Enhanced Interfacial H-Bond Networks Promote Glycan-Glycan Recognition and Interaction.

H-bond networks at heterogeneous interfaces play crucial roles in bioseparation, biocatalysis, biochip array profiling, and functional nanosystem self-assembly, but their precise modulation and enhancement remain challenging. In this study, we have discovered that interfacial hydrophobic hydration significantly enhances H-bond networks at the interface between a glycan-modified adsorbent and a methanol-water-acetonitrile ternary solution. The enhanced H-bond networks greatly promote the adsorbent-solution heterogeneous glycan-glycan recognition and interaction. This novel hydrophobic hydration-enhanced hydrophilic interaction (HEHI) strategy improves the affinity and efficiency of intact glycopeptide enrichment. Compared with the commonly used hydrophilic-interaction enrichment strategy, 23.5 and 48.5% more intact N- and O-glycopeptides are identified, and the enrichment recoveries of half of the glycopeptides are increased >100%. Further, in-depth profiling of both N- and O-glycosylation occurring on SARS-CoV-2 S1 and hACE2 proteins has been achieved with more glycan types and novel O-glycosylation information involved. Interfacial hydrophobic hydration provides a powerful tool for the modulation of hydrophilic interactions in biological systems.

Synthesis of Microwave Functionalized, Nanostructured Polylactic Co-Glycolic Acid (nfPLGA) for Incorporation into Hydrophobic Dexamethasone to Enhance Dissolution.

The low solubility and slow dissolution of hydrophobic drugs is a major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry. In this paper, we present the synthesis of surface-functionalized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles for incorporation into corticosteroid dexamethasone to improve its in vitro dissolution profile. The PLGA crystals were mixed with a strong acid mixture, and their microwave-assisted reaction led to a high degree of oxidation. The resulting nanostructured, functionalized PLGA (nfPLGA), was quite water-dispersible compared to the original PLGA, which was non-dispersible. SEM-EDS analysis showed 53% surface oxygen concentration in the nfPLGA compared to the original PLGA, which had only 25%. The nfPLGA was incorporated into dexamethasone (DXM) crystals via antisolvent precipitation. Based on SEM, RAMAN, XRD, TGA and DSC measurements, the nfPLGA-incorporated composites retained their original crystal structures and polymorphs. The solubility of DXM after nfPLGA incorporation (DXM-nfPLGA) increased from 6.21 mg/L to as high as 87.1 mg/L and formed a relatively stable suspension with a zeta potential of -44.3 mV. Octanol-water partitioning also showed a similar trend as the logP reduced from 1.96 for pure DXM to 0.24 for DXM-nfPLGA. In vitro dissolution testing showed 14.0 times higher aqueous dissolution of DXM-nfPLGA compared to pure DXM. The time for 50% (T50) and 80% (T80) of gastro medium dissolution decreased significantly for the nfPLGA composites; T50 reduced from 57.0 to 18.0 min and T80 reduced from unachievable to 35.0 min. Overall, the PLGA, which is an FDA-approved, bioabsorbable polymer, can be used to enhance the dissolution of hydrophobic pharmaceuticals and this can lead to higher efficacy and lower required dosage.

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) and its antiviral activity.

Infections caused by enveloped viruses require fusion with cellular membranes for viral genome entry. Viral entry occurs following an interaction of viral and cellular membranes allowing the formation of fusion pores, by which the virus accesses the cytoplasm. Here, we focus on interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) and its antiviral activity. IFITM3 is predicted to block or stall viral fusion at an intermediate state, causing viral propagation to fail. After introducing IFITM3, we describe the generalized lipid membrane fusion pathway and how it can be stalled, particularly with respect to IFITM3, and current questions regarding IFITM3's topology, with specific emphasis on IFITM3's amphipathic α-helix (AAH) 59V-68M, which is necessary for the antiviral activity. We report new hydrophobicity and hydrophobic moment calculations for this peptide and a variety of active site peptides from known membrane-remodeling proteins. Finally, we discuss the effects of posttranslational modifications and localization, how IFITM3's AAH may block viral fusion, and possible ramifications of membrane composition.

Biopolymer Coating Imparts Sustainable Self-Disinfecting and Antimicrobial Properties to Fabric: Translated to Protective Gears for the Pandemic and Beyond.

The global pandemic of COVID-19 and emerging antimicrobial drug resistance highlights the need for sustainable technology that enables more preparedness and active control measures. It is thus important to have a reliable solution to avert the present situations as well as preserve nature for habitable life in the future. One time use of PPE kits is promoting the accumulation of nondegradable waste, which may pose an unforeseen challenge in the future. We have developed a biocompatible, biodegradable, and nonirritating nanoemulsion coating for textiles. The study focused on coating cotton fabric to functionalize it with broad spectrum antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. The nanoemulsion comprises spherical particles of chitosan, oleic acid, and eugenol that are cross-linked to fibers. The nanoemulsion caused complete destruction of pathogens even for the most rigid biofilms formed by drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans on the surface of the coated fabric. The secondary coat with beeswax imparts super hydrophobicity and 20 wash cycle resistance and leads to enhanced barrier properties with superior particulate filtration, bacterial filtration, and viral penetration efficiency as compared to an N95 respirator. The coated fabric qualifies as per standard parameters like breathability, flammability, splash resistance, and filtration efficiency for submicrometer particles, bacteria, and viruses. The scaleup and bulk manufacturing of the coating technology on fabric masks complied with standards. The consumer feedback rated the coated mask with high scores in breathability and comfortability as compared to an N95. The strategy promises to provide a long-term sustainable model compared to single use masks and PPE that will remain a nondegradable burden on the ecosystem for years to come.

Highly Efficient and Rapid Inactivation of Coronavirus on Non-Metal Hydrophobic Laser-Induced Graphene in Mild Conditions.

The prevalence of COVID-19 has caused global dysfunction in terms of public health, sustainability, and socio-economy. While vaccination shows potential in containing the spread, the development of surfaces that effectively reduces virus transmission and infectivity is also imperative, especially amid the early stage of the pandemic. However, most virucidal surfaces are operated under harsh conditions, making them impractical or potentially unsafe for long-term use. Here, it is reported that laser-induced graphene (LIG) without any metal additives shows marvelous antiviral capacities for coronavirus. Under low solar irradiation, the virucidal efficacy of the hydrophobic LIG (HLIG) against HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E can achieve 97.5% and 95%, respectively. The photothermal effect and the hydrophobicity of the HLIG synergistically contribute to the superior inactivation capacity. The stable antiviral performance of HLIG enables its multiple uses, showing advantages in energy saving and environmental protection. This work discloses a potential method for antiviral applications and has implications for the future development of antiviral materials.

Pharmacophore model-aided virtual screening combined with comparative molecular docking and molecular dynamics for identification of marine natural products as SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inhibitors.

Targeting SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease using inhibitors is a suitable approach for inhibition of virus replication and dysregulation of host anti-viral immunity. Engaging all five binding sites far from the catalytic site of PLpro is essential for developing a potent inhibitor. We developed and validated a structure-based pharmacophore model with 9 features of a potent PLpro inhibitor. The pharmacophore model-aided virtual screening of the comprehensive marine natural product database predicted 66 initial hits. This hit library was downsized by filtration through a molecular weight filter of ≤ 500 g/mol. The 50 resultant hits were screened by comparative molecular docking using AutoDock and AutoDock Vina. Comparative molecular docking enables benchmarking docking and relieves the disparities in the search and scoring functions of docking engines. Both docking engines retrieved 3 same compounds at different positions in the top 1 % rank, hence consensus scoring was applied, through which CMNPD28766, aspergillipeptide F emerged as the best PLpro inhibitor. Aspergillipeptide F topped the 50-hit library with a pharmacophore-fit score of 75.916. Favorable binding interactions were predicted between aspergillipeptide F and PLpro similar to the native ligand XR8-24. Aspergillipeptide F was able to engage all the 5 binding sites including the newly discovered BL2 groove, site V. Molecular dynamics for quantification of Cα-atom movements of PLpro after ligand binding indicated that it exhibits highly correlated domain movements contributing to the low free energy of binding and a stable conformation. Thus, aspergillipeptide F is a promising candidate for pharmaceutical and clinical development as a potent SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitor.

Nanotechnology-Enhanced Face Masks: Future Scopes and Perspectives

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has shown that a disposable surgical face mask is a good protective wall against infection due to its ability to prevent virus transmission from sick to healthy people. Nevertheless, these surgical masks are disposable, not ecofriendly, and are single-use items. The use and disposal of traditional masks lead to high secondary risks such as environmental pollution, pathogen transmission, overload demands, and user discomfort. Nanotechnology is one of the most investigated strategies to safely and economically reuse masks in the 21st century. These strategies are based on four key elements as follows: (1) super mechanical properties that give masks flexibility, durability, and good lifetime storage;(2) high thermal properties that give masks heat self-sterilization;(3) an electric charge controller that gives masks triboelectric (TE) filtration;and (4) response to the antimicrobial effect that stays in the mask before, during, and after safe use. These properties give new-generation masks the ability to remove the drawbacks of traditional surgical masks, such as microbial growth and low filtration efficiency. The graphene family has introduced the self-sterilization and TE effects of surgical masks. Silver nanoparticles have supported antimicrobial effects. Nanofiber membranes are fabricated to have a high surface area that improves the fiber diameter and porosity ratio. A traditional mask could only block a maximum of 50% of the exhaled viruses, but a nanofiber-based mask has been tested to intercept 90% to 99% of particle viruses while breathing during use. Complex nanocomposite materials have succeeded in collecting all these advantages.

Combining Topography and Chemistry to Produce Antibiofouling Surfaces: A Review.

Despite decades of research on the reduction of surface fouling from biomolecules or micro-organisms, the ultimate antibiofouling surface remains undiscovered. The recent covid-19 pandemic strengthened the crucial need for such treatments. Among the numerous approaches that are able to provide surfaces with antibiofouling properties, chemical, biological, and topographical strategies have been implemented for instance in the marine, medical, or food industries. However, many of these methods have a biocidal effect and, with antibioresistance and biocide resistance a growing threat on humanity, strategies based on reducing adsorption of biomolecules and micro-organism are necessary for long-term solutions. Bioinspired strategies, combining both surface chemistry and topography, are currently at the heart of the best innovative and sustainable solutions. The synergistic effect of micro/nanostructuration, together with engineered chemical or biological functionalization is believed to contribute to the development of antibiofouling surfaces. This review aims to present approaches combining hydrophobic or hydrophilic chemistries with a specific topography to avoid biofouling in various industrial environments and healthcare facilities.

Rational design of an anti-cancer peptide inhibiting CD147 / Cyp A interaction.

The CD147 / Cyp A interaction is a critical pathway in cancer types and an essential factor in entering the COVID-19 virus into the host cell. Melittin acts as an inhibitory peptide in cancer types by blocking the CD147/ Cyp A interaction. The clinical application of Melittin is limited due to weak penetration into cancer cells. TAT is an arginine-rich peptide with high penetration ability into cells widely used in drug delivery systems. This study aimed to design a hybrid peptide derived from Melittin and TAT to inhibit CD147 /Cyp A interaction. An amino acid region with high anti-cancer activity in Melittin was selected based on the physicochemical properties. Based on the results, a truncated Melittin peptide with 15 amino acids by the GGGS linker was fused to a TAT peptide (nine amino acids) to increase the penetration rate into the cell. A new hybrid peptide analog(TM) was selected by replacing the glycine with serine based on random point mutation. Docking results indicated that the TM peptide acts as an inhibitory peptide with high binding energy when interacting with CD147 and the CypA proteins. RMSD and RMSF results confirmed the high stability of the TM peptide in interaction with CD147. Also, the coarse-grained simulation showed the penetration potential of TM peptide into the DOPS-DOPC model membrane. Our findings indicated that the designed multifunctional peptide could be an attractive therapeutic candidate to halter tumor types and COVID-19 infection.

Extraction of Lycopene from Tomato Using Hydrophobic Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents Based on Terpenes and Fatty Acids.

The present study proposes a green extraction approach for the recovery of lycopene from tomato fruits. Different hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents (HNADESs) based on terpenes (i.e., menthol and thymol) and fatty acids (i.e., decanoic acid and dodecanoic acid) were prepared at different molar ratios, characterised in terms of density, rheological properties, and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and were examined for their effectiveness to extract lycopene from tomato. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimise the extraction parameters, namely duration (min) and solvent:solid ratio (v/w). Spectrophotometry and RP-HPLC-DAD were used in order to monitor the process efficiency. The combination of decanoic acid and dodecanoic acid was found to exhibit comparable extraction capacity to acetone. Taking into account that the HNADESs used in the present study are considered green, biodegradable and of low cost, the obtained carotenoid rich extracts are expected to be of use in industrial food applications.

Continuum Models of Membrane Fusion: Evolution of the Theory.

Starting from fertilization, through tissue growth, hormone secretion, synaptic transmission, and sometimes morbid events of carcinogenesis and viral infections, membrane fusion regulates the whole life of high organisms. Despite that, a lot of fusion processes still lack well-established models and even a list of main actors. A merger of membranes requires their topological rearrangements controlled by elastic properties of a lipid bilayer. That is why continuum models based on theories of membrane elasticity are actively applied for the construction of physical models of membrane fusion. Started from the view on the membrane as a structureless film with postulated geometry of fusion intermediates, they developed along with experimental and computational techniques to a powerful tool for prediction of the whole process with molecular accuracy. In the present review, focusing on fusion processes occurring in eukaryotic cells, we scrutinize the history of these models, their evolution and complication, as well as open questions and remaining theoretical problems. We show that modern approaches in this field allow continuum models of membrane fusion to stand shoulder to shoulder with molecular dynamics simulations, and provide the deepest understanding of this process in multiple biological systems.

Mask Waste: A Sustainable Mask-Based Epoxy Resin/SiO2 Composite for Efficient Purification of Water-in-Oil Emulsions

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a tremendous increase in the production of masks worldwide, with more than 1.5 billion masks having been disposed of during this time. The damage caused by mask pollution is a global threat;highlighting the need to dispose of discarded masks correctly. Herein, we report a recycling approach that uses discarded masks to fabricate a superhydrophobic epoxy resin/SiO2 membrane for separating emulsions. The composite has a high flux value (2123 L. m(-2).h(-1)) and high separation efficiency (>98%). The filter maintained its excellent superhydrophobic property (WCA > 150 degrees) after tape-peel cycles, clamping cycles with tweezers, abrasion cycles with 800 grit SiC sandpaper, pressure with fingertips, and kneading cycles. This study proposes a renewable, eco-friendly, and low-cost product, which can be used for oil spill cleanup and water purification. The filter not only removes oil from oily wastewater (such as oil spills) but also solves pollution caused by discarded masks. This study provides insights for resource recovery that may contribute to the purification of oily water emulsions.

Studies related to changes in ionic strength due to addition of sodium chloride to an aqueous solution of cationic dye methylene blue (MB): Electronic spectra analysis for dimerization equilibria

It is well-known that methylene blue (MB),a cationic dye forms dimer and higher aggregates in aqueous solutions. For specific concentration range (1∙10−6–1∙10−4 M), a D⇌2M equilibria has been postulated and well characterized by visible electronic spectroscopy. The dye molecules can lead to formation of stacking (end on end and sandwich) type structures in solution phase stabilized by weak dispersion van der Waals forces and cation-anion-cation ion pairs and triplet interactions usually referred as hydrophobic interactions. Recent literature reports indicate that excess chemical potential of small hydrophobic particles and the strength of hydrophobic pair interactions appear to be linearly related. Our observations about precipitation of dye (MB) at higher concentrations of salt like sodium chloride (NaCl) made us to study the dimerization equilibria in detail since in the Corona health disaster;use of MB to diagnose the type of Covid variants helped Scientists in a great way. Salting-out of proteins is in general used to explain the specific protein aggregation behaviour observed in Huntington's disease. For model compound like tertiary butyl-alcohol, Geiger et al. reported enhancement of hydrophobic contacts which increase with increase in salt concentration. NaCl is an essential ingredient of biological fluids, of which concentration controls the various biological life governing processes. However, such information is non-existent for aqueous solutions of dyes. We therefore reported measured optical absorbance of aqueous solution containing NaCl (0.1–1.0 M) and dye at different concentrations (1∙10−6–1∙10−4 M) at 298 K spectrophotometrically, in the wavelength range of 550–700 nm. The spectrums are compared to those obtained for binary solutions of MB in water. Analysis of the spectral data yielded the dimer dissociation constant and individual characteristic monomer and dimer spectra. Further information about the geometry and twist angle between the dipoles of the MB molecules in the dimer species has been obtained. The results are analyzed for the monomer-dimer equilibria and salting-out effect as well applications of mass action model and exciton theories are discussed.

The Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Is Adapting Because of Selective Pressures.

The global scale of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and the clues of adaptation. After two years and two months since the declaration of the pandemic, several variants have emerged and become fixed in the human population thanks to extrinsic selective pressures but also to the inherent mutational capacity of the virus. Here, we applied a neutral substitution evolution test to the spike (S) protein of Omicron's protein and compared it to the others' variant of concern (VOC) neutral evolution. We carried out comparisons among the interactions between the S proteins from the VOCs (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron) and the receptor ACE2. The shared amino acids among all the ACE2 binding S proteins remain constant, indicating that these amino acids are essential for the accurate binding to the receptor. The complexes of the RBD for every variant with the receptor were used to identify the amino acids involved in the protein-protein interaction (PPI). The RBD of Omicron establishes 82 contacts, compared to the 74 of the Wuhan original viral protein. Hence, the mean number of contacts per residue is higher, making the contact thermodynamically more stable. The RBDs of the VOCs are similar in sequence and structure; however, Omicron's RBD presents the largest deviation from the structure by 1.11 Å RMSD, caused by a set of mutations near the glycosylation N343. The chemical properties and structure near the glycosylation N343 of the Omicron S protein are different from the original protein, which provoke reduced recognition by the neutralizing antibodies. Our results hint that selective pressures are induced by mass vaccination throughout the world and by the persistence of recurrent infections in immunosuppressed individuals, who did not eliminate the infection and ended up facilitating the selection of viruses whose characteristics are different from the previous VOCs, less pathogenic but with higher transmissibility.

Long-chain alkanol-alkyl carboxylic acid-based low-viscosity hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents for one-pot extraction of anthraquinones from Rhei Radix et Rhizoma.

Natural long-chain alkanol and alkyl carboxylic acid were used to prepare novel hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs). These HDESs are liquid at room temperature and have low viscosity (<12.26 mPa‧s), low polarity (lower than that of methanol, ChCl-based deep eutectic solvents and other reported HDESs), and low density (<0.928 g/mL). A simple one-pot method based on a novel HDES-water two-phase extraction system was constructed for the extraction of weak-polarity bioactive components, anthraquinones, from Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. This HDES-based new extraction method does not consume hazardous organic solvents and can obtain a total anthraquinone yield of 21.52 mg/g, which is close to that obtained by the Chinese pharmacopoeia method (21.22 mg/g) and considerably higher than those by other reported HDESs-based extraction methods (14.20-20.09 mg/g, p < 0.01). The high extraction yield can be mainly attributed to the severe destruction of the RRR cell walls by the extraction system and the excellent dissolving ability of novel HDESs for anthraquinones.

Oral delivery of hydrophobic flavonoids and their incorporation into functional foods: Opportunities and challenges

Flavonoids have long been known for their healing powers in human ailments, with recent trends seeing these natural bioactive components increasingly extended into nutraceuticals and functional foods. Frequent intake of these compounds through diet arguably becomes a natural remedy for lowering the risk of non-communicable diseases. Hydrophobic flavonoids within the spectrum stand out, owing to their remarkable therapeutic effects including the capability of acting as a complementary approach to conventional therapy for COVID-19, suggested by novel research endeavors. However, various physicochemical aspects (e.g., low aqueous solubility, low permeability, and high oxidation susceptibility), as well as undesirable sensory attributes have hindered the direct incorporation of hydrophobic flavonoids into food matrices. Thus, the demand has risen for encapsulated/protected flavonoids that can maintain their original bioactivity during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal digestion. Taking the importance of these facts into consideration, the purpose of this critical review is to discuss different approaches for the encapsulation/delivery of hydrophobic flavonoids. Additionally, the strengths and weaknesses of delivery systems, recommendations to overcome possible challenges, the incorporation of encapsulated hydrophobic flavonoids into food materials, and the importance of considering toxicity aspects of the corresponding delivery systems have been discussed in detail. The influence of flavonoid systems on the overall physicochemical and organoleptic properties of functional food products has also been addressed, with a particular emphasis on the importance of food safety in this regard. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd

Comprehensive Characterization of PVDF Nanofibers at Macro- and Nanolevel.

This study is focused on the characterization and investigation of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers from the point of view of macro- and nanometer level. The fibers were produced using electrostatic spinning process in air. Two types of fibers were produced since the collector speed (300 rpm and 2000 rpm) differed as the only one processing parameter. Differences in fiber's properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with cross-sections observation utilizing focused ion beam (FIB). The phase composition was determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The crystallinity was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and chemical analysis of fiber's surfaces and bonding states were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Other methods, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM), were employed to describe morphology and piezoelectric response of single fiber, respectively. Moreover, the wetting behavior (hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity) was also studied. It was found that collector speed significantly affects fibers alignment and wettability (directionally ordered fibers produced at 2000 rpm almost super-hydrophobic in comparison with disordered fibers spun at 300 rpm with hydrophilic behavior) as properties at macrolevel. However, it was confirmed that these differences at the macrolevel are closely connected and originate from nanolevel attributes. The study of single individual fibers revealed some protrusions on the fiber's surface, and fibers spun at 300 rpm had a core-shell design, while fibers spun at 2000 rpm were hollow.

Can Machine Learning and Nanotechnology Help the Fight Against the Current COVID-19 Crisis?

The entire world is now in a state of caution since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The overwhelmingly high spread and mortality rate due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus has not only made the headlines but also raised alarming concerns for the human community. Applications of nano-biotechnology, along with machine learning, have excellent potential in dealing with serious health issues, mainly in medical science. This review article aims to augment the multidimensional use of silver nanoparticles, especially in the fabrication of textiles and face masks, which could represent a new avenue for prevention. Furthermore, the disinfection of COVID-19, along with other pathogens using silver nanoparticles and machine learning could help in the risk assessment.

Mechanistic Studies of an Automated Lipid Nanoparticle Reveal Critical Pharmaceutical Properties Associated with Enhanced mRNA Functional Delivery In Vitro and In Vivo.

Recently, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have attracted attention due to their emergent use for COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The success of LNPs can be attributed to ionizable lipids, which enable functional intracellular delivery. Previously, the authors established an automated high-throughput platform to screen ionizable lipids and identified that the LNPs generated using this automated technique show comparable or increased mRNA functional delivery in vitro as compared to LNPs prepared using traditional microfluidics techniques. In this study, the authors choose one benchmark lipid, DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3), and investigate whether the automated formulation technique can enhance mRNA functional delivery in vivo. Interestingly, a 4.5-fold improvement in mRNA functional delivery in vivo by automated LNPs as compared to LNPs formulated by conventional microfluidics techniques, is observed. Mechanistic studies reveal that particles with large size accommodate more mRNA per LNP, possess more hydrophobic surface, are more hemolytic, bind a larger protein corona, and tend to accumulate more in macropinocytosomes, which may quantitatively benefit mRNA cytosolic delivery. These data suggest that mRNA loading per particle is a critical factor that accounts for the enhanced mRNA functional delivery of automated LNPs. These mechanistic findings provide valuable insight underlying the enhanced mRNA functional delivery to accelerate future mRNA LNP product development.

Toward nanotechnology-enabled face masks against SARS-CoV-2 and pandemic respiratory diseases.

Wearing a face mask has become a necessity following the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, where its effectiveness in containing the pandemic has been confirmed. Nevertheless, the pandemic has revealed major deficiencies in the ability to manufacture and ramp up worldwide production of efficient surgical-grade face masks. As a result, many researchers have focused their efforts on the development of low cost, smart and effective face covers. In this article, following a short introduction concerning face mask requirements, the different nanotechnology-enabled techniques for achieving better protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus are reviewed, including the development of nanoporous and nanofibrous membranes in addition to triboelectric nanogenerators based masks, which can filter the virus using various mechanisms such as straining, electrostatic attraction and electrocution. The development of nanomaterials-based mask coatings to achieve virus repellent and sterilizing capabilities, including antiviral, hydrophobic and photothermal features are also discussed. Finally, the usability of nanotechnology-enabled face masks is discussed and compared with that of current commercial-grade N95 masks. To conclude, we highlight the challenges associated with the quick transfer of nanomaterials-enabled face masks and provide an overall outlook of the importance of nanotechnology in counteracting the COVID-19 and future pandemics.