Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alma Martin, Jun Cai, Anna-Lena Schaedel, Mariena van der Plas, Martin Malmsten, Thomas Rades, Andrea Heinz
Summary: This study aims to develop fibers with enhanced mechanical strength and water stability, as well as sustained release of tetracycline hydrochloride. By using zein as core material and polycaprolactone as shell material, the researchers achieved improved cell attachment and wound closure, while maintaining continuous drug release.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xinghua Guo, Pan Song, Feng Li, Qihao Yan, Yan Bai, Jincan He, Qishi Che, Hua Cao, Jiao Guo, Zhengquan Su
Summary: Bone defects caused by diseases or large shocks require surgical intervention and bone substitutes to promote bone regeneration. However, long-term systemic therapy of drugs may not be suitable for the treatment of bone tissue. To solve this problem, structures or carriers simulating natural bone tissue are constructed to control the loading or release of osteogenic preparations, thus accelerating bone defect repair.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Arunnee Sanpakitwattana, Waraporn Suvannapruk, Sorayouth Chumnanvej, Ruedee Hemstapat, Jintamai Suwanprateeb
Summary: Oxidized regenerated cellulose/polycaprolactone bilayered composite (ORC/PCL bilayered composite) was investigated as an antibacterial dural substitute. The study found that the concentration of cefazolin loading affected the microstructure of the composite, and the loaded composite had higher density but lower thickness compared to the drug unloaded composite. ORC/PCL bilayered composite could potentially serve as an antibiotic carrier with antibacterial activity.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sarah-Sophia D. Carter, Abdul-Raouf Atif, Anna Diez-Escudero, Maja Grape, Maria-Pau Ginebra, Maria Tenje, Gemma Mestres
Summary: This study explores the potential of microfluidics for evaluating calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA), particularly in the context of inflammation. The results show that the microfluidic chip environment can provide a more physiologically relevant microenvironment, avoid drastic changes in ions, increase protein adsorption, and promote cell viability and proliferation. Additionally, microfluidics can be used to assess drug release and its impact on cell secretion and morphology.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
S. K. Lavanya, S. Manjunath Kamath, Subha Krishna Rao, P. Rajapriya, Shantanu Patil, S. Sundaresan
Summary: The sustained release of andrographolide from polycaprolactone scaffolds has been successfully achieved, demonstrating its potential in targeted cancer therapy. The study highlights the importance of scaffold structure and drug concentration in the release process.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Candida A. Cisneros-Covarrubias, Cesar F. A. Gomez-Duran, Patricia Aguirre-Banuelos, Rosa Alejandra Hernandez-Esquivel, Gabriela Palestino
Summary: Thermally oxidized porous silicon particles with different particle and pore dimensions were synthesized and used as drug delivery systems for sustained release of tramadol hydrochloride. The study demonstrated that the size of the particles and pores can be controlled by adjusting the etching parameters, and different pore sizes of silicon particles have varying effects on the loading capacity and release profile of tramadol.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Thrinayan Moorthy, B. Mohamed Hathim, C. H. Murali NagaMahesh, G. Anburaj, Shiek S. S. J. Ahmed, V. Gopinath, Ganesh Munuswamy-Ramanujam, Subha Krishna Rao, Manjunath Srinivas Kamath
Summary: Bone tissue engineering (BTE) aims to treat bone abnormalities by using a porous polymer matrix that hosts cells, promotes proliferation, and releases drugs/growth factors. This study developed a 3D porous scaffold releasing kaempferol through kaempferol-entrapped albumin nanoparticles (KaeNP) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The scaffolds possessed porous structures with pore diameters essential for cell penetration and angiogenesis.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xu Xue, Hao Zhang, Han Liu, Sicheng Wang, Jiadong Li, Qirong Zhou, Xiao Chen, Xiaoxiang Ren, Yingying Jing, Yonghui Deng, Zhen Geng, Xiuhui Wang, Jiacan Su
Summary: A CuS-PEG-PCL scaffold with excellent photothermal properties and stable elasticity was designed for efficient bone regeneration. The scaffold released dexamethasone sodium phosphate (Dexp) and promoted osteogenic differentiation of bone cells through controlled release and mild heating.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Alejandro Forigua, Arash Dalili, Rebecca Kirsch, Stephanie M. Willerth, Katherine S. Elvira
Summary: Drug releasing microparticles are important for precise drug delivery. Microfluidic technologies offer better control over microparticle size and distribution compared to bulk production methods. This study demonstrates the formation of polycaprolactone (PCL) microparticles with therapeutically relevant cargo using a microfluidic platform, and investigates the effect of cargo on microparticle size and distribution.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sergio Martin-Saldana, Merari Tumin Chevalier, Abhay Pandit
Summary: Galectins, a family of glycan-binding proteins, play a key role in immune cell homeostasis and modulation. Some members of the galectin family are crucial in the resolution of inflammation, while others perpetuate the immune response in a pathological context. They have the potential to be targeted for new therapies, and engineered biomaterials show promise in improving the therapeutic performance of galectin-targeted strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Akihito Kato
Summary: This study demonstrated the antibiotic impregnation and release properties of four porous hydroxyapatite materials for infectious control in neurotrauma surgery. Different antibiotics showed different release patterns, and the eluates showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Michal Hicak, L'ubomir Medvecky, Miroslav Hnatko, Radoslava Stulajterova, Maria Giretova, Monika Tatarkova, Zoltan Lences, Pavol Sajgalik
Summary: The addition of highly porous silicon nitride/alpha-tricalcium phosphate microgranules improved the tetracalcium phosphate/monetite biocement, serving as a potential carrier for drug release. By adjusting the amount of drug-infiltrated ceramic granules, the total drug release time can be modified.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jialong Kang, Yaoran Cui, Jingjing Song, Hongxia Mao, Guibao Qiu, Zhenyun Tian, Feng Zhang
Summary: The use of SiC as a reinforcing agent in porous titanium materials can significantly improve their mechanical properties, with the compressive strength reaching its peak when the SiC content is 3wt.%. This study demonstrates that the addition of SiC enhances the densification, sintering properties, hardness, and strength of porous titanium.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marta Kubovics, Sara Rojas, Ana M. Lopez, Julio Fraile, Patricia Horcajada, Concepcion Domingo
Summary: In this study, Supercritical CO2 technology was utilized as an efficient method to assist in the preparation of a cutaneous polymeric formulation containing metal-organic framework composites. Analysis using solid state techniques and in vitro/ex vivo tests on porcine skin showed that scCO2 impregnation is a simple and fast strategy for preparing composite devices capable of gradually releasing and diffusing drugs into the skin.
JOURNAL OF SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
De-Xiang Zhang, Terence Tieu, Lars Esser, Marcin Wojnilowicz, Chieh-Hua Lee, Anna Cifuentes-Rius, Helmut Thissen, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: In this study, a method for modifying the internal and external surfaces of porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNPs) was developed. The modified pSiNPs showed excellent colloidal stability in a cell culture medium and the drug release kinetics could be fine-tuned by the combination of internal and external surface modifications. Moreover, the drug-loaded and peptide-functionalized nanoparticles exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against prostate carcinoma cells.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Surgery
Timothy Peacock, Sonja Klebe, Jon Barnard, Isabella Mor
ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Milad Ashrafizadeh, Kiavash Hushmandi, Sepideh Mirzaei, Saied Bokaie, Ashkan Bigham, Pooyan Makvandi, Navid Rabiee, Vijay Kumar Thakur, Alan Prem Kumar, Esmaeel Sharifi, Rajender S. Varma, Amir Reza Aref, Marcin Wojnilowicz, Ali Zarrabi, Hassan Karimi-Maleh, Nicolas H. Voelcker, Ebrahim Mostafavi, Gorka Orive
Summary: Green chemistry has shown great promise in biomedical applications, particularly in cancer therapy. Chitosan-based nanoparticles (CS-NPs) serve as a promising carrier for anti-cancer drugs, overcoming drug resistance and enabling synergistic therapy. Various types of nanostructures can be modified with chitosan for efficient delivery of chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin (DOX). The functionalization of CS-NPs with ligands and their pH-sensitive and redox-responsive characteristics further enhance their selectivity and drug release. Considering their high encapsulation efficiency and biocompatibility, significant progress is expected in the clinical translation of CS-NPs.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Muamer Dervisevic, Esma Dervisevic, Lars Esser, Christopher D. Easton, Victor J. Cadarso, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: Microneedle-based wearable sensors provide an alternative approach for health monitoring and disease diagnostics by detecting pH levels in the skin interstitial fluid. This technology significantly contributes to the advancement of wearable sensors, simplifies the manufacturing process, and improves cost-effectiveness.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Meihua Luo, Yuchen Li, Bo Peng, Jacinta White, Ermei Makila, Wing Yin Tong, Chung Hang Jonathan Choi, Bryan Day, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: The clinical treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) is challenging due to the blood-brain barrier, chemotherapeutic resistance, and aggressive tumor metastasis. In this study, researchers developed porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNPs) modified with antisense oligonucleotide (AON) for targeted gene and drug delivery in GBM treatment. These AON-modified pSiNPs (AON@pSiNPs) had selective internalization by GBM cells and human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells expressing scavenger receptors. The results showed that AON@pSiNPs could cross the blood-brain barrier, knock down the key driver of GBM invasion, and inhibit GBM cell migration, making them a potential strategy for clinical treatment of GBM and targeted drug and gene delivery.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Yazad D. Irani, Chung H. Kok, Jade Clarson, Naranie Shanmuganathan, Susan Branford, David T. Yeung, David M. Ross, Timothy P. Hughes, Agnes S. M. Yong
Summary: Dysregulation of immune-checkpoint receptors at diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has been reported, but their role in maintaining remission after tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) cessation is unclear. This study evaluated the expression of immune checkpoint receptors on T-cell subsets, regulatory T cells (T-regs), and natural killer (NK) cells in CML patients at the time of TKI cessation. The findings suggest that TIM-3 blockade may potentially improve immune response and target leukemic stem cells, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing relapse after discontinuation of TKI in CML patients.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nazia Tabassum, Maria Alba, Li Yan, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: Porous silicon microneedles (pSi MNs) with controlled degradation, tunable porosity, and high mechanical stability are introduced for transdermal delivery of bioactive molecules. By changing the thickness of the porous layer, the biodegradability and mechanical properties of pSi MNs can be adjusted. pSi MNs can uniformly load both small and macromolecular drug molecules, and ex vivo experiments demonstrate their efficient transdermal delivery capability.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Claire W. Michael, Carlos C. W. M. Bedrossian, Navid Sadri, Sonja Klebe
Summary: The diagnosis of mesothelioma in situ (MIS) is accepted as a pre-invasive mesothelial proliferation based on histologic evaluation. The cytologic features of recurrent effusions in MIS are not well-known. Early detection of neoplastic mesothelial cells in effusions may improve the management of this dire disease.
DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Gerard J. Chu, Anthony Linton, Steven Kao, Sonja Klebe, Stephen Adelstein, Dannel Yeo, John E. J. Rasko, Wendy A. Cooper
Summary: This study aimed to assess the intensity and distribution of MSLN immunostaining in mesothelioma and determine its prognostic value. The results showed that MSLN expression was more heterogeneous in epithelioid mesothelioma, suggesting the need for immunohistochemical assessment to stratify and assess patient suitability for personalized therapies targeting MESOTELIN.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Karen Walker-Bone, Geza Benke, Ewan MacFarlane, S. Klebe, Ken Takahashi, Fraser Brims, Malcolm Ross Sim, Tim R. Driscoll
Summary: Mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer associated with asbestos exposure, continues to be diagnosed in Australia despite the ban on asbestos since 2003. The Australian Mesothelioma Registry was established to gather comprehensive data on incidence, mortality, and asbestos exposure. Results show a decline in incidence and mortality rates due to effective control of occupational asbestos use, but the rates among women remain stable, suggesting other sources of exposure.
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Roberto Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Evan Hathaway, Holden Paulette, Jeffery L. Coffer, Yuankun Lin, Jingbiao Cui
Summary: In this study, a method using silicene as a template to form 2D quantum-confined CsPbBr3 layers of less than 5 nm thick was reported, and this method can be generalized to synthesize other perovskites with reduced dimensionality.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Parham Sahandi Zangabad, Zahra Abousalman Rezvani, Ziqiu Tong, Lars Esser, Roshan B. Vasani, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: Recent studies have focused on therapeutic peptides due to their high potency in treating various diseases, but they have limitations such as poor bioavailability and short half-life. However, advancements in pharmaceutical formulations have improved their administration by providing long-acting delivery and precise dose administration, among other advantages.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Giang T. Lam, Carmela Martini, Tiffany Brooks, Sarita Prabhakaran, Ashley M. Hopkins, Ben S. -Y. Ung, Jingying Tang, Maria C. Caruso, Robert D. Brooks, Ian R. D. Johnson, Alexandra Sorvina, Shane M. Hickey, Litsa Karageorgos, Sonja Klebe, John J. O'Leary, Douglas A. Brooks, Jessica M. Logan
Summary: Early diagnosis is crucial for improving outcomes in melanoma patients, and this study aims to understand the challenges faced by clinicians in assessing melanoma cases and provide insights for future research. The survey results indicate the need for new biomarkers and the use of multiple immunohistochemistry markers to improve diagnostic accuracy in melanoma assessment.
Article
Ophthalmology
Sean Mullany, Santiago Diaz-Torres, Joshua M. Schmidt, Daniel Thomson, Ayub Qassim, Henry N. Marshall, Lachlan S. W. Knight, Ella C. Berry, Antonia Kolovos, David Dimasi, Stewart Lake, Richard A. Mills, John Landers, Paul Mitchell, Paul R. Healey, Toby Commerford, Sonja Klebe, Emmanuelle Souzeau, Mark M. Hassall, Stuart MacGregor, Puya Gharahkhani, Owen M. Siggs, Jamie E. Craig
Summary: The potential association between APOE E4 allele and glaucoma prevalence was investigated, but the results were not replicated in other cohorts.
OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao Zhe Yoh, Yaping Chen, Ali-Reza Shokouhi, Helmut Thissen, Nicolas H. Voelcker, Roey Elnathan
Summary: The advancement of nanofabrication technologies has enabled the exploration of new territories in nanoneedles applications, particularly in intracellular delivery. In this study, programmable polymeric nanotubes (NTs) were fabricated for efficient mRNA delivery into cells, and the role of actin cytoskeleton in this process was investigated.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Zivile Useckaite, Lauren A. Newman, Ashley M. Hopkins, Sonja Klebe, Alex D. Colella, Nusha Chegeni, Ruth Williams, Michael J. Sorich, A. David Rodrigues, Tim K. Chataway, Andrew Rowland
Summary: The study aimed to compare the proteomic profiles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from liver tissue and the extracellular space. The results showed the potential of liver-derived EVs as a liquid biopsy for understanding the functional status of the liver.
Article
Ophthalmology
He-Yan Li, Li Dong, Xu-Han Shi, Rui-Heng Zhang, Wen-Da Zhou, Hao-Tian Wu, Chu-Yao Yu, Yi-Tong Li, Yi-Fan Li, Jost B. Jonas, Wen-Bin Wei, Yue-Ming Liu
Summary: This study aimed to examine the intraocular tolerability of cetuximab when applied intravitreally, and its effect on axial elongation. The results showed that intravitreal injections of cetuximab could reduce axial elongation in a dose-dependent and number of treatment-dependent manner, without causing intraocular toxic effects.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Ophthalmology
James D. Cole, John A. McDaniel, Joelle Nilak, Ashley Ban, Carlos Rodriguez, Zuhaad Hameed, Marta Grannonico, Peter A. Netland, Hu Yang, Ignacio Provencio, Xiaorong Liu
Summary: Aniridia is a panocular condition characterized by the loss of iris, caused mainly by mutations in the PAX6 gene. This study assessed the effects of Pax6-haploinsufficiency on retinal morphology and vision in Pax6Sey mice. The results showed elevated intraocular pressure and declining visual acuity in Pax6Sey mice, along with local retinal damage and a possible neuroinflammatory response.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Ophthalmology
Subao Jiang, Ning Xia, Francesco Buonfiglio, Elsa W. Boehm, Qi Tang, Norbert Pfeiffer, Dominik Olinger, Huige Li, Adrian Gericke
Summary: This study found that a high-fat diet induces endothelial dysfunction in the ophthalmic artery, leading to impaired vascular function in the eye. The high-fat diet triggers oxidative stress and involves RAGE and NOX2.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)
Review
Ophthalmology
Mala Upadhyay, Vera L. Bonilha
Summary: The sodium iodate (NaIO3) model is a valuable tool in studying dry AMD and evaluating the retinal structure. Through extensive research, it has been found that the death of RPE cells caused by NaIO3 injection is closely related to vision loss in patients with dry AMD. Therefore, studying NaIO3 can provide insights into the mechanisms of RPE and photoreceptor cell death and contribute to understanding RPE degeneration in AMD.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Ophthalmology
Vicki Chrysostomou, Katharina C. Bell, Sze Woei Ng, Samyuktha Suresh, Gayathri Karthik, Marion Millet, Yingying Chung, Jonathan G. Crowston
Summary: We present a new experimental model for inducing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction and degeneration in mice. This model allows for the reliable induction of RGC dysfunction and loss, with the resilience of the optic nerve being dependent on the age of the animal. The time-defined nature of the functional and structural changes observed in this model will facilitate the study of glial responses and the evaluation of neuroprotective treatments after intraocular pressure (IOP) injury.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)