Folic Acid Molecules Research Articles

Development of a Controllable Intelligent Drug Delivery System for Efficient Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex inflammatory disease of the joints, which is often accompanied by degeneration of articular cartilage and bone erosion, seriously affecting the quality of life and psychological state of patients. RA is difficult to be cured completely, and currently the main purpose of relief is through the use of anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drugs, hormones, and biological agents. Tofacitib is a new type of small molecule inhibitor, which has a good effect in the treatment of RA. The current direct drug delivery method has serious side effects caused by the systemic distribution of the drug, so there is a need to develop an intelligent drug delivery system to realize precise treatment. In this work, tofacitib, gallic acid, targeted molecule folic acid, and Fe(III) were selected to assemble a novel type of artificial controllable nanodrug GF-TF. The self-photoacoustic/magnetic resonance imaging (self-PA/MRI) monitored the enrichment of GF-TF in the lesion in real-time, and artificially regulated the addition of deferoxamine (DFO) at the optimal enrichment. DFO strongly chelates Fe(III) in GF-TF and causes its structure to disintegrate gradually, and the self-PA/MRI signal of GF-TF became weaker while tofacitib began to be released, thus realizing the precise and artificially controlled release of the drug under the guidance of imaging. This nanodrug not only achieves efficient aggregation of drugs in inflamed joints, but also achieves real-time monitoring and precise control of drug release through self-PA/MRI, providing a new strategy for the precise treatment of RA.

Direct Immobilization of Folic Acid Molecules on Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles with Substitution and Coordination Phenomena.

We successfully synthesized folic acid (FA) immobilized hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles without using a mediative reagent (e.g., silane coupling agent), and the immobilization states were evaluated and discussed. The HA nanoparticles with higher biocompatibility have two different planes, namely, c- and m-planes. These plane surfaces are rich in phosphate groups (P-site) and Ca2+ ions (C-site), respectively. We suggested that during the synthesis of the HA nanoparticles, the P-site substitution and C-site coordination with the addition of organic molecules containing -COO- ions can occur. Thus, it is possible to simultaneously immobilize two molecules to one HA nanoparticle. In this study, we successfully synthesized FA-immobilized HA nanoparticles by P-site substitution and C-site coordination reactions, which were named as substitution type and coordination type. In the substitution type, when FA was reacted with HA during the nucleation stage, the PO43- ions of HA decreased as the FA ratio of coverage surface area increased, and the crystalline phase was changed significantly from the Ca deficient HA to the carbonated HA phase. Accordingly, it was indicated that FA was immobilized on HA by the P-site substitution. In the coordination type, since FA was reacted with HA after the completion of crystal growth, the crystalline phase was changed slightly as the FA ratio of coverage surface area increased, indicating that FA was immobilized on HA by the C-site coordination. From the above, we controlled the FA immobilization states on the HA nanoparticles by the P-site substitution and the C-site coordination through the FA addition timing in the synthesis. Since the -COO- ions in FA could be selectively substituted with the P-site in HA, it is possible to directly coordinate the foreign organic molecules to the Ca2+ ions in HA. Therefore, the immobilization technique of this study is expected to achieve two different drug molecules with diagnosis and therapy functions (i.e., theranostics) on one nanoparticle.

Non-Covalent Interaction of Folic Acid and 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate with Caseinates Improves the Folates Stability Studied by Multi-Spectroscopic Analysis and Molecular Docking.

Folates, a crucial B-group vitamin, serve as a significant functional food supplement. Nevertheless, considerable obstacles persist in improving folates stability in liquid products. In this study, folic acid (FA) and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (MTFA), two approved sources of folates, were encapsulated with sodium caseinate (NaCas) to enhance their stability. The protective effect of NaCas on folate molecules was investigated using experimental and computational methods. Meanwhile, the influence of divalent calcium ion (Ca2+) on the properties of the NaCas-MTFA complex was examined to evaluate the potential application of calcium 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (CaMTFA). Fluorescence tests showed both folates had static quenching behavior and bound to NaCas with a binding constant of 104-105 M-1. Hydrophobic interactions were crucial in NaCas-FA complex formation, while hydrogen bonding drove NaCas-MTFA binding. The encapsulation of caseinate notably slowed down the degradation of folates under both light and dark conditions. Moreover, the addition of a low concentration of Ca2+ did not adversely impact the binding mechanism of the NaCas-MTFA complex or the degradation curve of MTFA. The results of this study could serve as a valuable resource for the utilization of caseinates in incorporating folates, specifically MTFA, in the creation of natural liquid dietary supplements.

Design and Synthesis of Whey Protein-Based Nanoformulation of Fe Ion and Data Extract-Loaded Agents and Functionalized with Folic Acid for Studying its Effect on Yogurt Properties

Recently, there has been a strong interest in nanoparticles (NPs) and their use in a wide range of food applications due to their possession of a set of unique physical and chemical properties. In this work, the nanoformulation was synthesized by coating Fe Ion and Zahdi date pit powder (ZDP) by whey protein. This nanosystem was functionalized by folic acid (FA) molecules. The physiochemical characteristics of WPI@Fe-ZDP-FA nanocomposite were evaluated and confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and radical scavenging activity using DPPH methods. These NPs were added to skim milk and yogurt was produced from it. The effects of this addition on the chemical, physical and sensory properties of yogurt were studied during storage at [Formula: see text]C for 28 days. The prepared nanocomposite was used in proportions of 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75%, respectively. The chemical tests included measuring the percentage of moisture, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and ash, in addition to the total acidity and pH, while the rheological tests included hardness, cohesion and flexibility. A sensory evaluation of the curd parameters was also performed. The curd treatments to which the nanocomposite was added showed a decrease in the level of moisture over the length of the storage period and an increase in the percentage of protein, carbohydrates and ash compared to the control sample that was without the addition. As for the rheological tests, there was a discrepancy in the results of the treatments when compared to the control treatment, as the addition of 0.25% has higher characteristics than all other treatments, especially in the ability to retain water and spontaneous whey excretion. It was more acceptable in terms that the novel WPI@Fe-ZDP-FA nanoformulation greatly improved the characteristics of texture, taste and flavor in yogurt.

Supramolecular approach to obtain folate-functionalized nanoassociates

Nanoassociates containing folic acid (FA) were obtained through solubilization by colloid solutions of three betaine calixresorcinarenes (sulfobetaine tetrapentylcalixresorcinarene С5-SB, hydroxysulfobetaine tetrapentyl- С5-hSB and tetraundecylcalixresorcinarene C11-hSB). FA was solubilized in its anionic form and fraction of bound molecules of FA was of from 89 % to 99 % (FT-PGSE NMR method data). The driving forces of FA encapsulation in the nanoassociates has been considered with the help of 1Н NMR, 2D NOESY NMR, and FT-PGSE NMR data. The macrocycle-FA nanoassociates have average hydrodynamic diameters of 3–5 nm (PDI of 0.1840.238) and a zeta potential close to zero; however, they were stable for 4–8 weeks. The enhancement of the internalization of the macrocycle-FA nanoassociates into M-HeLa cells compared to unloaded macrocycles self-associates was shown by the flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy methods. Additionally, the growth of cytotoxicity of Rhodamine B by 19 % in the presence of С5-SB+FA nanoassociates compared to С5-SB self-associates in the in vitro PDT experiment on M-HeLa cells was found. Overall, the potential of a supramolecular approach to obtaining folate-functionalized nanocontainers has been demonstrated.

Folic acid as a green inhibitor for corrosion protection of Q235 carbon steel in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution

AbstractThis study combines experimental and theoretical explorations. The corrosion inhibition performance of different concentrations (50, 100, 250, and 500 ppm) of folic acid in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution on Q235 steel was tested by weight loss and electrochemical test. The corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with the gradual increase of folic acid concentration and reached a maximum of 87% at 500 ppm folic acid. The experimental results for electrochemistry and weight loss are in good agreement with the simulation calculations. The adsorption of folic acid on the steel surface obeyed the Langmuir isotherm, and the adsorption process was a combination of chemisorption and physisorption. The contact angle test also yielded the maximum increase in hydrophobicity of the specimen surface at the added folic acid concentration of 500 ppm. The corrosion morphology after the addition of corrosion inhibitor was relatively flat. The adsorption orientation of folic acid molecules on the steel surface in an aqueous environment was investigated using density functional theory (DFT)/molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The microscopic mechanism of action of folic acid corrosion inhibitors is clarified.

Investigation of dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated by medication and modified with folate for targeted drug delivery: Invitro and docking studies

In this study, we synthesized dextran (DEX)-coated iron oxide (Fe3O4) and encapsulated it by the anticancer drug cisplatin (CP). This nano-composite functionalized with folic acid (FA) molecules for targeted delivery. These nanoparticles (NPs) were then used as nanocarriers for the targeted administration of CP for treating thyroid tumor cancer. The Fe3O4 NPs were synthesized using a chemical technique. The development of the Fe3O4@DEX-CP-FA nanosystem was achieved using a reverse microemulsion technique. The morphological features of the NPs were characterized using several methods, including dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The docking study has verified that nanoparticles have anti-proliferative effects in thyroid cancer by attaching strongly to molecular targets. The MTT test evaluated the effects of a curative Fe3O4@DEX-CP-FA effect on cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines. The results obtained from the formulation of Fe3O4@DEX-CP-FA revealed the presence of spherical particles with an average size of 107.3 nm, a zeta potential of −28.7 mV, and a polydispersity value of 0.055 mV. Depending on the dose, the nanosystem exhibited cytotoxic effects on thyroid tumor (TT) and normal human thyroid (NHT) cell lines. The study findings indicate that Fe3O4@DEX-CP-FA demonstrated sustained antitumor efficacy while not revealing a harmful impact on normal cells.

Combined Photothermal Therapy and Cancer Immunotherapy by Immunogenic Hollow Mesoporous Silicon-shelled Gold Nanorods

Hyperthermia can be integrated with tumor-killing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy to give rise to an anti-tumor response. To this end, a nano-delivery system is built, which can connect hyperthermia and immunotherapy. On this basis, the impact of such a combination on the immune function of dendritic cells (DCs) is explored. The core of this system is the photothermal material gold nanorod (GNR), and its surface is covered with a silica shell. Additionally, it also forms a hollow mesoporous structure using the thermal etching approach, followed by modification of targeted molecule folic acid (FA) on its surface, and eventually forms a hollow mesoporous silica gold nanorod (GNR@void@mSiO2) modified by FA. GNR@void@mSiO2-PEG-FA (GVS-FA) performs well in photothermal properties, drug carriage and release and tumor targeting performance. Furthermore, the thermotherapy of tumor cells through in vitro NIR irradiation can directly kill tumor cells by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis. GVS-FA loaded with imiquimod (R837) can be used as a adjuvant to enhance the immune function of DCs through hyperthermia.

The function of chemical folic acid in calibration methods and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Functional molecules have been attracting increasing attention in environmental and physiological studies. In particular, folic acid (FA) could be considered a key factor in estimating, adjusting, and making decisions in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. It promotes the general significance and conceptual for considering FA molecular scientific research detections, which implies related advancement in both of biological structure and detection methods. Among these applications, the FA molecule acts as a coenzyme that incorporates carbon atoms and synthesizes purines and pyrimidines. Therefore, the calibration method has real applications and can be used as a sensing platform and for detection approaches, which conveys the internal relationship between the FA molecule and physiological characterization. This mini review briefly discusses multiple FA application fields and detection pathways and could supplement their utilization in anticipation of the onset of disease.

A pH/GSH Dual‐Responsive, Folic Acid Targeted Drug Delivery System Based on Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy

AbstractBovine serum albumin, based on its low toxicity and excellent biocompatibility, has great potential as a carrier for drug delivery systems. In this context, a pH/GSH dual‐responsive drug delivery system (ICG/DOX@Fe‐BSA‐FA nanoparticles) based on Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is constructed for tumor‐targeted multimodal therapy. In this study, doxorubicin (DOX) and indocyanine green (ICG) are co‐loaded after Fe3+ is coordinated with BSA, and the system is finally grafted with the targeted molecule Folic acid. DOX is used in chemotherapy, ICG is used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), and Fe3+ mainly provided sufficient raw material for the Fenton‐like reaction. The ability of ICG/DOX@Fe‐BSA‐FA (ID@FBF) nanoparticles to combine chemotherapy with CDT/PDT/PTT is demonstrated by several physical characterization. In vitro cell uptake assay and in vitro cytotoxicity assay demonstrated the excellent ability of ID@FBF to target 4T1 cells and kill tumor cells with the IC50 value of 0.75 µg mL−1. Therefore, chemotherapy combined with CDT/PDT/PTT therapy may result in satisfactory efficacy via ID@FBF, a potentially powerful and highly effective nanosystem.

The interaction mechanism between zein and folic acid in alkaline aqueous solutions: an experimental and molecular simulation study

Abstract Objectives Folic acid is a vitamin that is not highly soluble in water and is sensitive to the environment. Therefore, it is important to find suitable carriers. This study aimed to exemplify the interaction of folic acid with zein in alkaline aqueous solutions and shed light on how zein can be used as a carrier for folic acid. Materials and Methods Zein and folic acid were separately dissolved in NaOH solutions with a PH of 11.5. Zein solution and folic acid solution were combined in specific ratios. Various methods including multi-spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and electron microscopy combining with molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the interaction mechanism between zein and folic acid in alkaline aqueous solutions. Results Fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the quenching of zein by folic acid was mainly static, and the main driving force behind this interaction was van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. The formation of zein–folic acid complexes was confirmed by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The results also showed that the structure of zein changed when it interacted with folic acid. Dynamic light scattering analysis revealed that the addition of folic acid caused proteins to aggregate. The aggregates of the complexes had an irregular shape and were large, as observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Molecular simulation was used to further investigate the interaction mechanisms. According to these findings, the folic acid molecule interacted with zein in a shallow recess near the protein surface. The dominant forces at play in the zein–folic acid interaction were van der Waals forces and electrostatic forces, including hydrogen bonding. Conclusion The zein alkali-soluble system is very suitable for folic acid delivery.

MRI of Neuroinflammation Using a Folate Receptor β‐Targeted Nanoparticle Contrast Agent

AbstractBackgroundNeuroinflammation plays an important role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis and disease progression leading to cognitive decline. Current efforts for non‐invasive imaging of neuroinflammation are based on using PET radiotracers. An MRI‐based contrast agent for imaging of neuroinflammation would be highly desirable due to widespread use of MRI in imaging of neurological disorders. Folate receptor β, a marker of pro‐inflammatory phenotype, is expressed in microglia. In this work, we investigated a folate‐targeted liposomal‐Gd contrast agent for molecular MRI of neuroinflammation in mouse models of AD.Method In vivo studies were performed in APP/PSEN1 mice, a model of amyloid pathology, and P301S mice, a model of tau pathology. Transgenic mice and wild‐type (WT) littermates (n = 6/genotype, 24 total) underwent pre‐contrast MRI using T1‐weighted spin echo sequences with 160 µm in‐plane resolution and 1.2 mm slice thickness. Delayed MRI was performed 4 days after systemic administration of a high T1 relaxivity liposomal‐Gd contrast agent bearing folic acid molecules. Animals were euthanized after the final imaging session for microscopic analysis of brain. Signal changes between pre‐contrast and post‐contrast MRI were determined in target regions of the brain.ResultTransgenic APP/PSEN1 and P301S mice demonstrated signal enhancement in post‐contrast T1w‐MRI compared to pre‐contrast MRI. In comparison, WT control mice did not show signal enhancement in post‐contrast MRI. APP/PSEN1 transgenic mice exhibited greater relative enhancement (+5.9%, p<0.005) and lower inter‐subject variance than P301S mice (3.9%, p<0.05). Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated higher burden of activated microglia in brains of transgenic mice compared to WT control mice.ConclusionA folate receptor β‐targeted liposomal‐Gd contrast agent enables in vivo MRI of neuroinflammation in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. Such imaging agents could play an important role in monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease progression leading to cognitive decline and evaluation of therapies that target neuroinflammation.

Novel Role of Mitochondrial Folate Metabolism in Cell Fate Decisions and Leukaemogenesis

Folate-mediated one carbon (1C) metabolism sustains proliferation of rapidly dividing cells through its direct contribution to nucleotide biosynthesis. In brief, new 1C units are donated from the amino acid serine (the primary source of 1C units), while folate molecules function as 1C unit carriers. Accordingly, antifolates have been used in the treatment of several malignancies, particularly in the field of haemato-oncology. Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder that arises in a single haematopoietic stem cell with the introduction of the BCR::ABL1 oncoprotein. Although it is generally accepted that CML is driven by leukaemic stem cells (LSCs) that are insensitive to standard therapy due to their quiescent/slow-cycling status, the role of folate metabolism in LSCs remains undescribed. Transcriptomic analysis of patient-derived CML LSCs (CD34 +38 -) revealed a significant upregulation of folate metabolism genes, including the mitochondrial hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT2; p≤0.05), when compared with normal counterparts. Furthermore, CML stem/progenitor (CD34 +) cells displayed a significant increase in the exchange rate of formate (folate intermediate necessary for nucleotide synthesis) compared to the secretome of normal CD34 + cells (p<0.05), suggesting an upregulation of 1C metabolism in therapy resistant CML cells. Following SHMT2 knockout (KO), we observed a strong antiproliferative effect and significantly impaired tumour formation in CML cell line xenograft models (p<0.01), verifying that mitochondrial 1C metabolism is not dispensable for CML cells. Metabolic characterisation using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that both genetic and pharmacological inhibition (using the SHMT1/2 inhibitor, SHIN1) of 1C metabolism results in a significant decrease in de novo purine synthesis. Furthermore, we uncovered activation of AMPK signalling and suppression of mTORC1 activity following mitochondrial 1C metabolism inhibition. Notably, formate supplementation or reconstitution of purine levels was sufficient to reverse the effect on AMPK and mTORC1. Phenotypically, SHIN1 treatment induced the expression of erythropoiesis markers CD71 and Glycophorin A in CML cells, including patient derived CD34 + cells. AMPKα1/α2 KO revealed that the increased expression of these markers was independent of AMPK activity. Mechanistically, we discovered that reconstitution of purine levels (adenine) and mTORC1 activity prevented erythroid differentiation following SHMT1/2 inhibition, highlighting that depletion of 1C units drives differentiation of leukaemic cells through mTORC1-mediated purine sensing. Of clinical relevance, combination of SHIN1 with imatinib, a frontline treatment for CML patients, decreased the number of therapy-resistant CML LSCs in a patient-derived xenograft model (p<0.05). Lastly, stable isotope-assisted metabolomics using 13C 315N 1-serine revealed that imatinib reduced labelling into purine nucleotides, but it maintained labelling into glutathione (GSH), the most abundant antioxidant in the cell, and its oxidised derivate (GSSG). Through generation of glycine, folate metabolism directly contributes to the GSH pool. These data suggest that standard therapy does not affect the incorporation of serine into GSH, implying that the synergistic effect with folate metabolism inhibition might be related to impeded antioxidant defence. Overall, our findings highlight a novel role for mitochondrial folate metabolism in stem cell fate decisions and leukaemogenesis. This work is available as a preprint: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.21.521404v1

A hierarchical porous N-doped carbon material as catalyst derived from the folic acid-Zn/KBr hydrogel: Reaction network and kinetics and mechanism for the oxidation of furfural to maleic acid

A novel hydrogel (named FA-Zn/KBr) was prepared, by taking advantage of the hydrogen-bonding and π-π stacking interactions between the pterin heterocycles of the folic acid (FA) molecules. The hydrogel is composed of highly dispersed KBr, coordinated zinc ions, and stacked arrays of folate tetramers. Due to the presence of KBr, a hierarchical porous nitrogen-doped carbon (PNC-800) material with a specific surface area 2807.9 m2/g can be formed through the calcination of the FA-Zn/KBr xerogel under N2. PNC-800 is used to catalyze the oxidation of furfural to maleic acid in the presence of H2O2. Representative nine reactions constitute the reaction network. The reaction rate constants and apparent activation energy were obtained for each reaction. Based on the kinetics parameters, the simulated results are in good agreement with the experimental data. The mechanism of the reaction catalyzed by PNC-800 is proposed based on ample experimental evidence. The graphitic nitrogen species in PNC-800 are the active sites. PNC-800 catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to generate hydroxyl radical (HȮ), which oxidizes furfural to furfural radical, and the furfural radical is subsequently converted to 5-hydroxy-furan-2(5H)-one (HFONE). The conversion of furfural to maleic acid via the formation of HFONE is the main reaction pathway. In addition, the hierarchical porous structure with a high specific surface area facilitates the interaction of reactant with the active sites. PNC-800 has been shown an excellent catalytic activity for the production of maleic acid from furfural. For the oxidation of 1000 mM furfural using 50 mg PNC-800 at 80 °C within 9 h, the conversion of furfural is 100 % with a maleic acid yield 67.5 %.

PEI functionalized cell membrane for tumor targeted and glutathione responsive gene delivery

Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a broadly exploited cationic polymer due to its remarkable gene-loading capacity. However, the high cytotoxicity caused by its high surface charge density has been reported in many cell lines, limiting its application significantly. In this study, two different molecular weights of PEI (PEI10k and PEI25k) were crosslinked with red blood cell membranes (RBCm) via disulfide bonds to form PEI derivatives (RMPs) with lower charge density. Furthermore, the targeting molecule folic acid (FA) molecules were further grafted onto the polymers to obtain FA-modified PEI-RBCm copolymers (FA-RMP25k) with tumor cell targeting and glutathione response. In vitro experiments showed that the FA-RMP25k/DNA complex had satisfactory uptake efficiency in both HeLa and 293T cells, and did not cause significant cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the uptake and transfection efficiency of the FA-RMP25k/DNA complex was significantly higher than that of the PEI25k/DNA complex, indicating that FA grafting can increase transfection efficiency by 15 %. These results suggest that FA-RMP25k may be a promising non-viral gene vector with potential applications in gene therapy.

Multifunctional poly(allylamine hydrochloride)/bioactive glass layer by layer surface coating on magnesium alloy for biomedical applications

The present study reports on a novel multilayer coating for biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloy substrates. This coating contains soy protein hydrolysate (SPH), poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), and folic acid (FA) templated bioactive glass (BG) nano particles. The multilayer, designated as SPH/(PAH/BG)n, was coated onto an alkaline-treated Mg alloy surface (AMgS) through a dip-coating process with various numbers of cycles (n = 5and 7) using a layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. The BG particles had an average diameter of 12.53 ± 2.22 nm and were embedded with therapeutic FA molecules. Scratch testing, wettability, and roughness tests showed excellent adherence of the SPH/(PAH/BG)7 coating on AMgS, making it suitable for cell attachment. Electrochemical measurements in Hanks balanced salt solution (HBSS) demonstrated that the SPH/(PAH/BG)7 coating improved the corrosion resistance of the Mg alloy. SPH/(PAH/BG)7 coated substrate showed a maximum protective efficacy of 98.4041 %, thanks to the bioactive nature of BG. High-resolution XPS and XRD analyses on SPH/(PAH/BG)7/AMgS confirmed the corrosion deposition of Mg(OH)2, MgHPO4.H2O, CaHPO4.H2O, SiO2, MgCO3 and CaCO3 on the substrate surface after immersion in HBSS for 10 d at 37 °C. The LbL coated Mg substrate also showed excellent cytocompatibility by hemolysis assay These results suggest that the SPH/(PAH/BG)7/AMgS material has multifunctional properties and can be a possible alternative for biomedical applications of Mg alloys.

Activation of a Vibrio cholerae CBASS anti-phage system by quorum sensing and folate depletion.

To counteract infection with phage, bacteria have evolved a myriad of molecular defense systems. Some of these systems initiate a process called abortive infection, in which the infected cell kills itself to prevent phage propagation. However, such systems must be inhibited in the absence of phage infection to prevent spurious death of the host. Here, we show that the cyclic oligonucleotide based anti-phage signaling system (CBASS) accomplishes this by sensing intracellular folate molecules and only expressing this system in a group. These results enhance our understanding of the evolution of the seventh Vibrio cholerae pandemic and more broadly how bacteria defend themselves against phage infection.

Functionalized Metal Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy.

Currently, there are many studies on the application of nanotechnology in therapy. Metallic nanoparticles are promising nanomaterials in cancer therapy; however, functionalization of these nanoparticles with biomolecules has become relevant as their effect on cancer cells is considerably increased by photothermal and photodynamic therapies, drug nanocarriers, and specificity by antibodies, resulting in new therapies that are more specific against different types of cancer. This review describes studies on the effect of functionalized palladium, gold, silver and platinum nanoparticles in the treatment of cancer, these nanoparticles themselves show an anticancer effect. This effect is further enhanced when the NPs are functionalized with either antibodies, DNA, RNA, peptides, proteins, or folic acid and other molecules. These NPs can penetrate the cell and accumulate in the tumor tissue, resulting in a cytotoxic effect through the generation of ROS, the induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, DNA fragmentation, and a photothermal effect. NP-based therapy is a new strategy that can be used synergistically with chemotherapy and radiotherapy to achieve more effective therapies and reduce side effects.

Folic acid-conjugated curcumin-loaded bioMOF-101 for breast cancer therapy

Breast cancer ranks as the primary cause of cancer-related mortality among women and stands as the fifth leading cause of cancer death overall. Biocompatible metal-organic frameworks (bioMOFs) emerge as highly attractive and promising platforms for efficient drug absorption and delivery. Thus, our objective was to develop drug delivery systems using bioMOF-101 materials, incorporating curcumin (CCM). The materials were enhanced by coating with folate molecules, facilitating targeted delivery to the tumor region. BioMOF-101 was meticulously synthesized, characterized using various techniques, and subsequently subjected to drug encapsulation tests. Remarkably, CCM@bioMOF-101-1D achieved an impressive encapsulation efficiency of 99.42%. To evaluate the impact of the MOF on cell viability, both breast tumor and normal cell lines were examined, revealing that the materials exhibited no toxicity. In vivo studies, bio-MOFs did not induce a reduction in the tumor region; however, the CCM@bioMOF-101-1D/FA caused a reduction in alveolar volume, which is indicative of its effectiveness in the model employed. In conclusion, the matrices studied herein can be considered promising alternatives for the treatment of breast cancer.

Adsorption of folic acid molecule on diphenylalanine peptide nanohole as a drug delivery in cancer treatment: a molecular dynamics simulation study.

Using the molecular dynamics simulation method, the adsorption of folic acid as a drug with diphenylalanine peptide nanohole as an efficient nanodrug delivery system was investigated computationally. It focuses on the structural properties, drug loading capacity in the carrier, intermolecular interactions, and drug encapsulation behaviors. The results show that the average number of hydrogen bonds between diphenylalanine and folic acid will increase when the system reaches equilibrium. In addition, by increasing the weight concentration of folic acid from 0.3 to 0.9%, the number of hydrogen bond between them increases about 18%. In other words, hydrogen bonding can play an effective role in the binding of folic acid to the drug carrier. The results of the radial distribution function of water molecules around the carrier mass center show that its effective radius is around 1.2nm (or 12Å), which is in a good agreement with the results obtained from the hydrodynamic radius. The initial structures were optimized in Amber molecular mechanics using Gaussian 09 software in aqueous medium in DFT/B3LYP/6-31g(d). The molecular structure of folic acid was obtained from the PubChem database. The initial parameters are embedded in AmberTools. To calculate partial charges, restrained electrostatic potential (RESP) method was used. Gromacs 2021 software, modified water model (SPC/E), and Amber 03 force field have been used in all simulations. VMD software was used to view simulation photos.