Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mehrab Pourmadadi, Fatemeh Yazdian, Ali Koulivand, Erfan Rahmani
Summary: Cancer is a challenging disease with high patient and death rates. Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat cancer, and metal oxide nanoparticles have shown promise in combination therapy to enhance drug effectiveness. A pH-responsive nanocomposite made of PVP, Ag, and TiO2 can overcome limitations of current cancer treatments and deliver drugs effectively.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yuping Chen, Hesong Wu, Tao Yang, Guanshan Zhou, Yuyin Chen, Jie Wang, Chuanbin Mao, Mingying Yang
Summary: This study combined silk fibroin (SF) and zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) to develop a novel drug carrier for selectively releasing an anti-tumor drug, doxorubicin (DOX), in the acidic intracellular environment of cancer cells. The core-shell-structured nanoparticles consisted of ZIF-8 as the shell and DSF-NP as the core, showing high stability under neutral conditions and efficient inhibition of tumor growth by inducing cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lu Wang, Yunfeng Yan
Summary: RNA interference (RNAi) has potential in treating cancer and genetic disorders, but safe delivery methods remain a challenge. pH-responsive hybrid nanoparticles offer promise for siRNA delivery, with unique properties and potential benefits for therapeutic applications.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Nour M. AlSawaftah, Nahid S. Awad, William G. Pitt, Ghaleb A. Husseini
Summary: Stimuli-responsive nanoparticles have shown promising potential in overcoming the limitations of conventional chemotherapy. pH-sensitive nanoparticles, in particular, have proven to be highly efficient in delivering drugs to tumors compared to conventional nanoparticles. This review summarizes the different strategies used to develop pH-sensitive nanoparticles for cancer therapy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongda Cheng
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for drug delivery. In this study, a Zinc-based MOF nanocomposite IRMOF-3 was used as a drug carrier for 10-hydroxycamptothecine (HCPT). The HCPT@IRMOF-3 nanoscale drug delivery material was prepared via one-pot synthesis, without the need for an extra drug-loading process. The material showed pH-responsive drug release, with a higher drug-loading capacity compared to traditional methods.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiaoran Cai, Xiaolei Wang, Muye He, Yan Wang, Minbo Lan, Yuzheng Zhao, Feng Gao
Summary: The study successfully developed an oral nanoparticle delivery system for the effective treatment of inflammatory bowel disease by preparing FK506/HP-β-CD inclusion compounds and adsorbing ES100 and HA onto the nanoparticles loaded with FK506/HP-β-CD through electrostatic interactions. FK506@EHCh NPs displayed promising results in suppressing inflammation and showed potential for targeted treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rushikesh P. Dhavale, R. P. Dhavale, S. C. Sahoo, P. Kollu, S. U. Jadhav, P. S. Patil, T. D. Dongale, A. D. Chougale, P. B. Patil
Summary: The study successfully utilized chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles as a carrier to load the poorly water-soluble anticancer drug TEL, achieving effective inhibition of human prostate cancer cells and demonstrating pH-responsive controlled release characteristics. The designed nanoformulation showed significant antitumor activity.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF SOLIDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sijun Zeng, Xuebo Quan, Huilin Zhu, Delin Sun, Zhaohong Miao, Lizhi Zhang, Jian Zhou
Summary: Dissipative particle dynamics simulations were used to study the stability and drug loading/release behaviors of unimolecular micelles formed using PAMAM(G5)-PCBMA. The results indicated that PAMAM(G5)-PCBMA can form core-shell unimolecular micelles capable of loading and releasing DOX, exhibiting regularities with drug concentration changes. Comparisons with PAMAM(G5)-PEGMA system showed better monodisperse stability in the former. This work could provide theoretical guidance for the design and development of promising unimolecular micelles for drug delivery.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Quynh Hoang Le, Fathallah Neila, Kamel Smida, Zhixiong Li, Zahra Abdelmalek, Iskander Tlili
Summary: This study investigates the adsorption and release behavior of doxorubicin (DOX) drugs in graphene oxide (GO) nanocarriers compared to pure graphene using molecular dynamics simulations. The results demonstrate the superior adsorption and releasing abilities of DOX in GO nanocarriers, highlighting the advantages of GO in drug delivery systems. The presence of oxygenated functional groups on GO enhances drug loading efficiency and stability, while the pH-responsive behavior of GO enables controlled drug release triggered by the acidic tumor environment.
ENGINEERING ANALYSIS WITH BOUNDARY ELEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Jian Song, Bingbing Xu, Hui Yao, Xiaofang Lu, Yang Tan, Bingyang Wang, Xing Wang, Zheng Yang
Summary: The study demonstrated a pH-responsive PEGylated doxorubicin prodrug that could achieve high drug loading and pH-responsive drug release within tumor cells, with good stability. Furthermore, the nanoparticles showed similar cytotoxicity to MCF-7 tumor cells as free DOX drug, and were able to encapsulate small DOX drugs with enhanced therapeutic effects.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Arjaree Jobdeedamrong, Man Theerasilp, Nutthanit Thumrongsiri, Paweena Dana, Nattika Saengkrit, Daniel Crespy
Summary: In this study, GSH-responsive and self-immolative polyprodrug nanoparticles were prepared for cancer treatment. These nanoparticles showed high drug loading and efficient redox-responsive release, displaying high cytotoxicity against cancer cells and low cytotoxicity against cancer cells treated with GSH scavenger or normal cells.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Noyel Ghosh, Mousumi Kundu, Sumit Ghosh, Abhishek Kumar Das, Samhita De, Joydeep Das, Parames C. Sil
Summary: Cancer is a global disease and the use of phytochemicals with inherent anticancer efficacy is important. Nanotechnology is essential to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of these phytochemicals. In this study, folic acid conjugated polyacrylic acid capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles were used for targeted delivery of chrysin to breast cancer cells. Chrysin loaded nanoparticles showed increased cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis in the cancer cells. Furthermore, in tumor-bearing mice, the nanoparticles enhanced the anti-neoplastic effects of chrysin. This study highlights the potential of chrysin and the importance of nanotechnology in biomedical research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hui Zhang, Huan Wang, Baojie Wen, Ling Lu, Yuanjin Zhao, Renjie Chai
Summary: This study presents a novel conductive silk conduit composed of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) composites and ultrasound (US)-triggered active release system for peripheral nerve regeneration. The silk fibroin conduits demonstrate excellent biocompatibility, flexibility, conductivity, and bioactivity. The US-triggered release of nerve growth factor (NGF) from the secondary filling hydrogel, along with the electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS, accelerates the repair of injured nerves, as demonstrated by in vivo experiments. These intelligent conductive silk conduits with US responsiveness show practical value for nerve regeneration in preclinical studies.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fen Zhang, Qian Yao, Xiaoqi Chen, Haijun Zhou, Mengmeng Zhou, Yantao Li, Hua Cheng
Summary: The post-encapsulation and release of the anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX·HCl) through the cell-like transmission functions of polymeric vesicles were investigated. Ethylenediamine-modified cross-linked pH-responsive polymeric vesicles were fabricated for the first time using redox-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer dispersion polymerization. The vesicles showed a pH-dependent open and closed state, and exhibited a faster release rate of DOX at pH 5.0 compared to pH 6.5. The DOX-loaded vesicles had low cytotoxicity and higher cellular uptake capability compared to free DOX.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fatima Fernandez-Alvarez, Gracia Garcia-Garcia, Jose L. Arias
Summary: The study successfully constructed a maghemite/PLGA/chitosan nanostructure with good stability, magnetism, and drug release behavior, showing significant anti-lung adenocarcinoma effect of cisplatin loading on the matrix.
Article
Neurosciences
Dustin M. Snapper, Bianca Reginauld, Volha Liaudanskaya, Vincent Fitzpatrick, Yeonho Kim, Irene Georgakoudi, David L. Kaplan, Aviva J. Symes
Summary: This study developed a novel approach to studying traumatic brain injury caused by primary blast and utilized a bioengineered 3D brain-like human tissue culture system to simulate blast wave effects. The findings showed cellular injury, axonal varicosities, and the release of known biomarkers after blast.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Constancio Gonzalez-Obeso, Emily Jane Hartzell, Ryan Albert Scheel, David L. Kaplan
Summary: Effective drug delivery is crucial for successful medical treatment. Silks and recombinant silks have emerged as preferred polymeric drug delivery systems due to their unique properties and tailored physicochemical characteristics.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shengfei Zhou, Kai Jin, Talia Khan, Zaira Martin-Moldes, David L. Kaplan, Markus J. Buehler
Summary: More complex bioadhesives were investigated, and the physical properties of the adhesive were improved through cold denaturation and swelling. This resulted in enhanced mechanical performance and water resistance of wood composites.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sabrina C. Shen, Eesha Khare, Nicolas A. Lee, Michael K. Saad, David L. Kaplan, Markus J. Buehler
Summary: Engineered materials are important for modern technology but often contribute to ecological deterioration. Next-generation materials can address sustainability goals by providing alternatives to fossil fuel-based materials and reducing extraction processes and solid waste. Challenges include investigating and designing new feedstocks, which are mechanically weak and difficult to standardize. This review outlines a framework for examining sustainability in material systems and discusses the role of computational tools in discovering novel sustainable materials, with a focus on bioinspired and biobased materials.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Dhriti Nepal, Saewon Kang, Katarina M. Adstedt, Krishan Kanhaiya, Michael R. Bockstaller, L. Catherine Brinson, Markus J. Buehler, Peter Coveney, Kaushik Dayal, Jaafar A. El-Awady, Luke C. Henderson, David L. Kaplan, Sinan Keten, Nicholas A. Kotov, George C. Schatz, Silvia Vignolini, Fritz Vollrath, Yusu Wang, Boris Yakobson, Vladimir V. Tsukruk, Hendrik Heinz
Summary: This Review discusses recent advancements in bioinspired nanocomposite design, focusing on the role of hierarchical structuring at different length scales in creating multifunctional, lightweight, and robust structural materials. By manipulating the architecture, interphases, and confinement, dynamic and synergistic responses have been achieved. The study highlights the significance of hierarchical structures across multiple length scales for achieving multifunctionality and robustness.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jaewon Choi, Jugal Kishore Sahoo, Onur Hasturk, Thomas Falcucci, Ya Yao, David L. Kaplan
Summary: This study presents a new strategy to fabricate silk protein-based aerosols and silk fibers instantaneously in situ using a spray device, without the need for complicated and costly advanced manufacturing techniques. The key to success lies in the conformational transition of silk fibroin from random coil to beta-sheet before spraying, achieved by mixing silk and polyethylene glycol solutions in the spray device. The system utilizes green solvents and shear and elongational flow to provide a portable and user-friendly method for drug delivery carriers and surface coatings.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jugal Kishore Sahoo, Dawei Xu, Thomas Falcucci, Jaewon Choi, Onur Hasturk, Douglas S. Clark, David L. Kaplan
Summary: Protein-based hydrogel biomaterials offer a versatile platform for various biological applications, with the ability to encapsulate and stabilize biomolecules. In this study, silk fibroin and gamma-prefoldin chaperone protein were used to create composite hydrogels with different protein ratios, using enzyme-assisted cross-linking. The secondary structure, dityrosine bond formation, and mechanical properties were evaluated. The findings provide insights for the rational design of composite thermostable hydrogel biomaterials, allowing for protection and retention of bioactivity.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qiongling Chen, Jinchuang Zhang, Yujie Zhang, Haodong Liu, Tongqing Li, Qiang Wang, David L. Kaplan
Summary: This study investigated the interactions between pea protein and fatty acids as well as the effect on protein conformational changes during high-moisture extrusion processing. The results showed that fatty acids induced the exposure of hydrophobic groups, weakened hydrogen bonds, and affected the aggregation of protein subunits. Unsaturated fatty acids limited protein chain refolding and covalent interactions. Additionally, stearic acid promoted the formation of fibrous structures.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Rebecca Donahue, Jugal Kishore Sahoo, Sara Rudolph, Ying Chen, David L. Kaplan
Summary: Mucus is a hydrogel that protects the body's surfaces and plays a role in defense against pathogens. Dysfunction of the gut mucus barrier is associated with diseases. Current methods for studying mucus have limitations. Therefore, there is a need for mucus-mimetic hydrogels that accurately reflect the human epithelial environment for research on disease and microbiome interactions.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Adam S. Mullis, David L. Kaplan
Summary: Aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, are still not well understood and lack effective treatments. Current in vitro and in vivo models cannot fully replicate the human brain tissue structure, function, and pathobiology, leading to translational failures. Bioengineered tissue culture models offer promising alternatives by overcoming the limitations of existing models and providing a better mimic of human brain tissues. In this article, we discuss various bioengineering techniques and design considerations for generating neurodegenerative tissue models, as well as approaches to incorporate cellular diversity and simulate aging processes.
Article
Polymer Science
Onur Hasturk, Jugal Kishore Sahoo, David L. Kaplan
Summary: This study demonstrates the synthesis of a hybrid biopolymer composed of silk and poly(guluronate) for on-demand and reversible stiffening and softening of silk-based hydrogels. The hybrid polymers display dynamic morphology and mechanics, as well as proteolytic degradation properties. They also support cell attachment and survival, making them potentially useful in cell culture and disease modeling.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Atul Sharma, Cihan Asci, Ruben Del-Rio-Ruiz, Kirsten Trinidad, Nafize Ishtiaque Hossain, David L. Kaplan, Sameer Sonkusale
Summary: A portable and scalable multiplexed thread-based sensing microprobe is introduced for continuous monitoring of pH and ammonium ions during the biofermentation process. The microprobe consists of a 3D-printed shell to hold separate working and reference electrode threads, allowing for continuous flow during monitoring. The functionality of the microprobe is evaluated in a simulated microreactor resembling a fermentation environment, showing promising dynamic range for pH and ammonium ions in bioreactor monitoring.
IEEE SENSORS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Valeria E. Bosio, Christofer Rybner, David L. Kaplan
Summary: The development of 3D-tissue models for studying bone physiology and disease using silk fibroin (SF) faces challenges. To improve mechanical properties and mineralization ability, concentric mineralized SF-based scaffolds were developed. In simulated bone regeneration experiments, hybrid SF with silica microparticles or calcium carbonate nano-structured microparticles showed enhanced cell infiltration, compressive strength, expression of osteogenic markers, and mineralization.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)