Tumor-On-A-Chip Models for Predicting In Vivo Nanoparticle Behavior.

Nanosized drug formulations are broadly explored for the improvement of cancer therapy. Prediction of in vivo nanoparticle (NP) behavior, however, is challenging, given the complexity of the tumor and its microenvironment. Microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip models are gaining popularity for the in vitro testing of nanoparticle targeting under conditions that simulate the 3D tumor (microenvironment).

Mandibular Canal Branching Assessed With Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and type of mandibular canal branching in a sample of the Iranian population through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. This cross-sectional study was performed on CBCT records of 300 patients (112 males and 188 females; mean age 30.14 ± 10.

Reverse relation between cytotoxicity and Polyethylenimine/DNA ratio, the effect of using HEPES-buffered saline (HBS) medium in gene delivery.

Polyethyleneimine (PEI) is considered a promising cationic polymer in non-viral gene delivery. DNA binding properties and other biochemical characteristics of PEI such as the proton sponge phenomenon, offered the branched 25 kDa PEI to be widely used for therapeutic DNA delivery, although the possible cytotoxic effects and the best conditions of PEI preparation are not still well recognized. While higher PEI/Plasmid ratios have increased transfection efficiencies, it induces more cell stress and toxicity.

Optimizing the synthesis and purification of MS2 virus like particles.

Introducing bacteriophage MS2 virus-like particles (VLPs) as gene and drug delivery tools increases the demand for optimizing their production and purification procedure. PEG precipitation method is used efficiently to purify VLPs, while the effects of pH and different electrolytes on the stability, size, and homogeneity of purified MS2 VLPs, and the encapsulated RNA sequences remained to be elucidated. In this regard, a vector, capable of producing VLP with an shRNA packed inside was prepared.

Evaluating polyethyleneimine/DNA nanoparticles-mediated damage to cellular organelles using endoplasmic reticulum stress profile.

Gene therapy has emerged as an influential tool for treating the genetic and specific acquired disorders. Among all kinds of gene delivery systems, the cationic polymer polyethyleneimine (PEI) is considered as a promising non-viral gene delivery vector, although there are still concerns about its magnitude of cytotoxicity. While any cell insult leads to unfolded/misfolded protein accumulation and its consequent unfold protein response, evaluating the expression profile of ER-stress genes would be a sensitive indicator of cell stress.