Decellularization and Enzymatic Digestion Methods to Enhance ECM Protein Detection via MALDI-MS Imaging.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) has been used to generate spatial maps of lipids, metabolites, peptides, proteins, and glycans in tissues; however, its use for mapping extracellular matrix (ECM) protein distributions is underexplored. ECM proteins play a major role in various pathological conditions, and changes in their spatial distributions affect the function and morphology of cells within tissues. ECM protein detection is challenging because they are large, insoluble, and undergo various post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation.

Sprayable inflammasome-inhibiting lipid nanorods in a polymeric scaffold for psoriasis therapy.

Localized delivery of inflammasome inhibitors in phagocytic macrophages could be promising for psoriasis treatment. The present work demonstrates the development of non-spherical lipid nanoparticles, mimicking pathogen-like shapes, consisting of an anti-inflammatory inflammasome inhibiting lipid (pyridoxine dipalmitate) as a trojan horse. The nanorods inhibit inflammasome by 3.

Needle-induced cavitation: A method to probe the local mechanics of brain tissue.

Traditional mechanical characterization of extremely soft tissues is challenging given difficulty extracting tissue, satisfying geometric requirements, keeping tissues hydrated, and securing the tissue in an apparatus without slippage. The heterogeneous nature and structural complexity of brain tissues on small length scales makes it especially difficult to characterize. Needle-induced cavitation (NIC) is a technique that overcomes these issues and can mechanically characterize brain tissues at precise, micrometer-scale locations.

Heterogeneity of brain extracellular matrix and astrocyte activation.

From the blood brain barrier to the synaptic space, astrocytes provide structural, metabolic, ionic, and extracellular matrix (ECM) support across the brain. Astrocytes include a vast array of subtypes, their phenotypes and functions varying both regionally and temporally. Astrocytes' metabolic and regulatory functions poise them to be quick and sensitive responders to injury and disease in the brain as revealed by single cell sequencing.