فهرست مطالب

Micro Nano Bio Aspects
Volume:3 Issue: 4, Autumn 2024

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1403/09/11
  • تعداد عناوین: 6
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  • Ali Bahari Golamkaboudi *, Kosar Babaeian Roshani, Zahra Taheri Pages 1-6
    The objective of tissue engineering is the application of biomaterials in three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds to improve whole organs or damaged tissues. Natural polymers as unique biomaterials on the micro- and nanoscale have shown promising applications in tissue engineering, infected wound healing, and antibiotic delivery. Among these biopolymers, alginate, cellulose, and collagen have obtained significant attention in bone regeneration, cartilage repair, tissue healing, microbial-infected wound healing, and 3D scaffolds for cell therapy in different micro- and nanoformulations involving hydrogels, sponges, microspheres, microcapsules, foams, nanofibers, polymeric nanoparticles. Furthermore, immunogenicity and microbial infections present a potential health risk during tissue engineering and tissue implant. This concise review provides recent progress and clinical limitations of the applications of alginate, cellulose, and collagen in tissue engineering and antimicrobial micro- and nanoformulations.
    Keywords: Bone Regeneration, Cartilage Repair, Hydrogels, Sponges, Microcapsules, Polymeric Nanoparticles, Nanofibers
  • Sheida Shokohyar *, Abbas Mohammadi Pages 7-12
    Effective clinical initiatives are required to develop the therapy of cardiovascular diseases, particularly myocardial infarction as the most common cardiovascular disease. Various investigations have focused on improving methods to regenerate damaged heart tissue. In this way, engineered cardiac patches have been employed as one promising technique promoting myocardium regeneration. Conventional cardiac patches could not provide the ordered structure and electroconductivity property of heart tissue. Biological simulation of the electroconductivity and ordered structure of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) of the human heart is a key factor in fabricating cardiac patches. In this regard, novel approaches should be employed to fabricate electroconductive and structured cardiac patches. Synthetic and natural polymers have displayed promising biocompatibility and bioavailability features appropriate for the production of cardiac patches. The present mini-review has tried to provide recent trends and challenges regarding applying alginate, chitosan, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in novel cardiac patches.
    Keywords: Cardiovascular Diseases, Myocardial Infarction, Electroconductive Patch, Structured Patch
  • Zahra Taheri *, Mohammad Hajimolaai, Matin Vafaei Pages 13-18
    Genipin as an iridoid monoterpenoid and excellent natural cross-linker can be extracted from Genipa Americana. This metabolite with suitable biocompatibility compared to chemical cross-linking agents such as glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde has been employed to cross-link hydrogels and nanocomposites composed of collagen, chitosan, proteins, and gelatin. Furthermore, therapeutic activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities have been reported for this monoterpenoid. Several biomedical limitations involving few available sources, difficulties of extraction, and high cost have been indicated for genipin. In this mini-review, the anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and tissue engineering applications of this herbal metabolite in micro- and nanoformulations have been discussed regarding its limitations.
    Keywords: Iridoid Monoterpenoid, Natural Cross-Linkers, Therapeutic Applications, Nanoformulations
  • Sargol Aminnezhad, Mehran Alavi *, Yousef Azarakhsh Pages 19-28
    Liposome-based vaccines represent a significant advancement in immunotherapy due to their versatile ability to encapsulate and present antigens, adjuvants, and targeting ligands. These lipid vesicles, with their biocompatible and adaptable structure, offer enhanced immunogenicity, prolonged antigen exposure, and reduced reactogenicity. By encapsulating therapeutic agents, liposomes protect antigens from degradation and facilitate controlled release, increasing vaccine stability and efficacy. Surface modifications of liposomes enable antigen display strategies that mimic natural immune responses, effectively engaging immune cells. This display, combined with liposome-mediated delivery of adjuvants, amplifies both humoral and cellular immunity by activating dendritic cells, macrophages, T cells, and B cells. Liposomes also allow multivalent vaccine designs, targeting multiple pathogen epitopes, which is crucial for combating complex infections. Advanced techniques, such as covalent conjugation, metal-chelation, and lipid tail anchoring, enhance antigen presentation and immune cell engagement. The size, surface charge, and lipidic structure of liposomes are critical in determining their interaction with immune cells and impact their role as vaccine adjuvant-delivery systems. This review explores the recent innovations in liposome-based vaccines, focusing on mechanisms of antigen presentation, immune activation, and memory formation. The findings underscore the potential of liposomal platforms to serve as a next-generation vaccine technology capable of providing robust and lasting immune responses.
    Keywords: Liposome-Based Vaccines, Antigen Presentation, Vaccine Adjuvants, Immune Response, Lipid Vesicles, Immunogenicity
  • Mehran Alavi *, Sepehr Kahrizi, Abolfazl Movafagh, Batool Ghorbani Yekta Pages 29-36
    Gene therapy is a medical technique that involves modifying or manipulating a person’s genes to treat or prevent disease. It aims to correct defective genes responsible for disease development or to introduce new or modified genes to help fight illness. Viral gene therapy as delivering nucleic acids to cells to replace, repair, or regulate genes for treating or preventing diseases, specifically cancer diseases has exhibited potential therapeutic properties with related hindrances. This therapeutic strategy has garnered attention for its potential to treat conditions with few or no effective treatments. As one of the main obstacles in the application of viral vectors, producing these vectors on a large scale is not cost-effective. In this review, some of the recent advances and challenges in viral gene therapy, especially by Adenovirus, Adeno-associated virus (AAV), retroviral, lentiviral, and HSV vectors against various cancer diseases have been discussed.
    Keywords: Cancers, Gene Therapy, Viral Gene Therapy, Adeno-Associated Virus
  • Moslem Alikarami, Amineh Sadat Hosseini, Sargol Aminnezhad *, Reza Hasanzadeh, Mohammadhossein Roozbahani Pages 37-54

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping the field of dermatology, particularly in the detection and management of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). With over 2 to 3 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed globally each year, early detection is critical for improving survival rates, especially in melanoma where late-stage diagnosis significantly reduces prognosis. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as visual inspection and biopsy, face challenges like diagnostic variability and delays, making early-stage detection difficult. AI, particularly through techniques like convolutional neural networks (CNNs), is transforming this landscape by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and enabling earlier, more reliable identification of malignant lesions. AI algorithms, trained on vast datasets, can analyze dermoscopic images to detect subtle patterns that human clinicians might miss, improving sensitivity and specificity in skin cancer diagnoses. Additionally, AI-powered mobile applications are expanding access to skin cancer screening, particularly in underserved areas, by allowing patients to upload images for preliminary analysis and timely risk assessments. Beyond diagnosis, AI aids in personalized treatment planning by analyzing genetic, histopathological, and medical data to predict treatment responses, improving outcomes for patients, especially those with melanoma. However, the integration of AI into dermatology is not without challenges. Data privacy concerns, the "black-box" nature of many AI models, and the need for diverse training datasets to ensure equity in care are key issues. Despite these challenges, AI holds transformative potential in revolutionizing skin cancer diagnosis, improving patient outcomes, and optimizing clinical workflows. As AI continues to evolve, its responsible adoption, supported by educational initiatives and regulatory oversight, will be crucial in shaping the future of dermatological care.

    Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Skin Cancer Diagnosis