Nicole Pek Min Qian

Bio: Nicole Pek Min Qian is an academic researcher from Stanford University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Induced pluripotent stem cell & Heat shock protein. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 6 citations.

Advances in innovative exosome-technology for real time monitoring of viable drugs in clinical translation, prognosis and treatment response

Abstract: In the field of medicine, technological discovery is a vital way to bridge knowledge gaps and equip us with the know-how to address biological challenges. Innovative technologies allow us to work faster and better understand complexities, especially pertaining to human health and disease [1–3]. Computer simulation and artificial intelligence play a significant role in the timely diagnosis and effective treatment of complex ailments such as cancer [2–5]. The inquisition towards developing and acquiring new technologies is quintessential in the journey towards improving the quality of patient care. The advent of advanced exosome purification methods has made it possible to tap on the unexplored potential of these tiny particles in clinically-precise diagnosis and treatment of a myriad of diseases [6–8]. More efforts are currently being funneled into research and development endeavors in order to increase the quality and reach of exosomes-based diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the near future. Exosomes are small nano-particles made by cells within our body [8–10]. They contain crucial information by way of proteins, metabolites, and nucleic acids, facilitating cell-cell communication cells [8–10]. Structurally, exosomes are surrounded by lipid bilayers, which provides a robust layer of protection to the biological contents stored within [10]. The abundance of adhesive and surface proteins found on the surface of exosomes readily interact with the cellular membrane of target cells, allowing exosomes to essentially be vehicles to deliver cargo such as drugs [10–12]. The innovative use of exosomes as drug delivery systems for small molecules, cytokines, and other biological components makes them an ideal choice for clinical use [13]. In addition, the recent COVID19 pandemic has opened up new opportunities for exosome technology to benefit humankind. In the realm of vaccine development, Editorial

Heat shock protein 20 promotes sirtuin 1-dependent cell proliferation in induced pluripotent stem cells

Abstract: Heat shock protein 20 promotes sirtuin 1-dependent cell proliferation in induced pluripotent stem cells

Methodologies to Isolate and Purify Clinical Grade Extracellular Vesicles for Medical Applications

Abstract: The use of extracellular vesicles (EV) in nano drug delivery has been demonstrated in many previous studies. In this study, we discuss the sources of extracellular vesicles, including plant, salivary and urinary sources which are easily available but less sought after compared with blood and tissue. Extensive research in the past decade has established that the breadth of EV applications is wide. However, the efforts on standardizing the isolation and purification methods have not brought us to a point that can match the potential of extracellular vesicles for clinical use. The standardization can open doors for many researchers and clinicians alike to experiment with the proposed clinical uses with lesser concerns regarding untraceable side effects. It can make it easier to identify the mechanism of therapeutic benefits and to track the mechanism of any unforeseen effects observed.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles.

Abstract: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are naturally phospholipid enclosed nanovesicles released by many cells in the body. They are stable in circulation, have low immunogenicity, and act as carriers for functionally active biological molecules. They interact with target organs and bind to the receptors. Their target specificity is important to use EVs as noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic tools. EVs play a vital role in normal physiology and cellular communication. They are known to protect their cargo from degradation, which makes them important drug carriers for targeted drug delivery. Using EVs with markers and tracking their path in systemic circulation can be revolutionary in using them as diagnostic tools. We will discuss the scope of this in this paper. Although there are limitations in EVs isolation and storage, their high biocompatibility will fuel more innovations to overcome these challenges.

Different Sourced Extracellular Vesicles and Their Potential Applications in Clinical Treatments

Abstract: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) include a heterogeneous group of natural cell-derived nanostructures that are increasingly regarded as promising biotherapeutic agents and drug delivery vehicles in human medicine. Desirable intrinsic properties of EVs including the ability to bypass natural membranous barriers and to deliver their unique biomolecular cargo to specific cell populations position them as fiercely competitive alternatives for currently available cell therapies and artificial drug delivery platforms. EVs with distinct characteristics can be released from various cell types into the extracellular environment as a means of transmitting bioactive components and altering the status of the target cell. Despite the existence of a large number of preclinical studies confirming the therapeutic efficacy of different originated EVs for treating several pathological conditions, in this review, we first provide a brief overview of EV biophysical properties with an emphasis on their intrinsic therapeutic benefits over cell-based therapies and synthetic delivery systems. Next, we describe in detail different EVs derived from distinct cell sources, compare their advantages and disadvantages, and recapitulate their therapeutic effects on various human disorders to highlight the progress made in harnessing EVs for clinical applications. Finally, knowledge gaps and concrete hurdles that currently hinder the clinical translation of EV therapies are debated with a futuristic perspective.

Exosome engineering for efficient and targeted drug delivery: Current status and future perspective

Abstract: Exosomes are membrane-bound vesicles that are released by most cells. They carry nucleic acids, cytokines, growth factors, proteins, lipids, and metabolites. They are responsible for inter- and intracellular communications and their role in drug delivery is well defined. Exosomes have great potential for therapeutic applications, but the clinical use is restricted because of limitations in standardized procedures for isolation, purification, and drug delivery. Bioengineering of exosomes could be one approach to achieve standardization and reproducible isolation for clinical use. Exosomes are important transporters for targeted drug delivery because of their small size, stable structure, non-immunogenicity, and non-toxic nature, as well as their ability to carry a wide variety of compounds. These features of exosomes can be enhanced further by bioengineering. In this review, possible exosome bioengineering approaches, their biomedical applications, and targeted drug delivery are discussed.

Artificial intelligence and guidance of medicine in the bubble.

Abstract: Microbubbles are nanosized gas-filled bubbles. They are used in clinical diagnostics, in medical imaging, as contrast agents in ultrasound imaging, and as transporters for targeted drug delivery. They can also be used to treat thrombosis, neoplastic diseases, open arteries and vascular plaques and for localized transport of chemotherapies in cancer patients. Microbubbles can be filled with any type of therapeutics, cure agents, growth factors, extracellular vesicles, exosomes, miRNAs, and drugs. Microbubbles protect their cargo from immune attack because of their specialized encapsulated shell composed of lipid and protein. Filled with curative medicine, they could effectively circulate through the whole body safely and efficiently to reach the target area. The advanced bubble-based drug-delivery system, integrated with artificial intelligence for guidance, holds great promise for the targeted delivery of drugs and medicines.