Review
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaoxiao Dong, Xiaohang Luo, Hong Zhao, Chenyu Qiao, Jiapeng Li, Jianhong Yi, Li Yang, Francisco J. Oropeza, Travis Shihao Hu, Quan Xu, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: Compared to traditional rigid-bodied robots, soft robots have flexibility and adaptability, enabling complex interactions with humans, other organisms, and non-ideal environments. This article summarizes the fabrication methods, driving strategies, applications, and future trends of soft robots, as well as discusses challenges and perspectives.
Review
Polymer Science
Ayse Z. Sahan, Murat Baday, Chirag B. Patel
Summary: Hydrogels, as biocompatible polymers, have diverse applications in medicine, bioprinting, tissue engineering, and biomechanics. They can simulate the microenvironment of tissues and influence cancer cell behavior. However, further research is needed on the development and potential applications of biomimetic hydrogels in clinical settings.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chenchen Zhou, Yueyi Yang, Mengmeng Duan, Cheng Chen, Caixia Pi, Demao Zhang, Xiaoheng Liu, Jing Xie
Summary: This study designs a novel patterned equidistant micropillar substrate based on PDMS to mimic the collagen fiber-like network of cartilage matrix, and finds that chondrocytes seeded onto the soft micropillar substrate maintain their phenotype more effectively. Chondrocytes sense and respond to micropillar substrates with different stiffnesses by altering the ECM-cytoskeleton-focal adhesion axis. This study provides a model to understand the cell behavior changes during the transition from a normal state to a state of osteoarthritis.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Liu, Xiaohua Pu, Mengmeng Duan, Cheng Chen, Yanfang Zhao, Demao Zhang, Jing Xie
Summary: Designing a biomimetic physical microenvironment that closely resembles in vivo tissue for observing real cell behaviors is a major challenge. In this study, a novel cell culture platform was established using patterned equidistant micropillars with varying stiffnesses to mimic the changes occurring in the transition from normal to osteoporotic disease. The findings revealed that the soft micropillar substrate decreased osteocyte synaptogenesis and impaired cell mechanoperception and cytoskeletal rearrangement. The reduction in osteocyte synaptogenesis was mainly mediated through the inactivation of Erk/MAPK signaling. Additionally, the soft micropillar substrate-mediated synaptogenesis affected cell-to-cell communication and matrix mineralization of osteocytes. These results provide evidence of cellular mechanical responses that more closely resemble those of real osteocytes at the bone tissue level.
Article
Ophthalmology
Haiyan Li, Ayushi Singh, Kristin M. Perkumas, W. Daniel Stamer, Preethi S. Ganapathy, Samuel Herberg
Summary: This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of TGF-beta2 modulation of YAP/TAZ activity in human SC cells and examines the potential of pharmacological YAP/TAZ inhibition to improve outflow tissue dysfunction under glaucomatous conditions.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Haiyan Li, VijayKrishna Raghunathan, W. Daniel Stamer, Preethi S. Ganapathy, Samuel Herberg
Summary: Progression of primary open-angle glaucoma is associated with increased trabecular meshwork (HTM) stiffness and elevated TGF beta 2 levels. YAP/TAZ, important factors in mechanotransduction, play a role in glaucomatous HTM cell dysfunction. Increased ECM stiffness elevates nuclear localization of YAP/TAZ, potentially through modulating focal adhesions and cytoskeletal rearrangement. TGF beta 2 also increases nuclear YAP/TAZ in HTM cells, which can be prevented by inhibiting ERK and ROCK signaling pathways. Inactivation of YAP/TAZ with verteporfin partially blocks TGF beta 2-induced hydrogel contraction and stiffening. This study provides evidence for the pathological role of aberrant YAP/TAZ signaling in glaucomatous HTM cell dysfunction and suggests potential strategies for preventing progressive ocular hypertension in glaucoma.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nadia Chandra Sekar, Sergio Aguilera Suarez, Ngan Nguyen, Austin Lai, Peter Thurgood, Ying Zhou, Chanly Chheang, Scott Needham, Elena Pirogova, Karlheinz Peter, Khashayar Khoshmanesh, Sara Baratchi
Summary: Endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, are affected by biophysical cues and play an important role in vascular health and disease. This study investigated the impact of vessel stiffness on endothelial cells and found that cells cultured on softer substrates showed different cellular alignment and morphology compared to cells on stiffer substrates.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yajun Chen, Hanglan Qin, Alfred Mensaha, Qingqing Wang, Fenglin Huang, Qufu Wei
Summary: Designing multifunctional medical adhesives with strong adhesiveness under water is challenging, but a combination of hydrogel matrix and nanocrystal fillers has shown potential. This hydrogel adhesive mechanism relies on absorption of interfacial water and hydration process of nanocrystals for strong cohesion, with further improvement through noncovalent and covalent bonds.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mohammad Hamrangsekachaee, Ke Wen, Narges Yazdani, Rebecca K. Willits, Sidi A. Bencherif, Eno E. Ebong
Summary: This study investigated the impact of substrate composition and mechanical properties on the expression of glycocalyx (GCX) in endothelial cells (ECs). The results showed that different substrate compositions and concentrations altered the overall GCX expression, while the major polysaccharide components exhibited dysregulation patterns under different levels of substrate stiffness. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how GCX modulates EC function under different chemical and mechanical conditions.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bihan Wu, Shuang Zhao, Xuejiao Yang, Laicheng Zhou, Yang Ma, Hongyue Zhang, Wenbin Li, Huaimin Wang
Summary: This work describes the rational design of tetrapeptides to drive the formation of liquid crystalline hydrogel through intermolecular interactions. It also reveals the mechanism of self-assembly and the formation of anisotropic liquid crystalline domains. The diameter of nanofibers can be controlled by varying the enantiomer of electrostatic pairs. Furthermore, the hydrogel properties can be easily controlled by incorporating a light-responsive group.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Melis Isik, Babatunde O. Okesola, Cemil Can Eylem, Engin Kocak, Emirhan Nemutlu, Matteo D'Este, Alvaro Mata, Burak Derkus
Summary: Organoids are a promising technology for various applications including disease modeling, drug development, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. However, their real-life applications are currently limited by challenges such as the scarcity of suitable biomimetic matrices. In this study, the researchers developed bio-instructive hydrogels with tunable stiffness to culture and induce the growth of cerebral organoids. They used multi-omics tools to study the effects of neuro-inductive cues on the biomolecular profiles of brain organoids.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Juzheng Yuan, Yang Wang, Wenguang Yang, Xiao Li, Kaishan Tao, Wangxiao He, Jin Yan
Summary: In this study, an antimicrobial nanonet with hemostatic function was designed and successfully used to treat chronic wounds associated with multiple bacterial infections. The nanogel not only prevented tissue adhesion but also promoted wound healing. This research provides a promising therapeutic approach for chronic wound therapy and may contribute to the development of biomimetic peptide hydrogels for various human diseases.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bo Zhang, Lianghao Jia, Jinrui Jiang, Shanshan Wu, Tao Xiang, Shaobing Zhou
Summary: This study presents a biomimetic hydrogel with shape-memory effect and switchable adhesion, suitable for adhesion on various material surfaces in wet environments and exhibiting stable anti-swelling properties. The hydrogel can autonomously adhere and detach through thermal-triggered shape transformation, and it shows significantly improved underwater adhesion strength due to its patterned structure inspired by tree-frog footpads.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jianbing Cui, Jiwei Chen, Zhongbin Ni, Weifu Dong, Mingqing Chen, Dongjian Shi
Summary: In this study, a strategy to fabricate biomimetic hydrogel with strain-stiffening property is proposed. The resulting sensors exhibit good mechanical properties and high sensitivity, making them potential candidates for wearable and implantable electronic devices.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Cedric H. G. Neutel, Anne-Sophie Weyns, Arthur Leloup, Sofie De Moudt, Pieter-Jan Guns, Paul Fransen
Summary: This study investigated the effects of physical activity on cardiovascular function in mice and found that vascular smooth muscle cells in the aorta have the ability to de-stiffen or relax after periods of high cyclic stretch. These findings have implications for the therapeutic potential of physical activity in cardiovascular disease.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yonghui Ding, Richard Johnson, Sadhana Sharma, Xiaoyun Ding, Stephanie J. Bryant, Wei Tan
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Leila S. Saleh, Casey Vanderheyden, Andrew Frederickson, Stephanie J. Bryant
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Stanley Chu, Mollie M. Maples, Stephanie J. Bryant
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah A. Schoonraad, Michael L. Trombold, Stephanie J. Bryant
Summary: The study demonstrated the successful chemical attachment of BMP-2 to a polyethylene glycol hydrogel using thiol-norbornene click chemistry to enhance osteogenesis. Tethered BMP-2 augmented the osteogenic response of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts, leading to significant increases in osteomarkers Bglap and Ibsp. This work also identified the role of dexamethasone in inducing Ibsp expression and confirmed the activation of the BMP canonical signaling pathway by tethered BMP-2.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alex J. Anderson, Emerson Grey, Nicholas J. Bongiardina, Christopher N. Bowman, Stephanie J. Bryant
Summary: A new particulate delivery system based on step-growth thiol-Michael dispersion polymerization was reported in this study, in which synthetic nucleic acid mimic click nucleic acids (CNA) were functionalized onto low polydispersity microparticles. The results showed that CNA-functionalized microparticles exhibited controllable DNA loading and release properties, suggesting a promising platform for controlled DNA delivery.
Article
Polymer Science
Sadhana Sharma, Nicholas Monteleone, Irina Kopyeva, Stephanie J. Bryant
Summary: This study investigated the effects of electrospinning parameters and hydrogel formulation on the structure and properties of fibrous poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels. The results showed that solvent and PEO concentration affected fiber diameter, while crosslinker type had minimal impact on fiber diameter, morphology, and porosity but modulated shear modulus.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Franck J. Vernerey, Shankar Lalitha Sridhar, Archish Muralidharan, Stephanie J. Bryant
Summary: Hydrogels are highly water-swollen molecular networks ideal for creating tissue mimetics. They are promising cell-delivery vehicles for tissue engineering applications and important bases for studying healthy and pathophysiological events in a controlled three-dimensional environment. The interactions between cells and hydrogels involve complex biochemical and mechanical communication mechanisms, which can be studied through an integrated experimental and computational approach.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Archish Muralidharan, Robert R. McLeod, Stephanie J. Bryant
Summary: PBAE-diacrylate resins offer a wide range of available chemistries and tunable material properties for 3D printing applications. Depending on the chemistry, these resins can exhibit varying degradation behaviors, from bulk degradation to surface degradation, with different degradation rates under accelerated conditions. The high-resolution 3D printed parts achieved through simple chemical modifications in the resins combined with projection microstereolithography have similar architectures and initial properties but diverse degradation behaviors.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jeanne E. Barthold, Kaitlin P. McCreery, Jaylene Martinez, Charlotte Bellerjeau, Yifu Ding, Stephanie J. Bryant, Gregory L. Whiting, Corey P. Neu
Summary: A biomaterial ink based on extracellular matrix particles was developed for 3D printing of cartilage scaffolds with layered structure and surface lubrication.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rachel L. Wilmoth, Sadhana Sharma, Virginia L. Ferguson, Stephanie J. Bryant
Summary: This study examined the effect of PGE2 on osteocytes and compared the differences between 2D and 3D culture environments. The results showed that osteocytes in 3D culture were more responsive to PGE2, indicating a potential role of autocrine and paracrine PGE2 signaling in bone homeostasis.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sarah A. Schoonraad, Alan A. Jaimes, Arjun J. X. Singh, Kiera J. Croland, Stephanie J. Bryant
Summary: This study investigates the osteogenic effects of tethered BMP-2 and BMP-9 on human MSCs encapsulated in a hydrogel. The results show that tethered BMP-2 and BMP-9 both effectively enhance osteogenesis of MSCs, leading to a mature osteoblast phenotype.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Emerson L. Grey, Jazalle McClendon, Joshita Suresh, Scott Alper, William J. Janssen, Stephanie J. Bryant
Summary: Polymeric microparticles formed by a thiol-Michael addition step-growth polymerization reaction were studied for their potential in targeting macrophages. The size of the particles, treatment time, and particle chemistry were found to significantly affect their uptake by macrophages. Amide-terminated particles were non-inflammatory, while carboxyl- and thiol-terminated particles induced inflammation and cytokine production. A lung-specific application of amide-terminated particles was also explored, showing efficient uptake without causing inflammation in vitro and in vivo.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mollie M. M. Maples, Margaret C. C. Schneider, Stephanie J. J. Bryant
Summary: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) sensitive hydrogels have potential in cartilage tissue engineering due to cell-mediated control over hydrogel degradation. However, variability in MMP, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP), and extracellular matrix (ECM) production among donors affects neotissue formation in the hydrogels. This study investigated the impact of inter- and intra-donor variability on hydrogel-to-tissue transition. The results showed that age-dependent inter-donor variations in MMPs and TIMPs significantly affected the timing of the gel-to-tissue transition in MMP-sensitive hydrogels.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Callie Higgins, Jason P. Killgore, Frank W. DelRio, Stephanie J. Bryant, Robert R. McLeod
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Margaret C. Schneider, Shankar Lalitha Sridhar, Franck J. Vernerey, Stephanie J. Bryant
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Soojung Hahn, Gyuri Kim, Sang-Man Jin, Jae Hyeon Kim
Summary: This study utilized three-dimensional intestinal organoids to investigate the effects of metformin on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and found that metformin can enhance intestinal barrier function and reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
V. V. Sudarev, M. S. Gette, S. V. Bazhenov, O. M. Tilinova, E. V. Zinovev, I. V. Manukhov, A. I. Kuklin, Yu. L. Ryzhykau, A. V. Vlasov
Summary: This study investigated the self-assembly processes of ferritin-based protein complexes and obtained structurally characterized oligomeric states. These results provide new potential and opportunities for the application of ferritin in various fields.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yalda Sabaghi, Farnaz Pourfarzad, Leila Zolghadr, Azita Bahrami, Tahereh Shojazadeh, Alireza Farasat, Nematollah Gheibi
Summary: p-Coumaric acid (p-CA) is a plant compound with anti-cancer activities. This study designed a nano-liposomal carrier containing p-CA to enhance its effectiveness against melanoma cells. The findings showed that the liposomal form of p-CA had a greater impact on the cells. Kinetic modeling indicated that the best fitting model was zero-order.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. D. Nazmul Hasan, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Al Asmaul Husna, Nobuhiro Nozaki, Osamu Yamato, Naoki Miura
Summary: This study investigated the expression of ncRNAs other than miRNAs in different histologic subtypes of canine mammary gland tumors (MGT). Three aberrantly expressed ncRNAs were identified as potential biomarkers for differentiating MGT subtypes. YRNA and tRFs expression levels were found to be decreased in metastatic compared to primary MGT cell lines.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seine A. Shintani
Summary: In this study, the researchers used signal analysis to study the instantaneous amplitude and phase of sarcomeric oscillations in skeletal muscle. They identified two types of oscillations, sarcomeric oscillations and sarcosynced oscillations, and visualized their behavior during propagating waves. The researchers discovered the presence of sarcomeric defect holes and sarcomeric collision holes, which are important indicators for understanding the oscillation properties of sarcomeres. This finding has important implications for improving our understanding of muscle function and its regulatory mechanisms.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuanglin Zhang, Yuzhong Jia, Guolan Ma, Yanyan Yang, Zhenzhen Cao, Antao Luo, Zefu Zhang, Shihan Li, Jie Wen, Hanfeng Liu, Jihua Ma
Summary: Bupleurum is an antiarrhythmic agent that may exert its effects by inhibiting L-type calcium channels.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomotaka Ohkubo, Yasuhiko Matsumoto, Hiroaki Sasaki, Kaoru Kinoshita, Yuki Ogasawara, Takashi Sugita
Summary: This study found that Citrobacter koseri inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis, disrupting the balance between S. epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, and exacerbating inflammation in atopic dermatitis.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Toshifumi Asano, Philipp Sasse, Takao Nakata
Summary: A Cre recombination-based fluorescent reporter system was developed to monitor cell-cell fusion. The system successfully detected the formation of multinuclear myotubes and placental syncytiotrophoblast. This tool could facilitate the study of cell-to-cell fusion.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ke Shi, Yunlong Shan, Xiao Sun, Kuida Chen, Qiong Luo, Qiang Xu
Summary: This study found that low expression of TP53INP2 is associated with poor survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. As the malignancy of CRC progresses, TP53INP2 expression gradually decreases. Knockdown of TP53INP2 promotes CRC cell proliferation and tumor growth. Mechanistically, TP53INP2 deficiency decreases phosphorylation of beta-catenin, leading to increased accumulation and enhanced nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. Additionally, TP53INP2 sequesters TIM50, inhibiting its activation of beta-catenin. In conclusion, downregulation of TP53INP2 promotes CRC progression by activating beta-catenin.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Rossi, Fabio Tomaselli, Alejandro Hochkoeppler
Summary: Oligomeric enzymes are known for their higher catalytic rates compared to monomeric enzymes, but the extent of additivity in their activity is still not well understood. This study used tetrameric rabbit lactate dehydrogenase as a model to examine the kinetics of its catalytic action. Surprisingly, when the concentration of the limiting reactant exceeded that of a single subunit, there was a significant slowdown in the enzyme's conformational rearrangements.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amin Sahraei, Mohammad Javad Shamsoddini, Fakhrossadat Mohammadi, Leila Hassani
Summary: This study explored the inhibitory effects of gallium curcumin, indium curcumin, and vanadyl curcumin on the amyloid fibrillation of hen egg white lysozyme, as well as the binding interactions of these metal complexes with the enzyme. The results showed that indium curcumin and vanadyl curcumin exhibited higher binding affinities and stronger inhibitory effects on amyloid fibrillation compared to gallium curcumin.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Takahiro Sasaki, Yoshiki Kuse, Shinsuke Nakamura, Masamitsu Shimazawa
Summary: PGRN deficiency plays a significant role in cardiac remodeling and arrhythmias post-myocardial infarction (MI), potentially by promoting metabolic abnormalities in macrophages.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongwei Zhao, Yiqiang Li, Yibo Zhang, Chi Zhang
Summary: Electrical brain stimulation technology is commonly used to treat brain neurological disorders, but it can cause side effects. This study investigated the impact of electric fields on nerve fibers and revealed the possible origin of side effects. The findings provide guidance for selecting electrical parameters in clinical stimulation therapy.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia S. Scott, Lake-Ee Quek, Andrew J. Hoy, Johannes V. Swinnen, Zeyad D. Nassar, Lisa M. Butler
Summary: The fatty acid elongation enzyme ELOVL5 plays a critical role in promoting metastasis in prostate cancer. Knocking down ELOVL5 leads to the accumulation of malonyl-CoA, which inhibits fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria. This study highlights the importance of fatty acid elongation in regulating cell viability and provides a potential target for prostate cancer treatment.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zan Zhou, Wen-jun Jiang, Li Li, Jun-qiang Si
Summary: This study investigates the effect of noise exposure on cognitive function in mice and explores the underlying molecular mechanisms. The findings suggest that noise exposure leads to increased inflammation, increased phosphorylation of Tau protein, and decreased levels of postsynaptic density protein, resulting in cognitive impairment.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)