Encapsulation Systems Research Articles

The encapsulation of atomically-thin MgB2-based superconductors in two-dimensional material bilayers

Two-dimensional (2D) superconductors are a class of materials with unique properties that can potentially exhibit novel superconductivity at a reduced dimensionality, as well as pave the way for miniaturizing superconducting devices at the atomic limit. However, such materials are highly sensitive to interaction with their substrates and the environment, and therefore it is necessary to find potential methods for chemically isolating them. We address this problem by examining the possibility of isolating the medium-temperature 2D MgB2-based superconductors. We examine two possible structures: the monolayer stoichiometric MgB2 and the B-caged Mg3B8 structure. By solving the anisotropic Eliashberg equations, we predict that the latter possesses K upon application of a small lateral (3% tensile) strain, with an electron–phonon coupling of 0.88. To investigate protecting the superconductivity of these two layers, we apply density functional theory calculations to examine their encapsulation in a graphene bilayer or a hexagonal boron nitride bilayer. We find that both have high potential as encapsulation systems to protect the superconductivity of the 2D MgB2-based superconductors, in particular B-caged (B–Mg) n systems.

Construction of a pH/Temperature dual-responsive drug delivery platform based on exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets for effective delivery of doxorubicin: Parametric optimization via central composite design

The aim of the current work was to develop drug delivery system for encapsulation and release of doxorubicin using exfoliated molybdenum disulfide nanosheets modified N-isopropyl acrylamide/methyl methacrylate. Here, glutamine was conjugated to the surface of molybdenum disulfide nanosheets. Several techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Zeta potential were applied to characterize the nanoadsorbent. Three important parameters of pH, contact time, and temperature were optimized by the response surface methodology technique. According to the central composite design, the maximum adsorption efficiency of 95% is attained at the pH = 8, contact time of 15 min, and temperature of 30 °C. The non-linear isotherms and kinetics sorption of drug onto nanoadsorbent can be excellently simulated by the Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, respectively. The dual-responsive nanocarrier indicated a slow release profile in simulated blood fluid at pH = 7.4 (T = 37 °C), whereas 98% of drug was released when nanocarrier were dissolved in pH = 5.6 (T = 50 °C) after 6 h, showing a sustained pH and temperature dependent drug release. The biocompatibility of nanocarrier was evaluated by MTT assay on KB cell line as a breast cancer modal cell.

Porous scaffold for mesenchymal cell encapsulation and exosome-based therapy of ischemic diseases.

Ischemic diseases including myocardial infarction (MI) and limb ischemia are some of the greatest causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cell therapy is a potential treatment but is usually limited by poor survival and retention of donor cells injected at the target site. Since much of the therapeutic effects occur via cell-secreted paracrine factors, including extracellular vesicles (EVs), we developed a porous material for cell encapsulation which would improve donor cell retention and survival, while allowing EV secretion. Human donor cardiac mesenchymal cells were used as a model therapeutic cell and the encapsulation system could sustain three-dimensional cell growth and secretion of therapeutic factors. Secretion of EVs and protective growth factors were increased by encapsulation, and secreted EVs had hypoxia-protective, pro-angiogenic activities in in vitro assays. In a mouse model of limb ischemia the implant improved angiogenesis and blood flow, and in an MI model the system preserved ejection fraction %. In both instances, the encapsulation system greatly extended donor cell retention and survival compared to directly injected cells. This system represents a promising therapy for ischemic diseases and could be adapted for treatment of other diseases in the future.

Liposome System for Encapsulation of Spirulina platensis Protein Hydrolysates: Controlled-Release in Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions, Structural and Functional Properties

This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, structural, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of chitosan-coated (0.5 and 1% CH) nanoliposomes containing hydrolyzed protein of Spirulina platensis and its stability in simulated gastric and intestine fluids. The chitosan coating of nanoliposomes containing Spirulina platensis hydrolyzed proteins increased their size and zeta potential. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) test showed an effective interaction between the hydrolyzed protein, the nanoliposome, and the chitosan coating. Increasing the concentration of hydrolyzed protein and the percentage of chitosan coating neutralized the decreasing effect of microencapsulation on the antioxidant activity of peptides. Chitosan coating (1%) resulted in improved stability of size, zeta potential, and poly dispersity index (PDI) of nanoliposomes, and lowered the release of the hydrolyzed Spirulina platensis protein from nanoliposomes. Increasing the percentage of chitosan coating neutralized the decrease in antibacterial properties of nanoliposomes containing hydrolyzed proteins. This study showed that 1% chitosan-coated nanoliposomes can protect Spirulina platensis hydrolyzed proteins and maintain their antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Influence of pH and low/high- methoxy pectin complexation on the hydrophobic binding sites of β-lactoglobulin studied by a fluorescent probe method

β-lactoglobulin(β-Lg)-polysaccharide soluble complexes formed in a specific pH range through electrostatic attraction have attracted a growing interest in the design of food-grade encapsulation systems for hydrophobic compounds, which is mainly ascribed to the ligand-binding properties of β-Lg. However, it remains unclear whether pH-induced conformational changes in β-Lg and its electrostatic complexation with anionic pectin affect their ability to bind hydrophobic compounds. Here, a fluorescent probe method was employed to provide useful insights into the field. Three solvatochromic fluorescent probes (i.e. Nile red, retinol and curcumin) were selected as representative models of hydrophobic compounds that were bound to the inner cavity or/and the outer surface of β-Lg. Binding with β-Lg or β-Lg/pectin complexes largely enhanced the fluorescence of the hydrophobic probes. Especially, the polarity difference of different binding sites on β-Lg was revealed by the fluorescence spectra of β-Lg-Nile red as a function of pH. Both Nile red and retinol were bound more favorably to β-Lg at neutral pH than at acidic pH, possibly due to the accessibility of the inner cavity in the former case. Upon acidification, the gradual reduction in fluorescence intensity of the pre-formed protein-ligands complexes (i.e. at pH 7.0) was ascribed to the dissociation between Nile red (or retinol) and the inner cavity of β-Lg. β-Lg-curcumin interactions were less affected by pH variations, suggesting curcumin mainly binding to the outer surface of β-Lg. For the three tested hydrophobic compounds, the formation of soluble complexes between β-Lg with pectin had no adverse effects on their interactions with the protein. These results may provide useful insights into the binding of hydrophobic compounds to β-Lg or β-Lg/pectin complexes. The methodology may also be extended to study the encapsulation performance of other biopolymers or particles.

Biological control of soft rot in potato by κ-carrageenan carriers encapsulated microbial predators.

The Pectobacterium and Dickeya pectinolytic bacteria are phytopathogens responsible for several macerating diseases on a wide range of crops and ornamental plants. Recently, bacterial predators belonging to the Bdellovibrio and like organisms (BALOs) were shown to efficiently prey on these rot-causing bacteria and reduce soft rot-induced potato slice maceration. In the current research, our novel approach aimed at developing and studying a κ-carrageenan-based encapsulation system for fast-release of entrapped B. bacteriovorus HD100 in high numbers to prevent bacterial soft-rot infections. κ-carrageenan-dried carriers swelled and dissolved upon immersion in water due to a loss of potassium ions which are the main cross-linking agents. Survival rates of the predators after drying were higher for immobilized bdelloplasts (e.g., predator inside the host) compared to attack phase (host-searching, AP) cells, and with the addition of the osmoprotectant trehalose to the carriers. Released encapsulated predators preyed efficiently on soft rot bacteria, with bdelloplasts performing better as compared to AP cells. However, predation dynamics were influenced by the type of added osmoprotectant. Carrageenan-trehalose carriers encapsulating predators were able to reduce soft-rot disease in situ using a potato slice assay. To our knowledge, this research is the first to explore the potential of encapsulated BALOs against phytopathogens. KEY POINTS: • Dissolution of the carriers was affected by potassium concentration in the system. • Encapsulation of bdelloplasts with trehalose best maintained the predator viability. • The encapsulated predators efficiently controlled soft rot in vitro and in situ.

Encapsulation of bioactive compounds of food interest: applications, current advances, challenges, and opportunities.

Objective: The encapsulation of bioactive compounds of food interest provide protection against ambiental factors and degradation reactions. Therefore, the encapsulation of these compounds, was studied and analyzed considering the applications, current advances, challenges, and opportunities on the topic.
 Design/methodology/approach: Wall materials, bioactive compounds of food interest, encapsulation methods, applications, current advances, challenges, and opportunities in encapsulation of bioactive compounds were explored, described, and discussed considering the principal literature on the topic, and scientific databases were used for the bibliographic research.
 Results: Encapsulation process is a novel technology that allows the increasing the stability of aromas, flavors, pigments, and microorganisms, beside of improve the sensory, physical chemical and functional properties, quality, and the extend the shelf-life.
 Limitations on study/implications: Foods contain bioactive compounds that are susceptible to oxidation and degradation, which can reduce their quality and shelf life. To preserve these compounds, is important to develop other encapsulation systems considering alternative wall materials from different sources that can be applied under different process conditions from laboratory, pilot to industrial scale. 
 Findings/conclusions: Encapsulation process provide protection to bioactive compounds enhancing the sensory, physical chemical and functional properties, quality, and extend the shelf-life considering the integral and sustainable use of agricultural products.

Nanocellulose incorporated oleogel matrix for controlled-release of active ingredients in the lower gastrointestinal tract

Controlled release is often preferred for orally administrated bioactive compounds and drugs. In this study, a nanocellulose (NC) incorporated oleogel encapsulation system was developed for controlled release of active agents. 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), an anti-inflammatory drug to treat inflammatory bowel diseases, was used as an example core ingredient for demonstrating the efficacy of the system. Oleogels with/without NC incorporation encapsulating 5-ASA were prepared and tested by in vitro digestion study, and 5-ASA released from the matrix was quantified by a novel UV–Vis spectrometric method developed in this study. The oleogel encapsulation system was characterized by assessing the encapsulation efficiency, oxidative stability, gel hardness, microstructure, and thermal stability. Results showed that sorbitan tristearate-induced oleogel system successfully protected 5-ASA during GI digestion. The incorporation of NC solutions with different NC types, concentrations and volumes further modified the release rate. Specifically, the release of 5-ASA in NC incorporated matrix was <6 % in the gastric phase, and ranged between 17.42 % - 38.28 % in the small intestine depending on the added NC type and concentration. Additionally, the incorporation of NC improved physicochemical stability of the gel matrix. The new 5-ASA quantification method developed in this study is simpler and faster compared with currently available methods.

Milk sphingosomes as lipid carriers for tocopherols in aqueous foods: Thermotropic phase behaviour and morphology

Foods containing polyunsaturated lipids are prone to oxidation. Designing food-grade hydrocolloidal encapsulation systems able to load lipophilic antioxidant molecules, such as tocopherols (vitamin E), is necessary to prevent oxidation and its deleterous consequences. In this study, we hypothesised that α-tocopherol molecules could incorporate in a host membrane composed of milk sphingomyelin (milk-SM) and performed a multi-scale biophysical study. The thermal properties of milk-SM bilayers with various molar proportions of α-tocopherol were characterised by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), their structural properties were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The miscibility between milk-SM and α-tocopherol was investigated in mixed Langmuir monolayers. The morphology of milk-SM sphingosomes was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). We found that molecules of α-tocopherol inserted into the milk-SM bilayers and induced a physical desorganisation in the membrane packing, both in the ordered and fluid states. In the presence of α-tocopherol, the bilayers were no longer in a gel phase below the phase transition temperature Tm, but in the liquid ordered Lo phase. Furthermore, the sphingosomes formed elongated structures in presence of α-tocopherol as a result of membrane softening and changes in the bilayer curvature associated to membrane fusion. The findings of this work contribute in a better understanding of the capacity of milk-SM bilayers to incorporate guest molecules. Milk-SM sphingosomes loaded with tocopherols could be used to prevent oxidation in aqueous foods containing polyunsaturated lipids such as oil-in-water emulsions.

Fabrication and characterization of CNF/PLGA nanocomposite system for encapsulation of bacoside A3

Fabrication and characterization of CNF/PLGA nanocomposite system for encapsulation of bacoside A3

Fabrication and spray-drying microencapsulation of vitamin C-loaded W1/O/W2 emulsions: Influence of gel polymers in the internal water phase on encapsulation efficiency, reconstituted stability, and controlled release properties

Water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) emulsions represent promising multilayer encapsulation systems for protecting hydrophilic nutraceutical and pharmaceutical components. However, the strong leakage of hydrophilic components from W1 to W2 limits the practical applications of these emulsions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of gel polymers present in W1 on the performance characteristics of W1/O/W2 emulsions and their derived microencapsulated powders. Herein, cationic polymer chitosan and nonionic polymer hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) were used as gelling agents in W1 to produce vitamin C (VitC)-loaded W1/O/W2 emulsions and the corresponding spray-dried microcapsules. A sample containing low viscosity chitosan possessed the highest encapsulation efficiency (91.9%), and its derived microcapsules exhibited an almost completely reconstituted microstructure and high encapsulation stability (80.8%) after rehydration. In contrast, two formulations containing HPMC produced a negative impact on these critical parameters. Importantly, VitC was effectively retained in W1, as indicated by its electrostatic conjugation with chitosan and increased viscosity. This study demonstrated that the selection of appropriate gel polymers for W1 is an effective strategy for enhancing the encapsulation performance of W1/O/W2 emulsions and commercial production of the corresponding dried microcapsules.

Encapsulation of fucoxanthin in fatty acid-bovine serum albumin micelles to improve the stability, bioavailability, and bioefficacy

The poor processing adaptability and bioavailability of carotenoids tend to limit their application in the food industry. Dietary fatty acids (FAs) are, however, valuable agents for the intestinal absorption of carotenoids and, thus, were employed in this study to construct protein-based encapsulation systems that can improve the thermal and storage stability and intestinal absorption of fucoxanthin (FUCO). Results showed that all the non-covalently connected micelles fabricated via FAs and bovine serum albumin (BSA) obviously improved the thermostability of FUCO and increased its retention rate. Simultaneously, the half-life of FUCO was prolonged with the introduction of saturated FAs. The animal experiment revealed that the introduction of FAs enhanced the oral absorbability and in vivo antioxidation of FUCO, displaying distinguished metabolites of FUCO in vivo with the involvement of different FAs. These findings can contribute to the development of a promising strategy for synchronously enhancing the processing adaptability and bioefficiency of carotenoids.

Assessment of temperature-sensitive properties of ionically crosslinked sodium alginate/hydroxypropyl cellulose blend microspheres: preparation, characterization, and in vitro release of paracetamol

Today, polymer systems can be formed to respond to single stimuli or multiple stimuli by changing their properties. The use of these systems, which are designed to be sensitive to stimuli, is expanding in a wide range of applications. Herein, microspheres of sodium alginate (NaAlg) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) sensitive to dual stimuli for the controlled release of model drug paracetamol were produced by the ionotropic gelation method in the presence of Zn2+ ions. FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM, and particle size measurements were used to describe the blend microspheres. Low critical solution temperatures (LCST) of polymer blends at different ratios were determined and the biggest change according to the LCST value of HPC was found to be approximately 1–2 °C lower than 41 °C in microspheres with a NaAlg/HPC ratio of 50/50. In vitro release experiments of paracetamol from microspheres were carried out in a gastrointestinal tract simulation environment at two different temperatures (37 °C and 47 °C). From the release profiles, paracetamol release varied depending on the NaAlg/HPC ratio, the paracetamol content in the microspheres, the exposure time to Zn2+ ions, and the pH of the medium. Among the microsphere formulations, the highest entrapment efficiency was 57.86%, obtained for B7 formulation microspheres with a NaAlg/HPC ratio of 70/30, a paracetamol loading percentage of 20%, and a crosslinking time of 5 min. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Microspheres of sodium alginate (NaAlg) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) sensitive to dual stimuli for the controlled release of model drug paracetamol were produced by the ionotropic gelation method in the presence of Zn2+ ions. LCST values of the microspheres with a NaAlg/HPC ratio of 50/50 were significantly lower by 1–2 °C than the LCST value of HPC, and the release results supported the temperature sensitivity of the microspheres. Among the microsphere formulations, the highest entrapment efficiency was 57.86% obtained for B7 formulation microspheres. These microspheres can be used as a temperature-sensitive drug delivery system in the biomedical field and also as an encapsulation system of cancer drugs for cancer treatment modalities such as hyperthermia.

Onion Essential Oil-in-Water Emulsion as a Food Flavoring Agent: Effect of Environmental Stress on Physical Properties and Antibacterial Activity.

Plant essential oils (EOs), which are acknowledged as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have the potential to be used as a flavoring agent. However, there are limitations to some EOs, such as low water solubility and high volatility, which limit their application in food technology. This study was conducted to develop onion (Allium cepa) EO as a flavoring agent and determine its stability against environmental stress via an emulsification technique, with different concentrations of sodium caseinate, as a delivery system. Emulsions containing onion EO were prepared using different concentrations of sodium caseinate (3, 5, and 7% w/w) via the solvent-displacement technique. The physical properties (average droplet size, color, turbidity, and stability measurement) and antibacterial activity (agar disk diffusion method) of emulsions were then determined. Results show that emulsion with 7% (w/w) sodium caseinate was the most desirable sample in terms of physical properties and antibacterial activity. Hence, it was selected for environmental stress studies (i.e., thermal processing, freeze-thaw cycles, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure). Results revealed that all types of environmental stresses had significant (p < 0.05) effects on droplet size, color, turbidity, and stability. Generally, the environmental stresses increased the droplet size except in the freeze-thaw cycle case, while all stresses decreased the stability and lightness. All types of environmental stress treatment did not show a significant (p < 0.05) effect on antibacterial activity enhancement against Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes except in the case of UV treatment against L. monocytogenes. Therefore, the present work has demonstrated the potential use of emulsion as an encapsulation and delivery system of EO flavors for food applications.

Application of Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages Combined with Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Dual-Channel Three-Dimensional Bioprinting Scaffolds for Early Immune Regulation and Osteogenic Induction in Rat Calvarial Defects.

The host immune response to biomaterials is critical for determining scaffold fate and bone regeneration outcomes. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted scaffolds encapsulated with living cells can improve the inflammatory microenvironment and further accelerate bone repair. Here, we screened and adopted 8% methacrylamidated gelatin (GelMA)/1% methacrylamidated hyaluronic acid (HAMA) as the encapsulation system for rat bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) and 3% Alginate/0.5 mg/mL graphene oxide (GO) as the encapsulation system for rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), thus forming a dual-channel bioprinting scaffold. The 8% GelMA/1% HAMA/3% Alginate/0.5 mg/mL GO (8/1/3/0.5) group could form a scaffold with a stable structure, good mechanical properties, and satisfied biocompatibility. When exploring the crosstalk between BMMs and BMSCs in vitro, we found that BMSCs could promote the polarization of BMMs to M2 type at the early stage, reduce the pro-inflammatory gene expression, and increase anti-inflammatory gene expression; conversely, BMMs can promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. In addition, in the model of rat calvarial defects, the dual-channel scaffold encapsulated with BMMs and BMSCs was more effective than the single-cell scaffold and the acellular scaffold. The paracrine of BMMs and BMSCs in the biodegradable dual-channel scaffold effectively promoted the M2-type polarization of macrophages in the microenvironment of early bone defects, avoided excessive inflammatory responses, and further promoted bone repair. In conclusion, our findings suggested that using 3D bioprinting to simultaneously encapsulate two primary cells of BMMs and BMSCs in a dual-channel system may be an effective way to promote bone repair from the perspective of early immune regulation and late induction of osteogenesis.

Preparation and characterization of a novel magnetized nanosphere as a carrier system for drug delivery using Plantago ovata Forssk. hydrogel combined with mefenamic acid as the drug model

The aim of the present study was to magnetize Plantago ovata Forssk. hydrogel and produce a nanosphere system to carrier mefenamic acid as the drug model. For this propose, P. ovata seeds hydrogel (POSH) was extracted and magnetized by Fe 3 O 4 being functionalized using tetraethyl orthosilicate and trimethoxyvinysilane. Thereafter, mefenamic acid (MFA) was loaded on the carrier system. The final product, as the magnetic drug loaded nanosphere (Fe/POSH/MFA), was fully characterized through different techniques involving X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and FT-IR spectroscopy. The results confirmed the successful production of the drug loaded nanosphere system with particles magnetization of 25 emu/g over a range size of 40–50 nm. However, the size distribution less than 100 nm was measured through DLS analysis. The hydrogel showed a pH sensitivity swelling behavior representing the best efficacy at pH 7.4. The efficiency of the drug encapsulation was found to be 64.35%. The drug releasing was studied using a dialysis bag at pH = 7.4. The highest in vitro drug releasing was found to be 57.3 ± 0.6% after 72 h, as well. The findings of the current report account for the potential use of P. ovata hydrogel as an effective delivery system for encapsulation of water insoluble basic drugs, e.g. , MFA in a magnetized carrier system.

Zein-based nano-delivery systems for encapsulation and protection of hydrophobic bioactives: A review.

Zein is a kind of excellent carrier materials to construct nano-sized delivery systems for hydrophobic bioactives, owing to its unique interfacial behavior, such as self-assembly and packing into nanoparticles. In this article, the chemical basis and preparation methods of zein nanoparticles are firstly reviewed, including chemical crosslinking, emulsification/solvent evaporation, antisolvent, pH-driven method, etc., as well as the pros and cons of different preparation methods. Various strategies to improve their physicochemical properties are then summarized. Lastly, the encapsulation and protection effects of zein-based nano-sized delivery systems (e.g., nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanomicelles and nanogels) are discussed, using curcumin as a model bioactive ingredient. This review will provide guidance for the in-depth development of hydrophobic bioactives formulations and improve the application value of zein in the food industry.

Encapsulation of Functional Plant Oil by Spray Drying: Physicochemical Characterization and Enhanced Anti-Colitis Activity.

In this study, an encapsulation system was developed for functional plant oil delivery. Through a series of orthogonal experiments and single factor experiments, the raw material compositions, emulsification conditions, and spray drying conditions for the preparation of flaxseed oil and safflower seed oil powders were optimized, and the final encapsulation efficiency was as high as 99% with approximately 50% oil loading. The storage stability experiments showed that oil powder’s stability could maintain its physicochemical properties over six months. Oral supplementation of the spray-dried flaxseed oil powder exhibited a significant and better effect than flaxseed oil on alleviating colitis in C57BL/6J mice. It suppressed the pro-inflammatory cell factors, including IL-6 and TNF-α, and repaired gut microbial dysbiosis by increasing the microbial diversity and promoting the proliferation of probiotic taxa such as Allobaculum. This work suggests that spray-dried flaxseed oil powder has great potential as a nutraceutical food, with spray drying being a good alternative technique to improve its bioactivity.

Sustained Delivery of a Monoclonal Antibody against SARS-CoV-2 by Microencapsulated Cells: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Background: Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy is a promising antiviral intervention for Coronovirus disease (COVID-19) with a potential for both treatment and prophylaxis. However, a major barrier to implementing mAb therapies in clinical practice is the intricate nature of mAb preparation and delivery. Therefore, here, in a pre-clinical model, we explored the possibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mAb delivery using a mAb-expressing encapsulated cell system. Methods: Murine G-8 myoblasts were transfected with plasmids coding for the heavy and light chains of CR3022, a well-characterized SARS-CoV-2 mAb that targets the Spike receptor binding domain (RBD), and then encapsulated into alginate microcapsules. The microcapsules were then intraperitoneally implanted into immunocompetent (C57/BL6J) mice and changes in circulating CR3022 titres were assessed. The in vitro and ex vivo characterization of the mAb was performed using western blotting, RBD ELISA, and microscopy. Results: Transfected G-8 myoblasts expressed intact CR3022 IgG at levels comparable to transfected HEK-293 cells. Cell encapsulation yielded microcapsules harbouring approximately 1000 cells/capsule and sustainably secreting CR3022 mAb. Subsequent peritoneal G-8 microcapsule implantation into mice resulted in a gradual increase of CR3022 concentration in blood, which by day 7 peaked at 1923 [1656–2190] ng/mL and then gradually decreased ~4-fold by day 40 post-implantation. Concurrently, we detected an increase in mouse anti-CR3022 IgG titers, while microcapsules recovered by day 40 post-implantation showed a reduced per-microcapsule mAb production. Summary: We demonstrate here that cell microencapsulation is a viable approach to systemic delivery of intact SARS-CoV-2 mAb, with potential therapeutic applications that warrant further exploration.

Designed assembly and disassembly of DNA in supramolecular structure: From ion regulated nuclear formation and machine learning recognition to running DNA cascade

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce a novel encapsulation system for DNA oligonucleotides. Supramolecular assembly of melamine cyanurate encapsulates DNA at pH 7 and start to release it at pH less than 6.5. We study the assembly and disassembly in time in specially designed reaction‐diffusion system. Magnesium ions allow spatial separation of DNA with the highest DNA concentration in the core of melamine cyanurate capsule. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation shows that DNA acts as a nucleation centre for melamine cyanurate. Dataset of fluorescent images analysed by machine learning algorithms indicates correlation between structure of melamine cyanurate capsules for DNA trapping and concentration of magnesium ions. The concentration of magnesium ions can be recognized with 96% accuracy proving that all environmental conditions are extremely important during the self‐assembly and should be considered for laboratory and industrial applications of the suggested approach. Moreover, the encapsulated DNA can undergo a cascade reaction consisting of hybridization with complementary strand and its cleavage at a designated site. This reactivity opens a fresh avenue for various applications in biosensing, diagnostics, DNA compartmentalization, and even gives new hints for the origin‐of‐life questions.