Category Biology/Biotechnology

Adsorption may be rate-limiting for the release of positively charged proteins from PLGA np. (i) Initially, the protein is fully adsorbed to the negatively charged nanoparticle surface. (ii) As the nanoparticle begins to degrade, acidic components build up and decrease the local pH. (iii) At a certain threshold, the nanoparticle surface becomes neutral, weakening the electrostatic interactions with the positively charged proteins and initiating release.

It’s a potential game-changer for Rx of chronic illnesses or injuries that often require multiple injections or daily pills. For decades, biomedical engineers have been painstakingly encapsulating proteins in nanoparticles to control their release...

This visual abstract depicts the findings of Quicke et al., who demonstrate that a contemporary ZIKV strain infects and replicates in primary human placental macrophages and cytotrophoblasts, suggesting a route for ZIKV to cross the placental barrier. CREDIT Quicke and Bowen et al./Cell Host & Microbe 2016

One of Zika’s mysteries is how the virus passes from an infected mother, through the placenta, to a developing fetus. The route may not be direct either – transmission via multiple cell types may be necessary. A study supports the possibility that placental immune cells called Hofbauer cells, which have direct access to fetal blood vessels, are one cell type involved.

“One group has recently discovered viral antigen in Hofbauer cells collected from placental tissue of a fetus that unfort...

Neuroprotective Activity of NR in DPN Can be Monitored by Corneal Confocal Microscopy.

A naturally occurring vitamin, nicotinamide riboside (NR), can lower BSL, reduce fatty liver, and prevent peripheral nerve damage in mouse models of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a new study. The findings provide a scientific rationale for conducting human trials to test the effects of NR on metabolic disorders including prediabetes and T2D, as well as obesity, fatty liver disease, and neuropathies.

NR is a vitamin precursor of NAD+, an important cellular metabolite that is required for cells to convert fuel into energy, but which declines with age. NR is currently attracting a great deal of attention for its potential role in improving metabolic health and healthy aging...

The drug tablet designed by the NUS team consists of 3 distinct components: a casing, a non-drug-containing polymer, and a polymer containing the drug in a specially designed shape (shown in photo) that determines the rate of release of the drug. The shape of the drug-containing polymer can be adjusted to allow drug release at any desired rate. Credit: Image courtesy of National University of Singapore

NUS researchers have found a way to make personalized medicine cheaper and easier...