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Evaluation of the Cellsway Microfluidic CTC Enrichment and Identification Platform for CTC Detection in Metastatic NSCLC
No full textLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for the majority of cases. Standard tissue biopsies are invasive and unsuitable for repeated monitoring. Liquid biopsy technologies, particularly circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis, offer a minimally invasive alternative for real-time disease tracking. To address the need for efficient and reproducible CTC isolation, we developed the Cellsway microfluidic CTC enrichment and identification platform, which employs inertial hydrodynamics in a spiral-shaped microfluidic channel comprising hydrofoil-shaped pillars to enable high-throughput, label-free enrichment of CTCs while preserving cell integrity, followed by an optimized CTC identification assay. Analytical performance assessed through spiking experiments using NSCLC cell lines demonstrated recovery rates of 91.9% for H1975 cells and 78.3% for A549 cells. Clinical validation was performed on blood samples from 51 stage IV NSCLC patients. A 7.5 mL volume of peripheral blood was processed with the SwayBox platform, and enriched CTCs were identified through an optimized multiplex immunofluorescence protocol. CTCs were detected in 47% of NSCLC patients, with counts ranging from 0 to 72 cells per 7.5 mL of blood. At a cutoff of 1 CTC per 7.5 mL, the assay achieved a specificity of 95%. Patient-derived CTCs exhibited smaller mean diameters compared to cultured NSCLC cell lines, yet were effectively enriched through hydro-dynamic tuning. These findings demonstrate that the Cellsway platform enables efficient and re-producible CTC isolation with high specificity, supporting its potential utility for clinical monitoring and precision oncology in NSCLC
Sensing of Fish Freshness Using Smart Pectin Films Incorporated with <i>Spirulina</i> Extract and Carbon Dots
No full textMultifunctional and biodegradable smart packaging films were developed here using pectin, phycocyanin rich Spirulina (PCS) extract and citric acid derived carbon dots (CDs). The physicochemical, active and intelligent properties of the films were systematically examined as a function of CD concentration. Incorporation of CDs enhanced tensile strength from 10.88 to 17.70 MPa, increased crystallinity and thermal stability and maintained high biodegradability (above 80% mass loss after 28 days in soil). The addition of CD enhanced antioxidant activity (from 12.8% to 39.5% ABTS scavenging) and imparted concentration dependent antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The PCSP/CD12.5 film displayed a distinct colorimetric response to ammonia vapor, displaying a linear Delta E-NH3 correlation (R 2 = 0.93) within the range of 0-50 mg N/100 g and a detection limit of 9.04 mg N/100 g, and exhibited colorimetric stability over two months of storage. In real food trials, the PCSP/CD12.5 film enabled effective visual tracking of fish freshness at 23 degrees C with color changes closely correlating to increases in TVB-N (from 13.3 to 36.2 mg N/100 g) and TVC (from 4.5 to 7.4 log cfu/g) during storage. These results demonstrate that PCSP/CD films effectively integrate active and intelligent functionalities thereby extending the application of pigment and protein complexes
M2-Macrophage-Derived Extracellular Vesicles-Functionalized Acellular Dermal Matrix as a New-Generation Immunoregulatory and Angio-Inductive Construct for Skin Tissue Engineering
No full textExtracellular vesicles, e.g., exosomes, derived from anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages have emerged as potent mediators of tissue regeneration through their ability to modulate cellular behavior, immune responses, and angiogenesis. In this study, we developed a composite bioactive scaffold by integrating M2 macrophage-derived EVs (M2-EVs) into decellularized skin extracellular matrix (dSECM), and systematically evaluated its structural, biochemical, and regenerative properties. Bovine dermis was decellularized using chemical, enzymatic, and physical steps, yielding collagen-rich, DNA-depleted ECM matrices with preserved collagen content and tunable stiffness (15–40 kPa). M2-EVs were isolated from IL-10-polarized RAW264.7 macrophages and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS, mean diameter ∼151 nm), and Western blotting for CD81/CD63/TSG101/Calnexin expressions. Functional assays revealed that M2-EVs enhanced the proliferation and migration of human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes, with 100 µg/mL achieving >90% wound closure at 48 h. When combined with dSECM, M2-EVs further increased the expression of immunoregulatory genes such as TGF-β (∼2.9-fold) and IL-10 (∼3.8-fold), consistent with the scaffold's capacity to enhance anti-inflammatory signaling. In the chick CAM model, dSECM/M2-EVs significantly enhanced vascularization along with increased collagen deposition and vascular smooth muscle cell recruitment. These results highlight M2-EVs as emerging biological effectors when incorporated into ECM-based scaffolds for vascularized tissue repair
Engineered probiotics recruit CAR macrophages and establish immune memory to eradicate heterogeneous glioblastoma in mice
No full textGlioblastoma (GBM) remains a highly lethal form of cancer due to its molecular heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive microenvironment surrounding the tumor. Here, we report a modular immunotherapy platform characterized by its flexibility to simultaneously target multiple antigens. Specifically, we utilize engineered E. coli Nissle to colonize tumors and produce bispecific engagers that simultaneously target EGFRvIII and interleukin (IL)-13Rα2. These tags direct in situ -reprogrammed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) macrophages, which are edited using nanoparticles and delivered within a shear-thinning hydrogel, to execute targeted phagocytosis. This probiotic-macrophage crosstalk eliminates tumor cells while converting protumor M2 macrophages into immunostimulatory M1 effectors. In aggressive orthotopic GBM mouse models, this strategy achieves 83% survival at the 120-day endpoint, representing a 5-fold improvement over single-target controls and establishing durable immunological memory that effectively combats recurrence. By functioning as multifunctional immune hubs, this platform offers a versatile framework designed to overcome the antigenic complexity of solid tumors
Chile Grows with You (ChCC): Dezavantajlı Nüfuslara Sahip Ülkeler İçin Umut Vadeden Bir Çocuk Koruma Programı
No full textBattery-Free Near Field Communication (NFC)-Assisted Advanced Ethanol Sensing Platform Based on Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles
No full textThe incorporation of biorecognition elements with electronic components into point-of-care testing (POCT) devices expands their capabilities and enables intricate quantitative assays. The combination of near field communication (NFC) technology and biosensors offers endless possibilities in this context, which has the potential to provide simple and intelligent sensing solutions for both electrical and nonelectrical parameter measurements. In an effort to tap into this potential, we present the first example of a screen-printed electrode (SPE)-based sensing platform for ethanol in serum samples. NFC-assisted electrochemical biosensors were created using SPE and altered by drop-casting two different diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)-based conjugated polymer nanoparticles (poly-DPP-Se; poly-DPP-SeSe) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) to construct an alcohol oxidase (AOx)-based electrochemical biosensor. The fabricated biosensors, SPE/PtNPs/poly-DPP-Se NPs/AOx and SPE/PtNPs/poly-DPP-SeSe NPs/AOx, respond linearly to ethanol in the ranges of 1.7–12.8 mM and 0.85–12.8 mM with 1.22 mM and 0.39 mM detection limits, respectively. KMapp, Imax, and sensitivity values were calculated for SPE/PtNPs/poly-DPP-Se NPs/AOx as 2.52 mM, 3.20 μA, and 2.27 μA mM–1 cm–2 and for SPE/PtNPs/poly-DPP-SeSe NPs/AOx as 0.4 mM, 2.51 μA, and 2.15 μA mM–1 cm–2, respectively. Excellent stability and electrocatalytic activity to electrooxidation of ethanol were achieved with the SPE/PtNPs/poly-DPP-SeSe NPs/AOx configuration. Furthermore, artificial serum samples were used to assess the sensor’s reliability. The experimental findings reveal that the proposed biosensors could provide ease of use, fast analysis times, portability, and reliability for food and healthcare research and applications
Performance evaluation of copper cold plates manufactured via metal fused filament fabrication and alternative methods
No full textAdditive Manufacturing (AM) provides notable advantages over traditional manufacturing techniques, particularly for creating parts with intricate geometries from diverse materials (Frazier, J Mater Eng Perform 23:1917–1928 2014). Metal Fused Filament Fabrication (M-FFF) is an emerging AM technique that uses composite filaments containing metal powders within polymer binders to produce metal components. This method supports the fabrication of various materials, including stainless steel, copper, tool steel, Inconel, and titanium. In this study, the M-FFF method is utilized to fabricate copper cold plates with internal liquid cooling channels designed for thermal management in electronic systems. Four distinct cross-sectional geometries—droplet, triangular, columnar, and finned—are developed to optimize supportless manufacturing and fluid flow efficiency. The pressure drop and thermal performance of these designs are assessed through numerical simulations and experimental testing. To compare the capabilities of M-FFF with conventional methods, similar cold plates are manufactured using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Friction Stir Welding (FSW). Results showed that the triangular cross-section yielded the lowest pressure drop, while the droplet cross-section demonstrated slightly improved cooling performance with reduced temperature values between copper cold plates. Numerical and experimental results of copper cold plates closely aligned in terms of pressure drop, confirming the reliability of M-FFF for fabricating complex designs. These findings illustrate the potential of M-FFF as a rapid and versatile technique for prototyping components with complex internal features, offering a practical solution for prototyping applications or industries requiring efficient cooling systems and intricate designs
MIP-on-the-flow: Molecularly imprinted polymers in microfluidic sensing systems
No full textThe integration of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with microfluidic systems has emerged as a powerful strategy for developing selective and sensitive analytical platforms. As "artificial receptors," MIPs offer robustness, reusability, and cost-effectiveness, while microfluidics enable precise fluid handling and miniaturized analysis. Together, they yield hybrid sensors capable of real-time detection. Recent advances in polymerization, nanoimprinting, and surface functionalization have tailored MIPs for seamless microfluidic integration. In parallel, innovations in soft lithography and 3D printing have expanded design possibilities for lab-on-chip architectures. Cutting-edge detection modalities, including electrochemical, optical, and mass-based transduction, have unlocked applications in biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. Examples include continuous biomarker monitoring, trace pollutant detection, and rapid food contaminant identification. Despite progress, challenges in reproducibility, large-scale fabrication, and commercialization remain. Addressing these through material innovations and scalable engineering will accelerate translation into point-ofcare testing, environmental protection, and global food security
Agency as a functional kind
No full textThis article seeks to define the genuine (functional) kind of agency by identifying its essential property. In the context of this article, the essential property, also termed super-explanatory, is the ability of an agent to make counterfactual models of outcomes of its actions. This article adopts a naturalist approach, informed by advancements in computational neuroscience, to define the functional kind of agency. The offered definition is deliberately flexible and inclusive, encompassing manifestations of agency in both natural and artificial domains
First report of a new exoskeleton in incomplete spinal cord injury: FreeGait®
No full textContext: Intensive walking practice often demands capabilities that go beyond the limits for both patients and therapists. As a solution, robot-assisted exoskeletons have been developed to deliver efficient rehabilitation sessions. Objective: The primary aim was to evaluate the effect of adding exoskeleton training, the FreeGait®, to conventional treatment on walking status in patients with motor incomplete spinal cord injury. The secondary aim was to assess its impact on mobility, functional independence, and health-related quality of life. Methods: This study compared exoskeleton gait training with conventional therapy (RBCT) versus conventional therapy alone (CT). Fourteen participants with motor incomplete spinal cord injury were included, with seven in each group. Both groups had 40-minute conventional therapy sessions 5 days a week. Additionally, the RBCT performed exoskeleton walking and balance exercises 3 days a week. The WISCI II (primary outcome), 10MWT, gait speed, TUG, BBS, SCIM III, and WHOQOL-BREF were used for evaluation (see text for acronyms). Results: Walking status and mobility-related measures showed significant improvements in the RBCT (p 0.05). There was a significant difference in the physical health domain of the WHOQOL-BREF only in the RBCT. However, no significant differences were found in the WHOQOL-BREF total score in both groups (p > 0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of change (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Gait training with the new exoskeleton combined with conventional therapy, positively contributes to walking status, mobility, and functional independence. Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06137456