13 research outputs found
Mannose receptor targeted bioadhesive chitosan nanoparticles of clofazimine for effective therapy of tuberculosis
Respiratory Physiology on a Chip
Our current understanding of respiratory physiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of lung diseases is often limited by challenges in developing in vitro models faithful to the respiratory environment, both in cellular structure and physiological function. The recent establishment and adaptation of microfluidic-based in vitro devices (μFIVDs) of lung airways have enabled a wide range of developments in modern respiratory physiology. In this paper, we address recent efforts over the past decade aimed at advancing in vitro models of lung structure and airways using microfluidic technology and discuss their applications. We specifically focus on μFIVDs covering four major areas of respiratory physiology, namely, artificial lungs (AL), the air-liquid interface (ALI), liquid plugs and cellular injury, and the alveolar-capillary barrier (ACB)
A new perspective on in vitro assessment method for evaluating quantum dot toxicity by using microfluidics technology
In this study, we demonstrate a new perspective on in vitro assessment method for evaluating quantum dot (QD) toxicity by using microfluidics technology. A new biomimetic approach, based on the flow exposure condition, was applied in order to characterize the cytotoxic potential of QD. In addition, the outcomes obtained from the flow exposure condition were compared to those of the static exposure condition. An in vitro cell array system was established that used an integrated multicompartmented microfluidic device to develop a sensitive flow exposure condition. QDs modified with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide∕trioctylphosphine oxide were used for the cytotoxicity assessment. The results suggested noticeable differences in the number of detached and deformed cells and the viability percentages between two different exposure conditions. The intracellular production of reactive oxygen species and release of cadmium were found to be the possible causes of QD-induced cytotoxicity, irrespective of the types of exposure condition. In contrast to the static exposure, the flow exposure apparently avoided the gravitational settling of particles and probably assisted in the homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles in the culture medium during exposure time. Moreover, the flow exposure condition resembled in vivo physiological conditions very closely, and thus, the flow exposure condition can offer potential advantages for nanotoxicity research
Fabrication of MSM-Based Biosensing Device for Assessing Dynamic Behavior of Adherent Mammalian Cells
Microfluidic shear stress-regulated surfactant secretion in alveolar epithelial type II cells in vitro
GPIIb/IIIa Receptor Targeted Rutin Loaded Liposomes for Site-Specific Antithrombotic Effect
Rutin (RUT) is a flavonoid obtained
from a natural source and is
reported for antithrombotic potential, but its delivery remains challenging
because of its poor solubility and bioavailability. In this research,
we have fabricated novel rutin loaded liposomes (RUT-LIPO, nontargeted),
liposomes conjugated with RGD peptide (RGD-RUT-LIPO, targeted), and
abciximab (ABX-RUT-LIPO, targeted) by ethanol injection method. The
particle size, ζ potential, and morphology of prepared liposomes
were analyzed by using DLS, SEM, and TEM techniques. The conjugation
of targeting moiety on the surface of targeted liposomes was confirmed
by XPS analysis and Bradford assay. In vitro assessment
such as blood clot assay, aPTT assay, PT assay, and platelet aggregation
analysis was performed using human blood which showed the superior
antithrombotic potential of ABX-RUT-LIPO and RGD-RUT-LIPO liposomes.
The clot targeting efficiency was evaluated by in vitro imaging and confocal laser scanning microscopy. A significant (P < 0.05) rise in the affinity of targeted liposomes
toward activated platelets was demonstrated that revealed their remarkable
potential in inhibiting thrombus formation. Furthermore, an in vivo study executed on Sprague Dawley rats (FeCl3 model) demonstrated improved antithrombotic activity of RGD-RUT-LIPO
and ABX-RUT-LIPO compared with pure drug. The pharmacokinetic study
performed on rats demonstrates the increase in bioavailability when
administered as liposomal formulation as compared to RUT. Moreover,
the tail bleeding assay and clotting time study (Swiss Albino mice)
indicated a better antithrombotic efficacy of targeted liposomes than
control preparations. Additionally, biocompatibility of liposomal
formulations was determined by an in vitro hemolysis
study and cytotoxicity assay, which showed that they were hemocompatible
and safe for human use. A histopathology study on rats suggested no
severe toxicity of prepared liposomal formulations. Thus, RUT encapsulated
nontargeted and targeted liposomes exhibited superior antithrombotic
potential over RUT and could be used as a promising carrier for future
use
Tailored Chemical Properties of 4‑Arm Star Shaped Poly(d,l‑lactide) as Cell Adhesive Three-Dimensional Scaffolds
Biodegradable
poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is widely used to fabricate
3D scaffolds for tissue regeneration. However, PLA lacks cell adhering
functional moieties, which limit its successful application in tissue
engineering. Herein, we have tailored the cell adhesive properties
of star shaped poly(d,l-lactide) (ss-PDLLA) by grafting
gelatin to their 4 arms. Grafting of gelatin on PDLLA backbone was
confirmed by <sup>1</sup>H NMR and FTIR. The synthesized star shaped
poly(d,l-lactide)-<i>b</i>-gelatin (ss-pLG)
exhibited enhanced wettability and protein adsorption. The modification
also facilitated better cell adhesion and proliferation on their respective
polymer coated 2D substrates, compared to their respective unmodified
ss-PDLLA. Further, 3D scaffolds were fabricated from gelatin grafted
and unmodified polymers. The fabricated scaffolds were shown to be
cytocompatible to 3T3-L1 cells and hemocompatible to red blood cells
(RBCs). Cell proliferation was increased up to 2.5-fold in ss-pLG
scaffolds compared to ss-PDLLA scaffolds. Furthermore, a significant
increase in cell number reveals a high degree of infiltration of cells
into the scaffolds, forming a viable and healthy 3D interconnected
cell community. In addition to that, burst release of docetaxal (DTX)
was observed from ss-pLG scaffolds. Hence, this new system of grafting
polymers followed by fabricating 3D scaffolds could be utilized as
a successful approach in a variety of applications where cell-containing
depots are used