Article
Chemistry, Applied
Wenjia Wang, Xiaoqin Zhang, Zhiqian Li, Dayi Pan, Hongyan Zhu, Zhongwei Gu, Jie Chen, Hu Zhang, Qiyong Gong, Kui Luo
Summary: A novel stimuli-responsive dendronized hyaluronic acid-docetaxel conjugate was designed to achieve targeted delivery of anti-tumor drugs with enhanced biocompatibility into tumor tissues. The design not only improved therapeutic outcomes but also reduced toxicity, making it an efficacious nano-agent for treating triple negative breast cancer.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Josh Karam, Breahna J. Singer, Hiromi Miwa, Limin H. Chen, Kajal Maran, Mahdi Hasani, Sarahi Garza, Bianca Onyekwere, Hsin-Chih Yeh, Song Li, Dino Di Carlo, Stephanie K. Seidlits
Summary: This study demonstrates that high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW HA) promotes viability and tube formation in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (HCMVECs), both in soluble and crosslinked forms. The HMW HA in crosslinked form also supports vascularization through inducing CD44 receptor clustering. This finding is significant for the design of hyaluronic acid hydrogels with predictable bioactivity.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Bas van Bochove, Dirk W. Grijpma
Summary: The study investigated the impact of pore characteristics on the tensile properties of porous network films, finding that elasticity modulus decreased with increasing porosity, regardless of pore size. Network films prepared by stereolithography showed slightly higher values of elasticity modulus, maximum tensile strength, and toughness compared to those prepared by the salt leaching method, possibly due to differences in diluent usage during the preparation process. Additionally, the presence of salt during crosslinking process may have contributed to a less efficient crosslinking process.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Mike A. Geven, Anna Lapomarda, Olivier Guillaume, Christoph M. Sprecher, David Eglin, Giovanni Vozzi, Dirk W. Grijpma
Summary: Porous composites based on poly(trimethylene carbonate) and nano-hydroxyapatite were prepared by controlling the ethylene carbonate content, resulting in composites with 40 wt% nano-hydroxyapatite and 27 to 71% porosity. The surface structure of these composites was influenced by their porosity, with micro-pore channels and rough nano-scale surfaces dominating. Stiffness and toughness decreased with increasing porosity, and cell differentiation was affected by the porosity, showing a 3-fold reduction in calcium production on composites with 71% porosity compared to those with 27% porosity.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Dawei Ni, Beibei Guo, Zhangyan Zhong, Yu Chen, Guang Yang, Jiangtao Yang, Zhiyuan Zhong, Fenghua Meng
Summary: This paper studies the influence of disulfide crosslinking on actively targeted nanomedicines for tumor therapy and finds that micellar docetaxel with a high disulfide content is advantageous in terms of stability, tumor uptake, and therapeutic efficacy.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bas van Bochove, Jan J. Rongen, Gerjon Hannink, Jukka V. Seppala, Andre A. Poot, Dirk W. Grijpma
Summary: PTMC and P(TMC-co-ε-CL) networks prepared by photo-crosslinking have slow degradation properties, and the degradation rate can be adjusted by varying the TMC:ε-CL ratio.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qi Chen, Xiaorong Li, Yuan Xie, Weicheng Hu, Zhipeng Cheng, Hui Zhong, Hongjun Zhu
Summary: The study introduces a novel UV-induced decomposable nanocapsule made of natural polysaccharide, which can decompose and release drugs upon UV exposure, with strong CD44 receptor targeting ability for cancer chemotherapy.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Hualu Lai, Xin Ding, Junxian Ye, Jie Deng, Shengmiao Cui
Summary: In this study, amphiphilic HA-ADH-CUR conjugates were synthesized and self-assembled to form HA@CUR NPs which exhibited pH-responsive drug release behavior. The nanoparticles could efficiently internalize by cancer cells via CD44 receptor mediated endocytosis and release CUR for chemotherapy, showing promising potential for enhanced cancer therapy.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kai Xiao, Qiangqiang Liu, Nell Suby, Wenwu Xiao, Rinki Agrawal, Michael Vu, Hongyong Zhang, Yan Luo, Yuanpei Li, Kit S. Lam
Summary: A nanoparticle system targeted at luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) receptor and responsive to the tumor microenvironment has been developed for selective delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. This system shows high drug loading efficiency, receptor-mediated internalization into TNBC cells, and improved cytotoxicity compared to non-targeted counterparts. In vivo studies demonstrate enhanced tumor distribution and penetration of payloads, leading to superior therapeutic efficacy in TNBC models. These results offer new insights into precise drug delivery for TNBC treatment.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiangle Zeng, Hairong Wang, Yawen Zhang, Xue Xu, Xinyi Yuan, Jianchun Li
Summary: This study developed a nanomicelle formulation (HDO-NPs) by combining dasatinib and olaparib, which exhibited synergistic effects on triple negative breast cancer by inducing DNA damage and inhibiting DNA damage repair. HDO-NPs were able to effectively target tumor tissues, improve drug bioavailability, and demonstrate excellent therapeutic effects both in vitro and in vivo.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Milad Ashrafizadeh, Sepideh Mirzaei, Mohammad Hossein Gholami, Farid Hashemi, Amirhossein Zabolian, Mehdi Raei, Kiavash Hushmandi, Ali Zarrabi, Nicolas H. Voelcker, Amir Reza Aref, Michael R. Hamblin, Rajender S. Varma, Saeed Samarghandian, I. J. Arostegi, M. Alzola, Alan Prem Kumar, Vijay Kumar Thakur, Noushin Nabavi, Pooyan Makvandi, Franklin R. Tay, Gorka Orive
Summary: Hyaluronic acid-modified nanostructures can enhance the delivery of doxorubicin to cancer cells, overcoming chemoresistance and providing a platform for the co-delivery of genes and drugs.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hong Yu Yang, Jia Meng Du, Moon-Sun Jang, Xin Wang Mo, Xin Shun Sun, Doo Sung Lee, Jung Hee Lee, Yan Fu
Summary: EPNGs were successfully fabricated for CD44-targeted transport of cytochrome c through UV-triggered chemical cross-linking, showing stable and high protein encapsulation efficiency in blood circulation and rapid release in targeted tumor cells.
Article
Oncology
Weinan Li, Xiaoyu Zhang, Yang Nan, Li Jia, Jialin Sun, Lina Zhang, Yanhong Wang
Summary: The pH-responsive and CD44 receptor-mediated targeted nanoparticles loaded with Thioridazine showed great potential in eliminating cancer stem cells. In vitro release studies demonstrated effective drug release in acidic pH conditions. Cellular uptake studies confirmed efficient uptake of the nanoparticles in mammospheres, and in vivo distribution studies showed prolonged retention at tumor sites and improved tumor-suppressing effects.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xiuxiu Wang, Ru Cheng, Zhiyuan Zhong
Summary: High-efficacy targeted nanotherapeutics based on FDA approved polymers like PLGA, such as HA-sPLGA XNPs, show promise in achieving enhanced treatment of A549 lung tumor, with fast cellular uptake and significantly improved potency compared to other nanoparticles. These nanoparticles demonstrate prolonged elimination half-life and notable tumor accumulation, making them a unique and potentially translatable platform for chemotherapy of CD44-overexpressing tumors.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Katya Kamenova, Georgy Grancharov, Vasilena Kortenova, Petar D. Petrov
Summary: We report the preparation of redox-responsive functional micellar nanocarriers for triggered release of CAPE in cancer therapy. The three-layered micelles, composed of PCL core, PAA/PEO middle layer, and PEO outer corona, were assembled by two amphiphilic triblock copolymers. The loaded micelles were crosslinked to enhance structural stability and prevent premature release of CAPE. However, under weak acidic conditions and in the presence of reducing agent, the payload was rapidly released due to the breakup of disulfide linkages. The developed CPMs showed potential for controlled drug release in the tumor microenvironment.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yinping Sun, Yongjie Sha, Guanhong Cui, Fenghua Meng, Zhiyuan Zhong
Summary: This review highlights the recent designs of smart systems that promote efficient lysosomal release and/or escape of anticancer agents and biotherapeutics, thereby boosting cancer therapy and immunotherapy. Lysosomal-mediated drug release presents an appealing approach to develop innovative cancer therapeutics and immunotherapeutics.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiguo Xie, Xiaofei Zhao, Peng Zhang, Yueyue Zhang, Ru Cheng, Zhiyuan Zhong, Chao Deng
Summary: This study adopts phenylboronic acid-functionalized polypeptide nanovehicles for co-delivery of BCL2 (ABT199) and MCL1 (TW37) inhibitors to achieve synergistic and potent treatment of AML. The nanovehicles exhibit efficient and robust drug coencapsulation using dynamic boronic ester bonds, B-N coordination, and pi-pi stacking. In both mouse and cell models, the nanoparticles show significant anti-tumor activity and hold great potential for AML treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shujing Yue, Jingnan An, Yifan Zhang, Jiaying Li, Cenzhu Zhao, Jingyi Liu, Lanlan Liang, Huanli Sun, Yang Xu, Zhiyuan Zhong
Summary: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has high mortality rate and limited treatment options. The lack of specific surface antigens makes targeted therapeutics and cell therapy difficult. The study shows that exogenous all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) can upregulate CD38 expression on leukemia cells, enabling targeted nanochemotherapy. Treatment with ATRA and DPV effectively eliminates leukemia cells and invasion, leading to exceptional survival benefits. The combination of exogenous CD38 upregulation and antibody-directed nanotherapeutics provides a powerful targeted therapy for leukemia.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mengying He, Mengyuan Wang, Tao Xu, Mengyao Zhang, Huaxing Dai, Chao Wang, Dawei Ding, Zhiyuan Zhong
Summary: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as important signaling molecules that can stimulate the immune system. ROS has emerged as a unique therapeutic strategy for malignant tumors because it can directly reduce tumor burden and induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) to trigger immune responses. However, immunosuppressive signals and dysfunction of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) often downplay the anti-tumor immune responses. Various strategies have been developed to enhance ROS-based cancer immunotherapy, such as combining with immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccines, and immunoadjuvants, which have shown promising results with limited side effects. This review introduces the concept of ROS-powered cancer immunotherapy, highlights innovative strategies to boost ROS-based cancer immunotherapy, and discusses challenges in clinical translation and future perspectives.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jianwei Du, Shujing Yue, Chenming Li, Jiaying Li, Songsong Zhao, Yangyang Dong, Yifan Zhang, Ru Cheng, Huanli Sun, Zhiyuan Zhong
Summary: Researchers use exogenous all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to upregulate CD38 expression on AML cells and enhance the AML-targeting of daratumumab-directed polymersomal volasertib molecular targeted drugs (DPVol), resulting in potent and safe AML depletion. The combination of ATRA stimulation and DPVol treatment shows significant reduction in leukemia burden in mouse models, with improved survival rates.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Yongjuan Li, Xinyan Li, Jinmeng Yi, Yongjian Cao, Zhihai Qin, Zhiyuan Zhong, Weijing Yang
Summary: As the first line of host defense against pathogenic infections, innate immunity plays a key role in anti-tumor immunotherapy. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) (cGAS-STING) pathway and its activation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines have attracted attention for cancer immunotherapy. However, the limitations of small molecule STING agonists, such as fast excretion, low bioavailability, nonspecificity, and adverse effects, hinder their therapeutic efficacy. Nanodelivery systems with appropriate characteristics can address these challenges.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yifeng Xia, Jingnan An, Jiaying Li, Wenxing Gu, Yifan Zhang, Songsong Zhao, Cenzhu Zhao, Yang Xu, Bin Li, Zhiyuan Zhong, Fenghua Meng
Summary: This study found that transferrin-guided polymersomes (TPs) significantly enhance the targetability, potency, and safety of the PLK1 inhibitor volasertib (Vol) against acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Vol-loaded TPs (TPVol) exhibited the highest cellular uptake, effective down-regulation of p-PLK1, p-PTEN, and p-AKT, and superior apoptotic activity compared to free Vol in leukemic cells. TPVol showed 6-fold higher AUC and notable accumulation in AML-residing bone marrow after intravenous injection. In an orthotopic leukemic model, TPVol significantly reduced leukemic cell proportions in peripheral blood, bone marrow, liver, and spleen, enhanced mouse survival rate, and impeded bone loss. This transferrin-guided nano-delivery strategy appears to be an interesting approach for the development of novel treatments for AML.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Dawei Ni, Beibei Guo, Zhangyan Zhong, Yu Chen, Guang Yang, Jiangtao Yang, Zhiyuan Zhong, Fenghua Meng
Summary: This paper studies the influence of disulfide crosslinking on actively targeted nanomedicines for tumor therapy and finds that micellar docetaxel with a high disulfide content is advantageous in terms of stability, tumor uptake, and therapeutic efficacy.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ri Huang, Hong Du, Liang Cheng, Peizhuo Zhang, Fenghua Meng, Zhiyuan Zhong
Summary: In this study, cRGD peptide-modified bioresponsive chimaeric polymersomes (cRGD-BCP) were used for efficient delivery of siKRAS to PANC-1 tumor cells, resulting in potent silencing of KRAS G12D mRNA and effective suppression of pancreatic cancer tumor growth in mice. The density of cRGD greatly impacted the uptake and silencing efficiency of cRGD-BCP-siKRAS. cRGD-BCP-siKRAS significantly enhanced the uptake of siKRAS in PANC-1 tumor and achieved remarkable tumor inhibition and survival benefits.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ran Chen, Jiakun Yang, Yumin Mao, Xiaofei Zhao, Ru Cheng, Chao Deng, Zhiyuan Zhong
Summary: This study reports that daratumumab-decorated polypeptide micelles can effectively deliver the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib to CD38-positive multiple myeloma cells, enhancing its anti-MM efficacy and significantly extending the survival time in mice.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ri Huang, Feifei Wang, He Fu, Xinming Qi, Guozhen Xing, Jin Ren, Liang Cheng, Fenghua Meng, Zhiyuan Zhong
Summary: In this study, the researchers developed bioresponsive chimaeric polymersomes (BCP) for efficient and specific delivery of siRNA to the liver. The BCP-siApoB showed remarkable liver specificity and high silencing efficacy.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Twan Lammers, Zhiyuan Zhong
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Qin Yuan, Daoyang Fan, Yifan Zhang, Shujing Yue, Ru Cheng, Zhiyuan Zhong, Huanli Sun
Summary: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplasm of abnormal plasma cells that ranks second among hematologic malignancies. Despite improvements in therapeutic modalities, MM remains incurable, necessitating the development of new and potent therapies. The study has developed a CD38-selective DPDC, which is a highly effective immunotherapy that can safely deplete MM cells in vivo.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Liang Yang, Yongjie Sha, Yuansong Wei, Hanghang Fang, Jingjing Jiang, Lichen Yin, Zhiyuan Zhong, Fenghua Meng
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the use of mannose-installed chimaeric polymersomes (Man-PMTX) for targeted delivery of methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Man-PMTX demonstrated high and robust loading of MTX, uniform size, minimal hemolytic activity, and glutathione-actuated drug release property. In vivo studies showed that Man-PMTX accumulated more in inflammatory joints, effectively treated RA by relieving inflammation, repolarizing macrophages, and mitigating proinflammatory cytokines, and protected synovium and bone from damage.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yuanyuan Liu, Jiguo Xie, Xiaofei Zhao, Yueyue Zhang, Zhiyuan Zhong, Chao Deng
Summary: A novel polymeric IDO inhibitor was developed for cancer immunotherapy, demonstrating significant tumor suppression and prolonged survival through efficient co-delivery of chemotherapeutics and inhibitors.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Izabela Stupka, Artur P. Biela, Bernard Piette, Agnieszka Kowalczyk, Karolina Majsterkiewicz, Kinga Borzecka-Solarz, Antonina Naskalska, Jonathan G. Heddle
Summary: Artificial protein cages, such as TRAP-cages, have potential applications in vaccines and drug delivery. TRAP-cages have the ability to control the disassembly conditions by modifying the interface between their building blocks. By using TRAP rings with different numbers of monomers, it is possible to predict the formation of other cages.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Guo Zhang, Yu Wang, Hua Qiu, Lei Lu
Summary: This study presents a one-pot synthesis method for flower-like AMPs@EAMP particles by combining antimicrobial peptides with ellagic acid, offering enlarged surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In vivo studies indicate their potential for tissue repair and immune barrier reconstruction.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiamei Zhang, Lingshuang Wang, Cheng Xu, Yingui Cao, Shengsheng Liu, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Xiao Yang, Bo Xiao, Lian Duan
Summary: Pluronic F127 modified silk fibroin film with different types of antibacterial agents could accelerate wound recovery by promoting fibroblast adhesion, eradicating bacteria, and facilitating angiogenesis and re-epithelialization.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yinsheng Liu, Mingyue Wang, Yinfei Hui, Lei Sun, Yanrui Hao, Henlong Ren, Hao Guo, Wu Yang
Summary: In this study, a rare-earth hybrid luminescent material was developed for the detection of a biomarker for anthrax. The material showed excellent selectivity and high sensitivity, allowing for the determination of the biomarker in saliva and urine. Additionally, a convenient point-of-care testing method using fluorescent test paper and a smartphone was established for the initial diagnosis of anthrax.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Wenshuai Yang, Jingsi Chen, Ziqian Zhao, Meng Wu, Lu Gong, Yimei Sun, Charley Huang, Bin Yan, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: Injectable hydrogels with shear-thinning and/or in situ formation properties offer distinct advantages in bioengineering applications, as they can be directly delivered to target sites, possess self-healing abilities, and simplify the implantation process.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
