Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Andrea Bonini, Angela Gilda Carota, Noemi Poma, Federico Maria Vivaldi, Denise Biagini, Daria Bottai, Alessio Lenzi, Arianna Tavanti, Fabio Di Francesco, Tommaso Lomonaco
Summary: Sepsis, a systemic inflammatory dysfunction associated with infectious diseases, is a significant health issue with increasing incidence globally. Traditional diagnostic techniques for sepsis management present challenges, making biosensing technologies a valuable alternative.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Noelia Nieto Gonzalez, Antonella Obinu, Giovanna Rassu, Paolo Giunchedi, Elisabetta Gavini
Summary: There is a current lack of formulations suitable for pediatric patients for several drugs, leading to the need for new treatments in pediatric diseases. The application of nanotechnology in pediatric drug formulations has been suggested and studied, primarily focusing on pediatric cancer treatment. While nanomedicine shows promise in addressing pediatric needs, the development of new pediatric medicines based on nanoparticles is hindered by the lack of data on pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Cassi J. Henderson, Etienne Rognin, Elizabeth A. H. Hall, Ronan Daly
Summary: This study introduces a new biosensor format where bio-functionalized particles are moved through fluid samples. By examining the interdependencies between enzyme reaction kinetics, substrate transport, and particle settling behavior, it is found that particle size and enzyme loading influence the measured outcomes, and that this falling particle model can provide simple yet highly effective sensors.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Xiaokun Li, Lingmin Chen, Siyuan Luan, Jianfeng Zhou, Xin Xiao, Yushang Yang, Chengyi Mao, Pinhao Fang, Longqi Chen, Xiaoxi Zeng, Huile Gao, Yong Yuan
Summary: This review summarizes the application of nanoparticles in the treatment of esophageal cancer, including various types of nanoparticles and their efficacy and safety in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, phototherapy, and gene therapy. The use of nanomedicine in tumor imaging and diagnosis is also reviewed.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Zahra Tariq, Muhammad Imran Qadeer, Iram Anjum, Christophe Hano, Sumaira Anjum
Summary: Thalassemia is a monogenic autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations, which affect hemoglobin production. Conventional therapeutic methods such as transfusion and iron chelation therapy have limitations, leading to the demand for advanced therapies. Nanotechnology-based applications have emerged as simple, convenient, and cost-effective methods for theragnostics. This review summarizes the potential of nanotechnology in developing theragnostic approaches for diagnosing thalassemia-causing gene mutations and employing nano-based therapeutic procedures.
Review
Oncology
Alessandro Allegra, Claudia Petrarca, Mario Di Gioacchino, Giuseppe Mirabile, Sebastiano Gangemi
Summary: Early diagnosis of leukemia is crucial for effective treatment. DNA biosensors, specifically electrochemical biosensors, can help identify specific genetic alterations and improve diagnostic accuracy. This review evaluates the potential use of electrochemical biosensors in diagnosing hematological neoplasms, with a focus on leukemias.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Saqer Al Abdullah, Lubna Najm, Liane Ladouceur, Farbod Ebrahimi, Amid Shakeri, Nadine Al-Jabouri, Tohid F. F. Didar, Kristen Dellinger
Summary: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a significant cause of dementia worldwide, and current diagnostic methods only detect the disease after clinical symptoms appear. However, research suggests that AD pathology may begin before symptoms manifest, such as the formation of amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Biomarkers like Aβ(40), Aβ(42), and tau protein show promise for early AD diagnosis. This review summarizes the emerging nanobiosensor approaches for detecting these AD biomarkers and discusses the application of electrochemical, optical, and colorimetric biosensors using nanoparticle-based and nanostructure-based materials. The criteria for incorporating these nanomaterials in clinical settings are also presented.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Letao Yang, Tae-Hyung Kim, Hyeon-Yeol Cho, Jeffrey Luo, Jong-Min Lee, Sy-Tsong Dean Chueng, Yannan Hou, Perry To-Tien Yin, Jiyou Han, Jong Hoon Kim, Bong Geun Chung, Jeong-Woo Choi, Ki-Bum Lee
Summary: Nanoparticle-based nucleic acid conjugates show great promise in cancer treatment and diagnosis, but face limitations. Recent research on hybrid graphene oxide/gold nanoparticles demonstrates the potential for multimodal imaging and combined therapies, paving the way for precision cancer treatment.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ekta Shandilya, Subhabrata Maiti
Summary: Directional interactions and the assembly of a nanobioconjugate in clusters at a specific location are important for patterning and microarrays in biomedical research. In this study, we demonstrate that surface patterning of surfactant-functionalized nanoparticles can be controlled through synergistic enzyme-substrate-nanoparticle affinity and the phoretic effect. We show the modulation of aggregation of cationic gold nanoparticles by multivalent anionic nanoparticle binding and the introduction of an enzyme gradient, as well as the surface deposition pattern via the coffee ring effect. Additionally, we observe changes in capillary phoresis parameters due to the introduction of ATP-loaded nanoparticles, which has implications for disease diagnostics.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaodong Zhang, Xiaokai Chen, Yanli Zhao
Summary: Traditional enzymes have limitations in terms of cost, denaturation, and yield, while nanozymes, as a new type of artificial enzyme combining nanomaterials and enzymes, show promising potential in various applications due to their high catalytic activity and versatility.
NANO-MICRO LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fangteng Song, Chao Wang, Chunhua Wang, Jianwei Gao, Hong Liu, Yu Zhang, Lin Han
Summary: This Feature discusses the working fundamentals, advanced strategies, and future outlook and challenges of enrichment-detection integrated biosensors for exosome profiling.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lorico D. S. Lapitan Jr, Mariusz Pietrzak, Marek Krawczyk, Elzbieta Malinowska
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death globally in 2020. The complexity of the disease and the low survival rate are due to late-stage diagnosis. Therefore, developing simple, sensitive, and rapid screening methods for early detection is necessary. Recent studies have shown promising HCC biomarkers and ultrasensitive biosensor technologies that could significantly improve diagnosis.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yaou Duan, Edward Zhang, Ronnie H. Fang, Weiwei Gao, Liangfang Zhang
Summary: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal tract disorder characterized by uncontrolled inflammation. Researchers have developed an oral formulation of macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles for IBD treatment. These nanoparticles, encapsulated in enteric polymer-coated gelatin capsules, protect against gastric degradation and target delivery to the colon. In mouse models, the oral delivery of these nanoparticles significantly alleviated IBD severity.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rania Djermane, Celia Nieto, Milena A. A. Vega, Eva M. Martin del Valle
Summary: Currently, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest cancer due to late-stage diagnosis. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop early detection diagnostic systems and more specific therapeutic systems. Nanotechnology has a crucial role in the development of targeted platforms, with various nanomaterials loaded with targeted agents capable of recognizing tumor cells or biomarkers. Monoclonal antibodies, widely used for various cancer treatments including CRC, are among the most commonly used targeted agents. This review comprehensively discusses the limitations of conventional screening technologies and treatments for CRC, and highlights recent advances in antibody-loaded nanoplatforms for CRC detection, therapy, or theranostics applications.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cecilia Ka Wing Chan, Cheuk Chun Szeto, Leo Kit Cheung Lee, Yu Xiao, Bohan Yin, Xiaofan Ding, Thomas Wai Yip Lee, James Yun Wong Lau, Chung Hang Jonathan Choi
Summary: A folic acid-conjugated gold nanoparticle has been developed for the treatment of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in chronic kidney disease. This nanoparticle can selectively transport into renal tubules and treat fibrosis more effectively than standard therapy. The size of the nanoparticle and the disease stage determine its delivery to the fibrotic kidney.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Maria Fuertes, Asier Selas, Angela Trejo, Birgitta R. Knudsen, Francisco Palacios, Concepcion Alonso
Summary: This work describes the first synthesis of a series of indenoquinoline compounds and demonstrates a highly selective and efficient synthetic method. The synthetic route is concise, efficient, and reliable, providing a suitable pathway for the synthesis of indenoquinolinones with potential biological activities.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fuyang Qu, Liuyang Zhao, Luoquan Li, Shirui Zhao, Mo Yang, Jun Yu, Yi-Ping Ho
Summary: This study proposed a dual-core double emulsion-based method to streamline single-cell RT-PCR by coalescing the dual cores through thermo-induction. This simplified approach allows for high-throughput transcriptional profiling of single cells.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Shiyue Liu, Dihan Chen, Zhenming Xie, Shirui Zhao, Wanyi Tang, Hao He, Yi-Ping Ho, Ho-Pui Ho, Siu-Kai Kong
Summary: Various methods have been developed in research laboratories for stem cell differentiation, but their clinical utility may be limited due to the use of exogenous chemicals and materials. In this study, researchers reported a non-contact optical stimulation method using femtosecond laser that can modulate the signaling systems in human mesenchymal cells and induce their differentiation into osteoblastic cells, leading to tissue mineralization when transplanted into mice.
JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junyue Chen, Gerile Oudeng, Hongtao Feng, Sixi Liu, Hung-Wing Li, Yi-Ping Ho, Yan Chen, Ying Tan, Mo Yang
Summary: Current strategies for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) based on surface epithelial markers have low specificity in distinguishing between CTCs and epithelial cells in the hematopoietic cell population. As tumor-associated miRNAs are highly correlated with tumor development and progression, they are emerging as new biomarkers. However, simultaneous analysis of multiple miRNAs in a single CTC cell is still challenging. In this study, a digital droplet microfluidic flow cytometry platform based on biofunctionalized 2D metal-organic framework nanosensors (Nano-DMFC) was developed for in situ detection of dual miRNAs simultaneously in single living breast cancer cells. This platform successfully detected dual miRNAs at single-cell resolution and showed good reproducibility in the recovery experiment of spiked blood samples, demonstrating its high potential for CTC-based cancer early diagnosis and prognosis.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zhuo Li, Haixing Wang, Kunyu Zhang, Boguang Yang, Xian Xie, Zhengmeng Yang, Lingchi Kong, Peng Shi, Yuan Zhang, Yi-Ping Ho, Zhi-Yong Zhang, Gang Li, Liming Bian
Summary: The research assembled a biomimetic hyaluronic acid nanocomposite hydrogel with bisphosphonates (BPs), and demonstrated its expedited release of BPs in an acidic environment. The in vitro studies showed that the hydrogel inhibits mature osteoclastic differentiation, while promoting the initial differentiation of primary macrophages to preosteoclasts. In vivo evaluation confirmed the hydrogel's ability to enhance in situ bone regeneration.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Philip Chiu-Tsun Tang, Jeff Yat-Fai Chung, Jinyue Liao, Max Kam-Kwan Chan, Alex Siu-Wing Chan, Guangyao Cheng, Chunjie Li, Xiao-Ru Huang, Calvin Sze -Hang Ng, Eric W. -F Lam, Dongmei Zhang, Yi-Ping Ho, Ka-Fai To, Kam -Tong Leung, Xiaohua Jiang, Ho Ko, Tin -Lap Lee, Hui-Yao Lan, Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
Summary: This study discovered a direct mechanism of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) for promoting de novo neurogenesis, which contributes to a better understanding of tumor innervation. The study also identified a phenomenon of macrophage to neuron-like cell transition (MNT) and identified a crucial regulator for MNT. This finding has potential clinical significance for the treatment of cancer pain.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xing-Xing Yang, Chi-Hung Yip, Shirui Zhao, Yi-Ping Ho, Barbara Pui Chan
Summary: By chemically modifying collagen and hyaluronic acid and co-precipitating with glycosaminoglycans, a biomimetic nano-material that mimics the composition, ultra-structure, and function of the glycosaminoglycans-rich extracellular matrix in the nucleus pulposus has been fabricated. This nano-material shows superior composition, ultra-structure, and function compared to the native nucleus pulposus. This work is of great importance for the development of intervertebral disc tissue engineering.
Article
Plant Sciences
Wan-Ting Sun, Sy-Chyi Cheng, Ya-Ting Chao, Shu-Yao Lin, Ting-Ting Yang, Yi-Ping Ho, Ming-Che Shih, Swee-Suak Ko
Summary: This study investigated the morphology, cytology, biochemistry, and sucrose transporters in the pollinia of Phalaenopsis orchids. Results showed that the mature pollinia accumulated high levels of sugars, including sucrose, galactinol, myo-inositol, and glucose, which provided nutrients and enhanced pollinia germination and tube growth. The expression of sucrose transporters in the pollinia was associated with pollinia maturation and germination.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pengchao Zhao, Fuyang Qu, Hao Fu, Jianyang Zhao, Jiaxin Guo, Jiankun Xu, Yi-Ping Ho, Michael K. Chan, Liming Bian
Summary: Developing magnetic ultrasoft robots requires materials with excessive deformability, responsive actuation, and rapid adaptability, which are difficult to achieve with current soft polymeric materials. We have developed a magnetically actuatable and water immiscible coacervate liquid robot based on magnetic core-shell nanoparticles. This millimeter-sized liquid robot can remain stable under changing conditions, release loaded cargoes on demand, squeeze through capillary networks within seconds, and achieve intravascular targeting guided by a magnetic field. This coacervate-based liquid robot represents a distinct design strategy for high-performance ultrasoft robots in biomedicine.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shuai Deng, Xiaoyu Zhao, Yanlun Zhu, Ning Tang, Rongliang Wang, Xuerao Zhang, Fuyang Qu, Yi-Ping Ho, Wayne Yuk-Wai Lee, Jiansu Chen, Mingqiang Li, Yu Tao, Hon Fai Chan
Summary: Liver tissue engineering is advanced through the fabrication of collagen type I microspheres, enabling efficient hepatic differentiation of stem cells and assembly of prevascularized liver tissue. The microspheres exhibit high uniformity and can self-assemble with endothelial cells to form high cell-packing density liver tissue. This technology has potential applications in regenerative medicine, drug screening, and in vitro liver modeling.
Article
Biology
Victoria Marini, Fedor Nikulenkov, Pounami Samadder, Sissel Juul, Birgitta R. Knudsen, Lumir Krejci
Summary: DNA-protein cross-links (DPCs) are harmful DNA lesions that can be formed through various pathways. This study found that MUS81 and TDP1 play independent roles in repairing CPT-induced DNA damage, suggesting they could be new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment in combination with TOP1 inhibitors.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuanyuan Wei, Tianle Wang, Yuye Wang, Shuwen Zeng, Yi-Ping Ho, Ho-Pui Ho
Summary: In this paper, a simple, rapid, low-cost, biocompatible, and detachable microfluidic chip fabrication method based on Parafilm(R) is reported. The Parafilm(R) acts as both a bonding agent and a functional membrane, allowing the fabrication of 3D structured microfluidic chips within 2 hours with high ultimate tensile stress and high shear stress. The fabricated chips demonstrate better stability, reliability, and high performance for practical actuation devices. Moreover, the Parafilm(R)-based microfluidic devices show excellent biocompatibility and can be used for biochemical applications and point-of-care diagnostics.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ho-Ying Wan, Jack Chun Hin Chen, Qinru Xiao, Christy Wingtung Wong, Boguang Yang, Benjamin Cao, Rocky S. S. Tuan, Susan K. K. Nilsson, Yi-Ping Ho, Michael Raghunath, Roger D. D. Kamm, Anna Blocki
Summary: This study introduces a strategy for stabilizing microvascular networks (MVNs) through macromolecular crowding (MMC), which enhances their stability and functionality by promoting the accumulation of cellular junctions and basement membrane components. Applying MMC to MVNs in microfluidic devices provides a reliable and versatile approach to stabilize engineered microvessels under simulated physiological conditions.
BIOMATERIALS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Trine Juul-Kristensen, Josephine Geertsen Keller, Kathrine Nygaard Borg, Noriko Y. Hansen, Amalie Foldager, Rasmus Ladegaard, Yi-Ping Ho, Volker Loeschcke, Birgitta R. Knudsen
Summary: In the current study, researchers demonstrate that the activity of the enzyme topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) is reduced in response to thermal stress in both fruit flies and human cells. This reduction in TOP1 activity appears to be dependent on cellular pathways and is measured using the REEAD sensor system. The findings suggest that TOP1 could serve as a reliable biomarker of stress, and the sensor system could be used for point-of-care assessment of stress responses.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qinru Xiao, Yanping He, Md Habibur Rahman, Guangyao Cheng, Renjie Zhou, Yi-Ping Ho
Summary: Quantitative phase deformability cytometry (QPDC), constructed from a quantitative phase imaging system, improves the analysis of cellular contours and provides accurate characterization of cellular mechanical properties, especially for cells subjected to actin depolymerization. The platform enhances the capabilities of label-free cell characterization for biological and clinical applications.
