Advanced Nanobiomed Research最新文献

Nanoparticles (NPs) have become a pivotal technology in biomedical research due to their unique physicochemical properties and nanoscale size, allowing for targeted applications. Among NP materials, proteins and their derivatives stand out for their biocompatibility, engineering flexibility, and inherent biological functions, making them especially attractive for NP design. However, the structural and biochemical complexity of proteins has historically presented challenges in NP development. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed this field. Neural network models such as AlphaFold, ProteinMPNN, and RoseTTAFold, along with protein language models like evolutionary scale modeling, enable the design of protein-based NPs (PNPs) with diverse symmetries, shapes, and functionalities. These AI-driven approaches address traditional limitations, unlocking new possibilities in nanomedicine. This review explores the transformative role of AI in PNP design, emphasizing its potential to broaden applications, solve challenges, and drive innovative solutions in biotechnology and medical research.

Due to the lack of targeting specificity, rapid clearance, and high toxicity associated with small molecule drugs in tumor treatment, the design of an effective drug delivery system is crucial. To better overcome physiological barriers and achieve prolonged tumor retention, nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Au, termed FSA-NPs), made of core–shell NPs (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂), consisting of a Fe₃O₄ core and a mesoporous silica (SiO₂) shell, and with their surfaces decorated with gold NPs, are constructed. The FSA-NPs have a size range of 60–80 nm and a mildly negative surface charge. The magnetic Fe₃O₄ core imparts magnetic targeting capabilities to FSA-NPs, while the high porosity of the mesoporous silica shell enables efficient drug loading. Additionally, the gold NPs can convert light into heat. As a result, after being internalized by A549 lung cancer cells, FSA-NPs exhibit potent cytotoxic effects against the cancer cells under an applied magnetic field, making them a promising theranostic agent for integrated cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, driven by the activation of cardiac fibroblasts (cFBs) and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Endothelial cells (ECs) contribute to cardiac fibrosis through EndMT, transforming into myofibroblasts that promote fibrosis, while also playing a regulatory role through signaling pathways, such as PI3K-Akt and Notch. In this article, engineered heart tissue models, composed of cardiomyocytes and cFBs (CMF) and vascularized model incorporating ECs (CMFE) tissues is created to investigate the role of ECs in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced cardiac fibrosis. Prior to fibrosis induction, CMFE exhibits enhanced activation of fibrosis-related signaling, endothelial integrity pathways, and PI3K-Akt and Notch signaling compared to CMF. Following TGF-β treatment, CMF exhibits typical fibrotic features, including increased ECM deposition, tissue stiffening, and reduced contractility. In contrast, the CMFE demonstrates attenuated fibrotic responses, maintaining tissue mechanics and contractile function. Gene expression and histology reveals both fibrotic and protective processes in CMFE. Moreover, the bioprinting-assisted tissue assembly (BATA) approach enable focal fibrosis modeling, revealing that fibrotic regions disrupted calcium propagation and induced electrophysiological abnormalities. These findings highlight BATA as a promising platform for studying cardiac fibrosis and developing targeted therapeutic strategies.

Unraveling the complexity of biomatrices is a persisting challenge in many areas of the life sciences. The detection of soluble signaling molecules—cytokines and growth factors—within multicomponent biopolymer scaffolds is of particular interest as they control important biological processes such as the development of tissues, pathologies, and regeneration. The application of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) for the detection of interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemokine involved in inflammation and cancer, is explored within biopolymer matrices of different complexity. To establish the workflow, IL-8 is embedded with graded mass fractions in thin biopolymer matrices consisting of heparin and/or bovine serum albumin, followed by a comprehensive ToF-SIMS analysis of the prepared samples. Partial least square regression models are developed and successfully applied to detect IL-8 mass fractions down to 1 ppm on the basis of the measured ToF-SIMS spectra. The methodology is successfully applied to detect IL-8 in Matrigel and poly(ethylene glycol)-heparin matrices with similar sensitivity. Given the high performance of state-of-the-art SIMS instruments and the increasing power of machine learning algorithms, it is envisioned that the established approach, in combination with other methods, will enable a comprehensive assessment of soluble signaling molecules in (engineered) matrix-supported 3D cell and organoid cultures.

Albumin is the most abundant protein in plasma, featuring a unique chemical structure and conformation that underpins its functions. Its excellent biocompatibility, nontoxicity and non-immunogenicity make it an ideal carrier for encapsulating therapeutic agents, particularly in controlled release applications for cancer treatment. Although existing reviews focus on albumin-based particulate delivery systems, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis from the perspective of using albumin's structural characteristics and binding sites for drug delivery. This review categorizes albumin's drug-loading modes based on its surface-active groups and internal binding sites, emphasizing drug-loading strategies and targeting mechanisms. It also details the preparation and modification methods for albumin nanoparticles, along with clinical performance evaluations. Finally, it addresses current challenges and proposes potential solutions. This review aims to provide valuable insights for developing advanced albumin-based anticancer drugs with enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

The ability to form diamond electrodes on insulating polycrystalline diamond substrates using single-step laser patterning and the use of these electrodes as a substrate that supports the adhesion and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are demonstrated. Laser-induced graphitization results in a conductive amorphous carbon surface, rich in oxygen- and nitrogen-terminated groups. This leads to an electrode with a high specific capacitance of 182 μF cm², a wide water window of 3.25 V, and a low electrochemical impedance of 129 Ω cm² at 1 kHz—essential attributes for effective bioelectronic cell interfaces. The electrode's surface exhibits no cytotoxic responses with hMSCs, supporting cell adhesion and proliferation. Cells cultured on the electrode display significant elongation and alignment along the direction of the laser-patterned microgrooves—an additional modality for cellular modulation. The combination of favorable electrochemical performance and effective cellular control makes laser-patterned diamond electrodes a versatile platform in stem cell therapeutics. This direct fabrication approach paves the way for the integration of diamond electrodes in bioelectronic devices, offering new opportunities for tissue engineering and electroactive biomaterial applications.

Williamson, A., Khoshmanesh, K., Pirogova, E., Yang, P., Snow, F., Williams, R., Quigley, A. and Kapsa, R.M.I. (2024), Bioreactors: A Regenerative Approach to Skeletal Muscle Engineering for Repair and Replacement. Adv. NanoBiomed Res., 4: 2400030. https://doi.org/10.1002/anbr.202400030

Correction to “Table 1. Myogenic Markers”

Table 1, in paragraph 7 of the “Introduction” section, the text “Initiates differentiation of myoblasts to stem cells” was incorrect for myogenic factors Myf5 and MyoD. This should have read: “Initiates differentiation of stem cells to myoblasts.”

We apologize for this error.

Kidney stone ranks as one of the most prevalent disorders in the urology department, causing substantial personal suffering and healthcare costs globally. However, the prediction, early diagnosis, and treatment of kidney stone disease are still limited. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), loaded with nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites, and lipids, are released by a wide variety of cell types and have potential as biomarkers for kidney stone disease. Meanwhile, some natural EVs derived from plants and animals have been evidenced to have substantial effects on the elimination of calcium oxalate crystals. More importantly, recent explorations have elucidated the multifaceted role of EVs in therapeutic applications. These engineered EVs can be loaded with therapeutic RNAs, oligonucleotides, peptides, and small molecules; this approach has shown great promise in targeted drug delivery and presents a potential solution to the challenges of kidney stone prevention and treatment. This review focuses on EVs derived from blood, urine, kidney, gut microbiota, and urine bacteria, which contribute to calcium oxalate crystal elimination. The therapeutic potential of EVs is significant, offering personalized treatment options. However, it is crucial to assess the challenges in moving EV-based therapies from laboratory settings to clinical applications.

Inflammatory macrophages play a role in cartilage degeneration associated with osteoarthritis (OA) via signaling cascades that result in production of inflammatory substances. This study aims to characterize compound F2, C₆₀(NCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH)₅, a newly synthesized ethoxyethanol derivative of iminofullerene, and its potential to reduce inflammatory macrophage activity. First, compound F2 is synthesized and labeled with ^99mTc to create ^99mTc-F2. It is then added to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-exposed bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) to determine its effect on macrophage activation, nitric oxide production, and expression of inflammatory markers iNOS, IL-6, Fpr2, and TLR4. An animal model of osteoarthritis is also injected with ^99mTc-F2 to visualize its localization in vivo. This study demonstrates successful synthesis and radiolabeling of the compound F2 molecule. It also demonstrates that compound F2 reduces nitrite production and suppresses the expression of TNF α, IL-6, iNOS, Fpr2, and TLR4 in BMMs exposed to LPS. Additionally, in rats with surgically transected anterior cruciate ligaments, intravenous administration of radioisotope-labeled compound F2 exhibits selective enrichment in the injured knee. These findings suggest that compound F2 mitigates macrophage activation, decreases inflammatory marker expression, and is located to damaged areas, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic option for OA management.

The development of effective anticancer drugs remains a critical challenge despite significant advancements in technology and medicine. In this review, we explore the progress made in leveraging biomimetic microdevices for anticancer drug screening and their potential to enhance in vivo efficacy. Specifically, we discuss the utilization of innovative platforms such as xenograft models, patient-derived xenografts, humanized immune system models, and transgenic models, alongside conventional multiwell plates, to mimic the tumor microenvironment and cellular interactions more accurately. Through the integration of advanced technologies, researchers have achieved remarkable improvements in drug screening, efficacy prediction, and identification of optimal drug combinations. This review provides insights into the strengths and limitations of these biomimetic microdevices compared to conventional multiwell plates, offering perspectives on their future role in personalized cancer medicine.