Article
Chemistry, Physical
Martin Balouch, Marek Soltys, Filip Hladek, Pavel Ulbrich, Frantisek Stepanek
Summary: This study investigates the diffusion control mechanism of lipid-coated silica nanoclusters, revealing the crucial role of electrostatic interactions between the nanoparticle surface and the lipid bilayer in the existence and stability of the clusters. The lipidic membrane acts as a diffusion gate, preventing premature leakage of encapsulated substances during storage but allowing diffusion when the phase transition temperature is exceeded, demonstrating a gating mechanism for controlled release of substances.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
A. R. Ortiz Moreno, R. Li, K. Wu, R. Schirhagl
Summary: Lipid peroxidation is a process where reactive oxygen species attack lipids within cell membranes, leading to toxic and carcinogenic products. Understanding this process at nanoscale resolution is important and challenging due to the short lifespan and reactivity of the radical intermediates involved. In this study, lipid peroxidation of three artificial lipid bilayers on a diamond substrate was investigated using a diamond quantum sensing method called T-1-relaxometry, allowing for in situ measurements and imaging of radical intermediates.
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
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.
Article
Physics, Applied
Ryugo Tero, Natsumi Kobayashi
Summary: Supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) are artificial lipid bilayers used as cell membrane model systems. This study investigated the effect of electrostatic interaction between the substrate surface and the lipid bilayer on the composition of SLBs. It was found that the lipid composition in SLBs can be controlled by modulating the substrate-induced electrostatic potential.
JAPANESE JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Konstantinos Kallitsis, Anna-Maria Pappa, Zixuan Lu, Alberto Alvarez-Fernandez, Ioanna Charalambous, Sina Schack, Walther C. Traberg, Quentin Thiburce, Karan Bali, Graham Christie, Stefan Guldin, Susan Daniel, Alberto Salleo, Roisin M. Owens
Summary: This study presents a versatile method to modify the surface chemistry of conducting polymers, aiming to bridge the chemical gap between bioelectronic devices and biological systems. The surface of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is modified to enhance the formation of cell-derived supported lipid bilayers (SLBs). The functionalized devices show improved electronic output and demonstrate the potential of this approach in membrane-on-a-chip systems.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Niki Baccile, Anyssa Derj, Cedric Boissiere, Vincent Humblot, Ariane Deniset-Besseau
Summary: The development of supported glycosylated lipid layers using microbial biosurfactants provides a versatile and robust method for preparing defect-free and homogeneous lipid monolayers. The method offers precise control of thickness below 10 nm and is compatible with aqueous solutions. Characterization techniques show that the glycosylated SLM are uniformly thick at 2.8 +/- 1.0 nm and defect-free at nanometer to centimeter scales.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Minggang Tian, Yaru Sun, Xiuqi Kong, Baoli Dong
Summary: Studying the phase separation of ER membranes is crucial for understanding the fundamental biology of ER. However, NIR ratiometric imaging of ER phase behaviors has not been explored in living cells and diverse tissues. In this study, we developed a polarity-responsive NIR fluorescent probe to visualize the phase behavior in ER membranes and revealed different phase behaviors in different tissues.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Yin, Arielle C. Mensch, Christian A. Lochbaum, Isabel U. Foreman-Ortiz, Emily R. Caudill, Robert J. Hamers, Joel A. Pedersen
Summary: Supported lipid bilayers are important model systems for studying the interactions of proteins, peptides, and nanoparticles with biological membranes. The properties of the solid substrate, such as topography and coating, can affect the formation and properties of supported phospholipid bilayers. The interactions of nanoparticles with supported lipid bilayers depend on the substrate composition.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alessandra Luchini, Federica Sebastiani, Frederik Gronbaek Tidemand, Krishna Chaithanya Batchu, Mario Campana, Giovanna Fragneto, Marite Cardenas, Lise Arleth
Summary: Peptide discs, resembling 10 nm discoidal lipid bilayers, can be used as precursors for Supported Lipid Bilayers (SLBs) without the need to alter any experimental variables, allowing for faster formation compared to vesicle fusion. SLBs can be successfully formed from both synthetic and natural lipid mixtures, with traces of 18A peptide at the support surface having no effect on the SLB structure.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marcos Arribas Perez, Paul A. Beales
Summary: The study demonstrates that SiO2 NPs can efficiently induce membrane fusion in biomimetic model membranes, likely by increasing lateral membrane tension. Real-time microscopy reveals three distinct mechanistic pathways for membrane fusion. SiO2 NPs show significant potential for inclusion in the synthetic biology toolkit for membrane remodeling and fusion in artificial cells.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lizhi Liu, Dingyi Pan, Sheng Chen, Maria-Viola Martikainen, Anna Karlund, Jing Ke, Herkko Pulkkinen, Hanna Ruhanen, Marjut Roponen, Reijo Kakela, Wujun Xu, Jie Wang, Vesa-Pekka Lehto
Summary: The mechanism underlying partial coating in cell membrane (CM) coating technology has been revealed to be the adsorption of CM fragments or vesicles, which can eventually be ruptured under external force. Partial coating is difficult to self-repair due to limited membrane fluidity. Introducing external phospholipids as a helper can increase CM fluidity and promote the final fusion of lipid patches.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Shi Yu, Jianqiao Zhao, Ruizhi Chu, Xiao Li, Guoguang Wu, Xianliang Meng
Summary: This study presents mesoscale models for the anomalous diffusion of a polymer chain on a heterogeneous surface. The simulation results show that bead-spring chains exhibit sub-diffusion on charged lipid bilayers, while a simulated 17 base pairs double stranded DNA exhibits normal diffusion. The energy landscape experienced by short DNA chains is less heterogeneous compared to long DNA chains, resulting in different diffusion behaviors.
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)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hanna Ulmefors, Josefin Nissa, Hudson Pace, Olov Wahlsten, Anders Gunnarsson, Daniel T. Simon, Magnus Berggren, Fredrik Hook
Summary: The study explores the formation of supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) on PEDOT:PSS/silica nanoparticle composite films and mesoporous silica films. Mesoporous silica thin film outperforms PEDOT:PSS/silica nanoparticle composite, successfully forming bilayers with high lateral mobility and low defect density even for the most complex native cell membranes.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Massimiliano Zanoli, Hana Dobsicek Trefna
Summary: The paper proposes a novel wideband time-reversal focusing method that iteratively shifts the focus away from hot spots and towards cold spots, improving tumor coverage and reducing the impact of hot spots. This method has been verified on different applicator topologies and target volume configurations, running within seconds.
PHYSICS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Cynthia Fontes-Candia, Patricia Lopez-Sanchez, Anna Strom, Juan Carlos Martinez, Ana Salvador, Teresa Sanz, Hana Dobsicek Trefna, Amparo Lopez-Rubio, Marta Martinez-Sanz
Summary: Formulations based on agar and κ-carrageenan were investigated for the production of emulsion gels applicable as tissue mimicking phantoms. The polysaccharides were found suitable for designing a variety of tissue mimicking phantoms with a broad range of mechanical and dielectric properties.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Massimiliano Zanoli, Hana Dobsicek Trefna
Summary: The study explores the use of UWB-phased array applicators in thermal dose delivery for cancer treatment, highlighting challenges in fully exploiting different frequencies for optimal deposition pattern. Results show that classical EV performs poorly in UWB treatment planning, leading to exploration of alternative methods such as i-EV. Multi-frequency HTP demonstrates potential benefits in difficult-to-treat regions like the brain.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Morteza Ghaderi Aram, Hadi Aliakbarian, Hana Dobsicek Trefna
Summary: This study introduces a compact UWB elliptical phased-array applicator for hyperthermia systems, with ultra-wideband operation range and good isolation performance. Experimental results show that the antenna achieved very good quality metrics in treating patients.
MICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Morteza Ghaderi Aram, Massimiliano Zanoli, Hakan Nordstrom, Iuliana Toma-Dasu, Klas Blomgren, Hana Dobsicek Trefna
Summary: This study proposes a novel strategy in brain cancer management by combining Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery with hyperthermia. The radiobiological modelling suggests that intracranial heating can boost the dose to the target while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. The research motivates the future development of hyperthermia systems for brain cancer treatment.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Hana Dobsicek Trefna, Saul Llacer Navarro, Fredrik Lorentzon, Tiina Nypelo, Anna Strom
Summary: Tissue mimicking phantom materials with thermal and dielectric equivalence are crucial for microwave diagnostics and treatment. By using nanocellulose in gelatin stabilized emulsions to mimic fat tissue, the study showed promising results in reducing the temperature dependence of moduli and meeting quality assurance guidelines, indicating the potential for development in microwave diagnostics and treatment.
BIOMEDICAL PHYSICS & ENGINEERING EXPRESS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Morteza Ghaderi Aram, Hadi Aliakbarian, Hana Dobsicek Trefna
Summary: This study proposes a compact UWB antenna specifically tailored for deep HT array applicators. The antenna was experimentally assessed and simulated in different scenarios, demonstrating good performance for HT applications.
IET MICROWAVES ANTENNAS & PROPAGATION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Margarethus M. Paulides, Hana Dobsicek Trefna
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYPERTHERMIA
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Massimiliano Zanoli, Hana Dobsicek Trefna
Summary: This study validates the ability of the hot-to-cold spot quotient (HCQ) in SAR-based treatment plan optimization to improve SAR and temperature indexes for deep-seated tumors, by reducing hot spots and increasing target coverage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYPERTHERMIA
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Mattia De Lazzari, Anna Strom, Laura Farina, Nuno P. Silva, Sergio Curto, Hana Dobsicek Trefna
Summary: Background phantoms mimicking human tissue properties are crucial for the development and quality assurance of equipment used in Hyperthermia Treatment. A fat-mimicking material based on glycerol-in-oil emulsion stabilized with ethylcellulose was proposed and its properties were assessed. The phantom demonstrated equivalent dielectric and thermal properties to fat tissue, with good mechanical stability. It was proven suitable for quality assurance procedures, although further investigation is needed for electrical heating devices.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYPERTHERMIA
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Massimiliano Zanoli, Erika Ek, Hana Dobsicek Trefna
Summary: Despite previous hopeful studies, hyperthermia is not currently used in the treatment of brain cancer. This study introduces a new concept of designing ultra-wideband applicators to achieve adequate temperatures in large brain tumors while protecting healthy tissues. A fast E-field approximation scheme is proposed to optimize antenna arrangements for clinical hyperthermia. The results show higher target temperatures and better tumor coverage compared to conventional antenna arrays.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Seyed Moein Pishnamaz, Xuezhi Zeng, Hana Dobslcek Trefna, Mikael Persson, Andreas Fhager
Summary: This study introduces the use of a dielectric rod to reduce multipath interference on the body surface, improving the performance of microwave-based biomedical diagnostic systems. Through analytical and numerical methods, a dielectric rod antenna (DRA) is designed and optimized. Experimental results show that the addition of the dielectric rod significantly enhances the transmission coefficient and increases the antenna bandwidth.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ANTENNAS AND PROPAGATION
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Carolina Carrapico-Seabra, Mattia De Lazzari, Abdelali Ameziane, Gerard C. van Rhoon, Hana Dobsicek Trefna, Sergio Curto
Summary: This study aimed to assess the quality of the lucite cone applicator for superficial hyperthermia. The temperature distribution was evaluated using an infrared camera, and quality metrics such as maximum temperature increase, thermal effective penetration depth, and thermal effective field size were used. The experimental results were validated through comparison with simulated results.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYPERTHERMIA
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Margarethus M. Paulides, Dario B. Rodrigues, Gennaro G. Bellizzi, Kemal Sumser, Sergio Curto, Esra Neufeld, Hazael Montanaro, H. Petra Kok, Hana Dobsicek Trefna
Summary: The success of cancer hyperthermia treatment relies on achieving optimal temperatures in tumor and healthy tissues. Computational simulations play a crucial role in hyperthermia treatment planning and in silico studies for developing new devices and approaches. This paper proposes benchmarks and guidelines to standardize hyperthermia treatment, aiming to facilitate method comparison, code verification, and clinical relevancy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYPERTHERMIA
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jan Tesarik, Jan Vrba, Hana Dobsicek Trefna
Summary: The evaluation of non-invasive microwave thermometry using a differential microwave imaging approach was conducted in an experimental setup, achieving a promising agreement between measured and reconstructed electrical conductivity. Specific areas for future improvement of microwave thermometry were identified through this study.
2021 15TH EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON ANTENNAS AND PROPAGATION (EUCAP)
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.