Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Asma Ghaemi, Masoume Vakili-Azghandi, Khalil Abnous, Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi, Mohammad Ramezani, Mona Alibolandi
Summary: Gene therapy has the potential to prevent or treat various genetic or acquired diseases by regulating gene and protein expression. Effective delivery systems are needed to ensure successful gene therapy, and oral delivery approaches show promise in treating diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. This review provides an update on the development of oral gene delivery techniques for gene therapy and vaccination purposes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. Torres-Ramos, M. F. Martin-Marquez, Maria del Carmen Leal-Moya, Suresh Ghotekar, Jorge Alberto Sanchez-Burgos, Alejandro Perez-Larios
Summary: This paper reports the green synthesis of PLGA-TiO2 nanocomposite using a natural extract and its characterization. The study used UV-visible spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction to analyze the properties of the nanoparticles. The results showed that terpenes enhance the synthesis and stabilization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiang Ouyang, Zhongyang Zhang, Bo Deng, Jinggong Liu, Liqiang Wang, Haijun Liu, Seyoung Koo, Shuying Chen, Yongjiang Li, Alexey V. Yaremenko, Xiangang Huang, Wei Chen, Yuhan Lee, Wei Tao
Summary: Oral administration is widely used for drug delivery due to its non-invasiveness and simplicity. However, conventional delivery methods may result in low drug bioavailability, particularly for biologics. To overcome this, various carriers have been developed to protect and enhance drug absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. This review summarizes different drug molecules used for oral administration, discusses physiological barriers and targeting regions in the GI tract, reviews recent oral drug delivery platforms, and presents future perspectives and challenges.
Review
Polymer Science
Sumedha Liyanage, Sanjit Acharya, Prakash Parajuli, Julia L. Shamshina, Noureddine Abidi
Summary: Cellulose-based products offer environmentally friendly alternatives with renewable, degradable and recyclable properties, but face challenges in replacing synthetic plastics. Surface modification of cellulose materials enhances their applications and performance by preserving their chemical profile, mechanical properties, and biodegradability.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nazanin Owji, Nandin Mandakhbayar, David A. Gregory, Bona Marcello, Hae-won Kim, Ipsita Roy, Jonathan C. Knowles
Summary: The study utilized mussel-inspired adhesion and PHA as a delivery system to achieve local treatment of oral conditions with good adhesion properties and biocompatibility, positively influencing cell growth.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shabnam Sattari, Mohsen Adeli, Siamak Beyranvand, Mohammad Nemati
Summary: Two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as graphene, are promising candidates for various biomedical applications due to their high surface area and efficient cellular uptake. Functionalization of graphene is essential to improve its dispersion in water and functionality for future nanomedicine applications. Techniques involving covalent or non-covalent methods have been explored to enhance the physicochemical properties of graphene and graphene oxide.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Youngkyu Hwang, Abdul Rahim Ferhan, Bo Kyeong Yoon, Tun Naw Sut, Won-Yong Jeon, Dong Jun Koo, Joshua A. Jackman, Nam-Joon Cho
Summary: Plasmonic chips consisting of gold nanoisland structures fabricated by thiol-based surface functionalization exhibit broad application potential in biosensing, and the optimization of nanostructure dimensions can enhance sensing performance.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Review
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
K. Mokabari, M. Iriti, E. M. Varoni
Summary: Vaccine technology has continuously evolved, and mucosal vaccination, such as oral administration, has gained scientific interest. The oral mucosa provides a promising route for antigen delivery, promoting an effective immune response. Mucoadhesive biomaterial-based delivery systems, including nanoparticles, films, liposomes, microneedles, and gels, have shown controlled release and enhanced immunological responses. These systems are stable, easy to produce, and can be used for mass vaccination during outbreaks.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rahul Singh, Zhi Ren, Yao Shi, Shina Lin, Kwang-Chul Kwon, Shanmugaraj Balamurugan, Vineeta Rai, Francis Mante, Hyun Koo, Henry Daniell
Summary: This study explored a cost-effective method for disrupting dental biofilms by expressing enzymes in plant cells. The combination of lipase with dextranase and mutanase was effective in suppressing biofilm development by degrading the biofilm matrix, providing a potential therapeutic approach. Delivery of plant enzymes through chewing gum tablets offers a stable and time-released solution for dental biofilm control at home.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Michelle Lategan, Pradeep Kumar, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: Electrospun nanofibers have shown great potential in neural tissue engineering, but are currently limited by inadequate cell infiltration and poor mechanical strength. Optimization techniques can enhance neurocompatibility and neuroinductivity, as well as improve cellular adhesion, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and neurite outgrowth.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexander Chen, Joshua M. Mesfin, Nathan C. Gianneschi, Karen L. Christman
Summary: This article reviews the molecular and cellular mechanisms of intravascularly administered biomaterials for the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI), including various biomaterial designs and intravenous injection routes. The study demonstrates that these biomaterials can be localized and retained in the infarct by passive diffusion or targeting specific cellular presence.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Manling Wu, Min Wang, Haoyuan Jia, Peipei Wu
Summary: Increasing evidence shows that unmodified extracellular vesicles (EVs) can effectively inhibit the malignant progression of different types of tumors by delivering bioactive molecules, making them a promising emerging anticancer drug. Researchers are actively exploring ways to engineer EVs as a translational therapy platform, broadening their therapeutic capability and enhancing specificity and effectiveness through targeted modifications. This review focuses on the latest research progress of functionalized EVs and highlights their superior biological functions and therapeutic potential, aiming to inspire new design concepts and develop next-generation nanomedicine therapeutic platforms.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
J. G. B. De Marchi, R. Ce, G. Onzi, A. C. S. Alves, N. Santarem, A. Cordeiro da Silva, A. R. Pohlmann, S. S. Guterres, A. J. Ribeiro
Summary: This study aims to improve the absorption of nanoparticle formulation by functionalizing its surface with immunoglobulin G. The functionalized nanoparticles showed adequate size and good entrapment efficiency, and led to a desirable increase in insulin release time. Interactions of nanoparticle components were proven through differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, and paper chromatography.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Fabiola A. Chapa-Villarreal, Matthew Miller, J. Jesus Rodriguez-Cruz, Diego Perez-Carlos, Nicholas A. Peppas
Summary: Protein therapeutics have transformed disease treatment, but their administration is limited to invasive and painful routes. The synergy of biomaterials with protein therapeutics has revolutionized the treatment of once incurable diseases. This review focuses on the use of self-assembled micellar structures for oral delivery of therapeutics.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Valentina Andretto, Annalisa Rosso, Stephanie Briancon, Giovanna Lollo
Summary: Oral delivery is a favored method for delivering active molecules, but challenges like the complexity of colloidal systems and their interaction with biological barriers need to be overcome for precision medicine.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Catarina Pacheco, Ana Baiao, Tao Ding, Wenguo Cui, Bruno Sarmento
Summary: The systemic use of chemotherapy for cancer treatment is limited by its toxicity. Drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been designed to avoid systemic toxicity by protecting drugs and controlling drug release. However, the approval of tailored DDSs for clinical use is minimal due to the need for improvement in safety and in vivo activity.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Claudia Martins, Catarina Pacheco, Catarina Moreira-Barbosa, Angela Marques-Magalhaes, Sofia Dias, Marco Araujo, Maria J. Oliveira, Bruno Sarmento
Summary: This study generated human GBM heterotypic multicellular tumor microtissues (MCTMs) using high-throughput 3D modeling, which mimicked the spatial organization and biological features of GBM. The bioactivity of tumor-targeted nanoparticles and anti-cancer drugs were evaluated in the MCTMs, and it was found that the targeted nanoparticles exhibited higher cell uptake and anti-proliferative effect.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amir Soleimany, Sepideh Khoee, Davoud Dastan, Zhicheng Shi, Shengtao Yu, Bruno Sarmento
Summary: A method utilizing riboflavin-conjugated and amine-functionalized nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots is proposed to enhance the treatment depth and specific accumulation capability in photodynamic therapy.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Daniel A. Ferreira, Joao P. Conde, Mario Rothbauer, Peter Ertl, Pedro L. Granja, Carla Oliveira
Summary: The lack of biomimetic in vitro models delay the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the gastric mucosa. However, recent advances in microengineering have made it possible to create bioinspired microdevices that replicate the physiological properties of an organ. In this study, a bioinspired stomach-on-a-chip (SoC) device is described, which recreates the structure and function of the gastric mucosa. The device simulates the upper epithelial interface and allows for the development of gastric barrier function.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chiara Tramontano, Joao Pedro Martins, Luca De Stefano, Marianna Kemell, Alexandra Correia, Monica Terracciano, Nicola Borbone, Ilaria Rea, Helder A. Santos
Summary: A nanoparticle-based drug delivery system has been developed for oral administration, which targets colorectal cancer cells and enhances drug efficacy.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pei Zhang, Yingxin Liu, Guobing Feng, Cong Li, Jun Zhou, Chunyang Du, Yuancheng Bai, Shuai Hu, Tianhe Huang, Guan Wang, Peng Quan, Jouni Hirvonen, Jin Fan, Helder A. Santos, Dongfei Liu
Summary: Microparticles with ultrahigh drug loading and zero-order release of protein payloads are successfully engineered through controlled interfacial self-assembly of polymers. Protein molecules are transformed into nanoparticles covered with a polymer layer to improve their miscibility with carrier materials. The resulting microparticles achieve superior encapsulation efficiency and controlled payload release, enabling efficient glycemic control in type 1 diabetes.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Voitto Kankanen, Micaela Fernandes, Zehua Liu, Jani Seitsonen, Sami-Pekka Hirvonen, Janne Ruokolainen, Joao F. Pinto, Jouni Hirvonen, Vimalkumar Balasubramanian, Helder A. Santos
Summary: This study reports the development of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-(e-caprolactone) (PEG-b-PCL) nanoparticles using a microfluidic technique for intravenous drug delivery. The optimized formulation achieved spherical morphology, small particle size (dH < 80 nm), uniform size distribution (PDI < 0.2), high drug loading degree (16%), and encapsulation efficiency of 54%. Furthermore, the nanoparticles exhibited stability and sustained release of sorafenib in vitro over several days. Overall, this research demonstrates the use of microfluidic approach in optimizing drug delivery systems.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maria Joao Bessa, Bruno Sarmento, Marta Oliveira, Francisca Rodrigues
Summary: Firefighters are exposed to health-relevant pollutants released during fires, and in vitro studies using human cell models have shown decreased viability, increased oxidative stress, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, and increased cell death frequencies. However, more research is needed to understand the toxicity mechanisms initiated by firefighting activities and establish occupational exposure limits for firefighters.
JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH-PART B-CRITICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elena Scurti, Joao Pedro Martins, Christian Celia, Paola Palumbo, Francesca Lombardi, Dalila Iannotta, Luisa Di Marzio, Helder A. Santos, Tapani Viitala
Summary: In this study, the interactions between bare niosomes and chitosan-coated niosomes (chitosomes) and intestinal cells were investigated using surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based cell sensing. The results showed that chitosomes interacted more efficiently with HT29-MTX, Caco-2, and Caco-2/HT29-MTX cocultured cells compared to bare niosomes. SPR analysis, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry studies demonstrated that this label-free and real-time method is useful for characterizing the interactions between niosomes and in vitro cell models.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Claudia Martins, Marco Araujo, Alessio Malfanti, Catarina Pacheco, Stuart J. J. Smith, Bernard Ucakar, Ruman Rahman, Jonathan W. W. Aylott, Veronique Preat, Bruno Sarmento
Summary: Report the development of hypothesis-driven stimuli-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) for glioblastoma (GBM) therapy. These NPs have multifunctional features that overcome the insufficient blood-brain barrier (BBB) trafficking and lack of GBM targeting, two major challenges in anti-GBM treatments. In preclinical studies, the stimuli-responsive NPs effectively targeted GBM cells, enhanced cell uptake, increased cytotoxicity, improved BBB permeability, and demonstrated antitumor efficacy in GBM models.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sofia Torres Quintas, Ana Canha-Borges, Maria Jose Oliveira, Bruno Sarmento, Flavia Castro
Summary: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, with a significant number of cases and fatalities reported globally in 2020. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which lacks certain receptors, accounts for approximately 20% of all breast cancers and has a more aggressive clinical course, particularly in younger women. Current standard therapy for advanced TNBC is chemotherapy, but its effectiveness is limited and relapse rates are high. However, recent advances in cancer nanomedicine have provided innovative therapeutic options to overcome the drawbacks of conventional therapies. This review summarizes the recent developments in nanomedicine for TNBC treatment, including novel nanoparticle, exosome, and hybrid-based formulations, and discusses their limitations and challenges for future clinical applications.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Claudia Martins, Bruno Sarmento
Summary: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a challenging disease with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a major obstacle to drug delivery to the brain, and targeting brain-invading tumor cells is crucial for effective therapy. Nanomedicines with multiple ligands have emerged as a promising approach to sequentially target BBB cells and GBM cells, improving therapeutic accumulation at the tumor site. This review provides an overview of the development of multi-ligand functionalized nanomedicines for BBB and GBM dual targeting over the past decade.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Priscila Zimath, Soraia Pinto, Sofia Dias, Alex Rafacho, Bruno Sarmento
Summary: This study loaded MF into zein NPs and evaluated the potential advantages of oral delivery and the application in treating intestinal inflammatory diseases.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christos Tapeinos, Giulia Torrieri, Shiqi Wang, Joao P. Martins, Helder A. Santos
Summary: This study successfully fabricated nanoparticles derived from the cellular membrane of pancreatic tumor's microenvironment, which showed targeting ability and synergistic treatment potential for PDAC when combined with other drugs.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Claudia Martins, Catarina Pacheco, Paulo Faria, Bruno Sarmento