Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Keisuke Ueda, Yui Sakagawa, Tomoki Saito, Taiki Fujimoto, Misaki Nakamura, Fumie Sakuma, Shun Kaneko, Taisei Tokumoto, Koki Nishimura, Junpei Takeda, Yuta Arai, Katsuhiko Yamamoto, Yukihiro Ikeda, Kenjirou Higashi, Kunikazu Moribe
Summary: H-1 NMR relaxometry was used to analyze the molecular-level structure of siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and investigate the impact of neutral lipids on LNP properties. Incorporating DSPC and cholesterol in ionizable lipid-based LNPs decreased the molecular mobility of ionizable lipids and contributed to the stacked bilayer structure of siRNA and ionizable lipids, leading to increased siRNA encapsulation efficiency. NMR relaxometry also revealed that incorporating neutral lipids enhanced PEG chain flexibility at the LNP interface. However, excessive amounts of DSPC and cholesterol resulted in the formation of deformed particles and demixing cholesterol within the LNP, respectively. It was concluded that NMR-based analysis is a powerful tool for designing and controlling LNP formulations based on molecular-level characterization.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Priyanka Priyadarshani Samal, Shakkira Erimban, Samridhi Patel, Nishant Kumar, Himangshu Paul, Girish Chandra, Puneet Mishra, Snehasis Daschakraborty, Alpana Nayak
Summary: Molecular self-assembly is an important tool for the fabrication of nanoscale devices. In this study, the interfacial self-assembly of an alkylated azobenzene molecule was investigated using surface manometry and molecular dynamics simulation. The results showed the formation of a stable and reversible monolayer at the air-water interface, with a phase transition from a liquid expanded phase to a liquid condensed phase. The molecular dynamics simulation revealed the dominance of hydrogen bonding in the molecule-molecule interaction in the condensed phase.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Asma El Aoud, Emmanuelle Reboul, Aurelien Dupont, Cristelle Meriadec, Franck Artzner, Sebastien Marze
Summary: This study investigated structural transitions in intestinal assemblies containing bile components, dietary fat, and fat-soluble vitamins. Results showed that increasing dietary lipid concentration led to a transition from core-shell micelles to unilamellar vesicles, while increasing fat-soluble vitamin concentration induced various structural transitions in the assemblies. SAXS data was used to propose ideal molecular organizations for the assemblies with and without alpha-tocopherol.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Angelina Angelova, Borislav Angelov, Markus Drechsler, Thomas Bizien, Yulia E. Gorshkova, Yuru Deng
Summary: The study explores the self-assembly of long-chain PUFA plasmalogens with other lipid mixtures to form nanostructures, providing new insights for the development of nanomedicines for certain diseases.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Ondrej Dlouhy, Vaclav Karlicky, Rameez Arshad, Otto Zsiros, Ildiko Domonkos, Irena Kurasova, Andras F. Wacha, Tomas Morosinotto, Attila Bota, Roman Kouril, Vladimir Spunda, Gyozo Garab
Summary: In this study, different lipid phases in thylakoid membranes were identified through P-31-NMR spectroscopy, and the functional roles and origins of these lipid phases were investigated through spectroscopic measurements and ultrastructure inspection of membrane fragments. The results showed minimal effects of lipase or thermal treatments on the photosynthetic machinery, with TM fragments re-sealing and retaining impermeabilities. The presence of non-bilayer lipids may play a role in the self-assembly of the highly organized yet dynamic TM network in chloroplasts.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Maddalena Sguizzato, Markus Drechsler, Anna Baldisserotto, Rita Cortesi, Elisabetta Esposito
Summary: The study investigated the use of monoolein aqueous dispersions (MADs) as delivery systems for antioxidant molecules AP and AT. Results showed that MAD-AP and MAD-AT exhibited good performance in terms of size and antioxidant activity. The study demonstrated that MADs could be potentially used as effective delivery systems for antioxidant supplementation in dietary or cosmetic fields.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Wu, Miora Rakotoarisoa, Borislav Angelov, Yuru Deng, Angelina Angelova
Summary: This article highlights the development of nanoscale materials for drug delivery in neurodegenerative disorders. It focuses on the application of nanoformulations for the delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and discusses the advantages of self-assembled soft-matter nanoscale materials in neuroprotection. Additionally, it mentions the potential application in the recovery study of long-term COVID-19 neurological complications.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thelma Akanchise, Angelina Angelova
Summary: Long-term neurological complications, referred to as long COVID syndrome, include symptoms such as prolonged fatigue, memory deficits, headache, and anxiety, which continue for several months after severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are believed to be the dominant mechanisms in the pathophysiology of this syndrome. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are important factors in the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Antioxidant therapies have potential, but their bioavailability and transport to targeted tissues are limited. Nanocarriers can enhance antioxidant bioavailability, and phytochemical antioxidants and neuroprotective agents show promise in therapeutic strategies for neuroregeneration. Nanoparticle-mediated drug-delivery systems are highlighted for addressing the challenges of antioxidants in managing and preventing neurological disorders associated with long COVID sequelae.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kateryna Biliak, Daniil Nikitin, Suren Ali-Ogly, Mariia Protsak, Pavel Pleskunov, Marco Tosca, Anastasiya Sergievskaya, David Cornil, Jerome Cornil, Stephanos Konstantinidis, Tereza Kosutova, Zulfiya Cernochova, Petr Stepanek, Jan Hanus, Jaroslav Kousal, Lenka Hanykova, Ivan Krakovsky, Andrei Choukourov
Summary: The optical response of plasmonic nanofluids can be tailored by changing the shape, size, concentration, and material of nanoparticles (NPs) or by mixing different types of NPs. In this study, an inverse system of non-aqueous nanofluids was introduced, where Ag and Cu NPs were dispersed in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) without any solvents or chemicals. The results showed that NPs could efficiently diffuse into PEG without the presence of solvents or chemical residues.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariaconcetta Sicurella, Walter Pula, Karolina Musial, Katarzyna Cieslik-Boczula, Maddalena Sguizzato, Agnese Bondi, Markus Drechsler, Leda Montesi, Elisabetta Esposito, Peggy Marconi
Summary: This study investigated the use of an ethosome gel loaded with dimethyl fumarate as a potential treatment for HSV-1 infections. The study evaluated the effect of drug concentration on size distribution and stability of ethosomes and demonstrated the antiviral activity of the gel. The results showed that the gel effectively reduced viral growth and was safe for use on the skin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Thelma Akanchise, Angelina Angelova
Summary: Coronavirus infections can lead to central nervous system (CNS) injury and long-term consequences. Phytochemicals like Ginkgo biloba have attracted interest in the management of long COVID due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb) contains bioactive ingredients with various medicinal effects, including cognitive improvement. Nanotherapies using nanoparticle drug delivery approaches can overcome challenges in antioxidant therapies for neuroprotection.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haitao Yu, Angelina Angelova, Borislav Angelov, Brendan Dyett, Lauren Matthews, Yiran Zhang, Mohamad El Mohamad, Xudong Cai, Sepideh Valimehr, Calum J. Drummond, Jiali Zhai
Summary: This study provides important insights into the role of ionisable amino-lipids in the encapsulation and release of RNA in lipid nanoparticles for COVID-19 vaccines. The structural transitions and formation kinetics of ionisable lipids are revealed, which can help optimize the design of lipid nanoparticles for efficient RNA delivery.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Monika Holubova, Juraj Kronek, Shubhashis Datta, Volodymyr Lobaz, Jirina Hromadkova, Petr Stepanek, Martin Hruby
Summary: This study investigated the inhibitory effects of a novel copolymer on amyloid formation and found that some gradient copolymers showed potent inhibitory effects. These copolymers may inhibit amyloid formation by interacting with the ends of amyloid fibrils instead of isolated protein molecules in solution. These findings suggest the potential use of these gradient copolymers as therapeutic agents for amyloidoses.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Volodymyr Lobaz, Veronika Liscakova, Frantisek Sedlak, Dominik Musil, Svetlana Lukas Petrova, Ivana Sedenkova, Jiri Panek, Jan Kucka, Rafal Konefal, Eva Tihlarikova, Vilem Nedela, Jan Pankrac, Ludek Sefc, Martin Hruby, Pavel Sacha, Petr Stepanek
Summary: Polymeric carriers coupled with cell membrane receptors can create a high concentration of ligands on the cell surface, which is beneficial for bioactivity. The affinity of these carriers to cell membranes can be tuned by adjusting the hydrophobicity of the polymer molecule. Additionally, polymers with longer hydrophobic blocks exhibit prolonged circulation time.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maddalena Sguizzato, Francesca Ferrara, Markus Drechsler, Anna Baldisserotto, Leda Montesi, Stefano Manfredini, Giuseppe Valacchi, Rita Cortesi
Summary: In this study, two different lipid-based nanosystems (Transferosomes and Monoolein Aqueous Dispersions) were compared as delivery systems for Ferulic Acid (FA) in topical application. The results showed that LBNs with poloxamer 188 effectively controlled the release of the drug, but the non-ionic surfactant type affected the release rate. Patch tests on human subjects demonstrated the safety of all LBN formulations applied under occlusive conditions for 48 hours. Skin biopsies suggested that TFs and MADs might protect against structural skin damage and oxidative environment induced by O3 exposure.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Wu, Borislav Angelov, Yuru Deng, Takehiko Fujino, Md Shamim Hossain, Markus Drechsler, Angelina Angelova
Summary: Phosphorylated CREB plays a crucial role in preventing and regenerating neurological disorders, and the use of liquid crystalline lipid-peptide nanoparticles as delivery systems enhances its activity, thus enabling more efficient use of nanomedicines in neuroregeneration.
COMMUNICATIONS CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Maddalena Sguizzato, Alessia Pepe, Anna Baldisserotto, Riccardo Barbari, Leda Montesi, Markus Drechsler, Paolo Mariani, Rita Cortesi
Summary: In this study, gels based on xanthan gum and poloxamer 407 were developed to deliver natural antioxidant molecules. Niosomes composed of Span 20 or Tween 20 were produced, and their effects on the release of active ingredients were evaluated. The use of poloxamer micellar hydration phase and Span 20 resulted in lower release rates. The gels based on poloxamer 407 had better spreadability, while those based on xanthan gum showed higher adhesiveness.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Wu, Angelina Angelova
Summary: The lack of effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases is a major concern. Lipid nanoparticles can deliver active molecules to target different mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Strategies utilizing lipid nanoparticles and cell-penetrating peptides can extend drug residence time and bioavailability. Additionally, neuroprotective molecules can be used to regulate targeting pathways in neurodegenerative disorders.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wali Inam, Rajendra Bhadane, Rukiye Nur Akpolat, Rifahul Abrar Taiseer, Sergey K. Filippov, Outi M. H. Salo-Ahen, Jessica M. Rosenholm, Hongbo Zhang
Summary: Zeta potential is an important parameter for characterizing nanoparticles, which is influenced by the presence of buffer solutions. Buffers can alter the electrokinetic properties of nanoparticles through specific molecular interactions. A thorough understanding of buffer-nanoparticle interactions is necessary for accurate zeta potential measurements.
