Chitosan enhances nanoparticle delivery from the reproductive tract to target draining lymphoid organs
The researchers propose a method to achieve enhanced immune response against viral infections in the female reproductive tract. They demonstrate that intravaginal pre-treatment with chitosan significantly facilitates translocation of nanoparticles across the the multilayered vaginal epithelium to target draining lymph nodes.
Synthetic Macromolecular Antibiotic Platform for Inhalable Therapy against Aerosolized Intracellular Alveolar Infections
The researchers demonstrate a macromolecular therapeutic platform that provides sustained local delivery of ciprofloxacin. Their work addresses the unmet need for inhaled treatments for lung-based intracellular bacterial infections such as Franciscella tularensis pneumonia (tularemia), which are currently treated with oral or IV antibiotics that poorly achieve and sustain pulmonary drug bioavailability.
Anisotropic forces from spatially constrained focal adhesions mediate contact guidance directed cell migration
The researchers investigate whole cell and molecular level interactions that mediate contact guidance of phenotypically distinct carcinoma cells. By using nano-patterning techniques to produce substrates that facilitate detailed analysis, they identify a cellular mechanism of topographic sensing that can account for the diversity of responses across multiple cell phenotypes.
Fibroblast-specific genetic manipulation of p38 MAPK in vivo reveals its central regulatory role in fibrosis
The researchers examine the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38a (Mapk14) gene in orchestrating the fibroblast differentiation and fibrosis involved in cardiac injury response.
Development of switchable polymers to address the dilemma of stability and cargo release in polycationic nucleic acid carriers
The researchers report a pH-sensitive polymer, p(PMA-PMBA)-b-p(OEGMA-DMAEMA) (SP), and its successful use in vitro and in vivo gene transfer. The polymer addresses the dilemma of stability and cargo release in gene delivery, and may have broad potential therapeutic agent delivery applications.
Single-use paper-based hydrogen fuel cells for point-of-care diagnostic applications
The researchers demonstrate a stand-along power source that integrates a paper-based hydrogen fuel cell with a customized chemical heater that produces hydrogen in-situ upon the addition of a liquid. Their approach could power portable diagnostics and enable functionality such as device timing, actuation and signal quantification.