A dual stimuli-responsive n-octane-in-water Pickering emulsion with CO2/N2 and light triggers is prepared using negatively charged silica nanoparticles in combination with a trace amount of dual switchable surfactant, 4-butyl-4-(4-N,N-dimethylbutoxyamine) azobenzene bicarbonate (AZO-B4), as stabilizers. On one hand, the emulsion can be transformed between stable and unstable at ambient temperature rapidly via the N2/CO2 trigger, and on the other hand, a change in droplet size of the emulsion can occur upon light irradiation/rehomogenization cycles without changing the particle/surfactant concentration. The dual responsiveness thus allows for a precise control of emulsion properties. Compared with emulsions stabilized by specially synthesized stimuli-responsive particles or by stimuli-responsive surfactants, the method reported here is much easier and requires a relatively low concentration of surfactant (≈1/10 cmc), which is important for potential applications.
Atherosclerotic plaque is the primary cause of cardiovascular disorders and remains a therapeutic hurdle for the early intervention of atherosclerosis. Traditional clinical strategies are often limited by surgery‐related complications or unsatisfactory effects of long‐term drug administration. Inspired by the plaque‐binding ability of platelets, a biomimic photodynamic therapeutic system is designed to mitigate the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. This system is composed of photosensitizer‐loaded upconversion nanoparticle cores entrapped in the platelet membrane. The platelet membrane coating facilitates specific targeting of the therapeutic system to macrophage‐derived foam cells, the hallmark, and main component of early stage atherosclerotic plaques, which is firmly confirmed by in vivo fluorescent and single‐photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) radionuclide imaging. Importantly, in vivo phototherapy guided by SPECT/CT imaging alleviates plaque progression. Further immunofluorescence analysis reveals foam cell apoptosis and ameliorated inflammation. This biomimic system, which combines plaque‐binding with radionuclide imaging guidance, is a novel, noninvasive, and potent strategy to mitigate the progression of atherosclerotic plaque.
A telomerase-responsive DNA icosahedron was designed to precisely release caged platinum nanodrugs into cisplatin-resistance tumor cells for effective therapy. This DNA icosahedron was constructed from two pyramidal DNA cages connected with telomerase primers and telomeric repeats, and platinum nanodrugs were then encapsulated into the DNA structure. In the presence of telomerase, the primers are extended, leading to inner-chain substitution of the DNA icosahedron and subsequent release of the caged nanodrugs. This DNA icosahedron can precisely release caged nanodrugs in response to telomerase in tumor cells, giving enhanced anticancer efficacy in drug-resistant carcinoma and with reduced toxicity to normal tissues. We speculate that this precisely designed, well controlled DNA cage could be generalized to diverse anticancer drugs.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) severely threatens human health by causing inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints and resulting in persistent synovitis and irreversible joint disability. In the development of RA, pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, which express high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), induce synovial inflammation and bone erosion. Eliminating ROS and NO in the inflamed joints is a potential RA therapeutic approach, which can drive the transition of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Taking advantage of the intrinsic ROS- and NO-scavenging capability of DNA molecules, herein, we report the development of folic acid-modified triangular DNA origami nanostructures (FA-tDONs) for targeted RA treatment. FA-tDONs could efficiently scavenge ROS and NO and actively target M1 macrophages, facilitating the M1-to-M2 transition and the recovery of associated cytokines and biomarkers to the normal level. The therapeutic efficacy of FA-tDONs was examined in the RA mouse model. As validated by appearance, histological, and serum examinations, FA-tDONs treatment effectively alleviated synovial infiltration and cartilage damage, attenuating disease progression. This study demonstrated the usage of DNA origami for RA treatment and suggested its potential in other antioxidant therapies.
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