Reece McCoy, Kaixin Wang, Jeremy Treiber, Ying Fu, George G Malliaras, Alberto Salleo, Róisín M Owens
{"title":"Mucus-on-a-chip: investigating the barrier properties of mucus with organic bioelectronics.","authors":"Reece McCoy, Kaixin Wang, Jeremy Treiber, Ying Fu, George G Malliaras, Alberto Salleo, Róisín M Owens","doi":"10.1039/d4tb01351d","DOIUrl":"10.1039/d4tb01351d","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gastrointestinal (GI) mucus is a biologically complex hydrogel that acts as a partially permeable barrier between the contents of the GI tract and the mucosal epithelial lining. Its structural integrity is essential for the lubrication of the tract thereby aiding smooth transit of contents, and the protection of the epithelium from pathogens that seek to colonise and invade. Understanding its physical response to drugs and the microbiome is essential for treating many gastrointestinal infectious diseases. Given this, a static <i>in vitro</i> model of a GI mucus-on-a-chip has been developed with integrated electronics to monitor the barrier properties of mucus hydrogels. Its application for investigating the effect of drugs and biofilm formation on the mucus structure is validated using rheological techniques, confocal microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142690117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yandong Huang, Lanting Jia, Shiqi Zhang, Lang Yan, Lei Li
{"title":"Bimetallic doped carbon dot nanozymes for enhanced sonodynamic and nanocatalytic therapy.","authors":"Yandong Huang, Lanting Jia, Shiqi Zhang, Lang Yan, Lei Li","doi":"10.1039/d4tb01916d","DOIUrl":"10.1039/d4tb01916d","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Conventional inorganic semiconductors are not suitable for acting as nanozymes or sonosensitizers for <i>in vivo</i> therapeutic nanomedicine owing to the lack of excellent biocompatibility. Biocompatible carbon dots (CDs) exhibit a variety of biological activities due to their adjustable size and surface chemical modification; however, the simultaneous sonodynamic activity and multiple enzyme-mimicking catalytic activity of a single CD have not been reported. Herein, we report the development of bimetallic doped CDs as a high-efficiency nanozyme and sonosensitizer for enhanced sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and nanocatalytic therapy (NCT). By selecting metal-organic complexes like EDTA-FeNa as the carbon source, we ensure that the coordination environments of metal atoms are preserved throughout the low-temperature calcination process. Compared with the single metal doped CDs including Fe-CDs or Ni-CDs, the obtained Fe and Ni co-doped CDs (Fe-Ni-CDs) not only exhibit enhanced sonodynamic activity owing to the decreased bandgap, but also possess augmented dual enzyme-mimicking catalytic activities due to the synergistic effect of bimetallic ions. The Fe-Ni-CD-mediated cascade amplification of ROS generation could lead to the production of <sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub> and O<sub>2</sub>˙<sup>-</sup> through SDT, the generation of ˙OH through POD-mimicking catalytic activity, and the provision of more O<sub>2</sub> for SDT through CAT-mimicking catalytic activity. Through the integrated multifunctionality of Fe-Ni-CDs, we successfully enhanced the effectiveness of antitumor treatment with a single drug injection and a single US irradiation for enhanced SDT and NCT. This work provides a distinct paradigm of endowing CDs with sonodynamic and multiple enzyme-mimicking catalytic activities for enhanced SDT and NCT through bimetallic ion doping.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142690058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gold nanostars and nanourchins for enhanced photothermal therapy, bioimaging, and theranostics.","authors":"Beverly Jazmine Delgado-Corrales, Vianni Chopra, Gaurav Chauhan","doi":"10.1039/d4tb01420k","DOIUrl":"10.1039/d4tb01420k","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Photothermal therapy (PTT), a recently emerging method for eradicating tumors, utilizes hyperthermia induced by photo-absorbing materials to generate heat within cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have gained reliability for <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> applications in PTT due to their strong light absorbance, stability, and biocompatibility. Yet, their potential is limited by their spherical shape, impacting their size capabilities, electromagnetic enhancement effects, and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Anisotropic shapes have been tested and implemented in this treatment to overcome the limitations of spherical AuNPs. Nanostars (AuNSs) and nanourchins (AuNUs) offer unique properties, such as increased local electron density, improved catalytic activity, and an enhanced electromagnetic field, which have proven to be effective in PTT. Additionally, these shapes can easily reach the NIR-I and NIR-II window while exhibiting improved biological properties, including low cytotoxicity and high cellular uptake. This work covers the critical characteristics of AuNS and AuNUs, highlighting rough surface photothermal conversion enhancement, significantly impacting recent PTT and its synergy with other treatments. Additionally, the bioimaging and theranostic applications of these nanomaterials are discussed, highlighting their multifaceted utility in advanced cancer therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142690111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Beyond <i>DAD</i>: proposing a one-letter code for nucleobase-mediated molecular recognition.","authors":"Aiden J Ward, Benjamin E Partridge","doi":"10.1039/d4tb01999g","DOIUrl":"10.1039/d4tb01999g","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nucleobase binding is a fundamental molecular recognition event central to modern biological and bioinspired supramolecular research. Underpinning this recognition is a deceptively simple hydrogen-bonding code, primarily based on the canonical nucleobases in DNA and RNA. Inspired by these biotic structures, chemists and biologists have designed abiotic hydrogen-bonding motifs that can interact with, augment, and reshape native molecular recognition, for applications ranging from genetic code expansion and nucleic acid recognition to supramolecular materials utilizing mono- and bifacial nucleobases. However, as the number of nucleobase-inspired motifs expands, the absence of a standard vocabulary to describe hydrogen bond (HB) patterns has led to a haphazard mixture of shorthand descriptors that are confusing and inconsistent. Alternative notations that specify individual HB sites (such as <i>DAD</i> for donor-acceptor-donor) are cumbersome for biological and supramolecular constructs that contain many such patterns. This situation creates a barrier to sharing and interpreting nucleobase-related research across sub-disciplines, hindering collaboration and innovation. In this perspective, we aim to initiate discourse on this issue by considering what would be needed to formulate a concise one-letter code for the HB patterns associated with synthetic nucleobases. We first summarize some of the issues caused by the current absence of a consistent naming scheme. Subsequently, we discuss some key considerations in designing a coherent naming system. Finally, we leverage chemical rationale and pedagogical mnemonic considerations to propose a succinct and intuitive one-letter code for supramolecular two- and three-HB motifs. We hope that this discussion will spark conversations within our interdisciplinary community, thereby facilitating collaboration and easing communication among researchers engaged in synthetic nucleobase design.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142684048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jiru Miao, Haiyang Chai, Longxing Niu, Mi Ouyang, Rong Wang
{"title":"A stable dual functional superhydrophobic coating to inhibit <i>Proteus mirabilis</i> colonization, migration, and encrustation formation for urinary catheter applications.","authors":"Jiru Miao, Haiyang Chai, Longxing Niu, Mi Ouyang, Rong Wang","doi":"10.1039/d4tb02218a","DOIUrl":"10.1039/d4tb02218a","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are some of the most common hospital-acquired infections. <i>Proteus mirabilis</i>, a common pathogen associated with urinary tract infections, has swarming motility and has pili on its surface for adhesion and flagella for upward movement. Migration of <i>P. mirabilis</i> along the catheter surface can lead to ascending urinary tract infection. However, there is currently a lack of effective strategies to inhibit or delay the colonization, migration, and encrustation formation of <i>P. mirabilis</i> in urinary catheters. This study developed a method for constructing a stable superhydrophobic coating on the surface of urinary catheters using a layer-by-layer approach. The adhesion and deposition of polydopamine were enhanced by pre-coating a liquid bandage film on the polydimethylsiloxane surface, resulting in a multilayer micro-nano composite structure on the catheter surface. This structure was combined with copper ions and superhydrophobic modifiers, ultimately resulting in a highly stable superhydrophobic coating. The coating retains its superhydrophobic properties after prolonged incubation, friction tests, and tape peeling tests. Importantly, the coating demonstrates excellent efficacy in inhibiting <i>P. mirabilis</i> colonization, migration, and encrustation formation. This study offers novel insights into developing biomedical superhydrophobic coatings with enhanced stability and efficacy in inhibiting urinary tract bacterial infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142684038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Immunomodulatory effects of calcium phosphate microspheres: influences of particle size on macrophage polarization and secretion patterns.","authors":"Qiwen Wan, Luoqiang Tian, Menglu Wang, Fuying Chen, Xiangfeng Li, Yumei Xiao, Xuening Chen, Xingdong Zhang","doi":"10.1039/d4tb02249a","DOIUrl":"10.1039/d4tb02249a","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of calcium phosphate (CaP) microspheres, focusing on how particle size influenced macrophage polarization and cytokine secretion patterns. SEM analysis revealed that HA microspheres predominantly exhibited a spherical shape with distinct sizes and sub-micro-sized pores. The average particle sizes for the S1, S2, and S3 groups were 17.36 μm, 27.59 μm, and 47.14 μm, respectively. <i>In vitro</i> experiments demonstrated that small-sized S1 microspheres were more readily phagocytosed by macrophages, leading to a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype characterized by increased gene expression of iNos and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), and a higher proportion of CCR7<sup>+</sup> M1 macrophages. In contrast, the larger S2 and S3 microspheres favored an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, with higher expression of Arg and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10), and greater proportions of CD206<sup>+</sup> M2 macrophages. Additionally, HA microspheres were injected into mouse quadriceps muscles, revealing significant differences in immune cell infiltration and tissue response. The S1 microspheres induced a prolonged and more severe inflammatory response, while the S2 and S3 microspheres were embedded in cell-rich tissue with minimal inflammation or fibrosis. It indicated the potential of larger microspheres (S2 and S3) to create a more favorable immune microenvironment that supported faster and more effective tissue healing. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing microsphere size to achieve desired immunomodulatory effects, thereby enhancing their clinical efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142678080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Polycyclic aromatic polymer nanoparticles show potent infectious particle adsorption capability.","authors":"Yudai Oishi, Mako Toyoda, Nanami Hano, Chihiro Motozono, Takamasa Ueno, Makoto Takafuji","doi":"10.1039/d4tb01793e","DOIUrl":"10.1039/d4tb01793e","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nonspecific viral adsorption by polymer nanoparticles is more economical and superior in terms of operating cost and energy efficiency than viral adsorption using virus-specific antibodies and filtration techniques involving size exclusion in the order of tens of nanometres. In this study, we synthesised four types of polycyclic aromatic polymer (ArP) nanoparticles with different structures and evaluated their virus adsorption capability for infectious particles of the newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). ArP nanoparticles with a diameter of approximately 500 nm were prepared by one-pot precipitation polymerisation using structural isomers of bifunctional dihydroxynaphthalene (1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene and 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene) as phenol monomers, as well as 3-hydroxybenzoic acid and 3-aminophenol as comonomers to introduce carboxylic acid and amino groups, respectively. This wide range of phenolic monomers offers a powerful molecular design capability, enabling the optimisation of surface properties for the adsorption of various infectious virus particles. The virus adsorption capacity of the ArP nanoparticles exceeded 20 000 plaque-forming units and was found to be correlated with the nitrogen (primary and secondary amines) and quinone contents on the ArP nanoparticle surface. Furthermore, a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane filter uniformly coated with the ArP nanoparticles could remove viruses by filtration in a flow system.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142678083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Surface-enhanced Raman scattering for HSP 70A mRNA detection in live cells using silica nanoparticles and DNA-modified gold nanoparticles.","authors":"Ju Eun Cho, Dong-Kwon Lim","doi":"10.1039/d4tb01514b","DOIUrl":"10.1039/d4tb01514b","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Real-time monitoring of mRNA in living cells is crucial for understanding dynamic biological processes. Traditional methods such as northern blotting, PCR, and sequencing require cell lysis and do not allow for continuous observation. Fluorescence-based techniques have advanced this field, but they are limited by photobleaching, which hinders long-term monitoring. In this study, we designed a dual-probe system combining fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals to monitor mRNA in living cells. Our system uses silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) with DNA sequences which are hybridized with fluorescent DNA sequences and DNA-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to detect heat shock protein 70A mRNA, which can be induced by photothermal damage from laser exposure. Following nanoparticle uptake and induction of heat shock, we observed a time-dependent decrease in fluorescence intensity and increase in SERS intensity, indicating successful mRNA monitoring in living cells. These findings suggest that our dual-probe system with SiNPs and AuNPs is a promising nanotechnological platform for sensitive, long-term monitoring of gene expression in living cells, offering significant potential for future biological and medical research.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142678091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tao Luo, Bo Wang, Runxin Chen, Qi Qi, Ruodai Wu, Shunzi Xie, Hanbing Chen, Jialei Han, Dalin Wu, Shuaishuai Cao
{"title":"Research progress of nitroxide radical-based MRI contrast agents: from structure design to application.","authors":"Tao Luo, Bo Wang, Runxin Chen, Qi Qi, Ruodai Wu, Shunzi Xie, Hanbing Chen, Jialei Han, Dalin Wu, Shuaishuai Cao","doi":"10.1039/d4tb02272f","DOIUrl":"10.1039/d4tb02272f","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains a cornerstone of diagnostic imaging, offering unparalleled insights into anatomical structures and pathological conditions. Gadolinium-based contrast agents have long been the standard in MRI enhancement, yet concerns over nephrogenic systemic fibrosis have spurred interest in metal-free alternatives. Nitroxide radical-based MRI contrast agents (NO-CAs) have emerged as promising candidates, leveraging their biocompatibility and imaging capabilities. This review summaries the latest advancements in NO-CAs, focusing on synthesis methodologies, influencing effects of structures of NO-CAs on relaxation efficiency and their applications across various clinical contexts. Comprehensive discussions encompass small molecular, polymeric, and nano-sized NO-CAs, detailing their unique properties and potential clinical utilities. Despite challenges, NO-CAs represent a dynamic area of research poised to revolutionize MRI diagnostics. This review serves as a critical resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of MRI contrast agents.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142678086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xi Liao, Meng-Han Bai, Yu-Wei Liu, Yu-Qing Wei, Jun-Yang Wang, Zhi-Guo Wang, Rui Hong, Ju-Xiang Gou, Jia-Zhuang Xu, Zhong-Ming Li, Ka Li
{"title":"Mitigating intubation stress, mucosa injury, and inflammatory response in nasogastric tube intubation <i>via</i> suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway by engineering a hydration lubrication coating.","authors":"Xi Liao, Meng-Han Bai, Yu-Wei Liu, Yu-Qing Wei, Jun-Yang Wang, Zhi-Guo Wang, Rui Hong, Ju-Xiang Gou, Jia-Zhuang Xu, Zhong-Ming Li, Ka Li","doi":"10.1039/d4tb01171f","DOIUrl":"10.1039/d4tb01171f","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nasogastric tube (NGT) intubation is a common yet critical clinical procedure. However, complications arising from tube friction result in awful pain and morbidity. Here, we report a straightforward surface modification of slender NGT utilizing highly hydrated micelles that were composed of hyaluronic acid and Pluronic. The strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding facilitated the assembly of the micelles on NGT <i>via</i> a one-step dip coating process. The micelle coating conferred excellent hydrophilic, lubrication, anti-protein adhesive, and biocompatible properties. The <i>in vivo</i> efficacy of the micelle coating in alleviating catheterization irritation and mucosal injury was demonstrated using an NGT intubation model of rabbits. More importantly, compared to the paraffin oil coating (the current clinical means), the micelle coating possessed superior capability to reduce the inflammatory reaction caused by NGT intubation. The underlying mechanism was attributed to the suppression of the TLR4-IKBα-NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway. This work provides a promising solution for developing lubricant medical coatings.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142549781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}