Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Haden L. Scott, Dima Bolmatov, Peter T. Podar, Zening Liu, Jacob J. Kinnun, Benjamin Doughty, Ralph Lydic, Robert L. Sacci, C. Patrick Collier, John Katsaras
Summary: This study demonstrates that droplet interface bilayers (DIBs) composed of lipids can exhibit persistent synaptic plasticity, characterized by long-term potentiation (LTP) and capacitive energy storage. The time scales for the physical changes associated with LTP are longer than previous short-term synaptic plasticity studies.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Hyunil Ryu, Ahmed Fuwad, Sun Min Kim, Tae-Joon Jeon
Summary: Researchers have developed a novel layered film to facilitate lipid bilayer formation with reduced formation time and increased lifetime, making it suitable for ion channel studies and biosensing purposes.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhibiao Wang, Pu Shan, Shuxiang Li, Duoqian Wei, Zhuan Zhang, Shaojie Hao, Wei Li, Xinyi Wang, Jing Xu
Summary: This study investigated whether lipid droplets (LDs) can be used as vaccine adjuvants. Artificial nano-LDs were designed and prepared, and in vivo tests showed that they have good biocompatibility and similar adjuvant effects compared to MF59 (AddaVax).
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dan Qiao, Himanshu Joshi, Huangtianzhi Zhu, Fushi Wang, Yang Xu, Jia Gao, Feihe Huang, Aleksei Aksimentiev, Jiandong Feng
Summary: Synthetic nanopores have been developed for applications in membrane filtration technologies and biomolecular sensing, but challenges remain in providing them with atomically defined shape and deliberate placement of chemical groups. A chemically defined transmembrane nanopore, EPM, demonstrates stable transmembrane transport functionality, particularly with up to 21-fold selectivity for potassium over sodium ions.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sejeong Lee, Hagan Bayley
Summary: This study shows that the outer membrane lipid bilayer of Escherichia coli can be reconstructed as a droplet interface bilayer, which provides a physiologically realistic model for studying the properties of antibiotics. The findings demonstrate that the model outer membrane lipid bilayers differ from simple lipid bilayers in terms of translocation efficiency and stability.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew J. Moulton, Scott Barish, Isha Ralhan, Jinlan Chang, Lindsey D. Goodman, Jake G. Harland, Paul C. Marcogliese, Jan O. Johansson, Maria S. Ioannou, Hugo J. Bellen
Summary: The study reveals that the increasing genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease have unclear contributions to the disease mechanism, but the neuron-to-glia lipid transfer pathway induced by ROS plays a key role in protecting against neurotoxicity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Triana Amen, Daniel Kaganovich
Summary: Metabolic regulation is essential for stress response pathways, and the interconnection between stress granule formation and lipid droplet accumulation has been uncovered, revealing a novel relationship between stress adaptation mechanisms.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rui Kamada, Sae Uno, Nozomi Kimura, Fumihiko Yoshimura, Keiji Tanino, Kazuyasu Sakaguchi
Summary: This study demonstrates the important role of PPM1D phosphatase in regulating lipid droplet (LD) formation in mature adipocytes. PPM1D controls LD size by dephosphorylating Ser511 of perilipin 1.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yangjun Yang, Xi Li, Zonghan Liu, Xinyu Ruan, Huihui Wang, Qiang Zhang, Lu Cao, Luchen Song, Yinghong Chen, Yi Sun
Summary: Moderate treadmill exercise helps regulate lipid droplet dynamics caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and improves the condition by inhibiting abnormal lipid droplet expansion and enhancing clearance of the droplets.
Article
Biophysics
Yiqing Wang, Jinwei Zhang, Haiping Gao, Yuan Sun, Lei Wang
Summary: This paper summarized the fabrication approaches and application progress of lipid nanotubes (LNTs), and discussed the potential significance for their future development.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Che-Lun Chin, Lu-Jan Huang, Zheng-Xian Lu, Wei-Chun Weng, Ling Chao
Summary: This study demonstrates that the water absorption ability of dried PAAm hydrogel can facilitate the formation of hydrogel-SLBs. The high quality of the hydrogel surface is crucial for SLB formation, and minimizing oxygen exposure during drying can prevent the formation of an oxidized crust.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Stephanie Andrade, Maria J. Ramalho, Joana A. Loureiro, Maria Carmo Pereira
Summary: Understanding how drugs interact with biological membranes is crucial for the pharmaceutical industry. In vitro lipid-based membrane models provide a simple alternative to study these interactions. Different lipid models and biophysical methodologies using liposomes are discussed for investigating drug-membrane interactions.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Dong Niu, Hongtao Gao, Yuying Yan
Summary: This study investigated dropwise condensation on different nanostructured surfaces using molecular dynamics simulation, revealing the significant influence of surface characteristics on droplet growth and state transition. The results showed three typical droplet state transition modes corresponding to the heat flux, providing insights into the mechanisms of dropwise condensation.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Y. Huang, G. G. Fuller, V. Chandran Suja
Summary: Droplet interface bilayers (DIBs) are lipid bilayers formed when two lipid monolayer-coated aqueous droplets are brought in contact within an oil phase. They serve as a convenient model system to study the biophysics of the cell membrane. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of DIB characteristics, including the key experimental frameworks for DIB generation, visualization, and functionalization, as well as the experimentally measured physical, electrical, and transport characteristics of DIBs across physiologically relevant lipids.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vitor Teixeira, Telma S. Martins, William A. Prinz, Vitor Costa
Summary: The study reveals that TORC1 regulates LD formation at a transcriptional level by targeting DGA1 expression, while cytosolic pH (pHc) acts as a second messenger regulating the localization and activity of the major transcription factor repressor Opi1, controlling the metabolic switch between phospholipid metabolism and lipid storage. This work highlights unknown molecular mechanisms connecting nutrient availability and pHc to LD formation through a transcriptional circuit regulated by major signaling transduction pathways.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Theory & Methods
David Ralph, Yunjia Li, Gary Wills, Nicolas G. Green
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yu Zhang, Ziyun Wang, Declan New, Michele Zagnoni
Summary: Microsystem technologies offer miniaturized, high-throughput capabilities for microemulsion- and microdroplet-based assays in analytical chemistry, biology, and synthetic biology. Many of these methods have been implemented using microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip technologies, but the microfabrication of such devices often requires expensive equipment and time-consuming methods. This study demonstrates a cost-effective and easily fabricated alternative approach for manipulating water-in-oil microdroplets using polymeric microtube modules, providing versatile and functional droplet operations without the need for laborious microfabrication protocols.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Anastasia Kapara, Karla A. Findlay Paterson, Valerie G. Brunton, Duncan Graham, Michele Zagnoni, Karen Faulds
Summary: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women. Functionalized nanoparticles were utilized to detect ERα expression, providing insights into the efficiency of targeted nanotags.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Elise L. Malavasi, Aniket Ghosh, Daniel G. Booth, Michele Zagnoni, Diane L. Sherman, Peter J. Brophy
Summary: Recent research suggests that the assembly of 'early clusters' of nodal proteins in the murine axonal membrane precedes heminode formation. These early clusters are essential for node assembly, as they are mobile and their proteins are dynamically recruited by lateral diffusion.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Roger Domingo-Roca, Lauren Gilmour, Oana Dobre, Stylianos Sarrigiannidis, Mairi E. Sandison, Richard O'Leary, Joseph C. Jackson-Camargo, Helen E. Mulvana
Summary: The ability to create cell-laden fluidic models that mimic the geometries and physical properties of vascularized tissue would be extremely beneficial to the study of disease etiologies and future therapies. Engineered systems, such as hydrogel-based systems, offer an alternative approach to animal studies and can accurately reproduce the complex features of microvasculature.
3D PRINTING AND ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Laura McShea, Harjot S. Kambo, Michelle Maclean, Maki E. Sandison
Summary: Healthcare-associated infection through transmission of pathogenic bacteria poses a huge threat to public health. This study investigates the potential to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of 405 nm light for surface decontamination through use of a photocatalytic TiO2-doped elastomer. Results suggest that this doping and etching strategy shows significant potential for facilitating decontamination of elastomer-based biomaterials.
MATERIALS RESEARCH EXPRESS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hugo Bissig, Oliver Buker, Krister Stolt, Elsa Batista, Joana Afonso, Michele Zagnoni, Rozan Vroman, Henrik Kjeldsen, Anders Niemann, Joerg Schroeter
Summary: This article discusses an application in medical treatment involving very small flow rates - the usage of an insulin pump. The pump delivers doses of insulin at constant cycle times, playing a crucial role in diabetes management. The article describes the calibration of the basal rates using gravimetric or optical methods, and introduces an improved approach to determine the discrete doses and corresponding basal rates. The calibration results of different basal rates and bolus deliveries are presented.
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING-BIOMEDIZINISCHE TECHNIK
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
E. Smith, M. Zagnoni, M. E. Sandison
Summary: Microengineering technologies provide customized tools for single-cell studies, including microarray approaches. This study presents a medium throughput cellular microarray to track single vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) as they undergo phenotypic modulation in vitro. The microarray enables long-term characterization of multiple phenotypic characteristics of vSMCs and the identification of new cellular sub-populations.
BIOMEDICAL MICRODEVICES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Caroline Busch, Theresa Mulholland, Michele Zagnoni, Matthew Dalby, Catherine Berry, Helen Wheadon
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of the BMP signaling pathway in the survival of CML cells. Targeting SRC, ABL, and ALK kinases is more effective than ABL inhibition alone, as shown in both 2D and 3D cell cultures. Combinatorial therapies are necessary to combat LSC persistence.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Correction
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Emily J. Kay, Karla Paterson, Carla Riera-Domingo, David Sumpton, J. Henry M. Dabritz, Saverio Tardito, Claudia Boldrini, Juan R. Hernandez-Fernaud, Dimitris Athineos, Sandeep Dhayade, Ekaterina Stepanova, Enio Gjerga, Lisa J. Neilson, Sergio Lilla, Ann Hedley, Grigorios Koulouras, Grace McGregor, Craig Jamieson, Radia Marie Johnson, Morag Park, Kristina Kirschner, Crispin Miller, Jurre J. Kamphorst, Fabricio Loayza-Puch, Julio Saez-Rodriguez, Massimiliano Mazzone, Karen Blyth, Michele Zagnoni, Sara Zanivan
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Emily J. Kay, Karla Paterson, Carla Riero-Domingo, David Sumpton, J. Henry M. Dabritz, Saverio Tardito, Claudia Boldrini, Juan R. Hernandez-Fernaud, Dimitris Athineos, Sandeep Dhayade, Ekaterina Stepanova, Enio Gjerga, Lisa J. Neilson, Sergio Lilla, Ann Hedley, Grigorios Koulouras, Grace McGregor, Craig Jamieson, Radia Marie Johnson, Morag Park, Kristina Kirschner, Crispin Miller, Jurre J. Kamphorst, Fabricio Loayza-Puch, Julio Saez-Rodriguez, Massimiliano Mazzone, Karen Blyth, Michele Zagnoni, Sara Zanivan
Summary: The study reveals that the newly synthesized proline in CAFs promotes the production of tumor collagen in breast cancer xenografts, and reducing PYCR1 levels can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. Additionally, the synthesis of collagen and proline in CAFs is epigenetically regulated by increased pyruvate dehydrogenase-derived acetyl-CoA levels.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Karla Paterson, Sarah Paterson, Theresa Mulholland, Seth B. Coffelt, Michele Zagnoni
Summary: CAR-T cell therapy is effective against hematological malignancies, but faces challenges when used for solid tumors. Microfluidic technologies offer a solution to assess CAR-T therapies in more realistic 3D models for preclinical evaluation.
IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
D. Megarity, R. Vroman, M. Kriek, P. Downey, T. J. Bushell, M. Zagnoni
Summary: Disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) are a global health challenge. Traditional in vitro and animal models have limited validity in simulating the CNS environment. Microfluidic and organ-on-chip technologies offer the opportunity to develop more relevant and complex in vitro models. We introduce a modular platform for creating bespoke culture environments and conducting functional analysis to enhance our understanding of CNS disease mechanisms.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
K. Paterson, S. Zanivan, R. Glasspool, S. B. Coffelt, M. Zagnoni
Summary: Immunotherapy is an effective cancer treatment that uses the body's immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells, showing success in treating hematological malignancies and melanoma. However, challenges arise in tackling solid tumors due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies offer opportunities to study cancer-immune cell interactions and test immunotherapies in solid tumors with higher translational value.
