Topic Editors

Medical Physics Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Roma, Italy
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
Dr. Sébastien Mériaux
Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
Dr. Sergio Moya
CIC biomaGUNE, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
Dr. Danijela Gregurec
Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany

Smart Materials: New Tools for the Treatment of Brain Diseases

Abstract submission deadline
closed (31 August 2023)
Manuscript submission deadline
closed (31 October 2023)
Viewed by
7150

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, a novel class of materials is opening unprecedented research and application opportunities in life science and drug delivery. So called smart materials (SMs) exhibit peculiar responses to external stimuli (e.g., stress, temperature, pressure, light, magnetic or electric fields), which make them excellent candidates for myriad of applications, such as designing novel therapeutic strategies for brain diseases. In particular, SM can (i) safely target and deliver drugs to the brain, through novel mechanisms and with more precise and personalized dosage; (ii) modify cells for desired functionality; (iii) modulate neural activity with high spatial and temporal resolutions; (iv) constitute versatile theranostic platforms. The Special Issue “Smart materials: a new approach for the treatment of brain diseases” will collect research papers or review articles focused on smart materials designed to improve the diagnosis and/or treatment of cerebral pathologies, as well as to evaluate the progression of these diseases. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Allegra Conti
Dr. Nicola Toschi
Dr. Sebastien Meriaux
Dr. Sergio Moya
Dr. Danijela Gregurec
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • smart materials
  • theranostics
  • target-oriented drug delivery
  • novel neuromodulation tools
  • precision medicine

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Brain Sciences
brainsci
2.7 4.8 2011 15.6 Days CHF 2200
Future Pharmacology
futurepharmacol
- - 2021 19.2 Days CHF 1000
Journal of Functional Biomaterials
jfb
5.0 4.6 2010 16.6 Days CHF 2700
Materials
materials
3.1 5.8 2008 13.9 Days CHF 2600
Pharmaceutics
pharmaceutics
4.9 7.9 2009 15.5 Days CHF 2900

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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25 pages, 37359 KiB  
Article
Comparative Studies of the Uptake and Internalization Pathways of Different Lipid Nano-Systems Intended for Brain Delivery
by Ljubica Mihailova, Dushko Shalabalija, Andreas Zimmer, Nikola Geskovski, Petre Makreski, Marija Petrushevska, Maja Simonoska Crcarevska and Marija Glavas Dodov
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(8), 2082; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15082082 - 3 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2280
Abstract
Lipid nano-systems were prepared and characterized in a series of well-established in vitro tests that could assess their interactions with the hCMEC/D3 and SH-SY5Y cell lines as a model for the blood–brain barrier and neuronal function, accordingly. The prepared formulations of nanoliposomes and [...] Read more.
Lipid nano-systems were prepared and characterized in a series of well-established in vitro tests that could assess their interactions with the hCMEC/D3 and SH-SY5Y cell lines as a model for the blood–brain barrier and neuronal function, accordingly. The prepared formulations of nanoliposomes and nanostructured lipid carriers were characterized by z-average diameters of ~120 nm and ~105 nm, respectively, following a unimodal particle size distribution (PDI < 0.3) and negative Z-potential (−24.30 mV to −31.20 mV). Stability studies implied that the nano-systems were stable in a physiologically relevant medium as well as human plasma, except nanoliposomes containing poloxamer on their surface, where there was an increase in particle size of ~26%. The presence of stealth polymer tends to decrease the amount of adsorbed proteins onto a particle’s surface, according to protein adsorption studies. Both formulations of nanoliposomes were characterized by a low cytotoxicity, while their cell viability was reduced when incubated with the highest concentration (100 μg/mL) of nanostructured lipid formulations, which could have been associated with the consumption of cellular energy, thus resulting in a reduction in metabolic active cells. The uptake of all the nano-systems in the hCMEC/D3 and SH-SY5Y cell lines was successful, most likely following ATP-dependent internalization, as well as transport via passive diffusion. Full article
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19 pages, 8333 KiB  
Review
Toward a New Generation of Bio-Scaffolds for Neural Tissue Engineering: Challenges and Perspectives
by Francisca Villanueva-Flores, Igor Garcia-Atutxa, Arturo Santos and Juan Armendariz-Borunda
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(6), 1750; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15061750 - 16 Jun 2023
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3662
Abstract
Neural tissue engineering presents a compelling technological breakthrough in restoring brain function, holding immense promise. However, the quest to develop implantable scaffolds for neural culture that fulfill all necessary criteria poses a remarkable challenge for material science. These materials must possess a host [...] Read more.
Neural tissue engineering presents a compelling technological breakthrough in restoring brain function, holding immense promise. However, the quest to develop implantable scaffolds for neural culture that fulfill all necessary criteria poses a remarkable challenge for material science. These materials must possess a host of desirable characteristics, including support for cellular survival, proliferation, and neuronal migration and the minimization of inflammatory responses. Moreover, they should facilitate electrochemical cell communication, display mechanical properties akin to the brain, emulate the intricate architecture of the extracellular matrix, and ideally allow the controlled release of substances. This comprehensive review delves into the primary requisites, limitations, and prospective avenues for scaffold design in brain tissue engineering. By offering a panoramic overview, our work aims to serve as an essential resource, guiding the creation of materials endowed with bio-mimetic properties, ultimately revolutionizing the treatment of neurological disorders by developing brain-implantable scaffolds. Full article
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