuela Signori
Summary: YKL-40 is a glycoprotein that affects cancer development and progression. In colorectal cancer, high levels of YKL-40 have been associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis. Cells with high YKL-40 expression exhibit increased motility, invasion, and proliferation. High tissue levels of YKL-40 correlate with high-grade tumors and can predict the response to certain drugs.
Article
Immunology
Matias Tellado, Mariangela De Robertis, Daniela Montagna, Daniela Giovannini, Sergio Salgado, Sebastian Michinski, Emanuela Signori, Felipe Maglietti
Summary: This retrospective cohort study evaluated the addition of canine IL-2 gene electrotransfer (GET) peritumorally and IL-12 intramuscularly in inoperable canine oral malignant melanoma. The results showed that ECT+GET using IL-2 and IL-12 significantly improved progression-free survival in advanced stages of canine oral malignant melanoma.
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Elisabetta Sieni, Simonetta Geninatti Crich, Maria Rosaria Ruggiero, Lucia Del Bianco, Federico Spizzo, Roberta Bertani, Mirto Mozzon, Marco Barozzi, Michele Forzan, Paolo Sgarbossa
Summary: The paper compares different methods of estimating the specific loss power (SLP) of magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in a suspension fluid. The study analyzes the morphology, composition, magnetization, and SLP of the nanoparticles. The results show that the most accurate methods for SLP determination are those that use the initial slope when the sample is in quasi-adiabatic condition.
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Costanza Cenerini, Luca Vollero, Giorgio Pennazza, Marco Santonico, Flavio Keller
Summary: This study aims to investigate the connection between audio and visual stimuli in synesthesia, specifically exploring the possibility of extending the emotional association between music and colors to music and images, incorporating shape and spatial distribution. Participants' musical and visual abilities will also be tested to explore any correlation with their music-image association.
MACHINE LEARNING, OPTIMIZATION, AND DATA SCIENCE, LOD 2022, PT II
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Matias Tellado, Sebastian Michinski, Joseph Impellizeri, Guillermo Marshall, Emanuela Signori, Felipe Maglietti
Summary: The study demonstrates that electrochemotherapy using thin-needle electrodes in feline patients with nasal planum cSCC achieved similar local response rates and overall survival compared to standard electrodes, but significantly reduced the time to return to appetite after treatment.
CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Manuele Bertoluzzo, Paolo Di Barba, Michele Forzan, Maria Evelina Mognaschi, Elisabetta Sieni
Summary: In this paper, a Finite Element Analysis is conducted to investigate the electric properties of a Wireless Power Transfer System (WPTS) used for charging electric vehicle batteries. Specifically, the study focuses on the dynamic WPTS, which presents challenges due to the varying system properties. The computational heavy field analysis is addressed by employing an effective analytical approximation for thin conductive layers, resulting in accurate solutions and reduced computational costs for repeated simulations.
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
T. Komel, M. Bosnjak, S. Kranjc Brezar, E. Signori, M. De Robertis, G. Sersa, M. Cemazar