Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anurupa Goswami, Dipali Devi
Summary: This study provides a preliminary characterization of liquid silk from the middle silk gland of a non-mulberry silkworm, and analyzes the sericin protein using in-silico methods. The research demonstrates the conformational patterns of the liquid silk inside the silk gland, and suggests the transitional state of the silk with both crystalline and amorphous contents.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
R. N. Manjunath, Vikas Khatkar
Summary: This study investigated the structure and morphology of muga silkworm cocoons and quantified their contribution to mechanical properties. The study found that muga cocoons have a nonwoven fiber structure and are fragile, requiring genetic improvement for better commercial utilization.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dharmendra Kumar Jigyasu, Amit Kumar, Aftab A. Shabnam, Raisa Begum, Subadas Singh, Sandeep Kumar Malyan, Kartik Neog, K. M. Vijayakumari
Summary: Air pollution has a significant impact on the primary food plant and silk production. The study found that plants can adapt to air pollution by increasing ascorbic acid content. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding plants' tolerance levels to protect silk production and balance economic growth with environmental conservation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arif Uddin, Supriyo Chakraborty
Summary: The study analyzed the synonymous codon usage pattern in the mitochondrial genome of Antheraea assamensis and found a preference for AT-rich genes with low GC content. Analysis revealed different patterns of codon usage among genes, influenced by both mutation pressure and natural selection.
ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
G. Subrahmanyam, R. Das, R. Debnath, M. Chutia, K. M. Ponnuvel, K. Sathyanarayana
Summary: In this study, bacterial pathogens associated with bacteriosis in muga silkworm were examined, and it was found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus mycoids were the common pathogens. P. aeruginosa showed higher pathogenicity towards A. assamensis compared to B. mycoids. The disease progression of bacterial infection in A. assamensis was also analyzed using a graph.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
A. Mech, K. Choudhury, D. S. Bora
Summary: This study investigated the defense responses in two primary host plants of the muga silkworm, revealing differential activation of the LOX-trypsin inhibitor axis with greater induction of defense response in Persea bombycina, the commercially used host plant for rearing the muga silkworm.
ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jue Hou, Chen Zhao, Huacheng Zhang
Summary: This review article discusses the advanced fabrication and functionalization methods for constructing subnanofluidic pores, channels, tubes, and slits, as well as the current progress, challenges, and future directions in the field of subnanofluidics.
Article
Polymer Science
Bo-Xiang Wang, Jia Li, De-Hong Cheng, Yan-Hua Lu, Li Liu
Summary: In this study, novel thermoresponsive hydrogel nanofibers based on Antheraea pernyi silk fibroin (ASF) were successfully fabricated for colon cancer cell culture. The hydrogel nanofibers showed improved cell adhesion, proliferation, and viability compared to traditional hydrogels. These findings suggest that ASF-based nanofibers have potential as an in vitro cancer cell culture platform.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yingkai Yao, Diqin Guan, Chenke Zhang, Jing Liu, Xufeng Zhu, Tingting Huang, Jie Liu, Hongjuan Cui, Kang-lai Tang, Jinxin Lin, Fengyu Li
Summary: Inspired by the process of silkworm spinning, researchers have developed a new printing-assembly technique for creating high-strength bone regeneration scaffolds using silk fibroin and hydroxyapatite. The technique involves the use of a coaxial extrude-nozzle to assemble the materials into a compact nanostructure, resulting in scaffolds with high compressive and bending strength. The scaffolds can be fabricated in various morphologies using extruded 3D printing, making them suitable for regeneration of different types of bone. The printed scaffolds demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and successful osteogenesis.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christina Heinritz, Xuen J. Ng, Thomas Scheibel
Summary: Adhesives are sticky substances used to join surfaces, and bioadhesives are specifically designed for biological and living substrates. These bioadhesives need to be biocompatible, non-toxic, and degradable. Nature provides inspiration for bioadhesives, as certain organisms like mussels, sandcastle worms, and spiders use protein-based glues. This article focuses on the advances in developing protein-based adhesives for biomedical applications, with a wide range of reviews and books available on the topic of bioadhesives in various applications.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jianmei Chen, Yurui Xu, Xinghai Ning
Summary: Cellular therapy holds enormous promise, but reliable cell sources are scarce. This study introduces a 3D bioinspired scaffold that improves cell production and cryopreservation efficiency. The scaffold mimics the structure of silkworm cocoons and maintains cell viability and biofunctions, providing high cryopreservation efficacy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mosleh Mohammad Abomughaid
Summary: Silica nanoparticles with good antioxidant activity were synthesized using the aqueous extract of orange peels by a green chemistry approach.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Yeshun Zhang, Wu Tangfeng, Congyi Shen, Gang Xu, Heguang Chen, Hui Yan, Meng Xiong, Guozheng Zhang
Summary: This study reports a sericin hydrogel with high elastic modulus, excellent elasticity, good cytocompatibility, and stable solution and porous structure. It is also suitable for loading bioactive molecules.
FIBERS AND POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rui Liu, Bin Kong, Jingjing Gan, Yuanjin Zhao, Lingyun Sun
Summary: This study proposes a new therapy for wound repair by encapsulating MSCs into a microvascular patch to promote concurrent restoration of the granulation and vasculature. The embedded microfibers significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the hydrogel and promote collagen deposition and angiogenesis. The transplanted MSCs patch suppresses inflammation and promotes wound healing.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aritra Kumar Dan, Bhagyashree Biswal, Manoja Das, Sagarika Parida, Pankaj Kumar Parhi, Debadutta Das
Summary: Silk fibroin, obtained from silkworms, has been recognized for its significant biomedical applications. A sustainable and cleaner method of extracting silk fibroin from muga silk has been studied using the bio-surfactant saponin from Acacia concinna. The degumming efficacy was examined and the extracted silk fibroin was found to have low toxicity, making it potentially suitable for medical applications.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ayna Yazdanpanah, Zahra Madjd, Mohamad Pezeshki-Modaress, Zahra Khosrowpour, Paniz Farshi, Leila Eini, Jafar Kiani, Morteza Seifi, Subhas C. Kundu, Roya Ghods, Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi
Summary: In this study, a composite of polycaprolactone and gelatin was surface modified with gelatin coating or plasma treatment, and then cultured with fibroblast 3T3 and decellularized to fabricate a fibroblast ECM-conditioned scaffold. The results showed that the plasma-treated scaffold had better cell attachment and ECM secretion, and the conditioned scaffold exhibited improved biocompatibility and angiogenic properties in vivo.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zahra Khosrowpour, Seyed Mahmoud Hashemi, Samira Mohammadi-Yeganeh, Mehdi Moghtadaei, Peiman Brouki Milan, Lorenzo Moroni, Subhas C. Kundu, Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi
Summary: The decellularized placental sponge shows potential as a bone substitute and provides a platform for communication between macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells, guiding the differentiation of stem cells towards bone cells.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Carlos F. Guimaraes, Daniela Cruz-Moreira, David Caballero, Rogerio P. Pirraco, Luca Gasperini, Subhas C. Kundu, Rui L. Reis
Summary: Microfluidic platforms provide a powerful approach to miniaturize important characteristics of cancers and enhance physiological relevance in vitro testing. Photonics plays a crucial role in microfluidic 3D cancer modeling and biosensing, enabling precise manipulation of biomaterials and living cells and offering a broad toolbox for quantifying critical biological phenomena.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sanaz Alizadeh, Paniz Farshi, Navid Farahmandian, Zahra Aliakbar Ahovan, Ali Hashemi, Mohammad Majidi, Abdolnaser Azadbakht, Mahsa Darestanifarahani, Koushan Sineh Sepehr, Subhas C. Kundu, Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi
Summary: A nanofibrous chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol) (CS/PVA) mat was designed for controlled delivery of antibiotics to treat wound infections. The material showed excellent antibacterial activity against resistant strains and demonstrated good biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Prithwish Kola, Prasanth Kumar Bhusetty Nagesh, Pritam Kumar Roy, K. Deepak, Rui Luis Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Mahitosh Mandal
Summary: The increasing number of breast cancer cases globally and the rising death rate indicate the inadequacy of traditional and current treatments. Nanoparticle-based therapies such as photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, chemodynamic therapy, and sonodynamic therapy show promise in combating breast cancer through accurate drug delivery and elimination of cancer stem cells. These innovative therapies have fewer side effects compared to standard chemotherapy and address the stability issues associated with cancer immunotherapy. This review discusses various nanotheranostic systems and smart nanoparticles, their mechanisms of action, and their relevance in the current era.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhenzhen Qi, Zheng Yan, Guohongfang Tan, Tianshuo Jia, Yiyu Geng, Huiyan Shao, Subhas C. C. Kundu, Shenzhou Lu
Summary: Silk fibroin microneedles have advantages in terms of biocompatibility, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and control via genetic engineering. This review summarizes the research progress, structure, properties, applications, and clinical trials of silk fibroin microneedles, and discusses the future development trends.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Anita Akbarzadeh Solbu, David Caballero, Spyridon Damigos, Subhas C. Kundu, Rui L. Reis, Oyvind Halaas, Aman S. Chahal, Berit L. Strand
Summary: Cell migration plays a crucial role in various biological processes, and recent advancements in materials science have allowed for the development of biomimetic in vitro assays to study cell migration. Three-dimensional hydrogels have been particularly useful in mimicking the extracellular environment and studying cell migration in a more physiologically relevant manner. This article provides an overview of the different types of hydrogels and their characteristics, as well as established methods for cell migration assays and tracking in three-dimensional environments.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ilenia Iaia, Virginia Brancato, David Caballero, Rui L. Reis, Massimo Aglietta, Dario Sangiolo, Subhas C. Kundu
Summary: Little is known about the role of fibroblasts in solid tumors such as melanoma and the mechanism behind it due to the lack of relevant pre-clinical models. In this report, a melanoma-on-a-chip model was proposed to evaluate the essential role of fibroblasts in the antitumor activity of lymphocytes. The presence of fibroblasts was observed to inhibit immune effector recruitment in a 3D pre-clinical tumor model.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Guohongfang Tan, Fujian Jiang, Tianshuo Jia, Zhenzhen Qi, Tieling Xing, Subhas C. Kundu, Shenzhou Lu
Summary: This study reports the use of polylysine-modified cationized silk fibroin (SF) to prepare microneedles (MNs) for responsive transdermal insulin delivery. The MNs were well arranged and formed an array with 0.5 mm pitch, and had a length of approximately 430 μm. They exhibited pH and glucose-responsive properties, rapidly releasing insulin as pH decreased and glucose concentration increased. In vivo experiments showed that the insulin release from cationized SF MNs was significantly lower in diabetic rats compared to normal rats. Therefore, cationized SF MNs hold promise as a new modality for diabetes treatment, replacing subcutaneous injections of insulin.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Lara Pierantoni, Virginia Brancato, Joao B. Costa, Subhas C. Kundu, Rui L. Reis, Joana Silva-Correia, Joaquim M. Oliveira
Summary: A 3D breast cancer model based on collagen protein has opened up new avenues for studying cancer progression.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wenjing Yang, Ya Ma, Haiting Xu, Zhenhua Zhu, Jiaxue Wu, Cheng Xu, Wei Sun, Erhu Zhao, Min Wang, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Xiaoxiao Shi, Bo Xiao
Summary: A fluorinated nanoparticle has been developed to improve the therapeutic outcomes of ulcerative colitis (UC). The results showed that the nanoparticles efficiently delivered drugs to the colon, promoted mucosal penetration, and had anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. In animal models, the nanoparticles significantly improved the therapeutic efficacy, reduced inflammation, and restored intestinal microbiota balance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Juan Du, Yue You, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Jingliang Li
Summary: Gels are self-supporting soft materials widely used in various fields. The design of gels for specific applications requires fast, controllable gelation, desired micro/nano structure, and suitable rheological properties. Surfactants, although widely used in controlling material formation, are less understood in their effects on gelation. This review summarizes the studies on using different surfactants to control the formation, structure, and properties of molecular and silk fibroin gels. The mechanisms of surfactants, interfacial and non-interfacial effects, are classified and discussed. This review is expected to inspire further research on using surfactants for designing and fabricating gels with desired kinetics, structure, properties, and functionalities.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rui R. Costa, David Caballero, Diana Soares da Costa, Romen Rodriguez-Trujillo, Subhas C. Kundu, Rui L. Reis, Iva Pashkuleva
Summary: Anisotropy plays a crucial role in the organization and healing of neural tissues, and holds great potential for developing regeneration strategies. The study demonstrates the fabrication of microfibers from charged ECM components using interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation, which can mimic the mechanical properties of neural tissues. These fibers are biocompatible and promote the formation of neural processes, enabling the development of neural cells.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Zhanghong Gu, Suna Fan, Subhas C. Kundu, Xiang Yao, Yaopeng Zhang
Summary: Due to the innate extracellular matrix mimicking features, fibrous materials have great potential in biomedicine. A unique material platform with a non-fouling background and parallel-arranged polycaprolactone fibers is designed to eliminate interference cell adhesions and investigate the effects of fiber diameter on stem cell behaviors. The results show that the fiber diameter can significantly affect cell proliferation and osteogenesis, and the dense fiber arrangement may play a role in inducing different cell behavior trends.
REGENERATIVE BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nina Antunes, Banani Kundu, Subhas C. Kundu, Rui L. Reis, Vitor Correlo
Summary: In vitro cancer models are considered as efficient screening platforms for potential therapies and personalized treatments. However, the low success rate of cancer therapeutics calls for critical evaluation of current preclinical platforms to accelerate the development and commercialization of in vitro cancer models.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)