Pub Date : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102788
Xingyue Chen , Jiachen Lu , Zhaojun Wu , Haopeng Zhang , Wei Zheng , Huanghe Zeng , Dongbiao Chang , Jie Weng , Jinsheng Li , Tailin Guo
Severe burn wounds are characterized by epithelial disruption and persistent inflammation, which impede re-epithelialization and heighten susceptibility to bacterial colonization and invasion, thereby posing serious clinical risks. To address these challenges, we developed an innovative smart hydrogel (Ag-IMP-U@Cur), in which uridine (U) is incorporated as a backbone-forming component via reversible boronate ester bonds with phenylboronic acid, thereby endowing the hydrogel with dual functions of acidic microenvironment responsiveness and promotion of re-epithelialization. The Ag-IMP complex serves as a structural scaffold that reinforces the network stability, while the combination of Ag-IMP and Cur-loaded ZIF-8 (Cur-ZIF-8) imparts controlled-release, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that this hydrogel markedly suppresses infection and inflammation while accelerating wound closure. Collectively, this work introduces an innovative strategy that integrates a nucleoside unit, metal ions, and a phytochemical into a responsive multifunctional hydrogel, offering a promising therapeutic avenue for severe burn injuries.
{"title":"Infection protection, immune regulation and epithelial regeneration trifunctional hydrogel for treatment of burn wounds","authors":"Xingyue Chen , Jiachen Lu , Zhaojun Wu , Haopeng Zhang , Wei Zheng , Huanghe Zeng , Dongbiao Chang , Jie Weng , Jinsheng Li , Tailin Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102788","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102788","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Severe burn wounds are characterized by epithelial disruption and persistent inflammation, which impede re-epithelialization and heighten susceptibility to bacterial colonization and invasion, thereby posing serious clinical risks. To address these challenges, we developed an innovative smart hydrogel (Ag-IMP-U@Cur), in which uridine (U) is incorporated as a backbone-forming component via reversible boronate ester bonds with phenylboronic acid, thereby endowing the hydrogel with dual functions of acidic microenvironment responsiveness and promotion of re-epithelialization. The Ag-IMP complex serves as a structural scaffold that reinforces the network stability, while the combination of Ag-IMP and Cur-loaded ZIF-8 (Cur-ZIF-8) imparts controlled-release, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that this hydrogel markedly suppresses infection and inflammation while accelerating wound closure. Collectively, this work introduces an innovative strategy that integrates a nucleoside unit, metal ions, and a phytochemical into a responsive multifunctional hydrogel, offering a promising therapeutic avenue for severe burn injuries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18310,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Bio","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 102788"},"PeriodicalIF":10.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145948007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102758
Jiabin Xu , Peiyu Tang , Xiaoyi Sun , Yihan Song , Kaili Lin , Shan Jiang , Changyong Yuan
Inflammatory bowel disease is a global widespread condition that significantly reduces patients' quality of life. Conventional oral therapies suffer from poor site-specific targeting, systemic absorption, and limited drug stability, leading to reduced efficacy and adverse effects. Smart drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges by leveraging stimuli-responsive mechanisms, including internal triggers (pH, reactive oxygen species, enzymes, receptors and microbiota) and external stimuli (magnetic fields, light, ultrasound and temperature). These advanced platforms enable precise, localized drug release, enhancing therapeutic efficacy, minimizing systemic toxicity, and improving patient compliance. Preclinical studies highlight their potential in prolonging remission and promoting mucosal healing. As research progresses, further optimization of formulation design, clinical validation, and addressing interpatient variability will be essential for translating these innovative drug delivery systems into effective clinical applications for IBD management. Herein, we summarize and discuss the rational design of smart oral drug delivery systems for IBD treatment, highlighting their mechanisms, therapeutic advantages, and current challenges. The potential clinical applications, along with existing limitations and future directions for optimizing these advanced delivery platforms, are also clarified.
{"title":"Targeting IBD treatment: smart drug delivery systems for oral administration","authors":"Jiabin Xu , Peiyu Tang , Xiaoyi Sun , Yihan Song , Kaili Lin , Shan Jiang , Changyong Yuan","doi":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102758","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102758","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Inflammatory bowel disease is a global widespread condition that significantly reduces patients' quality of life. Conventional oral therapies suffer from poor site-specific targeting, systemic absorption, and limited drug stability, leading to reduced efficacy and adverse effects. Smart drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges by leveraging stimuli-responsive mechanisms, including internal triggers (pH, reactive oxygen species, enzymes, receptors and microbiota) and external stimuli (magnetic fields, light, ultrasound and temperature). These advanced platforms enable precise, localized drug release, enhancing therapeutic efficacy, minimizing systemic toxicity, and improving patient compliance. Preclinical studies highlight their potential in prolonging remission and promoting mucosal healing. As research progresses, further optimization of formulation design, clinical validation, and addressing interpatient variability will be essential for translating these innovative drug delivery systems into effective clinical applications for IBD management. Herein, we summarize and discuss the rational design of smart oral drug delivery systems for IBD treatment, highlighting their mechanisms, therapeutic advantages, and current challenges. The potential clinical applications, along with existing limitations and future directions for optimizing these advanced delivery platforms, are also clarified.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18310,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Bio","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 102758"},"PeriodicalIF":10.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145948008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102781
Jing Li , Mengyuan Hou , Run Wang , Meng Li , Junying Chen , Minxuan Ge , Yachen Fei , Xianling Gao , Chengdong Zhang , Jin Zhong , Shuangying Gui , Mengjie Li , Jinghua Hao , Jian Guo
Periodontitis is a chronic oral disease characterized by gingival inflammation and periodontium injury due to repeated pathogenic bacteria infection and overactive inflammatory response. Multidrug resistance and the quick loss of antibiotics in the oral cavity create challenges for treatment. Therefore, a novel non-antibiotic-dependent pharmaceutical strategy is crucial for clinical treatment of periodontitis. In this study, we developed a lipid complex-in-thermogel delivery system (IQ-ML@Gel) co-loading the photosensitizer of indocyanine green and the immunomodulator of quercetin. IQ-ML@Gel could stably adhere in the periodontal pocket through liquid-solid transformation in situ. In vitro studies confirmed the efficient elimination of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum by multimodal photothermal/photodynamic effects. Notably, IQ-ML displayed rapid macrophage uptake and an immunomodulatory effect through M1-M2 phenotypic polarization. In in vivo periodontitis treatment, IQ-ML@Gel effectively reverses the inflammatory microenvironment to promote periodontal tissue repair, including stimulating the regeneration of gingival collagen and alveolar bone. Overall, IQ-ML@Gel provides a promising non-antibiotic lipid complex-in-thermogel platform for periodontitis treatment.
{"title":"Non-antibiotic lipid complex-in-thermogel strikes twice: multimodal photosensitive antibacterial meets immunomodulation-boosted healing for periodontitis treatment","authors":"Jing Li , Mengyuan Hou , Run Wang , Meng Li , Junying Chen , Minxuan Ge , Yachen Fei , Xianling Gao , Chengdong Zhang , Jin Zhong , Shuangying Gui , Mengjie Li , Jinghua Hao , Jian Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102781","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102781","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Periodontitis is a chronic oral disease characterized by gingival inflammation and periodontium injury due to repeated pathogenic bacteria infection and overactive inflammatory response. Multidrug resistance and the quick loss of antibiotics in the oral cavity create challenges for treatment. Therefore, a novel non-antibiotic-dependent pharmaceutical strategy is crucial for clinical treatment of periodontitis. In this study, we developed a lipid complex-in-thermogel delivery system (IQ-ML@Gel) co-loading the photosensitizer of indocyanine green and the immunomodulator of quercetin. IQ-ML@Gel could stably adhere in the periodontal pocket through liquid-solid transformation <em>in situ</em>. <em>In vitro</em> studies confirmed the efficient elimination of <em>Porphyromonas gingivalis</em> and <em>Fusobacterium nucleatum</em> by multimodal photothermal/photodynamic effects. Notably, IQ-ML displayed rapid macrophage uptake and an immunomodulatory effect through M1-M2 phenotypic polarization. In <em>in vivo</em> periodontitis treatment, IQ-ML@Gel effectively reverses the inflammatory microenvironment to promote periodontal tissue repair, including stimulating the regeneration of gingival collagen and alveolar bone. Overall, IQ-ML@Gel provides a promising non-antibiotic lipid complex-in-thermogel platform for periodontitis treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18310,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Bio","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 102781"},"PeriodicalIF":10.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chemotherapy and photothermal therapy (PTT) have made prominent progress in the treatment of gastric cancer. However, the poor targeting of chemotherapeutic drugs and the thermotolerance or collateral damage induced by PTT lead to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. To address these issues, we developed a mild PTT (mPTT) nanoparticle based on mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA), loaded with oxaliplatin (OXP) and manganese dioxide (MnO2), and coated with tumor cell membranes to enhance the targeting capability. On one hand, this nanoparticle disrupts glycolysis by inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), while suppressing heat shock proteins (HSP) to mitigate tumor "thermotolerance". On the other hand, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the MnO2-mediated Fenton-like reaction, OXP, and mPTT also induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) to boost adaptive immunity, as well as activate the cGAS-STING pathway through tumor DNA damage to reinforce innate immunity. The activation of both adaptive and innate immune responses triggers a potent antitumor immune reaction, which, combined with chemotherapy and enhanced mPTT, significantly suppresses tumor growth, metastasis and recurrence. This strategy not only enhances the targeting of chemotherapeutic drugs but also provides new possibilities for expanding the field of immunotherapy in gastric cancer by regulating tumor metabolism and enhancing mPTT.
{"title":"Multiple-pathway cGAS-STING activation with enhanced mild photothermal therapy through glycolysis regulation for boosting gastric cancer immunotherapy","authors":"Henan Xu , Yuxin Jiang , Ruohao Zhang , Daguang Wang , Jing Feng , Hongjie Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102790","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102790","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chemotherapy and photothermal therapy (PTT) have made prominent progress in the treatment of gastric cancer. However, the poor targeting of chemotherapeutic drugs and the thermotolerance or collateral damage induced by PTT lead to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. To address these issues, we developed a mild PTT (mPTT) nanoparticle based on mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA), loaded with oxaliplatin (OXP) and manganese dioxide (MnO<sub>2</sub>), and coated with tumor cell membranes to enhance the targeting capability. On one hand, this nanoparticle disrupts glycolysis by inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), while suppressing heat shock proteins (HSP) to mitigate tumor \"thermotolerance\". On the other hand, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the MnO<sub>2</sub>-mediated Fenton-like reaction, OXP, and mPTT also induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) to boost adaptive immunity, as well as activate the cGAS-STING pathway through tumor DNA damage to reinforce innate immunity. The activation of both adaptive and innate immune responses triggers a potent antitumor immune reaction, which, combined with chemotherapy and enhanced mPTT, significantly suppresses tumor growth, metastasis and recurrence. This strategy not only enhances the targeting of chemotherapeutic drugs but also provides new possibilities for expanding the field of immunotherapy in gastric cancer by regulating tumor metabolism and enhancing mPTT.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18310,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Bio","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 102790"},"PeriodicalIF":10.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102793
Kai Tang , Rongchen Xu , Longyan Duan , Zhenyu Yang , Xinkai Cui , Wen Niu , Wei Zhou , Franklin R. Tay , Lina Niu , Fu Wang , Jihua Chen
Dental caries remains a major challenge in clinical dentistry, with successful resin restoration relying on the formation of a durable dentin–resin interface. In minimally invasive dentistry (MID), caries-affected dentin (CAD) is routinely preserved and often becomes the primary bonding substrate. However, bonding to CAD is suboptimal, and current strategies to improve this interface are limited. Here, we present a novel bonding strategy based on a dual-reactive functional monomer, ITCM, in combination with pretreatment application techniques. A simple 5-s ITCM pretreatment significantly enhanced both immediate and aged bond strength to CAD. Acting as a “molecular bridge”, ITCM bridges hydrophilic CAD layer with hydrophobic adhesive layer, facilitating the formation of a chemical interlocking structure, increasing CAD surface energy, and promoting deep adhesive infiltration. In addition, ITCM improves collagen enzymatic resistance and functions as a non-zinc-binding inhibitor of MMPs. Biocompatibility assessments demonstrated acceptable in vitro and in vivo safety, supporting its clinical potential. This study addresses a critical challenge in dentistry by introducing a chemical bonding strategy tailored to CAD. The ITCM pretreatment strategy provides a foundation for next-generation adhesives aimed at reinforcing the CAD–resin interface, extending restoration longevity, and preventing secondary caries.
{"title":"A novel dual-reactive primer enhances bond durability and builds chemical interlocking structures at the caries-affected dentin–biomaterial interface","authors":"Kai Tang , Rongchen Xu , Longyan Duan , Zhenyu Yang , Xinkai Cui , Wen Niu , Wei Zhou , Franklin R. Tay , Lina Niu , Fu Wang , Jihua Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102793","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102793","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dental caries remains a major challenge in clinical dentistry, with successful resin restoration relying on the formation of a durable dentin–resin interface. In minimally invasive dentistry (MID), caries-affected dentin (CAD) is routinely preserved and often becomes the primary bonding substrate. However, bonding to CAD is suboptimal, and current strategies to improve this interface are limited. Here, we present a novel bonding strategy based on a dual-reactive functional monomer, ITCM, in combination with pretreatment application techniques. A simple 5-s ITCM pretreatment significantly enhanced both immediate and aged bond strength to CAD. Acting as a “molecular bridge”, ITCM bridges hydrophilic CAD layer with hydrophobic adhesive layer, facilitating the formation of a chemical interlocking structure, increasing CAD surface energy, and promoting deep adhesive infiltration. In addition, ITCM improves collagen enzymatic resistance and functions as a non-zinc-binding inhibitor of MMPs. Biocompatibility assessments demonstrated acceptable in vitro and in vivo safety, supporting its clinical potential. This study addresses a critical challenge in dentistry by introducing a chemical bonding strategy tailored to CAD. The ITCM pretreatment strategy provides a foundation for next-generation adhesives aimed at reinforcing the CAD–resin interface, extending restoration longevity, and preventing secondary caries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18310,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Bio","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 102793"},"PeriodicalIF":10.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102787
Dong Wang , Alexis Borowiak , Linhao Sun
Cell membrane with varied physicochemical properties, e.g., morphology and surface charge, has played crucial roles in many life-related activities. Numerous artificial lipid bilayer membranes (LBM) have been used broadly as model systems to mimic natural cell membrane for studying these properties. However, precisely probing the nanoscale physicochemical properties of natural cell membranes with high resolution and sensitivity remains a key challenge. Here, we present a two-step method, namely, “dipping” and “writing”, using nanopipette to create multilayered lipid bilayer membrane (MLBM) derived from cell surface on substrates. During the dipping step, membrane components are adsorbed onto the inner wall of nanopipette, while the writing step enables the controlled deposition of MLBM onto the substrate. Physicochemical characterization reveals that MLBM undergoes dynamic formation, accompanied by frequent variations in membrane size and thickness. Surface charge mapping further demonstrates a heterogeneous charge distribution across the MLBMs, which is distinct from that of the substrate. This heterogeneity is primarily attributed to variations in membrane fluidity and thickness. Moreover, compared to artificial LBM, MLBMs produced via this two-step method allow the use of smaller apertures and higher ion current reduction setpoints, leading to significantly enhanced imaging resolution and detection sensitivity. This work offers a straightforward and efficient strategy for investigating nanoscale physicochemical properties of natural cell membranes. Additionally, the MLBMs serve as a versatile platform for future studies of membrane-related processes, such as biosensing and drug screening.
{"title":"Two-step formation of multilayered membrane pattern from living cells and probing its nanoscale physicochemical properties via nanopipette","authors":"Dong Wang , Alexis Borowiak , Linhao Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102787","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102787","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cell membrane with varied physicochemical properties, e.g., morphology and surface charge, has played crucial roles in many life-related activities. Numerous artificial lipid bilayer membranes (LBM) have been used broadly as model systems to mimic natural cell membrane for studying these properties. However, precisely probing the nanoscale physicochemical properties of natural cell membranes with high resolution and sensitivity remains a key challenge. Here, we present a two-step method, namely, “dipping” and “writing”, using nanopipette to create multilayered lipid bilayer membrane (MLBM) derived from cell surface on substrates. During the dipping step, membrane components are adsorbed onto the inner wall of nanopipette, while the writing step enables the controlled deposition of MLBM onto the substrate. Physicochemical characterization reveals that MLBM undergoes dynamic formation, accompanied by frequent variations in membrane size and thickness. Surface charge mapping further demonstrates a heterogeneous charge distribution across the MLBMs, which is distinct from that of the substrate. This heterogeneity is primarily attributed to variations in membrane fluidity and thickness. Moreover, compared to artificial LBM, MLBMs produced via this two-step method allow the use of smaller apertures and higher ion current reduction setpoints, leading to significantly enhanced imaging resolution and detection sensitivity. This work offers a straightforward and efficient strategy for investigating nanoscale physicochemical properties of natural cell membranes. Additionally, the MLBMs serve as a versatile platform for future studies of membrane-related processes, such as biosensing and drug screening.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18310,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Bio","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 102787"},"PeriodicalIF":10.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as versatile and biocompatible nanocarriers for drug delivery, offering significant advantages over synthetic nanoparticles, which often suffer from rapid clearance, immunogenicity, and limited clinical translation. In this study, we introduce nanoalgosomes, a new class of EVs derived from the marine microalga Tetraselmis chuii, as biogenic carriers for doxorubicin delivery in breast cancer models. Nanoalgosomes exhibit high stability, in vivo biocompatibility, and efficient cargo-loading capacity, making them ideal for therapeutic applications. We optimized doxorubicin-loading strategy, preserving the structural integrity of nanoalgosomes while achieving efficient drug incorporation. Compared to free drug treatments, doxorubicin-loaded nanoalgosomes significantly enhanced drug uptake and its therapeutic effects in breast cancer models. Notably, doxorubicin-loaded nanoalgosomes exhibited a markedly enhanced chemotherapeutic potency compared to free doxorubicin. In 2D tumor cell cultures, nanoalgosomes reduced the doxorubicin the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) by approximately 8-fold. In 3D tumor spheroids, which more closely recapitulate tumor architecture and drug penetration, the IC50 decreased from >2.5 μM for free doxorubicin to 0.7 μM for the doxorubicin-loaded nanoalgosomes, resulting in about 60 % spheroid volume reduction. The superior efficacy of doxorubicin-loaded nanoalgosomes was further validated in vivo in Caenorhabditis elegans, where the IC50 decreased 3-fold for the doxorubicin-loaded nanoalgosomes. These results highlight nanoalgosomes as a sustainable and scalable next-generation drug delivery platform for precision oncology, offering a promising alternative to synthetic nanocarriers.
{"title":"Engineered microalgal extracellular vesicles for efficient doxorubicin delivery and improved therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer","authors":"Giorgia Adamo , Sabrina Picciotto , Pamela Santonicola , Paola Gargano , Estella Rao , Angela Paterna , Samuele Raccosta , Giulia Smeraldi , Carolina Paganini , Daniele P. Romancino , Monica Salamone , Claudio Russo , Paolo Arosio , Elia Di Schiavi , Mauro Manno , Antonella Bongiovanni","doi":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102792","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102792","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as versatile and biocompatible nanocarriers for drug delivery, offering significant advantages over synthetic nanoparticles, which often suffer from rapid clearance, immunogenicity, and limited clinical translation. In this study, we introduce nanoalgosomes, a new class of EVs derived from the marine microalga <em>Tetraselmis chuii</em>, as biogenic carriers for doxorubicin delivery in breast cancer models. Nanoalgosomes exhibit high stability, in vivo biocompatibility, and efficient cargo-loading capacity, making them ideal for therapeutic applications. We optimized doxorubicin-loading strategy, preserving the structural integrity of nanoalgosomes while achieving efficient drug incorporation. Compared to free drug treatments, doxorubicin-loaded nanoalgosomes significantly enhanced drug uptake and its therapeutic effects in breast cancer models. Notably, doxorubicin-loaded nanoalgosomes exhibited a markedly enhanced chemotherapeutic potency compared to free doxorubicin. In 2D tumor cell cultures, nanoalgosomes reduced the doxorubicin the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC<sub>50</sub>) by approximately 8-fold. In 3D tumor spheroids, which more closely recapitulate tumor architecture and drug penetration, the IC<sub>50</sub> decreased from >2.5 μM for free doxorubicin to 0.7 μM for the doxorubicin-loaded nanoalgosomes, resulting in about 60 % spheroid volume reduction. The superior efficacy of doxorubicin-loaded nanoalgosomes was further validated in vivo in <em>Caenorhabditis elegans</em>, where the IC<sub>50</sub> decreased 3-fold for the doxorubicin-loaded nanoalgosomes. These results highlight nanoalgosomes as a sustainable and scalable next-generation drug delivery platform for precision oncology, offering a promising alternative to synthetic nanocarriers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18310,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Bio","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 102792"},"PeriodicalIF":10.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102784
Weiqiang Hao , Hyeon Ji Kim , Jumi Kang , Bongkyun Kang , Seoyeon Park , Yuejin Kim , Eunjeong Kim , Kyueui Lee
Efficient delivery of plant-derived polyphenolic drugs to tumor sites in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is challenging due to their rapid metabolism and the limited tumor-targeting capacity of current therapeutic strategies. To overcome these limitations, we developed a pH-responsive hydrogel-based drug delivery system (PA–CB) composed of a chitosan backbone functionalized with boronobenzoic acid (CB) and crosslinked with protocatechualdehyde (PA). Within this scaffold, protocatechuic acid (PCA) was incorporated as a model therapeutic agent to demonstrate the platform's ability to achieve controlled, pH-responsive release and to impart anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects through the action of the drug. The hydrogel, stabilized via boronate ester and Schiff-base linkages, maintained integrity under physiological conditions while enabling drug markedly enhanced anticancer efficacy in vitro compared to free PCA, including a near-complete reduction of HepG2 cell viability, migration, and colony formation, along with increased apoptosis. This enhanced antitumor efficacy was due to CB-mediated recognition of sialic acid residues on HCC cells, which facilitated tumor-selective accumulation and sustained drug release. Intraperitoneal administration of the hydrogel in an HCC mouse model significantly reduced tumor burden, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis, while improving liver function markers. Histological assessments confirmed alleviation of liver injury, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Collectively, these results highlight this hydrogel platform as a robust strategy to stabilize phenolic drugs, achieve tumor-targeted delivery, and enable controlled release. These findings highlight its potential as an advanced therapeutic approach for HCC and a versatile framework applicable to other polyphenolic agents in oncology.
{"title":"Sialic acid–guided spatiotemporal hydrogel therapy for liver cancer","authors":"Weiqiang Hao , Hyeon Ji Kim , Jumi Kang , Bongkyun Kang , Seoyeon Park , Yuejin Kim , Eunjeong Kim , Kyueui Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102784","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102784","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Efficient delivery of plant-derived polyphenolic drugs to tumor sites in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is challenging due to their rapid metabolism and the limited tumor-targeting capacity of current therapeutic strategies. To overcome these limitations, we developed a pH-responsive hydrogel-based drug delivery system (PA–CB) composed of a chitosan backbone functionalized with boronobenzoic acid (CB) and crosslinked with protocatechualdehyde (PA). Within this scaffold, protocatechuic acid (PCA) was incorporated as a model therapeutic agent to demonstrate the platform's ability to achieve controlled, pH-responsive release and to impart anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects through the action of the drug. The hydrogel, stabilized via boronate ester and Schiff-base linkages, maintained integrity under physiological conditions while enabling drug markedly enhanced anticancer efficacy in vitro compared to free PCA, including a near-complete reduction of HepG2 cell viability, migration, and colony formation, along with increased apoptosis. This enhanced antitumor efficacy was due to CB-mediated recognition of sialic acid residues on HCC cells, which facilitated tumor-selective accumulation and sustained drug release. Intraperitoneal administration of the hydrogel in an HCC mouse model significantly reduced tumor burden, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis, while improving liver function markers. Histological assessments confirmed alleviation of liver injury, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Collectively, these results highlight this hydrogel platform as a robust strategy to stabilize phenolic drugs, achieve tumor-targeted delivery, and enable controlled release. These findings highlight its potential as an advanced therapeutic approach for HCC and a versatile framework applicable to other polyphenolic agents in oncology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18310,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Bio","volume":"36 ","pages":"Article 102784"},"PeriodicalIF":10.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102775
Sivakumar Bose , Myungji Kang , Seonho Jung , Mijeong Kim , Chanwoo Yoon , Priya Ranganathan , Seung Yun Nam , Hyun Wook Kang
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a serious global concern due to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and the biofilm formation on urinary catheters (UCs). Surface modification strategies have been identified as a prominent and cost-effective method to address this issue owing to its tunable properties, which effectively combat the biofilm formation on UCs. This study reports the development of a hydrophobic-silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) decorated tannic acid-based coating on silicone UC using a layer-by-layer (LBL) approach that can effectively eradicate Escherichia coli (E. coli) biofilms. The LBL coating (PFDT-Ag-Dex) consists of a tannic acid (TA)-(3-aminoprophyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) NPs deposition, followed by Ag NPs decoration and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecane-thiol (PFDT) layers, which impart the hydrophobicity, biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, and coating adhesion, respectively. Formation of the LBL coating on the Si catheter was successfully confirmed through extensive characterizations. In vitro and in vivo investigations showed that the PFDT-Ag-Dex coated Si catheter significantly inhibited the E. coli biofilm formation with ∼95 % efficiency due to the combined effects of the hydrophobic properties, tannic acid and Ag+ ions causing the cell membrane disruption. Furthermore, in vivo studies using mouse and rabbit animal models confirmed the biosafety of the PFDT-Ag-Dex-coated Si catheter, which exhibited a negligible inflammatory response. The studies suggest that the Ag-TA-hydrophobic coated catheter is a promising solution for combating the urinary tract infections.
{"title":"Hierarchical silver-tannic acid hydrophobic coating via layer-by-layer assembly for antibiofilm applications on urinary catheters","authors":"Sivakumar Bose , Myungji Kang , Seonho Jung , Mijeong Kim , Chanwoo Yoon , Priya Ranganathan , Seung Yun Nam , Hyun Wook Kang","doi":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102775","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102775","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a serious global concern due to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and the biofilm formation on urinary catheters (UCs). Surface modification strategies have been identified as a prominent and cost-effective method to address this issue owing to its tunable properties, which effectively combat the biofilm formation on UCs. This study reports the development of a hydrophobic-silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) decorated tannic acid-based coating on silicone UC using a layer-by-layer (LBL) approach that can effectively eradicate <em>Escherichia coli</em> (<em>E. coli</em>) biofilms. The LBL coating (PFDT-Ag-Dex) consists of a tannic acid (TA)-(3-aminoprophyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) NPs deposition, followed by Ag NPs decoration and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecane-thiol (PFDT) layers, which impart the hydrophobicity, biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, and coating adhesion, respectively. Formation of the LBL coating on the Si catheter was successfully confirmed through extensive characterizations. <em>In vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> investigations showed that the PFDT-Ag-Dex coated Si catheter significantly inhibited the <em>E. coli</em> biofilm formation with ∼95 % efficiency due to the combined effects of the hydrophobic properties, tannic acid and Ag<sup>+</sup> ions causing the cell membrane disruption. Furthermore, <em>in vivo</em> studies using mouse and rabbit animal models confirmed the biosafety of the PFDT-Ag-Dex-coated Si catheter, which exhibited a negligible inflammatory response. The studies suggest that the Ag-TA-hydrophobic coated catheter is a promising solution for combating the urinary tract infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18310,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Bio","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 102775"},"PeriodicalIF":10.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102785
Chunhui Ma , Bingxuan Hua , Houlei Wang , Tianle Ma , Qi Lv , Zuoqin Yan
In recent years, CeO2 nanoparticles are promising biomaterials due to their excellent biocompatibility and antioxidant properties. This study utilizes a methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel platform to construct a dual-functional composite material, CeUA@GelMA, by co-loading CeO2 nanoparticles with urolithin A (UA). This material possesses both reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and mitophagy activation capabilities, aiming to overcome the bottleneck in cartilage regeneration by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis. In vitro experiments confirmed that this material significantly reduces ROS levels within BMSCs under oxidative stress, maintains mitochondrial membrane potential, and promotes chondrogenic differentiation by upregulating genes such as Sox9, Col II, and ACAN. In vivo studies demonstrated that the CeUA@GelMA group achieved hyaline-like cartilage regeneration 8 weeks post-operation. The surface roughness of the newly formed cartilage was comparable to that of natural cartilage, with collagen and glycosaminoglycan density approaching normal cartilage levels. In summary, this research offers an innovative strategy and hydrogel material for cartilage tissue engineering through the regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis.
{"title":"Functionalized hydrogels of CeO2 and Urolithin A synergistically scavenge ROS and activate mitophagy for cartilage repair","authors":"Chunhui Ma , Bingxuan Hua , Houlei Wang , Tianle Ma , Qi Lv , Zuoqin Yan","doi":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102785","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.102785","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, CeO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles are promising biomaterials due to their excellent biocompatibility and antioxidant properties. This study utilizes a methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel platform to construct a dual-functional composite material, CeUA@GelMA, by co-loading CeO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles with urolithin A (UA). This material possesses both reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and mitophagy activation capabilities, aiming to overcome the bottleneck in cartilage regeneration by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis. <em>In vitro</em> experiments confirmed that this material significantly reduces ROS levels within BMSCs under oxidative stress, maintains mitochondrial membrane potential, and promotes chondrogenic differentiation by upregulating genes such as Sox9, Col II, and ACAN. <em>In vivo</em> studies demonstrated that the CeUA@GelMA group achieved hyaline-like cartilage regeneration 8 weeks post-operation. The surface roughness of the newly formed cartilage was comparable to that of natural cartilage, with collagen and glycosaminoglycan density approaching normal cartilage levels. In summary, this research offers an innovative strategy and hydrogel material for cartilage tissue engineering through the regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18310,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Bio","volume":"37 ","pages":"Article 102785"},"PeriodicalIF":10.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号