RESUMEN

A drug delivery system (DDS) is a useful technology that efficiently delivers a target drug to a patient's specific diseased tissue with minimal side effects. DDS is a convergence of several areas of study, comprising pharmacy, medicine, biotechnology, and chemistry fields. In the traditional pharmacological concept, developing drugs for disease treatment has been the primary research field of pharmacology. The significance of DDS in delivering drugs with optimal formulation to target areas to increase bioavailability and minimize side effects has been recently highlighted. In addition, since the burst release found in various DDS platforms can reduce drug delivery efficiency due to unpredictable drug loss, many recent DDS studies have focused on developing carriers with a sustained release. Among various drug carriers, mesoporous silica DDS (MS-DDS) is applied to various drug administration routes, based on its sustained releases, nanosized porous structures, and excellent solubility for poorly soluble drugs. However, the synthesized MS-DDS has caused complications such as toxicity in the body, long-term accumulation, and poor excretion ability owing to acid treatment-centered manufacturing methods. Therefore, biosilica obtained from diatoms, as a natural MS-DDS, has recently emerged as an alternative to synthesized MS-DDS. This natural silica carrier is an optimal DDS platform because culturing diatoms is easy, and the silica can be separated from diatoms using a simple treatment. In this review, we discuss the manufacturing methods and applications to various disease models based on the advantages of biosilica.

RESUMEN

Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) cause the eutrophication of lakes and rivers. To effectively control the overgrowth of M. aeruginosa, a suitable measurement method should be required in the aquatic fields. To address this, we developed a field-ready cyanobacterial pretreatment device and an electrochemical clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (EC-CRISPR) biosensor. The cyanobacterial pretreatment device consists of a syringe, glass bead, and graphene oxide (GO) bead. Then, the M. aeruginosa dissolved in the freshwater sample was added to fabricated filter. After filtration, the purified gene was loaded onto a CRISPR-based electrochemical biosensor chip to detect M. aeruginosa gene fragments. The biosensor was composed of CRISPR/Cpf1 protein conjugated with MXene on an Au microgap electrode (AuMGE) integrated into a printed circuit board (PCB). This AuMGE/PCB system maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio, which controls the working and counter electrode areas requiring only 3 µL samples to obtain high reliability. Using the extracted M. aeruginosa gene with a pre-treatment filter, the CRISPR biosensor showed a limit of detection of 0.089 pg/µl in fresh water. Moreover, selectivity test and matrix condition test carried out using the EC-CRISPR biosensor. These handheld pre-treatment kit and biosensors can enable field-ready detection of CyanoHABs.

RESUMEN

Numerous drugs have emerged to treat various diseases, such as COVID-19, cancer, and protect human health. Approximately 40% of them are lipophilic and are used for treating diseases through various delivery routes, including skin absorption, oral administration, and injection. However, as lipophilic drugs have a low solubility in the human body, drug delivery systems (DDSs) are being actively developed to increase drug bioavailability. Liposomes, micro-sponges, and polymer-based nanoparticles have been proposed as DDS carriers for lipophilic drugs. However, their instability, cytotoxicity, and lack of targeting ability limit their commercialization. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have fewer side effects, excellent biocompatibility, and high physical stability. LNPs are considered efficient vehicles of lipophilic drugs owing to their lipid-based internal structure. In addition, recent LNP studies suggest that the bioavailability of LNP can be increased through surface modifications, such as PEGylation, chitosan, and surfactant protein coating. Thus, their combinations have an abundant utilization potential in the fields of DDSs for carrying lipophilic drugs. In this review, the functions and efficiencies of various types of LNPs and surface modifications developed to optimize lipophilic drug delivery are discussed.

RESUMEN

Toxic cyanobacteria pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems and require adequate detection and control systems. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is a harmful cyanobacterium that produces the toxicant saxitoxin. Therefore, it is necessary to detect the presence of A. flos-aquae in lakes and rivers. We proposed a rapid electrochemical biosensor composed of DNA primer/iridium nanoparticles (IrNP) bilyer for the detection of A. flos-aquae in freshwater. The extracted A. flos-aquae gene (rbcL-rbcX) is used as a target, and it was fixed to the electrode using a 5'-thiolated DNA primer (capture probe). Then, Avidin@IrNPs complex for amplification of electrical signals was bound to the target through a 3'-biotinylated DNA primer (detection probe). To rapidly detect the target, an alternating current electrothermal flow technique was introduced in the detection step, which could reduce the detection time to within 20 min. To confirm the biosensor fabrication, atomic force microscopy was used to investigate the surface morphology. To evaluate the biosensor performance, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used. The target gene was detected at a concentration of 9.99 pg/mL in tap water, and the detection range was 0.1 ng/mL to 103 ng/mL with high selectivity. Based on the combined system, we employed A. flos-aquae in tap water. This rapid cyanobacteria detection system is a powerful tool for CyanoHABs in the field.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Carybdea brevipedalia Kishinouye, 1891 is a poisonous jellyfish that usually occurs only in Japanese coastal regions. However, it was recently found on the Korean coast, thus expanding its known geographical range. In this study, we analyzed the population genetics and demographic histories of 113 C. brevipedalia specimens from the southern and eastern coastal regions of Korea by sequencing mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). We identified 42 C. brevipedalia COI haplotypes with high genetic diversity and a significant genetic structure. Populations were highly differentiated based on geographic location and distinctly divided into A and B clades. The results of Mantel tests indicated that geographic distance influenced the genetic distance between the two clades. Moreover, demographic analyses (neutrality tests) and the star-like profile of the Templeton, Crandall, and Sing (TCS) haplotype network indicated that C. brevipedalia had recently expanded into the southern and eastern coastal regions of Korea. These findings suggest that C. brevipedalia populations along the Korean coast have significant genetic differentiation that could be influenced by geographic isolation and subsequent adaptation to regional ecological conditions.

RESUMEN

The eutrophication of lakes and rivers without adequate rainfall leads to excessive growth of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) that produce toxicants, green tides, and unpleasant odors. The rapid growth of CyanoHABs owing to global warming, climate change, and the development of rainforests and dams without considering the environmental concern towards lakes and rivers is a serious issue. Humans and livestock consuming the toxicant-contaminated water that originated from CyanoHABs suffer severe health problems. Among the various toxicants produced by CyanoHABs, microcystins (MCs) are the most harmful. Excess accumulation of MC within living organisms can result in liver failure and hepatocirrhosis, eventually leading to death. Therefore, it is essential to precisely detect MCs in water samples. To date, the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) have been the standard methods for the detection of MC and provide precise results with high reliability. However, these methods require heavy instruments and complicated operation steps that could hamper the portability and field-readiness of the detection system. Therefore, in order for this goal to be achieved, the biosensor has been attracted to a powerful alternative for MC detection. Thus far, several types of MC biosensor have been proposed to detect MC in freshwater sample. The introduction of material is a useful option in order to improve the biosensor performance and construct new types of biosensors. Introducing nanomaterials to the biosensor interface provides new phenomena or enhances the sensitivity. In recent times, different types of nanomaterials, such as metallic, carbon-based, and transition metal dichalcogenide-based nanomaterials, have been developed and used to fabricate biosensors for MC detection. This study reviews the recent advancements in different nanomaterial-based MC biosensors.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome (mtgenome) of the hydrozoan jellyfish Turritopsis lata. The mtgenome was a complete linear form (15,047 bp in length, 30.9% A, 42.1% T, 12.5% C, and 14.5% G), including 13 protein coding genes (PCGs) (cox1, cox2, cox3, atp6, atp8, nad1, nad2, nad3, nad4, nad4L, nad5, nad6, and cytb), 2 tRNAs (tRNAMet and tRNATrp), and 2 rRNAs (12S and 16S rRNA). The genome structure of the T. lata was completely identical to those of other species within the subclass Hydroidolina. In addition, our molecular phylogenetic analysis using 13 PCGs within hydrozoans showed that T. lata was the closest to Turritopsis dohrnii.

RESUMEN

In this study, we analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the hydrozoan jellyfish Blackfordia virginica. The genome was a linear form (15,109 bp long, 73.6% AT), including 13 protein-coding genes (cox2, atp8, atp6, cox3, nad2, nad5, nad6, nad3, nad4L, nad1, nad4, cytB, and cox1), 2 tRNAs (tRNA-Met and tRNA-Trp), and 2 rRNAs (12S and 16S RNA). The genome structure of the B. virginica was completely identical to mitochondrial genomes of other hydrozoans that belonged to Leptothecata and Anthoathecata. Molecular phylogenetic analysis within hydrozoan species showed that B. virginica was the closest to the hydrozoan Laomedea flexuosa.

RESUMEN

The harmful jellyfish Cyanea nozakii Kishinouye has frequently occurred on Korean coasts, and its blooms have caused serious ecological and economic damages. DNA sequences of the C. nozakii for molecular detection and discrimination are relatively scarce. In this study, we determined the complete sequence of a single unit of tandemly repeated ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of the Korean C. nozakii and characterized the molecular features of the rDNA. The complete rDNA contained 8,003 bp (48.4% GC) with the same gene arrangement (18S, ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, 28S, and IGS) to the typical eukaryotes. Dot plot analysis showed that the coding regions (18S, 5.8S, and 28S) were highly conserved, while the non-coding regions (ITS1, ITS2, and IGS) were more variable and parsimony-informative. The IGS contained a putative transcription termination signal (poly(T) tract) and four repeats of block minisatellites. Phylogenetic analyses using 18S and 28S rDNA revealed well-resolved relationships of C. nozakii within the order Semaeostomeae, separating it from other Cyanea species. The complete rDNA sequence provides various options for the selection of jellyfish taxonomic markers and may be useful for discriminating between species of C. nozakii and phylogeny reconstruction with close relatives.

RESUMEN

The moon jellyfish, Aurelia coerulea, is is globally distributed, and its blooms have been responsible for severe environmental impacts. Benthic polyp populations are important for forming and maintaining medusa populations; however, their genetic structures are mostly unknown. Here, we analysed the genetic structure and phylogeographic pattern of A. coerulea polyps using the mitochondrial COI of 229 specimens collected from four different coastal regions of Korea. Molecular discrimination by COI assigned all polyps to A. coruelea. Population genetics revealed 53 haplotypes with high diversity and significant genetic structure, distinguishing two haplogroups (A and B) that coexist in all regions. Haplogroup A exhibited a star-like haplotype network pattern, while haplogroup B demonstrated a branched haplotype network pattern. Our results suggest that, the two haplogroups detected have existed in sympatry along Korean coasts. However, haplogroup A may have been established by a recent population expansion, while haplogroup B may have been established a long time ago. The strong genetic structure found within the polyp population of A. coerulea may have an effect on the moon jellyfish blooms on Korean coasts.

RESUMEN

In the present study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the hydrozoan jellyfish Spirocodon saltatrix. The mitochondrial genome was a linear form (15,752 bp long, 70.4% AT), consisting of 13 protein coding genes (cox1, cox2, atp8, atp6, cox3, nad2, nad5, nad6, nad3, nad4L, nad1, nad4, and cytB), two tRNAs (tRNA-Met and tRNA-Trp), and two rRNAs (12S and 16S). Mitochondrial gene arrangement of the S. saltatrix was completely identical to already-known mitochondrial genomes of hydrozoans. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using 13 protein-coding genes showed that S. saltatrix was closely related to the hydrozoan Clava multicornis.

RESUMEN

The cnidarian jellyfishes are impressive organisms to show animal mitochondrial genomic diversities. Their mitogenome structure is linear and tRNA content has one or two in numbers, which is highly different than other metazoans. In this study, a complete mitogenome of the ghost jellyfish Cyanea nozakii (Cnidaria, Semaeostomeae, Cyaneidae) was sequenced and analyzed. The mitgenome is 17,381 bp long with 38.5% A, 16.0% C, 13.9% G, and 31.6% T nucleotide distributions. In addition, phylogenetic relationship of C. nozakii in the class Scyphozoa was investigated by using mitochondrial protein coding genes. Due to results, C. nozakii was positioned in the paraphyletic order Semaeostomeae. This is the first complete mitogenome from the genus Cyanea.

RESUMEN

Jinho Chae, Yoseph Seo, Won Bae Yu, Won Duk Yoon, Hye Eun Lee, Soo-Jung Chang, and Jang-Seu Ki (2018) The Scyphomedusae genus Chrysaora consists of highly diversified jellyfishes. Although morphological systematics of the genus has been documented over the past century, characterization of molecular taxonomy has been attempted only recently. In the present study, we sequenced an 8,167 bp region, encompassing a single ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeat unit, from Chrysaora pacifica, and used it for phylogenetic analyses. The tandemly repeated rDNA units turned out to consist of both coding and noncoding regions, whose arrangement was found to be the same as that of a typical eukaryote. None of the 5S rRNA sequences were found among the repeat units. Comparative analyses of jellyfish rDNA sequences showed that the 28S locus is highly informative and divergent compared to the 18S locus. Phylogenetic analyses of the 18S and 28S loci revealed that the Semaeostomeae order of jellyfish is separated into taxonomic groups by families and genera, with a few exceptions. The family Pelagiidae was in a clade separate from other groups, thus forming a monophyletic lineage. All Chrysaora included here formed a strongly supported clade within the family Pelagiidae, and Pelagiidae manifested a sister relationship with Cyanea. Nonetheless, Chrysaora was found to be paraphyletic in both 18S and 28S phylogenies. Chrysaora pacifica was clearly distinct from close relatives C. melanaster and C. quinquecirrha. These results provide a special reference for the DNA taxonomy of Pelagiidae jellyfishes in terms of nuclear cistron rDNA sequences and improve our understanding of the molecular phylogenetic relationships among Semaeostomeae jellyfishes.