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Nano-bio-interactions:
In this thrust, we aim to understand and manipulate the impact of nanomaterials on actin cytoskeleton in normal and cancer cells. In normal cells, we focus on the adverse impact of low-dose nanomaterials (e.g., gold nanorods, metal-organic framework nanoparticles) on the actin cytoskeleton of vascular cells including endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. We demonstrate that actin cytoskeleton of vascular cells can serve as a sensitive marker to evaluate the toxicity of nanomaterials.
On the other hand, we demonstrate that the actin cytoskeleton in cancer cells can be specifically targeted and disrupted by low-level nanomaterials and a mild photothermal effect, leading to inhibited cancer cell migration.
Representative papers:
[1] D. Kota, L. Kang, A. Rickel, J. Liu, S. Smith, Z. Hong*, C. Wang*, “Low doses of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles alter the actin organization and contractility of vascular smooth muscle cells”, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 414, 122514 (2021).
[2] J. Liu, L. Kang, S. Smith, C. Wang*, “Transmembrane MUC18 targeted polydopamine nanoparticles and a mild photothermal effect synergistically disrupt actin cytoskeleton and migration of cancer cells”, Nano Letters, 21, 9609–9618 (2021).
[3] J. Liu, S. Smith, C. Wang*, “Reversing the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Metastatic Cancer Cells Using CD146-Targeted Black Phosphorus Nanosheets and a Mild Photothermal Treatment ”, ACS Nano, 16, 3208–3220 (2022).
[4] J. Liu, S. Smith, C. Wang*, “Photothermal Attenuation of Cancer Cell Stemness, Chemoresistance, and Migration Using CD44-Targeted MoS2 Nanosheets”, Nano Letters, 23, 1989–1999 (2023).
Nano-bio composites:
In this thrust, we aim to explore metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as a novel class of encapsulation materials for preserving biomolecules under harsh environmental conditions. For example, we demonstrate the concept of using a metal-organic framework coating to stabilize the surface-bound antibodies on ELISA plates under non-refrigerated conditions. This approach will greatly improve the shelf-life and stability of antibody pre-coated ELISA plates under non-refrigerated conditions, thus extending biomedical research and medical diagnostics to resource-limited settings and underserved populations where refrigeration or the ‘‘cold chain” may not be feasible.
Representative papers:
[1] ​L. Kang, S. Smith, C. Wang*, “Metal−organic framework preserves the biorecognition of antibodies on nanoscale surfaces validated by single-molecule force spectroscopy”, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 12, 3011-3020 (2020).
[2] L. Kang, S. Smith, C. Wang*, “Stabilization of surface-bound antibodies for ELISA based on a reversable zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 coating”, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 588, 101-109 (2021).
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