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Journal of Nanobiotechnology Jun 2024Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second largest group of neurodegenerative diseases, and its existing drug treatments are not satisfactory. Natural cell membrane drugs...
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second largest group of neurodegenerative diseases, and its existing drug treatments are not satisfactory. Natural cell membrane drugs are used for homologous targeting to enhance efficacy. In this study, microfluidic electroporation chip prepared mesenchymal stem cell-derived neuron-like cell membrane-coated curcumin PLGA nanoparticles (MM-Cur-NPs) was synthesized and explored therapeutic effect and mechanism in PD. MM-Cur-NPs can protect neuron from damage, restore mitochondrial membrane potential and reduce oxidative stress in vitro. In PD mice, it also can improve movement disorders and restore damaged TH neurons. MM-Cur-NPs was found to be distributed in the brain and metabolized with a delay within 24 h. After 1 h administration, MM-Cur-NPs were distributed in brain with a variety of neurotransmitters were significantly upregulated, such as dopamine. Differentially expressed genes of RNA-seq were enriched in the inflammation regulation, and it was found the up-expression of anti-inflammatory factors and inhibited pro-inflammatory factors in PD. Mechanically, MM-Cur-NPs can not only reduce neuronal apoptosis, inhibit the microglial marker IBA-1 and inflammation, but also upregulate expression of neuronal mitochondrial protein VDAC1 and restore mitochondrial membrane potential. This study proposes a therapeutic strategy provide neuroprotective effects through MM-Cur-NPs therapy for PD.
Topics: Animals; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Mice; Apoptosis; Nanoparticles; Neurons; Parkinson Disease; Inflammation; Cell Membrane; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Curcumin; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microfluidics; Male; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38918856
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02587-1 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024This paper describes the design, fabrication, integration, characterization, and demonstration of a novel flexible double-sided curvature sensor array for use in soft...
This paper describes the design, fabrication, integration, characterization, and demonstration of a novel flexible double-sided curvature sensor array for use in soft robotics. The paper explores the performance and potential applications of a piezoresistive sensor array consisting of four gold strain gauges on a flexible polyimide (PI) substrate arranged in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. Multiple sensor strips were arranged like the fingers of a hand. Integrating Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) foils alongside the fingers was explored to mimic a human hand-gripping motion controlled with temperature, while curvature sensor array strips measure the resulting finger shapes. Moreover, object sensing in a flexible granular material gripper was demonstrated. The sensors were embedded within Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to enhance their tactile feel and adhesive properties. The findings of this study are promising for future applications, particularly in robotics and prosthetics, as the ability to accurately mimic human hand movements and reconstruct sensor surfaces paves the way for robotic hand functionality.
PubMed: 38894266
DOI: 10.3390/s24113475 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024With the steady increase in allergy prevalence worldwide, there is a strong need for novel diagnostic tools for precise, fast, and less invasive testing methods. Herein,...
With the steady increase in allergy prevalence worldwide, there is a strong need for novel diagnostic tools for precise, fast, and less invasive testing methods. Herein, a miniatured fluorescence-based biosensing system is developed for the rapid and quantitative detection of allergen-specific immunoglobulin-E. An antibody-based fluorescence assay in a microfluidic-patterned slide, combined with a custom-made portable fluorescence reader for image acquisition and user-friendly software for the data analysis, enables obtaining results for multiple allergens in just ~1 h with only 80 μL of blood serum. The multiplexed detection of common birch, timothy grass, cat epithelia, house dust mite, and dog epithelia shows quantitative IgE-mediated allergic responses to specific allergens in control serum samples with known total IgE concentration. The responses are verified with different control tests and measurements with a commercial fluorescence reader. These results open the door to point-of-care allergy screening for early diagnosis and broader access and for large-scale research in allergies.
Topics: Biosensing Techniques; Allergens; Point-of-Care Systems; Immunoglobulin E; Animals; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Fluorescence; Dogs; Cats
PubMed: 38894075
DOI: 10.3390/s24113280 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Within the fields of infectious disease diagnostics, microfluidic-based integrated technology systems have become a vital technology in enhancing the rapidity, accuracy,... (Review)
Review
Within the fields of infectious disease diagnostics, microfluidic-based integrated technology systems have become a vital technology in enhancing the rapidity, accuracy, and portability of pathogen detection. These systems synergize microfluidic techniques with advanced molecular biology methods, including reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), have been successfully used to identify a diverse array of pathogens, including COVID-19, Ebola, Zika, and dengue fever. This review outlines the advances in pathogen detection, attributing them to the integration of microfluidic technology with traditional molecular biology methods and smartphone- and paper-based diagnostic assays. The cutting-edge diagnostic technologies are of critical importance for disease prevention and epidemic surveillance. Looking ahead, research is expected to focus on increasing detection sensitivity, streamlining testing processes, reducing costs, and enhancing the capability for remote data sharing. These improvements aim to achieve broader coverage and quicker response mechanisms, thereby constructing a more robust defense for global public health security.
Topics: Humans; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Microfluidics; Communicable Diseases; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Dengue; Zika Virus Infection; Zika Virus
PubMed: 38893293
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112417 -
Cells May 2024The fungi is found in cereals and feedstuffs and may produce mycotoxins, which are secondary metabolites, such as the T-2 toxin (T-2). In this work, we explored the...
The fungi is found in cereals and feedstuffs and may produce mycotoxins, which are secondary metabolites, such as the T-2 toxin (T-2). In this work, we explored the hepatotoxicity of T-2 using microfluidic 3D hepatic cultures. The objectives were: (i) exploring the benefits of microfluidic 3D cultures compared to conventional 3D cultures available commercially (Aggrewell plates), (ii) establishing 3D co-cultures of hepatic cells (HepG2) and stellate cells (LX2) and assessing T-2 exposure in this model, (iii) characterizing the induction of metabolizing enzymes, and (iv) evaluating inflammatory markers upon T-2 exposure in microfluidic hepatic cultures. Our results demonstrated that, in comparison to commercial (large-volume) 3D cultures, spheroids formed faster and were more functional in microfluidic devices. The viability and hepatic function decreased with increasing T-2 concentrations in both monoculture and co-cultures. The RT-PCR analysis revealed that exposure to T-2 upregulates the expression of multiple Phase I and Phase II hepatic enzymes. In addition, several pro- and anti-inflammatory proteins were increased in co-cultures after exposure to T-2.
Topics: T-2 Toxin; Humans; Hep G2 Cells; Spheroids, Cellular; Liver; Coculture Techniques; Microfluidics; Hepatocytes; Cell Survival
PubMed: 38891032
DOI: 10.3390/cells13110900 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024In advanced drug delivery, versatile liposomal formulations are commonly employed for safer and more accurate therapies. Here we report a method that allows a...
In advanced drug delivery, versatile liposomal formulations are commonly employed for safer and more accurate therapies. Here we report a method that allows a straightforward production of synthetic monodisperse (~ 100 μm) giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) using a microfluidic system. The stability analysis based on the microscopy imaging showed that at ambient conditions the produced GUVs had a half-life of 61 ± 2 h. However, it was observed that ~ 90% of the calcein dye that was loaded into GUVs was transported into a surrounding medium in 24 h, thus indicating that the GUVs may release these small dye molecules without distinguishable membrane disruption. We further demonstrated the feasibility of our method by loading GUVs with larger and very different cargo objects; small soluble fluorescent proteins and larger magnetic microparticles in a suspension. Compared to previously reported microfluidics-based production techniques, the obtained results indicate that our simplified method could be equally harnessed in creating GUVs with less cost, effort and time, which could further benefit studying closed membrane systems.
Topics: Unilamellar Liposomes; Microfluidics; Fluoresceins; Fluorescent Dyes; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques
PubMed: 38890456
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64613-4 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024This study addresses the necessity to monitor the presence of glyphosate (Gly) in waters, highlighting the need for on-site detection of Gly by using electrochemical...
This study addresses the necessity to monitor the presence of glyphosate (Gly) in waters, highlighting the need for on-site detection of Gly by using electrochemical sensors in environmental and agricultural monitoring programs. Two approaches were employed: (1) modification with graphene decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs-Gr) and dispersed in either dimethylformamide (DMF) or a solution containing Nafion and isopropanol (NAF), and (2) molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) based on polypyrrole (PPy) deposited on gold SPEs (AuSPE). Electrochemical characterization revealed that sensors made of AuNPs-Gr/SPCE exhibited enhanced conductivity, larger active area, and improved charge transfer kinetics compared to unmodified SPEs and SPEs modified with graphene alone. However, the indirect detection mechanism of Gly via complex formation with metallic cations in AuNPs-Gr-based sensors introduces complexities and compromises sensitivity and selectivity. In contrast, MIPPy/AuSPE sensors demonstrated superior performance, offering enhanced reliability and sensitivity for Gly analysis. The MIPPy/AuSPE sensor allowed the detection of Gly concentrations as low as 5 ng/L, with excellent selectivity and reproducibility. Moreover, testing in real surface water samples from the Olt River in Romania showed recovery rates ranging from 90% to 99%, highlighting the effectiveness of the detection method. Future perspectives include expanding the investigation to monitor Gly decomposition in aquatic environments over time, providing insights into the decomposition's long-term effects on water quality and ecosystem health, and modifying regulatory measures and agricultural practices for mitigating its impact. This research contributes to the development of robust and reliable electrochemical sensors for on-site monitoring of Glyphosate in environmental and agricultural settings.
PubMed: 38869573
DOI: 10.3390/nano14110948 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Micro-light-emitting diodes (μLEDs), with their advantages of high response speed, long lifespan, high brightness, and reliability, are widely regarded as the core of... (Review)
Review
Micro-light-emitting diodes (μLEDs), with their advantages of high response speed, long lifespan, high brightness, and reliability, are widely regarded as the core of next-generation display technology. However, due to issues such as high manufacturing costs and low external quantum efficiency (EQE), μLEDs have not yet been truly commercialized. Additionally, the color conversion efficiency (CCE) of quantum dot (QD)-μLEDs is also a major obstacle to its practical application in the display industry. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent applications of nanomaterials and nanostructures in μLEDs and discuss the practical effects of these methods on enhancing the luminous efficiency of μLEDs and the color conversion efficiency of QD-μLEDs. Finally, the challenges and future prospects for the commercialization of μLEDs are proposed.
PubMed: 38869564
DOI: 10.3390/nano14110940 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Collective spin-wave excitations, magnons, are promising quasi-particles for next-generation spintronics devices, including platforms for information transfer. In a...
Collective spin-wave excitations, magnons, are promising quasi-particles for next-generation spintronics devices, including platforms for information transfer. In a quantum Hall ferromagnets, detection of these charge-neutral excitations relies on the conversion of magnons into electrical signals in the form of excess electrons and holes, but if the excess electron and holes are equal, detecting an electrical signal is challenging. In this work, we overcome this shortcoming by measuring the electrical noise generated by magnons. We use the symmetry-broken quantum Hall ferromagnet of the zeroth Landau level in graphene to launch magnons. Absorption of these magnons creates excess noise above the Zeeman energy and remains finite even when the average electrical signal is zero. Moreover, we formulate a theoretical model in which the noise is produced by equilibration between edge channels and propagating magnons. Our model also allows us to pinpoint the regime of ballistic magnon transport in our device.
PubMed: 38866830
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49446-z -
Medical Science Monitor : International... Jun 2024BACKGROUND This study explored the integration of conductive threads into a microfluidic compact disc (CD), developed using the xurographic method, for a potential sweat...
BACKGROUND This study explored the integration of conductive threads into a microfluidic compact disc (CD), developed using the xurographic method, for a potential sweat biosensing platform. MATERIAL AND METHODS The microfluidic CD platform, fabricated using the xurographic method with PVC films, included venting channels and conductive threads linked to copper electrodes. With distinct microfluidic sets for load and metering, flow control, and measurement, the CD's operation involved spinning for sequential liquid movement. Impedance analysis using HIOKI IM3590 was conducted for saline and artificial sweat solutions on 4 identical CDs, ensuring reliable conductivity and measurements over a 1 kHz to 200 kHz frequency range. RESULTS Significant differences in |Z| values were observed between saline and artificial sweat treatments. 27.5 μL of saline differed significantly from 27.5 μL of artificial sweat, 72.5 μL of saline from 72.5 μL of artificial sweat, and 192.5 μL of saline from 192.5 μL of sweat. Significant disparities in |Z| values were observed between dry fibers and Groups 2, 3, and 4 (varying saline amounts). No significant differences emerged between dry fibers and Groups 6, 7, and 8 (distinct artificial sweat amounts). These findings underscore variations in fiber characteristics between equivalent exposures, emphasizing the nuanced response of the microfluidic CD platform to different liquid compositions. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the potential of integrating conductive threads in a microfluidic CD platform for sweat sensing. Challenges in volume control and thread coating degradation must be addressed for transformative biosensing devices in personalized healthcare.
Topics: Sweat; Biosensing Techniques; Humans; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; Microfluidics; Electric Conductivity; Electrodes; Electric Impedance
PubMed: 38863180
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943321