Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladimir P. Zhdanov
Summary: The release of drugs or vaccine molecules from carriers is limited by diffusion and/or carrier dissolution and/or erosion. With decreasing carrier size, the release becomes kinetically limited. Nanocarriers often have structural heterogeneity, where molecule absorption is affected by energetic heterogeneity. A kinetic model is proposed, and the predicted kinetics can be fitted by Weibull or Korsmeyer-Peppas expressions.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cassandra C. C. Shaffer, Canjia Zhai, Jordan L. L. Chasteen, Tatyana Orlova, Maksym Zhukovskyi, Bradley D. D. Smith
Summary: In this study, a binary mixture of mesoporous silica nanoparticles and organic polyammonium additive undergoes a transformation into hollow nanoparticles through mild heating. The remodeled nanoparticle shell is a structured nanoscale assembly of globular additive/silica subunits, and cancer cell assays demonstrate the availability of the loaded drug additive.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Xinbo Ding, Jie Zheng, Fengyu Ju, Li Wang, Jianhui Kong, Jianyong Feng, Tao Liu
Summary: Introducing HMBGs can enhance drug loading capacity of bone-implantable delivery systems for controlled release of antibiotics. In vitro experiments showed that HMBGs sustain storage and release of vancomycin hydrochloride, inhibiting bacterial growth and providing a biomimetic microenvironment for cell adhesion and proliferation.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Minja Mladenovic, Ibrahim Morgan, Nebojsa Ilic, Mohamad Saoud, Marija V. Pergal, Goran N. Kaluderovic, Nikola Z. Knezevic
Summary: Ruthenium complexes with potent cytotoxic activity are being studied for cancer treatment, with a focus on constructing drug delivery systems using mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized with pH-responsive ligands to enhance the release of Ru(II) complexes in tumor acidic environments. In vitro evaluations on metastatic melanoma cells demonstrate the promising pH-responsive delivery of metallotherapeutics and targeted treatment of cancer using these designed MSN nanocarriers.
Article
Biophysics
Shu Wu, Jinjing Shi, Xia Chen, Lu Bai, Qiuhua Wu, Guolin Zhang
Summary: Novel multi-responsive drug delivery vehicles (CDs/PNVCL@HMSNs) were prepared by grafting amino-terminated poly (N-vinyl caprolactam) (PNVCL-NH2) and amino-rich carbon dots (CDs) on the surface of aldehyde-functionalized HMSNs (HMSNs-CHO) via Schiff base reaction. The drug release behaviors of CDs/PNVCL@HMSNs-DOX showed temperature and pH responsiveness due to the poly (N-vinyl caprolactam) (PNVCL) and Schiff base bond. The multi-responsive CDs/PNVCL@HMSNs are intriguing drug carriers, which combine drug delivery and NO release in one.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Crystallography
Melissa Venedicto, Jake Carrier, Ha Na, Chen-Yu Chang, Daniela R. Radu, Cheng-Yu Lai
Summary: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are utilized as carriers in drug and gene delivery research for biomedical applications due to their high surface area, consistent particle size, and minimal toxicity. By incorporating disulfide (SS) bonds into the walls of MSNs, a dual pathway for drug release is provided. Various characterization methods are employed to study the effect of embedding disulfide bonds into MSNs. The study demonstrates that MSN-SS is a promising nanocarrier for controlled-release drug delivery with efficient pH-responsive drug release behavior.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yidong Zou, Biaotong Huang, Liehu Cao, Yonghui Deng, Jiacan Su
Summary: Mesoporous biomaterials as nanocarriers show great potential in drug-targeted therapy, becoming a hot topic in interdisciplinary research. Understanding assembly mechanisms, functionalization methods, and the impact of physicochemical parameters on DDS application will contribute to significant advancements in disease therapeutics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuji Fujii, Shujun Zhou, Manabu Shimada, Masaru Kubo
Summary: A method was developed to synthesize hollow mesoporous nanoparticles with controllable size and shell thickness for drug-delivery applications. Monodispersed hollow mesoporous organosilica (HMOS) and hollow mesoporous silica (HMS) nanoparticles were successfully prepared using soft and hard templating methods. The hollow size of HMOS can be tuned by changing the size of the hard templates, and the shell thicknesses of HMOS and HMS can be adjusted by changing the amount of precursor used.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yinfeng Zhang, Fang Fang, Yongjie Chen, Min Li, Li Li, Wenyue Li, Jinfeng Zhang
Summary: In this study, a hollow mesoporous polyaniline nanoparticle (HPANI NP) with high drug loading capacity was developed for encapsulating chemotherapeutic drug. Additional PEG modification improved the water-dispersibility and bioavailability of the nanoparticles, showing strong photothermal conversion capacity and efficient cancer treatment. The nanoparticles exhibited good biocompatibility and low toxicity, making them a promising nanoagent for highly efficient drug delivery and cancer combination therapy.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chen Dong, Jingrong Xiong, Jie Ni, Xinyue Fang, Jingjing Zhang, Dan Zhu, Lixing Weng, Yewei Zhang, Chunyuan Song, Lianhui Wang
Summary: The development of theranostic nanosystems integrating cascaded SERS imaging and gene silencing therapy for accurate cancer diagnosis and treatment is a challenge, but rarely reported. In this study, a novel Au nanoparticles-based theranostic nanosystem was proposed for highly sensitive and specific cancer diagnosis and treatment through cascaded SERS imaging and DNAzyme-based dual gene silencing therapy. The system utilized specially designed Y-motifs and dsDNA linkers to identify intracellular cancer-related miRNAs and trigger DNAzymes for dual gene silencing therapy of cancer cells.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chen Dong, Jingrong Xiong, Jie Ni, Xinyue Fang, Jingjing Zhang, Dan Zhu, Lixing Weng, Yewei Zhang, Chunyuan Song, Lianhui Wang
Summary: This study proposed a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based theranostic nanosystem for highly sensitive and specific cancer diagnosis and treatment. The system utilizes cascaded surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) imaging of intracellular cancer-related miRNA and miRNA-triggered DNAzyme-based dual gene silencing therapy of cancer cells. The system achieves the synergism of target-triggered SERS imaging and DNAzyme-based dual gene silencing therapy with enhanced specificity, sensitivity, and curative effect.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chao-Yi Wang, Xin-Yue Lou, Zhi Cai, Ming-Zhe Zhang, Chengguo Jia, Jian-Chun Qin, Ying-Wei Yang
Summary: A supramolecular fungicide nanoplatform responsive to fungal pathogen microenvironment has been designed, utilizing smart cargo delivery systems for controlled release, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides for disease control.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hiang Wee Lee, Sharad Kharel, Say Chye Joachim Loo
Summary: Up to 80% of infections are biofilm-mediated, which are challenging to treat due to increased antibiotic tolerance. This study developed lipid-coated hybrid nanoparticles (LCHNPs) loaded with vancomycin to effectively deliver antibiotics into biofilms. The LCHNPs exhibited high encapsulation and loading efficiencies, and demonstrated enhanced antibacterial effects against planktonic Staphylococcus aureus USA300 and eradicated up to 99.99% of biofilm cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hiang Wee Lee, Sharad Kharel, Say Chye Joachim Loo
Summary: The study demonstrates that lipid-coated hybrid nanoparticles show great potential in delivering antibiotics to biofilms effectively and eradicating bacterial cells within the biofilms.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chunxi Qian, Bandar Al-Hamyari, Xiaofei Tang, Bo Hou, Shuaibo Yang, Guifang Zhang, Huijuan Lv, Zhigang Yang, Zhaohui Wang, Yanbin Shi
Summary: A biodegradable hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticle (HMON)-based nanoplatform for photothermal-enhanced chemotherapy of tumor was successfully fabricated, demonstrating high drug-loading capacity and photothermal properties. The constructed nanosystem showed great potential in combinational antitumor therapy with significant tumor growth suppression under NIR laser irradiation.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shumin Li, Liang Zhao, Yining Yao, Zhengying Gu, Chao Liu, Wenli Hu, Ye Zhang, Qian Zhao, Chengzhong Yu
Summary: The integration of different types of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into hybrid MOF-on-MOF heterostructures has been extensively studied to increase the diversity of MOF-on-MOF hybrids. This study reports the structure regulation of MOF-on-MOF hybrids by controlling the nucleation and growth of guest MOFs. By using ZIF-90 as the host and ZIF-8 as the guest, binary ZIF-90@ZIF-8 complexes with different structures were successfully synthesized, enhancing the structural diversity of MOF-on-MOF materials.
Article
Plant Sciences
Rebecca M. Degnan, Alistair R. McTaggart, Louise S. Shuey, Leny Jane S. Pame, Grant R. Smith, Donald M. Gardiner, Volker Nock, Rebecca Soffe, Sarah Sale, Ashley Garrill, Bernard J. Carroll, Neena Mitter, Anne Sawyer
Summary: Rust fungi are a diverse group of plant pathogens that pose threats to the diversity of native flora and cause crop yield losses. RNA interference induced by exogenous dsRNA has potential for managing rust fungi. Targeting key genes with exogenous dsRNA significantly reduces germination and development of infection structures in rust fungi, and has broad applicability.
MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tao Yang, Yaowei Jin, Yingchu Wang, Aiguo Kong, Yue Chen, Yingying Zou, Chao Liu, Guangfeng Wei, Chengzhong Yu
Summary: A covalent furan-benzimidazole-linked polymer (Furan-BILP) membrane is reported as a photocatalyst for the production of clean H2O2 in pure water. The membrane delivers clean H2O2 solution directly with a high production rate. The strategy of combining molecular engineering and macrostructural engineering may be applied to design other coordination organic polymer photocatalysts with improved performance.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ling Yuan, Chaoqi Zhang, Yingying Zou, Tong Bao, Jing Wang, Cheng Tang, Aijun Du, Chengzhong Yu, Chao Liu
Summary: Constructing MOF-on-MOF heterojunction with elaborate charge transfer and interface can greatly enhance the photocatalytic properties of MOFs. In this study, a Step-scheme (S-scheme) MIL125-NH2@CoFe Prussian blue analogue (PBA) heterojunction was reported for the first time. The designed MOF-on-MOF heterojunction demonstrated significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity for degrading various organic pollutants, which was attributed to the internal electric field and increased active site exposure.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jun Zhang, Sukitha Kothalawala, Chengzhong Yu
Summary: In the past decade, nanopesticides have been rapidly developed as effective and safe alternatives to conventional pesticides. Various nanotechnologies, such as pesticide nanoemulsions, polymer-based nanopesticides, and metal/metal oxide nanoparticle-based pesticides, have been extensively reviewed. Engineered silica nanomaterials (ESNs) have shown promising potential as carriers in nanopesticides for modern agriculture. However, there is limited research specifically on ESN-based nanopesticides. This comprehensive review provides an introduction to synthetic technology, formation mechanism, and surface engineering technology. The advantages of ESN-based pesticide formulation and their structure-function relationship are discussed in detail. Moreover, the challenges and future research in ESN-based nanopesticide development are also discussed.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yilun Weng, Supun Ranaweera, Da Zou, Anna P. Cameron, Xiaojing Chen, Hao Song, Chun-Xia Zhao
Summary: Enzymes are essential for industries, but their sensitivity to high temperatures can be problematic. Encapsulation with alginate microparticles has been shown to improve enzyme thermal stability, but other factors like enzyme loading and bioavailability also need to be considered. This study optimized the efficiency of enzyme encapsulation and achieved high enzyme loading and thermal stability, with excellent bioavailability demonstrated in an animal trial.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chaoqi Zhang, Ling Yuan, Chao Liu, Zimeng Li, Yingying Zou, Xinchan Zhang, Yue Zhang, Zhiqiang Zhang, Guangfeng Wei, Chengzhong Yu
Summary: An elaborate design enables the precise control of Zn/Co bimetallic zeolite imidazole frameworks (ZnCo-ZIFs) and makes them excellent 2e-ORR electrocatalysts. The control at both atomic and nano-scale regulates the role of water molecules and adjusts the coordination unsaturation degree of active sites. The optimized ZnCo-ZIF exhibits high 2e(-) selectivity and H2O2 yield, paving a new avenue for the development of multivariate MOFs as advanced 2e-ORR electrocatalysts.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ye Zhang, Zhengying Gu, Wenli Hu, Shumin Li, Yining Yao, Chengzhong Yu
Summary: Bubble-like manganese silicate nanoparticles have attracted much attention due to their wide range of applications, but there is still debate over their formation mechanisms. In this study, we revisit the formation of these nanoparticles and demonstrate a solid-to-hollow conversion process. An intermediate solid MnxOy(CO3)mSiz is formed during the hydrothermal reaction, and its thermal decomposition leads to the transformation from solid to hollow structure. Finally, bubble-like manganese silicate nanoparticles are formed. These findings are expected to provide insights for designing other hollow metal silicate nanoparticles.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
He Xian, Yue Zhang, Chengzhong Yu, Yue Wang
Summary: mRNA technology has gained significant attention for its therapeutic potential, but stabilizing mRNA molecules is crucial for its widespread applications. This review focuses on the recent progress in nanobiotechnology-enabled strategies for stabilizing mRNA and improving delivery. It introduces the factors that destabilize mRNA and reviews the molecular and nanotechnology approaches for mRNA stabilization. The impact of formulation processing on mRNA stability, including freezing and lyophilization, and the challenges and future directions are also discussed.
Review
Agronomy
Yuxin Xue, Jayeni Chathurika Amarathunga Hiti-Bandaralage, Neena Mitter
Summary: Duboisia is a crucial source of alkaloids, extracted from Australian native woody species of the Solanaceae family. Hybrids between Duboisia myoporoides R. Br. and D. leichhardtii F. Muell. have become the commercial crop, but cutting propagation has been a challenge for industry expansion. Micropropagation offers an efficient and sustainable alternative for Duboisia clonal propagation, providing a faster and cleaner propagation avenue for elite propagules.
Article
Plant Sciences
Muhammad Umair Ahsan, Francois Barbier, Alice Hayward, Rosanna Powell, Helen Hofman, Siegrid Carola Parfitt, John Wilkie, Christine Anne Beveridge, Neena Mitter
Summary: This study investigated the potential molecular cues regulating the yearly flowering cycle in avocado for two consecutive crop cycles. Homologues of flowering-related genes were identified and assessed for their expression profiles. The study found that avocado homologues of known floral genes were upregulated at the typical time of floral induction.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bing Sun, Weixi Wu, Eshan A. Narasipura, Yutian Ma, Chengzhong Yu, Owen S. Fenton, Hao Song
Summary: The concept of using mRNA to produce its own medicine in situ in the body holds great potential to revolutionize medicine. The unique characteristics of mRNA call for the design of delivery systems to protect and transport mRNA molecules. This review presents a nanoparticle toolkit for the development of mRNA-based therapeutics, summarizing natural and synthetic nano-delivery systems and discussing strategies for tissue targeting, mRNA release, and boosting mRNA drug activity. Insights into the clinical and translational development of mRNA nano-drugs are also provided.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christopher W. G. Mann, Anne Sawyer, Donald M. Gardiner, Neena Mitter, Bernard J. Carroll, Andrew L. Eamens
Summary: The conflict between the need to conserve natural ecosystems and to feed an expanding population is driving the demand for more ecologically sustainable pathogen control measures. RNA-based biopesticides offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fungicides for crop protection. The development of pathogen-specific RNAi-inducing sprays and the understanding of gene silencing pathways in plants and fungi are crucial for the success of this technology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dan Cheng, Jun Zhang, Jianye Fu, Hao Song, Chengzhong Yu
Summary: This study presents a hierarchical spatial assembly strategy for fabricating silica-polymer composites and obtaining silica and carbon nanoparticles with unprecedented structures. Through a deeper understanding of the hierarchical spatial assembly mechanism, precise regulation of the structures of nanoparticles is achieved.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Pooyan Makvandi, Hao Song, Cynthia K. Y. Yiu, Rossella Sartorius, Ehsan Nazarzadeh Zare, Navid Rabiee, Wei-Xi Wu, Ana Claudia Paiva-Santos, Xiang-Dong Wang, Cheng-Zhong Yu, Franklin R. Tay
Summary: Fungi and bacteria cause numerous pathogen-related infections and diseases in humans. To specifically target and combat these pathogenic species, novel antimicrobials have been developed. This review highlights the cell wall features and antimicrobial mechanisms of these microorganisms, as well as the design of selective antimicrobials. The recent advances in antimicrobial immunomodulation strategy are also discussed.
MILITARY MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Izabela Stupka, Artur P. Biela, Bernard Piette, Agnieszka Kowalczyk, Karolina Majsterkiewicz, Kinga Borzecka-Solarz, Antonina Naskalska, Jonathan G. Heddle
Summary: Artificial protein cages, such as TRAP-cages, have potential applications in vaccines and drug delivery. TRAP-cages have the ability to control the disassembly conditions by modifying the interface between their building blocks. By using TRAP rings with different numbers of monomers, it is possible to predict the formation of other cages.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Guo Zhang, Yu Wang, Hua Qiu, Lei Lu
Summary: This study presents a one-pot synthesis method for flower-like AMPs@EAMP particles by combining antimicrobial peptides with ellagic acid, offering enlarged surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In vivo studies indicate their potential for tissue repair and immune barrier reconstruction.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiamei Zhang, Lingshuang Wang, Cheng Xu, Yingui Cao, Shengsheng Liu, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Xiao Yang, Bo Xiao, Lian Duan
Summary: Pluronic F127 modified silk fibroin film with different types of antibacterial agents could accelerate wound recovery by promoting fibroblast adhesion, eradicating bacteria, and facilitating angiogenesis and re-epithelialization.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yinsheng Liu, Mingyue Wang, Yinfei Hui, Lei Sun, Yanrui Hao, Henlong Ren, Hao Guo, Wu Yang
Summary: In this study, a rare-earth hybrid luminescent material was developed for the detection of a biomarker for anthrax. The material showed excellent selectivity and high sensitivity, allowing for the determination of the biomarker in saliva and urine. Additionally, a convenient point-of-care testing method using fluorescent test paper and a smartphone was established for the initial diagnosis of anthrax.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Wenshuai Yang, Jingsi Chen, Ziqian Zhao, Meng Wu, Lu Gong, Yimei Sun, Charley Huang, Bin Yan, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: Injectable hydrogels with shear-thinning and/or in situ formation properties offer distinct advantages in bioengineering applications, as they can be directly delivered to target sites, possess self-healing abilities, and simplify the implantation process.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
