Modularity-based mathematical modeling of ligand inter-nanocluster connectivity for unraveling reversible stem cell regulation.

The native extracellular matrix is continuously remodeled to form complex interconnected network structures that reversibly regulate stem cell behaviors. Both regulation and understanding of its intricate dynamicity can help to modulate numerous cell behaviors. However, neither of these has yet been achieved due to the lack of designing and modeling such complex structures with dynamic controllability.

Resistance to anti-smoking messages related to the higher smoking stigma of Korean female smokers.

Introduction: The degree of perceived smoking stigma can differ, based on various factors such as gender; this may influence the effect of smoking cessation interventions, including denormalization. This study investigates the gender differences in smoking stigma recognized by Korean smokers and explores the effect of these differences on the success of smoking cessation messages that aim to initiate an identity crisis among smokers. It aims to contribute to effective smoking cessation intervention strategies for female smokers.

Disaggregation-Activated pan-COX Imaging Agents for Human Soft tissue Sarcoma.

Cancer stem cells are pivotal players in tumors initiation, growth, and metastasis. While several markers have been identified, there remain challenges particularly in heterogeneous malignancies like adult soft tissue sarcomas, where conventional markers are inherently overexpressed. Here, we designed BODIPY scaffold fluorescence probes (BD-IMC-1, BD-IMC-2) that activate via disaggregation targeting for cyclooxygenase (COX), a potential marker for CSCs in sarcoma in clinical pathology.

Muscle strength and foot pressure vary depending on the type of foot pain.

This study compared muscle strength and foot pressure among patients with metatarsalgia, patients with plantar fasciitis, and healthy controls. A total of 31 patients with foot pain (14 metatarsalgia and 17 plantar fasciitis) and 29 healthy controls participated in the study. The strengths of the plantar flexor and hip muscles were measured using isokinetic and handheld dynamometers, respectively.

Regulation of myogenesis and adipogenesis by the electromagnetic perceptive gene.

Obesity has been increasing in many regions of the world, including Europe, USA, and Korea. To manage obesity, we should consider it as a disease and apply therapeutic methods for its treatment. Molecular and therapeutic approaches for obesity management involve regulating biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and protein in adipose-derived stem cells to prevent to be fat cells.

Monitoring Wound Healing with Topically Applied Optical NanoFlare mRNA Nanosensors.

An effective wound management strategy needs accurate assessment of wound status throughout the whole healing process. This can be achieved by examining molecular biomarkers including proteins, DNAs, and RNAs. However, existing methods for quantifying these biomarkers such as immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction are usually laborious, resource-intensive, and disruptive.

Single-step acid-catalyzed synthesis of luminescent colloidal organosilica nanobeads.

We present a single-step, room-temperature synthesis of fluorescent organosilica nanobeads (FOS NBs). The FOS NBs were synthesized under aqueous conditions using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) as the silicon source in the presence of L-ascorbic acid (L-AA). In the APTES/L-AA/water ternary phase, the hydrolysis and condensation reaction of APTES occurred under acidic conditions to form spherical FOS NBs with an average diameter of 426.

Oxygen transport to mammalian cell and bacteria using nano-sized liposomes encapsulating oxygen molecules.

Hypoxic microenvironments emerge as tumor grow, leading to the over-expression and stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α). HIF-1α lowers the sensitization against chemotherapy, radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy in cancer. In this study, nano-sized oxygen carrier, namely oxygen dissolved nanoliposome (ODL) was synthesized, and oxygen was efficiently delivered to different types of mammalian cells to help relieve hypoxia.

Nephrotoxicity Assessment with Human Kidney Tubuloids using Spherical Nucleic Acid-Based mRNA Nanoflares.

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity represents an important cause of acute kidney injury with associated patient morbidity and mortality and is often responsible for termination of drug development, after extensive resource allocation. We have developed a human kidney tubuloid system that phenocopies, in 3D culture, kidney proximal tubules, a primary injury site of most nephrotoxicants. Traditional end point assays are often performed on 2D cultures of cells that have lost their differentiated phenotype.

Exosome-based photoacoustic imaging guided photodynamic and immunotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Exosomes, which are released from all cells and take part in cell-to-cell communication, have been utilized as drug delivery vehicles in many recent studies. Immunotherapy is an emerging technology which uses patients' innate immune systems. In immunotherapy, immune cells are stimulated through antibodies, the other immune cells and genetic modifications for the purposes of, for instance, cancer therapy.

In vitro toxicity from a physical perspective of polyethylene microplastics based on statistical curvature change analysis.

Microplastics which are gradually and randomly decompose into small fragment by exposure of physical and biological external stress are emerging as a significant threat to the all the environments. Here, we have demonstrated the in vitro toxicity of microplastics of two different shapes. To minimize the chemical effect, polyethylene (PE), was used.

Self-Assembling β-Glucan Nanomedicine for the Delivery of siRNA.

We aimed to design and manufacture a transporter capable of delivering small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) into the skin without causing any damage. β-glucans are unique chiral polysaccharides with well-defined immunological properties and supramolecular wrapping ability. However, the chiral properties of these polymers have hardly been applied in drug delivery systems.

Reprogramming of macrophages with macrophage cell membrane-derived nanoghosts.

Macrophages can be polarized to M1 or M2 type with pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory properties. Nanoparticles have recently been found to be a promising platform to polarize macrophages to desired phenotypes. This article explores the usage of cell membrane-derived nanoparticles (nanoghosts) for reprogramming macrophages.

Potential toxicity of polystyrene microplastic particles.

Environmental pollution arising from plastic waste is a major global concern. Plastic macroparticles, microparticles, and nanoparticles have the potential to affect marine ecosystems and human health. It is generally accepted that microplastic particles are not harmful or at best minimal to human health.

Effective delivery of mycophenolic acid by oxygen nanobubbles for modulating immunosuppression.

Immunosuppressive drugs are crucial for preventing acute graft rejection or autoimmune diseases. They are generally small molecules that require suitable drug carriers for ensuring stability, bioavailability, and longer half-life. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an extensively studied immunosuppressive drug.

Regulation of Electromagnetic Perceptive Gene Using Ferromagnetic Particles for the External Control of Calcium Ion Transport.

Developing synthetic biological devices to allow the noninvasive control of cell fate and function, in vivo can potentially revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine. To address this unmet need, we designed an artificial biological "switch" that consists of two parts: (1) the electromagnetic perceptive gene (EPG) and (2) magnetic particles. Our group has recently cloned the EPG from the (glass catfish).

Effective Delivery of Anti-Cancer Drug Molecules with Shape Transforming Liquid Metal Particles.

Liquid metals are being studied intensively because of their potential as a drug delivery system. Eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) alloy liquid metals have a low melting point, low toxicity, and excellent tissue permeability. These properties may enable them to be vascular embolic agents that can be deformed by light or heat.

Enhanced Detection of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus via Lateral Flow Chip and Fluorometric Biosensors Based on Self-Assembled Protein Nanoprobes.

Salmon fish farmers face remarkable problems in fish rearing and handling due to the spread of disease by infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV). Therefore, we developed a straightforward and sensitive technique to detect IPNV-based on recombinant human apoferritin heavy chain (hAFN-H) protein nanoparticles. In this study, the 24 subunits of the hAFN-H were genetically modified to express 6×His-tag and protein-G at their C-terminal site using .

Anti-Tumor Drug-Loaded Oxygen Nanobubbles for the Degradation of HIF-1α and the Upregulation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Tumor Cells.

Hypoxia is a key concern during the treatment of tumors, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) has been associated with increased tumor resistance to therapeutic modalities. In this study, doxorubicin-loaded oxygen nanobubbles (Dox/ONBs) were synthesized, and the effectiveness of drug delivery to MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and HeLa cells was evaluated. Dox/ONBs were characterized using optical and fluorescence microscopy, and size measurements were performed through nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA).

DNA aptamer immobilized hydroxyapatite for enhancing angiogenesis and bone regeneration.

In this study, we developed aptamer-conjugated hydroxyapatite (Apt-HA) that promotes bone regeneration and angiogenesis. The 3R02 bivalent aptamer specific to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was grafted to the hydroxyapatite (HA) surface. Apt-HA was tested for its VEGF protein capture ability to determine the optimal aptamer concentration immobilized on the HA.

Biological Responses of Onion-Shaped Carbon Nanoparticles.

Nanodiamonds are emerging as new nanoscale materials because of their chemical stability, excellent crystallinity, and unique optical properties. In this study, the structure of nanodiamonds was engineered to produce carbon nano-onion particles (CNOs) with multiple layers. Following a series of physicochemical characterizations of the CNOs, various evaluations for biological responses were conducted for potential biotechnological applications of the CNOs.

An assessment of the toxicity of polypropylene microplastics in human derived cells.

Environmental pollution caused by plastic waste is a growing global problem. Discarded plastic products and debris (microplastic particles) in the oceans detrimentally affect marine ecosystems and may impact human. Humans are exposed to plastic debris via the consumption of seafood and drinking water, contact with food packaging, or inhalation of particles.