Biomimetic Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsions as a Suitable Drug Delivery System to Target Inflamed Endothelial Cells.

Currently, the biomimetic approach of drawing inspiration from nature has frequently been employed in designing drug nanocarriers (NCs) of actively target various diseases, ranging from cancer to neuronal and inflammation pathologies. The cell-membrane coating can confer upon the inner nanomaterials a biological identity and the functions exhibited by the cells from which the membrane is derived. Monocyte- and macrophage-membrane-coated nanomaterials have emerged as an ideal delivery system to target inflamed vasculature. Herein, we developed two biomimetic NCs using a human-derived leukaemia monocytic cell line (THP-1), either undifferentiated or differentiated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) into adherent macrophage-like cells as membrane sources for NC coating. We employed a secondary oil-in-water nano-emulsion (SNE) as the inner core, which served as an optimal NC for high payloads of lipophilic compounds. Two different biomimetic systems were produced, combining the biomimetic features of biological membranes with the physicochemical and nano-sized characteristics of SNEs. These systems were named Monocyte NEsoSome (M-NEsoSome) and Macrophage NEsoSome (M0-NEsoSome). Their uptake ability was investigated in tumour necrosis factor alfa (TNFα)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), selected as a model of inflamed endothelial cells. The M0 membrane coating demonstrated accelerated internalisation compared with the monocyte coating and notably surpassed the uptake rate of bare NCs. In conclusion, M0-NEsoSome NCs could be a therapeutic system for targeting inflamed endothelial cells and potentially delivering anti-inflammatory drugs in vascular inflammation.

Peptide Functionalization of Emulsion-Based Nanocarrier to Improve Uptake across Blood-Brain Barrier.

New strategies for enhancing drug delivery to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) represent a major challenge in treating cerebral diseases. Nanoemulsion-based nanocarriers represent an ideal candidate to improve drug delivery thanks to their versatility in functionalization and cargo protection. In this work, a paclitaxel-loaded nano-emulsion has been firstly functionalized and stabilized with two layers constituted of chitosan and hyaluronic acid, and, secondly, the latter has been conjugated to the CRT peptide. CRT is a bioactive peptide that selectively recognizes bEnd.3 cells, a model of the BBB, thanks to its interactions with transferrin (Tf) and its receptor (TfR). Cytotoxic results showed a 41.5% higher uptake of CRT functionalized nano-emulsion than the negative control, demonstrating the ability of this novel tool to be accumulated in brain endothelium tissue. Based upon these results, our approach can be fully generalizable to the design of multifunctional nanocarriers for delivery of therapeutic agents to the central nervous systems.

Time and space modulation of substrate curvature to regulate cell mechanical identity.

Recently, a variety of microenvironmental biophysical stimuli have been proved to play a crucial role in regulating cell functions. Among them, morpho-physical cues, like curvature, are emerging as key regulators of cellular behavior. Changes in substrate curvature have been shown to impact the arrangement of Focal Adhesions (FAs), influencing the direction and intensity of cytoskeleton generated forces and resulting in an overall alteration of cell mechanical identity. In their native environment, cells encounter varying degrees of substrate curvature, and in specific organs, they are exposed to dynamic changes of curvature due to periodic tissue deformation. However, the mechanism by which cells perceive substrate curvature remains poorly understood. To this aim, a micro-pneumatic device was designed and implemented. This device enables the controlled application of substrate curvature, both statically and dynamically. Employing a combined experimental and simulative approach, human adipose-derived stem cells were exposed to controlled curvature intensity and frequency. During this exposure, measurements were taken on FAs extension and orientation, cytoskeleton organization and cellular/nuclear alignment. The data clearly indicated a significant influence of the substrate curvature on cell adhesion processes. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms through which cells perceive and respond to substrate curvature signals. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This work is our contribution to the comprehension of substrate curvature's function as a crucial regulator of cell adhesion at the scale of focal adhesions and cell mechanical identity. In recent years, a large body of knowledge is continuously growing providing comprehension of the role of various microenvironmental biophysical stimuli in regulating cell functions. Nevertheless, little is known about the role of substrate curvature, in particular, when cells are exposed to this stimulus in a dynamic manner. To address the role of substrate curvature on cellular behavior, a micro-pneumatic device was designed and implemented. This device enables the controlled application of substrate curvature, both statically and dynamically. The experiment data made it abundantly evident that the substrate curvature had a major impact on the mechanisms involved in cell adhesion.

HiViPore: a highly viable in-flow compression for a one-step cell mechanoporation in microfluidics to induce a free delivery of nano- macro-cargoes.

BACKGROUND: Among mechanoporation techniques for intracellular delivery, microfluidic approaches succeed in high delivery efficiency and throughput. However, especially the entry of large cargoes (e.g. DNA origami, mRNAs, organic/inorganic nanoparticles) is currently impaired since it requires large cell membrane pores with the need to apply multi-step processes and high forces, dramatically reducing cell viability. RESULTS: Here, HiViPore presents as a microfluidic viscoelastic contactless compression for one-step cell mechanoporation to produce large pores while preserving high cell viability. Inducing an increase of curvature at the equatorial region of cells, formation of a pore with a size of ~ 1 µm is obtained. The poration is coupled to an increase of membrane tension, measured as a raised fluorescence lifetime of 12% of a planarizable push-pull fluorescent probe (Flipper-TR) labelling the cell plasma membrane. Importantly, the local disruptions of cell membrane are transient and non-invasive, with a complete recovery of cell integrity and functions in ~ 10 min. As result, HiViPore guarantees cell viability as high as ~ 90%. In such conditions, an endocytic-free diffusion of large nanoparticles is obtained with typical size up to 500 nm and with a delivery efficiency up to 12 times higher than not-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed one-step contactless mechanoporation results in an efficient and safe approach for advancing intracellular delivery strategies. In detail, HiViPore solves the issues of low cell viability when multiple steps of poration are required to obtain large pores across the cell plasma membrane. Moreover, the compression uses a versatile, low-cost, biocompatible viscoelastic fluid, thus also optimizing the operational costs. With HiViPore, we aim to propose an easy-to-use microfluidic device to a wide range of users, involved in biomedical research, imaging techniques and nanotechnology for intracellular delivery applications in cell engineering.

PEGylated SOCS3 Mimetics Encapsulated into PLGA-NPs as Selective Inhibitors of JAK/STAT Pathway in TNBC Cells.

Introduction: SOCS3 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3) protein is a crucial regulator of cytokine-induced inflammation, and its administration has been shown to have therapeutic effects. Recently, we designed a chimeric proteomimetic of SOCS3, mimicking the interfacing regions of a ternary complex composed of SOCS3, JAK2 (Janus kinase 2) and gp130 (glycoprotein 130) proteins. The derived chimeric peptide, KIRCONG chim, demonstrated limited mimetic function owing to its poor water solubility. Methods: We report investigations concerning a PEGylated variant of KIRCONG mimetic, named KIRCONG chim, bearing a PEG (Polyethylene glycol) moiety as a linker of noncontiguous SOCS3 regions. Its ability to bind to the catalytic domain of JAK2 was evaluated through MST (MicroScale Thermophoresis), as well as its stability in biological serum assays. The structural features of the cyclic compounds were investigated by CD (circular dichroism), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and molecular dynamic (MD) studies. To evaluate the cellular effects, we employed a PLGA-nanoparticle as a delivery system after characterization using DLS and SEM techniques. Results: KIRCONG chim PEG-revealed selective penetration into triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 cells with respect to the human breast epithelial cell line (MCF10A), acting as a potent inhibitor of STAT3 phosphorylation. Discussion: Overall, the data indicated that miniaturization of the SOCS3 protein is a promising therapeutic approach for aberrant dysregulation of JAK/STAT during cancer progression.

Multistage Nanocarrier Based on an Oil Core-Graphene Oxide Shell.

Potent synthetic drugs, as well as biomolecules extracted from plants, have been investigated for their selectivity toward cancer cells. The main limitation in cancer treatment is the ability to bring such molecules within each single cancer cell, which requires accumulation in the peritumoral region followed by homogeneous spreading within the entire tissue. In the last decades, nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful tool due to its ability to protect the drug during blood circulation and allow enhanced accumulation around the leaky regions of the tumor vasculature. However, the ideal size for accumulation of around 100 nm is too large for effective penetration into the dense collagen matrix. Therefore, we propose a multistage system based on graphene oxide nanosheet-based quantum dots (GOQDs) with dimensions that are 12 nm, functionalized with hyaluronic acid (GOQDs-HA), and deposited using the layer-by-layer technique onto an oil-in-water nanoemulsion (O/W NE) template that is around 100 nm in size, previously stabilized by a biodegradable polymer, chitosan. The choice of a biodegradable core for the nanocarrier is to degrade once inside the tumor, thus promoting the release of smaller compounds, GOQDs-HA, carrying the adsorbed anticancer compound, which in this work is represented by curcumin as a model bioactive anticancer molecule. Additionally, modification with HA aims to promote active targeting of stromal and cancer cells. Cell uptake experiments and preliminary penetration experiments in three-dimensional microtissues were performed to assess the proposed multistage nanocarrier.

Engineering Cell Instructive Microenvironments for In Vitro Replication of Functional Barrier Organs.

Multicellular organisms exhibit synergistic effects among their components, giving rise to emergent properties crucial for their genesis and overall functionality and survival. Morphogenesis involves and relies upon intricate and biunivocal interactions among cells and their environment, that is, the extracellular matrix (ECM). Cells secrete their own ECM, which in turn, regulates their morphogenetic program by controlling time and space presentation of matricellular signals. The ECM, once considered passive, is now recognized as an informative space where both biochemical and biophysical signals are tightly orchestrated. Replicating this sophisticated and highly interconnected informative media in a synthetic scaffold for tissue engineering is unattainable with current technology and this limits the capability to engineer functional human organs in vitro and in vivo. This review explores current limitations to in vitro organ morphogenesis, emphasizing the interplay of gene regulatory networks, mechanical factors, and tissue microenvironment cues. In vitro efforts to replicate biological processes for barrier organs such as the lung and intestine, are examined. The importance of maintaining cells within their native microenvironmental context is highlighted to accurately replicate organ-specific properties. The review underscores the necessity for microphysiological systems that faithfully reproduce cell-native interactions, for advancing the understanding of developmental disorders and disease progression.

MicroLOCK: Highly stable microgel biosensor using locked nucleic acids as bioreceptors for sensitive and selective detection of let-7a.

Chemically modified oligonucleotides can solve biosensing issues for the development of capture probes, antisense, CRISPR/Cas, and siRNA, by enhancing their duplex-forming ability, their stability against enzymatic degradation, and their specificity for targets with high sequence similarity as microRNA families. However, the use of modified oligonucleotides such as locked nucleic acids (LNA) for biosensors is still limited by hurdles in design and from performances on the material interface. Here we developed a fluorogenic biosensor for non-coding RNAs, represented by polymeric PEG microgels conjugated with molecular beacons (MB) modified with locked nucleic acids (MicroLOCK). By 3D modeling and computational analysis, we designed molecular beacons (MB) inserting spot-on LNAs for high specificity among targets with high sequence similarity (95%). MicroLOCK can reversibly detect microRNA targets in a tiny amount of biological sample (2 µL) at 25 °C with a higher sensitivity (LOD 1.3 fM) without any reverse transcription or amplification. MicroLOCK can hybridize the target with fast kinetic (about 30 min), high duplex stability without interferences from the polymer interface, showing high signal-to-noise ratio (up to S/N = 7.3). MicroLOCK also demonstrated excellent resistance to highly nuclease-rich environments, in real samples. These findings represent a great breakthrough for using the LNA in developing low-cost biosensing approaches and can be applied not only for nucleic acids and protein detection but also for real-time imaging and quantitative assessment of gene targeting both in vitro and in vivo.

Exploring the evolution of bacterial cellulose precursors and their potential use as cellulose-based building blocks.

Natural polymers have found increased use in a wider range of applications due to their less harmful effects. Notably, bacterial cellulose has gained significant consideration due to its exceptional physical and chemical properties and its substantial biocompatibility, which makes it an attractive candidate for several biomedical applications. This study attempts to thoroughly unravel the microstructure of bacterial cellulose precursors, known as bioflocculants, which to date have been poorly characterised, by employing both electron and optical microscopy techniques. Here, starting from bioflocculants from Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY), we proved that their microstructural features, such as porosity percentage, cellulose assembly degree, fibres' density and fraction, change in a spatio-temporal manner during their rising toward the liquid-air interface. Furthermore, our research identified a correlation between electron and optical microscopy parameters, enabling the assessment of bioflocculants' microstructure without necessitating offline sample preparation procedures. The ultimate goal was to determine their potential suitability as a novel cellulose-based building block material with tuneable structural properties. Our investigations substantiate the capability of SCOBY bioflocculants, characterized by distinct microstructures, to successfully assemble within a microfluidic device, thereby generating a cellulose sheet endowed with specific and purposefully designed structural features.

Exploring altered bovine sperm trajectories by sperm tracking in unconfined conditions.

Mammalian sperm motility is getting more relevant due to rising infertility rates worldwide, generating the need to improve conventional analysis and diagnostic approaches. Nowadays, computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) technologies represent a popular alternative to manual examination which is generally performed by observing sperm motility in very confined geometries. However, under physiological conditions, sperm describe three-dimensional motility patterns which are not well reconstructed by the limited depth of standard acquisition chambers. Therefore, affordable and more versatile alternatives are needed. Here, a motility analysis in unconfined conditions is proposed. In details, the analysis is characterized by a significant longer duration -with respect to conventional systems- with the aim to observe eventually altered motility patterns. Brightfield acquisition in rectangular glass capillaries captured frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa which were analyzed by means of a self-written tracking routine and classified in sub-populations, based on their curvilinear velocity. To test the versatility of our approach, cypermethrin -a commonly used pesticides- known to be responsible for changes in sperm motility was employed, assessing its effect at three different time-steps. Experimental results showed that such drug induces an increase in sperm velocity and progressiveness as well as circular pattern formation, likely independent of wall interactions. Moreover, this resulted in a redistribution of sperm with the rapid class declining in number with time, but still showing an overall velocity increase. The flexibility of the approach permits parameter modifications with the experimental needs, allowing us to conduct a comprehensive examination of sperm motility. This adaptability facilitated data acquisition which can be computed at different frame rates, extended time periods, and within deeper observation chambers. The suggested approach for sperm analysis exhibits potential as a valuable augmentation to current diagnostic instruments.

Adverse Effect of Metallic Gold and Silver Nanoparticles on Xenopus laevis Embryogenesis.

Exposure to metal nanoparticles is potentially harmful, particularly when occurring during embryogenesis. In this study, we tested the effects of commercial AuNPs and AgNPs, widely used in many fields for their features, on the early development of Xenopus laevis, an anuran amphibian key model species in toxicity testing. Through the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus test (FETAX), we ascertained that both nanoparticles did not influence the survival rate but induced morphological anomalies like modifications of head and branchial arch cartilages, depigmentation of the dorsal area, damage to the intestinal brush border, and heart rate alteration. The expression of genes involved in the early pathways of embryo development was also modified. This study suggests that both types of nanoparticles are toxic though nonlethal, thus indicating that their use requires attention and further study to better clarify their activity in animals and, more importantly, in humans.

Artificial neural network modelling hydrodenticity for optimal design by microfluidics of polymer nanoparticles to apply in magnetic resonance imaging.

The engineering of nanoparticles impacts the control of their nano-bio interactions at each level of the delivery pathway. Therefore, optimal nanoparticle physicochemical properties should be identified to favour on-target interactions and deliver efficiently active compounds to a specific target. To date, traditional batch processes do not guarantee the reproducibility of results and low polydispersity index of the nanostructures, while microfluidics has emerged as cost effectiveness, short-production time approach to control the nanoparticle size and size distribution. Several thermodynamic processes have been implemented in microfluidics, such as nanoprecipitation, ionotropic gelation, self-assembly, etc., to produce nanoparticles in a continuous mode and high throughput way.   In this work, we show how the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) can be adopted to model the impact of microfluidic parameters (namely, flow rates and polymer concentrations) on the size of the nanoparticles. Promising results have been obtained, with the highest model accuracy reaching 98.9 %, thus confirming the proposed approach's potential applicability for an ANN-guided biopolymer nanoparticle design for biomedical applications. Nanostructures with different degrees of complexity are analysed, and a proof-of-concept machine learning approach is proposed to evaluate Hydrodenticity in biopolymer matrices. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Size, shape and surface charge determine nano-bio interactions of nanoparticles and their ability to target diseases. The ideal nanoparticle design avoids off-target interactions and favours on-target interactions. So, tools enabling the identification of the optimal nanoparticle physicochemical properties for delivery to a specific target are required. In this work, we evaluate the use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to analyse the role of microfluidic parameters in predicting the optimal size of the different hydrogel nanoparticles and their ability to trigger Hydrodenticity.

Intracellular Localization during Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing Influences Extracellular Release and Uptake of Fluorescent Nanoprobes.

To improve the efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) and boost their theragnostic potential for brain diseases, it is key to understand the mechanisms controlling blood-brain barrier (BBB) crossing. Here, the capability of 100 nm carboxylated polystyrene NPs, used as a nanoprobe model, to cross the human brain endothelial hCMEC/D3 cell layer, as well as to be consequently internalized by human brain tumor U87 cells, is investigated as a function of NPs' different intracellular localization. We compared NPs confined in the endo-lysosomal compartment, delivered to the cells through endocytosis, with free NPs in the cytoplasm, delivered by the gene gun method. The results indicate that the intracellular behavior of NPs changed as a function of their entrance mechanism. Moreover, by bypassing endo-lysosomal accumulation, free NPs were released from cells more efficiently than endocytosed NPs. Most importantly, once excreted by the endothelial cells, free NPs were released in the cell culture medium as aggregates smaller than endocytosed NPs and, consequently, they entered the human glioblastoma U87 cells more efficiently. These findings prove that intracellular localization influences NPs' long-term fate, improving their cellular release and consequent cellular uptake once in the brain parenchyma. This study represents a step forward in designing nanomaterials that are able to reach the brain effectively.

Hydrogel particles-on-chip (HyPoC): a fluorescence micro-sensor array for IgG immunoassay.

Novel microparticles have generated growing interest in diagnostics for potential sensitivity and specificity in biomolecule detection and for the possibility to be integrated in a micro-system array as a lab-on-chip. Indeed, bead-based technologies integrated in microfluidics could speed up incubation steps, reduce reagent consumption and improve accessibility of diagnostic devices to non-expert users. To limit non-specific interactions with interfering molecules and to exploit the whole particle volume for bioconjugation, hydrogel microparticles, particularly polyethylene glycol-based, have emerged as promising materials to develop high-performing biosensors since their network can be functionalized to concentrate the target and improve detection. However, the limitations in positioning, trapping and mainly fine manipulation of a precise number of particles in microfluidics have largely impaired point-of-care applications. Herein, we developed an on-chip sandwich immunoassay for the detection of human immunoglobulin G in biological fluids. The detection system is based on finely engineered cleavable PEG-based microparticles, functionalized with specific monoclonal antibodies. By changing the particle number, we demonstrated tuneable specificity and sensitivity (down to 3 pM) in serum and urine. Therefore, a controlled number of hydrogel particles have been integrated in a microfluidic device for on-chip detection (HyPoC) allowing for their precise positioning and fluid exchange for incubation, washing and target detection. HyPoC dramatically decreases incubation time from 180 minutes to one minute and reduces washing volumes from 3.5 ml to 90 µL, achieving a limit of detection of 0.07 nM (with a dynamic range of 0.07-1 nM). Thus, the developed approach represents a versatile, fast and easy point-of-care testing platform for immunoassays.

Direct, precise, enzyme-free detection of miR-103-3p in real samples by microgels with highly specific molecular beacons.

Low abundance, small size, and sequence similarities render microRNA (miRNAs) detection challenging, particularly in real samples, where quantifying weakly expressed miRNAs can be arduous due to interference of more abundant molecules. The standard quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) requires multiple steps, thermal cycles, and costly enzymatic reactions that can negatively affect results. Here we present a direct, precise, enzyme-free assay based on microgels particles conjugating molecular beacons (MB) capable of optically detecting low abundant miRNAs in real samples. We validate the applicability of microgels assay using qRT-PCR as a reference technology. As a relevant case, we chose miR-103-3p, a valuable diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer, both in serum samples and MCF7 cells. As a result, microgels assay quantifies miRNA molecules at room temperature in a single step, 1 h (vs. 4 hrs for qRT-PCR) without complementary DNA synthesis, amplification, or expensive reagents. Microgels assay exhibits femtomolar sensitivity, single nucleotide specificity, and a wide linear range (102-107 fM) (wider than qRT-PCR), with low sample consumption (2 µL) and excellent linearity (R2= 0.98). To test the selectivity of the microgel assay in real samples, MCF7 cells were considered where the pool of 8 other miRNAs were further upregulated with respect to miRNA 103-3p. In such complex environments, microgels assay selectively detects the miRNA target, mainly due to MB advanced stability and specificity as well as high microgel antifouling properties. These results show the reliability of microgels assay to detect miRNAs in real samples.

Insulin Activation Mediated by Uptake Mechanisms: A Comparison of the Behavior between Polymer Nanoparticles and Extracellular Vesicles in 3D Liver Tissues.

In this work, we compare the role of two different uptake mechanisms in the effectiveness of a nanoformulated drug, specifically insulin. Insulin is activated by interacting with insulin receptors exposed on the liver cell membrane that triggers the uptake and storage of glucose. To prove that the uptake mechanism of a delivery system can interfere directly with the effectiveness of the delivered drug, two extremely different delivery systems are tested. In detail, hydrogel-based NPs (cHANPs) and natural lipid vesicles (EVs) encapsulating insulin are used to trigger the activation of this hormone in 3D liver microtissues (µTs) based on their different uptake mechanisms. Results demonstrated that the fusion mechanism of Ins-EVs mediates faster and more pronounced insulin activation with respect to the endocytic mechanism of Ins-cHANPs. Indeed, the fusion causes an increased reduction in glucose concentration in the culture medium EV-treated l-µTs with respect to free insulin-treated tissues. The same effect is not observed for Ins-cHANPs that, taken up by endocytosis, can only equal the reduction in glucose concentration produced by free insulin in 48 h. Overall, these results demonstrate that the effectiveness of nanoformulated drugs depends on the identity they acquire in the biological context (biological identity). Indeed, the nanoparticle (NP) biological identity, such as the uptake mechanism, triggers a unique set of nano-bio-interactions that is ultimately responsible for their fate both in the extracellular and intracellular compartments.

Colorectal Cancer Bioengineered Microtissues as a Model to Replicate Tumor-ECM Crosstalk and Assess Drug Delivery Systems In Vitro.

Current 3D cancer models (in vitro) fail to reproduce complex cancer cell extracellular matrices (ECMs) and the interrelationships occurring (in vivo) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we propose 3D in vitro colorectal cancer microtissues (3D CRC µTs), which reproduce the TME more faithfully in vitro. Normal human fibroblasts were seeded onto porous biodegradable gelatin microbeads (GPMs) and were continuously induced to synthesize and assemble their own ECMs (3D Stroma µTs) in a spinner flask bioreactor. Then, human colon cancer cells were dynamically seeded onto the 3D Stroma µTs to achieve the 3D CRC µTs. Morphological characterization of the 3D CRC µTs was performed to assess the presence of different complex macromolecular components that feature in vivo in the ECM. The results showed the 3D CRC µTs recapitulated the TME in terms of ECM remodeling, cell growth, and the activation of normal fibroblasts toward an activated phenotype. Then, the microtissues were assessed as a drug screening platform by evaluating the effect of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions (CT-NE-Curc), and the combination of the two. When taken together, the results showed that our microtissues are promising in that they can help clarify complex cancer-ECM interactions and evaluate the efficacy of therapies. Moreover, they may be combined with tissue-on-chip technologies aimed at addressing further studies in cancer progression and drug discovery.

Review on Bioinspired Design of ECM-Mimicking Scaffolds by Computer-Aided Assembly of Cell-Free and Cell Laden Micro-Modules.

Tissue engineering needs bioactive drug delivery scaffolds capable of guiding cell biosynthesis and tissue morphogenesis in three dimensions. Several strategies have been developed to design and fabricate ECM-mimicking scaffolds suitable for directing in vitro cell/scaffold interaction, and controlling tissue morphogenesis in vivo. Among these strategies, emerging computer aided design and manufacturing processes, such as modular tissue unit patterning, promise to provide unprecedented control over the generation of biologically and biomechanically competent tissue analogues. This review discusses recent studies and highlights the role of scaffold microstructural properties and their drug release capability in cell fate control and tissue morphogenesis. Furthermore, the work highlights recent advances in the bottom-up fabrication of porous scaffolds and hybrid constructs through the computer-aided assembly of cell-free and/or cell-laden micro-modules. The advantages, current limitations, and future challenges of these strategies are described and discussed.

PLGA microparticle formulations for tunable delivery of a nano-engineered filamentous bacteriophage-based vaccine: in vitro and in silico-supported approach.

Bacteriophages have attracted great attention in the bioengineering field in diverse research areas from tissue engineering to therapeutic and clinical applications. Recombinant filamentous bacteriophage, carrying multiple copies of foreign peptides on protein capsid has been successfully used in the vaccine delivery setting, even if their plasma instability and degradation have limited their use on the pharmaceutical market. Encapsulation techniques in polymeric materials can be applied to preserve bacteriophage activity, extend its half-life, and finely regulate their release in the target environment. The main goal of this study was to provide tunable formulations of the bacteriophage encapsulated in polymeric microparticles (MPs). We used poly (lactic-co-glycolic-acid) as a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer with ammonium bicarbonate as a porogen to encapsulate bacteriophage expressing OVA (257-264) antigenic peptide. We demonstrate that nano-engineered fdOVA bacteriophages encapsulated in MPs preserve their structure and are immunologically active, inducing a strong immune response towards the delivered peptide. Moreover, MP encapsulation prolongs bacteriophage stability over time also at room temperature. Additionally, in this study, we show the ability of in silico-supported approach to predict and tune the release of bacteriophages. These results lay the framework for a versatile bacteriophage-based vaccine delivery system that could successfully generate robust immune responses in a sustained manner, to be used as a platform against cancer and new emerging diseases. Graphical abstract: Synopsis: administration of recombinant bacteriophage-loaded PLGA microparticles for antigen delivery. PLGA microparticles release the bacteriophages, inducing activation of dendritic cells and enhancing antigen presentation and specific T cell response. Bacteriophage-encapsulated microneedles potentially can be administered into human body and generate robust immune responses.

Levels of 24-hydroxycholesteryl esters in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: In this context, our study aimed to ascertain whether the esterification of 24-hydroxycholesterol, a process heavily affected by oxidative stress, is altered in ALS. METHODS: The study examined the level of 24-hydroxycholesteryl esters in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of 18 ALS patients by spectroscopic technique as Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). RESULTS: The level of 24-hydroxycholesteryl esters in cerebrospinal fluid was found to be lower as the brain-blood barrier was damaged. Such a level was positively correlated with the level of esters in plasma. Both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) level and plasma level were lower in ALS patients (60.05 ± 4.24 % and 54.07 ± 20.37 % respectively) than in controls (79.51 ± 2.47 % and 80.07 ± 10.02 % respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that the level 24-hydroxycholesteryl esters might be a new biomarker of ALS and can be measured for monitoring the disease progression.