Efficient and Specific PDGFRβ-Targeting Dual-Mode T-T MRI Nanoprobe for Early Diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-induced early-stage liver fibrosis is increasingly common. Non-invasive MRI detection offers an important diagnostic method to prevent fibrosis from progressing to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. However, because fibrosis is confined to the periportal areas, and changes in tissue structure and stiffness are minimal, standard T- or T-weighted imaging struggles to capture these early-stage lesions.

Hydrophilic Metal-Organic Frameworks Regulated by Biomineralized Protein for Enhanced Stability and Drug Delivery.

For bridging the gap between biological and synthetic materials, the fusion of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with biological entities has emerged as a revolutionary strategy in functional materials. In this context, our study introduces a novel structure wherein Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), a robust and versatile protein, encapsulates zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), forming a protein-caged MOF. Highlighting the advantages of this innovative design, the protein-encapsulation enhances the stability and dispersity of ZIF-8, and aids in the synthesis of smaller-sized nanoparticles, crucial for size-impact performance applications.

Borate bioactive glass enhances 3D bioprinting precision and biocompatibility on a sodium alginate platform via Ca controlled self-solidification.

Sodium alginate (SA) has gained widespread acclaim as a carrier medium for three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting of cells and a diverse array of bioactive substances, attributed to its remarkable biocompatibility and affordability. The conventional approach for fabricating alginate-based tissue engineering constructs entails a post-treatment phase employing a calcium ion solution. However, this method proves ineffectual in addressing the predicament of low precision during the 3D printing procedure and is unable to prevent issues such as non-uniform alginate gelation and substantial distortions.

A biomimetic camouflaged metal organic framework for enhanced siRNA delivery in the tumor environment.

Gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi), particularly using small double-stranded RNA (siRNA), has been identified as a potent strategy for targeted cancer treatment. Yet, its application faces challenges such as nuclease degradation, inefficient cellular uptake, endosomal entrapment, off-target effects, and immune responses, which have hindered its effective delivery. In the past few years, these challenges have been addressed significantly by using camouflaged metal-organic framework (MOF) nanocarriers.

Antibacterial 3D-Printed Silver Nanoparticle/Poly Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Infectious bone defects present a major challenge in the clinical setting currently. In order to address this issue, it is imperative to explore the development of bone tissue engineering scaffolds that are equipped with both antibacterial and bone regenerative capabilities. In this study, we fabricated antibacterial scaffolds using a silver nanoparticle/poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (AgNP/PLGA) material via a direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing technique.

Ultralight and robust aerogels based on nanochitin towards water-resistant thermal insulators.

The development of lightweight, strong and high-performance thermal insulators from renewable biomass are highly desired for sustainable development. Here, ultralight aerogels based on renewable nanochitin with outstanding mechanical properties, excellent water-resistant, and promising thermal insulation properties are fabricated. The pristine nanochitin aerogels (PNCAs) assembled from mechanically strong carboxylated chitin nanorods are firstly prepared through acid-induced gelation and supercritical drying.