Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Danh Nguyen, James Wu, Patrick Corrigan, Ying Li
Summary: This study investigates the mechanisms of lipid bilayer disruption by Janus nanoparticles (NPs) through computational simulations. The results reveal that the Janus balance and the concentration of charged phospholipids play significant roles in the interactions between Janus NPs and lipid bilayers. The study provides molecular insights into the selectivity of Janus NPs for negatively charged lipid membranes and highlights the importance of the anisotropic properties of Janus NPs in membrane disruption.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maksim A. Kalutsky, Timur R. Galimzyanov, Rodion J. Molotkovsky
Summary: This study investigates the fusion mechanism of monolayer and bilayer membranes during the interaction between lipid droplets and peroxisomes. Through energy trajectory and molecular dynamics simulation, it is found that the stalk formed during the fusion process is energetically more stable and has a lower energy barrier compared to bilayer fusion. The further evolution of the stalk is dependent on the spontaneous curvature of the membrane, possibly related to the incorporation of free fatty acids.
Article
Biology
Stephanie Bolik, Alexander Schlaich, Tetiana Mukhina, Alberto Amato, Olivier Bastien, Emanuel Schneck, Bruno Deme, Juliette Jouhet
Summary: The study compared the properties of betaine lipids and phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipids through neutron diffraction experiments and dynamic molecular simulations. It found that betaine lipids are thicker and more rigid than PC lipids, and they have higher repulsive forces, possibly due to unscreened electrostatic contribution. Furthermore, betaine lipids can exist in both gel and fluid phases.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rashad Kariuki, Rowan Penman, Saffron J. Bryant, Rebecca Orrell-Trigg, Nastaran Meftahi, Russell J. Crawford, Chris F. McConville, Gary Bryant, Kislon Voitchovsky, Charlotte E. Conn, Andrew J. Christofferson, Aaron Elbourne
Summary: Nanomaterials have the potential to revolutionize biological and biomedical research, and this study provides detailed insights into how gold nanoparticles interact with phospholipid membranes. The study shows that the nanoparticles can be absorbed and internalized by fluid-phase membranes, and partially embed into gel-phase membranes, causing perturbations throughout the bilayers.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
William Toh, Elisa Yun Mei Ang, Teng Yong Ng, Rongming Lin, Zishun Liu
Summary: A double-layer graphene slit membrane is proposed as a solution to reduce fouling caused by nanoplastic particles in graphene membranes. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the addition of a secondary membrane significantly reduces fouling and improves permeability.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lorena Ruano, Gustavo Cardenas, Juan J. Nogueira
Summary: This study investigates the intermolecular interactions between platinum-based anticancer drugs and lipid bilayers, finding that the permeation of cisplatin through a model membrane involves complex interactions with the polar and non-polar regions of the lipid bilayer, influenced by long-range electrostatic and hydrogen bond interactions. The permeation free-energy profile is determined by a balance between drug/lipid interactions, dehydration of the drug, and changes in membrane ordering along the permeation pathway.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luping Ou, Haibo Chen, Bing Yuan, Kai Yang
Summary: The interaction between sub 10 nm cationic LNPs and cell membranes is a two-step entropy-driven process, enabling LNPs to differentiate between membranes with different lipid compositions and providing strategies for developing membrane-targeting agents.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Frederic Lirussi, Kyrylo Pyrshev, Semen Yesylevskyy, Timothee Rivel, Tatiana Lopez, Eleonore Coppens, Simona Mura, Patrick Couvreur, Christophe Ramseyer
Summary: Despite differences in lipid composition between benign and malignant cells, lipid bilayers have rarely been considered as targets in cancer therapy. However, this study demonstrates that the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane can be targeted for selective delivery of amphiphilic gemcitabine-squalene nanomedicines to cancer cells. Data from various assays and simulations provide evidence of the selective accumulation of gemcitabine-squalene in disrupted plasma membranes and its preferential uptake by malignant cells, resulting in pronounced cytotoxicity on cancer cells compared to benign counterparts.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ruijie D. Teo, D. Peter Tieleman
Summary: Simvastatin is a commonly prescribed drug for reducing high cholesterol levels, but high doses can lead to side effects like myopathy and kidney failure. Research shows that both forms of simvastatin can penetrate lipid bilayers, with differences in their localization and interactions within the bilayer.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Si, Xiaojing Lin, Liwei Wang, Gensheng Wu, Yin Zhang, Yunfei Chen, Jingjie Sha
Summary: This study theoretically reports a DNA-tracked nanovehicle that can move on a solid-state surface using molecular dynamics simulations. The nanovehicle is assembled with a graphene membrane as the chassis and circular ssDNAs as the wheels. By inducing electroosmotic flows through independently charged nanopores, controlled rotary motion is achieved, allowing the nanovehicle to move linearly and make turns. This design enables access to almost anywhere in the human body, leading to breakthroughs in nanoscale surgery and drug delivery. It enriches the nanorobot family and provides a new approach for nanovehicle design.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Nanxi Chen, Ye He, Mingming Zang, Youxi Zhang, Hongyan Lu, Qinfu Zhao, Siling Wang, Yikun Gao
Summary: Intracellular delivery of proteins is crucial for disease treatment and genetic engineering. Existing delivery strategies are inefficient, but endocytosis-independent intracellular delivery can improve efficiency and create new delivery pathways.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tianli Luo, Qizhen Zheng, Leihou Shao, Tianyu Ma, Lanqun Mao, Ming Wang
Summary: Rationally designed GPX4 degrader can enhance ferroptosis induction efficiency, while the intracellular delivery of this degrader using biodegradable lipid nanoparticles enables cell-selective ferroptosis induction.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Azadeh Alavizargar, Fabian Keller, Roland Wedlich-Soldner, Andreas Heuer
Summary: Sterols, particularly cholesterol, play a major role in the organization of biological membranes and the formation of liquid ordered domains in lipid mixtures. Molecular dynamics simulations show that cholesterol has a stronger impact on phospholipid properties compared to ergosterol, likely due to its higher planarity in the ring system.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Natalia Kuzmina, Pavel Volynsky, Ivan Boldyrev, Anna Alekseeva
Summary: Bee venom PLA2 exhibits two additional interface binding modes and enzyme activity through constant switching between different orientations. This switching has biological significance in terms of enzyme movement along the membrane, product release in a biological milieu, and enzyme desorption from the bilayer surface.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Heming Tang, He Yang, Wenjun Zhu, Liyan Fei, Jialei Huang, Zhuang Liu, Lei Wang, Hong Chen
Summary: A new delivery strategy using a photothermal pump patch for high-efficient intracellular macromolecule delivery is reported. The patch ruptures the cell membrane and shrinks the exogenous molecular reservoirs under laser, resulting in directional delivery of exogenous molecules into cells. It is considered a universal structure applicable in vitro and in vivo for nondestructive and highly efficient macromolecule delivery.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Claudia Lubrano, Ugo Bruno, Chiara Ausilio, Francesca Santoro
Summary: This study investigates the short-term depression of a biomembrane-based organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) through supported lipid bilayer mediation. The ionic barrier behavior of the lipid bilayer is utilized to enhance the neuromorphic operation of the OECT. These biomimetic neuromorphic devices pave the way for in vitro platforms resembling synapses to study and characterize synaptic plasticity loss in neurodegenerative diseases.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anna Mariano, Claudia Lubrano, Ugo Bruno, Chiara Ausilio, Nikita Bhupesh Dinger, Francesca Santoro
Summary: The plasma membrane is a highly dynamic structure that can stretch, bend, and bud to allow cells to respond and adapt to their environment. Biomimetic strategies based on substrate dimensionality, utilizing conductive polymers, and biofunctionalization through ECM proteins or lipid bilayers have been developed to optimize cell-chip coupling and maximize interfacial interactions.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria Francesca Peruzy, Daniela Cristiano, Elisabetta Delibato, Nicola D'Alessio, Yolande T. R. Proroga, Rosaria Luana Capozza, Antonio Rippa, Nicoletta Murru
Summary: This study evaluated the presence of enteric pathogens in wild boar meat samples from the Campania region. The results showed the presence of Salmonella spp, Y. enterocolitica, and Shiga-Toxin producing E. coli in the samples, while Campylobacter spp was not detected. Due to the high occurrence of pathogenic bacteria, wild boars are considered to be important reservoirs for foodborne zoonoses.
ITALIAN JOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Anna Mariano, Claudia Latte Bovio, Valeria Criscuolo, Francesca Santoro
Summary: The development of a functional nervous system depends on interactions between neurons and cues in the neural extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM topographical cues strongly influence neuronal function and behavior. This article discusses how the blueprint of the brain's ECM organization can inspire the design of biomimetic substrates that enhance neural interfaces and control neuronal behavior. Strategies to mimic cell-ECM and cell-cell interactions are explored, including the use of roughness and 3D scaffolds. Anisotropic features such as grooves and fibers can guide neuronal development, while isotropic topographical cues can reproduce neuron-neuron interactions. Advanced techniques like two-photon polymerization and dynamic interfaces are paving the way for smart biointerfaces in neural tissue engineering and repair strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alice Lunghi, Anna Mariano, Michele Bianchi, Nikita Bhupesh Dinger, Mauro Murgia, Eliana Rondanina, Andrea Toma, Pierpaolo Greco, Michele Di Lauro, Francesca Santoro, Luciano Fadiga, Fabio Biscarini
Summary: This study presents a straightforward approach for fabricating soft interfaces featuring 3D PEDOT:PSS micropillars on a flexible substrate. The 3D micropillars show increased capacitance compared to planar electrodes and support cell adhesion, growth, and influence neurite outgrowth direction. Soft micropillars also act as excellent anchoring loci for elongating neurites, increasing the contact points between cells and electrodes.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laura Matino, Anna Mariano, Chiara Ausilio, Raghav Garg, Tzahi Cohen-Karni, Francesca Santoro
Summary: The correct wiring of a neural network requires neurons to integrate cues from their extracellular environment, and biologically inspired micro- and nanostructured substrates can regulate axonal outgrowth. Graphene, as a conductive neural interface, has the potential to enhance cell adhesion and neural sprouting. This study found that nanoscale protruding features influenced neuronal growth and branching, and the integrin-mediated contact adhesion points and plasma membrane curvature processes played a crucial role in neurons-to-graphene coupling.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
R. Capozza, K. J. Hanley
Summary: A comprehensive computational model has been developed to simulate surface wear caused by scratching and impact. The model uses a group of spheres to represent the surface, characterized by the hardness. When the pressure exceeds a certain threshold, the spheres are displaced to account for changes in the surface profile. The study found that in the case of impact, the wear volume increases with velocity and reaches a maximum between 0 and 90 degrees. In the case of scratching, the worn volume shows a linear dependence on the normal load within a limited range, transitioning to nonlinear behavior with increasing load. Energy dissipation is naturally included in the model.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marco Bontempi, Francesca Salamanna, Rosario Capozza, Andrea Visani, Milena Fini, Alessandro Gambardella
Summary: This study proposes a method to construct elasticity maps of hard tissues using AFM nanoindentation, and successfully applies it to sheep cortical bone. The method allows for simultaneous processing of elastic and inelastic sample deformation, and quantitatively assesses differences between sample regions with different structures and compositions.
Article
Polymer Science
Marco Bontempi, Rosario Capozza, Andrea Visani, Milena Fini, Gianluca Giavaresi, Alessandro Gambardella
Summary: In this study, the near-surface elasticity of semicrystalline polyether ether ketone (PEEK) at room temperature was quantitatively mapped using a standard atomic force microscopy setup in nanoindentation mode. Two localized moduli distributions were observed at approximately 0.6 and 0.9 GPa below the plastic threshold of the polymer, at indentation loads ranging from 120-450 nN. The localization of the amorphous and crystalline phases on the free surface of the polymer was detected with unprecedented detail. This study provides insights into quantitatively characterizing complex biopolymer systems on the nanoscale and guiding the optimal design of micro- and nanostructures for advanced biomedical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anna Mariano, Ines Fasolino, Nikita Bhupesh Dinger, Claudia Latte Bovio, Irene Bonadies, Alessandro Pezzella, Luigi Ambrosio, Maria Grazia Raucci, Francesca Santoro
Summary: During neural system development, neurons respond to cues found in the brain's environment, and these cues have been used in neural tissue engineering to create scaffolds that can guide neuronal behavior. Anisotropic aligned fibers, mimicking natural fiber structures, have proven effective in promoting cell alignment and neuronal differentiation. Melanins, including eumelanin, possess beneficial properties and have been used as coatings. Aligned poly(lactic acid) fibers coated with eumelanin promote cell alignment, morphology, and maturation of neuroblastoma cells.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Giovanni Maria Matrone, Ugo Bruno, Csaba Forro, Claudia Lubrano, Stefano Cinti, Yoeri van de Burgt, Francesca Santoro
Summary: Researchers have developed an electrochemical neuromorphic organic device (ENODe) that functions as an artificial synapse, emulating neurotransmitter transmission and modulation while overcoming electrochemical and readout interferences. The platform replicates high-level biological processes and holds promise for tissue-integrated neuromorphic systems.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Ugo Bruno, Anna Mariano, Daniela Rana, Tobias Gemmeke, Simon Musall, Francesca Santoro
Summary: The computation of the brain relies on efficient communication among neurons. Efforts to leverage brain-inspired principles have led to the introduction of artificial neural networks, and researchers are now exploring novel solutions to emulate specific brain features. The development of neurohybrid systems that integrate silicon-based and organic electronics-based technologies may enable bidirectional communication between biological and artificial brains, offering potential therapeutic applications and advancements in prosthetics.
NEUROMORPHIC COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chiara Ausilio, Claudia Lubrano, Anna Mariano, Francesca Santoro
Summary: One of the challenges in neuroelectronics is achieving a tight coupling with neuronal cells and optimal signal to noise ratio. Researchers have found that modifying the surface charge of supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) can enhance the interaction with neurons, impacting neurite elongation and branching.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amedeo Ruggiero, Valeria Criscuolo, Sara Grasselli, Ugo Bruno, Chiara Ausilio, Claudia Latte Bovio, Ottavia Bettucci, Francesca Santoro
Summary: This study presents an innovative fabrication method combining two-photon lithography and electrodeposition techniques for the realization of PEDOT:PSS-based conductive micropillars and 3D cage-like structures. The electrical and mechanical properties of PEDOT:PSS make it widely employed in bioelectronic applications.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Matteo Battaglini, Alessio Carmignani, Chiara Martinelli, Jamila Colica, Attilio Marino, Stefano Doccini, Valentina Mollo, Francesca Santoro, Martina Bartolucci, Andrea Petretto, Filippo Maria Santorelli, Gianni Ciofani
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of polydopamine nanoparticles (PDNPs) on human fibroblasts derived from patients with autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) in terms of antioxidant properties and protein expression. The results showed that PDNPs can partially counteract ROS-induced damages in ARSACS patient-derived fibroblasts.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)