The alveolar-capillary interface is the key functional element of gas exchange in the human lung, and disruptions to this interface can lead to significant medical complications. However, it is currently challenging to adequately model this interface in vitro, as it requires not only the co-culture of human alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells but mainly the preparation of a biocompatible scaffold that mimics the basement membrane. This scaffold should support cell seeding from both sides, and maintain optimal cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation conditions. Our study investigates the use of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers as a versatile substrate for such cell cultures, aiming to model the alveolar-capillary interface more accurately. We optimized nanofiber production parameters, utilized polyamide mesh UHELON as a mechanical support for scaffold handling, and created 3D-printed inserts for specialized co-cultures. Our findings confirm that PCL nanofibrous scaffolds are manageable and support the co-culture of diverse cell types, effectively enabling cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Our research establishes a proof-of-concept model for the alveolar-capillary interface, offering significant potential for enhancing cell-based testing and advancing tissue-engineering applications that require specific nanofibrous matrices.

• MeSH
• bazální membrána MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nanovlákna * chemie   MeSH
• ověření koncepční studie MeSH
• plicní alveoly * chemie   cytologie   MeSH
• polyestery * chemie   MeSH
• tkáňové inženýrství * metody   MeSH
• tkáňové podpůrné struktury * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The utilization of 3D printing- digital light processing (DLP) technique, for the direct fabrication of microneedles encounters the problem of drug solubility in printing resin, especially if it is predominantly composed of water. The possible solution how to ensure ideal belonging of drug and water-based printing resin is its pre-formulation in nanosuspension such as nanocrystals. This study investigates the feasibility of this approach on a resin containing nanocrystals of imiquimod (IMQ), an active used in (pre)cancerous skin conditions, well known for its problematic solubility and bioavailability. The resin blend of polyethylene glycol diacrylate and N-vinylpyrrolidone, and lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate as a photoinitiator, was used, mixed with IMQ nanocrystals in water. The final microneedle-patches had 36 cylindrical microneedles arranged in a square grid, measuring approximately 600 μm in height and 500 μm in diameter. They contained 5wt% IMQ, which is equivalent to a commercially available cream. The homogeneity of IMQ distribution in the matrix was higher for nanocrystals compared to usual crystalline form. The release of IMQ from the patches was determined ex vivo in natural skin and revealed a 48% increase in efficacy for nanocrystal formulations compared to the crystalline form of IMQ.

• MeSH
• 3D tisk * MeSH
• aplikace kožní MeSH
• imichimod * chemie   aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• jehly * MeSH
• kožní absorpce MeSH
• kůže metabolismus   MeSH
• mikroinjekce přístrojové vybavení   MeSH
• nanočástice * chemie   aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• polyethylenglykoly chemie   aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• povidon chemie   MeSH
• rozpustnost * MeSH
• systémy cílené aplikace léků přístrojové vybavení   MeSH
• uvolňování léčiv MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Publikace se zaměřuje na biomedicínské využití uhlíkových nanomateriálů a jejich toxicitu a zdravotní rizika. Určeno odborné veřejnosti.

• MeSH
• nanostruktury MeSH
• nanotechnologie MeSH
• noxy MeSH
• otrava MeSH
• testy toxicity MeSH
• uhlík MeSH
• vystavení vlivu životního prostředí MeSH

• Konspekt
• Nauka o materiálu
• NLK Obory
• technika
• biomedicínské inženýrství
• toxikologie
• NLK Publikační typ
• kolektivní monografie

The use of nanoparticles as a delivery system for a specific antigen could solve many limitations of mucosal vaccine applications, such as low immunogenicity, or antigen protection and stabilization. In this study, we tested the ability of nasally administered chitosan nanoparticles loaded with glycoprotein B of murine cytomegalovirus to induce an immune response in an animal model. The choice of chitosan nanoparticle type was made by in vitro evaluation of sorption efficiency and antigen release. Three types of chitosan nanoparticles were prepared: crosslinked with tripolyphosphate, coated with hyaluronic acid, and in complex with polycaprolactone. The hydrodynamic size of the nanoparticles by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, stability, loading efficiency, and release kinetics with ovalbumin were evaluated. Balb/c mice were immunized intranasally using the three-dose protocol with nanoparticles, gB, and adjuvants Poly(I:C) and CpG ODN. Subsequently, the humoral and cell-mediated antigen-specific immune response was determined. On the basis of the properties of the tested nanoparticles, the cross-linked nanoparticles were considered optimal for further investigation. The results show that nanoparticles with Poly(I:C) and with gB alone raised IgG antibody levels above the negative control. In the case of mucosal IgA, only gB alone weakly induced the production of IgA antibodies compared to saline-immunized mice. The number of activated cells increased slightly in mice immunized with nanoparticles and gB compared to those immunized with gB alone or to negative control. The results demonstrated that chitosan nanoparticles could have potential in the development of mucosal vaccines.

• MeSH
• adjuvancia imunologická MeSH
• aplikace intranazální MeSH
• chitosan * chemie   MeSH
• glykoproteiny MeSH
• imunizace MeSH
• imunoglobulin A MeSH
• Muromegalovirus * MeSH
• myši inbrední BALB C MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nanočástice * chemie   MeSH
• slizniční imunita MeSH
• vakcíny * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Using an active targeting approach of chemotherapeutics-loaded nanocarriers (NCs) with monoclonal antibodies is a potential strategy to improve the specificity of the delivery systems and reduce adverse reactions of chemotherapeutic drugs. Specific targeting of the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2), expressed excessively in HER-2-positive breast cancer cells, can be achieved by conjugating NCs with an anti-HER-2 monoclonal antibody. We constructed trastuzumab-conjugated chitosan iodoacetamide-coated NCs containing doxorubicin (Tras-Dox-CHI-IA-NCs) as a tumor-targeted drug delivery system, during the study. Chitosan-iodoacetamide (CHI-IA) was synthesized and utilized to prepare trastuzumab-conjugated NCs (Tras-NCs). The morphology, physicochemical properties, drug loading, drug release, and biological activities of the NCs were elucidated. The Tras-NCs were spherical, with a particle size of approximately 76 nm, and had a positive zeta potential; after incorporating the drug, the size of the Tras-NC increased. A prolonged, 24-h drug release from the NCs was achieved. The Tras-NCs exhibited high cellular accumulation and significantly higher antitumor activity against HER-2-positive breast cancer cells than the unconjugated NCs and the drug solution. Therefore, Tras-Dox-CHI-IA-NCs could be a promising nanocarrier for HER-2-positive breast cancer.

• MeSH
• chitosan * chemie   MeSH
• doxorubicin chemie   MeSH
• jodacetamid MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monoklonální protilátky chemie   MeSH
• nádory prsu * farmakoterapie   MeSH
• nanočástice * chemie   MeSH
• nosiče léků chemie   MeSH
• systémy cílené aplikace léků MeSH
• trastuzumab MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the nasal cavity, penetrates the nasal epithelial cells through the interaction of its spike protein with the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and then triggers a cytokine storm. We aimed to assess the biocompatibility of fullerenol nanoparticles C60(OH)40 and ectoine, and to document their effect on the protection of primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) against the effects of interaction with the fragment of virus - spike protein. This preliminary research is the first step towards the construction of a intranasal medical device with a protective, mechanical function against SARS-CoV-2 similar to that of personal protective equipment (eg masks). METHODS: We used HNEpCs and the full-length spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 to mimic the first stage of virus infection. We assessed cell viability with the XTT assay and a spectrophotometer. May-Grünwald Giemsa and periodic acid-Schiff staining served to evaluate HNEpC morphology. We assessed reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate and commercial kit. Finally, we employed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and confocal microscopy to determine the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: There was normal morphology and unchanged viability of HNEpCs after incubation with 10 mg/L C60(OH)40, 0.2% ectoine or their composite for 24 h. The spike protein exerted cytotoxicity via ROS production. Preincubation with the composite protected HNEpCs against the interaction between the spike protein and the host membrane and prevented the production of key cytokines characteristic of severe coronavirus disease 2019, including interleukin 6 and 8, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and 2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 and macrophage colony-stimulating factor. CONCLUSION: In the future, the combination of fullerenol and ectoine may be used to prevent viral infections as an intranasal medical device for people with reduced immunity and damaged mucous membrane.

• MeSH
• aminokyseliny diaminové MeSH
• angiotensin konvertující enzym 2 metabolismus   MeSH
• COVID-19 * prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• cytokiny metabolismus   MeSH
• epitelové buňky * účinky léků   virologie   MeSH
• fullereny * farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• glykoprotein S, koronavirus * metabolismus   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nanočástice * chemie   MeSH
• nosní sliznice účinky léků   cytologie   MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku metabolismus   MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 * účinky léků   MeSH
• syndrom uvolnění cytokinů * prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• viabilita buněk * účinky léků   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Biotransformation of steroids by fungi has been raised as a successful, eco-friendly, and cost-effective biotechnological alternative for chemical derivatization. Endophytic fungi live inside vegetal tissues without causing damage to the host plant, making available unique enzymes that carry out uncommon reactions. Moreover, using nanofibrous membranes as support for immobilizing fungal cells is a powerful strategy to improve their performance by enabling the combined action of adsorption and transformation processes, along with increasing the stability of the fungal cell. In the present study, we report the use of polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous membrane (PAN NFM) produced by electrospinning as supporting material for immobilizing the endophytic fungus Penicillium citrinum H7 aiming the biotransformation of progesterone. The PAN@H7 NFM displayed a high progesterone transformation efficiency (above 90%). The investigation of the biotransformation pathway of progesterone allowed the putative structural characterization of its main fungal metabolite by GC-MS analysis. The oxidative potential of P. citrinum H7 was selective for the C-17 position of the steroidal nucleus.

• MeSH
• biotransformace MeSH
• nanovlákna * chemie   MeSH
• progesteron MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Recent research has highlighted the pivotal role of lipoxygenases in modulating ferroptosis and immune responses by catalyzing the generation of lipid peroxides. However, the limitations associated with protein enzymes, such as poor stability, low bioavailability, and high production costs, have motivated researchers to explore biomimetic materials with lipoxygenase-like activity. Here, we report the discovery of lipoxygenase-like two-dimensional (2D) MoS2nanosheets capable of catalyzing lipid peroxidation and inducing ferroptosis. The resulting catalytic products were successfully identified using mass spectrometry and a luminescent substrate. Unlike native lipoxygenases, MoS2 nanosheets exhibited exceptional catalytic activity at extreme pH, high temperature, high ionic strength, and organic solvent conditions. Structure-activity relationship analysis indicates that sulfur atomic vacancy sites on MoS2 nanosheets are responsible for their catalytic activity. Furthermore, the lipoxygenase-like activity of MoS2 nanosheets was demonstrated within mammalian cells and animal tissues, inducing distinctive ferroptotic cell death. In summary, this research introduces an alternative to lipoxygenase to regulate lipid peroxidation in cells, offering a promising avenue for ferroptosis induction.

• MeSH
• biomimetické materiály chemie   farmakologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• disulfidy * chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• ferroptóza * účinky léků   MeSH
• katalýza MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lipoxygenasa * metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• molybden chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nanostruktury chemie   MeSH
• peroxidace lipidů MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Interactions between living cells and nanoparticles are extensively studied to enhance the delivery of therapeutics. Nanoparticles size, shape, stiffness, and surface charge are regarded as the main features able to control the fate of cell-nanoparticle interactions. However, the clinical translation of nanotherapies has so far been limited, and there is a need to better understand the biology of cell-nanoparticle interactions. This study investigates the role of cellular mechanosensitive components in cell-nanoparticle interactions. It is demonstrated that the genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of yes-associated protein (YAP), a key component of cancer cell mechanosensing apparatus and Hippo pathway effector, improves nanoparticle internalization in triple-negative breast cancer cells regardless of nanoparticle properties or substrate characteristics. This process occurs through YAP-dependent regulation of endocytic pathways, cell mechanics, and membrane organization. Hence, the study proposes targeting YAP may sensitize triple-negative breast cancer cells to chemotherapy and increase the selectivity of nanotherapy.

• MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nanočástice * MeSH
• signální proteiny YAP MeSH
• signální transdukce fyziologie   MeSH
• triple-negativní karcinom prsu * farmakoterapie   metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Nanoparticles have drawn significant interest in a range of applications, ranging from biomedical to environmental sciences, due to their distinctive physicochemical characteristics. In this study, it was reported that simple biological production of Ag, Se, and bimetallic Ag2Se nanoparticles (NPs) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a promising, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method. For the first time in the scientific literature, Ag2Se nanoparticles have been generated via green bacterial biosynthesis. UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and EDX were used to characterize the produced NPs. Biosynthesized NPs were examined for antibacterial, antibiofilm, and photocatalytic properties, and it was determined that the effects of NPs were dose dependent. The biosynthesized AgNPs, SeNPs, and Ag2Se NPs showed anti-microbial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of E. coli and S. aureus were between 150 and 250 μg/mL. The NPs showed antibiofilm activity against E. coli and S. aureus at sub-MIC levels and reduced biofilm formation by at least 80% at a concentration of 200 μg/mL of each NPs. To photocatalyze the breakdown of Congo red, Ag, Se, and Ag2Se NPs were utilized, and their photocatalytic activity was tested at various concentrations and intervals. A minor decrease of photocatalytic degradation was detected throughout the NPs reuse operation (five cycles). Based on the encouraging findings, the synthesized NPs demonstrated antibacterial, antibiofilm, and photocatalytic properties, suggesting that they might be used in pharmaceutical, medical, environmental, and other applications.

• MeSH
• antibakteriální látky * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• biofilmy * účinky léků   MeSH
• Escherichia coli * účinky léků   MeSH
• katalýza MeSH
• kovové nanočástice * chemie   MeSH
• mikrobiální testy citlivosti * MeSH
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa * účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• selen chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• sloučeniny stříbra chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus * účinky léků   MeSH
• stříbro * chemie   farmakologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• technologie zelené chemie * MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH