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Healing Eye Drops: Synthetic Nanoparticles for Corneal Damage
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Posted by Okachinepa on 05/12/2025 @
Courtesy of SynEvol
Credit: Northwestern University
Researchers at Northwestern Medicine have created groundbreaking eyedrops incorporating synthetic nanoparticles to aid in the regeneration of cells damaged by mustard keratopathy, which is caused by exposure to mustard gas, along with other inflammatory eye conditions, as outlined in a recent study published in the journal npj Regenerative Medicine.
Limbal epithelial stem cells are crucial for sustaining and renewing the cornea's epithelium, which is the outermost layer of the cornea. The impairment or loss of these cells can result in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), which may subsequently lead to ongoing deterioration of the corneal epithelium and, ultimately, vision loss.
The condition may result from genetic mutations as well as ongoing inflammation and serious external injuries, such as those caused by sulfur mustard or mustard gas, which has been historically employed in warfare.
Topical corticosteroids are frequently utilized to address inflammation prior to LCSD. Nonetheless, negative side effects from extended steroid use may arise and steroids frequently do not enhance wound healing.
In answer to a pressing demand for innovative targeted treatments, researchers formulated unique restoring eyedrops comprising synthetic lipoprotein nanoparticles designed in the lab of Shad Thaxton, '04 MD, '07 Ph.D., '06 '08 GME, associate professor of Urology and co-senior author of the research.
These nanoparticles were engineered to replicate certain characteristics of a particular kind of lipoprotein known as high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), which are naturally present in the blood and assist the body in managing various functions, including inflammation.
"By drawing inspiration from nature, we could start to create these materials and manage their sizes, shapes, and compositions to harness some of their most advantageous traits, like decreasing inflammation," stated Thaxton, a member of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University.
"The therapeutic potential of these materials is vast since they can be designed to transport a wide array of active drugs that complement the natural wound-healing properties of HDL nanoparticles," stated SonBinh Nguyen, Ph.D., a Chemistry professor at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and co-senior author of the research.
The researchers subsequently applied the eyedrops to mice experiencing various stages of nitrogen mustard cornea damage, an experimental model created by Han Peng, Ph.D., an associate professor of Dermatology and co-senior author of the research. Mice experiencing acute inflammation were administered eyedrops every day for three days, while those with chronic, long-term damage received eyedrops daily for a total duration of 14 days.
Employing advanced imaging methods and PCR analysis, the researchers found that the eyedrops not only decreased inflammation in the eyes of the mice but also repaired injured limbal epithelium, allowing the cornea to effectively heal and recover.
"This marks the first instance of this kind of LSCD reversal being demonstrated," stated Robert Lavker, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Dermatology and co-senior author of the research.
The results indicate that the new eyedrops may serve as a potential therapy not only for mustard keratopathy but also for various inflammatory corneal conditions, including bacterial keratitis, alkali burns, and dry eye.
"To the best of our knowledge, this is the initial demonstration of a topical treatment effective in resolving ocular inflammation, conjunctivalization, and neovascularization of the corneal stroma." The authors stated, "Given the multitude of diseases that involve LSCD, we think that the nanoparticles possess extensive therapeutic potential."
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Superconducting Nanostructures Go 3D
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Posted by Okachinepa on 05/12/2025 @
Courtesy of SynEvol
Credit: Max Plank Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids
Transitioning from two dimensions to three dimensions can greatly influence a system's behavior, whether it involves folding a piece of paper into an airplane or twisting a wire into a spring. At the nanoscale, measuring 1,000 times smaller than a human hair, one nears the essential length scales of, for instance, quantum materials.
At these length scales, the arrangement of nanogeometries can result in alterations of the material properties themselves—and as we transition to three dimensions, new approaches to customize functionalities emerge, by disrupting symmetries, adding curvature, and forming interconnected channels.
In spite of these thrilling possibilities, a primary obstacle persists: how can we achieve intricate 3D shapes at the nanoscale within quantum materials? In a recent study, an international group spearheaded by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids has developed three-dimensional superconducting nanostructures utilizing a method akin to a nano-3D printer.
They obtained local control over the superconducting state in a 3D bridge-shaped superconductor, and were able to illustrate the movement of superconducting vortices—nanoscale imperfections in the superconducting state—in three dimensions. The article has been released in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.
Superconductors are materials famous for their capacity to show no electrical resistance and repel magnetic fields. This remarkable behavior results from the creation of what are known as Cooper pairs—interconnected pairs of electrons that move consistently through the substance without scattering.
"One of the primary hurdles is achieving control over this superconducting state on the nanoscale, which is crucial for investigating new effects and advancing technological devices," states Elina Zhakina, postdoctoral researcher at the MPI-CPfS and lead author of the study.
While patterning superconductors in three-dimensional nanogeometries, an international team consisting of researchers from Germany (MPI CPfS, IFW) and Austria (TU Wien, University of Vienna) successfully achieved localized control over the superconducting state—effectively "turning off" superconductivity in various sections of the nanostructure.
The presence of both superconducting and "normal" states can induce quantum mechanical phenomena, like what are known as weak links, which are utilized for ultra-sensitive detection. Nonetheless, until now, this type of control has generally necessitated the creation of structures, such as in planar thin films, where the coexistence of states is pre-established.
"Claire Donnelly, leader of the Lise Meitner Group at MPI-CPfS and the study's last author, stated that we discovered a method to turn the superconducting state on and off in various areas of the three-dimensional nanostructure just by rotating it within a magnetic field." "Through this approach, we managed to create a 'reconfigurable' superconducting device."
This recognition of adjustable functionality provides a fresh foundation for creating adaptable or multi-functional superconducting elements. This, together with the capacity to transmit defects of the superconducting state, paves the way for intricate superconducting logic and neuromorphic designs, heralding a fresh era of reconfigurable superconducting technologies.
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Intravascular Illumination: Modified Fiber for Blood Vessel Health
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Posted by Okachinepa on 05/12/2025 @
Courtesy of SynEvol
Credit: Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology
Skoltech scientists have created a microstructure using altered glass fiber that could theoretically serve as a miniature lantern for medical instruments investigating the insides of blood vessels and other tubular spaces within the body.
The microlantern is made up of a segment of hollow-core optical fiber—a tiny tube constructed from glass. A layer of polymer and nanoparticles is applied to the inner surface of the tube, and the ends are closed off with polymer membranes.
When mirrors are placed atop the membranes, the lantern will become a laser emitting focused light of a particular color. This can be applied in photodynamic therapy to eliminate tumors treated with specific dyes.
Glass fiber endoscopic probes offer a promising method to access difficult-to-reach areas of the body for medical imaging or treatment purposes. Optical fiber is slender enough to fit even inside blood vessels. However, the issue arises of equipping the probe's end with the required tools.
The component produced in this research could function as either a diffuse light emitter or—with additional enhancements and modifications—as a laser. The idea of having a laser with an adjustable wavelength at the tip of an endoscopic probe is fascinating, as it would create numerous possibilities for diagnostics and treatment.
The main breakthrough in the Skoltech research pertains to reducing the losses in light transmission that afflict systems of this nature.
The microstructure that emits light is made from a section of hollow-core optical fiber that is several centimeters in length, featuring a 0.25 millimeter inner diameter and a 0.5 millimeter outer diameter.
A polymer film is applied to the interior of the hollow core, followed by an additional layer of what are known as quantum dots—nanoparticles supplied by Saratov State University.
The fibers are produced by SPE LLC Nanostructured Glass Technology, which is also located in Saratov. As the number of polymer and quantum dot layers increases, the losses of light passing through the fiber also rise.
"The study revealed that heat treatment can cause the nanoparticles in the layered coating to fuse more tightly, dehydrating the polymer layers and minimizing the roughness of the nanocomposite coatings, which consequently results in lower light transmission losses," stated Professor Dmitry Gorin, the principal investigator from Skoltech Photonics.
Interestingly, the necessary heating occurs 'at no cost' when constructing the structure to function as an optical resonator, as it requires applying polymer membranes on both sides, finished with layered titanium oxide/silica mirrors, and this final step generates adequate heating.
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New Movement Possibilities: Shape-Adjusting Joints for Devices and Robots
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Posted by Okachinepa on 05/12/2025 @
Courtesy of SynEvol
Credit: Carnegie Mellon University
It's simple to overlook joint flexibility. It's easy to flip through the pages of a book or lean over to relieve a tight muscle without any thought. Designers lack that same privilege. When creating a joint, whether for a robot or a wrist brace, designers aim for adaptability in all degrees of freedom but frequently face limitations in their ability to adjust to various application scenarios.
Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering have created an algorithm for designing metastructures that can be reconfigured in six degrees of freedom and enable adjustable stiffness. The algorithm is capable of understanding the kinematic movements necessary for various configurations of a device and aids designers in developing such reconfigurability. This development provides designers with enhanced control over the joint functionality for different uses.
The team showcased the structure's adaptable features through several wearable devices designed for specific movement functions, body regions, and applications.
For carpal tunnel syndrome, a standard wrist brace keeps patients from moving their joints at all times to prevent injury and aid recovery. However, frequently in rehab, patients still require brief joint movement to complete tasks that were usually simple to perform.
"Our structures are capable of reconfiguring to control motions selectively, enabling them to primarily restrict movements to serve as a brace, while also allowing the patient to move their joint in desired ways for brief intervals." "This enables patients to partake in everyday activities without needing to constantly put on or take off the brace," remarked Humphrey Yang, a postdoctoral researcher in mechanical engineering.
Resistive heating wires incorporated into the 3D-printed metastructure allow the structures to adjust their motion capabilities while in operation. In the future, the group is confident they will possess the required technology to create the entire device as a single component through additive manufacturing. This would lower production expenses and enable cost-effective devices with improved features.
"This project serves as a gateway for thrilling applications," stated Dinesh K. Patel, research scientist. "Our algorithm does not depend on specific materials, allowing us to potentially develop devices using soft, flexible materials for enhanced comfort in the future."
Roboticists might gain from the structure's capacity to alter joint movement, as a multi-functional robot may require different mobilities. The capacity to create joints with programmable and customizable reconfigurability may represent a "holy grail" in developing adaptable robots. For example, as a feature of a home assistance robot, a joint could provide several rotational degrees of freedom to replicate a human arm. The robot would then be able to engage with objects using human-like hand skills.
Nonetheless, when engaging with soft items or underwater, the joint might adapt to offer greater flexibility and reduce stiffness, enabling the limb to effectively transform into a tentacle for improved grasping and swimming.
Moreover, the device's capability to adjust and offer different stiffness levels allows it to replicate the feel of touching a variety of materials, from soft gel to metals. This could promote augmented reality for rehabilitation and medical education.
In this area, a universally applicable approach to create reconfigurable, compliant kinematic systems had not existed. "We found it essential to make them accessible to everyone and increase their adaptability for broader use," stated Yang.
"It illustrates how mechanisms can enhance material intelligence to reach our ultimate goal of physically-embodied intelligent materials and machines," stated Lining Yao, a lead investigator overseeing the project and currently an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.
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Bicycle Sensor Pinpoints High-Risk Roads for Cyclists
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Posted by Okachinepa on 05/10/2025 @
Courtesy of SynEvol
Credit: University of Washington
Although factors such as rain or hills may deter people from cycling, a significant barrier is the danger of being struck by a vehicle. Identifying the safest paths to cycle can be challenging, particularly for novice cyclists, and a crucial method to highlight hazardous roads involves time and accidents: waiting until multiple cyclists have been struck by vehicles at a specific spot.
A team from the University of Washington has created a system named ProxiCycle that records when a car passes dangerously close to a cyclist (within four feet). A compact, low-cost sensor connects to bike handlebars and monitors the passes, transmitting them to the rider's smartphone.
The group evaluated the system for two months with 15 cyclists in Seattle and discovered a notable correlation between the sites of close passes and other signs of inadequate safety, like crashes. When implemented widely, the system could assist in mapping or guiding cyclists along safer bike paths within urban areas.
"Veteran cyclists possess a mental map indicating which roads are safe and which are not, and I aimed to discover a straightforward method to transfer that understanding to beginner cyclists," stated lead author Joseph Breda, a doctoral student at UW in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering.
"Riding a bike is extremely beneficial for your health and the planet." Encouraging more individuals to ride bicycles more frequently is how we gain those benefits and enhance safety for cyclists on the roads through increased numbers.
Courtesy of SynEvol
Credit: University of Washington
Initially, researchers conducted a survey with 389 individuals in Seattle. Cyclists of varying experience levels identified the danger posed by cars as the primary reason that deterred them from cycling, and indicated that they would be highly inclined to use a map designed for safe navigation. However, a major obstacle hindering this is the lack of data on road safety.
The team subsequently developed a compact sensor system that connects to the left handlebar of a bicycle. The system, which can be constructed for under $25, includes a 3D-printed plastic shell that contains two sensors and a Bluetooth antenna. The antenna sends data to the rider's phone, and the team's algorithm determines what is a passing car instead of a person, another cyclist, or a tree.
Courtesy of SynEvol
Credit: University of Washington
The team confirmed the system's effectiveness by evaluating it in a parking lot, where a car moved at varying distances, and by having seven cyclists traverse Seattle equipped with GoPro cameras on their bikes. Scientists observed the recordings from these attractions and contrasted them with the sensor data.
The team subsequently enlisted 15 cyclists via the newsletter from Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, a community advocacy organization. Everyone received a ProxiCycle sensor, a tailored Android app, and guidance.
The cyclists completed 240 bike rides in a span of two months and noted 2,050 close passes. The researchers subsequently analyzed the proximity of near misses in relation to cyclists' perceived safety at various spots in the city. This was assessed by presenting cyclists with images of these locations and asking them to evaluate how safe they felt there (termed "perceived safety"), in addition to correlating it with sites of documented car-to-bike accidents from the previous five years.
The team discovered a notable connection between close passes and the other two indicators of cycling risk. They also discovered that this metric of close passes was a superior gauge of real safety than the surveyed perceived safety, which is the existing standard utilized by policymakers to assess safety when collisions alone are insufficient.
In the future, researchers aim to expand the study and possibly consider additional risk factors, like cyclists getting struck by opening car doors, while also implementing ProxiCycle in other locations. Given sufficient data, current bike mapping applications like Google Maps or Strava could provide safer route recommendations for cyclists.
"Breda mentioned that one study participant, who resided near Seattle Center, frequently rode his bike down Mercer." "It's a hectic, multi-lane highway." However, right before the research, they discovered that there’s an excellent bike lane on a more tranquil street, only one block to the north.
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