An official website of the United States government
Abstract Biomolecule isolation is a crucial process in diverse biomedical and biochemical applications, including diagnostics, therapeutics, research, and manufacturing. Recently, MXenes, a novel class of two‐dimensional nanomaterials, have emerged as promising adsorbents for this purpose due to their unique physicochemical properties. These biocompatible and antibacterial nanomaterials feature a high aspect ratio, excellent conductivity, and versatile surface chemistry. This timely review explores the potential of MXenes for isolating a wide range of biomolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules, while highlighting key future research trends and innovative applications poised to transform the field. This review provides an in‐depth discussion of various synthesis methods and functionalization techniques that enhance the specificity and efficiency of MXenes in biomolecule isolation. In addition, the mechanisms by which MXenes interact with biomolecules are elucidated, offering insights into their selective adsorption and customized separation capabilities. This review also addresses recent advancements, identifies existing challenges, and examines emerging trends that may drive the next wave of innovation in this rapidly evolving area.
more »
« less
Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles for Biomedical Applications Using Multifunctional Magnetic Nanomaterials
Abstract Extracellular vesicles (e.g., exosomes) carrying various biomolecules (e.g., proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) have rapidly emerged as promising platforms for many biomedical applications. Despite their enormous potential, their heterogeneity in surfaces and sizes, the high complexity of cargo biomolecules, and the inefficient uptake by recipient cells remain critical barriers for their theranostic applications. To address these critical issues, multifunctional nanomaterials, such as magnetic nanomaterials, with their tunable physical, chemical, and biological properties, may play crucial roles in next‐generation extracellular vesicles (EV)‐based disease diagnosis, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. As such, one aims to provide cutting‐edge knowledge pertaining to magnetic nanomaterials‐facilitated isolation, detection, and delivery of extracellular vesicles and their associated biomolecules. By engaging the fields of extracellular vesicles and magnetic nanomaterials, it is envisioned that their properties can be effectively combined for optimal outcomes in biomedical applications.
more »
« less
- Award ID(s):
- 1803517
- PAR ID:
- 10383745
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Small
- Volume:
- 18
- Issue:
- 13
- ISSN:
- 1613-6810
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
More Like this
-
-
Spinel ferrite-based magnetic nanomaterials have been investigated for numerous biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery, magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biosensors, among others. Recent studies have found that zinc ferrite-based nanomaterials are favorable candidates for cancer theranostics, particularly for magnetic hyperthermia applications. Zinc ferrite exhibits excellent biocompatibility, minimal toxicity, and more importantly, exciting magnetic properties. In addition, these materials demonstrate a Curie temperature much lower than other transition metal ferrites. By regulating synthesis protocols and/or introducing suitable dopants, the Curie temperature of zinc ferrite-based nanosystems can be tailored to the MHT therapeutic window, i.e., 43–46 1C, a range which is highly beneficial for clinical hyperthermia applications. Furthermore, zinc ferritebased nanostructures have been extensively used in successful pre-clinical trials on mice models focusing on the synergistic killing of cancer cells involving magnetic hyperthermia and chemotherapy. This review provides a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the recent developments of zinc ferrite-based nanomaterials, including doped particles, shape-modified structures, and composites for magnetic hyperthermia applications. In addition, future research prospects involving pure ZnFe2O4 and its derivative nanostructures have also been proposed.more » « less
-
Abstract Clay nanomaterials are an emerging class of 2D biomaterials of interest due to their atomically thin layered structure, charged characteristics, and well‐defined composition. Synthetic nanoclays are plate‐like polyions composed of simple or complex salts of silicic acids with a heterogeneous charge distribution and patchy interactions. Due to their biocompatible characteristics, unique shape, high surface‐to‐volume ratio, and charge, nanoclays are investigated for various biomedical applications. Here, a critical overview of the physical, chemical, and physiological interactions of nanoclay with biological moieties, including cells, proteins, and polymers, is provided. The state‐of‐the‐art biomedical applications of 2D nanoclay in regenerative medicine, therapeutic delivery, and additive manufacturing are reviewed. In addition, recent developments that are shaping this emerging field are discussed and promising new research directions for 2D nanoclay‐based biomaterials are identified.more » « less
-
Abstract Hydrogels, which are hydrophilic soft porous networks, are an important class of materials of broad relevance to bioanalytical chemistry, soft‐robotics, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. Transformer hydrogels are micro‐ and mesostructured hydrogels that display a dramatic transformation of shape, form, or dimension with associated changes in function, due to engineered local variations such as in swelling or stiffness, in response to external controls or environmental stimuli. This review describes principles that can be utilized to fabricate transformer hydrogels such as by layering, patterning, or generating anisotropy, and gradients. Transformer hydrogels are classified based on their responsivity to different stimuli such as temperature, electromagnetic fields, chemicals, and biomolecules. A survey of the current research progress suggests applications of transformer hydrogels in biomimetics, soft robotics, microfluidics, tissue engineering, drug delivery, surgery, and biomedical engineering.more » « less
-
Abstract Efficient delivery of biomolecules into neurons has significant impacts on therapeutic applications in the central nervous system (CNS) and fundamental neuroscience research. Existing viral and non‐viral delivery methods often suffer from inefficient intracellular access due to the endocytic pathway. Here, a neuron‐targeting and direct cytosolic delivery platform is discovered by using a 15‐amino‐acid peptide, termed the N1 peptide, which enables neuron‐specific targeting and cytosolic delivery of functional biomolecules. The N1 peptide initially binds hyaluronan in the extracellular matrix and subsequently passes the membrane of neurons without being trapped into endosome. This mechanism facilitates the efficient delivery of cell‐impermeable and photo‐stable fluorescent dye for super‐resolution imaging of dendritic spines, and functional proteins, such as Cre recombinase, for site‐specific genome modification. Importantly, the N1 peptide exhibits robust neuronal specificity across diverse species, including mice, rats, tree shrews, and zebra finches. Its targeting capability is further demonstrated through various administration routes, including intraparenchymal, intrathecal, and intravenous (i.v.) injections after blood‐brain barrier (BBB) opening with focused ultrasound (FUS). These findings establish the N1 peptide as a versatile and functional platform with significant potential for bioimaging and advanced therapeutic applications.more » « less
