Advanced Nanobiomed Research最新文献

Though animal models are still the gold standard for fundamental biological studies and drug evaluation for brain diseases, concerns arise from an apparent lack of reflecting the human genetics and pathophysiology. Recently, human avatars such as brain-on-a-chip and brain organoids which are generated in a 3D manner using multiple types of human-originated cells have risen as alternative testing models. Particularly in monitoring the functional neuronal cells that express action potentials in brain-on-a-chip or brain organoids, various methods of measuring their electrophysiological function have been suggested for the study of brain-related disease. Recent methodologies for analyzing the electrophysiology of different types of cells in brain-on-a-chip and brain organoids are summarized in this review. We first emphasize the inherent features of brain-on-a-chip and brain organoids from the perspective of the cell culture environment and accessibility to cells in the deep layer. The applicable monitoring techniques are then overviewed based on these features. Finally, we discuss the unmet needs for electrophysiology monitoring in advanced human brain avatar models.

For a better understanding of living tissues and materials, it is essential to study the intricate spatial relationship between cells and their surrounding tissue on the nanoscale, with a need for 3D, high-resolution imaging techniques. In the case of bone, focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) operated in the backscattered electron (BSE) mode proves to be a suitable method to image mineralized areas with a nominal resolution of 5 nm. However, as clinically relevant samples are often resin-embedded, the lack of atomic number (Z) contrast makes it difficult to distinguish the embedding material from unmineralized parts of the tissue, such as osteoid, in BSE images. Staining embedded samples with iodine vapor has been shown to be effective in revealing osteoid microstructure by 2D BSE imaging. Based on this idea, an iodine (Z = 53) staining protocol is developed for 3D imaging with FIB-SEM, investigating how the amount of iodine and exposure time influences the imaging outcome. Bone samples stained with this protocol also remain compatible with confocal laser scanning microscopy to visualize the lacunocanalicular network. The proposed protocol can be applied for 3D imaging of tissues exhibiting mineralized and nonmineralized regions to study physiological and pathological biomineralization.

Magnetic nanomaterials, distinguished by their unique magnetic phenomena, particularly their magnetically actuated capabilities, have found widespread application in the field of nanomedicine. Compared with alternative driving mechanisms, magnetic actuation as a remote, highly permeable, and precisely controllable driving strategy endows nanomaterials with temporal and spatia mobility, making it possible to initiate and cease multiple forms of movement in vivo at will. When coupled with cutting-edge diagnostic and treating techniques including but not limited to magnetic resonance imaging, magnetothermal therapy, and magnetoelectric stimulation, magnetically actuated nanomaterials offer the potential for visual analysis, provision of reliable molecular information, and effective disease or tissue damage intervention. This review comprehensively outlines the synthesis methodologies, functional strategies, and biomedical applications of magnetically actuated nanomaterials within nanomedicine. Additionally, the future developments and applications of biocompatible magnetically actuated nanomaterials, especially in response to time-varying magnetic fields, are anticipated.

3D Bioprinting

This study introduces a 3D bioprinted skin model to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of garlic extracts (N-Benzyl-N-methyl-dodecan-1-amine, BMDA). The cover art of the article 2400007 by Young-Hwa Chung, Dong-Wook Han, and co-workers highlights advanced drug screening as an alternative for preclinical research in future pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Bacterial infections are a great threat to human health, and the irrational use of antibiotics has largely compromised the efficacy of antibiotic therapy due to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. It is known that synthesizing new antibiotics is difficult and time-consuming. In this case, developing antibiotics-independent antibacterial approaches is of great importance and significance. In the past decade, various functional nanomaterials have shown great potentials in the treatment of bacterial infections. Among these nanomaterials, transition metal carbides or nitrides, namely MXene, have attracted much attention. As the novel 2D nanosheets, MXene can serve either as a direct antibacterial agent due to its intrinsic antibacterial activity and photothermal effect, or as an efficient carrier to load photosensitizers and photocatalysts for photodynamic and photocatalytic therapy. In recent few years, the number of literatures regarding MXene-based antibacterial therapy has increased rapidly. Thus, it is the time to systematically summarize the applications of MXene in the treatment of bacteria, especially those with drug resistance. Herein, it is aimed to summarize the preparation methods for MXene and provide a comprehensive understanding of its properties and applications in antibacterial therapy. Also, its use for bacterial detection and the challenges for practical use are discussed.

The slow healing process of diabetic wound due to persisting infections in wound bed, owing to hyperglycemia, makes the search for efficient treatments pending. While it is complicated to increase the wound closure rate in diabetic-related wounds due to the complex pathology, the treatment of such wound with hydrogels is seen as a promising approach and pursued over the years. However, where is this research currently standing in terms of clinical translation of these different multifunctional and stimuli-responsive hydrogel bandages to accelerate diabetic foot ulcer healing and help to improve the life of the patients and the future of diabetic wound management? This perspective article will review some of the most important advancements in the field and will conclude with some perspectives, considered as relevant in the clinical context.

Ultrasound can activate nano/microparticles to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The advantages of deep penetration and precise spatiotemporal control are demonstrated for multiple applications, such as sonodynamic therapy, chemical industry, and environmental treatment. Meanwhile, a toolbox of inorganic particles is developed to enhance ROS production via cavitation enhancement, sonoluminescence, and piezocatalytic effect. Nonetheless, sophisticated influences of ultrasonic parameters hamper further exploration of novel sonosensitized materials. In this perspective, the influential parameters in different mechanisms are reviewed, emphasizing the relationship between ultrasound frequency and catalytic activity, and outlooks are provided on the study of inorganic sonosensitizers.

Synthetic cells can advance immunotherapy, offering innovative approaches to understanding and enhancing immune responses. This review article delves into the advancements and potential of synthetic cell technologies in immunology, emphasizing their role in understanding and manipulating immune functions. Recent progress in understanding vertebrate immune systems and the challenges posed by diseases highlight the need for innovative research methods, complementing the analysis of multidimensional datasets and genetic engineering. Synthetic immune cell engineering aims to simplify the complexity of immunological systems by reconstructing them in a controlled setting. This approach, alongside high-throughput strategies, facilitates systematic investigations into immunity and the development of novel treatments. The article reviews synthetic cell technologies, focusing on their alignment with the three laws of immunity: universality, tolerance, and appropriateness. It explores the integration of synthetic cell modules to mimic processes such as controlled T-cell activation, bacteria engulfment and elimination, or cellular maturation into desirable phenotypes. Together, such advancements expand the toolbox for understanding and manipulating immune functions. Synthetic cell technologies stand at the innovation crossroads in immunology, promising to illuminate fundamental immune system principles and open new avenues for research and therapy.

Nanocarrier

Overview of the most used nanocarriers for therapeutics delivery via skin, covering the lipid-based such as liposomes and the inorganic such as carbon nanotubes. The review article focuses on their applications and the challenges that limit their clinical adoptions. More details can be found in article 2400003 by Lifeng Kang and co-workers.

Transdermal Nanomedicine

The chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) caused by anticancer drugs results in severe pain for patients. In article number 2400006, Tae Eon Park, Man-Suk Hwang, and Ki Su Kim have developed hyaluronic acid-based polymeric nanoparticles containing natural herb extracts to alleviate neuropathic pain caused by CIPN. These particles are delivered non-invasively through the skin, contributing to nerve regeneration.