Providing multicolor plasmonic patterns with graphene quantum dots functionalized d-penicillamine for visual recognition of V(V), Cu (II), and Fe(III): Colorimetric fingerprints of GQDs-DPA for discriminating ions in human urine samples.

In this study, a novel fluorescent probe (graphene quantum dots functionalized d-penicillamine [GQDs-DPA]) was developed for the selective identification of Cu2+ , V5+ , and Fe3+ among 26 types of metal ions, which considerably quench the fluorescence intensity of GQD. So, GQDs-DPA was applied as a simple fluorescent probe for facile metal ions recognition in standard solution. The proposed DPA-GQD supported amino acids respond to Cu2+ , V5+ , and Fe3+ , with high sensitivity. The intensity of the fluorescence histogram of this probe significantly diminished in exposure to metal ions such as Cu(II), V(V), and Fe(III). Moreover, a microfluidic paper-based device (µPAD) was fabricated through a facile and cost-effective protocol. Cu2+ , V5+ , and Fe3+ can be selectively recognized by GQDs-DPA using µPAD by naked eye. Also, GQDs-DPA exhibits a linear response for the detection of ions in concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1 ppm, with a low limit of quantification of 0.01 ppm in standards samples. The boosted color uniformity, low instrumental needs of the stamp, and disposability of µPADs enable the application of the proposed device for commercial applications in environmental science and technology.

Advanced mechanotherapy: Biotensegrity for governing metastatic tumor cell fate via modulating the extracellular matrix.

Mechano-transduction is the procedure of mechanical stimulus translation via cells, among substrate shear flow, topography, and stiffness into a biochemical answer. TAZ and YAP are transcriptional coactivators which are recognized as relay proteins that promote mechano-transduction within the Hippo pathway. With regard to healthy cells in homeostasis, mechano-transduction regularly restricts proliferation, and TAZ and YAP are totally inactive. During cancer development a YAP/TAZ - stimulating positive response loop is formed between the growing tumor and the stiffening ECM. As tumor developments, local stromal and cancerous cells take advantage of mechanotransduction to enhance proliferation, induce their migratory into remote tissues, and promote chemotherapeutic resistance. As a newly progresses paradigm, nanoparticle-conjunctions (such as magnetic nanoparticles, and graphene derivatives nanoparticles) hold significant promises for remote regulation of cells and their relevant events at molecular scale. Despite outstanding developments in employing nanoparticles for drug targeting studies, the role of nanoparticles on cellular behaviors (proliferation, migration, and differentiation) has still required more evaluations in the field of mechanotherapy. In this paper, the in-depth contribution of mechano-transduction is discussed during tumor progression, and how these consequences can be evaluated in vitro.

Nanotechnology, and scaffold implantation for the effective repair of injured organs: An overview on hard tissue engineering.

The tissue engineering of hard organs and tissues containing cartilage, teeth, and bones is a widely used and rapidly progressing field. One of the main features of hard organs and tissues is the mineralization of their extracellular matrices (ECM) to enable them to withstand pressure and weight. Recently, a variety of printing strategies have been developed to facilitate hard organ and tissue regeneration. Fundamentals in three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques are rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and layered built-up and solid-free construction. This strategy promises to replicate the multifaceted architecture of natural tissues. Nowadays, 3D bioprinting techniques have proved their potential applications in tissue engineering to construct transplantable hard organs/tissues including bone and cartilage. Though, 3D bioprinting methods still have some uncertainties to fabricate 3D hard organs/tissues. In the present review, most advanced technical improvements, experiments, and future outlooks of hard tissue engineering are discussed, as well as their relevant additive manufacturing techniques.

Chemical binding of molecular-imprinted polymer to biotinilated antibody: Utilization of molecular imprinting polymer as intelligent synthetic biomaterials toward recognition of carcinoma embryonic antigen in human plasma sample.

In this study, a novel biosensor based on molecular imprinting polymer (MIP) methodology was fabricated toward recognition of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). For this purpose, poly (toluidine blue) (PTB) was electropolymerized on the surface of gold electrode in the absence and presence of CEA. So, the target molecules were entrapped into the imprinted specific cavities of MIP. Obtained results show that, the binding affinity of the MIP system was significantly higher than that of revealed for the nonimprinted polymer (NIP) system, MIP-based biosensor revealed linear response from (0.005 to 75 µg/L) and low limit of quantification of (0.005 µg/L) by using chronoamperometry technique, leading to CEA monitoring in real and clinical samples. Thus, a novel technique for rapid, simple, sensitive and affordable monitoring of CEA (LLOQ = 0.005 µg/L) has provided through developed biosensor. From a future perspective, moreover, this method can be considered as an applicable candidate in biomedical and clinical analysis for point-of-care usages.

The triad of nanotechnology, cell signalling, and scaffold implantation for the successful repair of damaged organs: An overview on soft-tissue engineering.

As a milestone in therapeutic fields, tissue engineering has offered an alternative strategy to address unmet clinical needs for the repair and replacement of human damaged organs. The premise of regenerative medicine follows an essential triad of cells, substrates, and physiologically active biomolecules to generate advanced therapeutic methods for tissue repair. Biomedical usages of nanotechnology in regenerative medicine are considerably growing. Dynamic three-dimensional nano-environments can deliver bioactive molecular substrates to accelerate the recovery of damaged tissues by inducing the preservation, proliferation, and differentiation of healthy cells. Nanotechnology provides the possibility to optimize the characteristics of scaffolds and tune their biological functionality (e.g., cellular attachment, electrical conductivity, biocompatibility, and cell-differentiation inducing effect). In addition, nanoscale substances can supply scaffolds via releasing several loaded drugs and triggering cellular proliferation to deliver efficient repair of various organs such as bone, cornea, cartilage, and the heart. Overall, the nature of damaged tissues, as well as scaffolds' composition, porous structure, degradability, and biocompatibility are determinant factors for successful tissue engineering. This review has addressed the most recent advances in the tissue engineering of various organs with a focus on the applications of nanomaterials in this field.

Cutting-edge progress and challenges in stimuli responsive hydrogel microenvironment for success in tissue engineering today.

The field of tissue engineering has numerous potential for modified therapeutic results and has been inspired by enhancements in bioengineering at the recent decades. The techniques of regenerating tissues and assembling functional paradigms that are responsible for repairing, maintaining, and revitalizing lost organs and tissues have affected the entire spectrum of health care studies. Strategies to combine bioactive molecules, biocompatible materials and cells are important for progressing the renewal of damaged tissues. Hydrogels have been utilized as one of the most popular cell substrate/carrier in tissue engineering since previous decades, respect to their potential to retain a 3D structure, to protect the embedded cells, and to mimic the native ECM. The hydrophilic nature of hydrogels can provide an ideal milieu for cell viability and structure, which simulate the native tissues. Hydrogel systems have been applied as a favorable matrix for growth factor delivery and cell immobilization. This study reviews a brief explanation of the structure, characters, applications, fabrication methods, and future outlooks of stimuli responsive hydrogels in tissue engineering and, in particular, 3D bioprinting.

Hydrogel-Based 3D Bioprinting for Bone and Cartilage Tissue Engineering.

As a milestone in soft and hard tissue engineering, a precise control over the micropatterns of scaffolds has lightened new opportunities for the recapitulation of native body organs through three dimentional (3D) bioprinting approaches. Well-printable bioinks are prerequisites for the bioprinting of tissues/organs where hydrogels play a critical role. Despite the outstanding developments in 3D engineered microstructures, current printer devices suffer from the risk of exposing loaded living agents to mechanical (nozzle-based) and thermal (nozzle-free) stresses. Thus, tuning the rheological, physical, and mechanical properties of hydrogels is a promising solution to address these issues. The relationship between the mechanical characteristics of hydrogels and their printability is important to control printing quality and fidelity. Recent developments in defining this relationship have highlighted the decisive role of main additive manufacturing strategies. These strategies are applied to enhance the printing quality of scaffolds and determine the nurture of cellular morphology. In this regard, it is beneficial to use external and internal stabilization, photocurable biopolymers, and cooling substrates containing the printed scaffolds. The objective of this study is to review cutting-edge developments in hydrogel-type bioinks and discuss the optimum simulation of the zonal stratification in osteochondral and cartilage units.