Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jayasree S. Kanathasan, Uma Devi Palanisamy, Ammu K. Radhakrishnan, Srikumar Chakravarthi, Tan Boon Thong, Varghese Swamy
Summary: This study investigates the targeting potential of pSi NPs functionalized with two types of peptides and finds that the linear peptide-pSi NP conjugate has better stability and higher binding efficiency under tumor conditions. In vivo studies show a higher accumulation of linear peptide-conjugated pSi NPs in the tumor site. These results suggest that the linear peptide-pSi NP formulation is a potential drug-delivery platform and fluorescence bioimaging agent.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaohua Wang, Haiyue Lu, Baicheng Liao, Gen Li, Liyong Chen
Summary: In this study, a facile synthetic method for preparing LDH-based self-assembly structures via a metal ions-mediated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) transformation process is proposed. The loading and release of small molecular weight drugs using hierarchical porous ZIF-8@LDHs core-shell structures and porous cages of LDHs (PC-LDHs) in drug delivery systems are studied. The results show that PC-LDHs outperform ZIF-8@LDHs core-shell structures in terms of drug delivery performance, indicating the decisive role of LDH nanosheets in the drug delivery process. This study provides the preliminary preparation for an LDH-based nanomedicine platform in the field of cancer therapy.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Roda, Riccardo Caraffi, Silvia Picciolini, Giovanni Tosi, Maria Angela Vandelli, Barbara Ruozi, Marzia Bedoni, Ilaria Ottonelli, Jason Thomas Duskey
Summary: Nanoparticles have potential as a strategy to improve the treatment of glioblastoma by enhancing drug delivery and targeting specific receptors or pathways. This review explores the latest strategies for drug delivery to glioblastoma, with a focus on the importance of surface functionalization for blood-brain barrier crossing and tumor specific targeting.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kosuke Sasaki, Yusuke Sato, Kento Okuda, Kazuki Iwakawa, Hideyoshi Harashima
Summary: This study reports on the in vivo optimization of mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for use in vaccines. The results provide evidence that a size range of 200-500 nm is appropriate for targeting splenic DCs, and highlight the difficulty in predicting transgene expression activity and potency of mRNA vaccines in splenic DCs using the whole spleen. The optimized A-11-LNP formulation exhibits better transgene expression activity and maturation in DCs, and demonstrates clear therapeutic antitumor effects.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Arjun Sabu, Te- Liu, Siew Suan Ng, Ruey-An Doong, Yu-Fen Huang, Hsin-Cheng Chiu
Summary: This review discusses the therapeutic strategies and underlying mechanisms of glioma stem cells (GSCs) in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). GSCs play a crucial role in tumor propagation, treatment resistance, and tumor recurrence. The review highlights the methods of targeting GSC surface markers, blocking essential signaling pathways of GSCs, and manipulating the tumor microenvironment for GBM treatment. In addition, the application of nanotechnology in GSC-targeted therapy is also discussed.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinyuan Shen, Chaojie Zhu, Qing Wu, Jiaqi Shi, Wei Wu, Xiao Zhao, Jie Sun, Hongjun Li, Zhen Gu
Summary: This review explores the rational design of nanomodulators to target tumor-resident immunosuppressive cells and provides an overview of the basic functions and therapeutic strategies for each cell type. Challenges and future research perspectives are also discussed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Toth, Szabolcs Muzsai, Krzysztof Regulski, Timea Szendi-Szatmari, Zsolt Czimmerer, Eva Rajnavolgyi, Marie-Pierre Chapot-Chartier, Attila Bacsi
Summary: The human gut symbiont Lacticaseibacillus (L.) casei has a wide range of immunomodulatory effects on the human host. This study demonstrates that human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) can engulf L. casei BL23, and the intact bacterial cell wall and morphology play a key role in this process. The absence of the bacterial cell-wall-degrading enzyme Lc-p75 leads to defective internalization and impaired cytokine secretion by moDCs, resulting in reduced T-cell activation capacity. Formation of short bacterial chains helps to exert the potent immunomodulatory properties of L. casei BL23.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Matea Raic, Lara Mikac, Marijan Gotic, Marko Skrabic, Nikola Baran, Mile Ivanda
Summary: In this study, Ag-decorated honeycomb silicon structure (HCSi) was synthesized by magnesiothermic reduction and investigated as a potential anode material for Li-ion batteries. The results showed that sample HCSi10 with the highest Ag content exhibited the best conductivity and suitable surface area, leading to enhanced electrochemical performance.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Anastasia Prokopi, Christoph H. Tripp, Bart Tummers, Florian Hornsteiner, Sarah Spoeck, Jeremy Chase Crawford, Derek R. Clements, Mirjana Efremova, Katharina Hutter, Lydia Bellmann, Giuseppe Cappellano, Bruno L. Cadilha, Sebastian Kobold, Louis Boon, Daniela Ortner, Zlatko Trajanoski, Suzie Chen, Tanja D. de Gruijl, Juliana Idoyaga, Douglas R. Green, Patrizia Stoitzner
Summary: Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has shown impressive results in patients with melanoma, but many still do not benefit from this treatment due to factors such as lack of tumor-infiltrating T cells and loss of intratumoral dendritic cells. In a melanoma mouse model, researchers found that tumor progression is characterized by upregulation of checkpoint molecules and gradual loss of dermal conventional DC 2 subset. Monotherapy with checkpoint blockade was not effective, but boosting DC numbers and activation increased tumor immunogenicity, leading to improved T cell function and delayed tumor growth when combined with antibodies against PD-1 and TIM-3. The study highlights the importance of skin DC in cancer immunotherapy and suggests that restoring DC function is key to enhancing tumor immunogenicity and responsiveness to checkpoint blockade therapy.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Muhammed H. Elnaggar, Abdelrahman I. Abushouk, Ahmed H. E. Hassan, Hadeer M. Lamloum, Amira Benmelouka, Shurouk A. Moatamed, Hossam Abd-Elmegeed, Somia Attia, Aya Samir, Nouran Amr, Dina Johar, Samy Zaky
Summary: The use of nanoparticles as targeted carriers for chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma has shown promising results, with active targeting being the most commonly researched method. However, clinical research still faces challenges such as batch variations, production limitations, and lack of toxicity data.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lorena Simon-Gracia, Kristina Kiisholts, Vilma Petrikaite, Allan Tobi, Merli Saare, Prakash Lingasamy, Maire Peters, Andres Salumets, Tambet Teesalu
Summary: The study explores the use of homing peptides for precision delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic compounds to endometriotic lesions. Findings indicate that PL1 peptide can bind to endometriotic cells, showing potential for precision diagnosis and therapy through PL1-guided nanoparticles.
Review
Immunology
Nick Giannoukakis
Summary: Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDC) have the potential to prevent the progression of autoimmune-driven dysglycemia into insulin-requiring type 1 diabetes (T1D) and preserve β cells. tDC act via multiple layers of immune regulation to suppress effector lymphocytes targeting β cells. It is now appropriate to conduct phase II clinical trials for T1D using well-characterized tDC.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Xin Gao, Lin Li, Xiaopan Cai, Quan Huang, Jianru Xiao, Yiyun Cheng
Summary: This review focuses on the principles and methods in the design of targeted nanoparticles for the diagnosis and therapy of orthotopic and metastatic bone tumors. Various ligands have been grafted on nanoparticles for bone targeting, and different targeting strategies using monoclonal antibodies, peptides, and aptamers have been explored for diagnosis and therapy. The development of multifunctional nanoparticles to disrupt the vicious cycle between tumor cell proliferation and bone resorption, as well as the challenges and perspectives in this area, are also discussed.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Evelien Hesemans, Neshat Saffarzadeh, Christy Maksoudian, Mukaddes Izci, Tianjiao Chu, Carla Rios Luci, Yuqing Wang, Hendrik Naatz, Sebastian Thieme, Cornelia Richter, Bella B. Manshian, Suman Pokhrel, Lutz Madler, Stefaan J. Soenen
Summary: Nanoparticle-mediated cancer immunotherapy holds great promise, but more efforts are needed to obtain nanoformulations that result in a full scale activation of innate and adaptive immune components that specifically target the tumors. Fine-tuning nanoparticle properties resulted in a formulation of 33% Cu-doped TiO2 which enabled short-lived hyperactivation of dendritic cells and hereby promoted immunotherapy. These nanoparticles result in highly efficient activation of dendritic cells ex vivo, which upon transplantation in tumor-bearing mice, exceeded the therapeutic outcomes obtained with classically stimulated dendritic cells.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Miriam Colombo, Laura Marongiu, Francesca Mingozzi, Roberta Marzi, Clara Cigni, Fabio Alessandro Facchini, Rany Rotem, Mihai Valache, Giulia Stucchi, Giuseppe Rocca, Laura Gornati, Maria Antonietta Rizzuto, Lucia Salvioni, Ivan Zanoni, Alessandro Gori, Davide Prosper, Francesca Granucci
Summary: Calcineurin inhibitors can prevent transplant rejection but also hinder graft tolerance. Inhibiting calcineurin only in dendritic cells instead of T cells can prevent T cell responses while allowing for tolerance development. A new generation of selective immune suppressive agents based on nanoparticles shows promise for better control of transplant acceptance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muamer Dervisevic, Maria Alba, Li Yan, Mehmet Senel, Thomas R. Gengenbach, Beatriz Prieto-Simon, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: The microneedle array-based transdermal sensing system offers a pain-free alternative for continuous glucose monitoring of interstitial fluid. The system demonstrates good selectivity and sensitivity, with accurate correlation to blood glucose levels measured by a commercial glucometer.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Cheryl Suwen Law, Juan Wang, Satyathiran Gunenthiran, Siew Yee Lim, Andrew D. Abell, Lutz Ahrens, Tushar Kumeria, Abel Santos, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: This study presents an optical system for real-time, label-free detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). By analyzing key sensing parameters, the researchers determined the optimal molecular length for maximizing sensitivity and selectivity to PFAS. The study also provides insights into the formation mechanism of PFAS self-assembled monolayers, and demonstrates the potential real-life applicability of the system.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kade D. Roberts, Yan Zhu, Mohammad A. K. Azad, Mei-Ling Han, Jiping Wang, Lynn Wang, Heidi H. Yu, Andrew S. Horne, Jo-Anne Pinson, David Rudd, Nicolas H. Voelcker, Nitin A. Patil, Jinxin Zhao, Xukai Jiang, Jing Lu, Ke Chen, Olga Lomovskaya, Scott J. Hecker, Philip E. Thompson, Roger L. Nation, Michael N. Dudley, David C. Griffith, Tony Velkov, Jian Li
Summary: The emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens poses a global medical challenge. Polymyxin antibiotics are often the last therapeutic option against these pathogens, but they have limitations in safety and efficacy. This study reports the discovery and development of a synthetic lipopeptide that shows improved safety and efficacy against top-priority multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
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)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Peije Russell, Lars Esser, Christoph E. E. Hagemeyer, Nicolas H. H. Voelcker
Summary: COVID-19-induced thromboinflammation can lead to severe complications such as pulmonary embolisms, ischaemic stroke, and myocardial infarctions. The long-term risk of cardiovascular diseases also significantly increases in COVID-19 survivors. Nanomedicine shows promising potential in protecting pharmaceuticals and delivering targeted treatments. Developing nanomedicine for COVID-19-induced thromboinflammation, including dual-therapeutic approaches, may greatly aid in combating the ongoing pandemic.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
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
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ishdeep Kaur, Terence Tieu, Veerasikku G. Deepagan, Muhammad A. Ali, Fahad Alsunaydih, David Rudd, Maliheh A. Moghaddam, Laure Bourgeois, Timothy E. Adams, Kristofer J. Thurecht, Mehmet Yuce, Anna Cifuentes-Rius, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: Despite the clinical benefits of chemotherapeutics, drug resistance remains a major challenge in breast cancer treatment. Nanomedicines, such as porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNPs), offer a targeted and effective approach by delivering multiple therapeutics and minimizing drug resistance. In this study, breast cancer-targeted pSiNPs co-loaded with an anticancer drug and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) were engineered. The combination of hyperthermia and chemotherapy using targeted pSiNPs showed higher cell-killing efficacy compared to monotherapy and a nontargeted system with combined therapeutics. These findings highlight the potential of targeted pSiNPs as a versatile platform for personalized medicine.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Muamer Dervisevic, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: Transdermal electrochemical sensors based on microneedle array with integrated conductive microcavities were developed to protect the sensing layer during insertion and removal from the skin. The platforms retain their functionality and sensitivity even after multiple skin applications. This approach has great potential in advancing transdermal sensing technology and providing reliable and cost-effective sensing devices.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(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
Chemistry, Analytical
Ziqiu Tong, Lars Esser, Peter Galettis, Helmut Thissen, David Rudd, Christopher D. Easton, Azadeh Nilghaz, Bo Peng, Douer Zhu, Jennifer H. Martin, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Summary: This paper explores the use of a synthetic fluoropolymer, Teflon(TM) AF 2400, to functionalize organ-on-chip systems, reducing the absorption of hydrophobic compounds. Using CBD as a test compound, the researchers quantified CBD absorption into PDMS and found that surface modification with the fluoropolymer significantly increased CBD signals. The study also demonstrated the compatibility of fluoropolymer-modified microchannels for cell culture and CBD perfusion experiments.
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.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Peije Russell, Christoph Eugen Hagemeyer, Lars Esser, Nicolas Hans Voelcker
Summary: Acute thrombosis and thromboembolisms are major global diseases, placing a huge burden on health and economic systems. Theranostic nanoparticle systems have the potential to improve patient outcomes, enabling personalized and precision medicine.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
James W. Maina, Jennifer M. Pringle, Joselito M. Razal, Stella Aslanoglou, Roey Elnathan, Nicolas H. Voelcker, Ludovic F. Dumee
Summary: Metal hollow nanostructures have great potential in energy storage and conversion due to their unique characteristics. However, fabricating such nanostructures has always been a challenge. This study presents a universal templating strategy for fabricating various metal hollow nanostructures. The electrocatalytic activity of these nanostructures for CO2 conversion is enhanced, demonstrating their effectiveness in energy storage and conversion applications.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Lin-Lin Luo, Jie Xu, Bing-Qiao Wang, Chen Chen, Xi Chen, Qiu-Mei Hu, Yu-Qiu Wang, Wan-Yun Zhang, Wan-Xiang Jiang, Xin-Ting Li, Hu Zhou, Xiao Xiao, Kai Zhao, Sen Lin
Summary: A novel AAV serotype, AAVYC5, introduced in this study, showed more efficient transduction into multiple retinal layers compared to AAV2, and enabled successful delivery of anti-angiogenic molecules in mice and non-human primates.
