Article
Polymer Science
Katie A. Rose, Natalie Gogotsi, Jonathan H. Galarraga, Jason A. Burdick, Christopher B. Murray, Daeyeon Lee, Russell J. Composto
Summary: This study investigates the effect of nanoparticle shape anisotropy on dynamics using single particle tracking. It reveals different behaviors of nanoparticles with different shapes during gelation. The findings provide insights into developing nanoparticle probes for drug delivery and biomedical applications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ting-Ching Wang, Wei-Bor Tsai
Summary: This study aimed to mathematically model the release behavior of polymer-drug conjugates and proposed a diffusion model suitable for macromolecular drugs. The results showed that hydrogels have a heterogeneous structure, and the release of macromolecules is affected by diffusion in different regions. Additionally, this study demonstrated the applicability of a biphasic model in designing hydrogel systems for precision drug release.
JOURNAL OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Krzysztof Piechocki, Kaloian Koynov, Justyna Piechocka, Kordian Chamerski, Jacek Filipecki, Paulina Maczugowska, Marcin Kozanecki
Summary: Understanding the diffusion of solutes in hydrogels is crucial for developing applications, and this study investigated the influence of structural parameters on diffusion in POEGMAs hydrogels. FCS was used to analyze the diffusion process, revealing two components attributed to steric effects and interactions with the polymer. The relationship between diffusion and polymer concentration showed two regimes, influenced by hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity and cross-links. The release time of a model drug was found to be shorter in denser hydrogel networks, indicating the importance of drug affinity over diffusion.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Victor Crespo-Cuevas, Virginia L. Ferguson, Franck Vernerey
Summary: Agarose gels are suitable for tissue engineering due to their tunability, viscoelasticity, and strain-stiffening response. We analyzed their time-dependent mechanical behavior through finite element analysis and experiments, and developed a physics-based model that accurately describes agarose behavior.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elianne P. Bulthuis, Cindy E. J. Dieteren, Jesper Bergmans, Job Berkhout, Jori A. Wagenaars, Els M. A. van de Westerlo, Emina Podhumljak, Mark A. Hink, Laura F. B. Hesp, Hannah S. Rosa, Afshan N. Malik, Mariska Kea-te Lindert, Peter H. G. M. Willems, Han J. G. E. Gardeniers, Wouter K. den Otter, Merel J. W. Adjobo-Hermans, Werner J. H. Koopman
Summary: Macromolecules of various sizes induce crowding in the cellular environment, which affects biochemical reactions by altering solvent viscosity, water-accessible volume, and protein properties. This study shows that the mitochondrial matrix solvent exhibits macromolecular crowding, as demonstrated by the elongated molecular structure of fluorescent protein fusion peptides and decreased diffusion constant with increasing molecular weight. Chloramphenicol treatment impairs mitochondrial function and increases matrix viscosity, indicating increased macromolecular crowding. These findings highlight the importance of matrix crowding in mitochondria and suggest that changes in crowding conditions can impact biochemical reactions.
Article
Polymer Science
Peter B. Rapp, Bradley R. Silverman
Summary: In this study, we utilized an artificial protein hydrogel to achieve viscoelastic phase separation and spontaneously form highly dynamic phase patterns. Local phase separation was initiated by mild photobleaching, allowing the evolution of non-equilibrium structures under the influence of surface tension and viscoelastic stresses.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yu Shi, Yueying Wang, Jiyong Shi, Zhihua Li, Xiaowei Huang, Jing Liang, Xinai Zhang, Di Zhang, Xiaobo Zou, Xuetao Hu
Summary: This study uses energy dispersive spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy to investigate the diffusion behavior of NaCl in beef marinating. A mathematical model is used to calculate diffusion coefficients and geometric models are constructed for simulation. The results show that the diffusion behavior of NaCl in different beef tissues is transient and irregular. This method can be applied to study the diffusion behavior of marinade in other meats and ensure the quality of marinated meat products.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Allison L. Chau, Chelsea E. R. Edwards, Matthew E. Helgeson, Angela A. Pitenis
Summary: Hydrogels are widely used in the biomedical industry due to their tunability, biocompatibility, and similar water content to tissues. By controlling the polymerization conditions, the surface structure of hydrogels can be modified, leading to the formation of a polymer concentration gradient. Polymerizing hydrogels at high oxygen concentrations results in the formation of a thicker and less concentrated preswollen surface gel layer compared to low oxygen environments.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Manuel Quesada-Perez, Jose-Alberto Maroto-Centeno, Maria del Mar Ramos-Tejada, Alberto Martin-Molina
Summary: This work computes the longtime diffusion of a solute in a chemically crosslinked and flexible hydrogel using a coarse-grained model of a polymeric network. The relevance of chain flexibility becomes important when the polymer volume fraction and the solute size increase. The results show that solute particles can moderately diffuse in flexible hydrogels even when their diameter is comparable to the mesh size. The diffusion coefficients obtained here are in good agreement with previously reported experimental data, without the need for any adjustable parameter.
Article
Polymer Science
Oleg Rud, Alexander D. Kazakov, Lucie Nova, Filip Uhlik
Summary: We model a process of seawater desalination that utilizes compression of a weak polyelectrolyte hydrogel for ion transfer. We demonstrate that the compression of the hydrogel creates two types of ion flow, exchange of divalent Ca2+ by monovalent Na+ and the desalination process itself. We also show that the compression of the gel is not affected by divalent ions due to significant screening of electrostatic interactions.
Article
Polymer Science
Farshad Safi Samghabadi, Ali H. Slim, Maxwell W. Smith, Maede Chabi, Jacinta C. Conrad
Summary: The structure and dynamics of polyelectrolytes have different effects on the transport of anisotropic particles compared to neutral polymers. This study investigates the transport of semiflexible M13 bacteriophage in aqueous solutions of sodium polystyrenesulfonate with varying ionic strengths. The results show non-Gaussian distributions of particle displacements and the presence of multiple diffusive modes.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fan Chen, Jie Ren, Xu Xiang
Summary: Hydrogels are widely used in biomedicine due to their excellent biocompatibility. This study monitored the diffusion rate of protons in hydrogels using a self-made device and investigated the factors influencing the diffusion rate. The results showed that the thickness of the hydrogel greatly affected proton diffusion, and the diffusion coefficient increased with temperature. Additionally, the presence of smaller anions facilitated faster proton diffusion in the hydrogel.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jung Min Kim, Yi-hung Lin, Sean M. Bannon, Geoffrey M. Geise, Bryan S. Beckingham
Summary: The mixed solute transport behavior of methanol and formate in ion exchange membranes (IEMs) was investigated through tuning the polymer rigidity of the membrane and introducing quaternary carbons within the membrane. The relative permittivity properties of swollen films were measured to determine the impact of various organic solutes on the water hydrogen bonding environment within the IEMs.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roger Chang, Martin Gruebele, Deborah E. Leckband
Summary: This study uses fast relaxation imaging to observe protein unfolding in situ in alginate gels and investigates the impact of gel concentration on protein stability and folding dynamics.
Article
Polymer Science
Nathan R. Richbourg, Manuel K. Rausch, Nicholas A. Peppas
Summary: Stiffness is a key property influencing the functionality of hydrogels in various biomedical applications. This study presents a predictive model for determining the stiffness of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels and compares five measurement methods. The results provide insights into the factors affecting hydrogel stiffness and offer a powerful tool for the rational design of hydrogels with desired stiffnesses.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiyuan Shi, Yong Hu, Xin Li
Summary: Controlled drug delivery systems that can respond to mechanical force offer a unique solution for on-demand drug activation and release. Among various mechanical stimuli, ultrasound (US) has advantages in achieving spatiotemporally controlled drug release. Traditional US-triggered drug release relies on heat-induced phase transitions or chemical transformations, while the cutting-edge approach of Sonopharmacology leverages polymer mechanochemistry. The remaining challenges and potential future directions in this field are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lijie Zheng, Yuanzheng Chen, Xun Gu, Yingying Li, Hanqing Zhao, Wenjun Shao, Tao Ma, Chuanbin Wu, Qingqing Wang
Summary: In this study, a novel dosage form consisting of dissolving microneedles and an adhesive transdermal patch was developed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the combination of drugs delivered by this dosage form effectively reduced joint inflammation and damage.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kyungjik Yang, Hwa Seung Han, Seung Hwan An, Kyung Hoon Park, Keonwook Nam, Shinha Hwang, Yuyeon Lee, Sung Yeon Cho, Taehyung Kim, Deokyeong Choe, Sang Won Kim, Wonkyu Yu, Hyunah Lee, Jiyong Park, Sangguan You, Dong- Gyu Jo, Ki Young Choi, Young Hoon Roh, Jae Hyung Park
Summary: This study developed CP-loaded CS microcapsules to enhance the oral bioavailability of CP through controlled gastrointestinal delivery. The optimized microcapsules exhibited desirable physicochemical properties, showed anti-photoaging effects via antioxidant activity, and achieved controlled release in the gastrointestinal tract. This research provides a simple and economical approach for enhancing the oral bioavailability of CP for customized bioactive compound administration.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huiyang Li, Shuo Liu, Wenjin Dai, Bingmei Yao, Yong Zhou, Sujia Si, Hairong Yu, Riguang Zhao, Fang Jin, Liqun Jiang
Summary: Changes in bodily fluid pressures are crucial in diseases like high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Researchers have developed hydrostatic pressure-sensitive multivesicular liposomes (PSMVLs) that can release drugs in response to pressure changes, with potential applications in HAPE treatment. Animal experiments showed that this system provides better protection for lung tissues and respiratory function, reducing the occurrence of pulmonary edema.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qian Hu, Hongbing Lan, Yinmei Tian, Xiaonan Li, Mengmeng Wang, Jiao Zhang, Yulin Yu, Wei Chen, Li Kong, Yuanyuan Guo, Zhiping Zhang
Summary: Coacervate droplets formed through liquid-liquid phase separation have potential as delivery vesicles for therapeutics. However, their lack of physiological stability and membranes are challenges. In this study, polylysine-polynucleotide complex coacervate droplets with favorable stability were formulated to concentrate molecules and nanoparticles. Phospholipid membranes were further coated on the droplets to create coacervate-based artificial protocells (ArtPC) with membrane-like structures. These biofunctional ArtPC effectively reduced blood uric acid levels and prevented renal injuries.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaowei Wang, Hongwei Lu, Fang Luo, Dan Wang, Apeng Wang, Xuelei Wang, Wenkai Feng, Xiaobo Wang, Jiayi Su, Mingliang Liu, Guimin Xia
Summary: Four novel lipid-like GEM diesters were synthesized and encapsulated into liposomes to improve the antitumor efficacy of Gemcitabine. The liposomes loaded with dimyristoyl GEM (LipodmGEM) showed enhanced cellular uptake, improved inhibition of cell migration, and a greatly extended half-life compared to free Gemcitabine. LipodmGEM successfully enriched the drug in the tumor and exhibited excellent anticancer efficacy in vivo with negligible systemic toxicity.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pengyu Li, Jieyi Pan, Yating Dong, Yingying Sun, Yalong Wang, Kang Liao, Yili Chen, Xin Deng, Shihui Yu, Haiyan Hu
Summary: Chronic pulmonary infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a serious public health problem with high mortality rates. In this study, infection-microenvironment responsive nanoparticles were developed to eradicate biofilms and inhibit virulence. These nanoparticles showed promising results in treating chronic pulmonary infections.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yajing Sun, Ze Lu, John A. Taylor, Jessie L. S. Au
Summary: A recent development in cancer chemotherapy is the use of cytotoxics to induce tumor-specific immune response through immunogenic cell death (ICD). This study describes a method that utilizes immunostaining and machine-learning to identify cells with ecto-CRT in intact 3-dimensional tissues. The method was successfully applied to study drug-induced ICD in human bladder cancer.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rafat Ali, Shantanu Sen, Rohil Hameed, Aamir Nazir, Sandeep Verma
Summary: This review provides a focused overview of emerging strategies for delivering gasotransmitters in a controlled and sustained manner to reestablish neurophysiological homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Chen, Xinyi Zhang, Jinshen Zhang, Zhaoxia Wang, Guilan Zhu, Ming Geng, Jinmiao Zhu, Yajun Chen, Wei Wang, Youcui Xu
Summary: In this study, a multifunctional responsive hydrogel system was developed for synergistic reoxygenation and chemo/photothermal therapy. The hydrogel system showed both therapeutic effects against metastatic breast cancer and wound infection, making it a promising strategy for treating and preventing tumor recurrence and associated wound infection.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Baoshan Huang, Na Zhang, Xinying Qiu, Rui Zeng, Shuimiao Wang, Mengxia Hua, Qing Li, Kaihui Nan, Sen Lin
Summary: This study revealed that robust ROS can oxidize mitochondrial DNA (ox-mtDNA) and cause its release into the cytosol, resulting in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. By using the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 and a novel mitochondria-targeted nanoparticle (SkQ1 NP), it was found that mitochondrial ROS scavenging could in situ inhibit DED-induced mtDNA oxidation and suppress NLRP3-mediated inflammation.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenqi Liu, Cheng Hu, Linyu Long, Shuyi He, Wen Zhang, Zhicun Wang, Li Yang, Yunbing Wang
Summary: Myocardial infarction is the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, and current treatment methods have limitations. This study developed a smart carrier that can release different therapeutic substances for different pathological processes, effectively improving cardiac function, promoting cardiac repair, and preventing ventricular remodeling.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)