Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qianni Wu, Cheng Yang, Wan Chen, Kexin Chen, Hui-jiuan Chen, Fanmao Liu, Dong Liu, Haotian Lin, Xi Xie, Weirong Chen
Summary: A wireless-powered electrical bandage contact lens (EBCL) is developed to accelerate corneal wound healing and vision recovery through generating a localized external electric field. The electrical stimulation promotes cell migration and alignment, and controls cell division, proliferation, and migration.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoxia Lin, Haitao Zhang, Yuqing Qin, Xiaohong Hu
Summary: The study introduced AZO into hydrogel to provide a control unit and solve the issues of uncontrollable recovery and light fatigue. Two kinds of crosslinkable AZO molecules were synthesized, resulting in AZO copolymerized hydrogel and AZO crosslinked hydrogel for potential use in contact lenses. Drug release behavior was evaluated, showing that AZO addition and hydrogel type would affect drug release.
FRONTIERS IN MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Arianna Rossetti, Fabio Pizzetti, Filippo Rossi, Emanuele Mauri, Elisa Borghi, Emerenziana Ottaviano, Alessandro Sacchetti
Summary: Drug delivery systems for controlled and targeted release of drugs are constantly evolving, with chemical engineers playing a crucial role in their development. Polymer-based hydrogels were developed and characterized to study their efficacy as drug release systems and antimicrobial properties. Two Carbomer-based formulations were utilized, showing promise for their simplicity and potential applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS AND POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
James Flynn, Mario Culebras, Maurice N. Collins, Sarah P. Hudson
Summary: This study investigated the impact of dextran oxidation, changes in molecular weight, and the incorporation of glycol chitosan on the mechanical strength and inhibitory profile of antimicrobial hydrogels. The results showed that the degree of oxidation and dextran mass/oxidation level could control the antimicrobial activity, while the incorporation of glycol chitosan increased the storage modulus and initial degree of inhibition.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anderson F. Sepulveda, Mont Kumpgdee-Vollrath, Margareth K. K. D. Franco, Fabiano Yokaichiya, Daniele R. de Araujo
Summary: This study investigates the morphology and structure of polymeric formulations based on Poloxamer and its interaction with hyaluronic acid and local anesthetics. The results show that hyaluronic acid and the anesthetics do not significantly affect the supramolecular structure but can modulate the viscosity and drug release behavior of the formulations.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Ghasem Yazdanpanah, Ritu Shah, Sri Raghurama R. Somala, Khandaker N. Anwar, Xiang Shen, Seungwon An, Meisam Omidi, Mark Rosenblatt, Tolou Shokuhfar, Ali R. Djalilian
Summary: COMatrix hydrogel demonstrated enhanced attachment and proliferation of human corneal epithelial cells in vitro, as well as accelerated corneal epithelial wound closure in a murine model in vivo. The hydrogel also showed reduced expression of inflammatory genes and increased expression of a proliferation marker in wounded corneal epithelium. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic application of COMatrix hydrogel as an ocular surface bandage for enhancing epithelial wound healing.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dan (Chau Thuy) Nguyen, Joseph Dowling, Richie Ryan, Peter McLoughlin, Laurence Fitzhenry
Summary: In this study, NAR-impregnated hydrogel lenses were manufactured to achieve controlled daily drug release. The lenses showed comparable properties to commercial lenses and were fully characterized for their physical and chemical stability. The controlled drug release of NAR was achieved through diffusion-controlled mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sang Hoon Jeong, Sunah Cheong, Tae Yeon Kim, Hyunsik Choi, Sei Kwang Hahn
Summary: Diabetic wound patients often suffer from bacterial infections and delayed healing due to hyperglycemia. We developed a injectable hydrogel platform that can release antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in response to infection-related materials. The AMPs are released from the hydrogel only when both matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are present, ensuring controlled release without cytotoxicity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sang Hoon Jeong, Sunah Cheong, Tae Yeon Kim, Hyunsik Choi, Sei Kwang Hahn
Summary: Diabetic wound patients often experience delayed healing and bacterial infections due to high blood sugar levels. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been explored but their stability and toxicity have limited their use for chronic wound healing in diabetics. In this study, a controlled AMP-releasing hydrogel platform was developed that could respond to infection-related materials. The hydrogel was created by mixing hyaluronic acid modified with cyclodextrin (HA-CD) and adamantane (Ad-HA). AMP was released from the hydrogel only when exposed to both MMP and ROS, allowing for controlled release without cytotoxicity. The AMP-tethered hydrogel showed enhanced stability and antimicrobial activity compared to native AMP. This research demonstrates the potential of sHG-AMP for diabetic chronic wound healing.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ying Wen, Xiaofeng Li, Sihan Zhang, Chong Xie, Wei Ma, Lun Liang, Zhenqiang He, Hao Duan, Yonggao Mou, Guanglei Zhao
Summary: Researchers have developed a chitosan nanofiber/hyaluronic acid/beta-glycerophosphate disodium drug-loaded hydrogel with excellent mechanical properties and cell adhesion properties. The hydrogel can be used for tumor-specific treatment and exhibits pH sensitivity.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Adelaide Mensah, Aoife M. Rodgers, Eneko Larraneta, Lyndsey McMullan, Murtaza Tambuwala, John F. Callan, Aaron J. Courtenay
Summary: With the advancement of biomedical research, the source and delivery of antibiotics for various diseases, like periodontal diseases (PD), have gained attention. The use of antibiotics in PD treatment is important, but the emergence of resistant strains is a concern. Hydrogels, made from natural or synthetic polymers, have been extensively used in biomedical sciences for the delivery of antibacterial agents. This article reviews PD and its antibiotic treatment options, and highlights the potential of hydrogels for antibacterial agents and antibiotic drug delivery in PD.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Luke J. Tucker, Christine S. Grant, Malley A. Gautreaux, Dhanush L. Amarasekara, Nicholas C. Fitzkee, Amol Janorkar, Anandavalli Varadarajan, Santanu Kundu, Lauren B. Priddy
Summary: This study investigated the interactions between fosfomycin and chitosan hydrogel systems, revealing a concentration-dependent inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus by fosfomycin, as well as the rheological effects of varying beta-glycerol phosphate concentration on the hydrogel. The study provides insight into the physicochemical interactions between fosfomycin and chitosan hydrogel systems, which can help in improving infection treatment by informing the selection of biomaterial components.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ping He, Lei Dai, Jiasheng Wei, Xulong Zhu, Jianhui Li, Zhirong Chen, Yonghao Ni
Summary: This article comprehensively summarizes the recent research progress on nanocellulose hydrogels as drug carriers. The study evaluates the influence of nanocellulose on hydrogel properties and drug release behaviors, and highlights the application of nanocellulose hydrogel-based drug carriers in specific routes of administration. It provides a critical review and outlook in the field, aiming to inspire future work on the practical applications of nanocellulose hydrogels in designing controlled drug delivery systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Su-Chun How, Ta-Hsien Lin, Chun-Chao Chang, Steven S-S Wang
Summary: In this study, beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG) combined with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was utilized to prepare amyloid-based hydrogels for riboflavin delivery. The presence of BSA enhanced β-LG fibril formation but also interfered with the entanglement of fibril chains, affecting the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. The number of amyloid fibrils was found to positively correlate with the mechanical properties of the hydrogels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bin Kong, Rui Liu, Jingyang Shan, Meiyan Li, Xingtao Zhou, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: Developing a safe, minimally invasive, and highly effective alternative for treating bacterial keratitis is important. This paper presents novel nanozyme-loaded frozen reinforced microneedles (FR-MNs) that can deliver nanozyme controllably inside the cornea to treat keratitis. The nanozymes, constructed by iron ion, tannic acid, and poly (vinylpyrrolidone), are incorporated within the microneedles tips. The freezing process enhances the mechanical strength of the microneedles tips. The nanozyme-loaded FR-MNs exhibit superior therapeutic potential in a rat eye infection model compared to conventional eye drops.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Shen Nian, Victoria R. Kearns, David S. H. Wong, Akash Bachhuka, Krasimir Vasilev, Rachel L. Williams, Wico W. Lai, Amy Lo, Carl M. Sheridan
Summary: This study evaluated the surface modification of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) using n-heptylamine (HA) plasma polymer for subretinal transplantation in a non-dystrophic rat model. Functional epithelial monolayer formation was successful on HA-coated ePFTE, with potential applications in future clinical settings. Surgical optimization using Healon GV showed successful transplantation and minimal inflammatory response in Royal College of Surgeons rats.
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lucy A. Bosworth, Kyle G. Doherty, James D. Hsuan, Samuel P. Cray, Raechelle A. D'Sa, Catalina Pineda Molina, Stephen F. Badylak, Rachel L. Williams
Summary: The conjunctiva, a critical tissue for eye protection and homeostasis, can be impaired by diseases requiring surgical intervention. A tissue engineering approach using PCL and UBM scaffolds showed potential for inducing stratification of human conjunctival epithelial cells. Further investigation is needed for these matrix-containing scaffolds as a potential therapy for conjunctival repair and regeneration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rebecca Lace, Georgia L. Duffy, Andrew G. Gallagher, Kyle G. Doherty, Osama Maklad, Donald A. Wellings, Rachel L. Williams
Summary: Poly-epsilon-lysine hydrogels can be synthesized through crosslinking with bis-carboxylic acids using carbodiimide chemistry, creating tunable characteristics suitable for corneal tissue engineering. These hydrogels, which can emulate the mechanical and transparency properties of the human cornea, support the attachment and growth of corneal epithelial and stromal cells.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Yiyun Chen, Josephine C. Moran, Stuart Campbell-Lee, Malcolm J. Horsburgh
Summary: Research has found that sphingosine resistance may be related to the regulation of genes such as SaeSR, VraSR, and CtsR, and there is a possibility of increasing sphingosine resistance through gene mutations. This is of great significance for studying the colonization of staphylococci on skin rich in sphingosine and topical therapeutic applications.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tobi F. Somerville, Rose Herbert, Timothy Neal, Malcolm Horsburgh, Stephen B. Kaye
Summary: The study found that the bacterial isolation rate was higher using a corneal impression membrane (CIM) compared to the traditional corneal scrape method, particularly with significant increases in the isolation rates of Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia. This indicates that the simplified CIM sampling method is an effective way to collect corneal samples in clinical practice for patients with suspected microbial keratitis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Lap Tak Hung, Stephanie Hiu Ling Poon, Wing Huen Yan, Rebecca Lace, Liangyu Zhou, Jasper Ka Wai Wong, Rachel L. Williams, Kendrick Co Shih, Ho Cheung Shum, Yau Kei Chan
Summary: A strategy using a biocompatible polymer-based liquid-liquid interface has been developed for the rapid fabrication of scaffold-free corneal tissue constructs. The formed constructs exhibit essential physiological markers, preserved viability and proliferative ability, and can repair corneal epithelial wounds in vitro.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Breno A. B. Salgado, Elaine M. Waters, Josephine C. Moran, Aras Kadioglu, Malcolm J. Horsburgh
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization is a risk factor for infection, and the genetic factors promoting long-term nasal colonization are not fully understood. In this study, a murine model of nasopharyngeal colonization was used to identify genetic loci under selection. Mutations in key metabolism genes and stress response genes were identified after successive rounds of colonization. The versatility of this model allows for further studies on colonization, persistence, and evolution.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Charlotte E. Chong, Rebecca J. Bengtsson, Malcolm James Horsburgh
Summary: This study provides new insights into the genomic structure, virulence factors, and differences between subspecies of Staphylococcus capitis. It is important for further understanding of the classification and virulence of this bacterium.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Naomi Northage, Stephane Simon, Vasyl Shvalya, Martina Modic, Thorsten Juergens, Sascha Eschborn, Malcolm J. Horsburgh, James L. Walsh
Summary: Flexible endoscopes are commonly used in modern medicine to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal diseases, but they are prone to biofilm formation in their inner channels. Inadequate reprocessing of endoscopes can lead to cross-contamination between patients, necessitating a new approach to disinfection. This study investigates the antibiofilm potential of a two-step disinfection process using cold atmospheric pressure plasma and plasma activated water. The results show that this combined approach can effectively reduce mixed species biofilms in the narrow lumens of endoscopes. Surface composition and morphology analysis reveal minimal changes and no enhanced bacterial adhesion after multiple disinfection cycles.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Robert C. Deller, Man Li, Kyle G. Doherty, Jenny Aveyard, Rachel L. Williams, Keli N. Kolegraff, Stephen B. Kaye, Raechelle A. D'Sa
Summary: The skin is an important barrier against environmental insults and pathogens, but injury or skin disorders can compromise its function, leading to bacterial colonization and infection. Bacterial proteases secreted by Staphylococcus aureus disturb wound healing and barrier integrity. This study demonstrates that a nitric oxide-releasing hydrogel can prevent loss of barrier function caused by S. aureus proteases, reducing microbial burden and inactivating proteases.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Barry Murphy, Michael Hoptroff, David Arnold, Andrew Cawley, Emily Smith, Suzanne E. E. Adams, Alex Mitchell, Malcolm J. J. Horsburgh, Joanne Hunt, Bivash Dasgupta, Naresh Ghatlia, Samantha Samaras, Ashely MacGuire-Flanagan, Kirti Sharma
Summary: Human skin and its commensal microbiome serve as the primary barrier to the external environment. The skin microbiome, consisting of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, has been shown to change in composition and diversity throughout life due to variations in the microenvironment. This study aimed to compare the taxonomic, diversity, and functional differences between the microbiomes of infant and adult leg skin. The analysis revealed notable differences in the microbiome profiles at both the genus and species level, as well as variations in predicted microbial metabolic processes between the two groups.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Man Li, Jenny Aveyard, Kyle G. Doherty, Robert C. Deller, Rachel L. Williams, Keli N. Kolegraff, Stephen B. Kaye, Raechelle A. D'Sa
Summary: Nonhealing and chronic wounds are a significant problem affecting patients' quality of life and healthcare systems. This paper introduces NO-releasing electrospun membranes as a potential alternative to antibiotics for the healing of chronic and infected wounds.
Article
Ophthalmology
Stephnie M. Kennedy, Pallavi Deshpande, Andrew G. Gallagher, Malcolm J. Horsburgh, Heather E. Allison, Stephen B. Kaye, Donald A. Wellings, Rachel L. Williams
Summary: Functionalized poly-epsilon-lysine hydrogels (pεK+) have demonstrated significant amoebicidal and cysticidal activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii, suggesting their potential as contact lenses to reduce the risk of CL-associated Acanthamoeba keratitis.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Warren R. Morningstar, Sharad M. Vikram, Cusuh Ham, Andrew G. Gallagher, Joshua Dillon
Summary: This paper introduces how to use stratified sampling to enable mixture distributions as the approximate posterior, deriving a new evidence lower bound similar to IWAE. Empirical results show that the traditional ELBO objective may have limitations, while using SIWAE can help in learning multimodal posterior distributions, improving accuracy and generative model performance.
24TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND STATISTICS (AISTATS)
(2021)
