Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anamika Singh, Juan C. Arango, Anni Shi, Joseph B. d'Aliberti, Shelley A. Claridge
Summary: Multivalent interactions between carbohydrates and proteins play a crucial role in regulating important biological processes. Researchers have developed a method to generate nanometer-scale carbohydrate patterns on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and transfer them to hydrogel surfaces. These patterns can selectively bind with proteins, demonstrating the potential to design synthetic glycan-mimetic interfaces for various applications.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anamika Singh, Juan C. Arango, Anni Shi, Joseph B. d'Aliberti, Shelley A. Claridge
Summary: Multivalent interactions between carbohydrates and proteins play a critical role in biological processes. Researchers have developed a method to create nanometer-scale carbohydrate patterns on hydrogels by assembling diyne amphiphiles on graphite surfaces. These patterns can selectively bind to proteins such as wheat germ agglutinin through multivalent interactions.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Davide Pedrali, Alessio Scarafoni, Anna Giorgi, Vera Lavelli
Summary: Encapsulation of antioxidants in hydrogels can increase their stability and bioaccessibility. Hydrogels of alginate and whey proteins provide a pH-dependent dissolution mechanism, allowing the release of encapsulated compounds in the intestine for absorption.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Takaaki Ueno, Chiung-Fang Huang, Kayoko Yamamoto, Wen-Chien Lan, Shih-Chi Lee, Bai-Hung Huang, Yung-Chieh Cho, Christopher J. Walinski, Muhammad Ruslin, Chen-Han Lee, Keng-Liang Ou, Hiroyuki Nakano
Summary: The study investigated the effect of solution heat-treatment temperatures on the microstructure, phase transformation, and biocompatibility of Ti-5Ge alloy. Results showed that the alloy exhibited different characteristics at different treatment temperatures, with the specimen treated at 1000 degrees Celsius showing the highest microhardness and biocompatibility. These findings suggest that the AS-TG alloy heattreated at 1000 degrees Celsius could be a potential biomaterial for dental applications.
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Oju Jeon, Tae-Hee Kim, Eben Alsberg
Summary: This study developed a hydrogel system with reversible dynamic mechanics, demonstrating the tunability of mechanical signals on encapsulated stem cells and providing a promising platform to investigate the effect of dynamic mechanical changes on cell behaviors.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shuang Zheng, Qiong Liu, Junhao He, Xinlei Wang, Kai Ye, Xuan Wang, Ce Yan, Peng Liu, Jiandong Ding
Summary: Cell adhesion to extracellular matrices (ECM) is crucial for various processes and applications. This study explores the effects of microisland sizes and RGD nanospacings on cell adhesion, confirming the significance of the concept of critical adhesion areas on micro-nanopatterns. The behavior of cell adhesion on micro-nanopatterns is more characteristic, with increased critical adhesion areas observed on nanoarrayed microislands.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Andrea Mazzocchi, Kyung Min Yoo, Kylie G. Nairon, L. Madison Kirk, Elaheh Rahbar, Shay Soker, Aleksander Skardal
Summary: This study developed a crosslinkable hydrogel using hyaluronic acid maleimide that mimics the extracellular matrix of liver tissue. The addition of RGD peptides and TGF-ss supplementation had significant effects on cell phenotype and liver functionality.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
James R. Brown, Jana Herzberger, Glenn Allen Spiering, Emily Wilts, Robert B. Moore, Timothy E. Long
Summary: Degradable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels with acetal functionalization provide a versatile platform for drug delivery and tissue engineering. The tailored morphologies within the acetal-functionalized hydrogels contribute to the fundamental understanding of multiphase network degradation. The study demonstrates that controlled stoichiometric imbalance of thiol and acrylate functionalities can achieve predictable plateau storage moduli of hydrogels.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
James R. Brown, Jana Herzberger, Glenn Allen Spiering, Emily Wilts, Robert B. Moore, Timothy E. Long
Summary: Degradable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels with acetal functionalization provide a versatile platform for drug delivery and tissue engineering. The tailored morphologies within the acetal-functionalized hydrogels offer fundamental understanding of the multiphase network degradation.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shabnam Sheikhy, Ali Akbar Safekordi, Marjan Ghorbani, Khosro Adibkia, Hamed Hamishehkar
Summary: Researchers successfully modified cellulose, preparing a superdisintegrant with excellent performance for faster disintegration time and suitable drug release condition in prepared tablets. Experimental results indicate that the newly synthesized superdisintegrant has good biocompatibility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yoshinori Arisaka, Asato Tonegawa, Atsushi Tamura, Nobuhiko Yui
Summary: Polyrotaxane hydrogels, prepared without additional monomers via redox polymerization, demonstrate unique structural features and dynamic viscoelasticity. They show suitable potential as new supramolecular biomaterials.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Statistics & Probability
Antik Chakraborty, Rihui Ou, David B. Dunson
Summary: This paper proposes a two-stage approach for inferring model parameters for high-dimensional binary response data, taking into account uncertainty propagation between the stages. By leveraging the special structure of latent Gaussian models, the costly computation involved in joint parameter estimation is reduced to focus on the inference of marginal distributions, making the method embarrassingly parallel for both stages.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN STATISTICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Purhadi Purhadi, M. Fathurahman
Summary: This article presents a bivariate binary logit model and statistical inference procedures for parameter estimation and hypothesis testing. The BBL model is an extension of the binary logit model with two correlated binary responses, obtained using maximum likelihood and BHHH methods. Hypothesis testing includes simultaneous and partial tests, with test statistics determined by the maximum likelihood ratio test method.
Article
Oncology
Victoria Damerell, Melvin Anyasi Ambele, Shanel Salisbury, Alexis Neumann-Mufweba, Chrisna Durandt, Michael Sean Pepper, Sharon Prince
Summary: Sarcomas are aggressive cancers of mesenchymal origin and their clinical management is complex. This study reveals that the c-Myc/TBX3 pathway may be a key mechanism that transforms mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) into sarcomas. TBX3 overexpression promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, which are key processes in sarcomagenesis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Man Zhang, Qian Sun, Yiling Liu, Zhiqin Chu, Leixiao Yu, Yong Hou, Heemin Kang, Qiang Wei, Weifeng Zhao, Joachim P. Spatz, Changsheng Zhao, Elisabetta A. Cavalcanti-Adam
Summary: Tunable mechanical properties of hydrogels play a key role in regulating stem cell differentiation. By modulating cellular spatial sensing of integrin-adhesive ligands on low stiffness hydrogels, the mechanosensing and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs can be promoted to levels comparable with those observed on stiffer hydrogels. This approach opens up new possibilities for designing biomaterials and tissue scaffolds for regenerative therapeutics.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dimitris Missirlis, Miguel Banos, Felix Lussier, Joachim P. Spatz
Summary: In this study, a micropatterning strategy was proposed to introduce small molecules and ligands on patterns of arbitrary shapes on the surface of poly(acrylamide)-based hydrogels. The advantages of this approach include easy use, no need for prefabricated photomasks, the use of mild UV light and biocompatible bioconjugation chemistries, and the ability to pattern low-molecular-weight ligands. Cell patterning experiments demonstrated the response of cells to the combination of pattern shape and substrate elasticity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christoph A. Spiegel, Maximilian Hackner, Viktoria P. Bothe, Joachim P. Spatz, Eva Blasco
Summary: This paper presents a novel and versatile shape memory ink system that enables 4D printing at both the macroscale and microscale using light. The authors selected digital light processing (DLP) and direct laser writing (DLW) as suitable 3D printing technologies and developed a compatible ink system. They demonstrated the shape memory effect for various complex structures printed using DLP and showed remarkable shape memory properties for microstructures printed using DLW.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Marc Martinez-Miguel, Miquel Castellote-Borrell, Mariana Kober, Adriana R. Kyvik, Judit Tomsen-Melero, Guillem Vargas-Nadal, Jose Munoz, Daniel Pulido, Edgar Cristobal-Lecina, Solene Passemard, Miriam Royo, Marta Mas-Torrent, Jaume Veciana, Marina Giannotti, Judith Guasch, Nora Ventosa, Imma Ratera
Summary: By utilizing the quatsomes colloidal system, hierarchical nanostructures of RGD peptide can be achieved, leading to significantly enhanced cell adhesion. This novel approach enables the hierarchical immobilization of biomolecules on surfaces, providing a new strategy for tissue engineering.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yixuan Jia, Christoph A. Spiegel, Alexander Welle, Stefan Heissler, Elaheh Sedghamiz, Modan Liu, Wolfgang Wenzel, Maximilian Hackner, Joachim P. Spatz, Manuel Tsotsalas, Eva Blasco
Summary: This article presents a method for manufacturing programmable materials using alkoxyamines for printing. By investigating different reaction processes, the mechanical properties of the material can be adjusted, and the size of the structure can be changed through polymerization reactions.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Fania Geiger, Tim Wendlandt, Tim Berking, Joachim P. Spatz, Christina Wege
Summary: A simple enzyme-mediated strategy enables site-specific covalent coupling of genetically tagged luciferase molecules to TMV-CoA, both in solution and on solid supports. The use of TMV-CoA for fishing ybbR-tagged proteins from complex mixtures could provide new opportunities for versatile equipment of miniaturized devices with biologically active proteins. The enzymes displayed on the protein coat of TMV nanocarriers exhibited high activity.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Andreas Fink, Charlotte R. Doll, Ana Yague Relimpio, Yannik Dreher, Joachim P. Spatz, Kerstin Goepfrich, Elisabetta Ada Cavalcanti-Adam
Summary: Spontaneous and induced front-rear polarization of cells is crucial for cell migration in various physiological and pathological conditions. The balance between adhesion and cytoskeleton-driven protrusion and retraction is important for adherent cell migration. A minimal model system using synthetic cells resembling giant unilamellar lipid vesicles (GUVs) was created to study the relationship between cytoskeleton organization and cell front-rear polarization. Micropatterned surfaces induced asymmetric deformation and alignment of actin filaments in adherent GUVs depending on their shape and size. This bottom-up approach lays the foundation for further understanding the mechanisms of cell migration.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sadaf Pashapour, Senne Seneca, Martin Schroeter, Friedrich Frischknecht, Ilia Platzman, Joachim Spatz
Summary: This study developed protein-based microcapsules derived from the extracellular matrix (ECM) to investigate the interactions between ECM components and pathogens and study disease infectivity. The microcapsules were created by using water-in-oil emulsion droplets as templates, allowing for the charge-mediated attraction of ECM proteins to the inner periphery of the droplets. The released ECM-based protein microcapsules containing E. coli showed differences in the behavior of E. coli depending on the surrounding ECM protein matrix.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Davide Blasi, Nerea Gonzalez-Pato, Xavier Rodriguez Rodriguez, Inigo Diez-Zabala, Sumithra Yasaswini Srinivasan, Nuria Camarero, Oriol Esquivias, Monica Roldan, Judith Guasch, Anna Laromaine, Pau Gorostiza, Jaume Veciana, Imma Ratera
Summary: Ratiometric fluorescent nanothermometers with near-infrared emission are designed and studied, based on the dual emission of monomer and excimer species, for in vivo sensing with high spatial resolution and sensitivity. The temperature-dependent fluorescence of the organic nanoparticles allows them to act as internal reference probes. The nanoparticles show great temperature sensitivity and response, excellent reversibility and stability, and are able to monitor temperature changes at the nano-microscale.
Article
Immunology
Sophie L. Preuss, Stephanie Oehrl, Hao Zhang, Thomas Doebel, Ulrike Engel, Jennifer L. Young, Joachim P. Spatz, Knut Schaekel
Summary: Formation and deposition of immune complexes (ICs) is a characteristic feature of autoimmune diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that ICs induce a specific migratory response, haptokinesis, in non-classical monocytes (ncMo) and in a specific subset of monocytes known as 6-sulfo LacNAc(+) monocytes (slanMo), but not in other monocyte subsets. CD16-dependent signaling and the activity of the metalloproteinase ADAM17 were found to mediate this migratory response.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Adria Lopez-Cano, Neus Ferrer-Miralles, Julieta Sanchez, Jose Vicente Carratala, Xavier Rodriguez Rodriguez, Imma Ratera, Judith Guasch, Oscar Q. Q. Pich, Paula Bierge, Cristina Garcia-de-la-Maria, Jose M. M. Miro, Elena Garcia-Fruitos, Anna Aris
Summary: Antibiotic resistance has significantly increased, calling for the development of new antimicrobial drugs. Host Defense Peptides (HDPs) have the potential to be used as antimicrobial agents and immune regulators. The present study aims to design recombinant multidomain proteins based on HDPs to create a new generation of tailored antimicrobials. Three new antimicrobials were designed and tested, with D5L37D5L37 showing the highest efficacy against various healthcare-associated pathogens. This study highlights the potential of using HDP combinations for the development of new antimicrobial drugs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reinhard Lipowsky, Shreya Pramanik, Amelie S. Benk, Miroslaw Tarnawski, Joachim P. Spatz, Rumiana Dimova
Summary: Artificial or synthetic organelles are a challenge in bottom-up synthetic biology. Synthetic organelles are typically based on spherical membrane compartments for spatially confining chemical reactions. However, cellular organelles, like the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), have more complex architectures. The morphology of ER, including its straight appearance and nanoscopic shapes, as well as the formation and maintenance of its reticular networks, are closely related to the dimerization of membrane proteins and the generation of membrane tension.
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Miquel Castellote-Borrell, Francesca Merlina, Adrian R. Rodriguez, Judith Guasch
Summary: Tumoroids are 3D in vitro models that mimic the architecture of in vivo tumors and preserve patient-specific characteristics. Currently, they are mostly established using basement membrane extracts (BME) or synthetic polymers. However, BME lack defined composition and reproducibility, while synthetic polymers lack complexity. Biohybrid hydrogels, which combine natural and synthetic components, offer a solution by providing superior 3D culture systems. This review summarizes the efforts to produce tumoroids using different types of biohybrid hydrogels, classified by their crosslinking mechanism.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Adriana R. Kyvik, Ramon Roca-Pinilla, Karla Mayolo-Deloisa, Xavier Rodriguez Rodriguez, Marc Martinez-Miguel, Marta Martos, Mariana Kober, Nora Ventosa, Jaume Veciana, Judith Guasch, Elena Garcia-Fruitos, Anna Aris, Imma Ratera
Summary: In this study, novel biofunctionalized gold surfaces with the antimicrobial multidomain recombinant protein JAMF1 were developed. The immobilized JAMF1 protein successfully reduced biofilm formation of both Escherichia coli and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. This strategy provides new possibilities for biomolecule immobilization in fundamental biological studies and biotechnological applications.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nerea Gonzalez-Pato, Xavier Rodriguez Rodriguez, Nicola Pellizzi, Claudia Fasolato, Judith Guasch, Paolo Postorino, Jaume Veciana, Alejandro R. R. Goni, Imma Ratera
Summary: We developed an easy and low-cost method to prepare highly homogeneous electroactive substrates for simultaneous surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and electrochemical measurements. The substrates were made by depositing a quasi-hexagonal pattern of uniformly distributed gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) using block-copolymer micellar lithography, followed by electrodeposition of additional gold onto the pre-patterned ITO. The resulting substrates exhibited strong and homogeneous Raman signals and demonstrated good electrochemical performance.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana Yagu''e Relimpio, Andreas Fink, Duc Thien Bui, Sebastian Fabritz, Martin Schro''ter, Alessia Ruggieri, Ilia Platzman, Joachim P. Spatz
Summary: This study uses bottom-up assembled synthetic SARS-CoV-2 viruses to investigate the binding properties of the Omicron and Alpha variants. The results reveal a significantly higher affinity of Omicron S towards the lipid membrane and ACE2 receptor.
