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Spinal cord injury is a severe central nervous system disease. Neural crest-derived ectoderm mesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) have become an important tool in treating SCI owing to their excellent neuronal differentiation efficiency and promising paracrine effects. Sonic hedgehog (shh) was proven to promote both the proliferation and chemotaxis of NSCs and induce their differentiation into mature neurons and the formation of synapses. In this study, we examined the neuronal differentiation induced by SHH-engineered EMSCs in a co-culture system. The levels of the neuronal markers, tubulin beta 3 class III and growth-associated protein 43, were higher in NSCs in the SHH-EMSC co-culture group, and those of the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were lower, compared with the mono and EMSCs-NSCs groups The expression of GAP43, GFAP, MBP, and NF200 was also confirmed by western blot analysis. Most importantly, the upregulation of con43, con47, smoothen, and integrin might reveal the construction of the gap junction during the overexpression of SHH in EMSCs. Overall, our findings indicate that SHH-EMSCs might facilitate the neuronal differentiation of NSCs via the gap junction formation.

It is critical to obtain an anti-inflammatory microenvironment when curing spinal cord injury (SCI). On the basis of this, we prepared Lycium barbarum oligosaccharide (LBO)-nasal mucosa-derived mesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) fibronectin hydrogel for SCI restoration via inflammatory license effect and M2 polarization of microglias. LBO exhibited remarkable M2 polarization potential for microglia. However, EMSCs primed by LBO generated enhanced paracrine effects through the inflammatory license-like process. The observed dual function is likely based on the TNFR2 pathway. In addition, LBO-EMSC hydrogel possesses a synergistic effect on M2 polarization of microglia through the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway. The obtained findings provide a simple approach for MSC-based therapies for SCI and shed more light on the role of TNFR2 on bidirectional regulation in tissue regeneration.

It is critical to obtain an anti-inflammatory microenvironment when curing spinal cord injury (SCI). On the basis of this, we prepared

Recently, bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), a constituent of turmeric, has been studied widely in view of their various therapeutic effects, namely anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory. Since ancient times, turmeric has been extensively used as a naturally occurring traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and as a crucial home remedy for treatment of many health problems such as inflammation and pain. However, the action of anti-gouty arthritis and analgesic activity of its constituents, especially BDMC, have not been scientifically reported yet. Despite the various bioactivities of BDMC, its utilization in clinics has been restricted owing to poor solubility and bioavailability. This research aimed at enhancing oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic of BDMC via liposome formulation which was modified with d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS or vitamin E TPGS) and was characterized using various parameters both in vitro and in vivo. Also, the analgesic and anti-gouty activities of BDMC-loaded TPGS-modified liposomes were investigated by assessing pain threshold and serum uric acid level in potassium oxonate–induced hyperuricemic rats. As the result, BDMC-loaded TPGS-modified liposomes were formulated successfully with optimal physiochemical properties such as 75.98 ± 5.46 nm (particle size), 0.246 ± 0.011 (polydispersity index), − 38.21 ± 0.29 mV (zeta potential), 96.98 ± 0.17 (encapsulation efficiency (EE%)), and 4.84 ± 0.0089 (drug loading capacity (DL%)). Moreover, the oral bioavailability of liposomized BDMC was approximately 10-fold greater than free BDMC in vivo and in vitro cumulative release rates in pH 1.2 (78%) and pH 7 (68%) respectively. This significantly improved the sustaining drug effect of BDMC compared with free form. In addition, BDMC-TPGS liposome acted as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor to evidently reduce uric acid level in potassium oxonate–induced hyperuricemic rats and remarkably increase pain threshold capacity and reaction time in hot plate test at a dose-dependent manner. Altogether, BDMC-conjugated TPGS liposome could act as favorable nanocarriers against gouty arthritis and intense pain with prospect of overcoming the limitation of BDMC application.

Ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) are typical adult stem cells obtained from the cranial neural crest. They have the potential to differentiate into various cell types, such as osseous cells, neurons and glial cells. Three-dimensional (3 D) printing is a novel method to construct biological structures by rapid prototyping. Previously, our group reported on the stemness and multi-lineage differentiation potential of EMSCs on gels. However, the exploration of EMSCs in 3 D printing and then evaluation of the growth and neuronal differentiation of EMSCs on extruded 3 D printable hybrid hydrogels has not been reported. Therefore, the current study explored the novel hybrid Sodium alginate-Matrigel (SA-MA) hydrogel extruded 3 D printing to design an in vitro scaffold to promote the differentiation and growth of EMSCs. In addition, the physical properties of the hydrogel were characterized and its drug-releasing property determined. Notably, the results showed that the construct exhibited a sustain-released effect of growth factor BDNF in accordance with the Higuchi equation. Moreover, the cell survival rate on the 3 D printed scaffold was 88.22 ± 1.13% with higher neuronal differentiation efficiency compared with 2 D culture. Thus, SA-MA’s ability to enhanced EMSCs neuronal differentiation offers a new biomaterial for neurons regeneration in the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Punicic acid of pomegranate oil (PAP) has gained heightened interest due to several health benefits, such as anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, and antiatherosclerotic properties. However, these bioactivities have been hampered by chemical instability, poor water solubility, rapid metabolism, and low bioavailability of PAP. Therefore, this study was aimed at optimizing the liposomal formulation of Triacylglycerol-bound punicic acid with its regioisomers (TPAR) for improved oral bioavailability and increased hepatoprotection through antioxidation and anti-inflammation. Herein, the optimized TPAR nanoliposome (TPAR-NL) was developed using thin-film dispersion method and subsequently characterized with appropriate indices. The optimized TPAR-NL produced fairly stable spherical nanoparticles (˂ 200 nm) with encapsulation efficiency (%EE) of 85.77%, as well as enhanced in vitro release and improved oral bioavailability. The TPAR-NL exhibited profound antihepatotoxic effect in mice pretreated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) via reduction of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels compared with free TPAR. The TPAR-loaded liposome also significantly reduced oxidative stress by increasing superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels while lowering malonaldehyde concentration compared with the free TPAR. The TPAR-LNF further exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory activity compared with the free drug via inhibition of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha generation. Thus, the developed nanoliposomes potentiated the antihepatotoxic activity of TPAR via antioxidation and anti-inflammation.

[6]-Gingerol, one of the components of the rhizome of Ginger, has a variety of biological activities such as anticoagulant, antioxidative, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and so forth. However, as one of the homologous phenolic ketones, [6]-gingerol is insoluble in water which limits its applications. Herein, we prepared [6]-gingerol proliposomes through modified thin-film dispersion method, which was spherical or oval, and physicochemically stable with narrow size distribution. Surprisingly, in vitro release of [6]-gingerol loaded proliposome compared with the free [6]-gingerol was significantly higher and its oral bioavailability increased 5-fold in vivo. Intriguingly, its antitumor effect was enhanced in the liposome formulation. Thus, our prepared [6]-gingerol proliposome proved to be a novel formulation for [6]-gingerol, which significantly improved its antitumor effect.

Myricetin (MRC) is a naturally occurring herbal flavonoid compound that has been recognized as a useful medicinal agent over a long time, but its applications have been restricted due to its poor aqueous solubility, stability, and bioavailability. This study was designed to promote the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of MRC via the two novel pro-liposomes formulations, one with and one without Vitamin E TPGS ( d -α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 Succinate) using thin-film method, denoted as MRC-PL and MRC-TPGS-PL. Successfully formulated nano pro-liposomes were spherical in shape, uniformly distributed and possessed in vitro controlled release profile. The small particle size ( 94%) and drug loading capacity (>6.5%) indicated a strong affinity between MRC and the core of the nano pro-liposomes. An in vivo pharmacokinetic study showed that the oral bioavailability of MRC increased by 7.2-fold when loaded into TPGS modified pro-liposome thus leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, significantly better pharmacological effects, especially antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of MRC, were achieved via TPGS modified pro-liposome formulation rather than the TPGS-free pro-liposome and unformulated MRC. Based on these findings, it was hypothesized that TPGS modified pro-liposomes could be potential nanocarriers for overcoming the limitations in delivery of hydrophobic compounds via the oral route.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), unlike semiconductor quantum dots, possess fine biocompatibility, excellent upconversion properties, high photostability and low toxicity. Here, we report multifunctional CQDs which were developed using alginate, 3% hydrogen peroxide and double distilled water through a facile, eco-friendly and inexpensive one-step hydrothermal carbonization route. In this reaction, the alginate served as both the carbon source and the cationization agent. The resulting CQDs exhibited strong and stable fluorescence with water-dispersible and positively-charged properties which could serve as an excellent DNA condensation. As non-viral gene vector being used for the first time, the CQDs showed considerably high transfection efficiency (comparable to Lipofectamine2000 and significantly higher than PEI, p0.05) and negligible toxicity. The photoluminescence properties of CQDs also permitted easy tracking of the cellular-uptake. The findings showed that both caveolae- and clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathways were involved in the internalization process of CQDs/pDNA complexes. Taken together, the alginate-derived photoluminescent CQDs hold great potential in biomedical applications due to their dual role as efficient non-viral gene vectors and bioimaging probes.This manuscript describes a facile and simple one-step hydrothermal carbonization route for preparing optically tunable photoluminescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from a novel raw material, alginate. These CQDs enjoy low cytotoxicity, positive zeta potential, excellent ability to condense macromolecular DNA, and most importantly, notably high transfection efficiency. The interesting finding is that the negatively-charged alginate can convert into positively charged CQDs without adding any cationic reagents. The significance of this study is that the cationic carbon quantum dots play dual roles as both non-viral gene vectors and bioimaging probes at the same time, which are most desirable in many fields of applications such as gene therapy, drug delivery, and bioimaging.

Background Previous studies have reported that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from many human tissues could ameliorate ovarian dysfunction. However, no study has revealed the therapeutic efficiency of MSCs derived from the chorionic plate (CP-MSCs) for premature ovarian failure (POF). Methods We investigated the restorative effects of CP-MSCs on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced POF. The POF mouse models were established via intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg CTX into female mice for 15 consecutive days. After that, CP-MSCs were intravenously transplanted into the mice once a week for 4 weeks. The serum estradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the mouse models were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after treatment. Ovarian function was evaluated through counting the follicles, estrous cycles, and oocytes. Results CP-MSC transplantation restored the serum hormone level and ovarian function of the mice in the mouse model of POF induced by CTX. The levels of serum E2 and FSH in the POF model group was 232.33 ± 17.16 pg/mL and 4.48 ± 0.29 mIU/mL, respectively, after 6 weeks of treatment, which were similar to the values in the wild-type (WT) group. The superovulation demonstrated that ovarian function was significantly improved compared with nontreated POF model mice. The CP-MSC transplantation could restore CTX-induced ovarian dysfunction. Conclusions Our results offer a potential application for human CP-MSCs in POF treatment.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), resulting from the forced expression of cocktails out of transcription factors, such as Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM), has shown tremendous potential in regenerative medicine. Although rapid progress has been made recently in the generation of iPSCs, the safety and efficiency remain key issues for further application. In this work, microRNA 302-367 was employed to substitute the oncogenic Klf4 and c-Myc in the OSKM combination as a safer strategy for successful iPSCs generation. The negatively charged plasmid mixture (encoding Oct4, Sox2, miR302-367) and the positively charged cationized Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharide (CPEPS) self-assembled into nanosized particles, named as CPEPS-OS-miR nanoparticles, which were applied to human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for iPSCs generation after characterization of the physicochemical properties. The CPEPS-OS-miR nanoparticles possessed spherical shape, ultrasmall particle size, and positive surface charge. Importantly, the combination of plasmids Oct4, Sox2, and miR302-367 could not only minimize genetic modification but also show a more than 50 times higher reprogramming efficiency (0.044%) than any other single or possible double combinations of these factors (Oct4, Sox2, miR302-367). Altogether, the current study offers a simple, safe, and effective self-assembly approach for generating clinically applicable iPSCs.

Direct reprogramming of other somatic cells into neurons is an alternative strategy for the recovery of an injured nervous system. In this work, we developed a new non-viral gene carrier based on Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide (PYP). After modification with ethylenediamine, the cationized PYP (Ed-PYP) was combined with plasmids encoding Ascl1, Brn2 and FoxA1 to form spherical nanoscale particles (Ed-PYP-pABF nanoparticles). Cytotoxicity assays proved that Ed-PYP-pABF nanoparticles had a better safety profile than Lipofectamine 2000 and polyetherimide. Characterization tests illustrated that the Ed-PYP-pABF nanoparticles at an Ed-PYP:pABF weight ratio of 40:1 is a potential candidate for gene delivery, which was further supported by Western blot and plasmid encoding enhanced green fluorescence protein transfection. Based on this transfection strategy, we co-delivered pABF to 3T6 cells using Ed-PYP. ELISA indicated that the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factors and sonic hedgehog reached a maximum at 14 days after the last transfection. Immunofluorescence and Western blot further exhibited positive expression of neurofilament 200, Nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, growth associated protein-43, β-3tubulin, and microtubule associated protein 2, proving the successful conversion of 3T6 cells into neurons. Taken together, these results illustrated that a natural polysaccharide-based gene co-delivery system is a promising strategy for neural reprogramming.

In this study, multifunctional fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal carbonization reaction, with the naturally-occurring porphyra polysaccharide (PPS) serving as a single carbon source for the first time and ethylenediamine (Ed) acting as the surface passivation agent. The resulting CDs enjoyed a high quantum yield (56.3%), excitation-dependent fluorescence, small size (

Background The cell source for transplantation therapy is always a prerequisite question to be solved in clinical applications. Neural cells are considered non-regenerable, which highly restrict their application in the treatment for nerve injury. Therefore, neural trans-differentiation based on gene transfection provides a new solution to this issue. Compared to viral strategy, non-viral gene delivery systems are considered as a more promising way to achieve this aim. This study centers on a novel application of Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide as a non-viral gene carrier for the neural trans-differentiation of mouse fibroblasts. Results Ethanediamine modified P. yezoensis polysaccharide (Ed-PYP) served as a gene carrier and a group of plasmids that encode Ascl1, Brn4, and Tcf3 (pABT) self-assembled into nanoparticles. Results demonstrated that Ed-PYP–pABT nanoparticles at Ed-PYP: pABT weight ratio of 40:1 was the optimal candidate for gene delivery. ELISA assay revealed the highest expression levels of NGF, BDNF and SHH at 14 days after last transfection. Immunofluorescence and western blot assays also showed robust expression of neural markers including Nestin, GFAP, β-3tubulin, NF200, GAP43 and MAP2, in induced 3T6 cells at this time point. Conclusion Overall, these findings indicated that the P. yezoensis polysaccharide-based non-viral gene co-delivery system is a promising strategy for the generation of neural cells, which might facilitate the developments in the recovery of neural injuries. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12951-017-0317-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Additional file 1: Figure S1. Fourier-Transform infrared spectra of Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide (PYP) and ethylenediamine modified Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide (Ed-PYP). Figure S2. Electrophoretic mobility of plasmid in Ed-PYP-plasmid Ascl1, Brn4 and Tcf3 (pABT) nanoparticles at various weight ratios. Lane 1–3, free plasmids Ascl1, Brn4 and Tcf3 from left to right; Lane 4–9, Ed-PYP: pABT weight ratios of 10:1, 20:1, 40:1, 80:1, 150:1, and 300:1, respectively. Figure S3. Cytotoxicity assay. Bar 1, 3T6 cells treated with Ed-PYP; bar2, free plasmid group Ascl1, Brn4 and Tcf3 (pABT) (control group); bars 3–8, ethylenediamine modified Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide (Ed-PYP)–pABT nanoparticles at ratios of 20:1, 40:1, 80:1, 150:1, 300:1, and 400:1 from left to right, respectively; bar 9, PEI–pABT; bars 10, Lipofectamine 2000(Lip2000)-pABT. Figure S4. Characterization of ethylenediamine modified Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide (Ed-PYP)-pABT nanoparticles. (A) Zeta-potential results. Notes: Bar 1, naked plasmid group Ascl1, Brn4 and Tcf3 (pABT); bar 2, Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide (PYP); bar 3, ethylenediamine modified Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide (Ed-PYP); bars 4–6, Ed-PYP–pABT nanoparticles prepared at various Ed-PYP: pABT weight ratios-20:1, 40:1, and 80:1 from left to right, respectively (means±standard deviation of measurements from three replicates). (B) Size distribution of the nanoparticles at Ed-PYP: pABT weight ratios of 20:1, 40:1, and 80:1, respectively. (C) Transmission electron microscopy image of the nanoparticles at an Ed-PYP: pABT weight ratio of 40:1. (D) Particle-size distribution of the nanoparticles at an Ed-PYP: pABT weight ratio of 40:1.

Generating of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be achieved by ectopic expression of defined transcription factor sets. However, most instances of iPSC induction have been achieved using viral vectors, which carry the risk of unpredictable genetic dysfunction. Here, for the first time, a non-viral vector based on calcium phosphate nanoparticles for the generation of virus-free iPSCs from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) via co-delivery of the four plasmids (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc) is reported. As a result, a total of 98 colonies from 200 000 cells have been obtained, with a reprogramming efficiency of 0.049%. The iPSCs shows positive expression of pluripotency markers, including OCT4, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, NANOG, and TRA-1-81. Moreover, the iPSCs are able to differentiate into all three germ layers in vitro. Subcutaneous injection of the iPSCs into immunocompromised mice results in the formation of teratomas containing a variety of tissues from all three germ layers. These findings indicate that co-delivery of the four Yamanaka factors via plasmid-encapsulated calcium phosphate nanoparticles can provide a simple, safe, and efficient method for the generation of virus-free iPSCs, which is crucial for their future clinical applications in the field of regenerative medicine.

With the increasing demand for higher gene carrier performance, a multifunctional vector could immensely simplify gene delivery for disease treatment; nevertheless, the current non- viral vectors lack self-tracking ability. Here, a type of novel, dual-functional cationic carbon dots (CDs), produced through one-step, microwave-assisted pyrolysis of arginine and glucose, have been utilized as both a self-imaging agent and a non-viral gene vector for chondrogenesis from fibroblasts. The cationic CDs could condense the model gene plasmid SOX9 (pSOX9) to form ultra-small (10–30 nm) nanoparticles which possessed several favorable properties, including high solubility, tunable fluorescence, high yield, low cytotoxicity and outstanding biocompatibility. The MTT assay indicated that CDs/pSOX9 nanoparticles had little cytotoxicity against mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) compared to Lipofectamine2000 and PEI (25 kDa). Importantly, the CDs/pSOX9 nanoparticles with tunable fluorescence not only enabled the intracellular tracking of the nanoparticles, but also could successfully deliver the pSOX9 into MEFs with significantly high efficiency. Furthermore, the CDs/pSOX9 nanoparticles-mediated transfection of MEFs showed obvious chondrogenic differentiation. Altogether, these findings demonstrated that the CDs prepared in this study could serve as a paradigmatic example of the dual-functional reagent for both self-imaging and effective non-viral gene delivery.

Reprogramming somatic cells into a pluripotent state has been widely investigated in two-dimensional (2D) systems but not described in the more biologically faithful three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds. Here, we devise a 3D porous tissue engineering scaffold that could achieve successful and efficient induction of pluripotency. To construct this 3D scaffold, nonviral hybrid nanoparticles were fabricated beforehand by employing calcium phosphate and cationized Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharide to codeliver plasmids OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 ,and C-MYC (pOSKM). These hybrid nanoparticles were then loaded into a 3D porous collagen scaffold to obtain the so-called pOSKM-activated 3D scaffold. This 3D scaffold could reprogram human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) into a pluripotent state, generating 3D cell spheres which showed positive expression of pluripotency markers in the 3D scaffolds and tightly packed colonies when transferred to 2D feeder layers. Besides sharing similar morphology, epigenetic modification, and expression of pluripotency genes with the embryonic stem cells, the 3D system-generated colonies could also be expanded on feeder layers for more than 20 passages, indicating the successful establishment of stable induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines. Our findings represent a first employment of porous 3D scaffolds to achieve successful reprogramming via a one-time transfection, offering a safe, simple, and effective alternative strategy for iPSC generation.

Pleurotus eryngii is a medicinal/edible mushroom with great nutritional value and bioactivity. Its polysaccharide has recently been developed into an effective gene vector via cationic modification. In the present study, cationized P. eryngii polysaccharide (CPS), hybridized with calcium phosphate (CP), was used to codeliver plasmids (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc) for generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The results revealed that the hybrid nanoparticles could significantly enhance the process and efficiency of reprogramming (1.6-fold increase) compared with the CP nanoparticles. The hybrid CPS also facilitated epigenetic modification during the reprogramming. Moreover, these hybrid nanoparticles exhibited multiple pathways (both caveolae- and clathrin-mediated endocytosis) in their cellular internalization, which accounted for the improved iPSCs generation. These findings therefore present a novel application of P. eryngii polysaccharide in pluripotent reprogramming via active epigenetic modification.

Qingtong Yu,1,2 Jin Cao,2 Baoding Chen,3 Wenwen Deng,2 Xia Cao,2 Jingjing Chen,2 Yan Wang,2 Shicheng Wang,2 Jiangnan Yu,2 Ximing Xu,2 Xiangdong Gao1 1School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy and Center for Drug/Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Jiangsu University, 3Department of Medical Ultrasound, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People’s Republic of China Abstract: This study centered on an innovative application of Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide (PPS) with cationic modification as a safe and efficient nonviral gene vector to deliver a plasmid encoding human Wnt3a (pWnt3a) into human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs). After modification with branched low-molecular-weight (1,200 Da) polyethylenimine, the cationized PPS (CPPS) was combined with pWnt3a to form spherical nanoscale particles (CPPS-pWnt3a nanoparticles). Particle size and distribution indicated that the CPPS-pWnt3a nanoparticles at a CPPS:pWnt3a weight ratio of 40:1 might be a potential candidate for DNA plasmid transfection. A cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that the nanoparticles prepared at a CPPS:pWnt3a weight ratio of 40:1 were nontoxic to HUMSCs compared to those of Lipofectamine 2000 and polyethylenimine (25 kDa). These nanoparticles were further transfected to HUMSCs. Western blotting demonstrated that the nanoparticles (CPPS:pWnt3a weight ratio 40:1) had the greatest transfection efficiency in HUMSCs, which was significantly higher than that of Lipofectamine 2000; however, when the CPPS:pWnt3a weight ratio was increased to 80:1, the nanoparticle-treated group showed no obvious improvement in translation efficiency over Lipofectamine 2000. Therefore, CPPS, a novel cationic polysaccharide derived from P. yezoensis, could be developed into a safe, efficient, nonviral gene vector in a gene-delivery system. Keywords: Porphyra yezoensis, nanoparticle, nonviral vector, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, Wnt3a

A novel blended nanoparticle (NP) system for the delivery of anticancer drugs and its surprisingly high efficacy for cancer chemotherapy by blending a targeting polymer folic acid-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (FA-PEG-b-PLGA) and a miscible structurally similar polymer D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (TPGS-PLGA) is reported. This blended NP system can be achieved through a simple and effective nanoprecipitation technique, and possesses unique properties: i) improved long-term compatibility brought by PEG-based polymers; ii) reduced multidrug resistance mediated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in tumor cells and increased bioavailability of anticancer drugs by incorporation of TPGS; iii) the regulation of controlled release through polymer ratios and active targeting by FA. Both in vitro cell experiments and in vivo antitumor assays demonstrated the reported blended NP system can achieve the best therapeutic efficiency in an extremely safe, simple and highly efficient process for cancer therapy. Moreover, this NP system is highly efficient in forming NPs with multiple functions, without repeated chemical modification of polymers, which is sometimes complex, inefficient and high cost. Therefore, the development of this novel blended NP concept is extremely meaningful for the application of pharmaceutical nanotechnology in recent studies.