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Frontiers in Chemistry 2023Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a crucial role in autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. This study aims to develop a low-cost, simple-to-manufacture, and user-friendly...
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a crucial role in autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. This study aims to develop a low-cost, simple-to-manufacture, and user-friendly label-free electrochemical point-of-care device for the rapid detection of IL-6 in patients with psoriasis. Precisely, a sandwich-based format immunosensor was developed using two primary antibodies (mAb-IL6 clone-5 and clone-7) and screen-printed electrodes modified with an inexpensive recycling electrochemical enhancing material, called biochar. mAb-IL6 clone-5 was used as a covalently immobilized capture bioreceptor on modified electrodes, and mAb-IL6 clone-7 was used to recognize the immunocomplex (Anti-IL6 clone-5 and IL-6) and form the sandwich. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to conduct electrochemical characterization of the layer-by-layer assembly of the immunosensor, while square wave voltammetry (SWV) was used to perform the sensing. The developed immunosensor demonstrated robust analytical performance in buffer solution, with a wide linear range (LR) by varying from 2 to 250 pg/mL, a good limit of detection (LOD) of 0.78 pg/mL and reproducibility (RSD<7%). In addition, a spectrophotometric ELISA kit was employed to validate the results obtained with the label-free device by analyzing twenty-five serum samples from control and patients affected by psoriasis. A strong correlation in terms of pg/mL concentration of IL-6 was found comparing the two methods, with the advantage for our label-free biosensor of an ease use and a quicker detection time. Based on IL-6 levels, the proposed immunosensor is a dependable, non-invasive screening device capable of predicting disease onset, progression, and treatment efficacy.
PubMed: 38025060
DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1251360 -
Scientific Reports Oct 2023The advancement of biosensor research has been a primary driving force in the continuing progress of modern medical science. While traditional nanofabrication methods...
The advancement of biosensor research has been a primary driving force in the continuing progress of modern medical science. While traditional nanofabrication methods have long been the foundation of biosensor research, recent years have seen a shift in the field of nanofabrication towards laser-based techniques. Here we report a gold-based biosensor, with a limit of detection (LoD) 3.18 µM, developed using environmentally friendly Laser Ablation Synthesis in Liquid (LASiS) and Confined Atmospheric Pulsed-laser (CAP) deposition techniques for the first time. The sensors were able detect a DNA fragment corresponding to the longest unpaired sequence of the c-Myc gene, indicating their potential for detecting such fragments in the ctDNA signature of various cancers. The LoD of the developed novel biosensor highlights its reliability and sensitivity as an analytical platform. The reproducibility of the sensor was examined via the production and testing of 200 sensors with the same fabrication methodology. This work offers a scalable, and green approach to fabricating viable biosensors capable of detecting clinically relevant oncogenic targets.
Topics: Reproducibility of Results; Gold; Nanostructures; Limit of Detection; Biosensing Techniques; Lasers
PubMed: 37821490
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44372-4 -
Molecular Therapy. Methods & Clinical... Dec 2023Base editing is a revolutionary gene-editing technique enabling the introduction of point mutations into the genome without generating detrimental DNA double-stranded...
Base editing is a revolutionary gene-editing technique enabling the introduction of point mutations into the genome without generating detrimental DNA double-stranded breaks. Base-editing enzymes are commonly delivered in the form of modified linear messenger RNA (mRNA) that is costly to produce. Here, we address this problem by developing a simple protocol for manufacturing base-edited cells using circular RNA (circRNA), which is less expensive to synthesize. Compared with linear mRNA, higher editing efficiencies were achieved with circRNA, enabling an 8-fold reduction in the amount of RNA required. We used this protocol to manufacture a clinical dose (1 × 10 cells) of base-edited chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells lacking expression of the inhibitory receptor, PD-1. Editing efficiencies of up to 86% were obtained using 0.25 μg circRNA/1 × 10 cells. Increased editing efficiencies with circRNA were attributed to more efficient translation. These results suggest that circRNA, which is less expensive to produce than linear mRNA, is a viable option for reducing the cost of manufacturing base-edited cells at scale.
PubMed: 37886606
DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101123 -
MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly... Feb 2024Preliminary reports indicate that more than 109,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2022; nearly 70% of these involved synthetic opioids other than...
Preliminary reports indicate that more than 109,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2022; nearly 70% of these involved synthetic opioids other than methadone, primarily illegally manufactured fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (IMFs). Data from the western United States suggested a transition from injecting heroin to smoking IMFs. CDC analyzed data from the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System to describe trends in routes of drug use in 27 states and the District of Columbia among overdose deaths that occurred during January 2020-December 2022, overall and by region and drugs detected. From January-June 2020 to July-December 2022, the percentage of overdose deaths with evidence of injection decreased 29.1%, from 22.7% to 16.1%, whereas the percentage with evidence of smoking increased 73.7%, from 13.3% to 23.1%. The number of deaths with evidence of smoking increased 109.1%, from 2,794 to 5,843, and by 2022, smoking was the most commonly documented route of use in overdose deaths. Trends were similar in all U.S. regions. Among deaths with only IMFs detected, the percentage with evidence of injection decreased 41.6%, from 20.9% during January-June 2020 to 12.2% during July-December 2022, whereas the percentage with evidence of smoking increased 78.9%, from 10.9% to 19.5%. Similar trends were observed among deaths with both IMFs and stimulants detected. Strengthening public health and harm reduction services to address overdose risk related to diverse routes of drug use, including smoking and other noninjection routes, might reduce drug overdose deaths.
Topics: Humans; Analgesics, Opioid; Central Nervous System Stimulants; District of Columbia; Drug Overdose; Fentanyl; United States
PubMed: 38358969
DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7306a2 -
Heliyon Jul 2023Repairing significant bone defects remains a critical challenge, raising the clinical demand to design novel bone biomaterials that incorporate osteogenic and angiogenic... (Review)
Review
Repairing significant bone defects remains a critical challenge, raising the clinical demand to design novel bone biomaterials that incorporate osteogenic and angiogenic properties to support the regeneration of vascularized bone. Bioactive glass scaffolds can stimulate angiogenesis and osteogenesis. In addition, natural or synthetic polymers exhibit structural similarity with extracellular matrix (ECM) components and have superior biocompatibility and biodegradability. Thus, there is a need to prepare composite scaffolds of hydrogels for vascularized bone, which incorporate to improve the mechanical properties and bioactivity of natural polymers. In addition, those composites' 3-dimensional (3D) form offer regenerative benefits such as direct doping of the scaffold with ions. This review presents a comprehensive discussion of composite scaffolds incorporated with BaG, focusing on their effects on osteo-inductivity and angiogenic properties. Moreover, the adaptation of the ion-doped hydrogel composite scaffold into a 3D scaffold for the generation of vascularized bone tissue is exposed. Finally, we highlight the challenges and future of manufacturing such biomaterials.
PubMed: 37483767
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17050 -
Gels (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023Hydrogel scaffold has been widely applied as drug delivery systems for treating skin injuries. However, the poor drug loading and rapid drug release of hydrogel...
Hydrogel scaffold has been widely applied as drug delivery systems for treating skin injuries. However, the poor drug loading and rapid drug release of hydrogel restricted their application. In the current study, we present a nanoliposome containing sulforaphane (SF) as a nano-drug delivery system that is encapsulated within the scaffold hydrogel system to overcome these limitations and improve wound healing. The hydrogel substrate consisting of 10% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/5% polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) was prepared by the freeze-thaw method, and the nanoliposomal system was manufactured by the thin film hydration method at different molar ratios of cholesterol: SPC: DPPC: DSPE-PEG2000. The nanoliposome and hydrogel system was characterized by physicochemical analyses. The findings achieved from the optimization of the sulforaphane-loaded nanoliposome (SFNL) displayed an increase in the molar ratio of SPC, leading to a higher entrapment efficiency and a gradual release profile. Narrow size distribution, optimal electrical charge, and the lack of molecular interactions between SF and nanoliposome components in the FTIR analysis make SFNL a suitable drug delivery system for the wound healing process. The obtained SFNL-encapsulated freeze-thawed hydrogel system has sufficient and specific swelling ability at different pH values and increased mechanical strength and elongation. Additionally, the release pattern of SFNL at different pH values showed that the release of SF from liposomes depends on the pH value of the environment and accelerates in line with decreasing pH values. Encapsulation of nanoliposomal SF in the hydrogel structure provides a sustained release pattern of SF compared to its free form and increased as the pH environments continued to raise. The cytotoxicity and cell uptake of SFNL-loaded hydrogels against human skin fibroblasts (HFF cell line) were investigated. The in vitro analyses displayed that the toxicity properties of SF and SFNL were dose-dependent, and SFNL exhibited lower toxicity compared to free SF. Furthermore, the proper cell compatibility of the prepared hydrogel against the HFF cell line was confirmed by the MTT assay. These findings imply that the hydrogel scaffold loaded with SFNL may have wound-healing potential.
PubMed: 37754429
DOI: 10.3390/gels9090748 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Swarms of self-propelled micromotors can mimic the processes of natural systems and construct artificial intelligent materials to perform complex collective behaviors.... (Review)
Review
Swarms of self-propelled micromotors can mimic the processes of natural systems and construct artificial intelligent materials to perform complex collective behaviors. Compared to self-propelled Janus micromotors, the isotropic colloid motors, also called micromotors or microswimmers, have advantages in self-assembly to form micromotor swarms, which are efficient in resistance to external disturbance and the delivery of large quantity of cargos. In this minireview, we summarize the fundamental principles and interactions for the assembly of isotropic active particles to generate micromotor swarms. Recent discoveries based on either catalytic or external physical field-stimulated micromotor swarms are also presented. Then, the strategy for the reconstruction and motion control of micromotor swarms in complex environments, including narrow channels, maze, raised obstacles, and high steps/low gaps, is summarized. Finally, we outline the future directions of micromotor swarms and the remaining challenges and opportunities.
PubMed: 37947744
DOI: 10.3390/nano13212900 -
Scientific Reports Oct 2023Biomaterial engineering approaches involve using a combination of miscellaneous bioactive molecules which may promote cell proliferation and, thus, form a scaffold with...
Biomaterial engineering approaches involve using a combination of miscellaneous bioactive molecules which may promote cell proliferation and, thus, form a scaffold with the environment that favors the regeneration process. Chitosan, a naturally occurring biodegradable polymer, possess some essential features, i.e., biodegradability, biocompatibility, and in the solid phase good porosity, which may contribute to promote cell adhesion. Moreover, doping of the materials with other biocompounds will create a unique and multifunctional scaffold that will be useful in regenerative medicine. This study is focused on the manufacturing and characterization of composite materials based on chitosan, hydroxyapatite, and riboflavin. The resulting films were fabricated by the casting/solvent evaporation method. Morphological and spectroscopy analyses of the films revealed a porous structure and an interconnection between chitosan and apatite. The composite material showed an inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus and exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to pure chitosan. In vitro studies on riboflavin showed increased cell proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and osteosarcoma cells, thus demonstrating their potential for bone tissue engineering applications.
Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Chitosan; Durapatite; Tissue Scaffolds; Tissue Engineering; Bone Regeneration; Porosity; Riboflavin
PubMed: 37813934
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44225-0 -
Polymers Jul 2023Collagen/hydroxyapatite hybrids are promising biomimetic materials that can replace or temporarily substitute bone tissues. The process of biomineralization was carried...
Collagen/hydroxyapatite hybrids are promising biomimetic materials that can replace or temporarily substitute bone tissues. The process of biomineralization was carried out through a double diffusion system. The methodological principle consisted in applying an electric field on the incubation medium to promote the opposite migration of ions into collagen membranes to form hydroxyapatite (HA) on the collagen membrane. Two physically separated solutions were used for the incubation medium, one rich in phosphate ions and the other in calcium ions, and their effects were evaluated against the traditional mineralization in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). Pre-polarization of the organic membranes and the effect of incubation time on the biomineralization process were also assessed by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies.Our results demonstrated that the membrane pre-polarization significantly accelerated the mineralization process on collagen. On the other side, it was found that the application of the electric field influenced the collagen structure and its interactions with the mineral phase. The increment of the mineralization degree enhanced the photoluminescence properties of the collagen/HA materials, while the conductivity and the dielectric constant were reduced. These results might provide a useful approach for future applications in manufacturing biomimetic bone-like materials.
PubMed: 37514510
DOI: 10.3390/polym15143121 -
Optics Express Mar 2024In this article we demonstrate rapid manufacturing of an illumination quality double-sided centimeter-scale optics without any post-processing. Two methods are...
In this article we demonstrate rapid manufacturing of an illumination quality double-sided centimeter-scale optics without any post-processing. Two methods are presented: additive manufacturing (AM) using an optically transparent material with a water-soluble support material (support method), and alternatively, using only the optically transparent material but flipping the optics mid-process (flipping method). The main advantage of the flipping method is that only one material is needed. However, the use of support material is more straightforward, allows better alignment between the two sides of the lens and enables more complex lenses manufactured in the future. Both methods result in sufficient surface quality, i.e. surface roughness R = 11.48 ±3.32 nm and form accuracy of ±10 μm, for the purposes of illumination optics.
PubMed: 38571268
DOI: 10.1364/OE.511474