Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yuri Sugimoto, Tadaharu Suga, Mizuki Umino, Asako Yamayoshi, Hidefumi Mukai, Shigeru Kawakami
Summary: Functionalized drug delivery systems have been developed to improve the targeted delivery and intracellular transportation of therapeutic drugs. In this study, we focused on the quality of functional lipids to prepare targeted nanoparticles using microfluidic devices. We found that KK-(EK)(4)-lipid, a lipid with near-neutral charge, enhances the cellular association and intracellular translocation of nanoparticles. We also demonstrated the potential of KK-(EK)(4)-lipid in enhancing the cellular association and protein expression of extracellular vesicles and mRNA-LNPs.
Review
Immunology
Danieli F. Buccini, Marlon H. Cardoso, Octavio L. Franco
Summary: Bacterial infections caused by intracellular pathogens are difficult to control with conventional antibiotic therapies, leading to increased interest in antimicrobial peptides and cell-penetrating peptides as potential alternative treatments.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mika Omura, Kenta Morimoto, Yurina Araki, Hisaaki Hirose, Yoshimasa Kawaguchi, Yukiya Kitayama, Yuto Goto, Atsushi Harada, Ikuo Fujii, Tomoka Takatani-Nakase, Shiroh Futaki, Ikuhiko Nakase
Summary: A new intracellular introduction technology was developed using an inkjet device and cell-penetrating peptides to accurately deliver biofunctional cargo to cells, achieving efficient cytosolic transduction.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Heegwang Roh, Brigitte G. Dorner, Alice Y. Ting
Summary: The ability to deliver proteins and peptides across the plasma membrane into the cytosol of living mammalian cells has significant implications for basic science and medicine. In this study, we investigated the use of inactivated botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) as a protein delivery platform, and found that nanobody-chimeric BoNTs can be selectively targeted to specific cells by replacing their natural receptor binding domain. These findings suggest that BoNT could be a versatile platform for targeted protein and peptide delivery into mammalian cells.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Diana Ivonne Duarte-Mata, Mario Cesar Salinas-Carmona
Summary: Intracellular bacteria cause difficult-to-resolve infections, and standard therapy antibiotics are often ineffective due to poor cellular uptake. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) show promise as a therapeutic approach because of their bactericidal properties and ability to modulate immune responses. This review focuses on AMPs used to treat intracellular bacterial infections and their impact on immune mechanisms.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Kosuke Noguchi, Momoko Obuki, Haruka Sumi, Merlin Klussmann, Kenta Morimoto, Shinya Nakai, Takuya Hashimoto, Daisuke Fujiwara, Ikuo Fujii, Eiji Yuba, Tomoka Takatani-Nakase, Ines Neundorf, Ikuhiko Nakase
Summary: The antimicrobial protein CAP18 and its derived peptides have macropinocytosis-inducible functions and high potential for use as extracellular vesicle-based drug delivery carriers. Modification of these peptides with a hydrophobic moiety allows easy introduction onto EV membranes for enhanced cellular uptake. The glycosaminoglycan-dependent induction of macropinocytosis by the peptide modification efficiently enables cytosolic delivery of biologically functional proteins encapsulated in EVs, demonstrating a useful technique for intracellular delivery of biofunctional molecules.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hui Shao, Jin Zhou, Xiaoqian Lin, Yue Zhou, Yumeng Xue, Weili Hong, Xubo Lin, Xiaoling Jia, Yubo Fan
Summary: Developing new antimicrobial agents to combat drug-resistant pathogens and biofilms is an urgent task. Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have potential due to their unique membrane rupture mechanism, but their high toxicity and low stability limit their application. In this study, a biomimetic strategy was used to construct cationic peptide-conjugated liposomes, inspired by cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), to enhance antibacterial efficacy and biosafety. Computational simulation and experimental investigations identified the optimal peptide-conjugated liposomes, which showed enhanced antibacterial efficacy without compromising cytotoxicity. This bio-inspired design could contribute to the development of next-generation antimicrobials.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samantha M. Zeiders, Jean Chmielewski
Summary: The failure to treat bacterial infections is a current threat due to resistance mechanisms, but using cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to enhance antibiotics has shown increased permeation and selectivity against both sensitive and drug-resistant pathogens. This strategy has the potential to improve antibiotic effectiveness and repurpose existing drugs for broader use against various bacterial strains.
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Max E. Distler, Michelle H. Teplensky, Katherine E. Bujold, Caroline D. Kusmierz, Michael Evangelopoulos, Chad A. Mirkin
Summary: The study introduces a method for synthesizing and utilizing DNA dendrons to deliver biomolecules to living cells. It shows that DNA dendrons interact with scavenger receptor-A on cell surfaces, leading to their rapid endocytosis and increased cellular uptake of biomolecules. Additionally, when conjugated to peptides, dendrons enhance the cellular delivery and activity of various peptides, expanding the scope of deliverable biomolecules to cells.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria C. Lucana, Yolanda Arruga, Emilia Petrachi, Albert Roig, Roberta Lucchi, Benjami Oller-Salvia
Summary: This review explores the application of protease-resistant targeting peptides and cell-penetrating peptides, highlighting the use of enantio/retro-enantio isomerization and cyclization to enhance peptide efficiency and transport capacity. While conjugation provides some protection against proteolysis, modifying peptide sequences for increased protease resistance significantly improves homing and transport efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jie Li, Jan Tuma, Hesong Han, Hansol Kim, Ross C. Wilson, Hye Young Lee, Niren Murthy
Summary: The coiled-coil forming peptide (KVSALKE)(5) (K5) is shown to function as a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) and can complex with other proteins. When fused with GFP and Cas9, it significantly enhances cell uptake in various cell lines and can edit neurons and astrocytes in mice after direct intracranial injection, demonstrating its potential for improving protein delivery in cells and in vivo.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sanjay Arora, Buddhadev Layek, Jagdish Singh
Summary: This study demonstrated efficient brain-targeted delivery of ApoE2 gene therapy using surface-modified liposomes, with significantly higher ApoE2 expression in neurons and potential for effective AD treatment.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shi-qi Huang, Han-ming Zhang, Yi-cong Zhang, Lu-yao Wang, Zhi-rong Zhang, Ling Zhang
Summary: Liposomes decorated with tumour-targeting cell-penetrating peptides can enhance specific drug delivery at the tumour site. Modification with the TR peptide improved the antitumour efficiency of liposomal delivery systems, with the C18-TR modification showing significantly better results.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marina Buyanova, Dehua Pei
Summary: Intracellular protein-protein interactions are challenging targets for traditional drug modalities. Macrocyclic peptides have proven to be effective inhibitors, but they are generally impermeable to the cell membrane. Recent advances in MP science and technology have allowed for the development of cell-permeable MPs that can modulate intracellular PPI targets.
TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kentarou Sakamoto, Junya Michibata, Yusuke Hirai, Akiko Ide, Asuka Ikitoh, Tomoka Takatani-Nakase, Shiroh Futaki
Summary: Conjugating HAad with pyrenebutyric acid to form pBu-HAad can enhance intracellular protein delivery efficiency. Time-course and inhibitor studies suggest that anchoring HAad to the membrane with a pyrene moiety enhances peptide-membrane interaction, facilitating cytosolic translocation through membranes.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maria do Socorro do N. Amorim, Jerias A. Batista, Francisco Maia Junior, Adriana Fontes, Ralph Santos-Oliveira, Luciana M. Rebelo Alencar
Summary: This study investigates the biophysical and ultrastructural early erythrocyte membrane alterations in patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemia using Atomic Force Microscopy. Significant differences in cell rigidity, adhesion, volume, and roughness were observed, providing new perspectives for understanding the pathogenesis of these diseases.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Iago Dillion Lima Cavalcanti, Paulo Euzebio Cabral Filho, Adriana Fontes, Rafael Matos Ximenes, Fabricio Oliveira Souto, Otilia Deusdenia Loiola Pessoa, Mariane Cajuba de Britto Lira Nogueira, Nereide Stela Santos Magalhaes
Summary: This study characterized the absorption and emission spectral profiles of oncoA and found that oncoA-loaded nanoparticles could serve as promising fluorescent probes for cellular uptake studies.
PHOTODIAGNOSIS AND PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Rafael Bastos Goncalves Pessoa, Weslley Felix de Oliveira, Maria Tereza dos Santos Correia, Adriana Fontes, Luana Cassandra Breitenbach Barroso Coelho
Summary: Aeromonas is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that naturally inhabit aquatic environments and are commonly regarded as pathogens of fish and other animals. They have gained attention in medical trials due to their ability to colonize and infect humans. They are widely spread on various sources such as water, soil, vegetables, and food. The main clinical manifestations include gastrointestinal disorders, wound and soft tissue infections, and septicemia. Aeromonas species, such as A. hydrophila, A. caviae, and A. veronii biovar sobria, are considered potential human pathogens. The bacteria show a diversified susceptibility profile and inherent resistance to ampicillin. Further research is needed to fully understand the infectious processes and develop effective approaches for detection and medical intervention.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Robson Raion Vasconcelos Alves, Gabryella Borges Prazeres, Abdenego Rodrigues da Silva, Amanda Luiza Tomaz Soares da Silva, Jessica Silva Nascimento, Roberto Araujo Sa, Gabriel Gazzoni Araujo Goncalves, Fabio Andre Brayner, Luiz Carlos Alves, Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz Navarro, Paulo Euzebio Cabral Filho, Adriana Fontes, Thiago Henrique Napoleao, Patricia Maria Guedes Paiva
Summary: Lectins have been identified as alternative agents against Aedes aegypti during its aquatic phases. This study investigated the ovicidal effects of a chitin-binding lectin from Myracrodruon urundeuva leaf (MuLL) on Aedes aegypti eggs. The results showed that MuLL can act as an ovicidal agent by damaging the surface and internal structures of the eggs.
Article
Biophysics
Jessika F. F. Ribeiro, Jose R. S. Melo, Caroline de L. Santos, Claudilene R. Chaves, Paulo E. Cabral Filho, Goreti Pereira, Beate S. Santos, Giovannia A. L. Pereira, Daniela S. Rosa, Rogerio T. Ribeiro, Adriana Fontes
Summary: We developed a nanostructured electrochemical immunosensing platform using quantum dots and screen-printed carbon electrodes for the detection of the Zika virus envelope protein. The platform showed high sensitivity and specificity for EP-ZIKV detection.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Optics
Giovanni Volpe, Onofrio M. Marago, Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop, Giuseppe Pesce, Alexander B. Stilgoe, Giorgio Volpe, Georgiy Tkachenko, Viet Giang Truong, Sile Nic Chormaic, Fatemeh Kalantarifard, Parviz Elahi, Mikael Kall, Agnese Callegari, Manuel Marques, Antonio A. R. Neves, Wendel L. Moreira, Adriana Fontes, Carlos L. Cesar, Rosalba Saija, Abir Saidi, Paul Beck, Joerg S. Eismann, Peter Banzer, Thales F. D. Fernandes, Francesco Pedaci, Warwick P. Bowen, Rahul Vaippully, Muruga Lokesh, Basudev Roy, Gregor Thalhammer-Thurner, Monika Ritsch-Marte, Laura Perez Garcia, Alejandro Arzola, Isaac Perez Castillo, Aykut Argun, Till M. Muenker, Bart E. Vos, Timo Betz, Ilaria Cristiani, Paolo Minzioni, Peter J. Reece, Fan Wang, David McGloin, Justus C. Ndukaife, Romain Quidant, Reece P. Roberts, Cyril Laplane, Thomas Volz, Reuven Gordon, Dag Hanstorp, Javier Tello Marmolejo, Graham D. Bruce, Kishan Dholakia, Tongcang Li, Oto Brzobohaty, Stephen H. Simpson, Pavel Zemanek, Felix Ritort, Yael Roichman, Valeriia Bobkova, Raphael Wittkowski, Cornelia Denz, G. V. Pavan Kumar, Antonino Foti, Maria Grazia Donato, Pietro G. Gucciardi, Lucia Gardini, Giulio Bianchi, Anatolii Kashchuk, Marco Capitanio, Lynn Paterson, Philip H. Jones, Kirstine Berg-Sorensen, Younes F. Barooji, Lene B. Oddershede, Pegah Pouladian, Daryl Preece, Caroline Beck Adiels, Anna Chiara De Luca, Alessandro Magazzu, David Bronte Ciriza, Maria Antonia Iati, Grover A. Swartzlander
Summary: Optical tweezers are tools that use light to push, trap, and manipulate objects without physical contact. Since the 1970s, they have evolved into sophisticated instruments and have been widely used in various fields such as life sciences, physics, and engineering. Applications include precise force and torque measurement, micro-rheology of complex fluids, spectroscopy of single micro- and nano-particles, single-cell analysis, and statistical-physics experiments. This roadmap provides insights into the theoretical foundations, designs, and setups of optical forces and tweezers, and offers perspectives for applications in research fields ranging from biophysics to space exploration.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-PHOTONICS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bruno L. Raposo, Sueden Souza, Gleyciane S. Santana, Max T. A. Lima, Jose F. Sarmento-Neto, Julio S. Reboucas, Goreti Pereira, Beate S. Santos, Paulo E. Cabral Filho, Martha S. Ribeiro, Adriana Fontes
Summary: Researchers proposed a novel method of using polyvinylpyrro-lidone (PVP) coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in combination with cationic Zn(II) porphyrins (ZnPs) for photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of Candida albicans infections. The AgNPs-ZnPs system achieved complete eradication of Candida albicans at lower porphyrin concentrations, reducing the risk of antifungal drug resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jessica D. S. Queiroz, Igor M. R. Moura, Giovannia A. L. Pereira, Adriana Fontes, Goreti Pereira, Beate S. Santos
Summary: Defects in ZnSe quantum dots increase trap states, leading to a drastic reduction in fluorescence output, a major drawback. Surface vacancies causing energy traps play a significant role in emission quantum yield. This study uses photoactivation procedures to decrease surface defects of ZnSe QDs and improve radiative pathways. The best results were obtained with a nitrate precursor and a Zn/Se ratio of 1.2, showing a 400% increase in fluorescence intensity. Potential applications in biomedicine can be enhanced by improving ZnSe QDs fluorescence.
JOURNAL OF FLUORESCENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Optics
Gustavo S. Wiederhecker, S. B. Cavalcanti, Adriana Fontes, Jorge Garcia-Sucerquia, Dario Perez, Esteban Vera, Andrea Bragas, Christiano De Matos, Alejandro Fainstein, Daniel Felinto, Debora M. B. P. Milori, Stephen P. Walborn
Summary: Over the past 50 years, South American optics research has made remarkable growth and significant contributions in areas such as quantum optics, holography, spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, statistical optics, nanophotonics, and integrated photonics. This research has driven economic development in sectors like telecom, biophotonics, biometrics, and agri-sensing. The joint feature issue between JOSA A and JOSA B showcases cutting-edge optics research from the region, fostering a sense of community and promoting collaboration among researchers.
JOURNAL OF THE OPTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA A-OPTICS IMAGE SCIENCE AND VISION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Joalen P. Monte, Adriana Fontes, Beate S. Santos, Giovannia A. L. Pereira, Goreti Pereira
Summary: The development of multifunctional materials for bone tissue repair has attracted researchers' interest. Several materials classes have been studied and optimized for this aim, such as implants based on metals, ceramics, glasses, and composites. HAp-based scaffolds doped with AgNPs have shown promising antibacterial properties and good biocompatibility, which can potentially overcome the issue of implant-related infections.
Article
Microbiology
Abdenego R. Silva, Fernanda V. Cabral, Camila R. Silva, Daniela F. T. Silva, Anderson Z. Freitas, Adriana Fontes, Martha S. Ribeiro
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of photodynamic inactivation mediated by methylene blue (MB-PDI) or 1,9-dimethyl MB (DMMB-PDI) combined with a red LED against the hospital-acquired pathogen C. auris. DMMB-PDI successfully eradicated C. auris, while MB only killed cells when exposed to the highest light dose. DMMB-PDI promoted higher levels of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial membrane potential compared to MB. Additionally, DMMB-PDI was able to inhibit biofilm formation and destroy mature biofilms, with no toxicity observed in fibroblasts. We conclude that DMMB-PDI holds great potential to combat the global threat posed by C. auris.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joalen P. Monte, Adriana Fontes, Giovannia A. L. Pereira, Goreti Pereira, Beate S. Santos
Summary: This study presents the development of composite materials based on calcium polyphosphate, alginate, and magnesium for bone tissue applications. The results confirm the formation of composites with hydroxyapatite structure, indicating their potential for bone repair applications.
RESULTS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)