Authorship：Lead author   Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Giant vesicles (GVs), which are closed lipid bilayer membranes with a diameter of more than 1 μm, have attracted attention not only as model cell membranes but also for the construction of artificial cells. For encapsulating water-soluble materials and/or water-dispersible particles or functionalizing membrane proteins and/or other synthesized amphiphiles, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) have been applied in various fields, such as supramolecular chemistry, soft matter physics, life sciences, and bioengineering. In this review, we focus on a preparation technique for GUVs that encapsulate water-soluble materials and/or water-dispersible particles. It is based on the centrifugation of a water-in-oil emulsion layered on water and does not require special equipment other than a centrifuge, which makes it the first choice for laboratory use. Furthermore, we review recent studies on GUV-based artificial cells prepared using this technique and discuss their future applications.

DOI： 10.3390/membranes13040440

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Detection of tumors and regional lymph nodes during surgery has been proposed in the diagnosis of lymphatic metastasis and the surgical treatment of malignant diseases. Giant cluster vesicles (GCVs), including liposomally formulated indocyanine green (LP-ICG) derivatives, are a possible candidate for agents to realize the two contradictory properties, i.e., retention in tissue for lesion-marking and trace for sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) identification. We attempted to release the LP-ICG derivatives from GCVs using ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) under ultrasound irradiation. An absorption spectrophotometer quantitatively evaluated the amounts of released LP-ICG derivatives. As a result, we demonstrated that it depended on conditions for sound pressure, burst length, and number density of UCAs, and had a sound pressure threshold independent of burst length and number density of UCAs. The results will aid to determine appropriate conditions to maximize the released amount of LP-ICG derivatives while keeping safety.

DOI： 10.1016/j.ultras.2023.107102

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

Abstract

The combined use of a vital dye and radioactive colloid reportedly performs better in detecting sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) for cancers than the use of either of them alone. However, especially for gastric cancer, two endoscopic procedures are required to administer these two tracers, which burdens the patients and practitioners. Here we propose the use of stannous colloid (SnC) mixed with indocyanine green (ICG) as a new mixed tracer (SnC–ICG); its characteristics were investigated in vivo and in vitro to estimate its usefulness for SLN navigation. The tracers were administered to rats and the accumulation of radioactivity and/or near-infrared fluorescence were evaluated in the regional lymph nodes (LNs) using single positron emission computed tomography and near-infrared fluorescence imaging, respectively. SnC–ICG showed significantly better clearance from the injection site and better migration to primary LNs than the single administration of SnC or ICG aqueous solution. SnC–ICG demonstrated a wide particle size variability, stabilized to 1200-nm upon the addition of albumin in vitro; These properties could contribute to its behavior in vivo. The use of SnC–ICG could contribute better performance to detect SLNs for gastric cancer with less burden on both patients and medical practitioners.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-022-21420-z

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Other Link： https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-21420-z

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Giant vesicles (GVs) are closed bilayer membranes that primarily comprise amphiphiles with diameters of more than 1 μm. Compared with regular vesicles (several tens of nanometers in size), GVs are of greater scientific interest as model cell membranes and protocells because of their structure and size, which are similar to those of biological systems. Biopolymers and nano-/microparticles can be encapsulated in GVs at high concentrations, and their application as artificial cell bodies has piqued interest. It is essential to develop methods for investigating and manipulating the properties of GVs toward engineering applications. In this review, we discuss current improvements in microscopy, micromanipulation, and microfabrication technologies for progress in GV identification and engineering tools. Combined with the advancement of GV preparation technologies, these technological advancements can aid the development of artificial cell systems such as alternative tissues and GV-based chemical signal processing systems.

DOI： 10.3390/mi13050644

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Language：Japanese  

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Event date： 13 5 2023 - 14 5 2023

Language：Japanese   Presentation type：Poster presentation  

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Event date： 14 3 2022 - 15 3 2022

Language：English   Presentation type：Poster presentation  

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Event date： 14 5 2021 - 15 5 2021

Language：Japanese   Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

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Event date： 3 2021 - 3 2021

Language：English  

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Event date： 2021 - 2021

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