Showing papers in "Exploration in 2022"
TL;DR: In this article , the fundamental understanding of Fenton and Fenton-like reactions and their relationship with CDT is highlighted in a general manner, and recent advancement of the strategies to augment Fenton reactions in tumor microenvironment (TME) for enhanced CDT are discussed in detail.
Abstract: Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has emerged to be a frontrunner amongst reactive oxygen species-based cancer treatment modalities. CDT utilizes endogenous H2O2 in tumor microenvironment (TME) to produce cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH) via Fenton or Fenton-like reactions. While possessing advantages such as tumor specificity, no need of external stimuli, and low side effects, practical applications of CDT are still impeded owing to the heterogeneity, complexity, and reductive environment of TME. Over the past couple of years, strategies to enhance CDT for efficient tumor regression are in rapid development in synergy with the growth of nanomedicine. In this review, we initially outline the fundamental understanding of Fenton and Fenton-like reactions and their relationship with CDT. Subsequently, the development in the design of nanosystems for CDT is highlighted in a general manner. Furthermore, recent advancement of the strategies to augment Fenton reactions in TME for enhanced CDT is discussed in detail. Finally, perspectives toward the future development of CDT for better therapeutic outcome are presented. This review is expected to draw attention for collaborative research on CDT in the best interest of its future clinical applications.
59 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors summarize the recent advances in targeting and engineering macrophages for tumor immunotherapy, including direct and indirect effects of macrophage on the augmentation of immunotherapy and strategies for engineering macophage-based drug carriers.
Abstract: Reprogramming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by modulating macrophages holds great promise in tumor immunotherapy. As a class of professional phagocytes and antigen-presenting cells in the innate immune system, macrophages can not only directly engulf and clear tumor cells, but also play roles in presenting tumor-specific antigen to initiate adaptive immunity. However, the tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) usually display tumor-supportive M2 phenotype rather than anti-tumor M1 phenotype. They can support tumor cells to escape immunological surveillance, aggravate tumor progression, and impede tumor-specific T cell immunity. Although many TAMs-modulating agents have shown great success in therapy of multiple tumors, they face enormous challenges including poor tumor accumulation and off-target side effects. An alternative solution is the use of advanced nanostructures, which not only can deliver TAMs-modulating agents to augment therapeutic efficacy, but also can directly serve as modulators of TAMs. Another important strategy is the exploitation of macrophages and macrophage-derived components as tumor-targeting delivery vehicles. Herein, we summarize the recent advances in targeting and engineering macrophages for tumor immunotherapy, including (1) direct and indirect effects of macrophages on the augmentation of immunotherapy and (2) strategies for engineering macrophage-based drug carriers. The existing perspectives and challenges of macrophage-based tumor immunotherapies are also highlighted.
41 citations
TL;DR: A review of the state-of-the-art nano-zymes regarding their catalytic activities, as well as a focused discussion on recent research into the use of nanozymes in viral testing and therapy can be found in this article .
Abstract: Nanozymes are nanomaterials with similar catalytic activities to natural enzymes. Compared with natural enzymes, they have numerous advantages, including higher physiochemical stability, versatility, and suitability for mass production. In the past decade, the synthesis of nanozymes and their catalytic mechanisms have advanced beyond the simple replacement of natural enzymes, allowing for fascinating applications in various fields such as biosensing and disease treatment. In particular, the exploration of nanozymes as powerful toolkits in diagnostic viral testing and antiviral therapy has attracted growing attention. It can address the great challenges faced by current natural enzyme-based viral testing technologies, such as high cost and storage difficulties. Therefore, nanozyme can provide a novel nanozyme-based antiviral therapeutic regime with broader availability and generalizability that are keys to fighting a pandemic such as COVID-19. Herein, we provide a timely review of the state-of-the-art nanozymes regarding their catalytic activities, as well as a focused discussion on recent research into the use of nanozymes in viral testing and therapy. The remaining challenges and future perspectives will also be outlined. Ultimately, this review will inform readers of the current knowledge of nanozymes and inspire more innovative studies to push forward the frontier of this field.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , a single-atom nanozyme (SAzyme) featuring coordinately unsaturated and atomically dispersed Cu-N4 site was synthesized for effective sepsis treatment.
Abstract: Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome with high morbidity and mortality mediated by infection-caused oxidative stress. Early antioxidant intervention by removing excessively produced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) is beneficial to the prevention and treatment of sepsis. However, traditional antioxidants have failed to improve patient outcomes due to insufficient activity and sustainability. Herein, by mimicking the electronic and structural characteristics of natural Cu-only superoxide dismutase (SOD5), a single-atom nanozyme (SAzyme) featuring coordinately unsaturated and atomically dispersed Cu-N4 site was synthesized for effective sepsis treatment. The de novo-designed Cu-SAzyme exhibits a superior SOD-like activity to efficiently eliminate O2•-, which is the source of multiple RONS, thus blocking the free radical chain reaction and subsequent inflammatory response in the early stage of sepsis. Moreover, the Cu-SAzyme effectively harnessed systemic inflammation and multi-organ injuries in sepsis animal models. These findings indicate that the developed Cu-SAzyme possesses great potential as therapeutic nanomedicines for the treatment of sepsis.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the most cutting-edge progress of their applications in flexible bioelectronics and tissue engineering is discussed. And future challenges and perspectives for promoting electrospun fiber-based products toward industrialized, intelligent, multifunctional, and safe applications.
Abstract: Electrospinning (e-spin) technique has emerged as a versatile and feasible pathway for constructing diverse polymeric fabric structures, which show potential applications in many biological and biomedical fields. Owing to the advantages of adjustable mechanics, designable structures, versatile surface multi-functionalization, and biomimetic capability to natural tissue, remarkable progress has been made in flexible bioelectronics and tissue engineering for the sensing and therapeutic purposes. In this perspective, we review recent works on design of the hierarchically structured e-spin fibers, as well as, the fabrication strategies from one-dimensional individual fiber (1D) to three-dimensional (3D) fiber arrangements adaptive to specific applications. Then, we focus on the most cutting-edge progress of their applications in flexible bioelectronics and tissue engineering. Finally, we propose future challenges and perspectives for promoting electrospun fiber-based products toward industrialized, intelligent, multifunctional, and safe applications.
37 citations
TL;DR: The latest progress of multifunctional self-powered e-skin for applications in physiological health, human-machine interaction (HMI), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) is presented in this article .
Abstract: Electronic skin (e‐skin), new generation of flexible wearable electronic devices, has characteristics including flexibility, thinness, biocompatibility with broad application prospects, and a crucial place in future wearable electronics. With the increasing demand for wearable sensor systems, the realization of multifunctional e‐skin with low power consumption or even autonomous energy is urgently needed. The latest progress of multifunctional self‐powered e‐skin for applications in physiological health, human–machine interaction (HMI), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) is presented here. Various energy conversion effects for the driving energy problem of multifunctional e‐skin are summarized. An overview of various types of self‐powered e‐skins, including single‐effect e‐skins and multifunctional coupling‐effects e‐skin systems is provided, where the aspects of material preparation, device assembly, and output signal analysis of the self‐powered multifunctional e‐skin are described. In the end, the existing problems and prospects in this field are also discussed.
32 citations
TL;DR: For efficient cancer theranostics, surface modification of nanomaterials plays an important role in improving targeting ability and reducing the non-specific interactions with normal tissues as mentioned in this paper , and the applications of ECCMs in targeting delivery, activation of immunity, and detection of circulating tumor cells are reviewed.
Abstract: For efficient cancer theranostics, surface modification of nanomaterials plays an important role in improving targeting ability and reducing the non-specific interactions with normal tissues. Recently, the biomimetic technology represented by coating of cancer cell membranes (CCMs) has been regarded as a promising method to strengthen the biocompatibility and targeting specificity of nanomaterials. Furthermore, the engineered CCMs (ECCMs) integrated with the natural biological properties of CCMs and specific functions from other cells or proteins have offered more possibilities in the field of cancer theranostics. Herein, the recent progresses in the design and preparation of ECCMs are summarized, and the applications of ECCMs in targeting delivery, activation of immunity, and detection of circulating tumor cells are reviewed. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives with regard to the development of ECCMs are briefly discussed.
32 citations
TL;DR: The fundamental understanding of Fenton and Fenton‐like reactions and their relationship with CDT are outlined, and the development in the design of nanosystems for CDT is highlighted in a general manner.
Abstract: Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has emerged to be a frontrunner amongst reactive oxygen species‐based cancer treatment modalities. CDT utilizes endogenous H2O2 in tumor microenvironment (TME) to produce cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH) via Fenton or Fenton‐like reactions. While possessing advantages such as tumor specificity, no need of external stimuli, and low side effects, practical applications of CDT are still impeded owing to the heterogeneity, complexity, and reductive environment of TME. Over the past couple of years, strategies to enhance CDT for efficient tumor regression are in rapid development in synergy with the growth of nanomedicine. In this review, we initially outline the fundamental understanding of Fenton and Fenton‐like reactions and their relationship with CDT. Subsequently, the development in the design of nanosystems for CDT is highlighted in a general manner. Furthermore, recent advancement of the strategies to augment Fenton reactions in TME for enhanced CDT is discussed in detail. Finally, perspectives toward the future development of CDT for better therapeutic outcome are presented. This review is expected to draw attention for collaborative research on CDT in the best interest of its future clinical applications.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors outline biomaterials with immunomodulatory functions discovered in recent years and their applications in disease treatment and discuss the prospects and challenges of biomaterial-based modulation of immunotherapy.
Abstract: Immunotherapy is used to regulate systemic hyperactivation or hypoactivation to treat various diseases. Biomaterial-based immunotherapy systems can improve therapeutic effects through targeted drug delivery, immunoengineering, etc. However, the immunomodulatory effects of biomaterials themselves cannot be neglected. In this review, we outline biomaterials with immunomodulatory functions discovered in recent years and their applications in disease treatment. These biomaterials can treat inflammation, tumors, or autoimmune diseases by regulating immune cell function, exerting enzyme-like activity, neutralizing cytokines, etc. The prospects and challenges of biomaterial-based modulation of immunotherapy are also discussed.
30 citations
TL;DR: Recent advances in targeting and engineering macrophages for tumor immunotherapy are summarized, including (1) direct and indirect effects of macrophage on the augmentation of immunotherapy and (2) strategies for engineeringmacrophage‐based drug carriers.
Abstract: Reprogramming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by modulating macrophages holds great promise in tumor immunotherapy. As a class of professional phagocytes and antigen‐presenting cells in the innate immune system, macrophages can not only directly engulf and clear tumor cells, but also play roles in presenting tumor‐specific antigen to initiate adaptive immunity. However, the tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) usually display tumor‐supportive M2 phenotype rather than anti‐tumor M1 phenotype. They can support tumor cells to escape immunological surveillance, aggravate tumor progression, and impede tumor‐specific T cell immunity. Although many TAMs‐modulating agents have shown great success in therapy of multiple tumors, they face enormous challenges including poor tumor accumulation and off‐target side effects. An alternative solution is the use of advanced nanostructures, which not only can deliver TAMs‐modulating agents to augment therapeutic efficacy, but also can directly serve as modulators of TAMs. Another important strategy is the exploitation of macrophages and macrophage‐derived components as tumor‐targeting delivery vehicles. Herein, we summarize the recent advances in targeting and engineering macrophages for tumor immunotherapy, including (1) direct and indirect effects of macrophages on the augmentation of immunotherapy and (2) strategies for engineering macrophage‐based drug carriers. The existing perspectives and challenges of macrophage‐based tumor immunotherapies are also highlighted.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the most cutting-edge progress of their applications in flexible bioelectronics and tissue engineering is discussed. And future challenges and perspectives for promoting electrospun fiber-based products toward industrialized, intelligent, multifunctional, and safe applications.
Abstract: Electrospinning (e‐spin) technique has emerged as a versatile and feasible pathway for constructing diverse polymeric fabric structures, which show potential applications in many biological and biomedical fields. Owing to the advantages of adjustable mechanics, designable structures, versatile surface multi‐functionalization, and biomimetic capability to natural tissue, remarkable progress has been made in flexible bioelectronics and tissue engineering for the sensing and therapeutic purposes. In this perspective, we review recent works on design of the hierarchically structured e‐spin fibers, as well as, the fabrication strategies from one‐dimensional individual fiber (1D) to three‐dimensional (3D) fiber arrangements adaptive to specific applications. Then, we focus on the most cutting‐edge progress of their applications in flexible bioelectronics and tissue engineering. Finally, we propose future challenges and perspectives for promoting electrospun fiber‐based products toward industrialized, intelligent, multifunctional, and safe applications.
TL;DR: A review of the development of bioactive inorganic particles-based biomaterials used for skin tissue engineering can be found in this paper , where the authors highlight the three stages in the evolution of the bioactiveinorganic biommaterials applied to wound management, including single inorganic materials, inorganic/organic composite materials, and inorganic particle-based cell-encapsulated living systems.
Abstract: The challenge for treatment of severe cutaneous wound poses an urgent clinical need for the development of biomaterials to promote skin regeneration. In the past few decades, introduction of inorganic components into material system has become a promising strategy for improving performances of biomaterials in the process of tissue repair. In this review, we provide a current overview of the development of bioactive inorganic particles-based biomaterials used for skin tissue engineering. We highlight the three stages in the evolution of the bioactive inorganic biomaterials applied to wound management, including single inorganic materials, inorganic/organic composite materials, and inorganic particles-based cell-encapsulated living systems. At every stage, the primary types of bioactive inorganic biomaterials are described, followed by citation of the related representative studies completed in recent years. Then we offer a brief exposition of typical approaches to construct the composite material systems with incorporation of inorganic components for wound healing. Finally, the conclusions and future directions are suggested for the development of novel bioactive inorganic particles-based biomaterials in the field of skin regeneration.
TL;DR: In this article , a biomimetic nanomedicine (ABNM@TMZ/OTX) was used to co-encapse the epigenetic bromodomain inhibitor, OTX015, and achieved multidimensional enhanced GBM synergistic CIT.
Abstract: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a central nervous system tumor with poor prognosis due to the rapid development of resistance to mono chemotherapy and poor brain targeted delivery. Chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) combines chemotherapy drugs with activators of innate immunity that hold great promise for GBM synergistic therapy. Herein, we chose temozolomide, TMZ, and the epigenetic bromodomain inhibitor, OTX015, and further co-encapsulated them within our well-established erythrocyte membrane camouflaged nanoparticle to yield ApoE peptide decorated biomimetic nanomedicine (ABNM@TMZ/OTX). Our nanoplatform successfully addressed the limitations in brain-targeted drug co-delivery, and simultaneously achieved multidimensional enhanced GBM synergistic CIT. In mice bearing orthotopic GL261 GBM, treatment with ABNM@TMZ/OTX resulted in marked tumor inhibition and greatly extended survival time with little side effects. The pronounced GBM treatment efficacy can be ascribed to three key factors: (i) improved nanoparticle-mediated GBM targeting delivery of therapeutic agents by greatly enhanced blood circulation time and blood-brain barrier penetration; (ii) inhibited cellular DNA repair and enhanced TMZ sensitivity to tumor cells; (iii) enhanced anti-tumor immune responses by inducing immunogenic cell death and inhibiting PD-1/PD-L1 conjugation leading to enhanced expression of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The study validated a biomimetic nanomedicine to yield a potential new treatment for GBM.
TL;DR: An overview of the design principles of cell‐based delivery systems in cancer immunotherapy to maximize the therapeutic impact are presented, along with anatomical, metabolic, and immunological impediments in using cell‐ based immunotherapeutic delivery systems to treat cancer.
Abstract: Immunotherapy strategies that use cell‐based delivery systems have sparked much interest in the treatment of malignancies, owing to their high biocompatibility, excellent tumor targeting capability, and unique biofunctionalities in the tumor growth process. A variety of design principles for cell‐based immunotherapy, including cell surface decoration, cell membrane coating, cell encapsulation, genetically engineered cell, and cell‐derived exosomes, give cancer immunotherapy great potential to improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse effects. However, the treatment efficacy of cell‐based delivery methods for immunotherapy is still limited, and practical uses are hampered due to complex physiological and immunological obstacles, such as physical barriers to immune infiltration, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, upregulation of immunosuppressive pathways, and metabolic restriction. In this review, we present an overview of the design principles of cell‐based delivery systems in cancer immunotherapy to maximize the therapeutic impact, along with anatomical, metabolic, and immunological impediments in using cell‐based immunotherapy to treat cancer. Following that, a summary of novel delivery strategies that have been created to overcome these obstacles to cell‐based immunotherapeutic delivery systems is provided. Also, the obstacles and prospects of next‐step development of cell‐based delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy are concluded in the end.
TL;DR: The de novo‐designed Cu‐SAzyme exhibits a superior SOD‐like activity to efficiently eliminate O2•−, which is the source of multiple RONS, thus blocking the free radical chain reaction and subsequent inflammatory response in the early stage of sepsis.
Abstract: Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome with high morbidity and mortality mediated by infection‐caused oxidative stress. Early antioxidant intervention by removing excessively produced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) is beneficial to the prevention and treatment of sepsis. However, traditional antioxidants have failed to improve patient outcomes due to insufficient activity and sustainability. Herein, by mimicking the electronic and structural characteristics of natural Cu‐only superoxide dismutase (SOD5), a single‐atom nanozyme (SAzyme) featuring coordinately unsaturated and atomically dispersed Cu‐N4 site was synthesized for effective sepsis treatment. The de novo‐designed Cu‐SAzyme exhibits a superior SOD‐like activity to efficiently eliminate O2•−, which is the source of multiple RONS, thus blocking the free radical chain reaction and subsequent inflammatory response in the early stage of sepsis. Moreover, the Cu‐SAzyme effectively harnessed systemic inflammation and multi‐organ injuries in sepsis animal models. These findings indicate that the developed Cu‐SAzyme possesses great potential as therapeutic nanomedicines for the treatment of sepsis.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors reviewed how tumor cells recruit and domesticate macrophages and microbes through extracellular vehicles and how hijacked macrophage and microbiota interact with tumor-promoting feedback, achieving a reciprocal coexistence under the tumor microenvironment and working together to facilitate tumor progression.
Abstract: The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a biological system with sophisticated constituents. In addition to tumor cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and microbiota are also dominant components. The phenotypic and functional changes of TAMs are widely considered to be related to most tumor progressions. The chronic colonization of pathogenic microbes and opportunistic pathogens accounts for the generation and development of tumors. As messengers of cell-to-cell communication, tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TDEVs) can transfer various malignant factors, regulating physiological and pathological changes in the recipients and affecting TAMs and microbes in the TME. Despite the new insights into tumorigenesis and progress brought by the above factors, the crosstalk among tumor cells, macrophages, and microbiota remain elusive, and few studies have focused on how TDEVs act as an intermediary. We reviewed how tumor cells recruit and domesticate macrophages and microbes through extracellular vehicles and how hijacked macrophages and microbiota interact with tumor-promoting feedback, achieving a reciprocal coexistence under the TME and working together to facilitate tumor progression. It is significant to seek evidence to clarify those specific interactions and reveal therapeutic targets to curb tumor progression and improve prognosis.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors outline biomaterials with immunomodulatory functions discovered in recent years and their applications in disease treatment and discuss the prospects and challenges of biomaterial-based modulation of immunotherapy.
Abstract: Immunotherapy is used to regulate systemic hyperactivation or hypoactivation to treat various diseases. Biomaterial‐based immunotherapy systems can improve therapeutic effects through targeted drug delivery, immunoengineering, etc. However, the immunomodulatory effects of biomaterials themselves cannot be neglected. In this review, we outline biomaterials with immunomodulatory functions discovered in recent years and their applications in disease treatment. These biomaterials can treat inflammation, tumors, or autoimmune diseases by regulating immune cell function, exerting enzyme‐like activity, neutralizing cytokines, etc. The prospects and challenges of biomaterial‐based modulation of immunotherapy are also discussed.
TL;DR: The recent progresses in the design and preparation of E CCMs are summarized, and the applications of ECCMs in targeting delivery, activation of immunity, and detection of circulating tumor cells are reviewed.
Abstract: For efficient cancer theranostics, surface modification of nanomaterials plays an important role in improving targeting ability and reducing the non‐specific interactions with normal tissues. Recently, the biomimetic technology represented by coating of cancer cell membranes (CCMs) has been regarded as a promising method to strengthen the biocompatibility and targeting specificity of nanomaterials. Furthermore, the engineered CCMs (ECCMs) integrated with the natural biological properties of CCMs and specific functions from other cells or proteins have offered more possibilities in the field of cancer theranostics. Herein, the recent progresses in the design and preparation of ECCMs are summarized, and the applications of ECCMs in targeting delivery, activation of immunity, and detection of circulating tumor cells are reviewed. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives with regard to the development of ECCMs are briefly discussed.
TL;DR: The recent development of different organic fluorescent nanomaterials with NIR‐IIb characteristics, their unique photophysical properties, and their utilization in deep imaging in animal models are surveyed.
Abstract: Illumination of biological events with near‐infrared II sub‐channel (NIR‐IIb, 1500–1700 nm) enhances the transparency of biological tissues, which is very attractive for deep imaging. Due to the long‐wavelength, which reduces optical damage, suppresses autofluorescence, and obviates light scattering, NIR‐IIb nanoprobes afford deep tissue penetration with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. Hence, NIR‐IIb imaging facilitates deep learning and decipherment of biological proceedings in living organisms with astounding high clarity. In comparison to its predecessors in the visible‐near‐infrared spectrum, imaging in the NIR‐IIb has shown great potential for tissue imaging and extrapolating imaging applications for clinical studies. However, the use of organic fluorescent nanoprobes (OFNPs) in the NIR‐IIb region is still rare since it is in its early stages. Thus, herein we aim to survey the recent development of different organic fluorescent nanomaterials with NIR‐IIb characteristics, their unique photophysical properties, and their utilization in deep imaging in animal models. Further, practical researches on organic fluorescent nanoprobes with NIR‐IIb emission and their transition to clinical applications are highlighted.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors summarize the recently ingenious design of the stimuli-responsive crosslinked nanomedicines (SCN) in the field of cancer treatment and their advances in circumventing the drawbacks of the conventional drug delivery system.
Abstract: Nanomedicines are attractive paradigms to deliver drugs, contrast agents, immunomodulators, and gene editors for cancer therapy and diagnosis. However, the currently developed nanomedicine suffers from poor serum stability, premature drug release, and lack of responsiveness. Crosslinking strategy can be utilized to overcome these shortcomings by employing stimuli-responsive chemical bonds to tightly hold the nanostructure and releasing the payloads spatiotemporally in a highly controlled manner. In this Review, we summarize the recently ingenious design of the stimuli-responsive crosslinked nanomedicines (SCN) in the field of cancer treatment and their advances in circumventing the drawbacks of the conventional drug delivery system. We classify the SCNs into three categories based on the crosslinking strategies, including built-in, on-surface, and inter-particle crosslinking nanomedicines. Thanks to the stimuli-responsive crosslinkages, SCNs are capable of keeping robust stability during systemic circulation. They also respond to the particular tumoral conditions to experience a series of dynamic changes, such as the changes in size, surface charge, targeting moieties, integrity, and imaging signals. These characteristics allow them to efficiently overcome different biological barriers and substantially improve the drug delivery efficiency, tumor-targeting ability, and imaging sensitivities. With the examples discussed, we envision that our perspectives can inspire more attempts to engineer intelligent nanomedicine to achieve effective cancer therapy and diagnosis.
TL;DR: A current overview of the development of bioactive inorganic particles‐based biomaterials used for skin tissue engineering and typical approaches to construct the composite material systems with incorporation of inorganic components for wound healing are offered.
Abstract: The challenge for treatment of severe cutaneous wound poses an urgent clinical need for the development of biomaterials to promote skin regeneration. In the past few decades, introduction of inorganic components into material system has become a promising strategy for improving performances of biomaterials in the process of tissue repair. In this review, we provide a current overview of the development of bioactive inorganic particles‐based biomaterials used for skin tissue engineering. We highlight the three stages in the evolution of the bioactive inorganic biomaterials applied to wound management, including single inorganic materials, inorganic/organic composite materials, and inorganic particles‐based cell‐encapsulated living systems. At every stage, the primary types of bioactive inorganic biomaterials are described, followed by citation of the related representative studies completed in recent years. Then we offer a brief exposition of typical approaches to construct the composite material systems with incorporation of inorganic components for wound healing. Finally, the conclusions and future directions are suggested for the development of novel bioactive inorganic particles‐based biomaterials in the field of skin regeneration.
TL;DR: The study validated a biomimetic nanomedicine to yield a potential new treatment for GBM and resulted in marked tumor inhibition and greatly extended survival time with little side effects in mice bearing orthotopic GL261 GBM.
Abstract: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a central nervous system tumor with poor prognosis due to the rapid development of resistance to mono chemotherapy and poor brain targeted delivery. Chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) combines chemotherapy drugs with activators of innate immunity that hold great promise for GBM synergistic therapy. Herein, we chose temozolomide, TMZ, and the epigenetic bromodomain inhibitor, OTX015, and further co‐encapsulated them within our well‐established erythrocyte membrane camouflaged nanoparticle to yield ApoE peptide decorated biomimetic nanomedicine (ABNM@TMZ/OTX). Our nanoplatform successfully addressed the limitations in brain‐targeted drug co‐delivery, and simultaneously achieved multidimensional enhanced GBM synergistic CIT. In mice bearing orthotopic GL261 GBM, treatment with ABNM@TMZ/OTX resulted in marked tumor inhibition and greatly extended survival time with little side effects. The pronounced GBM treatment efficacy can be ascribed to three key factors: (i) improved nanoparticle‐mediated GBM targeting delivery of therapeutic agents by greatly enhanced blood circulation time and blood–brain barrier penetration; (ii) inhibited cellular DNA repair and enhanced TMZ sensitivity to tumor cells; (iii) enhanced anti‐tumor immune responses by inducing immunogenic cell death and inhibiting PD‐1/PD‐L1 conjugation leading to enhanced expression of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The study validated a biomimetic nanomedicine to yield a potential new treatment for GBM.
TL;DR: Nanozyme can provide a novel nanozyme‐based antiviral therapeutic regime with broader availability and generalizability that are keys to fighting a pandemic such as COVID‐19.
Abstract: Nanozymes are nanomaterials with similar catalytic activities to natural enzymes. Compared with natural enzymes, they have numerous advantages, including higher physiochemical stability, versatility, and suitability for mass production. In the past decade, the synthesis of nanozymes and their catalytic mechanisms have advanced beyond the simple replacement of natural enzymes, allowing for fascinating applications in various fields such as biosensing and disease treatment. In particular, the exploration of nanozymes as powerful toolkits in diagnostic viral testing and antiviral therapy has attracted growing attention. It can address the great challenges faced by current natural enzyme‐based viral testing technologies, such as high cost and storage difficulties. Therefore, nanozyme can provide a novel nanozyme‐based antiviral therapeutic regime with broader availability and generalizability that are keys to fighting a pandemic such as COVID‐19. Herein, we provide a timely review of the state‐of‐the‐art nanozymes regarding their catalytic activities, as well as a focused discussion on recent research into the use of nanozymes in viral testing and therapy. The remaining challenges and future perspectives will also be outlined. Ultimately, this review will inform readers of the current knowledge of nanozymes and inspire more innovative studies to push forward the frontier of this field.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors discuss the recent progress on the design and construction of tissue engineered nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) in combination with biological effectors and cellular components for nerve repair and explore the prospects of multifunctional platforms to promote the repair of peripheral nerve injury.
Abstract: Peripheral nerve injury is a large-scale problem that annually affects more than several millions of people all over the world. It remains a great challenge to effectively repair nerve defects. Tissue engineered nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) provide a promising platform for peripheral nerve repair through the integration of bioactive scaffolds, biological effectors, and cellular components. Herein, we firstly describe the pathogenesis of peripheral nerve injuries at different orders of severity to clarify their microenvironments and discuss the clinical treatment methods and challenges. Then, we discuss the recent progress on the design and construction of NGCs in combination with biological effectors and cellular components for nerve repair. Afterward, we give perspectives on imaging the nerve and/or the conduit to allow for the in situ monitoring of the nerve regeneration process. We also cover the applications of different postoperative intervention treatments, such as electric field, magnetic field, light, and ultrasound, to the well-designed conduit and/or the nerve for improving the repair efficacy. Finally, we explore the prospects of multifunctional platforms to promote the repair of peripheral nerve injury.
TL;DR: AIEgens have advantages of efficient light conversion, high biocompatibility, large Stokes' shift, and so on as discussed by the authors , and they can be used for augmented photosynthesis.
Abstract: Photosynthesis is promising in sequestrating carbon dioxide and providing food and biofuel. Recent findings have shown that luminescent materials could shift the wavelength of light to a more usable range for augmented photosynthesis. Among them, aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have advantages of efficient light conversion, high biocompatibility, large Stokes' shift, and so on. In this perspective, emerging reports of augmented photosynthesis with luminescent materials, especially the AIEgens are included. We emphasized the spectra shift characteristics, material formation, and sustainable development based on augmented photosynthesis.
TL;DR: In this paper , an organic/inorganic dual-PTT agent driven by polydopamine-modified black-titanium dioxide (b-TiO2@PDA) with excellent photoconversion efficiency in the second near-infrared (NIR-I) region (1000-1500 nm) was proposed.
Abstract: Photothermal therapy (PTT), as an important noninvasive and effective tumor treatment method, has been extensively developed into a powerful cancer therapeutic technique. Nevertheless, the low photothermal conversion efficiency and the limited tissue penetration of typical photothermal therapeutic agents in the first near-infrared (NIR-I) region (700–950 nm) are still the major barriers for further clinical application. Here, we proposed an organic/inorganic dual-PTT agent of synergistic property driven by polydopamine-modified black-titanium dioxide (b-TiO2@PDA) with excellent photoconversion efficiency in the second NIR (NIR-II) region (1000–1500 nm). More specifically, the b-TiO2 treated with sodium borohydride produced excessive oxygen vacancies resulting in oxygen vacancy band that narrowed the b-TiO2 band gap, and the small band gap led to NIR-II region wavelength (1064 nm) absorbance. Furthermore, the combination of defect energy level trapping carrier recombination heat generation and conjugate heat generation mechanism, significantly improved the photothermal performance of the PTT agent based on b-TiO2. The photothermal properties characterization indicated that the proposed dual-PTT agent possesses excellent photothermal performance and ultra-high photoconversion efficiency of 64.9% under 1064 nm laser irradiation, which can completely kill esophageal squamous cells. Meanwhile, Gd2O3 nanoparticles, an excellent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agent, were introduced into the nanosystem with similar dotted core–shell structure to enable the nanosystem achieve real-time MRI-monitored cancer therapeutic performance. We believe that this integrated nanotherapeutic system can not only solve the application of PTT in the NIR-II region, but also provide certain theoretical guidance for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer.
TL;DR: In this paper , a small organic fluorescent probe, TPAE, was designed to detect the spatial organization of lysosomes against mitochondria in different cell lines with this probe.
Abstract: Lysosomes are multifunctional organelles involved in macromolecule degradation, nutrient sensing and autophagy. Live imaging has revealed lysosome subpopulations with dynamics and characteristic cellular localization. An as-yet unanswered question is whether lysosomes are spatially organized to coordinate and integrate their functions. Combined with super-resolution microscopy, we designed a small organic fluorescent probe, TPAE, that targeted lysosomes with a large Stokes shift. When we analyzed the spatial organization of lysosomes against mitochondria in different cell lines with this probe, we discovered different distance distribution patterns between lysosomes and mitochondria during increased autophagy flux. By using SLC25A46 mutation fibroblasts derived from patients containing highly fused mitochondria with low oxidative phosphorylation, we concluded that unhealthy mitochondria redistributed the subcellular localization of lysosomes, which implies a strong connection between mitochondria and lysosomes.
TL;DR: In this paper , a dynamic covalent polymeric antimicrobial, based on phenylboronic acid (PBA)-installed micellar nanocarriers incorporating clinical vancomycin and curcumin, is developed to overcome drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Abstract: Increasing bacterial drug resistance to antibiotics has posed a major threat to contemporary public health, which resulted in a large number of people suffering from serious infections and ending up dying without any effective therapies every year. Here, a dynamic covalent polymeric antimicrobial, based on phenylboronic acid (PBA)-installed micellar nanocarriers incorporating clinical vancomycin and curcumin, is developed to overcome drug-resistant bacterial infections. The formation of this antimicrobial is facilitated by reversible dynamic covalent interactions between PBA moieties in polymeric micelles and diols in vancomycin, which impart favorable stability in blood circulation and excellent acid-responsiveness in the infection microenvironment. Moreover, the structurally similar aromatic vancomycin and curcumin molecules can afford π-π stacking interaction to realize simultaneous delivery and release of payloads. In comparison with monotherapy, this dynamic covalent polymeric antimicrobial demonstrated more significant eradication of drug-resistant bacteria in vitro and in vivo due to the synergism of the two drugs. Furthermore, the achieved combination therapy shows satisfied biocompatibility without unwanted toxicity. Considering various antibiotics contain diol and aromatic structures, this simple and robust strategy can become a universal platform to combat the ever-threatening drug-resistant infectious diseases.
TL;DR: In this article , highly branched amylopectin (HBA) was used as a low-cost, nontoxic and environmentally benign aqueous binder for the sulfur cathode of Li-S batteries.
Abstract: The sulfur cathode of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries suffers from inherent problems of insufficient mechanical strength and the dissolution of sulfur and polysulfides. Inspired by the extraordinarily resilient and strong binding force of the Great Wall binder, that is, the sticky rice mortar, we extracted highly branched amylopectin (HBA), the effective ingredient, as a low-cost, nontoxic and environmentally benign aqueous binder for the sulfur cathode. The HBA-based cells outperform the Li-S batteries based on the traditional polyvinyldene diflouride (PVDF) binder and a lowly branched polysaccharide binder. The improved electrochemical performance in the HBA-based cell could be attributed to two mechanisms. First, the branched structure of the HBA provides enhanced mechanical and adhesive properties, which allow for a robust electronic and ionic conductive framework to be maintained throughout the cathode after extended cycling. Second, the HBA shows enhanced polysulfide retention due to the polymer's abundant lone-pair rich hydroxyl groups and the formation of C─S bonds between the HBA and polysulfides prohibits the shuttle effect of polysulfides. The improved mechanical properties and polysulfide retention function of the HBA binder facilitate the HBA-based Li-S battery to deliver a long cycle life of 500 cycles at 2 C while only displaying a capacity fading of 0.104% per cycle.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors summarize the recently ingenious design of the stimuli-responsive crosslinked nanomedicines (SCN) in the field of cancer treatment and their advances in circumventing the drawbacks of the conventional drug delivery system.
Abstract: Nanomedicines are attractive paradigms to deliver drugs, contrast agents, immunomodulators, and gene editors for cancer therapy and diagnosis. However, the currently developed nanomedicine suffers from poor serum stability, premature drug release, and lack of responsiveness. Crosslinking strategy can be utilized to overcome these shortcomings by employing stimuli‐responsive chemical bonds to tightly hold the nanostructure and releasing the payloads spatiotemporally in a highly controlled manner. In this Review, we summarize the recently ingenious design of the stimuli‐responsive crosslinked nanomedicines (SCN) in the field of cancer treatment and their advances in circumventing the drawbacks of the conventional drug delivery system. We classify the SCNs into three categories based on the crosslinking strategies, including built‐in, on‐surface, and inter‐particle crosslinking nanomedicines. Thanks to the stimuli‐responsive crosslinkages, SCNs are capable of keeping robust stability during systemic circulation. They also respond to the particular tumoral conditions to experience a series of dynamic changes, such as the changes in size, surface charge, targeting moieties, integrity, and imaging signals. These characteristics allow them to efficiently overcome different biological barriers and substantially improve the drug delivery efficiency, tumor‐targeting ability, and imaging sensitivities. With the examples discussed, we envision that our perspectives can inspire more attempts to engineer intelligent nanomedicine to achieve effective cancer therapy and diagnosis.