Nanomedicine breakthroughs overcoming pancreatic cancer drug resistance through precision nano-interventions.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, primarily due to its rapid acquisition of drug resistance and the complex tumor microenvironment. Conventional cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, often fail to elicit durable responses because PDAC cells exhibit both intrinsic and extrinsic resistance, in which the intrinsic resistance is driven by genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations, overexpression of efflux transporters, and the presence of cancer stem cells while the extrinsic resistance is mediated by a dense desmoplastic stroma, hypovascularity, and immunosuppressive cellular components. This review comprehensively analyzes these multifactorial resistance mechanisms and examines cutting-edge nanotechnology-based strategies designed to circumvent them.

A Flexible Single-Sensor MEMS E-Nose with Dual-Temperature Modulation for VOCs Classification and Breath-Based Silent Communication.

Electronic noses (e-noses) have become indispensable analytical platforms for gas detection. However, conventional e-nose systems face significant limitations in portable and wearable implementations due to their bulk and high-power consumption. Herein, a single-sensor-based multifunctional e-nose system is reported by integrating a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) gas sensor with a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

Pathological axonal enlargement in connection with amyloidosis, lysosome destabilization, and bleeding is a major defect in Alzheimer's disease.

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202602000-00047/figure1/v/2025-05-05T160104Z/r/image-tiff Alzheimer's disease is a multi-amyloidosis disease characterized by amyloid-β deposits in brain blood vessels, microaneurysms, and senile plaques. How amyloid-β deposition affects axon pathology has not been examined extensively.

Manganese-based nanoenzymes: from catalytic chemistry to design principle and antitumor/antibacterial therapy.

Manganese (Mn)-based materials have been extensively investigated for a wide range of biomedical applications owing to their remarkable catalytic chemistry, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capacity, biodegradability, low toxicity, and good biosafety. In this review, we first elaborate on the catalytic principle of Mn-based nanoenzymes for antitumor and antibacterial therapy, followed by a comprehensive discussion of the interesting structural design engineering strategies used to achieve multi-dimensional Mn-based nanoarchitectures, such as zero-dimensional (0D) nanoparticles, 1D nanotubes, 2D nanosheets, 3D hollow porous Mn ball, and core-shell nanostructures. Moreover, the therapeutic applications of different Mn-based nanoenzymes, including manganese dioxide (MnO)-based nanoenzymes that can trigger catalytic reactions, Mn-doped metal nanoenzymes and Mn-coordinated nanoenzymes that promote hydroxyl/reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and MnO-based micro/nanorobots that can effectively penetrate tumor tissues, are critically reviewed.

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems: opportunities and challenges in the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance cancer therapy efficacy by improving drug targeting, reducing toxicity, and enabling multifunctional applications. This review highlights some key types of nanoparticles, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, dendrimers, and quantum dots, which could effectively improve the delivery of various drugs used in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, offering more precise and effective treatment options.

A multimodal deep learning model for detecting endoscopic images of near-infrared fluorescence capsules.

Early screening for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases is critical for preventing cancer development. With the rapid advancement of deep learning technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prominent in the early detection of GI diseases. Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive medical imaging technique used to examine the gastrointestinal tract.

Curcumin-enhanced NIR-II-responsive gold nanobipyramids for targeted HSP 90 inhibition.

Blockade of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) expression in multimodal synergistic therapy has a great prospect for cancer treatment. Nanomaterials combined with bioinformatic analysis provides accurate guidance for the design of anti-HSP90 nanomedicines. Herein, a NIR-II-responsive nanoplatform was developed under bioinformatics guided to effectly inhibit HSP90 for enhanced synergistic mild-photothermal chemotherapy without any notable tissue damage.

Neural Network-Enhanced Electrochemical/SERS Dual-Mode Microfluidic Platform for Accurate Detection of Interleukin-6 in Diabetic Wound Exudates.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a pivotal role in the inflammatory response of diabetic wounds, providing critical insights for clinicians in the development of personalized treatment strategies. However, the low concentration of IL-6 in biological samples, coupled with the presence of numerous interfering substances, poses a significant challenge for its rapid and accurate detection. Herein, we present a dual-mode microfluidic platform integrating electrochemical (EC) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to achieve the timely and highly reliable quantification of IL-6.

Microfluidic-based electrically driven particle manipulation techniques for biomedical applications.

Microfluidic chips exhibit unique advantages in both economy and rapidity, particularly for the separation and detection of biomolecules. In this review, we first introduced the mechanisms of several electrically driven methods, such as electrophoresis, dielectrophoresis, electro-wetting and electro-rotation. We then discussed in detail the application of these methods in nucleic acid analysis, protein manipulation and cell treatment.

Wearable Temperature Sensor Enhanced Volatilomics Technique for Swift and Convenient Detection of Latrogenic Botulism.

Accurately assessing potential side effects following botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injection remains a formidable challenge. To address this issue, an innovative approach is developed that combines a wearable temperature sensor with a sophisticated volatilomics technique, aimed at facilitating the rapid and convenient prediction of potential physical discomfort related to latrogenic botulism. The investigation identifies five volatile organic compounds (VOCs)-acetone, styrene, ethanol, 2-pentanone, and n-butano-as promising markers indicative of BoNT poisoning.

Microneedles: multifunctional devices for drug delivery, body fluid extraction, and bio-sensing.

Microneedles represent a miniaturized mechanical structure with versatile applications, including transdermal drug delivery, vaccination, body-fluid extraction, and bio-sensing. Over the past two decades, microneedle-based devices have garnered considerable attention in the biomedicine field, exhibiting the potential for mitigating patient discomfort, enhancing treatment adherence, avoiding first-pass effects, and facilitating precise therapeutic interventions. As an application-oriented technology, the innovation of microneedles is generally carried out in response to a specific demand.

A Multifunctional Low-Temperature Photothermal Nanomedicine for Melanoma Treatment via the Oxidative Stress Pathway Therapy.

Purpose: Melanoma is a highly aggressive and dangerous malignant skin tumor and there is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutic approaches against melanoma. The main objective of this study was to construct a multifunctional nanomedicine (GNR@PEG-Qu) to investigate its therapeutic effect on melanoma from the oxidative stress pathway.

Methods: First, the nanomedicine GNR@PEG-Qu was synthesized and characterized, and its photothermal and antioxidant properties were confirmed.

A smartphone-integrated deep learning strategy-assisted rapid detection system for monitoring dual-modal immunochromatographic assay.

This study focuses on the integration of a custom-built and optimally trained YOLO v5 model into a smartphone app developed with Java language. A dual-modal immunochromatographic rapid detection system based on a deep learning strategy for smartphones was developed for grade determination and predicting the concentration of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Innovative distance-type quantum dot microsphere fluorescent immunochromatographic chips enable semi-quantitative analysis by naked eye, and conventional colloidal gold nanoparticle colorimetric strips were also prepared.

DRD4 promotes chemo-resistance and cancer stem cell-like phenotypes by mediating the activation of the Akt/β-catenin signaling axis in liver cancer.

Background: Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) significantly impact chemo-resistance and recurrence in liver cancer. Dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) is known to enhance the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype in glioblastoma and correlates with poor prognosis in some non-central nervous system tumors; however, its influence on LCSCs remains uncertain.

Methods: To investigate the gene and protein expression profiles of DRD4 in LCSCs and non-LCSCs, we utilized transcriptome sequencing and Western blotting analysis.

Ambient energy harvesters in wearable electronics: fundamentals, methodologies, and applications.

In recent years, wearable sensor devices with exceptional portability and the ability to continuously monitor physiological signals in real time have played increasingly prominent roles in the fields of disease diagnosis and health management. This transformation has been largely facilitated by materials science and micro/nano-processing technologies. However, as this technology continues to evolve, the demand for multifunctionality and flexibility in wearable devices has become increasingly urgent, thereby highlighting the problem of stable and sustainable miniaturized power supplies.

A stepwise multi-stage continuous dielectrophoresis separation microfluidic chip with microfilter structures.

The separation of target microparticles using microfluidic systems owns extensive applications in biomedical, chemical, and materials science fields. Integration of microfluidic sorting systems employing dielectrophoresis (DEP) technology has been widely investigated. However, enhancing separation efficiency, purity, stability, and integration remains a pressing issue.

Manganese self-boosting hollow nanoenzymes with glutathione depletion for synergistic cancer chemo-chemodynamic therapy.

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has outstanding potential as a combination therapy to treat cancer. However, the effectiveness of CDT in the treatment of solid tumors is limited by the overexpression of glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). GSH overexpression diminishes oxidative stress and attenuates chemotherapeutic drug-induced apoptosis in cancer cells.

hUC-MSCs therapy for Crohn's disease: efficacy in TNBS-induced colitis in rats and pilot clinical study.

Background: The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has recently emerged as a promising new therapeutic strategy for many diseases including perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (CD). Whether hUC-MSCs can promote the healing of luminal ulcer in CD has not been studied so far.

Methods: The model of TNBS-induced colitis in rats was used to confirm the efficacy of hUC-MSCs in the treatment of CD.

Tryptophan catabolism via the kynurenine pathway regulates infection and inflammation: from mechanisms to biomarkers and therapies.

Background: L-Tryptophan (L-Trp), an essential amino acid, is the only amino acid whose level is regulated specifically by immune signals. Most proportions of Trp are catabolized via the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway (KP) which has evolved to align the food availability and environmental stimulation with the host pathophysiology and behavior. Especially, the KP plays an indispensable role in balancing the immune activation and tolerance in response to pathogens.

UV-assisted synthesis of ultra-small GO-Austar for efficient PTT therapeutic architectonic construction.

Conventional Au nanomaterial synthesis typically necessitates the involvement of extensive surfactants and reducing agents, leading to a certain amount of chemical waste and biological toxicity. In this study, we innovatively employed ultra-small graphene oxide as a reducing agent and surfactant for the generation of small Au nanoparticles under ultraviolet irradiation (UV) at ambient conditions. After ultra-small GO-Au seeds were successfully synthesized, we fabricated small star-like Au nanoparticles on the surface of GO, in which GO effectively prevented Austar from aggregation.

Erythrocyte Membrane Camouflaged Nanotheranostics for Optical Molecular Imaging-Escorted Self-Oxygenation Photodynamic Therapy.

Hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) hampers the application of oxygen (O)-dependent photodynamic therapy (PDT) in solid tumors. To address this problem, a biomimetic nanotheranostics (named MMCC@EM) is developed for optical molecular imaging-escorted self-oxygenation PDT. MMCC@EM is synthesized by encapsulating chlorin e6 (Ce6) and catalase (CAT) in metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles with erythrocyte membrane (EM) camouflage.

Deep-learning assisted zwitterionic magnetic immunochromatographic assays for multiplex diagnosis of biomarkers.

Magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-based immunochromatographic tests (ICTs) display long-term stability and an enhanced capability for multiplex biomarker detection, surpassing conventional gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and fluorescence-based ICTs. In this study, we innovatively developed zwitterionic silica-coated MNPs (MNP@Si-Zwit/COOH) with outstanding antifouling capabilities and effectively utilised them for the simultaneous identification of the nucleocapsid protein (N protein) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza A/B. The carboxyl-functionalised MNPs with 10% zwitterionic ligands (MNP@Si-Zwit 10/COOH) exhibited a wide linear dynamic detection range and the most pronounced signal-to-noise ratio when used as probes in the ICT.