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ACS Applied Bio Materials

American Chemical Society (ACS)

Preprints posted in the last 30 days, ranked by how well they match ACS Applied Bio Materials's content profile, based on 21 papers previously published here. The average preprint has a 0.02% match score for this journal, so anything above that is already an above-average fit.

1
Extending the limits of 3D printed polymers on paper towards bioanalytical sensing

Ngaju, P.; Pandey, R.; Kim, K.

2026-03-31 molecular biology 10.64898/2026.03.27.714910 medRxiv
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Polymeric 3D printing of microfluidic devices for biosensing is an appealing fabrication alternative for rapid manufacturing of biosensing devices with complex geometry in a streamlined, repeatable and cost-effective manner without the need for expensive instrumentation such as those employed in photochemical etching and soft lithography. Hybrid 3D printed paper-based microfluidics is an emerging area which harnesses the unique properties of both, merging the construction of microfluidic structures and the inherent capillary-driven flow within paper substrates. In this work, we have fabricated hydrophobic barriers by 3D printing a single layer of machinable wax, thermoplastic polyurethane, polylactic acid and polypropylene directly on chromatography paper to create open microchannels and determine the most suitable material. Characterization of each open microchannel using the four materials revealed polypropylene as the most reliable material with high hydrophobic barrier integrity and resolution. Polypropylene achieved functional microchannels with a resolution of 621 {+/-} 33{micro}m, hydrophobic barrier integrity of (93.75 {+/-} 9.16%), wicking speed of 0.38mm/s and optimal hydrophilicity of channels (51.4 {+/-} 8.36 {degrees}) with minimal embedding during thermal curing. To demonstrate proof of principle, a fluorescence assay demonstrating the formation of a dimeric g-quadruplex structure from a g-rich sequence which significantly enhances fluorescence of thioflavin T was implemented.

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3D Droplet-Based Bioprinting of Customized In Vitro Head and Neck Cancer Tumor Microenvironment Models

Messuri, V.; Ha, A.; Cruz, L. A.; Harrington, D.

2026-03-31 bioengineering 10.64898/2026.03.27.714925 medRxiv
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In vitro models are increasingly critical for interrogating cancer biology and therapeutic response, however, accurately recapitulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains a persistent challenge, particularly in head and neck cancers (HNC) characterized by complex cell-matrix interactions and heterogeneity. Current models often lack independent tunability of biochemical and biophysical cues, limiting systematic investigation of microenvironmental cues in a high-throughput format. Here, we establish a 3D droplet-based bioprinting platform for the fabrication of customizable in vitro TME models using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels. Human HNC cell lines (FaDu and 2A3) with differing HPV statuses were bioprinted into PEG matrices spanning physiologically relevant stiffnesses (0.7-4.8 kPa) and compositions, including non-functionalized PEG and peptide-functionalized PEG (PEGfnc: RGD, YIGSR, CNYYSNS) and cultured for 7 days. Cluster growth, cell viability, and cluster morphology were assessed across multiple time points, matrix compositions, and matrix stiffnesses. Proliferation and endpoint phenotype expression were visualized using confocal microscopy through immunofluorescence. Results indicated enhanced cell viability in PEGfnc matrices, compared to non-functionalized matrices, while effect of matrix stiffness was less prominent. Median cluster size reached 40-50 m by day 7, and linear mixed-effects modeling identified how changes in cluster surface area, volume, and tumoroid complexity varied with cell type, matrix, and stiffness. By decoupling and systematically varying key TME parameters, this approach provides a robust and scalable framework for dissecting tumor-matrix interactions and advancing physiologically relevant in vitro models for cancer research and therapeutic screening.

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Coacervate droplet sequestration of heterogenous nanoplastics with elastin-like polypeptides

Ling, N. R.; Kotecha, A.; Obermeyer, A. C.

2026-03-24 bioengineering 10.64898/2026.03.21.713410 medRxiv
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Nanoplastics generated from plastic waste in our ecosystems are becoming increasingly prevalent as bulk plastics exposed to natural factors like water and sunlight fragment to the nanoscale over time. These incidental nanoplastics span a wide range of physicochemical properties, which makes studying nanoplastic interactions in biological systems difficult. Here, we characterized the behavior of incidental nanoplastics generated through mechanical abrasion within coacervate droplets to probe the surface properties of the nanoplastics. We used elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) to create hydrophobic or charged coacervate microenvironments. Using optical microscopy and fluorescence quantification, we observed that nanoplastics made from polyethylene terephthalate (nPET), nylon 6 (nPA), and polystyrene (nPS) exhibited distinct partitioning behavior with more favorable interactions with hydrophobic droplets. This indicated that the hydrophobic polymer backbone was the predominate surface feature despite exposed functional groups of the incidental nanoplastics, in contrast to findings with model carboxylated latex nanospheres (nPS-COOH). Furthermore, the selective partitioning of incidental nanoplastics into the hydrophobic droplets was able to capture over 80% of nPET in solution, and after recovery of the protein droplet, was able to cumulatively capture over 75% of the nPET feedstock across multiple cycles. This work explores the nuanced surface characteristics of incidental nanoplastics, expands the application of coacervates as chemical probes, and demonstrates a biopolymer approach for effective nanoplastic removal.

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Cell-nanoplastics association impacts cell proliferationand motility

Ni, Q.; Ma, J.; Fu, J.; Thompson, L.; Ge, Z.; Sharif, D.; Zhu, Y.; Mao, H.-Q.; Phillip, J. M.; Sun, S.

2026-04-07 cell biology 10.64898/2026.04.03.716369 medRxiv
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Detection of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in human tissues has raised growing concern about their biological effects on tissue and cell function. While previous studies have examined MNP-cell interaction, most focused on limited cell and plastic types. Here, we present a comprehensive, quantitative investigation into how different types of nanoplastics (NPs) associate with and affect diverse cell types under physiologically relevant conditions. Using microfluidic-calibrated fluorescence microscopy, we quantify NP accumulation in cells in vitro and match cellular NP concentrations to levels reported in human tissues. While cell-associated NPs could be gradually released in vitro, they persist in vivo for over one month without detectable reduction in a mouse model. We discover that NP exposure at these levels broadly impairs cell proliferation across epithelial, endothelial, fibroblast, and immune cells, with cell type-dependent sensitivity. NP exposure also reduces motility in T cells and fibroblasts, with more complex effects observed in macrophages. Mechanistically, NP-cell association and trans-epithelial transport involved not only classical endocytic regulators but also pathways related to ion and water transport. Notably, NP association and release were highly sensitive to the extracellular fluid environment within the physiological range. By testing inhibitors of these pathways, we identified molecules that reduce NP-cell association and promote release. We further compared common NPs found in human samples and widely used in research: polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP). Although these NPs similarly impaired proliferation and motility, they showed markedly different cellular association and release dynamics. These findings reveal the impact of NPs on tissue cell functions and uncover novel regulatory pathways, establishing a quantitative framework for studying NP-cell interactions in biologically relevant conditions.

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An expedient, biology-laboratory-compatible method for preparing functional perfluoropolyether fluorosurfactants for droplet microfluidics

Akins, C.; Johnson, J. L.; Babnigg, G.

2026-03-29 synthetic biology 10.64898/2026.03.28.714914 medRxiv
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Biocompatible fluorosurfactants are essential for many droplet microfluidic workflows but are often obtained from commercial sources because published syntheses of perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based surfactants typically require acid chloride intermediates and chemistry-oriented purification methods. These requirements can limit access for biology and clinical laboratories seeking low-cost or customizable surfactant systems. Here we describe a practical method for preparing functional PFPE-based fluorosurfactant materials by direct carbodiimide coupling of functionalized PFPE carboxylic acids(Krytox 157 FSH) to amine-containing head groups under laboratory-accessible conditions. Using this approach, we prepared a PFPE-polyethylene-glycol (PFPE-PEG) material from Jeffamine ED900 and a PFPE-Tris material from Tris base. Because these products were not fully structurally characterized, we present them as functional reaction products and evaluate them by use in biomicrofluidic workflows rather than by definitive compositional assignment. PFPE-Tris was useful for generating relatively uniform small droplets, whereas the PFPE-PEG preparation supported a broader range of biological applications. These materials were used in genomic library screening for {beta}-glucosidase activity, thermocycling-associated droplet workflows, and protein crystallization experiments. In addition, the PFPE-PEG preparation improved emulsion behavior in many protein crystallization screens that were unstable with a commercial droplet oil used in our laboratory. This method reduces the practical barrier to in-house fluorosurfactant preparation and allows biology-focused laboratories to explore head-group chemistry, oil composition, and operating conditions without complete reliance on commercial reagents. The results support this workflow as a useful entry point for biomicrofluidics laboratories, while also highlighting the need for careful interpretation of thermocycled droplet assays and for future analytical characterization of the resulting materials. Significance statementDroplet microfluidics relies on fluorosurfactants that are often costly and difficult to synthesize outside of chemistry-focused settings. We describe a simple, biology-laboratory-compatible approach for generating functional perfluoropolyether-based fluorosurfactant materials using direct carbodiimide coupling and straightforward cleanup. The resulting materials supported multiple biomicrofluidic workflows in our laboratory, including enzymatic screening and protein crystallization, and provide a practical route for groups seeking lower-cost and more customizable surfactant systems.

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Label-free toehold mediated strand displacement on 3D printed hybrid paper-polymer platform for protein sensing

Ngaju, P.; Kakadiya, D.; Abdollahi, S.; Kim, K.; Pandey, R.

2026-03-28 molecular biology 10.64898/2026.03.27.714923 medRxiv
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A programmable 4-input cascade DNA logic gate utilizing toehold mediated strand displacement (TMSD) was implemented on a 3D printed hybrid paper-polymer vertical flow device (3D HPVF) for on/off sensitive and specific fluorescence detection of platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF BB). Polypropylene was 3D printed directly on paper and thermally cured to create micro paper analytical devices ({micro}PADs). The 3D HPVF comprised of three layers of {micro}PADs enclosed in a casing that clamped each {micro}PAD securely to ensure seamless and efficient wicking between layers. In the presence of PDGF BB, a partially complementary strand to a PDGF B aptamer (PDGF B Apt), cApt, was liberated from a PDGF B Apt/cApt duplex in solution. The solution was then deposited on the 3D HPVF with a dimeric g-quadruplex hairpin. The 4-nucleotide toehold region on the cApt started the hybridization reaction with the dimeric g-quadruplex hairpin (dGH) opening it up allowing formation of a dimeric g-quadruplex structure that binds with thioflavin T (ThT) with enhanced fluorescence intensity at room temperature. The 3D HPVF exhibits a pico molar range of detection from 10pM to 100pM with a 10pM limit of detection (LOD) for PDGF BB concentrations relevant for pregnant women predisposed to early-onset preeclampsia with clear differentiation when compared to similarly competing analytes PDGF AA and AB.

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Real-time, automated, standardized, and transparent analysis of microfluidic nanoparticle data with RPSPASS

Pleet, M. L.; Cook, S. M.; Killingsworth, B.; Traynor, T.; Johnson, D.-A.; Stack, E. H.; Ford, V. J.; Pinheiro, C.; Arce, J.; Savage, J.; Roth, M.; Milosavljevic, A.; Ghiran, I.; Hendrix, A.; Jacobson, S.; Welsh, J. A.; Jones, J. C.

2026-04-01 bioengineering 10.64898/2026.03.30.715405 medRxiv
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Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid spheres released from cells. Research utilizing EVs has met several hurdles owing to the small size of the majority of EVs and other nanoparticles (<150 nm) and the lack of detection technologies capable of providing high-throughput single particle measurements at this scale. The use of high-throughput single particle measurements is critical for the assessment of EV heterogeneity and abundance which are features often used to assess the development of isolation protocols or particle characterization. The Coulter principle, known in the field as resistive pulse sensing (RPS), has been used for several decades to size and count cells. More recently, this technology has evolved to accommodate nanoparticle analysis. In the last decade a platform utilizing microfluidic resistive pulse sensing (MRPS) has been demonstrated for nanoparticles, offering ergonomic characterization of nanoparticles along with utilizing open format data. To date, assessment of MRPS accuracy and reporting standards have not been assessed. With the aim of increasing data accuracy, ergonomics, and reporting transparency, we developed a microfluidic resistive pulse sensing post-acquisition analysis software (RPSPASS) application for automated cohort calibration, population gating, statistical output, QC plot generation, alternative data file outputs, and standardized reporting templates.

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LUCID-EV: a robust and quantitative bioluminescent assay for the detection of EV cytosolic delivery in the absence of VSV-G expression

Merle, L.; Martin-Jaular, L.; Thery, C.; Joliot, A.

2026-03-26 cell biology 10.64898/2026.03.24.713260 medRxiv
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Extracellular vesicles are key intercellular messengers that modulate the function of target cells by carrying effectors, either at their surface or in their lumen. In the latter case, their action depends on the ability to deliver their content into the cytosol of target cells. How efficiently EVs deliver their content upon interaction with their target cell is thus a central question for understanding the functional impact of this mode of action. To address this question, signal-driven bimolecular interactions between two partners located respectively in the EV lumen and the target cell cytosol have become a widely used strategy to detect the cytosolic delivery EV content. However, the detection of cytosolic delivery with these assays was often tributary to the artificial enhancement of the fusion between EV and cell membranes, through for instance VSV-G fusogenic protein expression. Here we provide a robust and quantitative LUCiferase-based complementation assay (HiBiT/LgBiT), to quantify the Internalization and cytosolic Delivery of EV content: LUCID-EV. By optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio of the assay, the method for loading HiBiT fragment into EVs (fusion to a lipid-binding domain rather than to tetraspanins), and the intracellular position of LgBiT (associated to membranes), we could quantify cytosolic delivery from various non-VSV-G-expressing EVs into target immune dendritic cells. Importantly, this delivery did not involve the acidic late endosomes environment required for VSV-G-dependent EV cytosolic delivery. The limited efficacy of the process highlights the need for highly sensitive assays like the one described here. Further development of the LUCID-EV assay could help identifying EV/target cells pairs with enhanced cytosolic delivery properties and characterize the cellular route for delivery.

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A novel 3D-printed hydrogel platform for controlled delivery of BMP-9 coated calcium sulfate microparticles with co-delivery of preosteoblasts from a cell encapsulated coating layer

Unagolla, J. M.; Jayasuriya, A. C.

2026-03-20 bioengineering 10.64898/2026.03.18.712695 medRxiv
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Controlled delivery of growth factors and viable cells remains a significant challenge in bone tissue engineering. In this study, a 3D-printed hydrogel scaffold system was developed for the co-delivery of bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP-9) and preosteoblasts to enhance bone regeneration. The system consisted of a 3D-printed base scaffold containing BMP-9-coated calcium sulfate (CaS) microparticles and a photocurable hydrogel coating layer encapsulating viable cells. The scaffold design exploited electrostatic interactions between BMP-9 and gelatin matrices by incorporating gelatin type B in the base scaffold and gelatin type A in the coating layer. Differences in the isoelectric points of these gelatin types were utilized to regulate protein binding and release. Release studies demonstrated that CaS microparticles alone exhibited rapid burst release, with nearly 80% of BMP-9 released within 24 h. Encapsulation of BMP-9 coated CaS particles in the 3D-printed scaffolds reduced the release rate, while the addition of the coating layer significantly improved sustained release, limiting BMP-9 release to approximately 50-60% by day 5. Bioactivity studies showed enhanced cell attachment in BMP-9 containing scaffolds compared with controls. Live/Dead cytotoxicity assays demonstrated high cell viability (>80%) within the coating layer over the culture period, confirming that the encapsulation and photocuring processes did not adversely affect cell survival. Cell proliferation and differentiation were further evaluated using WST-1 and alkaline phosphatase assays. The results demonstrate that electrostatic interactions governed by gelatin type selection can regulate BMP-9 release while maintaining high cell viability, providing a promising platform for growth factors and cell delivery in bone tissue engineering.

10
End-to-end bimodal anti-counterfeiting by informational DNA nanoparticles

He, T.; Zhuo, B.; Zhao, X.; Hou, F.; Zhao, Z.; Gong, Y.; Cao, J.; Liu, L.; Feng, K.; Tang, J.; Li, S.; Xie, Z.; Li, A.; Wang, H.; Zhao, Q.; Yang, Z.; Luo, Z.; Luo, Z.

2026-04-07 synthetic biology 10.64898/2026.04.06.716834 medRxiv
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The superior stealth properties and high information density make DNA a sought-after candidate in the field of molecular steganography. Here, we developed the InfinMark end-to-end DNA steganography framework for anti-counterfeiting applications by combining the characteristics of both the Internet of Things (IoT) and DNA-of-Things (DoT). InfinMark includes five modules: Information Transcoding, Fingerprint Writing, Nano-encapsulation, Invisible Marking, and Multi-level Rapid Authentication. It ensures precise anti-counterfeiting information reading and writing through a dynamic DNA-compatible transcoding algorithm, achieves seamless embedding by developing scalable nanoparticle manufacture methods, and supports cross-scenario on-site verification, ultimately granting it comprehensive anti-counterfeiting capabilities spanning from source labeling to terminal tracing. By addressing the bottlenecks in IoT and DoT integration, lifecycle tracking, as well on-site product authentication, this research constructs a full-chain bimodal anti-counterfeiting system, thereby showcasing the practical application of informational DNA nanoparticles in various aspects of production and daily life.

11
Reducing the Foreign Body Reaction to Neuronal Implants in the Central Nervous System with Porous Precision-templated, Mechanically Compliant Hydrogel Scaffolds

Dryg, I.; Zhen, L.; Darrow, R.; Lawton, S.; Crawford, L.; Robinson, R.; Perlmutter, S.; Bryers, J. D.; Ratner, B.

2026-03-26 bioengineering 10.64898/2026.03.24.713981 medRxiv
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Central nervous system (CNS) disease or injury might be treated by implanted devices, tissue regenerative scaffolds, or drug delivery platforms. However, inflammatory CNS responses limit these interventions and may worsen outcomes following damage to the CNS. Via the foreign body reaction (FBR), macrophages and glial cells trigger a "glial scar" around implants, reducing device performance, scaffold regenerative ability, or drug delivery potential. Previous studies have shown that stiffness of CNS implants significantly affects glial encapsulation, but few studies have investigated materials that truly match brain tissue stiffness. Porous precision-templated scaffolds (PTS) with uniform, interconnected, 40 {micro}m pores have shown favorable healing outcomes and a reduced FBR in numerous soft and hard tissue applications. To quantify the effects of both hydrogel compliance (stiffness) and pore size on glial encapsulation, we implanted poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-glycerol methacrylate) (pHEMA/GMA) PTS of varying stiffness and pore size for 4 weeks in rat brain. We observed reduced astrocyte encapsulation around PTS compared to solid hydrogel rods, reduced pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization for softer hydrogels versus stiffer hydrogels, and the presence of neuronal markers and neurogenesis within the pores. Utilizing soft, precision-porous hydrogels could provide a strategy for mitigating glial scarring and improving implant-based CNS treatments.

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Nanoparticle encapsulation enhances spatial distribution of Panobinostat to treat metastatic medulloblastoma via the intrathecal route

Babayemi, O.; Larson, J. D.; Chaudhuri, S.; Valesquez, F.; Morton, J.; Kuo, C.-F.; Sablatura, L. K.; Baquer, G.; Reagan, M. S.; Stopka, S.; Sandberg, D. I.; Agar, N. R.; Sevick-Muraca, E.; Wechsler-Reya, R. J.; Sirianni, R. W.

2026-04-02 bioengineering 10.64898/2026.03.31.715392 medRxiv
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Medulloblastoma (MB) is an aggressive central nervous system (CNS) malignancy that primarily affects children and frequently exhibits metastasis to the leptomeninges of the brain and spinal cord. We developed a {beta}-Cyclodextrin-poly({beta}-Amino Ester) nanoparticle system to deliver the histone deactylase inhibitor (HDACi) Panobinostat to MB by the intrathecal route. Various imaging methods were utilized to study nanoparticle and payload fate following infusion into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of mice via cisterna magna or lumbar access points. Nanoparticles dramatically improved penetration of hydrophobic small molecules into distal regions of the spinal cord. Panobinostat-loaded nanoparticles were effective at treating patient-derived MB, activating pharmacodynamic targets, slowing growth of the primary tumor, decreasing incidence of metastasis at the time of death, and ultimately prolonging survival. These studies provide insight into the mechanisms mediating transport of colloids and therapeutic molecules in the subarachnoid space and highlight new approaches for treating metastatic disease in the CNS.

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Complementary multiphoton tools to create 3D architectures in soft hydrogels for epithelial tissue engineering.

Moser, S.; Hasenauer, A.; Shen, X.; Ramakrishna, S. N.; Isa, L.; Style, R.; Zenobi-Wong, M.

2026-04-02 bioengineering 10.64898/2026.03.31.715498 medRxiv
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Curvature provides essential mechanical cues for epithelial cells, playing a key role in cell differentiation and morphology. Repeatable manufacture of precisely controlled curvature in soft hydrogel materials is therefore essential to study epithelial mechanobiology and function. Multiphoton (MP) based biofabrication holds promise due to its high resolution and three-dimensional design flexibility. Here, we leverage MPs advantages while increasing print speed to develop two complementary tools based on replica molding and multiphoton ablation. These can provide scalable hydrogel curvatures with tunable surface properties relevant for epithelial tissue engineering. In replica molding, MP prints are transferred into PDMS used to pattern centimeter scale arrays in hydrogels. In multiphoton ablation, hydrogels are locally degraded to generate precisely controlled curvatures and surface topography. With both methods, we repeatably guide epithelial cells into alveolar and duct-like shapes. Concave alveolar-like surfaces are shown to enhance the formation of thicker epithelial layers. We observe that surface properties, controlled by both tools, could enhance cytoskeletal organization. Using these biofabrication techniques, individual effects of curvature, surface properties, hydrogel composition, and bulk stiffness on epithelial cells can be studied. Both approaches offer high curvature control and throughput, providing a viable alternative to traditional 3D culture and other printing methods.

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In-Situ ssDNA Isolation from dsDNA Sources as a Streamlined Pathway to DNA Origami Assembly and Testing

Ruiz, E. O.; Neyra, K.; Lopez, D.; Chen, R.-W.; Paramasamy, D.; Bizjak, Q.; Halley, P. D.; Wei, Y.; Sotomayor, M.; Poirier, M. G.; Mathur, D.; Castro, C. E.; Pfeifer, W. G.

2026-03-23 bioengineering 10.64898/2026.03.19.709872 medRxiv
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Scaffolded DNA origami has become a valuable nanoscale tool for applications in biomedical and physical sciences. Critical to leveraging the modular and programmable properties of DNA origami nanodevices is access to the scaffold strand, a long single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) of precise length and sequence, which is folded into a compact shape via piecewise base-pairing with many staple strands, short ssDNA oligonucleotides. Current methods to produce and manipulate long ssDNA scaffolds can be costly, time-consuming, and cumbersome. In contrast, methods to produce and manipulate the sequence of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) are efficient and scalable. Here, we present a method for the rapid isolation of target ssDNA sequences from a variety of dsDNA sources using oligonucleotides as blocking strands that bind continuously to the undesired strand, thereby releasing the target scaffold strand. We report successful ssDNA isolation from linear and supercoiled dsDNAs of various sequences and lengths, ranging from 769 to 15,101 nucleotides. In addition to isolating ssDNA, we demonstrated this approach enables folding of DNA origami directly from dsDNA templates using both blocking and staple strands in a single-pot thermally controlled reaction. Furthermore, we explore multi-scaffold and gene-encoding DNA origami structures, expanding the framework for application-based designs. Graphical Abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=82 SRC="FIGDIR/small/709872v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (30K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1cc75dcorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@4df8e2org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@10ed113org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1c05bdd_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

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Nanoparticle-in-Microparticle Oral Delivery System Based on Drug-Loaded Polymeric Micelles

Moshe Halamish, H.; Sverdlov Arzi, R.; SOSNIK, A.

2026-03-19 pharmacology and toxicology 10.64898/2026.03.17.712272 medRxiv
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This work develops and characterises a hierachichal oral drug delivery system based on the microencpasulation of drug-loaded amphiphilic nanogels within a mucoadhesive alginate/chitosan shell. Results show a more controlled release and a statistically significant oral half-life with respect to the free drug.

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Detection of attomolar concentration of heart-type fatty acid binding protein using ion current rectification sensing with conical SiO2 nanopores

Afrin, N.; Dutt, S.; Toimil-Molares, M. E.; Kluth, P.

2026-04-09 biochemistry 10.64898/2026.04.07.717075 medRxiv
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Rapid and highly selective sensing of ultra-low concentration protein biomarkers remains a critical challenge important for early disease diagnosis and monitoring. Here, we use conical SiO2 nanopore-based biosensing for the rapid detection of heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP). Antibodies were covalently immobilized on the nanopore surface through siloxane chemistry. The functionalized asymmetric nanopores generate a characteristic rectifying current-voltage response, which shows a distinct shift upon binding to the target protein due to partial neutralization of the negatively charged pore surface. The sensor exhibits excellent sensitivity in the attomolar to nanomolar concentration range with a detection limit (LOD) of [~]0.4 aM. Furthermore, the platform exhibits high selectivity, distinguishing H-FABP from non-target proteins (HSA and Hb) at concentrations six orders of magnitude higher. We also demonstrate that nanopores can be regenerated using sodium hypochloride and O2 plasma treatment, enabling repeated functionalization and reuse.

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Osmotic pressure gradients in E. coli biofilms revealed by in-situ sensors

Zhang, W.; Schneck, E.; Bertinetti, L.; Bidan, C. M.; Fratzl, P.

2026-04-06 biophysics 10.64898/2026.04.02.716217 medRxiv
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Osmotic pressure has been known to play essential roles in living systems from single cells to complex tissues. However, direct in-situ measurements of osmotic pressures in biosystems have remained challenging, especially in complicated heterogeneous systems in which osmotic pressure gradients could exist and induce directed forces. Bacterial biofilms -- organized communities of bacteria encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix -- are a major mode of bacterial life. It has, however, remained unexplored how the osmotic pressure is distributed in the biofilm and how this distribution contributes to biofilm growth and activity. Here, liposomal nano-sensors are developed for the in-situ mapping of osmotic pressures at an unprecedented microscale resolution in real time using Escherichia coli. biofilm as a model system that develops at the surface of a hydrogel containing the nutrients. The measurements reveal osmotic pressure gradients with a radially increasing trend from the inner regions to the outer regions of the biofilm, which is associated with biofilm formation, morphology, and metabolism. The gradients likely contribute to mechanical properties, internal stresses, and nutrient transport. The sensor readouts also show that there is an osmotic pressure difference between the biofilm and the adjacent medium, which may promote biofilm expansion through matrix swelling and bacteria growth via water and nutrient uptake from the surroundings. Our novel approach based on in-situ osmotic pressure mapping in a growing biofilm reveals a sophisticated spatial regulation of physical forces, which may inspire new models and approaches in the field of mechanobiology.

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Size Scaling of the Electrochemical Performance of Ti3C2Tx MXene Microelectrode Arrays for Electrophysiological Recording and Stimulation

Averbeck, S. R.; Garg, R.; Dong, R.; Hurwitz, D.; Apollo, N. V.; Beauchamp, M. S.; Vitale, F.

2026-03-23 bioengineering 10.64898/2026.03.19.712102 medRxiv
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Miniaturized neural interfaces for research, diagnostics, and neuromodulation therapies require electrode materials that maintain low impedance and high charge injection capacity as device dimensions shrink to ensure high-quality recordings and safe stimulation. Conventional interfaces rely on metals like platinum (Pt), which are limited by intrinsically high impedance and low charge transfer capacity, reducing their performance in sub-100 {micro}m applications. Ti3C2Tx MXene has emerged as a promising alternative for high-density recording and stimulation interfaces, though the fundamental charge transfer mechanisms governing its performance remain poorly understood. This study evaluates Ti3C2Tx MXene microelectrodes across a range of diameters (25 - 500 {micro}m) and systematically elucidates the mechanisms governing their recording and stimulation capabilities. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and voltage transient measurements - supported by equivalent-circuit modeling - revealed enhanced recording and stimulation capabilities of the MXene microelectrodes over size-matched Pt microelectrodes, attributed to reduced charge-transfer resistance and increased double-layer capacitance. Finally, varying the volume and concentration of the spray-coated Ti3C2Tx films showed that increased MXene concentration and volume enhanced performance by creating thicker, rougher interfaces. Together, these results establish Ti3C2Tx MXene as a promising electrode material with exceptional performance at the microscale.

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Precision DNA Impurity Reduction Approaches for Ultra-Pure rAAV Manufacturing

Han, J.; Chen, H.; Tan, X.; Dai, Z.; Bu, Y.; Li, H.

2026-04-07 molecular biology 10.64898/2026.04.07.716878 medRxiv
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Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are a leading platform for gene delivery in basic and clinical research, yet large-scale manufacturing remains constrained by residual nucleic-acid impurities that compromise safety. In this study, we profiled the DNA species packaged within rAAV capsids and identified plasmid backbone sequences and host cell genomic DNA (hcDNA) as predominant contaminants. To mitigate this critical quality attribute, we implemented upstream strategies designed to fragment or excise backbone DNA, including TelN/TelROL excision, I-SceI meganuclease digestion, CRISPR/Cas9 cleavage, and Cre/LoxP recombination. Quantitatively, TelN/TelROL and I-SceI reduced encapsidated plasmid backbone DNA to approximately 20-30% and 20-40% of baseline levels, respectively, while CRISPR/Cas9 lowered it to about 10-20%. Notably, the Cre/LoxP system eliminated detectable plasmid backbone DNA without compromising vector-genome titers, indicating preserved genomic integrity. Additionlly, supplementating cell culture with a caspase inhibitor significantly reduced hcDNA contamination in rAAV particles to 1-5% of the baseline level. Collectively, these interventions provide practical bioprocess frameworks that markedly enhance rAAV purity via targeted DNA minimization and prevention of hcDNA fragmentation, thereby strengthening the safety profile of rAAV therapeutics in alignment with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) expectations.

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Structure-Activity Mapping of Intraperitoneal mRNA-LNPs: Decoupling Tumor and Liver Biodistribution in Pancreatic Cancer

Islam, F.; Das, A.; Ashaduzzaman, M.; Ding, L.; Kumari, N.; Dai, R.; Oupicky, D.

2026-03-21 bioengineering 10.64898/2026.03.20.712457 medRxiv
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Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains difficult to treat with nucleic acid therapeutics because efficient intratumoral delivery is limited and off-target liver accumulation is common. Here, we developed a structure-activity map for intraperitoneally administered mRNA lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) to identify formulation features that improve delivery to pancreatic tumors while reducing liver expression. A full-factorial library of 48 mRNA-LNP formulations was generated by varying ionizable lipid, sterol, phospholipid, and PEG-lipid components. Formulations were characterized for size, polydispersity, zeta potential, and encapsulation, then evaluated in an orthotopic KPC8060 pancreatic tumor model after intraperitoneal administration of firefly luciferase mRNA-loaded LNPs. Biodistribution was assessed by Rhodamine B fluorescence and functional delivery by luciferase expression 12 h after dosing. Lipid composition strongly influenced both physicochemical properties and in vivo performance. G0-C14-based formulations produced the smallest and most homogeneous particles, whereas FTT5-containing formulations were generally larger. Across the 48-formulation library, mRNA expression and nanoparticle biodistribution varied significantly among tumor, pancreas, liver, and spleen. Statistical, decision-tree, and predictive modeling analyses identified composition rules associated with organ-selective delivery. High tumor expression was associated primarily with G0-C14 combined with DSPC and {beta}-sitosterol, whereas liver expression was favored by C12-200 or DLin-MC3-DMA with DOPE and DSPE-PEG. Notably, a G0-C14/DSPC/DSPE-PEG formulation emerged as a lead candidate, producing a greater than 6-fold increase in tumor luciferase signal relative to the library median while reducing liver exposure by approximately 60%. Histopathology showed no treatment-related liver or lung toxicity. These findings define actionable formulation rules for tuning intraperitoneal mRNA-LNP delivery in PDAC and support further development of tumor-selective mRNA therapeutics for pancreatic cancer.