Editorial Material
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Zhongjie Fu, Lois E. H. Smith
Summary: Pathologic angiogenesis in eye diseases leading to blindness can be attributed to cell senescence, as demonstrated by the bioinformatics study conducted by Crespo-Garcia, Tsuruda, and Dejda. Their findings were validated in human and mouse retina models, where clearance of senescent cells effectively suppressed neovessel growth.
TRENDS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
M. Helena Cardoso, Michael J. Hall, Thomas Burgoyne, Pedro Fale, Tina Storm, Cristina Escrevente, Pedro Antas, Miguel C. Seabra, Clare E. Futter
Summary: This study aimed to model the effects of chloroquine on the retinal pigment epithelium in vivo and investigate the impact of mild chloroquine treatment on lysosome function and turnover. The research found that low-dose chloroquine treatment inhibits lysosome reformation, leading to a gradual depletion of lysosomes' ability to interact with cargo-carrying vacuoles and degrade their content. The accumulation of pro-cathepsin D and LAMP1 reflects the inhibition of normal turnover of lysosomal constituents and possibly lysosomes themselves. Understanding the mechanisms underlying lysosome reformation may contribute to the development of new treatments for chloroquine-induced retinopathy.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lyndsay L. Leach, Nicholas J. Hanovice, Stephanie M. George, Ana E. Gabriel, Jeffrey M. Gross
Summary: Research has revealed that zebrafish RPE has strong intrinsic regenerative potential, with elements of immune response identified as critical mediators in the regeneration process. Macrophage/microglia cells are responsive to RPE damage and essential for the timely progression of regenerative response.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jongmin Kim, Yeo Jin Lee, Jae Yon Won
Summary: This review highlights the roles and pathogenesis of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in AMD, emphasizing the importance of understanding the etiology of AMD and discussing potential treatment strategies targeting RPE.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Romain Touze, Marc M. Abitbol, Dominique Bremond-Gignac, Matthieu P. Robert
Summary: This study confirms the dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), characterized by a lower dark trough (DT) and a corresponding higher light peak (LP)/DT ratio. This pattern may be due to a dysregulation of melanocytogenesis, leading to disrupted calcium ion flux and abnormal polarization of the RPE.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Song Yang, Jun Zhou, Dengwen Li
Summary: The retinal pigment epithelium is crucial for visual functions, but damage to its structure and function can lead to various retinopathies with no cure currently available. Understanding the development, function, and pathobiology of the retinal pigment epithelium is essential for preventing and treating retinopathies. This review discusses potential strategies for treatment and provides new perspectives for future research in this field.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Biola F. Egbowon, Enzo Fornari, Joseph M. Pally, Alan J. Hargreaves, Bob Stevens, T. Martin Mcginnity, Barbara K. Pierscionek
Summary: This study demonstrates that human RPE cell lines (ARPE-19) can be cultured on ultrathin suspended electrospun nanofibre scaffolds (ENS) composed of hydrophobic polymer polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and a water-soluble aliphatic diamine, without or with fluocinolone acetonide (FA) treatment. The cells survived and maintained their morphology for up to 150 days with FA-treated ENS, showing an epithelial phenotype with biomarkers critical for retinal characteristics. This technique has potential for subretinal transplantation.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jongmin Kim, Jae Yon Won
Summary: As the world ages, the number of age-related diseases, particularly those related to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration, has increased. Photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive treatment using red and near-infrared light, has shown potential as a new treatment for ocular diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated its antioxidant effect, making it a promising approach to cure RPE degeneration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jeremie Canonica, Min Zhao, Tatiana Favez, Emmanuelle Gelize, Laurent Jonet, Laura Kowalczuk, Justine Guegan, Damien Le Menuet, Say Viengchareun, Marc Lombes, Eric Pussard, Yvan Arsenijevic, Francine Behar-Cohen
Summary: Glucocorticoids are commonly used drugs to treat retinal diseases, but the transcriptional regulations induced by GR and MR activation in RPE cells are not well understood. The study found that in the human eye, cortisol is the main ligand for GR and MR, and genes regulated by aldosterone and cortisol + RU-486 can mimic an imbalance toward MR activation. This activation in RPE cells may contribute to retinal pathology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mohamed A. Faynus, Jeffrey K. Bailey, Britney O. Pennington, Mika Katsura, Duncan A. Proctor, Ashley K. Yeh, Sneha Menon, Dylan G. Choi, Jane S. Lebkowski, Lincoln Johnson, Dennis O. Clegg
Summary: Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease with no current treatment options. Using microcarrier technology for cell culture allows efficient large-scale production of therapeutic retinal pigmented epithelial cells, fulfilling the treatment demands.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Xiuxiu Jin, Jingyang Liu, Weiping Wang, Jiangfeng Li, Guangming Liu, Ruiqi Qiu, Mingzhu Yang, Meng Liu, Lin Yang, Xiaofeng Du, Bo Lei
Summary: This study analyzed the molecular changes of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells during aging through quantitative proteomic analysis. The findings suggest that protein ubiquitination related to RNF123 and RNF149 plays a crucial role in protecting RPE cells from oxidative damage.
GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masaaki Ishida, Sunao Sugita, Kenichi Makabe, Shota Fujii, Yoko Futatsugi, Hiroyuki Kamao, Suguru Yamasaki, Noriko Sakai, Akiko Maeda, Michiko Mandai, Masayo Takahashi
Summary: Research has shown that the addition of Y-27632 in vitro can suppress apoptosis, promote cell adhesion and proliferation, and increase the survival rate of transplants. In vivo experiments with human iPS-RPE cell transplantation into monkey eyes showed no obvious retinal toxicity caused by Y-27632.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Masahiro Miura, Shuichi Makita, Yoshiaki Yasuno, Takuya Iwasaki, Shinnosuke Azuma, Toshihiro Mino, Tatsuo Yamaguchi
Summary: The study quantitatively evaluated retinal pigment epithelium changes in patients with age-related macular degeneration using prototype multi-contrast optical coherence tomography. The results showed that multi-contrast OCT is useful for objective evaluation of changes in the retinal pigment epithelium.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Dae Hoon Lee, Ju Hwa Lee, Yun Chang Pyun, Myeong Eun Shin, Eun Yeong Shin, Sooyoung Been, Jeong Eun Song, Claudio Migliaresi, Antonella Motta, Gilson Khang
Summary: This study aims to verify the applicability of agarose hydrogels for retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tissue regeneration. The results showed that the amount of agarose did not significantly affect the chemical composition, but it did affect the pore size, degradation, swelling, compressive strength, and porosity of the hydrogels. RPE cells were able to attach well to the surface of agarose hydrogels regardless of the amount of agarose. Higher amounts of agarose in the hydrogels had a significant impact on cell proliferation and RPE-specific gene expression. Agarose hydrogels could be a promising scaffold for RPE tissue regeneration through tissue engineering techniques.
MACROMOLECULAR RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Kristine A. Tsantilas, Whitney M. Cleghorn, Celia M. Bisbach, Jeremy A. Whitson, Daniel T. Hass, Brian M. Robbings, Martin Sadilek, Jonathan D. Linton, Austin M. Rountree, Ana P. Valencia, Mariya T. Sweetwyne, Matthew D. Campbell, Huiliang Zhang, Connor S. R. Jankowski, Ian R. Sweet, David J. Marcinek, Peter S. Rabinovitch, James B. Hurley
Summary: The study revealed that aged mice had reduced retinal responses to light stimuli, with relatively stable metabolic flux and ATP levels in retinal tissues. However, there was a decrease in glutamine utilization in the Krebs Cycle in eyecups while other metabolic parameters remained constant. This suggests that external factors may play a role in influencing ocular metabolism in vivo.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sruthi Venugopal Oopath, Avinash Baji, Mojtaba Abtahi, Trong Quan Luu, Krasimir Vasilev, Vi Khanh Truong
Summary: Researchers are extensively studying antibacterial and antifouling materials to combat the growing risk of bacterial infections and drug-resistant bacteria. This article reviews the role of nanostructures found on the surfaces of natural antibacterial and antifouling materials, such as lotus leaf, cicadas and dragonflies wings, shark skin, and rose petals. It also discusses novel fabrication techniques for biomimetic micro- and nano-structures on synthetic material surfaces.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Evelyn Osehontue Uroro, Richard Bright, Andrew Hayles, Krasimir Vasilev
Summary: This report describes the encapsulation of amphotericin B into lipase-sensitive polycaprolactone as a nanocomposite for targeted and controlled drug delivery, reducing cytotoxicity and enhancing antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanping He, Don Hashan Kevin Ketagoda, Richard Bright, Susan Marie Britza, Joshua Zechner, Ian Musgrave, Krasimir Vasilev, Peter Zilm
Summary: In this study, stable and highly positively charged silver nanoparticles (BPEI-AgNPs) were synthesized and characterized. The BPEI-AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity and anti-biofilm capacity against cariogenic bacteria. Moreover, they were found to be non-cytotoxic to mammalian cells and safer than commercially used dental antiseptics. Therefore, the BPEI-AgNPs are considered safe and effective oral antimicrobial agents.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xuan Luo, Wenjin Xing, Iliana Delcheva, Fayed Abdullah Alrashaidi, Amir Heydari, Dennis Palms, Vi Khanh Truong, Krasimir Vasilev, Zhongfan Jia, Wei Zhang, Peng Su, Kasturi Vimalanathan, Aghil Igder, Gregory A. Weiss, Youhong Tang, Melanie MacGregor, Colin L. Raston
Summary: A shear-stress-mediated platform called portable vortex-fluidic device (P-VFD) has been developed to overcome the diffusion-limit and achieve fast reaction rates. The platform consists of a plasma oxazoline-coated polyvinyl chloride (POx-PVC) film with tough hydrogel covalently bound to its surface and a reactor tube for reactions. The hydrogel arrays on the film provide a strong matrix for entrapping biomolecules and tolerate shear stress, resulting in a >6-fold increase in reaction rate.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Optics
Vuyelwa Ncapayi, Neethu Ninan, Thabang C. Lebepe, Sundararajan Parani, Aswathy Ravindran Girija, Richard Bright, Rodney Maluleke, Olanrewaju A. Aladesuyi, Tetsuya Kodama, Krasimir Vasilev, Oluwatobi S. Oluwafemi
Summary: In this study, NIR emitting colloidal Mn-doped CuInSe/ZnS QDs were synthesized via the hydrothermal method and showed good photostability. The QDs exhibited selective imaging of Gram-positive bacteria and prostate cancer cells, making them potential candidates for cancer-bacteria dual-imaging in biomedicine.
JOURNAL OF LUMINESCENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pawel Mierczynski, Agnieszka Mierczynska-Vasilev, Krasimir Vasilev, Malgorzata I. Szynkowska-Jozwik
Summary: This study presents a mechanistic investigation of methane oxy-steam reforming and LNG (OSR-LNG) processes using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for the first time. FTIR measurements were conducted in the temperature range of 200-600 degrees Celsius to propose the reaction mechanisms of oxy-steam reforming of CH4 or LNG. It was discovered that the dissociation of methane into carbon-containing molecules and/or onto the catalyst surface is a crucial step in determining the reaction rate. These findings can be applied to the design of catalytic systems for natural gas reforming.
REACTION KINETICS MECHANISMS AND CATALYSIS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vi Khanh Truong, Andrew Hayles, Richard Bright, Trong Quan Luu, Michael D. Dickey, Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh, Krasimir Vasilev
Summary: The proliferation of drug resistance in microbial pathogens poses a significant threat to human health. Liquid metal nanoparticles, particularly gallium-based ones, show promise in combating this problem due to their distinctive properties, high antimicrobial efficacy, and low toxicity. The unique bactericidal mechanism of gallium liquid metal can bypass emerging drug resistance mechanisms, making it a valuable strategic pathway in the battle against antimicrobial resistance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tien Thanh Nguyen, Pengfei Zhang, Jingwei Bi, Ngoc Huu Nguyen, Yen Dang, Zhaoning Xu, Hao Wang, Neethu Ninan, Richard Bright, Tuyet Pham, Chung Kim Nguyen, Ylias Sabri, Manh Tuong Nguyen, Jitraporn Vongsvivut, Yunpeng Zhao, Krasimir Vasilev, Vi Khanh Truong
Summary: This study introduces a simple method to synthesize novel Silvergallium (AgGa) nano-amalgamated particles using gallium liquid metal (GaLM). The GaLM acts as a stable carrier for silver nanocrystals and a slow-release mechanism for silver ions, improving biocompatibility, reducing inflammation, and aiding bone regeneration. The AgGa suspensions effectively eliminate pathogenic bacteria and show promising capabilities against antibiotic-resistant strains.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pawel Mierczynski, Agnieszka Mierczynska-Vasilev, Malgorzata I. Szynkowska-Jozwik, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov, Krasimir Vasilev
Summary: This paper provides a critical review of recent developments in plasma-assisted catalysis for converting CO2 and CH4 gases into fine chemicals. The general principles and operation principles of typical plasma reactors for catalysis are summarized. The advantages of using plasma in catalysis compared to traditional thermal processes are discussed, and the DBD reactor for CO2 and CH4 conversion is detailed due to its simplicity and mild operating conditions. The paper also presents reaction paths, efficiency, and selectivities obtained using different types of reactors, as well as current challenges and future outlook for plasma-assisted catalytic processes.
CATALYSIS COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Borislav Stoilov, Vi Khanh Truong, Stan Gronthos, Krasimir Vasilev
Summary: Bone tissue plays a critical role in protecting organs and providing structural support and movement to the body. Current treatment methods for hard tissue defects and related medical conditions rely mainly on surgical interventions, but there is a growing trend towards noninvasive and microinvasive approaches due to advancements in nanotechnology. This review article discusses recent developments in nanoscale platforms for bone tissue engineering and provides a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of noninvasive and microinvasive methods for treating conditions related to hard tissue regeneration and repair.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Richard Bright, Andrew Hayles, Jonathan Wood, Dennis Palms, Dan Barker, Krasimir Vasilev
Summary: Biomaterial-associated infection is a growing risk with devastating consequences for patients. This study investigates the interaction between macrophages and bacteria on antibacterial nanostructured surfaces, showing that macrophages can outcompete Staphylococcus aureus through various mechanisms. Early generation of reactive oxygen species, downregulation of bacterial virulence genes, and the bactericidal nature of the nanostructured surface contribute to the macrophages' victory. This research highlights the potential of nanostructured surfaces to reduce infection rates and improve the long-term success of biomedical implants.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jesus Romo-Rico, Richard Bright, Smriti Murali Krishna, Krasimir Vasilev, Jonathan Golledge, Mohan V. Jacob
Summary: In this research, graphene (Gr) was deposited on a medical-grade cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy surface using Origanum vulgare as a precursor material. The biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of CoCr-Gr were investigated. The results suggest that CoCr-Gr could be a potential antibacterial coating material for implantable devices.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Panthihage Ruvini L. Dabare, Akash Bachhuka, Jing Yang Quek, Lluis F. F. Marsal, John Hayball, Krasimir Vasilev
Summary: It has been shown that macrophage polarization can be regulated by modifying the surface features of biomaterials, and this effect can be maintained over a prolonged period. In this study, differentiated THP-1 cells were used to control macrophage polarization on nano-rough surfaces for 7 days. The results demonstrate that regardless of surface roughness, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines decreases while the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines increases, and the predominant cell type on the modified surfaces exhibits an M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype.
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Tara Chand Yadav, Akash Bachhuka
Summary: Biomaterials are widely used in healthcare services for various applications. Host immunological responses often pose challenges to the efficacy of biomaterials, thus surface modification has gained attention to control inflammatory responses. Studies have shown that controlling nanotopography and chemistry of surfaces can effectively alter the immune response to biomaterials. However, more research is needed to understand the synergistic effects of these modifications. This review aims to provide insights into the individual and synergistic effects of surface chemistry and nanotopography on foreign body response modulation and highlight research gaps and advancements in this field.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andrew Hayles, Richard Bright, Ngoc Huu Nguyen, Vi Khanh Truong, Jonathan Wood, Dennis Palms, Jitraporn Vongsvivut, Dan Barker, Krasimir Vasilev
Summary: This study demonstrates the enhanced susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics by modifying the surface of implantable biomaterials with sharp nanospikes. The presence of nanospikes rejuvenates the activity of antibiotics, resulting in increased bacterial cell death. Differential gene expression and biochemical analysis provide evidence of the mechanism behind the modification of cell surface charge.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2023)