scholarly journals Systematic Evaluation of Light-Activatable Biohybrids for Anti-Glioma Photodynamic Therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inglut ◽  
Baglo ◽  
Liang ◽  
Cheema ◽  
Stabile ◽  
...  

Photosensitizing biomolecules (PSBM) represent a new generation of light-absorbing compounds with improved optical and physicochemical properties for biomedical applications. Despite numerous advances in lipid-, polymer-, and protein-based PSBMs, their effective use requires a fundamental understanding of how macromolecular structure influences the physicochemical and biological properties of the photosensitizer. Here, we prepared and characterized three well-defined PSBMs based on a clinically used photosensitizer, benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD). The PSBMs include 16:0 lysophosphocholine-BPD (16:0 Lyso PC-BPD), distearoyl-phosphoethanolamine-polyethylene-glycol-BPD (DSPE-PEG-BPD), and anti-EGFR cetuximab-BPD (Cet-BPD). In two glioma cell lines, DSPE-PEG-BPD exhibited the highest singlet oxygen yield but was the least phototoxic due to low cellular uptake. The 16:0 Lyso PC-BPD was most efficient in promoting cellular uptake but redirected BPD’s subcellular localization from mitochondria to lysosomes. At 24 h after incubation, proteolyzed Cet-BPD was localized to mitochondria and effectively disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential upon light activation. Our results revealed the variable trafficking and end effects of PSBMs, providing valuable insights into methods of PSBM evaluation, as well as strategies to select PSBMs based on subcellular targets and cytotoxic mechanisms. We demonstrated that biologically informed combinations of PSBMs to target lysosomes and mitochondria, concurrently, may lead to enhanced therapeutic effects against gliomas.

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (28) ◽  
pp. 4584-4592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avik Khan ◽  
Baobin Wang ◽  
Yonghao Ni

Regenerative medicine represents an emerging multidisciplinary field that brings together engineering methods and complexity of life sciences into a unified fundamental understanding of structure-property relationship in micro/nano environment to develop the next generation of scaffolds and hydrogels to restore or improve tissue functions. Chitosan has several unique physico-chemical properties that make it a highly desirable polysaccharide for various applications such as, biomedical, food, nutraceutical, agriculture, packaging, coating, etc. However, the utilization of chitosan in regenerative medicine is often limited due to its inadequate mechanical, barrier and thermal properties. Cellulosic nanomaterials (CNs), owing to their exceptional mechanical strength, ease of chemical modification, biocompatibility and favorable interaction with chitosan, represent an attractive candidate for the fabrication of chitosan/ CNs scaffolds and hydrogels. The unique mechanical and biological properties of the chitosan/CNs bio-nanocomposite make them a material of choice for the development of next generation bio-scaffolds and hydrogels for regenerative medicine applications. In this review, we have summarized the preparation method, mechanical properties, morphology, cytotoxicity/ biocompatibility of chitosan/CNs nanocomposites for regenerative medicine applications, which comprises tissue engineering and wound dressing applications.


Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicoletta Nuzziello ◽  
Loredana Ciaccia ◽  
Maria Liguori

Novel insights in the development of a precision medicine approach for treating the neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are provided by emerging advances in the field of pharmacoepigenomics. In this context, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been extensively studied because of their implication in several disorders related to the central nervous system, as well as for their potential role as biomarkers of diagnosis, prognosis, and response to treatment. Recent studies in the field of neurodegeneration reported evidence that drug response and efficacy can be modulated by miRNA-mediated mechanisms. In fact, miRNAs seem to regulate the expression of pharmacology target genes, while approved (conventional and non-conventional) therapies can restore altered miRNAs observed in NDDs. The knowledge of miRNA pharmacoepigenomics may offers new clues to develop more effective treatments by providing novel insights into interindividual variability in drug disposition and response. Recently, the therapeutic potential of miRNAs is gaining increasing attention, and miRNA-based drugs (for cancer) have been under observation in clinical trials. However, the effective use of miRNAs as therapeutic target still needs to be investigated. Here, we report a brief review of representative studies in which miRNAs related to therapeutic effects have been investigated in NDDs, providing exciting potential prospects of miRNAs in pharmacoepigenomics and translational medicine.


Author(s):  
Paul I Palmer

We have been observing the Earth's upper atmosphere from space for several decades, but only over the past decade has the necessary technology begun to match our desire to observe surface air pollutants and climate-relevant trace gases in the lower troposphere, where we live and breathe. A new generation of Earth-observing satellites, capable of probing the lower troposphere, are already orbiting hundreds of kilometres above the Earth's surface with several more ready for launch or in the planning stages. Consequently, this is one of the most exciting times for the Earth system scientists who study the countless current-day physical, chemical and biological interactions between the Earth's land, ocean and atmosphere. First, I briefly review the theory behind measuring the atmosphere from space, and how these data can be used to infer surface sources and sinks of trace gases. I then present some of the science highlights associated with these data and how they can be used to improve fundamental understanding of the Earth's climate system. I conclude the paper by discussing the future role of satellite measurements of tropospheric trace gases in mitigating surface air pollution and carbon trading.


Nanoscale ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (48) ◽  
pp. 20460-20473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianshu Wu ◽  
Keyu He ◽  
Qinglin Zhan ◽  
Shengjun Ang ◽  
Jiali Ying ◽  
...  

As quantum dots (QDs) are widely used in biomedical applications, the number of studies focusing on their biological properties is increasing.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (16) ◽  
pp. 3331-3339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zi Gu ◽  
Huali Zuo ◽  
Li Li ◽  
Aihua Wu ◽  
Zhi Ping Xu

We introduced a new strategy of albumin pre-coating to effectively stabilise layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles for biomedical applications.


Author(s):  
Weibing Teng ◽  
Joseph Cappello ◽  
Xiaoyi Wu

Genetic engineering of protein-based materials provides material scientists with high levels of control in material microstructures, properties, and functions [1]. For example, multi-block protein copolymers in which individual block may possess distinct mechanical or biological properties have been biosynthesized [2, 3]. Polypeptide sequences derived from well-studied structural proteins (e.g., collagen, silk, elastin) are often used as motifs in the design and synthesis of new protein-based material, in which new functional groups may be incorporated. In this fashion, we have produced a series of silk-elastin-like proteins (SELPs) consisting of polypeptide sequences derived from silk of superior mechanical strength and elastin that is extremely durable and resilient [2, 4]. Notably, the silk-like blocks are capable of crystallizing to form virtual cross-links between elastin-mimetic sequences, which, in turn, lower the crystallinity of the silk-like blocks and thus enhance the solubility of SELPs. Consequently, SELPs may be fabricated into useful structures for biomedical applications, including drug delivery. In this study, we will characterize viscoelastic properties of SELPs, which are particularly relevant to tissue engineering applications.


Molecules ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 537
Author(s):  
Philippe Savarino ◽  
Emmanuel Colson ◽  
Guillaume Caulier ◽  
Igor Eeckhaut ◽  
Patrick Flammang ◽  
...  

Saponins are plant and marine animal specific metabolites that are commonly considered as molecular vectors for chemical defenses against unicellular and pluricellular organisms. Their toxicity is attributed to their membranolytic properties. Modifying the molecular structures of saponins by quantitative and selective chemical reactions is increasingly considered to tune the biological properties of these molecules (i) to prepare congeners with specific activities for biomedical applications and (ii) to afford experimental data related to their structure–activity relationship. In the present study, we focused on the sulfated saponins contained in the viscera of Holothuria scabra, a sea cucumber present in the Indian Ocean and abundantly consumed on the Asian food market. Using mass spectrometry, we first qualitatively and quantitatively assessed the saponin content within the viscera of H. scabra. We detected 26 sulfated saponins presenting 5 different elemental compositions. Microwave activation under alkaline conditions in aqueous solutions was developed and optimized to quantitatively and specifically induce the desulfation of the natural saponins, by a specific loss of H2SO4. By comparing the hemolytic activities of the natural and desulfated extracts, we clearly identified the sulfate function as highly responsible for the saponin toxicity.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 3944-3944
Author(s):  
Zhi Yu ◽  
Michael Grafe ◽  
Heike Meyborg ◽  
Eckart Fleck ◽  
Yangqiu Li

Abstract The aim of this work was to evaluate the biological properties of one citrate-coated and two different dextran-coated paramagnetic particles with comparable size (iron core 4–10 nm). Endothelial cells from humans and mice as well as human macrophages were incubated for different time intervals with different particle suspensions. The cellular uptake was semi-quantitatively measured using the Prussian blue staining and, in addition, by cellular iron content. Furthermore the effect of known inhibitors of endocytosis was evaluated. In addition, it was evaluated whether linking of monoclonal antibodies to dextran-coated particles can make them bind specifically to certain cell surface structures. The results showed that the bEnd.3 cell line, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and THP-1/macrophage cell lines internalize paramagnetic particles. The ranking of cellular uptake was: VSOP > CMD-coated particles >> CLIO. The carboxydextran-coated SPIO uptake by endothelial cells is reduced by colchicine (50%). Conversely, cytochalasin B down-regulates the endocytosis of citrate-coated particle. Our data imply that the major mechanism of uptake would be pinocytosis for the VSOP and phagocytosis for the carboxydextran-coated particle CMD. The different surface coating can influence not only the quantity of the internalization, but also the pathway of internalization. CLIO linked to CD40 antibodies or to CD62E antibodies bound significantly better than IgG-linked CLIO. This was true especially for the anti-CD40-CLIO constructs where fluorescence increased two fold. Comparable results were observed with anti-CD62E-CLIO constructs; however, increase in fluorescence was higher than with CD40 binding; it increased on 3.9-fold (median) and 4.5-fold (mean). In conclusions, the binding of antibody-conjugated CLIO to the antigen-expressing cells was specific, with an affinity similar to that of the free antibody. Thus, it seems feasible to use antibody linked SPIOs for molecular imaging.


2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (a1) ◽  
pp. C141-C141
Author(s):  
Ozen Ozgen ◽  
Engin Kendi ◽  
Semra Koyunoglu ◽  
Akgul Yesilada ◽  
Hwo-Shuenn Sheu

A significant part of medicine is based on the discovery and development of drugs. It is very important to know the crystal structure of pharmaceutical compounds for fundamental understanding of structure, physical and chemical properties. Many of these materials are available only as powders. So any structural information must be obtained from powder diffraction. I am going to present following the stages while solving the structure of C23H19N4OBr, 2-[3-phenyl-4(m-bromophenyl)-2-pyrazolin-1-yl]-3-methyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone, from 2-pyrazolines derivatives. The compounds are known to display various biological properties such as fungicidal insecticidal, anti bacterial, anti viral activities, pharmacological properties such as antiinflammatory agents and have industral properties(1). The powder diffraction data was collected with Debye Scherrer camera at the BL01C2 beamline at room temperature in National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center(NSRRC), Taiwan. X-ray of wavelength was 1.0333Å. This compound crystallizes in orthorhombic system space group P bca, Z=8, unit cell parameters of a=25.83(1)Å, b=15.55(5)Å, c=10.63(3)Å, and V=4266.0(10)Å3. Reliability factors were reached Rwp=0.075, Rp=0.053, RB=0.086 ve S=1.31 after Rietveld refinement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 06 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varun Saxena ◽  
Lalit Pandey ◽  
T. S. Srivatsan

Background: Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is one of the most studied biomimic for biomedical applications. Specially, nano-HAp has been utilized for bone tissue engineering various orthopedic applications. HAp possesses various suitable properties such as bioactivity, biodegradability and cell proliferation efficiency for bone tissue engineering applications. Yet, lacks in self-antibacterial activity, high surface area and target efficiency. Results: In this directioon, researchers have focused on exploring the required surface as well as the inherent properties of HAp at the nanoscale. These properties are largely dependent on the composition, size and morphology of the nano-HAp. Hence, nano-HAp has been found to be an excellent candidate with an attractive combination of properties for selection and use in biomedical applications, those required to enhanced biological responses. Further, depending on the type of application, these factors can be tuned to optimize the performance. Conclusion: In this review article, we focus on the chemical structure of HAp and the routes chosen and used for the synthesis of the nano-HAp. The role of various parameters in controlling synthesis at the nanoscale are presented and briefly discussed. In addition, we provide an overview of the various applications for the pristine and doped nano-HAp with recent examples in areas spanning the following: (i) bone tissue engineering applications, (ii) drug delivery applications, (iii) surface coatings, and (iv) scaffolds. The effect of chemical composition on the mechanical properties, surface properties and biological properties are also highlighted. Nano-HAp is found to be highly proficient for its biomedical applications, especially for bone tissue engineering applications. The nano-sized properties enhances the biological responses. The dopant ions that replaces the Ca ion into the hydroxyapatite (HAp) lattice plays a crucial role in its biomedical applications


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