Bioinspired and biomimetic micro- and nanostructures in biomedicine.

Bioinspired and biomimetic micro- and nanostructures have a high significance in the field of biomedicine. In this review, the possible applications of these micro- and nanostructures that come across in our daily life and inspired by nature itself are presented. Also, the biomimetic and bioinspired systems related to micro- and nanostructures in biomedicine are also described. The role of bioinspired and biomimetic micro- and nanostructures in therapeutics, especially in anti-inflammatory and wound healing, development of bioinspired medical devices, tissue engineering, drug delivery, gene delivery, pressure sensors, and bioprinting are discussed. The biomimetic and bioinspired systems using carbon-based nanostructures, polymer nanocomposites, hybrid scaffolds, polymer networks,and protein nanostructures are also reviewed. The advantage of these bioinspired and biomimetic structures is derived from their high biocompatibility when compared to the synthetically derived micro-/nanostructures. By developing deeper knowledge and overcoming the associated challenges, these micro- and nanostructures present a promising solution for many unresolved problems in biomedicine.

Graphene nanoribbon: An emerging and efficient flat molecular platform for advanced biosensing.

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are lengthened one-dimensional monolayer strips of graphene and have a hexagonal honeycomb lattice structure. The captivating properties like electrical conductivity, emerging band gap, optical property, thermal conductivity, high mechanical strength, and ultrahigh surface area make them a better candidate for biomedical applications. The properties can be significantly reformed and controlled by altering the edge functionalities and geometry. The exhibition of a wide potential window coupled with an ultra-high surface area to host sensing element makes GNR an excellent biosensing platform. Consequently, biosensing is one of the most explored applications of GNR. This review presents an overview of the characteristics, methods of synthesis, and biosensing applications of GNR. Overall, GNR is considered a promising platform for efficient signal transduction compared to conventional biosensing platforms. Further, it offers high electrical conductivity, large surface area, high adsorption, synergistic effects with combined materials, fast response, sensitivity, and selectivity.

Yeast-inspired drug delivery: biotechnology meets bioengineering and synthetic biology.

INTRODUCTION: Yeast-based drug delivery offers a promising platform for the treatment of various medical conditions. Even the most promising nanoparticulate delivery systems have challenges from gastrointestinal barriers. The novel approach using bio-inspired yeast microcapsule helps in the delivery of charged nanoparticles like quantum dots, iron oxide nanoparticle, and various fluorescent nanoparticles. The long-term administration has a good safety profile compared to other delivery systems. Particles can be incorporated into yeast microcapsule by electrostatic interaction, layer-by-layer approach, and surface derivatization. AREAS COVERED: The article highlights the various applications of yeast cells in drug delivery. The authors describe the mechanism of encapsulation into yeast cells. The authors discuss various methods used for cell wall preparation and mechanisms associated with the passage of yeast cell through the gastrointestinal tract. The authors also review the association of biotechnology with bioengineering and synthetic biology approaches in transforming yeast as a delivery vehicle. EXPERT OPINION: Yeast provides an opportunity to use the principles of biotechnology and bioengineering to tune it to an efficient drug delivery carrier. The applications of yeast microcapsule for oral and topical administration are noteworthy. It is proved that yeast microcapsules prepared from yeast cells are promising drug delivery carriers.

Advanced biosensors for glucose and insulin.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder lasting for the lifetime of a person. Glucose and insulin are the main indicators in the monitoring and control of this disease. Most often, various laboratory tests are used in the diagnosis and control of diabetes. Among them, the estimation of blood glucose concentration is one of the main diagnostic criteria. Proper control of the blood glucose level can delay, and to a greater extent, prevent complications. Thus, blood glucose monitoring is a requisite tool in the management of diabetes mellitus. Insulin plays a major role in glucose metabolism and its determination is of great value in the diagnosis and control of diabetes. An uncountable number of biosensors have been developed based on various mechanisms which will make sure a continuous glucose as well as insulin monitoring. Biosensors became the most sophisticated tool for the detection of glucose and insulin and they are of different types. Enzymatic, non-enzymatic, electrochemical, optical, non-invasive, and continuous monitoring biosensors are discussed in this review. In recent years, there is progress towards the development of nanobiosensors using various nanomaterials. Here, we have reviewed the fabrication, modification, and recent approaches associated with insulin and glucose biosensors for the treatment of diabetes.

Bioinspired oral insulin delivery system using yeast microcapsules.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder associated with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. We present a promising bioinspired approach against type 1 DM using yeast microcapsule (YMC). The glucan component in the outer shell of baker's yeast undergoes receptor-mediated uptake by phagocytic cells through M cell-mediated endocytosis. Thus, a drug can be expected to be delivered to the systemic circulation via lymphatic transport if it is attached to the surface of YMC. For the first time, this possibility has been explored by surface loading of insulin onto YMC. The electrostatic interaction between oppositely charged YMC and insulin resulted in the formation of insulin-loaded yeast microcapsule (IYMC) which was confirmed by fluorescence imaging. Alginate coating provided to IYMC protects YMC from the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract and prevents the degradation of insulin in IYMC. Cellular uptake of FITC conjugated IYMC by RAW macrophages confirmed the proposed mechanism of insulin uptake. Moreover, an in vitro method using YMC-imprinted gel was developed for insulin release study from the bioinspired system. Molecular docking studies proved the interaction of insulin with ß-glucan and alginate. A significant hypoglycemic effect was observed after oral administration of the alginate coated insulin-loaded yeast microcapsule (AL-IYMC) in diabetic rats. The AL-IYMCs could serve as a promising approach towards the oral delivery of insulin.

Advanced biomedical applications of carbon nanotube.

With advances in nanotechnology, the applications of nanomaterial are developing widely and greatly. The characteristic properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) make them the most selective candidate for various multi-functional applications. The greater surface area of the CNTs in addition to the capability to manipulate the surfaces and dimensions has provided greater potential for this nanomaterial. The CNTs possess greater potential for applications in biomedicine due to their vital electrical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties. The unique properties of CNT are exploited for numerous applications in the biomedical field. They are useful in both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. They form novel carrier systems which are also capable of site-specific delivery of therapeutic agents. In addition, CNTs are of potential application in biosensing. Many recently reported advanced systems of CNT could be exploited for their immense potential in biomedicine in the future.

Bioinspired and biomimetic systems for advanced drug and gene delivery.

Natural nanocarriers found in biological frameworks have motivated the scientists to fabricate new structures that help to build characteristic systems mimicking the natural processes. Furthermore, these bioinspired and biomimetic systems improve biocompatibility during drug and gene delivery applications. The success of such a drug delivery system depends on parameters like shape, surface, texture, movement, and preparation methods. To date, various bioinspired and biomimetic drug delivery systems are available. Bacteria-inspired, virus-inspired, fungus-inspired and mammalian cell-inspired systems are presently in the spotlight. Bioinspired or biomimetic macromolecular and nanoparticle-based drug and gene delivery systems are well studied. The bioinspired and biomimetic systems find great application in biomedicine. Drug delivery, gene delivery, theranostic, and biosensing applications are major among the biomedical applications of these versatile systems. These systems have great influence on the biological systems owing to their high biocompatibility, less toxicity, and significant interaction. Bioinspired and biomimetic systems have a bright future ahead with a lot of potentials to resolve any obstacles encountered in drug and gene delivery.