Cellular Nanoparticles Treat Coronavirus Infection .

Cellular nanoparticles (CNPs), which refer to nanoparticles coated with natural cell membranes, are promising for neutralizing pathological agents. Here, we use CNPs as a medical countermeasure against the infection of SARS-CoV-2 variants in an animal model. CNPs comprise polymeric cores coated with the plasma membranes of human macrophages.

Aptamer-Encapsulated Cellular Nanoparticles for Neurotoxin Neutralization.

Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that fold into defined architectures for specific target binding. In this study, aptamers are selected that specifically bind to small-molecule neurotoxins and encapsulate them into cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (referred to as 'cellular nanoparticles' or 'CNPs') for effective neutralization of neurotoxins. Specifically, six different aptamers are selected that bind to saxitoxin (STX) or tetrodotoxin (TTX) and encapsulate them into metal-organic framework cores, which are then coated with neuronal cell membrane.

Biohybrid microrobots locally and actively deliver drug-loaded nanoparticles to inhibit the progression of lung metastasis.

Lung metastasis poses a formidable challenge in the realm of cancer treatment, with conventional chemotherapy often falling short due to limited targeting and low accumulation in the lungs. Here, we show a microrobot approach using motile algae for localized delivery of drug-loaded nanoparticles to address lung metastasis challenges. The biohybrid microrobot [denoted "algae-NP(DOX)-robot"] combines green microalgae with red blood cell membrane-coated nanoparticles containing doxorubicin, a representative chemotherapeutic drug.

Dual-Modal Cellular Nanoparticles for Continuous Neurotoxin Detoxification.

Neurotoxins are known for their extreme lethality. However, due to their enormous diversity, effective and broad-spectrum countermeasures are lacking. This study presents a dual-modal cellular nanoparticle (CNP) formulation engineered for continuous neurotoxin neutralization.

A genetically engineered neuronal membrane-based nanotoxoid elicits protective immunity against neurotoxins.

Given their dangerous effects on the nervous system, neurotoxins represent a significant threat to public health. Various therapeutic approaches, including chelating agents, receptor decoys, and toxin-neutralizing antibodies, have been explored. While prophylactic vaccines are desirable, it is oftentimes difficult to effectively balance their safety and efficacy given the highly dangerous nature of neurotoxins.

Oxygen Self-Supplied Nanoplatform for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy against Enterococcus Faecalis within Root Canals.

The successful treatment of persistent and recurrent endodontic infections hinges upon the eradication of residual microorganisms within the root canal system, which urgently needs novel drugs to deliver potent yet gentle antimicrobial effects. Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a promising tool for root canal infection management. Nevertheless, the hypoxic microenvironment within the root canal system significantly limits the efficacy of this treatment.

Platelet Membrane-Derived Nanodiscs for Neutralization of Endogenous Autoantibodies and Exogenous Virulence Factors.

The multifaceted functions of platelets in various physiological processes have long inspired the development of therapeutic nanoparticles that mimic specific platelet features for disease treatment. Here, the development and characterization of platelet membrane-derived nanodiscs (PLT-NDs) as platelet decoys for biological neutralization is reported. In one application, PLT-NDs effectively bind with anti-platelet autoantibodies, thus blocking them from interacting with platelets.

Biodegradation of Urethane Dimethacrylate-based materials (CAD/CAM resin-ceramic composites) and its effect on the adhesion and proliferation of Streptococcus mutans.

Objective: To investigate whether urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) -based dental restorative materials biodegrade in the presence of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and whether the monomers affect the adhesion and proliferation of S. mutans in turn.

Protein-Loaded Cellular Nanosponges for Dual-Biomimicry Neurotoxin Countermeasure.

Neurotoxins present a substantial threat to human health and security as they disrupt and damage the nervous system. Their potent and structurally diverse nature poses challenges in developing effective countermeasures. In this study, a unique nanoparticle design that combines dual-biomimicry mechanisms to enhance the detoxification efficacy of neurotoxins is introduced.

Extending the In Vivo Residence Time of Macrophage Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles through Genetic Modification.

Nanoparticles coated with natural cell membranes have emerged as a promising class of biomimetic nanomedicine with significant clinical potential. Among them, macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles hold particular appeal due to their versatility in drug delivery and biological neutralization applications. This study employs a genetic engineering approach to enhance their in vivo residence times, aiming to further improve their performance.

Cancer Cell Membrane Nanodiscs for Antitumor Vaccination.

Cell membrane-based nanovaccines have demonstrated attractive features due to their inherently multiantigenic nature and ability to be formulated with adjuvants. Here, we report on cellular nanodiscs fabricated from cancer cell membranes and incorporated with a lipid-based adjuvant for antitumor vaccination. The cellular nanodiscs, with their small size and discoidal shape, are readily taken up by antigen-presenting cells and drain efficiently to the lymph nodes.

Fracture strength and bonding interface morphology of CAD/CAM-fabricated ceramic laminate veneers on bleached enamel treated with two different antioxidants.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of two antioxidants and their application time on the fracture strength of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-fabricated ceramic laminate veneers to bleached enamel, as well as their effects on the bonding interface micromorphology. Eight groups were set: Group NC (without bleaching and antioxidant treatment); Group NA (bleaching without antioxidant treatment); Group SA30, SA60, SA120 and Group PAC30, PAC60, PAC120 (bleaching and treating with sodium ascorbate or proanthocyanidins for 30, 60, and 120 min, respectively). After cementation of veneers, fracture strength values and failure modes were analyzed.

Immunostimulatory DNA Hydrogel Enhances Protective Efficacy of Nanotoxoids against Bacterial Infection.

While vaccines have been highly successful in protecting against various infections, there are still many high-priority pathogens for which there are no clinically approved formulations. To overcome this challenge, researchers have explored the use of nanoparticulate strategies for more effective antigen delivery to the immune system. Along these lines, nanotoxoids are a promising biomimetic platform that leverages cell membrane coating technology to safely deliver otherwise toxic bacterial antigens in their native form for antivirulence vaccination.

Emerging nanoparticle designs against bacterial infections.

The rise of antibiotic resistance has caused the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections to be less effective. Therefore, researchers turn to nanomedicine for novel and effective antibacterial therapeutics. The effort resulted in the first-generation antibacterial nanoparticles featuring the ability to improve drug tolerability, circulation half-life, and efficacy.

A Multifunctional Dental Resin Composite with Sr-N-Doped TiO and n-HA Fillers for Antibacterial and Mineralization Effects.

Dental caries, particularly secondary caries, which is the main contributor to dental repair failure, has been the subject of extensive research due to its biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven, multifactorial, and dynamic characteristics. The clinical utility of restorations is improved by cleaning bacteria nearby and remineralizing marginal crevices. In this study, a novel multifunctional dental resin composite (DRC) composed of Sr-N-co-doped titanium dioxide (Sr-N-TiO2) nanoparticles and nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) reinforcing fillers with improved antibacterial and mineralization properties is proposed.

Biodegradation of Dental Resin-Based Composite-A Potential Factor Affecting the Bonding Effect: A Narrative Review.

In recent years, although resin composite has played an important role in the restoration of tooth defects, it still has several disadvantages, including being biodegraded by saliva, bacteria and other enzymes in the oral cavity, which may result in repair failure. This factor is not conducive to the long-term survival of the prosthesis in the mouth. In this article, we review the causes, influencing factors and prevention methods of resin biodegradation.

Investigating the interaction between Shewanella oneidensis and phenazine 1-carboxylic acid in the microbial electrochemical processes.

Many exoelectrogens utilize small redox mediators for extracellular electron transfer (EET). Notable examples include Shewanella species, which synthesize flavins, and Pseudomonas species, which produce phenazines. In natural and engineered environments, redox-active metabolites from different organisms coexist.

Effectively auto-regulated adsorption and recovery of rare earth elements via an engineered E. coli.

Conventional mining processes of rare earth elements (REEs) usually produce REEs-rich industrial waterwastes, which leads to a significant waste of REEs resources and causes serious environmental pollution. Biosorption using engineered microorganisms is an attractive technology for the recovery of REEs from aqueous solution. To regulate the REEs' adsorption and recovery by sensing extraneous REEs, an engineered cascaded induction system, pmrCAB operon containing a lanthanide-binding tag (LBT) for sensing REEs, was incorporated into E.

Integration of FRET and sequencing to engineer kinase biosensors from mammalian cell libraries.

The limited sensitivity of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) biosensors hinders their broader applications. Here, we develop an approach integrating high-throughput FRET sorting and next-generation sequencing (FRET-Seq) to identify sensitive biosensors with varying substrate sequences from large-scale libraries directly in mammalian cells, utilizing the design of self-activating FRET (saFRET) biosensor. The resulting biosensors of Fyn and ZAP70 kinases exhibit enhanced performance and enable the dynamic imaging of T-cell activation mediated by T cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), revealing a highly organized ZAP70 subcellular activity pattern upon TCR but not CAR engagement.

Plant Polysaccharide Modulate Biofilm Formation and Insecticidal Activities of Strains.

After the biological pesticide (Bt) is applied to the field, it has to remain on the surface of plants to have the insecticidal activities against insect pests. Bt can form biofilms on the surface of vegetable leaves, which were rich in polysaccharides. However, the relationship between polysaccharides of the leaves and the biofilm formation as well as the insecticidal activities of Bt is still unknown.

Application of FRET Biosensors in Mechanobiology and Mechanopharmacological Screening.

Extensive studies have shown that cells can sense and modulate the biomechanical properties of the ECM within their resident microenvironment. Thus, targeting the mechanotransduction signaling pathways provides a promising way for disease intervention. However, how cells perceive these mechanical cues of the microenvironment and transduce them into biochemical signals remains to be answered.