Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Runnan Zhang, Shiqun Shao, Ying Piao, Jiajia Xiang, Xuyong Wei, Zhen Zhang, Zhuxian Zhou, Jianbin Tang, Nasha Qiu, Xiao Xu, Yanpeng Liu, Youqing Shen
Summary: This study reports the development of new lipid nanoparticles with high delivery efficiency and improved storage stability through the rational design and combinatorial synthesis of esterase-triggered decationizable quaternium lipid-like molecules. The optimized nanoparticles enable efficient mRNA transfection and selective induction of antigen-specific immune responses in the spleen.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iuliia Pilipenko, Olga Korovkina, Nina Gubina, Viktoria Ekimova, Anastasia Ishutinova, Evgenia Korzhikova-Vlakh, Tatiana Tennikova, Viktor Korzhikov-Vlakh
Summary: Messenger RNA (mRNA) holds promise as a therapeutic agent for disease treatment, and poly(lysine-co-isoleucine) polypeptides have been investigated as efficient carriers for mRNA delivery. The obtained copolymers showed high encapsulation efficacy, protection from degradation, and lower toxicity compared to other vectors, making them promising candidates for mRNA delivery applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Xuanyi He, Jing Wang, Yuqing Tang, Seok Theng Chiang, Tianzhen Han, Qi Chen, Chunxi Qian, Xiaoshuai Shen, Rongxiu Li, Xiangzhao Ai
Summary: The researchers systematically summarize the recent advances of spleen-targeting nanovaccines for immunotherapy, which can be internalized by antigen-presenting cells in the spleen to rapidly boost durable cellular and humoral immunity. This study emphasizes the design of innovative nanovaccines for enhanced immunotherapy of intractable diseases in the future.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ping Chen, Xi He, Yue Hu, Xiao-Li Tian, Xiao-Qi Yu, Ji Zhang
Summary: In recent years, the application of mRNA vaccine based tumor immunotherapy has shown potential in improving anti-tumor therapy. However, efficient delivery of mRNA and targeted delivery in vivo remain major challenges. To address this, researchers have developed amphiphilic carbon dots (ACDs) for mRNA delivery, bio-imaging, and tumor immunotherapy. The ACDs can bind with mRNA and form nanocomplexes, allowing for bio-imaging. Through screening, O12-Tta-CDs showed optimal mRNA transfection efficiency and spleen-targeted delivery. Furthermore, O12-Tta-CDs promoted immune cell transfection, dendritic cell maturation, and antigen presentation, leading to successful tumor growth inhibition and enhanced T-cell infiltration in mice. These findings offer promising strategies for mRNA vector design and tumor immunotherapy.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ping Chen, Xi He, Yue Hu, Xiao-Li Tian, Xiao-Qi Yu, Ji Zhang
Summary: In recent years, the application of mRNA vaccine-based tumor immunotherapy has shown potential in enhancing anti-tumor therapy. However, the low efficiency of mRNA delivery and lack of targeting ability in vivo have hindered its effectiveness. This study introduces a chemical library of amphiphilic carbon dots (ACDs) for mRNA delivery, bio-imaging, and tumor immunotherapy. A specific ACD, O12-Tta-CDs, was found to have optimal mRNA transfection efficiency and spleen-targeted delivery ability. Additionally, O12-Tta-CDs demonstrated successful transfection of immune cells and promotion of maturation and antigen presentation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Furthermore, treatment with O12-Tta-CDs@OVA-mRNA resulted in inhibited tumor growth, increased T-cell infiltration in spleen and tumors, and effective tumor recurrence inhibition and prophylactic effects. Overall, this study opens up new possibilities for the design of mRNA vectors and holds promise in tumor immunotherapy.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Yashavantha L. Vishweshwaraiah, Nikolay V. Dokholyan
Summary: Immunotherapy has emerged as a breakthrough in cancer treatment, and mRNA vaccines have shown great potential in cancer immunotherapy. Recent technological advances have accelerated the development and application of mRNA cancer vaccines. This review highlights various cancer vaccine platforms, focusing on nucleic acid vaccines, and discusses the design and delivery strategies for mRNA cancer vaccines, as well as the limitations and future challenges.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fazhan Wang, Meng Zhang, Meiling Tian, Jia Lou, Longze Pan, Xiaoke Gao, Lijing Zhang, Xiaohan Lou, Linyu Zhu, Yuqiao Sheng, Ming Wang, Rui Xue, Wenjing Deng, Shuai Shao, Zhihai Qin
Summary: Based on the metabolic behavior of long-chain saturated fatty acids, we developed fatty acid-doped lipid nanoparticles capable of mediating differential protein expressions in the liver and spleen. Using these spleen-selective nanoparticles for immunization in a mouse model showed enhanced antigen-specific T cell immune responses and potent immunotherapeutic and immunoprophylactic effects.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kelly R. Rhodes, Ariel Isser, John W. Hickey, Elana Ben-Akiva, Randall A. Meyer, Alyssa K. Kosmides, Natalie K. Livingston, Stephany Y. Tzeng, Jonathan P. Schneck, Jordan J. Green
Summary: Biomimetic biomaterials show promise in cancer immunotherapy by engaging the immune system to generate antitumor responses. By modulating the interface between biomaterial surfaces and target cells, enhanced biological functions can be achieved. Synthetic artificial antigen presenting cells have potential as a directly injectable acellular therapy in the future.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junyan Li, Yuanyuan Wu, Jian Xiang, Hairong Wang, Qi Zhuang, Ting Wei, Zhiqin Cao, Qingyang Gu, Zhuang Liu, Rui Peng
Summary: Scientists have synthesized F-PEI nanovaccine for mRNA delivery, which can induce dendritic cell maturation and trigger effective antigen presentation, leading to strong anti-tumor immune responses. This research provides a new tool for mRNA delivery, promising for personalized cancer vaccines as well as other mRNA-based immunotherapies.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ly Porosk, Heleri Heike Haerk, Piret Arukuusk, Uku Haljasorg, Part Peterson, Kaido Kurrikoff
Summary: mRNA-based therapeutics have great potential as preventive vaccines, but the challenge lies in delivering mRNA to non-hepatic tissues, such as the spleen and lymph nodes, in order to transition from preventive to therapeutic vaccines. This study discovered new cell-penetrating peptides NF424 and NF436 that can selectively deliver mRNA to the spleen without the need for active targeting mechanisms. The majority of mRNA expression occurs in dendritic cells within the spleen, making NF424 and NF436 promising candidates for cancer immunotherapeutic applications with tumor antigens.
Article
Immunology
Mariano Prado Acosta, Guillaume Goyette-Desjardins, Jorg Scheffel, Anne Dudeck, Jurgen Ruland, Bernd Lepenies
Summary: This study identified Mincle as a receptor for Lactobacillus brevis, modulating BMDCs functions by interacting with the S-layer. Mincle(-/-) BMDCs failed to maintain cytokine balance, leading to increased pro-inflammatory cytokines production and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines production. The Mincle/Syk/Card9 axis in APCs is crucial in host-microbiota interactions.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Alex G. Hamilton, Kelsey L. Swingle, Ryann A. Joseph, David Mai, Ningqiang Gong, Margaret M. Billingsley, Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh, Drew Weissman, Neil C. Sheppard, Carl H. June, Michael J. Mitchell
Summary: A ionizable lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform was developed for simultaneous therapeutic gene expression and RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated transient gene knockdown in T cells. Co-encapsulating mRNA and siRNA resulted in improved expression and knockdown characteristics compared to delivering either cargo alone. This platform was used to deliver CAR mRNA and siRNA targeting PD-1 to primary human T cells ex vivo, leading to strong CAR expression and PD-1 knockdown without apparent changes to overall T cell activation state. This delivery platform shows great promise for transient immune gene modulation in immunoengineering applications, including improved cancer immunotherapies.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aranit Harizaj, Mike Wels, Laurens Raes, Stephan Stremersch, Glenn Goetgeluk, Toon Brans, Bart Vandekerckhove, Felix Sauvage, Stefaan C. De Smedt, Ine Lentacker, Kevin Braeckmans
Summary: The study investigated the possibility of using biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles to form laser-induced vapor nanobubbles as an efficient means of photoporation. Compared to electroporation, photoporation sensitized by polydopamine nanoparticles showed better results for transfecting T cells.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yao Lu, Lihua Li, Jingwen Du, Jieli Chen, Xingyi Xu, Xianfeng Yang, Changhai Ding, Chuanbin Mao
Summary: In this study, biomimetic artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) were developed using ultrathin MnOx nanoparticles functionalized with T-cell activators and tumor cell membranes to enhance lung metastasis immunotherapy. These aAPCs efficiently expanded and activated intratumoral CD8(+) T cells and dendritic cells, while regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) to facilitate T-cell survival.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Annelies C. Wauters, Jari F. Scheerstra, Irma G. Vermeijlen, Roel Hammink, Marjolein Schluck, Laura Woythe, Hanglong Wu, Lorenzo Albertazzi, Carl G. Figdor, Jurjen Tel, Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen, Jan C. M. van Hest
Summary: This study systematically investigated the topological effects of polymersome-based aAPCs on T cell activation. The results showed that high ligand density and larger size of polymersomes enhance T cell activation. Furthermore, elongated polymersomes were found to be more effective in activating T cells compared to spherical or smaller counterparts.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Daniel Carbajo, Yolanda Perez, Marta Guerra-Rebollo, Eva Prats, Jordi Bujons, Ignacio Alfonso
Summary: Dynamic combinatorial chemistry is used to optimize heparin binders with submicromolar affinity. The interaction between these binders and heparin is studied using various experimental and theoretical approaches, and the potential use of these binders as heparin reversal drugs is demonstrated in ex vivo and in vivo assays.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Patricia Gimenez-Barrera, Sergi Colominas, Salvador Borros
Summary: Despite numerous studies on the degradation of ductile metals in cultural heritage, there is still a lack of standardized restoration protocols. Traditional restoration methods such as chemical cleaning and electrochemical treatments often cause aggressive damage to the metal surface. In this research, a cold plasma design is proposed as a minimally invasive approach to restore ductile metals. The effectiveness of this technique was demonstrated through corrosion models created on lead samples and analyzed using various characterization techniques, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
PLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Oiane Ruiz de Azua, Nuria Agullo, Jordi Arbusa, Salvador Borros
Summary: This study investigated the influence of formulation stoichiometry on the glass transition temperature (Tg) and mechanical properties of epoxy adhesives through DSC, DMA, rheometer, and tensile and shear strength testing. The results showed that an excess of epoxy resin combined with a complex curing system can undergo homopolymerization reaction at room temperature, resulting in an increase in Tg up to 70 degrees C. However, as the excess of epoxy resin is increased, the gel time becomes slower. In terms of mechanical properties, an excess of epoxy resin provides a tighter and tougher material while maintaining the flexibility of the stoichiometric formulation to enhance resistance to impact, thermal shock, and thermal cycling.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Robert Texido, Gloria Nieva-Esteve, Joan Gilabert-Porres, Guillermo Reyes, Salvador Borros
Summary: This article introduces a fabrication method for a strain sensor based on silver microplates. The sensor exhibits high stretchability, high conductivity, good linearity, and high sensitivity. It is capable of measuring very small deformations, even in dynamic range. Furthermore, this technology expands the potential applications of wearable electronic devices.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria Navalon-Lopez, Aurora Dols-Perez, Santiago Grijalvo, Cristina Fornaguera, Salvador Borros
Summary: Oligopeptide end-modified poly(beta-amino ester)s (OM-pBAEs) offer a means for effective gene therapeutics with high transfection efficacy, low toxicity, precise targeting, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Understanding the role and conformation of each component in OM-pBAE/polynucleotide nanoparticles is crucial for the development and improvement of gene delivery vehicles.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ana Canas-Gutierrez, Lenka Toro, Cristina Fornaguera, Salvador Borros, Marlon Osorio, Cristina Castro-Herazo, David Arboleda-Toro
Summary: The aim of this study was to mimic natural bone composition, structure, and biomechanical properties by mineralizing three-dimensional microporous bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). BNC scaffolds with different pore sizes and porous interconnectivity were prepared by incorporating porogen particles during BNC fermentation and depositing calcium phosphates (CPs) in five immersion cycles. The surface crystals on the BNC scaffolds were rod-shaped, with a calcium phosphate ratio similar to immature bone and increased in size with an increasing number of cycles. The main mineral phase observed was octacalcium dihydrogen hexakis phosphate (V) pentahydrate (OCP). In vitro studies showed good cellular adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation on the scaffolds.
Article
Polymer Science
Joaquim M. Rius-Bartra, Norma Ferrer-Serrano, Nuria Agullo, Salvador Borros
Summary: Flexible capacitive sensors based on silicone rubber are important in both academic and industrial fields due to their advantages, but they require dielectric additives to enhance electrical properties, which also increase Young's modulus. Liquid silicone rubbers are commonly used in academia, but compromise mechanical integrity, while high-consistency silicone rubbers maintain mechanical integrity but have limited use in dielectrics. This paper explores the potential of vinyl-terminated HCR for developing dielectric composites with high electromechanical response while retaining mechanical and processability properties.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Carles Bofill-Bonet, Maria Gil-Vives, Margalida Artigues, Marta Hernandez, Salvador Borros, Cristina Fornaguera
Summary: This study focuses on controlling the biodistribution of doxorubicin in polymeric nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy. By varying the salt concentrations in the template emulsion, the loading of doxorubicin can be controlled, and the resulting nanoparticles exhibit exceptional internalization properties.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
E. Serra, J. O. Pou, X. Berzosa, R. Gonzalez-Olmos, S. Borros
Summary: Professors Rosa Nomen and Julia Sempere from IQS, Universitat Ramon Llull, have made significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering, particularly in the areas of process safety and environmental protection. Their research has focused on understanding chemical reactions, their safety, and kinetics through thermal analysis and calorimetry. They have also worked on developing new methodologies for industrial safety and implementing flow chemistry for sustainable and safer production of specialty chemicals. Moreover, they have contributed to the advancement of adsorption-based carbon capture technologies to minimize the environmental impact of the chemical industry.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Aparna Loecher, Michael Bruyns-Haylett, Pedro J. Ballester, Salvador Borros, Nuria Oliva
Summary: The delivery efficiency of genetic material to cells is limited by the carrier system. Poly-beta-amino esters (pBAEs) are promising polymer-based vectors that can improve cell membrane uptake and gene delivery. However, the optimal formulation for high uptake in a new cell line requires trial and error. Therefore, machine learning models, such as gradient-boosted trees and neural networks, were trained to predict cellular internalisation of pBAE polyplexes.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Fornaguera, Antoni Torres-Coll, Laura Olmo, Coral Garcia-Fernandez, Marta Guerra-Rebollo, Salvador Borros
Summary: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of death worldwide, and current standard of care has limitations in terms of efficacy and safety. Targeted therapies that modify specific subcellular routes aberrantly expressed in tumor cells, such as siRNA delivery, could provide a promising solution. This study demonstrates that oligopeptide end-modified poly(beta aminoester) (OM-pBAE) polymers can efficiently encapsulate siRNA, protecting it from degradation and allowing for targeted delivery to tumor cells. These nanoparticles are stable in the presence of serum and have shown efficacy in inhibiting lung tumor cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. The addition of anisamide functionalization further enhances the selectivity of the nanoparticles to lung tumor cells. Overall, this research represents a significant step towards developing a targeted nanotherapy for improving survival in NSCLC patients.
