Article
Microbiology
Orit Malka, Dorin Kalson, Karin Yaniv, Reut Shafir, Manikandan Rajendran, Oshrit Ben-David, Ariel Kushmaro, Michael M. Meijler, Raz Jelinek
Summary: A study revealed a new fungus-secreted metabolite that can inhibit bacterial communication and virulence, shedding light on the potential benefits of probiotic foods and maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome. The discovery of cross-kingdom interference in quorum sensing may play important roles in enabling microorganism co-existence in multi-population environments, such as probiotic foods and the gut microbiome. This finding may contribute to understanding the health benefits of probiotic products against bacterially associated diseases.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Ethungshan Shitiri, Ho-Shin Cho
Summary: This article introduces the concept of timing alignment and explores its applications in MCvD-based nanonetworks. Timing alignment includes four elements: hardware, protocol, network, and application, which can help nanomachines execute processes or actions in an organized manner.
IEEE COMMUNICATIONS MAGAZINE
(2021)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
S. X. Wan, J. Tian, Y. Liu, A. Dhall, H. Koo, G. Hwang
Summary: The study revealed differences in binding forces between S. gordonii and S. mutans with Candida albicans, with the latter exhibiting significantly enhanced binding forces when the fungal surface is coated with extracellular glucans. This enhanced binding affinity led to the formation of larger structures during early biofilm initiation and ultimately resulted in the dominance of S. mutans in the 3-species biofilm model under cariogenic conditions.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Andrea Du Toit
Summary: This study describes a bacterial protein with antiphage activity that features a NACHT domain, commonly found in metazoan proteins involved in immune response and inflammation.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Federico Tavella, Alberto Giaretta, Triona Marie Dooley-Cullinane, Mauro Conti, Lee Coffey, Sasitharan Balasubramaniam
Summary: This paper presents a new storage solution that utilizes bacterial nanonetwork properties to store digitally-encoded DNA into motility-restricted bacteria, allowing for data retrieval by engineered motile bacteria. Extensive simulations and wet lab experiments show the feasibility of using bacteria nanonetworks to retrieve data from DNA-based archives.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON EMERGING TOPICS IN COMPUTING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenxin Pan, Xiaokang Chen, Xiaodong Yang, Nan Zhao, Lingguo Meng, Fiaz Hussain Shah
Summary: With the development of nanotechnology and biotechnology, nanomachines can be applied inside the human body, forming a Body Area Network (BAN) by connecting multiple nanomachines. This paper designs and builds a nanomaterial-based molecular communication platform, which successfully demonstrates communication capabilities through experimental testing. The platform can further explore modulation schemes and channel characteristics using different nanomaterials.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kara R. Eichelberger, Saikat Paul, Brian M. Peters, James E. Cassat
Summary: This review highlights the impact of Candida albicans-bacteria interactions on healthy polymicrobial community structure, host immune responses, and microbial pathogenesis, and discusses the significance of these interactions in discovering novel antivirulence compounds for fungal infections.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jason F. Cooper, Xiao Wang, Nick O. Burton
Summary: The study reveals that Caenorhabditis elegans might have utilized enzymes obtained from algae to resist environmental toxins and incorporated them into a hypoxia-signaling pathway to adapt to cyanide.
Editorial Material
Ecology
Akos T. Kovacs
Summary: Experimental evolution allows researchers to explore the genetic and phenotypic changes that occur in response to specific conditions. By simplifying the environment to represent certain aspects of a complex natural niche, researchers can study the factors that drive selection, including temperature, oxygen availability, and nutrients. In this study, the authors used cross-kingdom interaction in a cheese microbiome succession experiment to investigate the distinct evolution of Staphylococcus xylosus, a bacterium associated with both food and animals. They discovered a global regulator-dependent adaptation that resulted in evolved derivatives with reduced pigment production, altered colony morphologies, and modified differentiation phenotypes, potentially enhancing their fitness.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Sunghwan Cho, Thomas C. Sykes, Justin P. Coon, Alfonso A. Castrejon-Pita
Summary: This article introduces a novel electrophoretic molecular communication framework that utilizes a time-varying electric field to improve communication performance. It specifies favorable signal parameters for a sinusoidal field and analytically derives an optimized field function. The results demonstrate that the proposed time-varying approach significantly increases the number of information-carrying molecules observed at the receiver and reduces the bit-error probability when compared to a constant field benchmark.
NANO COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Junseob Kim, Sunghwan Cho, Justin P. Coon, Alfonso A. Castrejon-Pita, Hamidreza Arjmandi
Summary: This paper proposes a novel electrophoretic molecular communication (EMC) framework utilizing a piecewise constant electric field. The framework exploits electric fields to enhance communication performance by inducing the movement of charged particles. Two optimization problems are formulated to design the electric field based on different objectives: minimizing a mean squared error and minimizing a bit interval. The proposed piecewise constant electric field significantly reduces the bit error rate compared to the constant field benchmark while performing slightly worse than the exponential field benchmark.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NANOBIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Deyanira Perez-Morales, Victor H. Bustamante
Summary: The study showed that Salmonella stimulates glycolysis and represses serine synthesis in macrophages, leading to accumulation of host glycolytic intermediates that the bacteria use as carbon source and cues for replication.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Florian-Lennert Adrian Lau, Regine Wendt, Stefan Fischer
Summary: One of the key research issues in nanonetworks is constructing real networks, which can be achieved using DNA building blocks to create computing and communication mechanisms. By utilizing specific and more efficient sets of building blocks, the number required for computations can be reduced, leading to the development of small message molecules for mathematical problems.
NANO COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Thibault Roudaire, Marie-Claire Heloir, David Wendehenne, Aymeric Zadoroznyj, Laurence Dubrez, Benoit Poinssot
Summary: Both plants and animals possess sophisticated innate immune systems equipped with receptors to detect danger signals and initiate antimicrobial defenses through regulated cell death signaling pathways.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Joana Angjo, Ali E. Pusane, H. Birkan Yilmaz, Ertugrul Basar, Tuna Tugcu
Summary: This study investigates asymmetric molecular links in a relay system and proposes two parameter optimization methods to achieve satisfactory overall performance. The resulting bit error rate (BER) performances are presented and discussed.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NANOBIOSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beatriz Lozano-Torres, Juan F. Blandez, Alba Garcia-Fernandez, Felix Sancenon, Ramon Martinez-Manez
Summary: This study describes a new method for senescent cell detection based on lipofuscin labeling using a biorthogonal reaction. The method involves a two-step reaction that forms a clear fluorescence pattern in senescent cells, providing an alternative tool for senescent cell detection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amelia Ultimo, Mar Orzaez, Maria J. Santos-Martinez, Ramon Martinez-Manez, Maria D. Marcos, Felix Sancenon, Eduardo Ruiz-Hernandez
Summary: The abnormal expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the main cause of subretinal neovascularisation in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Encapsulating anti-VEGF drugs in large pore mesoporous silica nanoparticles (LP-MSNs) provides a potential solution for the issues in current AMD treatment, by improving drug penetration, retention time, and sustained release. In this study, an innovative LP-MSN-based nanosystem, functionalized with polyethylenimine (PEI) chains, is developed for topical administration of anti-VEGF siRNA molecules to RPE cells, demonstrating successful VEGF silencing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria Ruiz-Rico, Felix Sancenon, Jose M. Barat
Summary: The limited solubility of chitosan at neutral and alkaline pH values restricts its use as a natural food preservative. However, its covalent immobilisation on inert supports can preserve its antimicrobial properties. Research shows that chitosan immobilisation through covalent urea bonding is the most suitable method, and chitosan-functionalised supports can effectively reduce microbial contamination in apple juice.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alejandra Estepa-Fernandez, Alba Garcia-Fernandez, Araceli Lerida-Viso, Angela Morella-Aucejo, Juan Jose Esteve-Moreno, Juan F. Blandez, Maria Alfonso, Vicente Candela-Noguera, Gema Vivo-Llorca, Felix Sancenon-Galarza, Mar Orzaez, Ramon Martinez-Manez
Summary: The engineering of nanoparticle communication has gained attention, but communication between nanoparticles and living systems is still understudied. This study explores a strategy that involves nanoparticle-cell-nanoparticle communication through modifying the environment. The targeted therapy through stigmergy communication effectively inhibits tumor growth and reduces metastases in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer with minimal side effects.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alejandra Estepa-Fernandez, Alba Garcia-Fernandez, Araceli Lerida-Viso, Juan F. Blandez, Irene Galiana, Felix Sancenon-Galarza, Mar Orzaez, Ramon Martinez-Manez
Summary: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with limited treatment options. Inducing senescence and removing senescent cells (senolysis) has been explored as a method to limit tumor progression. In this study, a combination treatment using palbociclib and navitoclax was found to delay tumor growth and reduce metastasis in a mouse model of aggressive TNBC.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Eva Garrido, Guillermo Hernandez-Siguenza, Estela Climent, M. Dolores Marcos, Knut Rurack, Pablo Gavina, Margarita Parra, Felix Sancenon, Vicente Marti-Centelles, Ramon Martinez-Manez
Summary: The use of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in drug-facilitated sexual assault has increased, leading to the need for rapid GHB detection methods. A portable strip-based lateral flow assay (LFA) using a smartphone for fluorescence readout was developed for GHB analysis. This method is based on a Cu2+ complex with a tetradentate ligand and the fluorescent dye coumarin 343, and can detect GHB at concentrations as low as 0.03 μM in MES buffer solution and 0.1 μM in soft drinks and alcoholic beverages in just 1 min.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Andy Hernandez-Montoto, M. Nieves Aranda, Isabel Caballos, Alba Lopez-Palacios, Maria Angeles Tormo-Mas, Javier Peman, Mireya Prieto Rodriguez, Carlos Picornell, Elena Aznar, Ramon Martinez-Manez
Summary: Fluorogenic probes based on oligonucleotide capped nanoporous anodic alumina films were developed for specific and sensitive detection of human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA. The probes showed high sensitivity and selectivity in detecting 14 different high-risk (hr) HPV types in clinical samples. The optimized synthesis protocol allowed for the production of sensors with high reproducibility and reliable fluorescence signal reading.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Isabel Caballos, Maria Nieves Aranda, Alba Lopez-Palacios, Luis Pla, Sara Santiago-Felipe, Andy Hernandez-Montoto, Maria Angeles Tormo-Mas, Javier Peman, Maria Dolores Gomez-Ruiz, Eva Calabuig, Beatriz Sanchez-Sendra, Clara Frances-Gomez, Ron Geller, Elena Aznar, Ramon Martinez-Manez
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of testing and tracking infected individuals to mitigate the virus spread. This study introduces a biosensor that uses oligonucleotide-gated nanomaterials for specific detection of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The biosensor showed high sensitivity and successfully detected low concentrations of the pseudotype virus. It was also tested on nasopharyngeal samples from suspected COVID-19 individuals.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Oscar Nieves, David Ortiz de Zarate, Elena Aznar, Isabel Caballos, Eva Garrido, Ramon Martinez-Manez, Fabian Dortu, Damien Bernier, Beatriz Mengual-Chulia, F. Xavier Lopez-Labrador, Jens J. Sloth, Katrin Loeschner, Lene Duedahl-Olesen, Natalia Prado, Martin Hervello, Armando Menendez, Rainer Gransee, Thomas Klotzbuecher, M. Clara Goncalves, Fahimeh Zare, Ana Fuentes Lopez, Isabel Fernandez Segovia, Jose M. Barat Baviera, Jaime Salcedo, Sara Recuero, Santiago Simon, Ana Fernandez Blanco, Sergio Peransi, Maribel Gomez-Gomez, Amadeu Griol
Summary: This paper presents a concept for a novel adaptable sensing solution developed under the PHOTONGATE project. The solution allows for quantification of multiple analytes, with high sensitivity and selectivity. It relies on biochemical and photonic technologies and has potential applications in health diagnosis and food safety sectors.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Alba Garcia-Fernandez, Monica Sancho, Eva Garrido, Viviana Bisbal, Felix Sancenon, Ramon Martinez-Manez, Mar Orzaez
Summary: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe pulmonary disorder with high mortality and morbidity rates in intensive care unit patients. The activation of NLPR3 inflammasome during ALI leads to the release of proinflammatory factors and pyroptosis, contributing to lung damage. In this study, it is shown that inhibiting ASC oligomerization through MM01 compound can be a potential therapy for ALI. Additionally, using nanoparticles designed to target the inflamed lungs enhances the efficacy of the treatment.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irene Barguilla, Vicente Candela-Noguera, Patrick Oliver, Balasubramanyam Annangi, Paula Diez, Elena Aznar, Ramon Martinez-Manez, Ricard Marcos, Alba Hernandez, Maria Dolores Marcos
Summary: This study evaluated the genotoxicity and transforming ability of different functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles on human lung epithelial cells. The results showed that functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles induced some measurable adverse effects associated with tumorigenesis, but the toxicity was lower compared to other nanomaterials and certain drugs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Vicente Candela-Noguera, Maria Alfonso, Pedro Amoros, Elena Aznar, Maria Dolores Marcos, Ramon Martinez-Manez
Summary: This study comprehensively investigates the factors affecting the formation of MCM-41 type mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN). The hydrolysis and condensation rates are found to play a central role in nanoparticle formation, and disregarded parameters such as stirring strength and surfactant addition rate are shown to modulate nucleation and growth. Furthermore, the aging and evolution of MSN are studied through the analysis of silica framework consolidation over time, providing insights into obtaining reproducible, homogeneous, and tailored-made MCM-41 type MSN.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2024)
