Article
Polymer Science
Pengyu Chen, Frank S. Bates, Kevin D. Dorfman
Summary: In this study, the feasibility of adding ABC triblock copolymers into a polymer system was investigated using self-consistent field theory. The results showed that the addition of a small amount of ISO could stabilize the GA morphology, but the phase window was relatively narrow. Designing the system to have comparable domain sizes enhanced the stability of GA against competing lamellae.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Antara Ghosh, Sujan Banik, Kohei Yamada, Shingen Misaka, Robert K. Prud'homme, Hideyuki Sato, Satomi Onoue
Summary: In this study, stabilized astaxanthin nanoparticles (sNP/AX) were developed to enhance the physicochemical properties, oral bioavailability, and hepatoprotection of astaxanthin. The sNP/AX were prepared using a flash nanoprecipitation technique with vitamins E and C as co-stabilizers and poloxamer 407 as a stabilizer. The addition of vitamins E and C improved the storage stability of sNP/AX, resulting in higher release properties compared to crystalline astaxanthin. Oral administration of sNP/AX led to higher systemic exposure to astaxanthin and attenuated hepatic damage in a rat hepatic injury model.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wenbo Ye, Guangliang Zhang, Xiaomin Liu, Qidi Ren, Fangqian Huang, Yunfeng Yan
Summary: In this study, polysaccharide-stabilized zein nanoparticles were successfully prepared using a novel flash nanoprecipitation method. These nanoparticles exhibited small size, good stability, and excellent drug encapsulation efficiency. Moreover, they showed sustained release of the drug, making them promising for sustainable delivery of hydrophobic drugs.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yue Wu, Chen Yuan, Xianjing Jia, Zhiyuan Zheng, Xijiao Yang, Jintao Yang, A. Basak Kayitmazer, Ayyaz Ahmad, Naveed Ramzan, Yisheng Xu
Summary: In this study, stable dye-sensitized upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were prepared using flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) technology for cancer cell imaging and treatment. Compared to traditional methods, UCNPs obtained through FNP exhibited smaller size, narrower size distribution, and higher stability.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kurt D. Ristroph, Jenna A. Ott, Luqman A. Issah, Brian K. Wilson, Amila Kujovic, Madeleine Armstrong, Sujit S. Datta, Robert K. Prud'homme
Summary: This study presents a reversible pH-driven flocculation technique for concentrating nanoparticles stabilized with a carboxylic acid-bearing cellulose polymer, which significantly reduces the drying time and improves particle retention efficiency. The flocculation process is found to be effective in separating amphiphilic polyelectrolyte-coated nanoparticles from suspension for advanced processing, demonstrating a potential method for nanoparticle concentration and drying.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Chao Lin, Pengju Pan, Guorong Shan, Miao Du
Summary: Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) diblock copolymers (PEG-b-PCL) with predesigned hydrophilic/hydrophobic block length ratios were synthesized and self-assembled into micelles for emulsifying medium-chain triglycerides with an aqueous phase. The relationship between the wettability of the copolymer micelles and their emulsification properties was proved, and various Pickering emulsions, including double-W/O/W emulsions, were controllably prepared through one-step homogenization. The double microstructure of W/O/W Pickering emulsion was demonstrated to be highly stable during long-term storage.
Article
Polymer Science
Farhad Jamali, Davood Hassanian-Moghaddam, Saeid Ahmadjo, Seyed Mohammad Mahdi Mortazavi, Yasaman Maddah, Mostafa Ahmadi
Summary: In this study, we successfully synthesized PE-PCL block copolymers containing both polar and non-polar segments through a two-step polymerization process. The block copolymers exhibit diverse crystal structures and phase separation between the PE and PCL segments. Additionally, the block copolymers act as compatibilizers in the blends. Rheology results show a high order-disorder transition temperature for the block copolymers.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tongtong Ding, Luyao Xu, Xiangting Liu, Liang Ma, Yingxin Cui, Dalong Li, Xiuhua Sun, Changlu Gao
Summary: By utilizing the structure transformation and copper coordination abilities of amphiphilic copolymers, a controllable and continuous release of copper ions in marine coatings was achieved, thereby enhancing the antibacterial capability. The study demonstrated that the block ratio of the copolymer influenced the bactericidal rate, while the antifouling performance of the coating was primarily determined by the hydrophobic interaction between PLMA and the resin.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bumjun Kim, Dawei Zhang, Madeleine S. Armstrong, Istvan Pelczer, Robert K. Prud'homme
Summary: This study investigates the use of methacrylate-based anionic copolymers (MACs) as stabilizers for nanoparticles and their impact on nanoparticle assembly. The size of the nanoparticles can be controlled by adjusting the degree of neutralization, ionic strength, total mass concentration, and the core-to-MAC ratio. The size of the nanoparticles is determined by the volume of hydrophilic domains on the surface relative to the volume of hydrophobic domains in the core. The results of this study are applicable to both high-molecular-weight polymers and small-molecule drugs.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iloh Son, Yujin Lee, Jinsu Baek, Miran Park, Daeho Han, Seung Kyu Min, Dongwon Lee, Byeong-Su Kim
Summary: A novel hydrophobic epoxide monomer with a pH-responsive cleavable linkage was successfully synthesized to form amphiphilic block copolymer micelles, demonstrating high loading capacity, excellent stability, tunable release efficiency, and high cell viability. Quantum mechanical calculations showed the monomer's higher hydrophobicity compared to other analogues, and cellular uptake and in vivo therapeutic efficacy confirmed the enhanced stability and pH-responsive degradation of the micelles. This study provides a new platform for versatile smart polymeric drug delivery systems with high loading efficiency and tailorable release profiles.
Article
Polymer Science
Maryam S. Sadeghi, Mohammad Reza Moghbeli, William A. Goddard
Summary: This study utilizes molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the self-assembly of high-molecular weight diblock and triblock polymers in water. The longer systems undergo a morphological transition while the shorter systems form slightly prolate-spheres. Structural features are quantified using chain radius of gyration, shape anisotropy, and hydration, with final structures analyzed through local density components.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Javier Diaz, Marko Soltau, Martin Lisal, Paola Carbone, Ignacio Pagonabarraga
Summary: The homogeneous covering of amphiphilic polymer molecules on metallic surfaces plays a crucial role in corrosion inhibitor applications. Sorption and conformation behavior of amphiphilic grafted polymers for corrosion inhibition are studied using coarse-grained simulations. The solubility of the backbone is found to be a key factor in determining the sorption and conformation behavior, with moderate solubility achieving optimal surface coverage.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Vikram Baddam, Lauri Valinen, Heikki Tenhu
Summary: PVBTMAC is used as a stabilizer in the polymerization-induced self-assembly polymerizations of DAAM, providing a whole spectrum of particle morphologies by adjusting the ionic strength. The effects of solid content and the length of the PDAAM block on the particle morphologies were also studied in detail. The solubility and phase behavior of polycation can be controlled by counterions, inducing either one-step or two-step phase transitions in the hydrophobic cores of the particles.
Article
Polymer Science
Hideaki Ono, Hiroyuki Minamikawa, Koji Nemoto, Masaru Yoshida
Summary: A novel PBS-b-PA4 diblock copolymer was designed and synthesized in this study, with its chemical structure, self-assembly behavior, and emulsifying properties characterized through various experiments. The copolymer formed micelle-like colloidal particles in chloroform and exhibited birefringent and fluid liquid crystalline phase in 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, demonstrating potential as a compatibilizer for binary resin blends.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhe Xiang, Xi Zhao, Guoxiang Wang, Chenze Qi, Sujing Zhou, Jinjing Li, Yong Gao
Summary: In this study, an efficient and recyclable platform for interfacial catalytic reaction was constructed using pH-responsive n-decane-in-water Pickering emulsions. The prepared emulsions showed high stability and rapid demulsification at low pH. The catalytic platform exhibited a far higher reaction efficiency compared to ordinary n-decane-water systems. This study demonstrates the potential application of Pickering emulsions in heterogeneous reactions.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xu Wu, Chun Yin, Jiang Ma, Stella Chai, Chunyuan Zhang, Sheng Yao, Onat Kadioglu, Thomas Efferth, Yang Ye, Kenneth Kin-Wah To, Ge Lin
Summary: The study found that three polyoxypregnanes from Marsdenia tenacissima were transformed by intestinal microbiota into active metabolites that could inhibit ABCB1 efflux activity, restore cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy, and had the potential to be safe, effective, and specific pro-drugs for reversing ABCB1-mediated multidrug resistance.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Yingfang Fan, Tian Tao, Zhixing Guo, Kenneth Kin Wah To, Da Chen, Shaocong Wu, Chuan Yang, Jinsui Li, Min Luo, Fang Wang, Liwu Fu
Summary: The study demonstrates that lazertinib effectively reverses MDR by inhibiting drug efflux activities of ABCB1 and ABCG2, leading to increased intracellular accumulation of transporter substrate anticancer drugs. Additionally, lazertinib competitively binds to the ATP-binding site of the transporters and stimulates their ATPase activity, showing potential for overcoming MDR in cancer cells overexpressing ABCB1/ABCG2.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kenneth K. W. To, William C. S. Cho
Summary: Drug repurposing is an important approach in cancer treatment, as it expands treatment options and overcomes drug resistance. Repurposing non-cancer drugs in precision oncology increases the number of actionable molecular targets and benefits more patients. Precision oncology offers novel treatment options for cancer types with high genetic heterogeneity.
CURRENT MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Kenneth K. W. To, William C. S. Cho
Summary: MET protein is a cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase primarily expressed in epithelial cells. When it binds to its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), MET forms a homodimer, phosphorylates, and activates intracellular signaling to promote cell proliferation. Amplification or hyperactivation of MET is commonly observed in various cancer types and is associated with poor response to conventional and targeted chemotherapy. Recent evidence suggests that MET/HGF signaling may also play an immunosuppressive role and confer resistance to cancer immunotherapy. This review summarizes the preclinical and clinical evidence of MET's involvement in drug resistance to conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
CURRENT CANCER DRUG TARGETS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Hsiang-Lin Tsai, Yen-Cheng Chen, Kenneth K. W. To, Jaw-Yuan Wang
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Yuchen Zhang, Cheukfai Li, Chenglai Xia, Keneth Kin Wah To, Zhixing Guo, Chongyang Ren, Lingzhu Wen, Fang Wang, Liwu Fu, Ning Liao
Summary: The study showed that MRTX849 can effectively overcome multidrug resistance by attenuating ABCB1 efflux activity in drug-resistant cancer cells, enhancing the anticancer efficacy of drugs in ABC1-overexpressing cells.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jingyi Fan, Kenneth Kin Wah To, Zhe-Sheng Chen, Liwu Fu
Summary: Multidrug resistance (MDR) is when cancer cells become resistant to a wide range of unrelated drugs. This hinders cancer treatment and is a major cause of chemotherapy failure. ABC transporters are frequently overexpressed in MDR cancer cells, promoting drug efflux and reducing drug accumulation. Recent evidence suggests that ABC transporters also regulate the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) by transporting cytokines, influencing anti-tumor immunity and drug sensitivity. Inhibition of ABC transporter expression or function can enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors by promoting an anticancer immune microenvironment. This review provides an update on current research progress in this field.
DRUG RESISTANCE UPDATES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kenneth K. W. To, Ka M. Cheung, William C. S. Cho
Summary: This study suggests that triamterene can overcome cisplatin resistance by inhibiting histone deacetylases, enhancing the anti-tumor effect of cisplatin.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chenglai Xia, Shuanghong Yin, Kenneth K. W. To, Liwu Fu
Summary: Cancer development is influenced by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that weakens the immune response and allows tumors to evade detection. The enzymes CD39 and CD73 convert ATP into adenosine, which interacts with adenosine receptors to regulate immune function. Specifically, the A2AR receptor suppresses the immune system through cAMP signaling. CD39, CD73, and A2AR are potential therapeutic targets for enhancing antitumor immunity. Clinical trials are underway to investigate monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors that target the CD39/CD73/A2AR pathway, either alone or in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kenneth K. W. To, Enming Xing, Ross C. Larue, Pui-Kai Li
Summary: The BET family of proteins, consisting of Brd2, Brd3, Brd4, and Brdt, plays a crucial role in regulating cancer-related and immunity-associated genes through histone acetylation. Small-molecule BET inhibitors have shown great potential as anticancer agents, but their use is limited by dose-dependent toxicities. Various strategies, including bivalent BET inhibitors, dual inhibitors targeting kinases and BET proteins, PROTACs, and Brd4-selective inhibitors, have been developed to overcome these limitations. In addition, combination therapies using BET inhibitors and other chemotherapeutic drugs have demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes. However, the identification of specific biomarkers for predicting the efficacy and resistance of BET inhibitors is necessary for optimal clinical application.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Nan-Shan Chang, Kenneth K. W. To, Yih-Cherng Liou, Yi-Jia Li
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Yin Ting Cheung, Kenneth Kin-Wah To, Rong Hua, Chui Ping Lee, Agnes Sui-Ying Chan, Chi Kong Li
Summary: This study evaluated the associations of biomarkers of inflammation with attention and neurobehavioral outcomes in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The results suggest that cancer-related inflammation may be a mechanism underlying neurobehavioral problems in pediatric ALL survivors.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kenneth K. W. To, William C. Cho
Summary: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have achieved remarkable clinical success in cancer treatment, but drug resistance remains a major obstacle. Drug repurposing, utilizing clinically approved drugs, is a promising strategy to overcome ICI resistance. Repurposed drugs work by stimulating the immune system or reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and various approaches such as phenotypic screening and bioinformatics analysis are employed to identify these drugs.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Kenneth K. W. To, James C. H. Chow, Ka-Man Cheung, William C. S. Cho
Summary: This study found that Flunarizine, a non-oncology drug, can increase histone acetylation levels, overcome gefitinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer, induce the expression of apoptotic protein Bim, inhibit cancer cell migration and invasion, and enhance the tumor growth inhibitory effect of gefitinib.
ACS PHARMACOLOGY & TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Kenneth K. W. To, William C. S. Cho
Summary: Exosomes secreted by tumor cells under hypoxic conditions play critical roles in modulating the tumor microenvironment and drug resistance.
CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Cristina Potrich, Anna Pedrotti, Cecilia Pederzolli, Lorenzo Lunelli
Summary: This study developed different functional surfaces for capturing exosomes and verified their effectiveness through experiments. Among them, the negatively-charged surface performed the best, capturing a large number of exosomes and successfully analyzing their biomarkers.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Brojendra Nath Saren, Srushti Mahajan, Mayur Aalhate, Rahul Kumar, Essha Chatterjee, Indrani Maji, Ujala Gupta, Santosh Kumar Guru, Pankaj Kumar Singh
Summary: This study developed P-selectin-targeted dasatinib nanoparticles coated with chitosan and fucoidan (DST-CH-FUC-NPs), which showed sustained release, reduced hemolytic potential, increased cytotoxicity and cellular uptake compared to free dasatinib. These nanoparticles also demonstrated enhanced ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential damage, apoptosis induction, cell migration inhibition, and disruption of lysosomal membrane integrity.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Weiping Deng, Xiaohui Li, Ya Li, Zhongbing Huang, Yulin Wang, Ning Mu, Juan Wang, Tunan Chen, Ximing Pu, Guangfu Yin, Hua Feng
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of chirality in nerve repair by constructing a GO-phenylalanine derivative hydrogel system. In vivo experiments show that the dextro group significantly improves functional recovery and histological restoration in rat sciatic nerve repair models. The doped GO promotes angiogenesis and myelination. These results suggest that chirality plays a crucial role in promoting nerve regeneration.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Xiaoyan Wang, Jin Gao, Yu Gao, Linlin Zhang, Congchao Xu, Qintong Li, Lin Li, Jianliang Xue
Summary: In this study, a highly effective surfactant producer strain, Bacillus Cereus GX7, was isolated from the oil tank bottom sludge of Shengli Oil Field in China. The biosurfactant produced by GX7 was identified as surfactin, a lipopeptide surfactant, through TLC, FT-IR, and LC-MS/MS analysis. The fermentation process of GX7 was optimized using single-factor experiments, focusing on the composition of fermentation medium and fermentation conditions. Glucose and peptone were found to be the best carbon and nitrogen sources, and the optimum temperature, inoculum amount, pH, rotation speed, and fermentation time for the strain were determined to be 30°C, 1%, 7.5, 150 rpm, and 48 h, respectively. After optimization, the surface tension and emulsification index of the fermentation broth were 26.84 mN/m and 57.84%, respectively. Furthermore, the biosurfactant produced by GX7 demonstrated good stability over a wide range of temperature, pH, and salt concentration.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Rodney Marcelo do Nascimento, Christine Grauby-Heywang, Houssem Kahli, Nesrine Debez, Laure Beven, Ivan Helmuth Bechtold, Touria Cohen Bouhacina
Summary: This article presents a theoretical model based on thermodynamic rules to assess the early stages of bacterial biofilm formation on different material surfaces. By utilizing morphological characteristics of bacteria and Atomic Force Microscopy images, the model generates a dataset of energetically minimized states, which can be correlated with bacterial adhesion states.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Filipa A. L. S. Silva, Licinia Timochenco, Raquel Costa-Almeida, Jose Ramiro Fernandes, Susana G. Santos, Fernao D. Magalhaes, Artur M. Pinto
Summary: The study demonstrates that by photoreducing nanosized graphene oxide using ultraviolet radiation, nanometric particles with high light-to-heat conversion efficiency and water stability can be obtained. These nanomaterials exhibit high absorption in the near-infrared region and show no cytotoxicity towards human cells, indicating their potential for safe therapy.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
D. Costa, V. De Matteis, F. Treso, G. Montani, M. Martino, R. Rinaldi, M. Corrado, M. Cascione
Summary: This review primarily discusses the relationship between contact lens discomfort (CLD) and the surface properties of contact lenses (CLs), specifically the coefficient of friction (CoF). The review emphasizes the importance of introducing a standardized protocol for measuring CoF and calls for a more precise evaluation of the relationship between surface properties and comfort in CLs users.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Debdip Brahma, Tamal Sarkar, Rupal Kaushik, Akshay Narayan Sarangi, Amar Nath Gupta
Summary: This in-vitro study evaluates the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the structural rearrangement of elastin. The results show that oxidative stress leads to a decrease in protein size and changes in secondary structure, potentially promoting protein aggregation. This study is important for therapeutics aiming to prevent elastin degradation and aging.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Xin Yang, Qiang Wang, Chaoxi Yan, Degang Huang, Yinchang Zhang, Huazheng He, Shouliang Xiong, Congming Li, Pingbo Chen, Tingjun Ye, Dan Hu, Lei Wang
Summary: This study presents a practical and effective strategy to improve osseointegration in patients with osteoporosis. By coating titanium implants with polydopamine followed by strontium modification, the bi-functional implants promote bone regeneration and immune regulation. The results show good biocompatibility, sustained release of strontium ions, and stable osseointegration between bone tissues and implants.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Sengwang Fu, Jianping Zhu, Zhijun Jiang, Yue Cao, Yufei Chen, Lihao Zhang, Sunlong Li, Weipeng Lu, Chengbin Miao, Qing He, Qi Li, Weixing Zhang, Lehao Ren, Yachun Li, Hongchao Shi, Cihui Liu
Summary: Effective management of biofluids is crucial for in vivo surgical interventions. Recent advances include self-sealing needles, drug-eluting stents, and shear-thinning hydrogels. However, complications associated with intestinal mucosal injury and secondary damage still persist. In this study, researchers developed an interpenetrating Janus wettability stent coating that enables unidirectional draining of excessive biofluid. They also demonstrated directional biofluid movement using a self-pumping dressing with potential applications in biofluid collection and disease diagnosis through metal ion detection. This integrated system presents an opportunity for designing wound dressings with effective biofluid management and metal ion detection capabilities.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Maryam Hassani, Mojtaba Kamankesh, Mazda Rad-Malekshahi, Kobra Rostamizadeh, Farhad Rezaee, Ismaeil Haririan, Seyed Mojtaba Daghighi
Summary: Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on the surface of biomaterial implants is a critical problem, and a polymer brush coating with antiadhesive and antimicrobial properties has proven to be highly effective in resolving this issue.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Huaihong Zhang, Na Liu, Yuting Zhang, Hui Cang, Zhaosheng Cai, Ziqun Huang, Jun Li
Summary: A functionalized cationic polymer, CR-PQAC, was designed and synthesized for photothermal enhanced antimicrobial therapy. The CR-PQAC nanoparticles exhibited significant antibacterial activity and low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Ipsita Sahu, Priyadarshi Chakraborty
Summary: Peptide nanotechnology bridges the gap between materials and biological worlds by utilizing self-assembly of short-peptide building blocks. Hydrogels engineered from these short peptides show great potential in biomedical applications, but their weak mechanical properties and limited functional diversity need to be addressed. Nanoengineering the networks of these hydrogels by incorporating small molecules, polymers, and inorganic/carbon nanomaterials can enhance their mechanical properties and expand their functional diversity.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Hao Wei, Yajun Gu, Ao Li, Panpan Song, Dingding Liu, Feihu Sun, Xiaofeng Ma, Xiaoyun Qian
Summary: In this study, a stable three-dimensional conductive hydrogel was prepared by cross-linking MXenes to Matrigel hydrogel. The conductive hydrogel promotes the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs, providing new strategies for neural tissue engineering.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)
Article
Biophysics
Yue Zhong, Xiaoli Ge, Juan Zhang, Qun Wei, Feng Wang, Yongke Zhong
Summary: The effect of oxygenic groups on the hemocompatibility of activated carbon was studied through liquid-phase oxidation and subsequent heat treatment. Results showed that the presence of oxygenic groups improved hemocompatibility, while their removal decreased it.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2024)