Themed collection Celebrating the 65th birthday of Professor Santanu Bhattacharya
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Chemical approaches to probe and engineer AAV vectors
This review summarizes the significant recent progress in AAV capsid engineering strategies, with a particular focus on chemical modifications in advancing the next generation of AAV-based gene therapies.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 13820-13833
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01300J
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Mimicking the extracellular world: from natural to fully synthetic matrices utilizing supramolecular biomaterials
Different extracellular matrix mimicking hydrogels exist, ranging from fully natural to synthetic to hybrid versions. Herein, supramolecular hydrogels are emerging due to their inherent dynamics, modularity and orthogonal control over properties.
Nanoscale, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02088J
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Theranostic nanogels: multifunctional agents for simultaneous therapeutic delivery and diagnostic imaging
Theranostic nanogels are indispensable modular platforms that enable a combined approach to therapy and diagnostics to address challenges in the treatment of complex and dynamic diseases such as cancer.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 14033-14056
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01423E
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Bio-gel nanoarchitectonics in tissue engineering
Nanoarchitectonics may be highly compatible with applications in biological systems. Construction strategies and functions of bio-gel nanoarchitectonics in medical applications and tissue engineering are discussed.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 13230-13246
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00609G
Advances in engineered nanosystems: immunomodulatory interactions for therapeutic applications
This review extensively explores immunomodulatory nanomedicines, focusing on their unique properties and critical design strategies for interacting with immune components for various therapeutic applications.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 12820-12856
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00680A
Role of aptamer technology in extracellular vesicle biology and therapeutic applications
This review summarizes how aptamers (chemical antibodies) at the molecular level propel the advancement of the application of nano-scaled extracellular vesicles in nanotechnology and medicine, highlighting the latest developments since 2023.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 11457-11479
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00207E
In situ carbonization metamorphoses porous silica particles into biodegradable therapeutic carriers of lesser consequence on TGF-β1 mediated fibrosis
This work reveals the strategy of in situ carbonization and biological application of carbonized porous silica particles (Si-P-CNPs) which improved the biodegradability and lesser fibrosis induction, demonstrating the importance of this process.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 8843-8850
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00123K
Ceria nanoparticles immobilized with self-assembling peptide for biocatalytic applications
A heterogeneous biocatalyst is reported to address the instability associated with peptide-based homogeneous catalysts, and it shows potential in the detection of pesticides, bone regeneration, and anti-biofouling material applications.
Nanoscale, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02672A
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A multifunctional protein pre-coated metal–organic framework for targeted delivery with deep tissue penetration
Multifunctional proteins were supramolecular conjugated to metal–organic framework for overcoming extracellular matrix of tumor microenvironment and targeting cancer cell.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 14748-14756
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02345E
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Clustering triggered emissive liquid crystalline template for dual mode upconverted and downconverted circularly polarized luminescence
A liquid crystalline system exhibiting clustering triggered emission shows intrinsic downconversion chiral luminescence and acts as a template for the generation of upconversion circularly polarized luminescence leading to dual mode chiral emission.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 13571-13579
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00865K
Shape-tunable two-dimensional assemblies from chromophore-conjugated crystallizable poly(L-lactides) with chain-length-dependent photophysical properties
This study unveils shape-tunable precision two-dimensional structures from chromophore-conjugated poly(L-lactides) by crystallization-driven self-assembly and the polymer chain length-dependent optical properties of the surface-occupied π-systems.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 13019-13028
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01683A
A hydrogel based on Fe(II)-GMP demonstrates tunable emission, self-healing mechanical strength and Fenton chemistry-mediated notable antibacterial properties
A hydrogel (Fe-1GMP) with tunable emission and mechanical strength serves as a host for controlled Fenton reaction that could be upregulated upon adding ascorbic acid (AA), demonstrating antibacterial efficacy via ROS generation.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 13050-13060
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01011F
Design and synthesis of nucleic acid nano-environment interactome-targeting small molecule PROTACs and their anticancer activity
Small molecule-based nucleic-acid interactome protein degradation through PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) is a relatively new modality in cellular interventions.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 12502-12509
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01006J
Spirobifluorene-BINOL-based microporous polymer nanoreactor for efficient 1H-tetrazole synthesis and iodine adsorption with facile charge transfer
In situ BINOL formation during polymerization produced spirobifluorene-BINOL-based porous polymers showing volatile iodine uptake up to 4 g g−1 and loads silver nanoparticles towards the efficient catalytic synthesis of 1H-tetrazoles.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 11999-12006
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00599F
Antimicrobial nanocomposite coatings for rapid intervention against catheter-associated urinary tract infections
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) pose a significant challenge in hospital settings.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 11109-11125
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00653D
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Insulin amyloid fibril formation reduction by tripeptide stereoisomers
A simple tripeptide significantly reduces insulin amyloid fibril formation and it is proposed as a formulation stabiliser. In silico studies reveal the mechanism of interaction with the insulin hydrophobic motifs that are prone to fibrillation.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 11081-11089
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00693C
Engineered nanomicelles targeting proliferation and angiogenesis inhibit tumour progression by impairing the synthesis of ceramide-1-phosphate
Tumour cells secrete various proangiogenic factors like VEGF, PDGF, and EGF that result in the formation of highly vascularized tumours with an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 10350-10365
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR04806C
Relative biomembrane fusogenicities of the tumor-selective liposomes of RGDK- and CGKRK-lipopeptides
Both the FRET assay using model biomembranes and cellular uptake studies revealed a higher membrane fusogenic nature of the tumor-targeting liposomes of the RGDK-lipopeptide than that of the tumor-targeting liposomes of the CGKRK-lipopeptide.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 9836-9852
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00450G
Rapid targeting and imaging of mitochondria via carbon dots using an amino acid-based amphiphile as a carrier
Green-fluorescent, negatively charged newly synthesized carbon dots cannot penetrate KB and CHO cell lines. But, an amino acid containing amphiphile with a positively charged group forms an aggregate that acts as a carrier for these carbon dots for cell entry and to label and image mitochondria.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 9827-9835
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00665H
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Nanoscale assembly of enantiomeric supramolecular gels driven by the nature of solvents
Different co-assembly modes depending on the nature of the solvents observed in multi-component systems with structurally similar components.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 8922-8930
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00204K
Self-assembly of water-filled molecular saddles to generate diverse morphologies and high proton conductivity
A saddle that protons can ride on! A saddle-shaped aza-crown-like macrocycle produces diverse morphologies and high solid-state proton conduction up to 21.1 mS cm−1 (at 27 °C and 95% RH).
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 8427-8433
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00456F
Nanoparticle-mediated co-delivery of inflammasome inhibitors provides protection against sepsis
A dual-drug loaded nanoparticle demonstrates superior inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and improves the survival rate in a mouse model of septic peritonitis.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 4678-4690
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR05570A
Sugar alcohol-modified polyester nanoparticles for gene delivery via selective caveolae-mediated endocytosis
Sugar alcohol-modified poly(β-amino esters) enables selective caveolae-mediated endocytosis.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 4114-4124
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR05300H
Cooperative dissolution of peptidomimetic vesicles and amyloid β fibrils
Cooperative dissolution of drug-loaded peptidomimetic vesicles and amyloid β (Aβ) fibrils allows for the development of therapeutic formulations to modulate disorders associated with amyloid toxicity.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 2993-3005
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR04847K
Post-functionalization of sulfur quantum dots and their aggregation-dependent antibacterial activity
Sulfur quantum dots (SQDs) exhibited potent antibacterial activity upon surface functionalization. Yet, hydrophobic ligand attachment diminished efficacy. This study underscores the impact of hydrophobicity on antibacterial agent development.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 18624-18638
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR04287A
About this collection
Professor Bhattacharya obtained his PhD with Professor Robert A. Moss at Rutgers University, USA, and had a post-doctoral stint with Nobel Laureate Professor Har Gobind Khorana at MIT, USA. He has been working at the Indian Institute of Science since 1991 and is an honorary professor at the Chemical Biology Unit of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India. His research group, one of the most prominent in India, has made significant impact in lipid molecular design and biophysics, DNA binding anti-cancer agents, design and synthesis of nanomaterials, antimicrobial agents, and nucleic acids-based nano-delivery systems. He has published over 300 research articles, several book chapters, and has mentored over 40 PhD students, at least 20 of which are well-established, independent scientists today in multiple esteemed universities, academic research institutions and industries in the United States and in India.
To celebrate Professor Santanu Bhattacharya’s 65th Birthday, the guest editors Professor Asish Pal (Institute of Nano Science & Technology, India), Professor Praveen Kumar Vemula (Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, India) and Professor Shyni Varghese (Duke University, USA) have invited Professor Bhattacharya’s peers, pupils, and friends to join in celebrating his continuing legacy and the remarkable impact of his lifelong work with a Festschrift in Nanoscale. This special collection highlights the reach and impact that Professor Bhattacharya’s work has had on the wider scientific community.