Journal of Materials Chemistry B最新文献

Therapeutic hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (THDESs) are an emerging class of eutectic mixtures gaining significant attention in the biomedical field. Solidifying these THDESs into bioactive eutectogels broadens their application in transdermal drug delivery (TDD). To showcase the potential of these sustainable materials, we have developed a supramolecular eutectogel within THDESs. The investigated eutectogels were formed by dissolving pharmaceutically active compounds, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPCl) and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPBr), in THDESs, which were formed by the interaction of menthol (Mth) with fatty acids (FAs) such as lauric acid (LA), palmitic acid (PA), and oleic acid (Ole) through hydrogen bonding. The resulting supramolecular eutectogels, which form solely via reversible noncovalent interactions in response to temperature, exhibit a sol–gel–sol transition, highlighting their reversible temperature responsiveness. Furthermore, these eutectogels remain stable at room temperature for approximately four months, with no alteration in their physical properties. Notably, the mechanical properties of these eutectogels vary according to the chain length of the FAs used to form the specific THDES, with longer chain lengths imparting greater mechanical strength, following the order (Mth + Ole-DES) MeOle > (Mth + PA-DES) MePA > (Mth + LA-DES) MeLA. These eutectogels also show excellent adhesive properties on various substrates, including skin. Moreover, they retain the bioactivity of the THDESs and enhance skin penetration, facilitating the delivery of the anticancer drug curcumin in an ex vivo goat skin model via a Franz diffusion cell. These eutectogels exemplify the relationship between the system's hydrophobicity and its influence on curcumin loading capacity and skin permeation ability, paving the way for the development of innovative therapeutic soft materials.

Breast cancer, marked by its high global incidence and mortality rates, presents significant clinical challenges. Conventional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy often fail to achieve the expected therapeutic efficacy. Ferroptosis, a unique form of regulated cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has been found to confer higher sensitivity to drug-resistant and highly metastatic breast cancer cells. However, breast cancer therapy based on ferroptosis induction has encountered bottleneck issues such as low stability and poor targeting. Recently, ferroptosis induction via nanoparticles has been explored as a promising strategy and has shown great potential in breast cancer therapy. These nanoparticles, with specific surface modifications, can interfere with iron metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and lipid metabolism through photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, or by delivering therapeutic cargo (e.g., drugs, DNA, RNA), ultimately inducing ferroptosis in cancer cells. This review summarizes the characteristics and synthesis methods of nanoparticles designed to induce ferroptosis in breast cancer. We also discuss the mechanisms and clinical potential of different nanoparticle types, as well as future directions in their synthesis, targeting specificity, and biological safety, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize breast cancer treatment.

Engineering biointerfaces that provide both robust cell capture and optimal signal enhancement is a central challenge in the development of materials for cellular diagnostics. Conventional top-down fabrication methods are often complex and costly, limiting their widespread application. Here, we introduce a bio-inspired rational design strategy for creating high-performance SERS platforms for single-cell analysis. By developing a quantitative image analysis methodology, we define a surface complexity coefficient, α, which serves as a predictive metric for the cell-adhesion capacity of a given topography. We demonstrate that pansy petal replicas, identified through this strategy, possess a unique multiscale architecture ideal for erythrocyte analysis. These interfaces exhibit a synergistic interplay between high submicron complexity (α > 20) for robust cell immobilization and cell-conformable micron-scale semi-cavities (8–10 μm) that maximize the interaction area with plasmonic Au nanoparticles (∼30 nm). This optimized topography results in a 2- to 7-fold enhancement of SERS signals from individual erythrocytes compared to other floral-templated substrates. This work not only provides a scalable and cost-effective manufacturing route for advanced SERS materials but also establishes a quantitative framework for designing next-generation biointerfaces for a host of diagnostic and biomedical applications.

Diabetic wounds are a significant clinical challenge. Their complex pathophysiology involves chronic inflammation, bacterial infections, impaired angiogenesis, and oxidative stress. Traditional treatments often fail to address these interconnected issues. Recent advancements in nanotechnology highlight the potential of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) as a versatile platform for these challenges. ZIF-8, a metal–organic framework (MOF), has unique properties like controlled drug release, antibacterial activity, immunomodulation, and antioxidant effects. These features make it an ideal candidate for diabetic wound healing. This review comprehensively examines the mechanisms by which ZIF-8-based systems promote wound healing. We explore its roles in antibacterial action, regulation of key signaling pathways involved in macrophage polarization, angiogenesis promotion, and oxidative stress reduction. We also discuss integrating ZIF-8 into various delivery systems, such as hydrogels, microneedles, and nanocomposites, and their performance in preclinical models. Despite promising results, challenges in biocompatibility, scalability, controlled release, and clinical translation remain. This review highlights these limitations and proposes future directions for optimizing ZIF-8-based therapies. By addressing these hurdles, ZIF-8 could revolutionize diabetic wound management and improve patient outcomes.

Bacterial infections pose a global threat. Self-assembling antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) demonstrate remarkable biocompatibility, antibacterial efficacy, resistance to drug resistance, and stability in combating infections due to their unique non-specific membrane disruption mechanism. The latest advancements in molecular design, optimization strategies, and nanotechnology have paved the way for their clinical applications. This review provides an in-depth introduction to self-assembling antimicrobial peptides. It systematically analyzes and summarizes the latest progress in three key areas: the basic principles and functional characteristics of self-assembling antimicrobial peptides, their combination strategies, and nanostructures. Additionally, it explores their practical applications in various animal models of bacterial infections, addressing the challenges posed by drug-resistant bacteria. Finally, it assesses the opportunities and challenges currently faced by antimicrobial peptide self-assembly, providing valuable insights for future biological and nanomedicine research.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant malignancies, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. Here, we report a multifunctional theranostic nanoformulation (curcumin–Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8) integrating MRI-guided imaging, pH-responsive drug release, radiosensitization, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced apoptosis into a single platform. Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8 nanoparticles (NPs) served as a T₂-weighted MRI contrast agent, achieving r₂ relaxivity values of 25.14 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ at pH 5.5 and 14.65 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ at pH 7.4, demonstrating pH-responsive contrast enhancement for improved tumor imaging. The ZIF-8 shell enabled tumor-specific curcumin release, with ∼75% drug release at pH 5.5 (tumor microenvironment) versus only ∼45% at pH 7.4 within 48 h, ensuring minimal systemic toxicity. Cellular uptake studies in MDA-MB-231 cells confirmed dose-dependent internalization, with 84.3% nanoparticle uptake at 100 μg mL⁻¹. Importantly, ROS generation increased by 28.6% at pH 5.5, thereby amplifying oxidative stress and inducing apoptosis. In vitro cytotoxicity assays revealed that Cur–Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8 reduced MDA-MB-231 cell viability by 72.4% at 48 h, with an IC₅₀ of 98.86 μg mL⁻¹, compared to 293.8 μg mL⁻¹ for Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8, thus demonstrating an ∼3-fold enhancement in therapeutic potency. Furthermore, X-ray radiotherapy (2 Gy) in combination with Cur–Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8 further reduced the IC₅₀ to 80.37 μg mL⁻¹, underscoring its radiosensitization capabilities. Cell cycle analysis revealed G2/M-phase arrest, contributing to impaired cancer cell proliferation. Apoptosis assays confirmed a significant increase in early and late apoptotic populations, while real-time PCR analysis showed significant downregulation of anti-apoptotic BCL-xL and cyclin D1 genes with considerable upregulation of pro-apoptotic BAX, thus reinforcing the mechanism of tumor suppression. This triple-action theranostic system surpasses conventional chemotherapy and standalone MRI contrast agents by combining precision imaging with targeted therapy, offering transformative advancement in TNBC treatment.

Mitochondrial viscosity plays a pivotal role in the microenvironment of mitochondria and is closely associated with pathological conditions. As a light-activated treatment for cancer and infections, photodynamic therapy (PDT) relies on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by photosensitizers to induce cell apoptosis, and mitochondria are prime targets of PDT. However, current photosensitizers lack real-time feedback on therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we report Mito-Qu and Mito-QuE, two quinolinium-based multifunctional fluorescent probes for mitochondrial targeting and viscosity response based on the D–π–A structure to overcome these limitations. Mito-Qu and Mito-QuE reveal exceptionally large Stokes shifts of 179 nm and 186 nm and exhibit viscosity-sensitive emission via a twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) mechanism, making them robust sensors for monitoring mitochondrial viscosity dynamics. Additional experiments suggest that Mito-Qu acts as a sensitive monitor for mitochondrial viscosity monitoring and self-reporting PDT efficacy via both confocal imaging and FLIM, providing a blueprint for developing next-generation organelle-targeted probes for intracellular microenvironment monitoring.

The oral cavity represents a unique and complex anatomical environment characterized by its moist and dynamic nature. This environment is crucial for numerous physiological functions, including digestion, respiration, and phonation, while also serving as a critical interface between the host and various microbial communities. The interplay among resident microbiota, host immune responses, and environmental factors contributes to oral health maintenance. However, this balance can be disrupted, leading to susceptibility to microbial invasion and inflammatory disorders. Conventional oral healthcare materials often fall short in providing sustained therapeutic benefits locally. To address this challenge, researchers combine various bioactive materials with polymer networks designed for wet-adhesion, tailored to the unique conditions of the oral cavity. This review outlines key design strategies for achieving stable wet adhesion, including eliminating interfacial water, establishing robust interfacial linkages, and enhancing material cohesion. Building on interfacial stability, this review further discusses the three dominant strategies for integrating bioactivities, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic activities, emphasizing the synergistic interplay of bioactivity and wet adhesive performance. Furthermore, this review presents the prospects for bioactive wet adhesive materials in promoting oral health, providing insights into existing challenges and potential avenues for development.

Severe hemorrhage and its associated complications represent the primary causes of mortality among trauma patients. Consequently, the development of hemostatic materials that exhibit rapid and effective hemostatic properties, alongside favorable biocompatibility, anti-infective characteristics, and anti-inflammatory capabilities, is of paramount importance. Drawing inspiration from the structure of shark skin, this research introduces chitosan/gelatin microspheres characterized by a wrinkled morphology, which facilitate hemostasis through the mechanisms of physical adsorption and coagulation inherent to their structure. Furthermore, a thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP6) was incorporated into the microspheres via polydopamine (PDA) surface modification, enhancing the aggregation of activated platelets and red blood cells at the site of injury, thereby improving the hemostatic efficacy of the microspheres. Our findings further demonstrate that these chitosan/gelatin microspheres promote the healing of infected wounds, showcasing significant hemostatic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the capacity to mitigate oxidative stress. Thus, the chitosan/gelatin microspheres developed in this study hold considerable promise for widespread application in hemostasis and the management of various infected wounds.

Cryogels are a class of macroporous hydrogels fabricated through a cryogelation process at sub-zero temperatures, resulting in a highly interconnected pore structure. This review focuses on cryogels that mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) in composition and molecular architecture. These cryogels not only exhibit the high mechanical strength and elasticity characteristic of traditional cryogels but also possess unique structural features and excellent biocompatibility, providing a supportive microenvironment for cellular vitality and metabolic activity. The interconnected pores of cryogels facilitate the establishment of controllable mass transport and oxygen gradients, making them particularly advantageous for applications such as hypoxic tumor modeling where precise microenvironment control is essential. They also show great promise in vaccine development, drug delivery and screening, and combination chemotherapies. These features position cryogels as an ideal platform for cancer research. This review summarizes the principles, processes, and preparation methods of cryogelation for developing ECM-mimicking cryogels. Furthermore, it discusses the effects of polymer composition, crosslinking agents, freezing conditions, and other factors on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of cryogels. Finally, the biomedical applications of ECM-mimicking cryogels are explored, illustrating their potential roles in tissue engineering, cancer research, and therapeutic interventions.