Smart Contact Lens for Colorimetric Visualization of Glucose Levels in the Body Fluid.

Frequent blood glucose monitoring is a crucial routine for diabetic patients. Traditional invasive methods can cause discomfort and pain and even pose a risk of infection. As a result, researchers have been exploring noninvasive techniques. However, a limited number of products have been developed for the market due to their high cost. In this study, we developed a low-cost, highly accessible, and noninvasive contact lens-based glucose monitoring system. We functionalized the surface of the contact lens with boronic acid, which has a strong but reversible binding affinity to glucose. To achieve facile conjugation of boronic acid, we utilized a functional coating layer called poly(tannic acid). The functionalized contact lens binds to glucose in body fluids (e.g., tear) and releases it when soaked in an enzymatic cocktail, allowing for the glucose level to be quantified through a colorimetric assay. Importantly, the transparency and oxygen permeability of the contact lens, which are crucial for practical use, were maintained after functionalization, and the lenses showed high biocompatibility. Based on the analysis of colorimetric data generated by the smartphone application and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra, we believe that this contact lens has a high potential to be used as a smart diagnostic tool for monitoring and managing blood glucose levels.

[Current Status and Prospects of Liquid Biopsy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma].

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Early detection and treatment response monitoring of HCC are vital for improved outcomes. Traditional diagnostic methods rely on imaging, serum tumor markers, and invasive liver tissue biopsy. The advent of liquid biopsy has revolutionized cancer diagnostics and management. Liquid biopsy involves the detection and analysis of tumor-derived components, such as circulating tumor DNA, circulating tumor cells, and extracellular vesicles, in various body fluids. These components reflect tumor characteristics, genetic alterations, and functional changes, providing valuable information for HCC diagnosis and treatment response monitoring. Liquid biopsy offers several advantages, including its non-invasive nature, potential for repetitive sampling, and real-time monitoring of disease progression and treatment response. However, challenges remain, including the sensitivity of detection methods, and standardization. In this review, we discuss the methods, current status, and prospects of liquid biopsy for HCC, highlighting its potential as a valuable tool in HCC management.

rhBMP-2-Conjugated Three-Dimensional-Printed Poly(L-lactide) Scaffold is an Effective Bone Substitute.

BACKGROUND: Bone growth factors, particularly bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2), are required for effective treatment of significant bone loss. Despite the extensive development of bone substitutes, much remains to be desired for wider application in clinical settings. The currently available bone substitutes cannot sustain prolonged BMP-2 release and are inconvenient to use. In this study, we developed a ready-to-use bone substitute by sequential conjugation of BMP to a three-dimensional (3D) poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) scaffold using novel molecular adhesive materials that reduced the operation time and sustained prolonged BMP release. METHODS: A 3D PLLA scaffold was printed and BMP-2 was conjugated with alginate-catechol and collagen. PLLA scaffolds were conjugated with different concentrations of BMP-2 and evaluated for bone regeneration in vitro and in vivo using a mouse calvarial model. The BMP-2 release kinetics were analyzed using ELISA. Histological analysis and micro-CT image analysis were performed to evaluate new bone formation. RESULTS: The 3D structure of the PLLA scaffold had a pore size of 400 µm and grid thickness of 187-230 µm. BMP-2 was released in an initial burst, followed by a sustained release for 14 days. Released BMP-2 maintained osteoinductivity in vitro and in vivo. Micro-computed tomography and histological findings demonstrate that the PLLA scaffold conjugated with 2 µg/ml of BMP-2 induced optimal bone regeneration. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed PLLA scaffold conjugated with BMP-2 enhanced bone regeneration, demonstrating its potential as a novel bone substitute.