High-frequency MHz-order vibration enables cell membrane remodeling and lipid microdomain manipulation.

We elucidate the mechanism underpinning a recently discovered phenomenon in which cells respond to MHz-order mechanostimuli. Deformations induced along the plasma membrane under these external mechanical cues are observed to decrease the membrane tension, which, in turn, drives transient and reversible remodeling of its lipid structure. In particular, the increase and consequent coalescence of ordered lipid microdomains leads to closer proximity to mechanosensitive ion channels-Piezo1, in particular-that, due to crowding, results in their activation to mobilize influx of calcium (Ca) ions into the cell.

Sonomechanobiology: Vibrational stimulation of cells and its therapeutic implications.

All cells possess an innate ability to respond to a range of mechanical stimuli through their complex internal machinery. This comprises various mechanosensory elements that detect these mechanical cues and diverse cytoskeletal structures that transmit the force to different parts of the cell, where they are transcribed into complex transcriptomic and signaling events that determine their response and fate. In contrast to (or ) mechanostimuli primarily involving constant-force loading such as compression, tension, and shear (or forces applied at very low oscillatory frequencies ( Hz) that essentially render their effects quasi-static), mechanostimuli comprising more complex vibrational forms (e.

Calcium-dependent cAMP mediates the mechanoresponsive behaviour of endothelial cells to high-frequency nanomechanostimulation.

The endothelial junction plays a central role in regulating intravascular and interstitial tissue permeability. The ability to manipulate its integrity therefore not only facilitates an improved understanding of its underlying molecular mechanisms but also provides insight into potential therapeutic solutions. Herein, we explore the effects of short-duration nanometer-amplitude MHz-order mechanostimulation on interendothelial junction stability and hence the barrier capacity of endothelial monolayers.

Short-Duration High Frequency MegaHertz-Order Nanomechanostimulation Drives Early and Persistent Osteogenic Differentiation in Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Stem cell fate can be directed through the application of various external physical stimuli, enabling a controlled approach to targeted differentiation. Studies involving the use of dynamic mechanical cues driven by vibrational excitation to date have, however, been limited to low frequency (Hz to kHz) forcing over extended durations (typically continuous treatment for >7 days). Contrary to previous assertions that there is little benefit in applying frequencies beyond 1 kHz, we show here that high frequency MHz-order mechanostimulation in the form of nanoscale amplitude surface reflected bulk waves are capable of triggering differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells from various donor sources toward an osteoblast lineage, with early, short time stimuli inducing long-term osteogenic commitment.

High frequency acoustic cell stimulation promotes exosome generation regulated by a calcium-dependent mechanism.

Exosomes are promising disease diagnostic markers and drug delivery vehicles, although their use in practice is limited by insufficient homogeneous quantities that can be produced. We reveal that exposing cells to high frequency acoustic irradiation stimulates their generation without detriment to cell viability by exploiting their innate membrane repair mechanism, wherein the enhanced recruitment of calcium ions from the extracellular milieu into the cells triggers an ESCRT pathway known to orchestrate exosomal production. Given the high post-irradiation cell viabilities (≈95%), we are able to recycle the cells through iterative irradiation and post-excitation incubation steps, which facilitate high throughput production of a homogeneous population of exosomes-a particular challenge for translating exosome therapy into clinical practice.

A novel method for immobilization of proteins via entrapment of magnetic nanoparticles through epoxy cross-linking.

A method for immobilization of functional proteins by chemical cross-linking of the protein of interest and uncoated iron oxide nanoparticles in the presence of Epichlorohydrin is described. As a result of the cross-linking, the proteins form a matrix in which the particles get entrapped. The optimum concentration of Epichlorohydrin that facilitates immobilization of protein without affecting the functional properties of the protein was determined.

Collagen synthesis promoting pullulan-PEI-ascorbic acid conjugate as an efficient anti-cancer gene delivery vector.

Cationized pullulan (pullulan-PEI; PP) was synthesized and further modified with an anti-oxidant molecule, ascorbic acid (PPAA) at various ratios. The nanoplexes formed at an optimum ratio of 4:1 was within a size of 150nm and had a zeta potential of 9-14mV. The nanoplexes at this ratio was used for further investigations.

Betaine conjugated cationic pullulan as effective gene carrier.

Polyethyleneimne (PEI) is a very efficient transfecting agent but is toxic due to high charge density. To generate a vector which is efficient and less cytotoxic, PEI was conjugated with pullulan (PPEI). Further conjugation was done on PPEI with zwitter ionic betaine which possess antifouling property.