Article
Biochemical Research Methods
David A. Close, Paul A. Johnston
Summary: In solid tumors, hypoxia has significant clinical consequences and affects treatment efficacy. However, current two-dimensional culture methods do not accurately replicate the hypoxic conditions. This study used a novel probe in live multicellular tumor spheroid cultures to identify and quantify hypoxia levels in head and neck cancer. The results showed that hypoxia-activated prodrugs had smaller cytotoxic effects in multicellular tumor spheroids compared to two-dimensional cultures. Therefore, it is recommended to use physiologically relevant three-dimensional models for preclinical cancer drug discovery.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jie Wei, Kaiwei Dai, Kemeng Yang, Pengchen Zhu, Jie Li, Zhaoji Li, Bo Zhang, Xiaorong Luo
Summary: A novel fast-switching, low loss silicon-on-insulator (SOI) lateral insulated gate bipolar transistor (LIGBT) with a recombination electrode (RE) and U-shaped P-regions (UP) at the anode and cathode side (UPRE LIGBT) is proposed and studied by simulation. The UPRE LIGBT demonstrates a superior tradeoff relationship between the ON-state voltage drop (VON) and the turn-off delay time (E-OFF) by depleting the N-region under the RE and providing an electron path for recombination. Furthermore, the cathode side UP enhances the latch-up immunity and improves the short-circuit (SC) withstanding time.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRON DEVICES
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Qiu-hong Tan, Yu-qing Huang, Xiao-cong Liu, Lin Liu, Kenneth Lo, Ji-yan Chen, Ying-qing Feng
Summary: This study found a U-shaped association between serum selenium concentration with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The risks of all-cause and cardiovascular death were lower in the Q3 group, with nadir mortality values occurring at serum selenium concentrations of 136 μg/L and 130 μg/L, respectively.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
Lizhong Song, Kui Gao, Quanmin Liu, Linya Liu, Qingsong Feng
Summary: This study investigates the structure-borne noise characteristics of U-shaped girder bridges (USGBs) with fully-enclosed sound barriers (FESBs) using the fast multipole boundary element method (FMBEM). The analysis model is validated through a noise field test of a simply-supported concrete USGB. The study examines the noise radiation characteristics of the USGB-FESB system and analyzes the impacts of sound barrier type and bridge type on these characteristics.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Keita Kitamura, Kenta Umehara, Ryo Ito, Yoshiyuki Yamaura, Takafumi Komori, Hanae Morio, Hidetaka Akita, Tomomi Furihata
Summary: This study developed a human conditionally immortalized cell-based multicellular spheroidal BBB (hiMCS-BBB) model, demonstrating protein expression of cellular junction and BBB-enriched transporter genes in HBMEC/cil8 cells. Permeability assays showed barrier functions against dextran (5 and 70kDa) and rhodamine123 in the hiMCS-BBB model, while facilitation of 2-NBDG uptake was observed. Furthermore, inflammatory response in HBMEC/ci18 cells suggests that BBB inflammation can be recapitulated in this model.
BIOLOGICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Mariam Rado, Brian Flepisi, David Fisher
Summary: This study investigated the modulatory effects of glioblastoma on brain endothelial cells. The results showed that hypoxic and normoxic glioblastoma secretions differentially suppressed mitochondrial activity in brain endothelial cells and increased barrier permeability.
Article
Biology
Ryuto Isogai, Hanae Morio, Ayaka Okamoto, Keita Kitamura, Tomomi Furihata
Summary: This study introduces a method for developing a BBB spheroidal model using human cell lines, which is simple and does not require special equipment or techniques. It not only facilitates the sharing of BBB models among the community but also provides technical clues for the development of similar models using other cell sources.
Article
Thermodynamics
Taranjeet Sachdev, Vivek Gaba, Anil Kr Tiwari
Summary: The study analyzed the application of a novel solar air heater for freshwater production and agriculture drying, showing that it is suitable for desalination and drying of agricultural products. The results indicate that the heater is suitable for household requirements and small-scale industrial purposes in coastal areas.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kimberley Clack, Narshone Soda, Surasak Kasetsirikul, Rabbee G. G. Mahmudunnabi, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky
Summary: Liquid biopsy is a significant advancement in the early detection of cancer, as it offers painless sampling through easily accessible bodily fluids and eliminates the need for specialized equipment or trained staff. Nanotechnology and microfabrication have enabled the development of highly precise chip-based platforms, which can detect multiple cancer biomarkers simultaneously and overcome detection limitations. This review highlights the major advances in portable and semi-portable micro, nano, and multiplexed platforms for circulating cancer biomarker detection, discusses the merits and drawbacks of these platforms, and addresses the challenges and future directions in terms of device portability.
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Xiangxun Chen, Yuao Wu, Van Thanh Dau, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hang Thu Ta
Summary: Biological drugs (BDs) have become increasingly important in treating various diseases, but their effectiveness is limited by challenges in administration, delivery, stability, and degradation. Nanotechnology, specifically polymeric nanomaterials, is being used to overcome these limitations. This review examines recent articles on manufacturing methods for encapsulating BDs in polymeric materials and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of different strategies, such as emulsification, nanoprecipitation, self-encapsulation, and coaxial electrospraying. The impact of critical synthesis parameters on BD activity, such as sonication, is also explored, along with future challenges and perspectives for scale-up production and clinical translation.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Aditya Vashi, Kamalalayam Rajan Sreejith, Nam-Trung Nguyen
Summary: Gravity is crucial for the development of life on earth. Reduced gravity experiments are usually conducted in the International Space Station, but its challenges have led to the development of ground-based devices and methods. However, more attention and research are still needed for the advantages of space conditions in developing new drugs, vaccines, and chemical applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bishal Boro, Ratul Paul, Hui Ling Tan, Quang Thang Trinh, Jabor Rabeah, Chia-Che Chang, Chih-Wen Pao, Wen Liu, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Binh Khanh Mai, John Mondal
Summary: In this study, a unique metalated porous organic polymer was synthesized using a cost-effective approach, and it exhibited superior catalytic performance for low-temperature reactions in water. The polymer addressed some drawbacks of conventional catalytic systems.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Cong Thanh Nguyen, Dinh Gia Ninh, Tuan-Hung Nguyen, Trung-Hieu Vu, Dang D. H. Tran, Braiden Tong, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Van Thanh Dau, Dzung Viet Dao
Summary: This paper presents a new self-powered mechanical sensing technology based on vertical piezo-optoelectronic coupling. By applying mechanical stress or strain to the 3C-SiC/Si heterojunction, the photogenerated voltage can be changed. Experimental results demonstrate a highly linear relationship between strain and vertical photovoltage, increasing under tensile strain and decreasing under compressive strain. The proposed technology exhibits significantly larger strain sensitivities compared to lateral piezo-optoelectronic couplings reported in literature. The enhancement in strain sensitivity opens up possibilities for the development of ultra-sensitive and self-powered mechanical sensors.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thanh-An Truong, Tuan Khoa Nguyen, Xinghao Huang, Aditya Ashok, Sharda Yadav, Yoonseok Park, Mai Thanh Thai, Nhat-Khuong Nguyen, Hedieh Fallahi, Shuhua Peng, Sima Dimitrijev, Yi-Chin Toh, Yusuke Yamauchi, Chun Hui Wang, Nigel Hamilton Lovell, John Ashley Rogers, Thanh Nho Do, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hangbo Zhao, Hoang-Phuong Phan
Summary: A stamping-free micromachining process is used to realize 3D flexible and stretchable wide bandgap electronics. Photolithography is applied on both sides of free-standing nanomembranes to create flexible structures directly on standard silicon wafers, allowing control over optical transparency and mechanical properties. The detachment and controlled mechanical buckling of the devices transform 2D wide bandgap semiconductors into complex 3D structures. This advancement in wide bandgap materials with 3D architectures will greatly facilitate the development of advanced 3D bio-electronics interfaces.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Helena H. W. B. Hansen, Haotian Cha, Lingxi Ouyang, Jun Zhang, Bo Jin, Helen Stratton, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hongjie An
Summary: Nanobubbles, suspended gaseous entities in liquids, have versatile biomedical applications such as aiding in drug delivery, serving as imaging agents, and allowing controlled and targeted delivery. This review provides an overview of their preparation, characterization, current research focuses, and their potential impact on the future of biomedicine.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Vinay Kumar, Van Thanh Dau, Zia Javanbakht, Andrew Seagar, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Peter Woodfield
Summary: The magnetic body force is crucial for modeling convection in ferrofluids, but there is no consensus on the formulation of this term in recent literature. We present an updated derivation of the body force directly from the Lorentz force and Maxwell's equations. By comparing with other formulations, we find that the calculated body force differs by a factor of about four for a susceptibility of the order of 1, greatly affecting thermomagnetic convection predictions for a heated microwire.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Tanzena Tanny, Mohamed Sallam, Narshone Soda, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Mobashwer Alam, Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky
Summary: The CRISPR/Cas system is an effective diagnostic tool for agricultural pathogens, providing high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid assay time. It is suitable for diagnosing plant pathogens and identifying genetically modified crops.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cong Minh Nguyen, Mohamed Sallam, Md Sajedul Islam, Kimberley Clack, Narshone Soda, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky
Summary: Playing a critical role in fetal growth and development, the placenta serves as the interface between fetal and maternal circulation. Placental exosomes, small membrane-bound extracellular vesicles released by the placenta during pregnancy, contain biomolecules that can potentially be biomarkers for maternal diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated the usefulness of placental exosomes in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, suggesting their potential as new biomarkers in liquid biopsy analysis. This review provides an overview of the biological function of placental exosomes, their potential as biomarkers for maternal diseases, and the current barriers and future directions in exosome isolation, characterization, and detection techniques. Additionally, microfluidic devices for exosome research are discussed.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Akriti Nepal, Huong D. N. Tran, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hang Thu Ta
Summary: In traumatized patients, uncontrollable continuous bleeding and unexpected intraoperative bleeding are the primary causes of mortality, increasing the risk of complications and surgical failure. Haemostatic sponges, with their high liquid absorption ratio, are an effective clinical practice for treating various types of wound bleeding. When in contact with blood, they can cause platelet adhesion, aggregation, and thrombosis, achieving the goal of wound bleeding control.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Binura Perera, Yuao Wu, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hang Thu Ta
Summary: Atherosclerosis, the main cause of cardiovascular diseases, is difficult to effectively treat in the later stages. Nanomaterials and nanoparticle-mediated therapies provide a targeted and controlled release of therapeutics, which can effectively resolve atherosclerotic plaque.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Haotian Cha, Yuchen Dai, Helena H. W. B. Hansen, Lingxi Ouyang, Xiangxun Chen, Xiaoyue Kang, Hongjie An, Hang Thu Ta, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Jun Zhang
Summary: Inertial microfluidics utilizes fluid inertia to manipulate particles and cells in a simple and precise manner. This study introduces an innovative way to adjust inertial focusing by embedding asymmetrical obstacle microstructures, resulting in unilateral focusing. The influence of obstacle size and asymmetrical patterns on unilateral inertial focusing is characterized, and this approach is successfully applied for the separation of particles and cancer cells from white blood cells.
CYBORG AND BIONIC SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fariba Malekpour Galogahi, Melody Christie, Ajeet Singh Yadav, Hongjie An, Helen Stratton, Nam-Trung Nguyen
Summary: In this study, a core-shell particle was developed as a protective framework for DNA, with potential applications in digital PCR. Liquid beads, specifically core-shell particles with liquid cores, were generated using a high-throughput and facile flow-focusing microfluidic device, providing precise control over process parameters and particle characteristics. The experimental results demonstrated that the liquid beads formulated using this technique can amplify encapsulated DNA and be used for digital PCR without interfering with the fluorescence signal.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nhat-Khuong Nguyen, Du Tuan Tran, Ann Chuang, Pradip Singha, Gregor Kijanka, Michele Burford, Chin Hong Ooi, Nam-Trung Nguyen
Summary: This paper demonstrates the use of a transparent liquid marble as a micro-photobioreactor for microalgal culture, showing significant improvement in culture yield compared to conventional culture flasks. The liquid marble platform provides a 30-fold increase in maximum cell density, opening up new possibilities for various applications.
REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)