Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mohamed A. El-Bindary, Mohamed G. El-Desouky, Ashraf A. El-Bindary
Summary: Metal-organic framework (MOF) hybrid materials, specifically Zr-MOF with encapsulated doxorubicin (DOX@Zr-MOF), have shown promising results in pH-responsive drug release and enhanced cytotoxicity against cancer cells. This simple one-pot approach could potentially serve as a multifunctional drug delivery vehicle for various applications, including cancer treatment. Further studies are needed to explore the potential of DOX@Zr-MOF in targeting specific cancer types and antimicrobial activities.
APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Puja Ghosh, Himja Tiwari, Jaya Lakkakula, Arpita Roy, Talha Bin Emran, Summya Rashid, Saad Alghamdi, Bodour S. Rajab, Mazen Almehmadi, Mamdouh Allahyani, Abdulelah Aljuaid, Ahad Amer Alsaiari, Rohit Sharma, Ahmad O. Babalghith
Summary: Despite advancements in the biomedical field, clinically approved cancer therapeutics are mostly limited to chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. There is a growing demand for targeted drug delivery using nanomaterials to mitigate the cardiotoxicity and side effects associated with current treatment strategies. In this review, the use of modified liposomes encapsulating the commonly used drug doxorubicin (DOX) is explored for the treatment of various types of cancer, showing potential for enhanced efficiency and site-specific drug delivery.
MATERIALS TODAY ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sudipta Mallick, Ramadan Abouomar, David Rivas, Max Sokolich, Fatma Ceren Kirmizitas, Aditya Dutta, Sambeeta Das
Summary: Micro-sized magnetic particles, known as microrobots, have shown potential for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and cell manipulation. This study used microrobots to deliver anticancer drugs to cancer cells, resulting in cell death. The findings confirm the promise of microrobots as precise couriers for targeted delivery of therapeutic biomolecules for cancer therapy.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marjan Ghazimoradi, Aliakbar Tarlani, Abdolali Alemi, Hamed Hamishehkar, Marjan Ghorbani
Summary: In this study, a core/double shells magnetic-luminescent nanomaterial was developed and used as a nanocarrier for simultaneous delivery of methotrexate and doxorubicin as anti-cancer drugs. The nanocarrier demonstrated pH-sensitive controlled drug release and showed excellent biocompatibility. The in vitro cytotoxic studies exhibited significant tumor inhibition against MCF-7 cells compared to free drugs.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rodrigo dos A. Miguel, Amanda S. Hirata, Paula C. Jimenez, Luciana B. Lopes, Leticia V. Costa-Lotufo
Summary: Nature is a rich source of medicinal compounds like doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX). Nanoformulations of these drugs are cost-effective and offer improved pharmacokinetic properties and targeted delivery, resulting in reduced side effects. They can also overcome drug resistance and allow for multi-drug encapsulation for combined chemotherapy.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Christian Rafael Quijia, Marlus Chorilli
Summary: Piperine has been shown to inhibit the growth and spread of breast cancer cells through mechanisms such as altering signaling pathways and inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Combining piperine with other phytochemicals and utilizing nanotechnology can enhance its effectiveness in treating breast cancer.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Laura Gallego-Yerga, Cristina de la Torre, Francesco Sansone, Alessandro Casnati, Carmen Ortiz Mellet, Jose M. Garcia Fernandez, Valentin Cena
Summary: Cyclodextrin-calixarene giant amphiphiles are capable of encapsulating and delivering anticancer drugs to tumor cells with high efficiency, significantly enhancing therapeutic efficacy. The redox-responsive disulfide bridge modification in these amphiphiles allows for efficient cargo release in a tumor microenvironment, leading to potent inhibition of cancer cell proliferation.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fangfang Jin, Qian Zeng, Husun Qian, Dian Zhang, Yu Wei, Yange Wang, Chengsen Chai, Wei Cheng, Shijia Ding, Tingmei Chen
Summary: A dual-targeted aptamer-decorated DNA hydrogel system (DTA-H) is reported for efficient, stable, and targeted delivery of drugs, showing significant potential for cancer therapy.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Auhin Kumar Maparu, Prerana Singh, Beena Rai, Ashutosh Sharma, Sri Sivakumar
Summary: Soft nanoparticles derived from PDMS have been developed as a promising material for intracellular drug delivery. A simple and scalable strategy has been presented to prepare sub-50 nm PDMS nanoparticles, which are soft, hydrophobic, stable, and biocompatible. These nanoparticles have shown excellent potential for delivering anticancer drugs to the mitochondria and nucleus of cancer cells, resulting in significantly enhanced cancer cell inhibition.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaoyu Wu, Xiangkun Huan, Yimiao Zhu, Gang Yang, Hao Yang, Zhenfeng Wu, WenWen Xu
Summary: Molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate covalently functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and LL 37. f-CNTs were functionalized with carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amine groups. The adsorption of DOX molecules and LL-37 was studied in different molar proportions. The binding energy, radial distribution function, and conformational changes of the peptide were analyzed. The study revealed that hydroxyl-functionalized CNTs are suitable carriers in a 1:1 ratio of DOX to LL-37, while amine-functionalized CNTs are suitable carriers in a 2:1 ratio. These findings have implications for dual drug delivery systems.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Vanshikha Singh, Prashant Kesharwani
Summary: Dendrimers are highly branched macromolecules capable of efficiently encapsulating and delivering drugs with targeted delivery to specific sites. Through modification and conjugation, they have been designed to incorporate and deliver anticancer drugs, showing controlled release, better penetration, improved bioavailability, and reduced toxicity in various studies.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kyriaki-Marina Lyra, Archontia Kaminari, Katerina N. Panagiotaki, Konstantinos Spyrou, Sergios Papageorgiou, Elias Sakellis, Fotios K. Katsaros, Zili Sideratou
Summary: This study developed an efficient doxorubicin (DOX) drug delivery system using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with guanidinylated dendritic molecular transporters. The system demonstrated high selectivity against tumor cells and exhibited exceptional colloidal stability, providing promising potential for cancer therapy.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Daiyun Xu, Xu Chen, Zhidong Chen, Yonghui Lv, Yongxiao Li, Shengbin Li, Wanting Xu, Yuan Mo, Xinpei Wang, Zirui Chen, Tingyi Chen, Tianqi Wang, Zhe Wang, Meiying Wu, Junqing Wang
Summary: In this study, the molecular dynamic behaviors of free doxorubicin and doxorubicin-conjugated lipid prodrug molecules in nanodisc formulations were investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The results revealed that formulation design affects the drug release profile and conformational stability of the nanodisc assemblies. It was found that lipidated doxorubicin-prodrugs exhibited sufficient conformational stability in the nanodisc formulations, while free doxorubicin molecules experienced rapid dissociation. The drug loading capacity depended on the type of lipid molecules grafted on the doxorubicin-prodrug. Further analysis showed that the conformational stability of the doxorubicin-prodrug-loaded nanodisc assemblies was influenced by the molecular flexibility and lipidated forms of the doxorubicin-prodrug. Additionally, the self-aggregation of doxorubicin-prodrugs on the nanodiscs reduced membrane fluidity and enhanced the conformational stability of the formulations.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lanbo Shen, Yaping Zhang, Junkun Feng, Wenxiu Xu, Yi Chen, Kai Li, Xiaoru Yang, Yajun Zhao, Shaohua Ge, Jianhua Li
Summary: Improving drug bioavailability is still a challenge in oral drug delivery. This study developed a microcapsule system for gastric drug delivery using ionic liquid as the carrier and metal-phenolic network as the microcapsule shell. The microcapsules showed enhanced drug absorption in the stomach and improved drug tissue permeability.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hossein Hosseinzadeh, Ziba Jahanbakhsh, Bakhshali Masoumi, Vahid Hooshangi
Summary: A novel beta-CD-based magnetic nanocarrier with superparamagnetic and molecular recognition properties was synthesized for controlled drug release. The nanocarrier showed efficient loading and releasing behaviors of doxorubicin, with drug loading efficiency dependent on initial drug concentration, beta-CD content, and temperature. The in vitro release rate of doxorubicin was found to be pH-dependent, and the nanocarrier exhibited high performance in killing cancerous cells.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tonghui Wang, Jinbo Fei, Zhenzhen Dong, Xia Xu, Weiguang Dong, Junbai Li
Summary: In this study, a synthetic electrozyme was coupled with a supramolecule-assembled nanoarchitecture to mimic mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and achieve enhanced bioenergy transformation. The metal-free electrozyme, a semiconducting polymer deposited on an electrode, exhibited a well-matched electrocatalytic property that allowed the oxidation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) to release protons at a much lower electric potential. As a result, a proton gradient was generated and drove the rotary catalysis of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) synthase in a lipid membrane, resulting in the production of ATP. Significantly, the electrochemical bioenergy conversion of NADH to ATP in this bio-like system was much more efficient compared to natural mitochondria. This work integrates synthetic and natural catalytic chemistry, facilitating enhanced bioenergy transformation and greatly improving prospects in ATP-fueled bioapplications.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jinbo Fei, Junbai Li
Summary: Molecular assembly is a promising strategy for constructing active systems using biomolecules as building blocks. These assembled systems simulate or regulate important biological activities and have great potential in various bioapplications. This review focuses on recent progress in ATP-involved active self-assembled systems, which are constructed with hierarchical structures and generate ATP using external influences to create proton gradients. Additionally, active supermolecular systems driven by ATP as chemical fuel are highlighted. Finally, key challenges and future research perspectives are discussed.
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xianbao Li, Qi Li, Aoli Wu, Junbai Li
Summary: Symmetry of layered dipeptide crystals can be broken by utilizing CO2, which induces adjacent monomolecular layers to stack in the same direction. CO2 covers the interlayer interaction sites, forcing the dipeptides to adsorb asymmetrically. The dipeptide crystals exhibit enhanced piezoelectricity and the piezoelectric voltage generated from dipeptide-based generators is increased by more than 500% after symmetry breaking. This work provides a potential route to engineer structures and properties of layered materials, and offers insights into the control of non-covalent interactions.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nan Sun, Yi Jia, Shiwei Bai, Qi Li, Luru Dai, Junbai Li
Summary: Super-resolution microscopy (SRM) technology has revolutionized the field of cell biology by breaking the diffraction limit, enabling researchers to visualize cellular structures with nanometric resolution, multiple colors, and single-molecule sensitivity. SRM has also extended its impact to other fields such as nanomedicine, material science, and nanotechnology, greatly contributing to breakthroughs in these areas.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xin Li, Honglei Jian, Qingquan Han, Anhe Wang, Jieling Li, Ningyuan Man, Qi Li, Shuo Bai, Junbai Li
Summary: Short peptide self-assembled hydrogels have excellent biocompatibility and functional expansion, making them promising in cell culture and tissue engineering. However, the preparation of bio-inks with adjustable mechanical strength and controlled degradation for 3D bioprinting is challenging.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhenzhen Dong, Jinbo Fei, Tonghui Wang, Junbai Li
Summary: A strategy of matched spectral and temporal light management is developed to improve photosynthetic efficiency by co-assembling natural thylakoid membrane (TM) with artificial long afterglow particle (LAP). LAP with excellent stability and biocompatibility is optically-matched with the absorption of TM, serving as an additional light source for photosynthesis. Enhanced photosynthesis is achieved after co-assembly, with boosted electron transfer, oxygen yield, and ATP production due to down-conversion fluorescence emission from LAP. This proof-of-concept work opens a new route to augment the photosynthetic efficiency of green plants by utilizing precise light-managed materials.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yilin Liu, Junbai Li
Summary: This study reports, for the first time, that Celastrol can self-assemble into size-controllable nanoparticles via the anti-solvent method using different solvents or varying Celastrol concentrations. In vitro experiments showed that the prepared nanoparticles can effectively kill MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, the nanoparticles can accumulate efficiently in tumors after intravenous injection. Administration of a lethal dosage of Celastrol resulted in significant tumor suppression with maintained activity in mice. These findings suggest that the anti-solvent method holds promise for fabricating Celastrol nano-drugs with controlled size and reduced systemic toxicity for clinical cancer treatment.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Zhao, Xia Xu, Yang Yang, Junbai Li
Summary: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an efficient method for cancer treatment, but traditional photosensitizers (PSs) often have low bioavailability. This review discusses the use of molecular-assembly technique, adjusting the PS triplet state lifetime, and developing aggregation-induced emission (AIE) agents to improve the efficacy of PDT.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yilin Liu, Jie Zhao, Xia Xu, Yang Xu, Wei Cui, Yang Yang, Junbai Li
Summary: The natural anthraquinone derivative emodin (Emo) is demonstrated to be a promising photosensitizer for two-photon-excited photodynamic therapy with a large two-photon absorption cross-section and high singlet oxygen quantum yield. The co-assembled Emo/HSA nanoparticles exhibit outstanding TPE-PDT properties against cancer cells. This work is beneficial for the use of natural extracts for high-efficiency TPE-PDT.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zibo Li, Fanchen Yu, Xia Xu, Tonghui Wang, Jinbo Fei, Jingcheng Hao, Junbai Li
Summary: We demonstrate the realization of photozyme-catalyzed oxidative phosphorylation through the assembly of ATP synthase-reconstituted proteoliposome coatings on microcapsules. This is achieved through layer-by-layer deposition of semiconducting graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets and polyelectrolytes. The encapsulated g-C3N4 nanosheets act as the photozyme, accelerating the oxidation of glucose to yield protons under light illumination, establishing an outward transmembrane proton gradient to drive ATP synthesis. This artificial design enables higher energy conversion efficiency compared to conventional oxidative phosphorylation systems.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Peng Zhou, Ruirui Xing, Qi Li, Junbai Li, Chengqian Yuan, Xuehai Yan
Summary: Controlling the morphology of supramolecular hydrogels is crucial in tuning their mechanical properties. This study investigates the evolution of fibrillar networks in hydrogels by modulating droplets formed via liquid-liquid phase separation. The size and amount of droplets, as well as the structural evolution and network development, can be finely tuned by varying the thermal history. The findings provide insights into the role of phase-separated droplets in self-assembling networks and contribute to the engineering of supramolecular hydrogels with adjustable mechanical properties.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rui Chang, Luyang Zhao, Ruirui Xing, Junbai Li, Xuehai Yan
Summary: This review summarizes recent advances in chromopeptide nanoarchitectonics, focusing on the design strategy, assembly mechanism, and structure-function relationship. The effect of peptide sequences and the variation in photophysical performance are critically emphasized. Various applications, including biomedicine and artificial photosynthesis, are discussed, along with the future prospects of chromopeptide nanoarchitectonics.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aoli Wu, Yongxian Guo, Meiqi Li, Qin Li, Hengchang Zang, Junbai Li
Summary: The assembly pathway and chiral transformation behavior of peptides in supramolecular peptide assemblies remain largely unknown. In this study, the assembly of an N-terminal-protected phenylalanine-tyrosine dipeptide is shown to proceed through multistep structural evolution, and the chiral assembly can be controlled by introducing a bipyridine derivative and using ultrasound or enzyme catalysis.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nan Sun, Yi Jia, Shiwei Bai, Yang Yang, Luru Dai, Junbai Li
Summary: This study demonstrates the direct observation and quantification of protein corona adsorbed onto PEGylated mesoporous silica particles using direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy. The effects of PEG molecular weights and incubation time on protein penetration depth are investigated for the first time.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)