Human heart assembloids with autologous tissue-resident macrophages recreate physiological immuno-cardiac interactions.

Interactions between the developing heart and the embryonic immune system are essential for proper cardiac development and maintaining homeostasis, with disruptions linked to various diseases. While human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived organoids are valuable models for studying human organ function, they often lack critical tissue-resident immune cells. Here, we introduce an advanced human heart assembloid model, termed hHMA (human heart-macrophage assembloid), which fully integrates autologous cardiac tissue- resident macrophages (MPs) with pre-existing human heart organoids (hHOs).

Targeted Cancer Therapy-on-A-Chip.

Targeted cancer therapy (TCT) is gaining increased interest because it reduces the risks of adverse side effects by specifically treating tumor cells. TCT testing has traditionally been performed using two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and animal studies. Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) platforms have been developed to recapitulate cancer in vitro, as cancer-on-a-chip (CoC), and used for chemotherapeutics development and testing.

Translational Aspects of 3D and 4D Printing and Bioprinting.

Three-dimensional (3D) printed medical devices include orthopedic and craniofacial implants, surgical tools, and external prosthetics that have been directly used in patients. While the advances of additive manufacturing techniques in the production of medical devices have been on the rise, clinical translation of living cellular constructs face significant limitations in terms of regulatory affairs, process technology, and materials development. In this perspective, the current status-quo of 3D and four-dimensional (4D) (bio)printing is summarized, current advancements are discussed and the challenges that need to be addressed for improved industrial translation and clinical applications of bioprinting are highlighted.

Regulating the proinflammatory response to composite biomaterials by targeting immunometabolism.

Composite biomaterials comprising polylactide (PLA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) are applied in bone, cartilage and dental regenerative medicine, where HA confers osteoconductive properties. However, after surgical implantation, adverse immune responses to these composites can occur, which have been attributed to size and morphology of HA particles. Approaches to effectively modulate these adverse immune responses have not been described.

Nanomaterials in crossroad of autophagy control in human cancers: Amplification of cell death mechanisms.

Cancer is the result of genetic abnormalities that cause normal cells to grow into neoplastic cells. Cancer is characterized by several distinct features, such as uncontrolled cell growth, extensive spreading to other parts of the body, and the ability to resist treatment. The scientists have stressed the development of nanostructures as novel therapeutic options in suppressing cancer, in response to the emergence of resistance to standard medicines.