Understanding the kinetics of macrophage uptake and the metabolic fate of iron-carbohydrate complexes used for iron deficiency anemia treatment.

Iron-carbohydrate complexes (ICCs) are widely used nanomedicines to treat iron deficiency anemia, yet their intracellular fate and the mechanisms of action underlying their differences in treatment outcomes remain poorly understood. Here, we thus performed a comprehensive dynamic characterization of two structurally distinct ICCs - iron sucrose (IS) and ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) - in primary human macrophages, key cells to the iron metabolism. By employing innovative correlative microscopy techniques, elemental analysis, and in vitro pharmacokinetic profiling, we demonstrate that the uptake, intracellular trafficking, and biodegradation of ICCs depend on their physicochemical properties.

Systematic Comparison of Commercial Uranyl-Alternative Stains for Negative- and Positive-Staining Transmission Electron Microscopy of Organic Specimens.

Negative- and positive-staining transmission electron microscopy (ns/psTEM) is a cornerstone of research and diagnostics, enabling nanometer-resolution analysis of organic specimens from nanoparticles to cells without requiring costly cryo-equipment. For nearly 70 years, uranyl salts like uranyl acetate (UA) have been the gold-standard ns/psTEM-stains. However, mounting safety concerns due to their high toxicity and radioactivity have led to stricter regulations and expensive licensing requirements.

Transmission rates of UV-A and green light in an ex vivo corneal crosslinking model for infectious keratitis.

Purpose: To investigate the light transmission (LT) of UV-A and green light through infected corneas saturated with riboflavin or rose bengal in an ex vivo porcine model for infectious keratitis.

Setting: University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, and Empa, St. Gallen, Switzerland.