Tunable Physicochemical Properties Research Articles

Bioprinting silk fibroin using two-photon lithography enables control over the physico-chemical material properties and cellular response

Two-photon lithography (2 PL) has been proposed as an additive manufacturing method to fabricate structures at the microscale, including curing protein-based bioinks. In this study, we explored the use of 2 PL for biomedical applications to photo-cross-link silk fibroin solution into a solid hydrogel with directly tuneable physico-chemical properties. 2 PL allowed control of the cross-linking degree and the porosity of the resulting hydrogel at the micrometric scale by regulating the intensity of the IR laser exposure, tested between 800 and 2400 mW, during the 3D printing process. The regulation of the cross-linking degree in this way allowed for the production of hydrogels with significantly different degradation rates, ranging from 0.5 to 2 h during accelerated enzymatic degradation assay, while their β-sheet content, assessed by Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), did not show significant changes. The hydrogels Young’s modulus, assessed by quantitative microelastography, could also be controlled within a 9.6 to 47.2 kPa range and was found to increase with the rate of cross-linking. When human dermal fibroblasts were included in the silk fibroin solution for bioprinting testing at different laser exposures, cell viability was assessed over 95% during 21 days of in vitro culture. Moreover, cells showed a higher proliferation rate in less cross-linked hydrogels and were able to align and migrate to areas of increased stiffness printed in gradient hydrogels. Overall, this versatile additive manufacturing method represents an advancement of silk fibroin biomaterials for soft tissue engineering, enabling control of the microstructure and degradation rate of the products and the proliferation of the engrafted cells.

Aqueous-Mediated Synthesis and Characterization of Gelatin Methacryloyl for Biomedical Applications

In recent years, gelatin methacryloy¬l (GelMA)-based hydrogels have been widely used in many biomedical applications, particularly tissue engineering, due to their biocompatibility and tunable physicochemical, mechanical, and other functional properties. Phosphate buffer saline (PBS) or carbonate-bicarbonate buffer are frequently used to make GelMA. In this article, the authors provide an elegant aqueous-mediated synthesis and characterization of GelMA. The experimental conditions were optimized and extensively discussed. The results of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the formation of GelMA with characteristic absorption peaks and chemical functional groups. The morphological analysis done with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the porous nature of the GelMA with an average pore size of 80 microns. It was also found that the gelation properties of aqueous-mediated GelMA hydrogel were highly tunable by varying the percentage of gel concentration, which yields a wide range of tunable physicochemical properties. The preparation of this kind of aqueous-mediated GelMA is cost-effective compared to their counterparts and easy to prepare in laboratory settings with high yield under optimal conditions.

Delivery of stromal-derived factor-1α via biocompatible gold nanoparticles promotes dendritic cells viability and migration

Combination of cancer immunotherapies and nanotechnology has shown to increase therapeutic efficiency and efficacy with less safety concerns. For an effective vaccine, activation and functional maturation of dendritic cells is a key step for the subsequent adaptive immune responses against cancer. Owing to superior biocompatibility, tunable physicochemical properties, low toxicity in immune cells and ease of functionalization by modifying surface with various biomolecules, gold nanoparticles (AuNP) has been exploded for the development of better dendritic cells (DCs)-based vaccines. AuNPs with biopolymer such as collagen has been revealed to increase biological performance. In the present study, a novel nanocarrier comprising of Au nanoparticles fabricated with collagen biomolecule was used to carry bioactive molecules called stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), which is known to enhance DCs survival, maturation, and migration, Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis showed the particle size of Au-Col-SDF-1α (Au-Col-SDF-1) was 308 ± 3.3 nm. Both UV-Vis absorption and FTIR spectrum analysis demonstrated that SDF-1 successfully conjugated onto Au-Col. Cellular uptake analysis indicated that DCs exhibited an excellent uptake capacity when SDF-1α was carried by Au-Col nanocarrier. In addition, MTT assay and cell cycle analysis revealed that Au-Col-SDF-1 could facilitate viability and proliferation of DCs. Furthermore, Au-Col-SDF-1 could promote DCs migration and upregulate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymatic activity in DCs as well as enhance the ability of DCs in inducing T cell cytokines production. Moreover, Au-Col-SDF-1 could stimulate DCs to express CXCR4 then secret more SDF-1α to further influence the surrounding DCs. In conclusion, our findings provide a new application by promoting DCs cell viability, migration and ability to enhance T cell cytokine production for a better DC‐based cancer vaccine using a novel AuNP-Col nanocarrier that was bounded with SDF-1α (Au-Col-SDF-1α)

Delivery Capacity and Anticancer Ability of the Berberine-Loaded Gold Nanoparticles to Promote the Apoptosis Effect in Breast Cancer.

Simple SummaryIn this research, we aimed to evaluate the biological effects of physically gold nanoparticle-collagen nanocarrier incorporated with alkaloid berberine (Au-Col-BB) on non-transformed bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) and Her-2 breast cancer cell lines through in vitro and in vivo assessments. Au-Col-BB showed better cytotoxicity, as well as significantly induced cell apoptosis in Her-2 cancer cells compared with normal cells (non-transformed BAEC). Further, Au-Col-BB also demonstrated better anti-cancer capacity for inhibiting cell growth in Her-2 tumor-bearing mice. In brief, we confirmed that the Au-Col-BB nanocarrier could be a potential nanodrug for increasing the efficiency of specific therapeutic effects in breast cancer disease.Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were fabricated with biocompatible collagen (Col) and then conjugated with berberine (BB), denoted as Au-Col-BB, to investigate the endocytic mechanisms in Her-2 breast cancer cell line and in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). Owing to the superior biocompatibility, tunable physicochemical properties, and potential functionalization with biomolecules, AuNPs have been well studied as carriers of biomolecules for diseases and cancer therapeutics. Composites of AuNPs with biopolymer, such as fibronectin or Col, have been revealed to increase cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. BB is a natural compound with impressive health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar and reducing weight. In addition, BB can inhibit cell proliferation by modulating cell cycle progress and autophagy, and induce cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. In the current research, BB was conjugated on the Col-AuNP composite (“Au-Col”). The UV-Visible spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy confirmed the conjugation of BB on Au-Col. The particle size of the Au-Col-BB conjugate was about 227 nm, determined by dynamic light scattering. Furthermore, Au-Col-BB was less cytotoxic to BAEC vs. Her-2 cell line in terms of MTT assay and cell cycle behavior. Au-Col-BB, compared to Au-Col, showed greater cell uptake capacity and potential cellular transportation by BAEC and Her-2 using the fluorescence-conjugated Au-Col-BB. In addition, the clathrin-mediated endocytosis and cell autophagy seemed to be the favorite endocytic mechanism for the internalization of Au-Col-BB by BAEC and Her-2. Au-Col-BB significantly inhibited cell migration in Her-2, but not in BAEC. Moreover, apoptotic cascade proteins, such as Bax and p21, were expressed in Her-2 after the treatment of Au-Col-BB. The tumor suppression was examined in a model of xenograft mice treated with Au-Col-BB nanovehicles. Results demonstrated that the tumor weight was remarkably reduced by the treatment of Au-Col-BB. Altogether, the promising findings of Au-Col-BB nanocarrier on Her-2 breast cancer cell line suggest that Au-Col-BB may be a good candidate of anticancer drug for the treatment of human breast cancer.

Protein aggregation and crystallization with ionic liquids: Insights into the influence of solvent properties

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been used in solvents for proteins in many applications, including biotechnology, pharmaceutics, and medicine due to their tunable physicochemical and biological properties. Protein aggregation is often undesirable, and predominantly occurs during bioprocesses, while the aggregation process can be reversible or irreversible and the aggregates formed can be native/non-native and soluble/insoluble. Recent studies have clearly identified key properties of ILs and IL-water mixtures related to protein performance, suggesting the use of the tailorable properties of ILs to inhibit protein aggregation, to promote protein crystallization, and to control protein aggregation pathways. This review discusses the critical properties of IL and IL-water mixtures and presents the latest understanding of the protein aggregation pathways and the development of IL systems that affect or control the protein aggregation process. Through this feature article, we hope to inspire further advances in understanding and new approaches to controlling protein behavior to optimize bioprocesses.

Interaction of virus-like particles and nanoparticles with inorganic materials for biosensing: An exciting approach

In recent years, the implementation of virus-like particles (VLPs) and viral nanoparticles (VNPs) into biosensing devices have been extensively studied due to their ease of surface modification into specific bio-recognizing elements by both chemical and genetic approaches. Some authors have already reported hybrid VLPs/VNPs as promising alternatives due to their biocompatibility and tunable physicochemical properties. Furthermore, incorporating inorganic compounds into VLPs/VNPs systems for improving the optical and electrochemical biosensing performance is somehow a current approach. VNPs of bacteriophages have served as nanoscale models that offer unique structural properties such as pathogen detection. In this sense, non-infectious VLPs/VNPs and inorganic materials represent an opportunity in research, drug innovation, and sensing for further comprehension and early identification of diseases.

A lignocellulose-based nanocomposite hydrogel with pH-sensitive and potent antibacterial activity for wound healing

Hydrogel dressings with similar structural characteristics to the extracellular matrix and tunable physicochemical properties have become promising candidates for wound healing. However, the fabrication of an ideal hydrogel dressing with low-cost, good biocompatibility, excellent hemostatic capacity, potent and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity remains a huge challenge. Herein, a lignocellulose-based nanocomposite hydrogel (ATC/SA/PVA) is fabricated by simply mixing Ag nanoparticles loaded, tannic acid-decorated lignocellulose nanofibrils with sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol. Based on the dynamic borate ester bonds and multiple weak hydrogen bonds, the fabricated hydrogel exhibits excellent flexibility and self-healing performance. Its highly porous structure endows the gel excellent blood and tissue exudates absorption ability. Interestingly, the release behavior of Ag nanoparticles from hydrogel displays pH dependence, which can facilitate the accumulation of Ag nanoparticles at the wound site, thereby accelerating the process of wound healing. In vitro antibacterial assay demonstrates the potent antibacterial ability of hydrogel against both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and negative bacteria (E. coli). More importantly, in vivo investigations reveal that such hydrogel can effectively accelerate tissue regeneration and wound healing with no obvious adverse effects. All these results suggest that this nanocomposite hydrogel would be a promising candidate to accelerate wound healing.

Surface active SNS-based dicationic ionic liquids containing amphiphilic anions: Experimental and theoretical studies of their structures and organization in solution

Surface active ionic liquids (SAILs) have been reported as new media that collectively offer the advantages of the aqueous and oily phases. In particular, dicationic ionic liquids (DILs) have attracted much interests because their tunable physicochemical properties allow them to act as sustainable active catalysts in chemical reactions (CO2 conversion, esterification) and also as extraction media to remove drugs/pollutants from aqueous systems. In order to better understand this class of ILs, this work describes new strategies for the synthesis of SNS-based dicationic ILs containing amphiphilic anions ([C12SO4]-, [C12ESO4]-, [C12BSO3]- and [C12SAR]-) and the evaluation of their structural organization and aggregation level in solution. The results obtained by experimental techniques (FTIR, TGA, DSC, POM, ESI-MS, DLS and NMR) combined with those achieved by theoretical DFT calculations revealed that the anion has an important function to modulate the properties of the SNS-based ILs in solution, while the presence of a methyl group at the C2 position of the imidazolium ring seems to be not sufficient to change such physicochemical properties. The ILs containing the anion [C12BSO3]- showed a superior ionic organization in solution due to the cationic aggregates observed in the ESI(+) mode and the large size of aggregates observed by DLS. This behavior may be assigned to a close proximity of the cationic imidazolium ring and the aromatic ring in the anion (π-π interaction), and by NMR analysis (ROESY and DOSY) it was possible to confirm interactions between cation and anion. Therefore, the theoretical and experimental results obtained for the SNS-based dicationic ILs containing amphiphilic anions indicate that these ILs can be applied as media in both pure and/or solution systems for many sustainable applications.

Ternary VS2/ZnS/CdS hybrids as efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction: Experimental and theoretical insights

Widely used precious metal (i.e., Pt, or Pd) electrocatalysts need to be replaced with other cost-effective and earth-abundant materials for economical water splitting applications. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (MoS2, VS2, WS2, etc.) have emerged as ideal electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to their tunable physicochemical properties and rich catalytic active sites. In this regard, we propose a strategy to achieve improved HER performance of VS2 by fabricating a hybrid material with transition metal (Zn and Cd)-based sulfides. A facile hydrothermal approach is employed to prepare a VS2/ZnS/CdS hybrid catalyst that exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic performance for the HER in acidic media with a small overpotential of 86 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and a Tafel slope of 74.4 mV/dec. This inferred the Volmer–Heyrovsky mechanism with electrochemical desorption of hydrogen as the rate-limiting step. High performance is attributed to the abundance of catalytically active sites and the synergistic interactions between the materials. Theoretical calculations reveal that the VS2/ZnS/CdS hybrid shows favorable HER activity owing to its low hydrogen adsorption free energy of about 0.35 eV. We believe that this work on designing 2D VS2/ZnS/CdS will offer a new pathway to discover an efficient H2 generation electrocatalyst.

Metallic Nanoscaffolds as Osteogenic Promoters: Advances, Challenges and Scope

Bone injuries and fractures are often associated with post-surgical failures, extended healing times, infection, a lack of return to a normal active lifestyle, and corrosion associated allergies. In this regard, this review presents a comprehensive report on advances in nanotechnology driven solutions for bone tissue engineering. The fabrication of metals such as copper, gold, platinum, palladium, silver, strontium, titanium, zinc oxide, and magnetic nanoparticles with tunable physico-chemical and opto-electronic properties for osteogenic scaffolds is discussed here in detail. Furthermore, the rational selection of a polymeric base such as chitosan, collagen, poly (L-lactide), hydroxyl-propyl-methyl cellulose, poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid, polyglucose-sorbitol-carboxymethy ether, polycaprolactone, natural rubber latex, and silk fibroin for scaffold preparation is also discussed. These advanced materials and fabrication strategies not only provide for appropriate mechanical strength but also render integrity, making them appealing for orthopedic applications. Further, such scaffolds can be functionalized with ligands or biomolecules such as hydroxyapatite, polypyrrole (PPy), magnesium, zinc dopants, and growth factors to stimulate osteogenic differentiation, mineralization, and neovascularization to aid in rapid healing. Future directions to co-incorporate bioceramics, biogenic nanoparticles, and fourth generation biomaterials to enhance biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and rapid recovery are also included in this review. Hence, the further development of such biomimetic metal-based nano-scaffolds at a lower cost with reduced risks and greater efficacy at regrowing bone can revolutionize the future of orthopedics.

Optical and electrical modulation in ultraviolet photodetectors based on organic one‐dimensional photochromic arrays

AbstractOrganic photochromic materials have drawn considerable attention for their potential applications in large‐scale and low‐cost optoelectronics owing to unique tunable physicochemical properties. For organic photodetectors, photochromic materials have realized optical and electrical engineering of semiconductor layers, which incorporate not only tunable performance, but also functionalities to optoelectronic devices. However, the essential challenge is to assemble large‐area photochromic micro‐ and nanostructure arrays with controllable geometry and precise alignment, which restricts the integration of multifunctional optoelectronic devices. Herein, we fabricate organic photochromic one‐dimensional (1D) arrays via a feasible solution process through the confined crystallization of organic molecules. By modulating and controlling the photoisomerization behaviors, these 1D photochromic arrays possess broad spectral tunability, which ensure tunable photoresponse. Furthermore, we investigate the crystallographic transition and electronic performance variation of these 1D photochromic arrays. By adjusting the dwell time of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, the UV photochromic photodetectors realize tunable and repeatable responsivity from 85.6 to 0.709 mA/W. Our work provides new possibilities for optical and electrical engineering of photochromic microwires towards the integration of multifunctional optoelectronic devices.

Applications of Fluorous Porphyrinoids: An Update.

Porphyrins and related macrocycles have been studied broadly for their applications in medicine and materials because of their tunable physicochemical, optoelectronic and magnetic properties. In this review article, we focused on the applications of fluorinated porphyrinoids and their supramolecular systems and summarized the reports published on these chromophores in the past 5-6 years. The commercially available fluorinated porphyrinoids: meso-perfluorophenylporphyrin (TPPF20 ) perfluorophthalocyanine (PcF16 ) and meso-perfluorophenylcorrole (CorF15 ) have increased photo and oxidative stability due to the presence of fluoro groups. Because of their tunable properties and robustness toward oxidative damage these porphyrinoid-based chromophores continue to gain attention of researchers developing advanced functional materials for applications such as sensors, photonic devices, component for solar cells, biomedical imaging, theranostics and catalysts.

Polymeric Nanoparticles Active against Dual-Species Bacterial Biofilms.

Biofilm infections are a global public health threat, necessitating new treatment strategies. Biofilm formation also contributes to the development and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains. Biofilm-associated chronic infections typically involve colonization by more than one bacterial species. The co-existence of multiple species of bacteria in biofilms exacerbates therapeutic challenges and can render traditional antibiotics ineffective. Polymeric nanoparticles offer alternative antimicrobial approaches to antibiotics, owing to their tunable physico-chemical properties. Here, we report the efficacy of poly(oxanorborneneimide) (PONI)-based antimicrobial polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) against multi-species bacterial biofilms. PNPs showed good dual-species biofilm penetration profiles as confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity was observed, with reduction in both bacterial viability and overall biofilm mass. Further, PNPs displayed minimal fibroblast toxicity and high antimicrobial activity in an in vitro co-culture model comprising fibroblast cells and dual-species biofilms of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study highlights a potential clinical application of the presented polymeric platform.

Cross‐linking of γ‐Cyclodextrin Using Non‐toxic Polyethylene Glycol Spacer Units

AbstractThe crystalline cyclic oligosaccharide γ‐cyclodextrin (γCD) is a natural, non‐toxic and biodegradable precursor that can be used to prepare innovative polymers. We cross‐linked γCD with variable quantities of non‐toxic polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) in aqueous NaOH to form 3D structures with tunable physicochemical properties. Mixtures with a 5 : 1 PEGDGE:γCD molar ratio produced a cross‐linked material that was soluble in water and organic solvents, underwent glass transition at −23 °C. The properties of this material were further modified by additional curing with PEGDGE or nitration reaction. Curing produced an insoluble polymeric material with excellent swelling abilities (200 % in water) and decreased glass transition temperature to −37 °C. The nitrated cross‐linked γCD was soluble in common organic solvents and underwent glass transition at +19 °C, achieving thermal stability below 190 °C. These novel γCD polymers are promising materials for applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries and environmental remediation.

Immunomodulation and Biomaterials: Key Players to Repair Volumetric Muscle Loss.

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is defined as a condition in which a large volume of skeletal muscle is lost due to physical insult. VML often results in a heightened immune response, resulting in significant long-term functional impairment. Estimates indicate that ~250,000 fractures occur in the US alone that involve VML. Currently, there is no active treatment to fully recover or repair muscle loss in VML patients. The health economics burden due to VML is rapidly increasing around the world. Immunologists, developmental biologists, and muscle pathophysiologists are exploring both immune responses and biomaterials to meet this challenging situation. The inflammatory response in muscle injury involves a non-specific inflammatory response at the injured site that is coordination between the immune system, especially macrophages and muscle. The potential role of biomaterials in the regenerative process of skeletal muscle injury is currently an important topic. To this end, cell therapy holds great promise for the regeneration of damaged muscle following VML. However, the delivery of cells into the injured muscle site poses a major challenge as it might cause an adverse immune response or inflammation. To overcome this obstacle, in recent years various biomaterials with diverse physical and chemical nature have been developed and verified for the treatment of various muscle injuries. These biomaterials, with desired tunable physicochemical properties, can be used in combination with stem cells and growth factors to repair VML. In the current review, we focus on how various immune cells, in conjunction with biomaterials, can be used to promote muscle regeneration and, most importantly, suppress VML pathology.

Glycerol-modified γ-PGA and gellan composite hydrogel materials with tunable physicochemical and thermal properties for soft tissue engineering application

Biocompatible hydrogel materials are considered to be a crucial and indispensable character that transitorily supplants the natural skeleton and acts as a preferable microenvironment. In this study, two modifiers – poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) and glycerol (Gly) – were incorporated to form a rigid and coarse structure, which significantly ameliorates the mechanical and biological properties as compared with original gellan gum (GG). The surface characterization and thermal and mechanical properties of the modified compositions were scrutinized using SEM, FTIR, TGA, DSC, and tensile testing. The cytocompatibility and cell viability were reported by regulating fibroblast cells (L929). As a result, it is found that adequate γ-PGA modification considerably enhances the thermal and mechanical properties. The glycerol additives advance the elongation by decreasing the elastic modulus, and the modification did not cause a pernicious effect on chemical structure and non-toxicity according to a cellular response. The adhered fibroblast cells on suitable γ-PGA (0.5–0.7 w/v%) and glycerol (0–2 w/v%) modified structures present better proliferation and higher adhesion than those of pure GG and other study groups. These useful combinations inspired the prospective development of biodegradable hydrogel materials, which were enhanced with excellent material stability and biological activity, for utilization in soft tissue engineering.

Ionic Liquid-Based Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensors for Organic Vapors: A Tutorial Review

Organic vapor sensors are used in diverse applications ranging from environmental monitoring to biomedical diagnostics. Among a number of these sensors, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors prepared by coating ionic liquids (ILs) or their composites are promising devices for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in complex chemical mixtures. Ionic liquids are remarkable materials, which exhibit tunable physico-chemical properties, chemical and thermal stability, multiple interactions with diverse group of molecules, and enormous structural variability. Moreover, ILs exhibit viscoelastic properties, and hence these materials are ideal for creation of QCM virtual sensor arrays. While the scientific literature on IL-coated QCM sensors is rapidly growing, there is still much to learn. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review on the development of IL-coated QCM sensors and multi-sensor arrays as well as their applications for the analysis of VOCs in complex mixtures. Furthermore, IL-coated QCM virtual sensor arrays and their applications are presented. A short overview of some of the QCM designs, future research areas, and recommendations are also discussed. This short review is a necessary first step towards standardization and further development of QCM for the analysis of VOCs.

Whitlockite-Enabled Hydrogel for Craniofacial Bone Regeneration.

Growth-factor-free bone regeneration remains a challenge in craniofacial engineering. Here, we engineered an osteogenic niche composed of a commercially modified alginate hydrogel and whitlockite microparticles (WHMPs), which impart tunable physicochemical properties that can direct osteogenesis of human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs). Our in vitro studies demonstrate that WHMPs induce osteogenesis of GMSCs more effectively than previously demonstrated hydroxyapatite microparticles (HApMPs). Alginate-WHMP hydrogels showed higher elasticity without any adverse effects on the viability of the encapsulated GMSCs. Moreover, the alginate-WHMP hydrogels upregulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which in turn orchestrates several osteogenic markers, such as RUNX2 and OCN, in the encapsulated GMSCs. Concurrent coculture studies with human osteoclasts demonstrate that GMSCs encapsulated in alginate-WHMP hydrogels downregulate osteoclastic activity, potentially due to release of Mg2+ ions from the WHMPs along with secretion of osteoprotegerin from the GMSCs. In vivo studies demonstrated that the GMSCs encapsulated in our osteogenic niche were able to promote bone repair in calvarial defects in murine models. Altogether, our results confirmed the development of a promising treatment modality for craniofacial bone regeneration based on an injectable growth-factor-free hydrogel delivery system.

Anticancer Activity of 5-Fluorouracil-Loaded Nanoemulsions Containing Fe3O4/Au Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Nanoemulsions (NEs) as multi-compartmentalized systems are extensively considered as versatile drug delivery systems, due to their multifunctional and tuneable physicochemical properties. Here, water-in-oil-in-water (WOW) NEs were formulated using Juglans regia-based Fe3O4/Au-core-shell nanoparticles to encapsulate 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) for potential colorectal cancer treatment. Response surface methodology, FTIR, TGA, TEM, DLS, VSM, UV-vis spectroscopy, and viscosity measurements were used to characterize the fabricated samples. The analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of Au, Fe3O4, and Fe3O4/Au core-shell nanoparticles with the Juglans regia (J. regia) extract as a green stabilizer and also reducing agent. The NE displayed a spherical-shape and TEM size of~30 nm. It also exhibited good colloidal stability and multifunctional features related to its components. TGA data indicated that 5-FU increased thermal stability after its loading into the nanoemulsion as a drug carrier. 5-FU release from the NE carrier presented a time-delayed behavior and higher release dosage in media at pH 4 compared to pH 7 within 48 h. When tested against colorectal-derived cell lines, 0.78 µg/mL of 5-FU-loaded Fe3O4/Au core-shell NEs showed potent anticancer activity against HCT116 cancerous cells, while exhibiting low toxicity towards CCD112 normal cells. In conclusion, the synthesized 5-FU-loaded NEs can be potently used as an anticancer drug carrier model, owing to its nano-scale size and other functionalities, which should be further studied.

An Update on Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle Applications in Nanomedicine.

The efficient and safe delivery of therapeutic drugs, proteins, and nucleic acids are essential for meaningful therapeutic benefits. The field of nanomedicine shows promising implications in the development of therapeutics by delivering diagnostic and therapeutic compounds. Nanomedicine development has led to significant advances in the design and engineering of nanocarrier systems with supra-molecular structures. Smart mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), with excellent biocompatibility, tunable physicochemical properties, and site-specific functionalization, offer efficient and high loading capacity as well as robust and targeted delivery of a variety of payloads in a controlled fashion. Such unique nanocarriers should have great potential for challenging biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, bioimaging techniques, stem cell research, and cancer therapies. However, in vivo applications of these nanocarriers should be further validated before clinical translation. To this end, this review begins with a brief introduction of MSNs properties, targeted drug delivery, and controlled release with a particular emphasis on their most recent diagnostic and therapeutic applications.