Themed collection Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigator Series

53 items
Minireview

Liquid–liquid phase separation-inspired design of biomaterials

Biological liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) provides novel insights for the assembly of biomaterials with tailored structure and intrinsic functionality.

Graphical abstract: Liquid–liquid phase separation-inspired design of biomaterials
Minireview

Nanoparticle personalized biomolecular corona: implications of pre-existing conditions for immunomodulation and cancer

The nanoparticle biomolecular corona is affected by patients’ pre-existing conditions and it should be considered when developing novel immunotherapeutics.

Graphical abstract: Nanoparticle personalized biomolecular corona: implications of pre-existing conditions for immunomodulation and cancer
Review Article

Machine learning in nanozymes: from design to application

Nanozymes, a distinctive class of nanomaterials with enzyme-like activity and kinetics akin to enzyme-catalysed reactions, present several advantages over natural enzymes, including cost-effectiveness, heightened stability, and adjustable activity.

Graphical abstract: Machine learning in nanozymes: from design to application
Review Article

Emerging nanoparticle platforms for CpG oligonucleotide delivery

In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the nanoparticle-based CpG delivery systems developed to improve the efficacy of CpG-mediated immune responses.

Graphical abstract: Emerging nanoparticle platforms for CpG oligonucleotide delivery
Review Article

Research progress and perspective of metallic implant biomaterials for craniomaxillofacial surgeries

Craniomaxillofacial bone serves a variety of functions.

Graphical abstract: Research progress and perspective of metallic implant biomaterials for craniomaxillofacial surgeries
Review Article

Magnetically anisotropic hydrogels for tissue engineering

The magnetically anisotropic structure confers unique properties and promising application prospects to hydrogels in tissue engineering.

Graphical abstract: Magnetically anisotropic hydrogels for tissue engineering
Review Article

Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles for drug delivery

This review summarizes the biological function of PEVs, introduces recent applications of PEVs in targeted drug delivery and makes an outlook for the further development of utilizing PEVs for drug delivery.

Graphical abstract: Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles for drug delivery
Open Access Review Article

Microneedle-based glucose monitoring: a review from sampling methods to wearable biosensors

Microneedles are designed to mediate biofluid extraction and achieve transdermal biosensing and diagnosis.

Graphical abstract: Microneedle-based glucose monitoring: a review from sampling methods to wearable biosensors
From the themed collection: Microneedles
Review Article

Development of organic photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy

This review mainly summarises the recent progress in the development of organic photosensitizers, including porphyrins, chlorophyll, phenothiazines, xanthenes and aggregation-induced emission photosensitizers, for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.

Graphical abstract: Development of organic photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy
Review Article

Cellular modifications and biomaterial design to improve mesenchymal stem cell transplantation

Cell delivery is a major determinant of success in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies. Cellular modifications and biomaterial-assisted approaches can enhance the engraftment, retention, and survival of implanted cells for improved tissue repair.

Graphical abstract: Cellular modifications and biomaterial design to improve mesenchymal stem cell transplantation
Review Article

Structural and componential design: new strategies regulating the behavior of lipid-based nanoparticles in vivo

This review aims to highlight the new strategies regulating the tissue distribution, cell internalization, and drug release of lipid-based nanoparticles in vivo, focusing on ways to improve their structural and componential design.

Graphical abstract: Structural and componential design: new strategies regulating the behavior of lipid-based nanoparticles in vivo
Review Article

Nano-based ocular drug delivery systems: an insight into the preclinical/clinical studies and their potential in the treatment of posterior ocular diseases

A snapshot of nano-based drug delivery systems for ocular diseases in the preclinical/clinical studies and examples of novel nano-based eye drops for the treatment of posterior segment of the eye.

Graphical abstract: Nano-based ocular drug delivery systems: an insight into the preclinical/clinical studies and their potential in the treatment of posterior ocular diseases
Review Article

Modulating tumor mechanics with nanomedicine for cancer therapy

In this review, we discuss the nanomedicines that can regulate mechanical stiffness, solid stress, and IFP, with a focus on how nanomedicines change abnormal mechanical properties and facilitate drug delivery.

Graphical abstract: Modulating tumor mechanics with nanomedicine for cancer therapy
Review Article

Transferrin receptor 1 targeted nanomedicine for brain tumor therapy

This review summarizes the latest advances in TfR1-targeted nanomedicine for brain tumor therapy.

Graphical abstract: Transferrin receptor 1 targeted nanomedicine for brain tumor therapy
Review Article

Glutathione peroxidase-like nanozymes: mechanism, classification, and bioapplication

This is the first comprehensive review of glutathione peroxidase-like nanozymes which discusses their mechanism, classification, and bioapplication to further develop this field.

Graphical abstract: Glutathione peroxidase-like nanozymes: mechanism, classification, and bioapplication
Review Article

Cellular metabolism: a link connecting cellular behaviour with the physiochemical properties of biomaterials for bone tissue engineering

This review highlights the importance of cell metabolism as a missing link connecting the cellular behavior and physicochemical properties of biomaterials and serves as a guiding principle for designing scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Graphical abstract: Cellular metabolism: a link connecting cellular behaviour with the physiochemical properties of biomaterials for bone tissue engineering
Review Article

Polymeric nanomaterial strategies to encapsulate and deliver biological drugs: points to consider between methods

Different techniques developed for the encapsulation of biological drugs within polymeric nanoparticles.

Graphical abstract: Polymeric nanomaterial strategies to encapsulate and deliver biological drugs: points to consider between methods
Review Article

Current knowledge on the tissue distribution of mRNA nanocarriers for therapeutic protein expression

Review on the biodistribution of mRNA-nanocarrier in primary organs highlighting key parameters for optimal protein expression.

Graphical abstract: Current knowledge on the tissue distribution of mRNA nanocarriers for therapeutic protein expression
Review Article

Surface-modified nanotherapeutics targeting atherosclerosis

Modified nanoparticles for targeting atherosclerotic overexpressed receptors.

Graphical abstract: Surface-modified nanotherapeutics targeting atherosclerosis
Review Article

Membrane-wrapped nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery

This review summarizes recent progress in the development of biomimetic, membrane-wrapped nanoparticles for targeted delivery of nucleic acids (including siRNA, pDNA, and CpG ODNs) to manage cancer.

Graphical abstract: Membrane-wrapped nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery
Review Article

Antimicrobial mechanisms of biomaterials: from macro to nano

This review provides a comprehensive understanding about how different classes of biomaterials, starting from macroscale to nanoscale, interact with bacteria and viruses to exert their antimicrobial properties through diverse mechanisms of action.

Graphical abstract: Antimicrobial mechanisms of biomaterials: from macro to nano
Communication

Laser-responsive sequential delivery of multiple antimicrobials using nanocomposite hydrogels

Precise control of antimicrobial delivery can prevent the adverse effects of antibiotics.

Graphical abstract: Laser-responsive sequential delivery of multiple antimicrobials using nanocomposite hydrogels
Communication

Short term, low dose alpha-ketoglutarate based polymeric nanoparticles with methotrexate reverse rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in mice and modulate T helper cell responses

Suppressive T cells induce anti-inflammatory responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which then reverse inflammation of the joints.

Graphical abstract: Short term, low dose alpha-ketoglutarate based polymeric nanoparticles with methotrexate reverse rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in mice and modulate T helper cell responses
Paper

Layer-by-layer nanoparticle encapsulating all-trans retinoic acid and CpG as a mucosal adjuvant targeting colorectal cancer

ATRA and CpG are co-delivered by LbL nanoparticles, inducing the homing of activated T cells to the gut. Injecting NPs with OVA peptide effectively inhibits orthotopic colorectal tumor growth in mice without causing noticeable side effects.

Graphical abstract: Layer-by-layer nanoparticle encapsulating all-trans retinoic acid and CpG as a mucosal adjuvant targeting colorectal cancer
Paper

Natural polyphenolic antibacterial bio-adhesives for infected wound healing

Polyphenolic antibacterial bio-adhesives were synthesised via polyphenols and acid anhydrides without solvent or catalyst. Upon heating, these adhesives could induce strong adhesion onto various substrates, while demonstrating excellent antibacterial, antiinfection and biodegradability properties.

Graphical abstract: Natural polyphenolic antibacterial bio-adhesives for infected wound healing
Paper

Biosynthesized tumor acidity and MMP dual-responsive plant toxin gelonin for robust cancer therapy

A tumor acidity and MMP dual-responsive plant toxin, gelonin (TPpG), was biosynthesized and it displayed excellent antitumor efficacy.

Graphical abstract: Biosynthesized tumor acidity and MMP dual-responsive plant toxin gelonin for robust cancer therapy
Paper

Pristine gelatin incorporation as a strategy to enhance the biofunctionality of poly(vinyl alcohol)-based hydrogels for tissue engineering applications

In this study, we investigated the suitability of pristine gelatin to enhance the biofunctionality of tyraminated PVA hydrogels, by promoting cell infiltration and host blood vessel recruitment in vitro and in vivo for tissue engineering applications.

Graphical abstract: Pristine gelatin incorporation as a strategy to enhance the biofunctionality of poly(vinyl alcohol)-based hydrogels for tissue engineering applications
Open Access Paper

Synthetic hyaluronic acid coating preserves the phenotypes of lymphatic endothelial cells

Surface coating with dopamine conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA–DP) can interact with lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1) to preserve the phenotypes and functionality of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs).

Graphical abstract: Synthetic hyaluronic acid coating preserves the phenotypes of lymphatic endothelial cells
From the themed collection: Biomaterials Science Recent HOT Articles
Paper

ICAM-1-decorated extracellular vesicles loaded with miR-146a and Glut1 drive immunomodulation and hinder tumor progression in a murine model of breast cancer

Tissue nanotransfection (TNT)-driven extracellular vesicles mediate immunomodulation and hinder tumor progression in a mouse model of breast cancer.

Graphical abstract: ICAM-1-decorated extracellular vesicles loaded with miR-146a and Glut1 drive immunomodulation and hinder tumor progression in a murine model of breast cancer
Paper

Fabrication and in vitro investigation of hyperbranched poly-lysine-grafted warp knitted polypropylene sling for potential treatment of stress urinary incontinence

Hyperbranched polylysine grafted polypropylene warp-knitted sling with mechanical compliance to prevent postoperative erosion.

Graphical abstract: Fabrication and in vitro investigation of hyperbranched poly-lysine-grafted warp knitted polypropylene sling for potential treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Paper

Antimicrobial efficacy of a nitric oxide-releasing ampicillin conjugate catheter lock solution on clinically-isolated antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Harnessing the potential of NO-releasing ampicillin conjugate as a catheter-lock solution against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This approach holds great potential in addressing the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance in clinical settings.

Graphical abstract: Antimicrobial efficacy of a nitric oxide-releasing ampicillin conjugate catheter lock solution on clinically-isolated antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Open Access Paper

A machine learning approach to predict cellular uptake of pBAE polyplexes

Machine Learning (ML) algorithms are ideal in silico tools to find patterns of cellular internalisation of pBAE polyplexes in various cell types, using chemical and biophysical material properties and cellular gene expression as model inputs.

Graphical abstract: A machine learning approach to predict cellular uptake of pBAE polyplexes
Open Access Paper

Analysis of PEG-lipid anchor length on lipid nanoparticle pharmacokinetics and activity in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury

Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and activity of lipid nanoparticles formulated with polyethylene glycol-lipids of different anchor lengths after systemic administration to a mouse model of traumatic brain injury.

Graphical abstract: Analysis of PEG-lipid anchor length on lipid nanoparticle pharmacokinetics and activity in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury
Paper

A chitosan-based self-healing hydrogel for accelerating infected wound healing

A self-healing antibacterial hydrogel was fabricated for accelerating infected wound healing. This hydrogel possesses biocompatible, self-healing, antibacterial and antibiotic-free properties, and thus is promising as a wound dressing.

Graphical abstract: A chitosan-based self-healing hydrogel for accelerating infected wound healing
Paper

In situ forming double-crosslinked hydrogels with highly dispersed short fibers for the treatment of irregular wounds

An injectable short-fiber reinforced gelatin methacrylate/oxidized dextran (GM/ODex) hydrogel with a double-crosslinking network was developed for irregular wound treatment.

Graphical abstract: In situ forming double-crosslinked hydrogels with highly dispersed short fibers for the treatment of irregular wounds
Paper

Absorption rate governs cell transduction in dry macroporous scaffolds

Dry, macroporous scaffolds efficiently transduce T cells, but the mechanism for this transduction has not been studied previously. We report that liquid volume and resultant differences in liquid absorption rates governs cell transduction efficiency.

Graphical abstract: Absorption rate governs cell transduction in dry macroporous scaffolds
Open Access Paper

Enhanced drug delivery to cancer cells through a pH-sensitive polycarbonate platform

In this paper we a report a pH-sensitive polycarbonate conjugated with the anticancer drug camptothecin that shows enhanced drug delivery towards cancer cells.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced drug delivery to cancer cells through a pH-sensitive polycarbonate platform
Paper

All-in-one CoFe2O4@Tf nanoagent with GSH depletion and tumor-targeted ability for mutually enhanced chemodynamic/photothermal synergistic therapy

Fabrication process of CFOT and schematic illustration mechanism of CFOT for PTT/CDT synergistic therapy with GSH depletion and tumor targeting.

Graphical abstract: All-in-one CoFe2O4@Tf nanoagent with GSH depletion and tumor-targeted ability for mutually enhanced chemodynamic/photothermal synergistic therapy
Paper

Sustained release of heme–albumin as a potential novel therapeutic approach for age-related macular degeneration

ROS-responsive polydopamine nanoparticles sustain release of heme–albumin, increasing HO-1 expression in retinal cells, demonstrating a potential therapeutic approach for treatment of inflammatory conditions such as age-related macular degeneration.

Graphical abstract: Sustained release of heme–albumin as a potential novel therapeutic approach for age-related macular degeneration
Paper

Multiple particle tracking (MPT) using PEGylated nanoparticles reveals heterogeneity within murine lymph nodes and between lymph nodes at different locations

Dense coatings with polyethylene glycol (PEG) allow nanoparticles to diffuse within the LN extracellular spaces revealing pore sizes ranging from 500 nm–1.5 μm, contrary to previous literature that predicted pores to be 10–20 μm.

Graphical abstract: Multiple particle tracking (MPT) using PEGylated nanoparticles reveals heterogeneity within murine lymph nodes and between lymph nodes at different locations
Open Access Paper

Sustained release of drug-loaded nanoparticles from injectable hydrogels enables long-term control of macrophage phenotype

Polymer-nanoparticle hydrogels are assembled by guest–host interactions that also enable drug encapsulation. Surface erosion of celastrol-loaded nanoparticles from injectable hydrogels enables macrophage-targeted delivery to modulate cell phenotype.

Graphical abstract: Sustained release of drug-loaded nanoparticles from injectable hydrogels enables long-term control of macrophage phenotype
Paper

Evaluation of transfection efficacy, biodistribution, and toxicity of branched amphiphilic peptide capsules (BAPCs) associated with mRNA

BAPCs are PEG free nanoparticles with potential to deliver therapeutic mRNA in vivo. Association of mRNA with BAPCs surface enhanced localization in lung by avoiding liver and spleen. Therefore, potentiating their application in lung therapy.

Graphical abstract: Evaluation of transfection efficacy, biodistribution, and toxicity of branched amphiphilic peptide capsules (BAPCs) associated with mRNA
Paper

In vivo assessment of triazine lipid nanoparticles as transfection agents for plasmid DNA

A triazine based lipid was evaluated in mice for toxicity and transfection efficiency using optimized formulation parameters that result in improved transgene expression as compared to formulations containing commercially available cationic lipids.

Graphical abstract: In vivo assessment of triazine lipid nanoparticles as transfection agents for plasmid DNA
Paper

Inflammatory serum factors from aortic valve stenosis patients modulate sex differences in valvular myofibroblast activation and osteoblast-like differentiation

Identify and validate inflammatory serum factors as drivers of sex-specific valvular interstitial cell phenotypes on hydrogels.

Graphical abstract: Inflammatory serum factors from aortic valve stenosis patients modulate sex differences in valvular myofibroblast activation and osteoblast-like differentiation
Paper

Multidomain peptide hydrogel adjuvants elicit strong bias towards humoral immunity

Self-assembling multidomain peptide hydrogels direct a nearly exclusive humoral adaptive immune response compared to alum, the most widely used adjuvant in vaccines.

Graphical abstract: Multidomain peptide hydrogel adjuvants elicit strong bias towards humoral immunity
Paper

Destructive fibrotic teamwork: how both microenvironment stiffness and profibrotic interleukin 13 impair alveolar macrophage phenotype and function

Alternative activation (M2 phenotype) of macrophages and reduced phagocytosis is regulated synergistically by increased substrate stiffness and presence of profibrotic soluble cues.

Graphical abstract: Destructive fibrotic teamwork: how both microenvironment stiffness and profibrotic interleukin 13 impair alveolar macrophage phenotype and function
Paper

mRNA-carrying lipid nanoparticles that induce lysosomal rupture activate NLRP3 inflammasome and reduce mRNA transfection efficiency

We have demonstrated the ability of mRNA-carrying lipid nanoparticles to activate NLRP3 inflammasomes is highly dependent on lipid composition, affecting the endo/lysosomal rupture or calcium influx/mitochondrial ROS production by the nanoparticle.

Graphical abstract: mRNA-carrying lipid nanoparticles that induce lysosomal rupture activate NLRP3 inflammasome and reduce mRNA transfection efficiency
Paper

Rhoifolin loaded in PLGA nanoparticles alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation in vitro and in vivo

The bioactive plant flavonoid rhoifolin was encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles and evaluated as a potential anti-inflammatory nanomedicine.

Graphical abstract: Rhoifolin loaded in PLGA nanoparticles alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation in vitro and in vivo
Paper

Development of gelatin methacrylate (GelMa) hydrogels for versatile intracavitary applications

Applicability of hydrogels as drug delivery systems is on the rise due to their highly tunable degree of polymeric crosslinking to attain varying rates of payload release.

Graphical abstract: Development of gelatin methacrylate (GelMa) hydrogels for versatile intracavitary applications
Paper

In vivo delivery of plasmid DNA by lipid nanoparticles: the influence of ionizable cationic lipids on organ-selective gene expression

Not all ionizable lipids are the same – choosing the right one is critical to the success of lipid nanoparticles for different applications.

Graphical abstract: In vivo delivery of plasmid DNA by lipid nanoparticles: the influence of ionizable cationic lipids on organ-selective gene expression
Paper

Bacteria-responsive biopolymer-coated nanoparticles for biofilm penetration and eradication

Bacteria-responsive, hyaluronic acid and chitosan coated antibiotic loaded gelatin nanoparticles effectively penetrate and eradicate bacterial biofilms.

Graphical abstract: Bacteria-responsive biopolymer-coated nanoparticles for biofilm penetration and eradication
Paper

Bile acid linked β-glucan nanoparticles for liver specific oral delivery of biologics

The newly developed oral delivery vehicle composed of Taurocholic Acid and β-Glucan (TAG) has potential delivery biological molecules to liver while administered via orally.

Graphical abstract: Bile acid linked β-glucan nanoparticles for liver specific oral delivery of biologics
Paper

Antioxidant Response Activating nanoParticles (ARAPas) localize to atherosclerotic plaque and locally activate the Nrf2 pathway

Antioxidant Response Activating nanoParticles (ARAPas), but not un-targeted drug, induce protective genes in atherosclerotic plaque.

Graphical abstract: Antioxidant Response Activating nanoParticles (ARAPas) localize to atherosclerotic plaque and locally activate the Nrf2 pathway
53 items

About this collection

Biomaterials Science is proud to present this series, showcasing work being conducted by Emerging Investigators. This collection gathers the very best work from biomaterials scientists in the early stages of their independent careers in recognition of their potential to influence future directions in the field.
This collection will be updated when new Emerging Investigator Series papers are published – so keep checking this page and watch the collection grow.
More details about the Emerging Investigator Series can be found on the Biomaterials Science blog, including details on how to apply for consideration and more information about the corresponding authors featured in this collection.

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