Yolonda L. Colson

Bio: Yolonda L. Colson is an academic researcher from Harvard University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Lung cancer & Transplantation. The author has an hindex of 47, co-authored 186 publications receiving 7751 citations. Previous affiliations of Yolonda L. Colson include Brigham and Women's Hospital & University of Pittsburgh.

Polymer–drug conjugate therapeutics: advances, insights and prospects

Abstract: Polymer–drug conjugates have long been a mainstay of the drug delivery field, with several conjugates successfully translated into clinical practice. The conjugation of therapeutic agents to polymeric carriers, such as polyethylene glycol, offers several advantages, including improved drug solubilization, prolonged circulation, reduced immunogenicity, controlled release and enhanced safety. In this Review, we discuss the rational design, physicochemical characteristics and recent advances in the development of different classes of polymer–drug conjugates, including polymer–protein and polymer–small-molecule drug conjugates, dendrimers, polymer nanoparticles and multifunctional systems. Current obstacles hampering the clinical translation of polymer–drug conjugate therapeutics and future prospects are also presented. The conjugation of therapeutic agents to polymer carriers, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), can control drug delivery, enhance solubilization, increase efficacy and improve pharmacokinetics. Here, Grinstaff, Colson and Ekladious discuss recent advances in the preclinical and clinical development of different classes of polymer–drug conjugates and highlight current challenges and future directions.

Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers for drug delivery

Abstract: Spurred by recent progress in materials chemistry and drug delivery, stimuli-responsive devices that deliver a drug in spatial-, temporal- and dosage-controlled fashions have become possible. Implementation of such devices requires the use of biocompatible materials that are susceptible to a specific physical incitement or that, in response to a specific stimulus, undergo a protonation, a hydrolytic cleavage or a (supra)molecular conformational change. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in the design of nanoscale stimuli-responsive systems that are able to control drug biodistribution in response to specific stimuli, either exogenous (variations in temperature, magnetic field, ultrasound intensity, light or electric pulses) or endogenous (changes in pH, enzyme concentration or redox gradients).

Electrospinning and Electrospun Nanofibers: Methods, Materials, and Applications

Abstract: Electrospinning is a versatile and viable technique for generating ultrathin fibers. Remarkable progress has been made with regard to the development of electrospinning methods and engineering of electrospun nanofibers to suit or enable various applications. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of electrospinning, including the principle, methods, materials, and applications. We begin with a brief introduction to the early history of electrospinning, followed by discussion of its principle and typical apparatus. We then discuss its renaissance over the past two decades as a powerful technology for the production of nanofibers with diversified compositions, structures, and properties. Afterward, we discuss the applications of electrospun nanofibers, including their use as "smart" mats, filtration membranes, catalytic supports, energy harvesting/conversion/storage components, and photonic and electronic devices, as well as biomedical scaffolds. We highlight the most relevant and recent advances related to the applications of electrospun nanofibers by focusing on the most representative examples. We also offer perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and new directions for future development. At the end, we discuss approaches to the scale-up production of electrospun nanofibers and briefly discuss various types of commercial products based on electrospun nanofibers that have found widespread use in our everyday life.

Near-infrared fluorophores for biomedical imaging

Abstract: This Review covers recent progress on near-infrared fluorescence imaging for preclinical animal studies and clinical diagnostics and interventions.