Search

Abstract Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) aims to detect fetal-related genetic disorders before birth by detecting markers in the peripheral blood of pregnant women, holding the potential in reducing the risk of fetal birth defects. Fetal-nucleated red blood cells (fNRBCs) can be used as biomarkers for NIPD, given their remarkable nature of carrying the entire genetic information of the fetus. Here, we review recent advances in NIPD technologies based on the isolation and analysis of fNRBCs. Conventional cell separation methods rely primarily on physical properties and surface antigens of fNRBCs, such as density gradient centrifugation, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and magnetic-activated cell sorting. Due to the limitations of sensitivity and purity in Conventional methods, separation techniques based on micro-/nanomaterials have been developed as novel methods for isolating and enriching fNRBCs. We also discuss emerging methods based on microfluidic chips and nanostructured substrates for static and dynamic isolation of fNRBCs. Additionally, we introduce the identification techniques of fNRBCs and address the potential clinical diagnostic values of fNRBCs. Finally, we highlight the challenges and the future directions of fNRBCs as treatment guidelines in NIPD. Graphical Abstract

Near-infrared (NIR) light, compared with ultraviolet (UV) light, has a stronger tissue penetration ability and is widely used in the medical field. However, few hydrogels can be triggered by NIR. Here, a modular polymer-nanosheet (metal disulfide) (PNS) hydrogel system was proposed, which can be photo-crosslinked through photothermal conversion under NIR light. MoS2, a transition-metal dichalcogenide, was used as a crosslink center in PNS hydrogels. Mo and S (from thiolated polymers), which are essential for gelation, were discovered to have new bonds. Furthermore, 3D printing of NIRtriggered PNS hydrogels was achieved conceptually with masked NIR. Moreover, multiple hydrogels and metal disulfides were applicable in this modular gelation system. This study indicated that these PNS hydrogels have great potential in many smart biomedical applications, including wearable sensors, noninvasive in vivo 3D bioprinting, and tissue repair substitutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]