@article{wei_shelton_chen_huang_2025, title={In vivo trafficking of cancer-derived exosomes and their role in metastasis}, url={https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vesic.2024.100063}, DOI={10.1016/j.vesic.2024.100063}, journal={Extracellular Vesicle}, author={Wei, Shih-Yen and Shelton, Sarah E. and Chen, Ying-Chieh and Huang, Ke}, year={2025}, month={Jun} } @article{yao_li_zhu_li_tasoudis_liu_mei_popowski_caranasos_wang_et al._2024, title={An infusible biologically active adhesive for chemotherapy-related heart failure in elderly rats}, volume={40}, ISSN={["2452-199X"]}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.06.020}, DOI={10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.06.020}, abstractNote={Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity with subsequent heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors worldwide. Chemotherapy-induced HF is exceptionally challenging as it generally manifests in patients who are typically not eligible for left ventricular device implantation or heart transplantation. To explore alternative treatment strategies for cancer survivors suffering from chemotherapy-induced HF, we developed a minimally invasive infusible cardiac stromal cell secretomes adhesive (MISA) that could be delivered locally through an endoscope-guided intrapericardial injection. To mimic the typical clinical presentation of chemotherapy-induced HF in elder patients, we established an aged rat model in which restrictive cardiomyopathy with sequential HF was induced}, journal={BIOACTIVE MATERIALS}, author={Yao, Jialu and Li, Junlang and Zhu, Dashuai and Li, Yuan and Tasoudis, Panagiotis and Liu, Shuo and Mei, Xuan and Popowski, Kristen and Caranasos, Thomas G. and Wang, Haipeng and et al.}, year={2024}, month={Oct}, pages={571–581} } @article{li_sun_zhu_mei_lyu_huang_li_liu_wang_hu_et al._2024, title={Inhalable Stem Cell Exosomes Promote Heart Repair After Myocardial Infarction}, volume={150}, ISSN={["1524-4539"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.065005}, DOI={10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.065005}, abstractNote={Exosome therapy shows potential for cardiac repair after injury. However, intrinsic challenges such as short half-life and lack of clear targets hinder the clinical feasibility. Here, we report a noninvasive and repeatable method for exosome delivery through inhalation after myocardial infarction (MI), which we called stem cell-derived exosome nebulization therapy (SCENT).}, number={9}, journal={CIRCULATION}, author={Li, Junlang and Sun, Shenghuan and Zhu, Dashuai and Mei, Xuan and Lyu, Yongbo and Huang, Ke and Li, Yuan and Liu, Shuo and Wang, Zhenzhen and Hu, Shiqi and et al.}, year={2024}, month={Aug}, pages={710–723} } @article{kwon_wu_li_yuan_lopez_huang_bai_2024, title={On-demand drug delivery bioelectronics through a water-processable low dimensional highly conductive MXene layer}, volume={6}, ISSN={["1473-0189"]}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d4lc00234b}, DOI={10.1039/d4lc00234b}, abstractNote={On-demand drug delivery holds great promise to optimize pharmaceutical efficacy while minimizing the side effects. However, existing on-demand drug delivery systems often require complicated manufacturing processes that preclude their wide implementation of a broad range of drugs. In this work, we demonstrate the introduction of MXene-coated microneedles (MNs) into bioelectronics for digitally controllable gate-valve drug delivery. MXenes, featuring high electronic conductivity, excellent biocompatibility, and solution processibility, enable low-cost scalability for printable bioelectronics. In an electrolytic state (}, journal={LAB ON A CHIP}, author={Kwon, Hyeok-jin and Wu, Yizhang and Li, Yuan and Yuan, Gongkai and Lopez, Rene and Huang, Ke and Bai, Wubin}, year={2024}, month={Jun} } @article{wu_li_liu_zhu_xing_lambert_weisbecker_liu_davis_zhang_et al._2024, title={Orbit symmetry breaking in MXene implements enhanced soft bioelectronic implants}, volume={10}, ISSN={["2375-2548"]}, DOI={10.1126/sciadv.adp8866}, abstractNote={Bioelectronic implants featuring soft mechanics, excellent biocompatibility, and outstanding electrical performance hold promising potential to revolutionize implantable technology. These biomedical implants can record electrophysiological signals and execute direct therapeutic interventions within internal organs, offering transformative potential in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of various pathological conditions. However, challenges remain in improving excessive impedance at the bioelectronic-tissue interface and thus the efficacy of electrophysiological signaling and intervention. Here, we devise orbit symmetry breaking in MXene (a low-cost scalability, biocompatible, and conductive two dimensionally layered material, which we refer to as OBXene), which exhibits low bioelectronic-tissue impedance, originating from the out-of-plane charge transfer. Furthermore, the Schottky-induced piezoelectricity stemming from the asymmetric orbital configuration of OBXene facilitates interlayered charge transport in the device. We report an OBXene-based cardiac patch applied on the left ventricular epicardium of both rodent and porcine models to enable spatiotemporal epicardium mapping and pacing while coupling the wireless and battery-free operation for long-term real-time recording and closed-loop stimulation.}, number={40}, journal={SCIENCE ADVANCES}, author={Wu, Yizhang and Li, Yuan and Liu, Yihan and Zhu, Dashuai and Xing, Sicheng and Lambert, Noah and Weisbecker, Hannah and Liu, Siyuan and Davis, Brayden and Zhang, Lin and et al.}, year={2024}, month={Oct} } @article{wu_liu_li_wei_xing_wang_zhu_guo_zhang_yuan_et al._2024, title={Symmetry engineering in 2D bioelectronics facilitating augmented biosensing interfaces}, volume={121}, ISSN={["1091-6490"]}, DOI={10.1073/pnas.2412684121}, abstractNote={Symmetry lies at the heart of two-dimensional (2D) bioelectronics, determining material properties at the fundamental level. Breaking the symmetry allows emergent functionalities and effects. However, symmetry modulation in 2D bioelectronics and the resultant applications have been largely overlooked. Here, we devise an oxidized architectural MXene, referred to as oxidized MXene (OXene), that couples orbit symmetric breaking with inverse symmetric breaking to entitle the optimized interfacial impedance and Schottky-induced piezoelectric effects. The resulting OXene validates applications ranging from microelectrode arrays, gait analysis, active transistor matrix, and wireless signaling transmission, which enables high-fidelity signal transmission and reconfigurable logic gates. Furthermore, OXene interfaces were investigated in both rodent and porcine myocardium, featuring high-quality and spatiotemporally resolved physiological recordings, while accurate differentiated predictions, enabled via various machine learning pipelines.}, number={48}, journal={PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA}, author={Wu, Yizhang and Liu, Yihan and Li, Yuan and Wei, Ziquan and Xing, Sicheng and Wang, Yunlang and Zhu, Dashuai and Guo, Ziheng and Zhang, Anran and Yuan, Gongkai and et al.}, year={2024}, month={Nov} } @article{mei_li_wang_zhu_huang_hu_popowski_cheng_2023, title={An inhaled bioadhesive hydrogel to shield non-human primates from SARS-CoV-2 infection}, volume={2}, ISSN={1476-1122 1476-4660}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41563-023-01475-7}, DOI={10.1038/s41563-023-01475-7}, abstractNote={The surge of fast-spreading SARS-CoV-2 mutated variants highlights the need for fast, broad-spectrum strategies to counteract viral infections. In this work, we report a physical barrier against SARS-CoV-2 infection based on an inhalable bioadhesive hydrogel, named spherical hydrogel inhalation for enhanced lung defence (SHIELD). Conveniently delivered via a dry powder inhaler, SHIELD particles form a dense hydrogel network that coats the airway, enhancing the diffusional barrier properties and restricting virus penetration. SHIELD's protective effect is first demonstrated in mice against two SARS-CoV-2 pseudo-viruses with different mutated spike proteins. Strikingly, in African green monkeys, a single SHIELD inhalation provides protection for up to 8 hours, efficiently reducing infection by the SARS-CoV-2 WA1 and B.1.617.2 (Delta) variants. Notably, SHIELD is made with food-grade materials and does not affect normal respiratory functions. This approach could offer additional protection to the population against SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens.}, journal={Nature Materials}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Mei, Xuan and Li, Junlang and Wang, Zhenzhen and Zhu, Dashuai and Huang, Ke and Hu, Shiqi and Popowski, Kristen D. and Cheng, Ke}, year={2023}, month={Feb} } @article{zhu_liu_huang_li_mei_li_cheng_2023, title={Intrapericardial long non-coding RNA–Tcf21 antisense RNA inducing demethylation administration promotes cardiac repair}, volume={44}, ISSN={0195-668X 1522-9645}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehad114}, DOI={10.1093/eurheartj/ehad114}, abstractNote={Abstract Aims Epicardium and epicardium-derived cells are critical players in myocardial fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been studied for cardiac repair to improve cardiac remodelling, but the actual mechanisms remain elusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of EV therapy for improving cardiac remodelling and develop a promising treatment addressing myocardial fibrosis. Methods and results Extracellular vesicles were intrapericardially injected for mice myocardial infarction treatment. RNA-seq, in vitro gain- and loss-of-function experiments, and in vivo studies were performed to identify targets that can be used for myocardial fibrosis treatment. Afterward, a lipid nanoparticle–based long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) therapy was prepared for mouse and porcine models of myocardial infarction treatment. Intrapericardial injection of EVs improved adverse myocardial remodelling in mouse models of myocardial infarction. Mechanistically, Tcf21 was identified as a potential target to improve cardiac remodelling. Loss of Tcf21 function in epicardium-derived cells caused increased myofibroblast differentiation, whereas forced Tcf21 overexpression suppressed transforming growth factor-β signalling and myofibroblast differentiation. LncRNA–Tcf21 antisense RNA inducing demethylation (TARID) that enriched in EVs was identified to up-regulate Tcf21 expression. Formulated lncRNA–TARID-laden lipid nanoparticles up-regulated Tcf21 expression in epicardium-derived cells and improved cardiac function and histology in mouse and porcine models of myocardial infarction. Conclusion This study identified Tcf21 as a critical target for improving cardiac fibrosis. Up-regulating Tcf21 by using lncRNA–TARID-laden lipid nanoparticles could be a promising way to treat myocardial fibrosis. This study established novel mechanisms underlying EV therapy for improving adverse remodelling and proposed a lncRNA therapy for cardiac fibrosis. }, number={19}, journal={European Heart Journal}, publisher={Oxford University Press (OUP)}, author={Zhu, Dashuai and Liu, Shuo and Huang, Ke and Li, Junlang and Mei, Xuan and Li, Zhenhua and Cheng, Ke}, year={2023}, month={Mar}, pages={1748–1760} } @article{chen_tang_wang_perez_yao_huang_zhang_king_2023, title={Techniques for navigating postsurgical adhesions: Insights into mechanisms and future directions}, volume={6}, ISSN={["2380-6761"]}, DOI={10.1002/btm2.10565}, abstractNote={AbstractPostsurgical adhesions are a common complication of surgical procedures that can lead to postoperative pain, bowel obstruction, infertility, as well as complications with future procedures. Several agents have been developed to prevent adhesion formation, such as barriers, anti‐inflammatory and fibrinolytic agents. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of physical barrier agents, but they have been associated with conflicting clinical studies and controversy in the clinical utilization of anti‐adhesion barriers. In this review, we summarize the human anatomy of the peritoneum, the pathophysiology of adhesion formation, the current prevention agents, as well as the current research progress on adhesion prevention. The early cellular events starting with injured mesothelial cells and incorporating macrophage response have recently been found to be associated with adhesion formation. This may provide the key component for developing future adhesion prevention methods. The current use of physical barriers to separate tissues, such as Seprafilm®, composed of hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose, can only reduce the risk of adhesion formation at the end stage. Other anti‐inflammatory or fibrinolytic agents for preventing adhesions have only been studied within the context of current research models, which is limited by the lack of in‐vitro model systems as well as in‐depth study of in‐vivo models to evaluate the efficiency of anti‐adhesion agents. In addition, we explore emerging therapies, such as gene therapy and stem cell‐based approaches, that may offer new strategies for preventing adhesion formation. In conclusion, anti‐adhesion agents represent a promising approach for reducing the burden of adhesion‐related complications in surgical patients. Further research is needed to optimize their use and develop new therapies for this challenging clinical problem.}, journal={BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE}, author={Chen, Jiahui and Tang, Xiaoqi and Wang, Ziyu and Perez, Arielle and Yao, Benjamin and Huang, Ke and Zhang, Yang and King, Martin W. W.}, year={2023}, month={Jun} } @article{chee_mihalko_nellenbach_sollinger_huang_hon_pandit_cheng_brown_2023, title={Wound‐triggered shape change microgels for the development of enhanced biomimetic function platelet‐like particles}, volume={112}, ISSN={1549-3296 1552-4965}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jbm.a.37625}, DOI={10.1002/jbm.a.37625}, abstractNote={AbstractPlatelets play a pivotal role in hemostasis and wound healing and conditional shape change is an important component of platelet functionality. In normal circumstances, platelets travel through the circulatory system in an inactive rounded state, which enables platelets to easily move to vessel walls for attachment. When an injury occurs, platelets are prompted by molecules, such as thrombin, to shift into a stellate shape and increase exposure of fibrin‐binding receptors. When active, platelets promote hemostasis and clot retraction, which enhances clot stability and promotes healing. However, in conditions where platelets are depleted or hyporeactive, these functions are diminished and lead to inhibited hemostasis and healing. To treat platelet depletion, our group developed platelet‐like particles (PLPs) which consist of highly deformable microgels coupled to fibrin binding motif. However, first generation PLPs do not exhibit wound‐triggered shape change like native platelets. Thus, the objective of these studies was to develop a PLP formulation that changes shape when prompted by thrombin. To create thrombin‐sensitive PLPs (TS‐PLPs), we incorporated a thrombin‐cleavable peptide into the microgel body and then evaluated PLP properties before and after exposure to thrombin including morphology, size, and in vitro clot retraction. Once thrombin‐prompted shape change ability was confirmed, the TS‐PLPs were tested in vivo for hemostatic ability and subsequent wound healing outcomes in a murine liver trauma model. We found that TS‐PLPs exhibit a wound‐triggered shape change, induce significant clot retraction following exposure to thrombin and promote hemostasis and healing in vivo after trauma.}, number={4}, journal={Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Chee, Eunice and Mihalko, Emily and Nellenbach, Kimberly and Sollinger, Jennifer and Huang, Ke and Hon, Mason and Pandit, Sanika and Cheng, Ke and Brown, Ashley}, year={2023}, month={Oct}, pages={613–624} } @article{chingale_cheng_huang_2021, title={3D Bioprinting Technology – One Step Closer Towards Cardiac Tissue Regeneration}, volume={8}, ISSN={2296-8016}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2021.804134}, DOI={10.3389/fmats.2021.804134}, abstractNote={Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death across the globe. Heart transplantation has been used for end stage heart failure patients. However, due to the lack of donors, this treatment option usually depends on multiple variables and the result varies due to immunological issues. 3D bioprinting is an emerging approach for in vitro generation of functional cardiac tissues for drug screening and cardiac regenerative therapy. There are different techniques such as extrusion, inkjet, or laser-based 3D printing that integrate multiple cell lines with different scaffolds for the construction of complex 3D structures. In this review, we discussed the recent progress and challenges in 3D bioprinting strategies for cardiac tissue engineering, including cardiac patches, in vitro cardiac models, valves, and blood vessels.}, journal={Frontiers in Materials}, publisher={Frontiers Media SA}, author={Chingale, Mira and Cheng, Ke and Huang, Ke}, year={2021} } @article{popowski_moatti_scull_silkstone_lutz_lópez de juan abad_george_belcher_zhu_mei_et al._2022, title={Inhalable dry powder mRNA vaccines based on extracellular vesicles}, volume={5}, ISSN={2590-2385}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.matt.2022.06.012}, DOI={10.1016/j.matt.2022.06.012}, abstractNote={Respiratory diseases are a global burden, with millions of deaths attributed to pulmonary illnesses and dysfunctions. Therapeutics have been developed, but they present major limitations regarding pulmonary bioavailability and product stability. To circumvent such limitations, we developed room-temperature-stable inhalable lung-derived extracellular vesicles or exosomes (Lung-Exos) as mRNA and protein drug carriers. Compared with standard synthetic nanoparticle liposomes (Lipos), Lung-Exos exhibited superior distribution to the bronchioles and parenchyma and are deliverable to the lungs of rodents and nonhuman primates (NHPs) by dry powder inhalation. In a vaccine application, severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein encoding mRNA-loaded Lung-Exos (S-Exos) elicited greater immunoglobulin G (IgG) and secretory IgA (SIgA) responses than its loaded liposome (S-Lipo) counterpart. Importantly, S-Exos remained functional at room-temperature storage for one month. Our results suggest that extracellular vesicles can serve as an inhaled mRNA drug-delivery system that is superior to synthetic liposomes.}, number={9}, journal={Matter}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Popowski, Kristen D. and Moatti, Adele and Scull, Grant and Silkstone, Dylan and Lutz, Halle and López de Juan Abad, Blanca and George, Arianna and Belcher, Elizabeth and Zhu, Dashuai and Mei, Xuan and et al.}, year={2022}, month={Sep}, pages={2960–2974} } @article{zhu_liu_huang_wang_hu_li_li_cheng_2022, title={Intrapericardial Exosome Therapy Dampens Cardiac Injury via Activating Foxo3}, volume={131}, ISSN={["1524-4571"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.122.321384}, DOI={10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.122.321384}, abstractNote={ Background: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes are well recognized immunomodulating agents for cardiac repair, while the detailed mechanisms remain elusive. The Pericardial drainage pathway provides the heart with immunosurveillance and establishes a simplified model for studying the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulating effects of therapeutic exosomes. Methods: Myocardial infarction (MI) models with and without pericardiectomy (corresponding to Tomy MI and NonTomy MI) were established to study the functions of pericardial drainage pathway in immune activation of cardiac-draining mediastinal lymph node (MLN). Using the NonTomy MI model, MSC exosomes or vehicle PBS was intrapericardially injected for MI treatment. Via cell sorting and RNA-seq (RNA-sequencing) analysis, the differentially expressed genes were acquired for integrated pathway analysis to identify responsible mechanisms. Further, through functional knockdown/inhibition studies, application of cytokines and neutralizing antibodies, western blot, flow cytometry, and cytokine array, the molecular mechanisms were studied. In addition, the therapeutic efficacy of intrapericardially injected exosomes for MI treatment was evaluated through functional and histological analyses. Results: We show that the pericardial draining pathway promoted immune activation in the MLN following MI. Intrapericardially injected exosomes accumulated in the MLN and induced regulatory T cell differentiation to promote cardiac repair. Mechanistically, uptake of exosomes by major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II + antigen-presenting cells (APCs) induced Foxo3 activation via the protein phosphatase (PP)-2A/p-Akt/forkhead box O3 (Foxo3) pathway. Foxo3 dominated APC cytokines (IL-10, IL-33, and IL-34) expression and built up a regulatory T cell (Treg)-inducing niche in the MLN. The differentiation of Tregs as well as their cardiac deployment were elevated, which contributed to cardiac inflammation resolution and cardiac repair. Conclusions: This study reveals a novel mechanism underlying the immunomodulation effects of MSC exosomes and provides a promising candidate (PP2A/p-Akt/Foxo3 signaling pathway) with a favorable delivery route (intrapericardial injection) for cardiac repair. }, number={10}, journal={CIRCULATION RESEARCH}, author={Zhu, Dashuai and Liu, Shuo and Huang, Ke and Wang, Zhenzhen and Hu, Shiqi and Li, Junlang and Li, Zhenhua and Cheng, Ke}, year={2022}, month={Oct}, pages={E135–E150} } @article{cheng_zhu_huang_caranasos_2022, title={Minimally invasive delivery of a hydrogel-based exosome patch to prevent heart failure}, volume={169}, ISSN={["1095-8584"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.yjmcc.2022.04.020}, abstractNote={Coronary heart disease (CHD) has been the number one killer in the United States for decades and causes millions of deaths each year. Clinical treatment of heart ischemic injury relieves symptoms in the acute stage of CHD; however, patients with an infarcted heart muscle can develop heart failure (HF) due to chronic maladaptive remodeling. Regenerative therapy has been studied as a potential treatment option for myocardial infarction (MI) and HF. Cardiac patches have been designed and tested to increase therapeutic retention and integration. However, the delivery usually requires invasive surgical techniques, including open-chest surgeries and heart manipulation. Those procedures may cause chronic adhesions between the heart anterior wall and the chest wall. This study created and tested an injectable ExoGel by embedding mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) -derived exosomes into a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel. ExoGel was injected into the pericardial cavity of rats with transverse aortic constriction (TAC) induced heart failure. ExoGel therapy reduced LV chamber size and preserved wall thickness. The feasibility and safety of ExoGel injection were further confirmed in a pig model.}, journal={JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR CARDIOLOGY}, author={Cheng, George and Zhu, Dashuai and Huang, Ke and Caranasos, Thomas G.}, year={2022}, month={Aug}, pages={113–121} } @article{huang_cheng_2022, title={Sealing the heart from the inside out}, volume={7}, ISSN={2157-846X}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41551-022-00981-4}, DOI={10.1038/s41551-022-00981-4}, number={2}, journal={Nature Biomedical Engineering}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Huang, Ke and Cheng, Ke}, year={2022}, month={Dec}, pages={87–88} } @article{liu_menon_putcha_huang_bonilla_vora_li_zhang_wang_fletcher_et al._2022, title={Skin-Interfaced Deep-Tissue Sensing Patch via Microneedle Waveguides}, volume={6}, ISSN={["2365-709X"]}, DOI={10.1002/admt.202200468}, abstractNote={AbstractContinuous, real‐time monitoring of biomarkers associated with local regions of the body can enhance both temporal and dimensional accuracy of proactive treatment to acute syndromes for critical illnesses, especially peripheral artery diseases. Conventional health monitors often face grand challenges in leveraging deep‐tissue sensing capability with a safe and compatible biointerface. Optical‐based noninvasive monitors may lack the ability to detect oximetry under subcutaneous fatty tissue due to the light scattering and absorption; implantables offer targeted sensing at depth, but may induce infection and inflammation. This report puts forward a wireless, wearable deep‐tissue sensing patch by incorporating biocompatible microneedle waveguides at the sensing interface, to bypass the light extinction in epidermic and dermic tissue and enable the tracking of oximetry at muscular tissue. The sensing patch provides multiple physiological measurements at the sensing area, including tissue oximetry, pulse oximetry, heart pulsation, and respiratory activities with a wireless platform for uninterrupted data advertising and processing to enable real‐time diagnostic analysis. The mechanical and thermal characterizations of the sensing patch with the microneedle waveguides validate the durable and safe operation at the skin interface. In vivo study with animal models of hindlimb ischemia demonstrates the high sensitivity and timely response of the sensing patch as muscle tissue hypoxia emerges.}, journal={ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES}, author={Liu, Yihan and Menon, Rahul and Putcha, Arjun and Huang, Ke and Bonilla, Leonardo and Vora, Rohan and Li, Junye and Zhang, Lin and Wang, Yihang and Fletcher, Lauren and et al.}, year={2022}, month={Jun} } @article{liu_menon_putcha_huang_bonilla_vora_li_zhang_wang_fletcher_et al._2022, title={Skin‐Interfaced Deep‐Tissue Sensing Patch via Microneedle Waveguides (Adv. Mater. Technol. 9/2022)}, volume={7}, ISSN={2365-709X 2365-709X}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/admt.202270058}, DOI={10.1002/admt.202270058}, abstractNote={Sensing Patches Real-time monitoring of muscular oxygenation can enhance post-operative care of muscular wounds and peripheral artery disease. In article number 2200468, Wubin Bai and co-workers report a strategy by integrating microneedle waveguides with a wireless optoelectronic system in a thin, flexible construction to overcome the limitation of sensing depth and enable stable, continuous monitoring of muscular oxygenation without extensive implantation procedures.}, number={9}, journal={Advanced Materials Technologies}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Liu, Yihan and Menon, Rahul and Putcha, Arjun and Huang, Ke and Bonilla, Leonardo and Vora, Rohan and Li, Junye and Zhang, Lin and Wang, Yihang and Fletcher, Lauren and et al.}, year={2022}, month={Sep}, pages={2270058} } @article{yao_huang_zhu_chen_jiang_zhang_mi_xuan_hu_li_et al._2021, title={A Minimally Invasive Exosome Spray Repairs Heart after Myocardial Infarction}, volume={15}, ISSN={["1936-086X"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.1c00628}, DOI={10.1021/acsnano.1c00628}, abstractNote={Myocardial infarction (MI) remains the most common cause of death worldwide. Many MI survivors will suffer from recurrent heart failure (HF), which has been recognized as a determinant of adverse prognosis. Despite the success of improved early survival after MI by primary percutaneous coronary intervention, HF after MI is becoming the major driver of late morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The development of regenerative medicine has brought hope to MI treatment in the past decade. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes have been established as an essential part of stem cell paracrine factors for heart regeneration. However, its regenerative power is hampered by low delivery efficiency to the heart. We designed, fabricated, and tested a minimally invasive exosome spray (EXOS) based on MSC exosomes and biomaterials. In a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction, EXOS improved cardiac function and reduced fibrosis, and promoted endogenous angiomyogenesis in the post-injury heart. We further tested the feasibility and safety of EXOS in a pig model. Our results indicate that EXOS is a promising strategy to deliver therapeutic exosomes for heart repair.}, number={7}, journal={ACS NANO}, publisher={American Chemical Society (ACS)}, author={Yao, Jialu and Huang, Ke and Zhu, Dashuai and Chen, Tan and Jiang, Yufeng and Zhang, Junyi and Mi, Lijie and Xuan, He and Hu, Shiqi and Li, Junlang and et al.}, year={2021}, month={Jul}, pages={11099–11111} } @article{mei_zhu_li_huang_hu_li_abad_cheng_2021, title={A fluid-powered refillable origami heart pouch for minimally invasive delivery of cell therapies in rats and pigs}, volume={2}, ISSN={["2666-6340"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medj.2021.10.001}, DOI={10.1016/j.medj.2021.10.001}, abstractNote={{"Label"=>"BACKGROUND"} Cardiac repair after heart injury remains a big challenge and current drug delivery to the heart is suboptimal. Repeated dosing of therapeutics is difficult due to the invasive nature of such procedures. {"Label"=>"METHODS"} We developed a fluid-driven heart pouch with a memory-shaped microfabricated lattice structure inspired by origami. The origami structure allowed minimally invasive delivery of the pouch to the heart with two small incisions and can be refilled multiple times with the therapeutic of choice. {"Label"=>"FINDINGS"} We tested the pouch's ability to deliver mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a rodent model of acute myocardial infarction and demonstrated the feasibility of minimally invasive delivery in a swine model. The pouch's semi-permeable membrane successfully protected delivered cells from their surroundings, maintaining their viability while releasing paracrine factors to the infarcted site for cardiac repair. {"Label"=>"CONCLUSIONS"} In summary, we developed a fluid-driven heart pouch with a memory-shaped microfabricated lattice structure inspired by origami. The origami structure allowed minimally invasive delivery of the pouch to the heart with two small incisions and can be refilled with the therapeutic of choice.}, number={11}, journal={MED}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Mei, Xuan and Zhu, Dashuai and Li, Junlang and Huang, Ke and Hu, Shiqi and Li, Zhenhua and Abad, Blanca Lopez de Juan and Cheng, Ke}, year={2021}, month={Nov}, pages={1253-+} } @article{zhang_zhu_li_huang_hu_lutz_xie_mei_li_neal-perry_et al._2021, title={A stem cell-derived ovarian regenerative patch restores ovarian function and rescues fertility in rats with primary ovarian insufficiency}, volume={11}, ISSN={["1838-7640"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85114771196&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.7150/thno.61690}, abstractNote={Rationale: Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) normally occurs before age 40 and is associated with infertility. Hormone replacement therapy is often prescribed to treat vasomotor symptom, but it cannot restore ovarian function or fertility. Stem cell therapy has been studied for the treatment of POI. However, the application of live stem cells has suffered from drawbacks, such as low cell retention/engraftment rate, risks for tumorigenicity and immunogenicity, and lack of off-the-shelf feasibility. Methods: We developed a therapeutic ovarian regenerative patch (ORP) that composed of clinically relevant hydrolysable scaffolds and synthetic mesenchymal stem cells (synMSCs), which are microparticles encapsulating the secretome from MSCs. The therapeutic potency of ORP was tested in rats with cisplatin induced POI injury. Results:In vitro studies revealed that ORP stimulated proliferation of ovarian somatic cells (OSCs) and inhibited apoptosis under injury stress. In a rat model of POI, implantation of ORP rescued fertility by restoring sexual hormone secretion, estrus cycle duration, and follicle development. Conclusion: ORP represents a cell-free, off-the-shelf, and clinically feasible treatment for POI.}, number={18}, journal={THERANOSTICS}, author={Zhang, Sichen and Zhu, Dashuai and Li, Zhenhua and Huang, Ke and Hu, Shiqi and Lutz, Halle and Xie, Mengjie and Mei, Xuan and Li, Junlang and Neal-Perry, Genevieve and et al.}, year={2021}, pages={8894–8908} } @misc{li_hu_zhu_huang_mei_abad_cheng_2021, title={All Roads Lead to Rome (the Heart): Cell Retention and Outcomes From Various Delivery Routes of Cell Therapy Products to the Heart}, volume={10}, ISSN={["2047-9980"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.120.020402}, DOI={10.1161/JAHA.120.020402}, abstractNote={AbstractIn the past decades, numerous preclinical studies and several clinical trials have evidenced the feasibility of cell transplantation in treating heart diseases. Over the years, different delivery routes of cell therapy have emerged and broadened the width of the field. However, a common hurdle is shared by all current delivery routes: low cell retention. A myriad of studies confirm that cell retention plays a crucial role in the success of cell‐mediated cardiac repair. It is important for any delivery route to maintain donor cells in the recipient heart for enough time to not only proliferate by themselves, but also to send paracrine signals to surrounding damaged heart cells and repair them. In this review, we first undertake an in‐depth study of primary theories of cell loss, including low efficiency in cell injection, “washout” effects, and cell death, and then organize the literature from the past decade that focuses on cell transplantation to the heart using various cell delivery routes, including intracoronary injection, systemic intravenous injection, retrograde coronary venous injection, and intramyocardial injection. In addition to a recapitulation of these approaches, we also clearly evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, we conduct comparative research on the cell retention rate and functional outcomes of these delivery routes. Finally, we extend our discussion to state‐of‐the‐art bioengineering techniques that enhance cell retention, as well as alternative delivery routes, such as intrapericardial delivery. A combination of these novel strategies and more accurate assessment methods will help to address the hurdle of low cell retention and boost the efficacy of cell transplantation to the heart.}, number={8}, journal={JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION}, publisher={Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)}, author={Li, Junlang and Hu, Shiqi and Zhu, Dashuai and Huang, Ke and Mei, Xuan and Abad, Blanca Lopez de Juan and Cheng, Ke}, year={2021}, month={Apr} } @article{chingale_zhu_cheng_huang_2021, title={Bioengineering Technologies for Cardiac Regenerative Medicine}, volume={9}, ISSN={2296-4185}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2021.681705}, DOI={10.3389/fbioe.2021.681705}, abstractNote={Cardiac regenerative medicine faces big challenges such as a lack of adult cardiac stem cells, low turnover of mature cardiomyocytes, and difficulty in therapeutic delivery to the injured heart. The interaction of bioengineering and cardiac regenerative medicine offers innovative solutions to this field. For example, cell reprogramming technology has been applied by both direct and indirect routes to generate patient-specific cardiomyocytes. Various viral and non-viral vectors have been utilized for gene editing to intervene gene expression patterns during the cardiac remodeling process. Cell-derived protein factors, exosomes, and miRNAs have been isolated and delivered through engineered particles to overcome many innate limitations of live cell therapy. Protein decoration, antibody modification, and platelet membranes have been used for targeting and precision medicine. Cardiac patches have been used for transferring therapeutics with better retention and integration. Other technologies such as 3D printing and 3D culture have been used to create replaceable cardiac tissue. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in bioengineering and biotechnologies for cardiac regenerative medicine.}, journal={Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology}, publisher={Frontiers Media SA}, author={Chingale, Mira and Zhu, Dashuai and Cheng, Ke and Huang, Ke}, year={2021}, month={Jun} } @article{liu_lutz_zhu_huang_li_dinh_gao_zhang_cheng_2021, title={Cardiac Repair: Bispecific Antibody Inhalation Therapy for Redirecting Stem Cells from the Lungs to Repair Heart Injury (Adv. Sci. 1/2021)}, volume={8}, ISSN={2198-3844 2198-3844}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/advs.202170005}, DOI={10.1002/advs.202170005}, abstractNote={Like the idiom of “borrow arrows with thatched boats” (chinese ), inhaled bispecific antibodies lodge on to lung resident platelets (thatched boats) to “borrow” stem cells (arrows) from the lungs and transport them to the injured heart for cardiac repair, as described by Junqing Gao, Yi Zhang, Ke Chang, and co-workers in article number 2002127.}, number={1}, journal={Advanced Science}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Liu, Mengrui and Lutz, Halle and Zhu, Dashuai and Huang, Ke and Li, Zhenhua and Dinh, Phuong‐Uyen C. and Gao, Junqing and Zhang, Yi and Cheng, Ke}, year={2021}, month={Jan}, pages={2170005} } @article{hu_li_shen_zhu_huang_su_dinh_cores_cheng_2021, title={Exosome-eluting stents for vascular healing after ischaemic injury}, volume={5}, ISSN={["2157-846X"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1038/s41551-021-00705-0}, DOI={10.1038/s41551-021-00705-0}, abstractNote={Drug-eluting stents implanted after ischaemic injury reduce the proliferation of endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells and thus neointimal hyperplasia. However, the eluted drug also slows down the re-endothelialization process, delays arterial healing and can increase the risk of late restenosis. Here we show that stents releasing exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in the presence of reactive oxygen species enhance vascular healing in rats with renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury, promoting endothelial cell tube formation and proliferation, and impairing the migration of smooth muscle cells. Compared with drug-eluting stents and bare-metal stents, the exosome-coated stents accelerated re-endothelialization and decreased in-stent restenosis 28 days after implantation. We also show that exosome-eluting stents implanted in the abdominal aorta of rats with unilateral hindlimb ischaemia regulated macrophage polarization, reduced local vascular and systemic inflammation, and promoted muscle tissue repair.}, number={10}, journal={NATURE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Hu, Shiqi and Li, Zhenhua and Shen, Deliang and Zhu, Dashuai and Huang, Ke and Su, Teng and Dinh, Phuong-Uyen and Cores, Jhon and Cheng, Ke}, year={2021}, month={Oct}, pages={1174–1188} } @article{wang_hu_li_zhu_wang_cores_cheng_liu_huang_2021, title={Extruded Mesenchymal Stem Cell Nanovesicles Are Equally Potent to Natural Extracellular Vesicles in Cardiac Repair}, volume={13}, ISSN={["1944-8252"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.1c08044}, DOI={10.1021/acsami.1c08044}, abstractNote={Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) repair injured tissues mainly through their paracrine actions. One of the important paracrine components of MSC secretomes is the extracellular vesicle (EV). The therapeutic potential of MSC-EVs has been established in various cardiac injury preclinical models. However, the large-scale production of EVs remains a challenge. We sought to develop a scale-up friendly method to generate a large number of therapeutic nanovesicles from MSCs by extrusion. Those extruded nanovesicles (NVs) are miniature versions of MSCs in terms of surface marker expression. The yield of NVs is 20-fold more than that of EVs. In vitro, cell-based assays demonstrated the myocardial protective effects and therapeutic potential of NVs. Intramyocardial delivery of NVs in the injured heart after ischemia-reperfusion led to a reduction in scar sizes and preservation of cardiac functions. Such therapeutic benefits are similar to those injected with natural EVs from the same MSC parental cells. In addition, NV therapy promoted angiogenesis and proliferation of cardiomyocytes in the post-injury heart. In summary, extrusion is a highly efficient method to generate a large quantity of therapeutic NVs that can potentially replace extracellular vesicles in regenerative medicine applications.}, number={47}, journal={ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES}, publisher={American Chemical Society (ACS)}, author={Wang, Xianyun and Hu, Shiqi and Li, Junlang and Zhu, Dashuai and Wang, Zhenzhen and Cores, Jhon and Cheng, Ke and Liu, Gang and Huang, Ke}, year={2021}, month={Dec}, pages={55767–55779} } @article{li_lv_zhu_mei_huang_wang_li_zhang_hu_popowski_et al._2022, title={Intrapericardial hydrogel injection generates high cell retention and augments therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells in myocardial infarction}, volume={427}, ISSN={["1873-3212"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.131581}, DOI={10.1016/j.cej.2021.131581}, abstractNote={Although cell therapy has shown potential efficacy in the treatment of heart diseases, one challenge is low cellular retention rate and poor engraftment. We sought to perform a head-to-head comparison on cell retention and therapeutic benefits of intramyocardial (IM) injection and intrapericardial cavity (IPC) injection of adult stem cells in hydrogel. Mouse green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were combined in extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel and injected into the pericardial cavity or the myocardium of the heart of C57BL/6 mice that had been subjected to a myocardial infarction. The IPC injection, as an alternative cell delivery route, led to better cardiac function in our mouse model with myocardial infarction, which was showed by echocardiographies in the short term (2 weeks) and the long term (6 weeks). This result was attributed to 10-fold higher engraftment of MSCs injected via IPC route (42.5 ± 7.4%) than that of MSCs injected intramyocardially (4.4 ± 1.3%). Immunohistochemistry data revealed better cellular proliferation, less apoptosis, and better vascular regeneration in the myocardium after IPC delivery of MSCs. CD63-RFP exosome labeling system showed that heart cells including cardiomyocytes absorbed MSC-exosomes at higher rates when MSCs were injected via IPC route, compared to the results from IM injections, indicating more extensive paracrine activity of MSCs after IPC injections. What is more, the feasibility and safety of IPC injection were demonstrated in a porcine model with minimally invasive procedure. Intrapericardial cavity injection gave a promising solution for the low retention issue of MSCs in the infarcted heart.}, journal={CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Li, Junlang and Lv, Yongbo and Zhu, Dashuai and Mei, Xuan and Huang, Ke and Wang, Xianyun and Li, Zhenhua and Zhang, Sichen and Hu, Shiqi and Popowski, Kristen D. and et al.}, year={2022}, month={Jan} } @article{zhu_li_huang_caranasos_rossi_cheng_2021, title={Minimally invasive delivery of therapeutic agents by hydrogel injection into the pericardial cavity for cardiac repair}, volume={12}, ISSN={["2041-1723"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21682-7}, DOI={10.1038/s41467-021-21682-7}, abstractNote={AbstractCardiac patches are an effective way to deliver therapeutics to the heart. However, such procedures are normally invasive and difficult to perform. Here, we develop and test a method to utilize the pericardial cavity as a natural “mold” for in situ cardiac patch formation after intrapericardial injection of therapeutics in biocompatible hydrogels. In rodent models of myocardial infarction, we demonstrate that intrapericardial injection is an effective and safe method to deliver hydrogels containing induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiac progenitor cells or mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes. After injection, the hydrogels form a cardiac patch-like structure in the pericardial cavity, mitigating immune response and increasing the cardiac retention of the therapeutics. With robust cardiovascular repair and stimulation of epicardium-derived cells, the delivered therapeutics mitigate cardiac remodeling and improve cardiac functions post myocardial infarction. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of minimally-invasive intrapericardial injection in a clinically-relevant porcine model. Collectively, our study establishes intrapericardial injection as a safe and effective method to deliver therapeutic-bearing hydrogels to the heart for cardiac repair.}, number={1}, journal={NATURE COMMUNICATIONS}, author={Zhu, Dashuai and Li, Zhenhua and Huang, Ke and Caranasos, Thomas G. and Rossi, Joseph S. and Cheng, Ke}, year={2021}, month={Mar} } @article{hu_li_shen_zhu_huang_su_dinh_cores_cheng_2021, title={Publisher Correction: Exosome-eluting stents for vascular healing after ischaemic injury}, volume={5}, url={https://doi.org/10.1038/s41551-021-00727-8}, DOI={10.1038/s41551-021-00727-8}, abstractNote={A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41551-021-00727-8.}, number={10}, journal={Nature Biomedical Engineering}, author={Hu, Shiqi and Li, Zhenhua and Shen, Deliang and Zhu, Dashuai and Huang, Ke and Su, Teng and Dinh, Phuong-Uyen and Cores, Jhon and Cheng, Ke}, year={2021}, month={Apr}, pages={1239} } @article{hsu_huang_cheng_2021, title={Resuscitating the Field of Cardiac Regeneration: Seeking Answers from Basic Biology}, volume={6}, ISSN={2701-0198 2701-0198}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adbi.202101133}, DOI={10.1002/adbi.202101133}, abstractNote={AbstractHeart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes for hospital admissions worldwide. HF patients are classified based on the chronic changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as preserved (LVEF ≥ 50%), reduced (LVEF ≤ 40%), or mid‐ranged (40% < LVEF < 50%) HFs. Treatments nowadays can prevent HFrEF progress, whereas only a few of the treatments have been proven to be effective in improving the survival of HFpEF. In this review, numerous mediators involved in the pathogenesis of HF are summarized. The regional upstream signaling and their diagnostic and therapeutic potential are also discussed. Additionally, the recent challenges and development in cardiac regenerative therapy that hold opportunities for future research and clinical translation are discussed.}, number={2}, journal={Advanced Biology}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Hsu, Yaching and Huang, Ke and Cheng, Ke}, year={2021}, month={Dec}, pages={2101133} } @article{huang_ozpinar_su_tang_shen_qiao_hu_li_liang_mathews_et al._2020, title={An off-the-shelf artificial cardiac patch improves cardiac repair after myocardial infarction in rats and pigs}, volume={12}, url={https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.aat9683}, DOI={10.1126/scitranslmed.aat9683}, abstractNote={Acellular patches embedded with encapsulated cell-secreted factors improve cardiac repair after acute myocardial infarction in rodents and pigs.}, number={538}, journal={Science Translational Medicine}, publisher={American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)}, author={Huang, Ke and Ozpinar, Emily W. and Su, Teng and Tang, Junnan and Shen, Deliang and Qiao, Li and Hu, Shiqi and Li, Zhenhua and Liang, Hongxia and Mathews, Kyle and et al.}, year={2020}, month={Apr} } @article{su_huang_mathews_scharf_hu_li_frame_cores_dinh_daniele_et al._2020, title={Cardiac Stromal Cell Patch Integrated with Engineered Microvessels Improves Recovery from Myocardial Infarction in Rats and Pigs}, volume={6}, ISSN={["2373-9878"]}, DOI={10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00942}, abstractNote={The vascularized cardiac patch strategy is promising for ischemic heart repair after myocardial infarction (MI), but current fabrication processes are quite complicated. Vascularized cardiac patches that can promote concurrent restoration of both the myocardium and vasculature at the injured site in a large animal model remain elusive. The safety and therapeutic benefits of a cardiac stromal cell patch integrated with engineered biomimetic microvessels (BMVs) were determined for treating MI. By leveraging a microfluidic method employing hydrodynamic focusing, we constructed the endothelialized microvessels and then encapsulated them together with therapeutic cardiosphere-derived stromal cells (CSCs) in a fibrin gel to generate a prevascularized cardiac stromal cell patch (BMV-CSC patch). We showed that BMV-CSC patch transplantation significantly promoted cardiac function, reduced scar size, increased viable myocardial tissue, promoted neovascularization, and suppressed inflammation in rat and porcine MI models, demonstrating enhanced therapeutic efficacy compared to conventional cardiac stromal cell patches. BMV-CSC patches did not increase renal and hepatic toxicity or exhibit immunogenicity. We noted a significant increase in endogenous progenitor cell recruitment to the peri-infarct region of the porcine hearts treated with BMV-CSC patch as compared to those that received control treatments. These findings establish the BMV-CSC patch as a novel engineered-tissue therapeutic for ischemic tissue repair.}, number={11}, journal={ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING}, author={Su, Teng and Huang, Ke and Mathews, Kyle G. and Scharf, Valery F. and Hu, Shiqi and Li, Zhenhua and Frame, Brianna N. and Cores, Jhon and Dinh, Phuong-Uyen and Daniele, Michael A. and et al.}, year={2020}, month={Nov}, pages={6309–6320} } @article{hu_li_lutz_huang_su_cores_dinh_cheng_2020, title={Dermal exosomes containing miR-218-5p promote hair regeneration by regulating beta-catenin signaling}, volume={6}, ISSN={["2375-2548"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aba1685}, DOI={10.1126/sciadv.aba1685}, abstractNote={Exosomes derived from dermal papilla spheroids express a high level of miR-218-5p, which directly regulates hair regeneration.}, number={30}, journal={SCIENCE ADVANCES}, publisher={American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)}, author={Hu, Shiqi and Li, Zhenhua and Lutz, Halle and Huang, Ke and Su, Teng and Cores, Jhon and Dinh, Phuong-Uyen Cao and Cheng, Ke}, year={2020}, month={Jul} } @article{dinh_paudel_brochu_popowski_gracieux_cores_huang_hensley_harrell_vandergriff_et al._2020, title={Inhalation of lung spheroid cell secretome and exosomes promotes lung repair in pulmonary fibrosis}, volume={11}, ISSN={["2041-1723"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-14344-7}, DOI={10.1038/s41467-020-14344-7}, abstractNote={AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal and incurable form of interstitial lung disease in which persistent injury results in scar tissue formation. As fibrosis thickens, the lung tissue loses the ability to facilitate gas exchange and provide cells with needed oxygen. Currently, IPF has few treatment options and no effective therapies, aside from lung transplant. Here we present a series of studies utilizing lung spheroid cell-secretome (LSC-Sec) and exosomes (LSC-Exo) by inhalation to treat different models of lung injury and fibrosis. Analysis reveals that LSC-Sec and LSC-Exo treatments could attenuate and resolve bleomycin- and silica-induced fibrosis by reestablishing normal alveolar structure and decreasing both collagen accumulation and myofibroblast proliferation. Additionally, LSC-Sec and LSC-Exo exhibit superior therapeutic benefits than their counterparts derived from mesenchymal stem cells in some measures. We showed that an inhalation treatment of secretome and exosome exhibited therapeutic potential for lung regeneration in two experimental models of pulmonary fibrosis.}, number={1}, journal={NATURE COMMUNICATIONS}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Dinh, Phuong-Uyen C. and Paudel, Dipti and Brochu, Hayden and Popowski, Kristen D. and Gracieux, M. Cyndell and Cores, Jhon and Huang, Ke and Hensley, M. Taylor and Harrell, Erin and Vandergriff, Adam C. and et al.}, year={2020}, month={Feb} } @article{li_hu_huang_su_cores_cheng_2020, title={Targeted anti-IL-1 beta platelet microparticles for cardiac detoxing and repair}, volume={6}, ISSN={["2375-2548"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aay0589}, DOI={10.1126/sciadv.aay0589}, abstractNote={Platelet microparticles are used to deliver IL-1β antibodies to myocardial infarction for cardiac detoxing and repair.}, number={6}, journal={SCIENCE ADVANCES}, publisher={American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)}, author={Li, Zhenhua and Hu, Shiqi and Huang, Ke and Su, Teng and Cores, Jhon and Cheng, Ke}, year={2020}, month={Feb} } @article{qiao_hu_huang_su_li_vandergriff_cores_dinh_allen_shen_et al._2020, title={Tumor cell-derived exosomes home to their cells of origin and can be used as Trojan horses to deliver cancer drugs}, volume={10}, ISSN={["1838-7640"]}, DOI={10.7150/thno.39434}, abstractNote={Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and patients are in urgent need of therapies that can effectively target cancer with minimal off-target side effects. Exosomes are extracellular nano-shuttles that facilitate intercellular communication between cells and organs. It has been established that tumor-derived exosomes contain a similar protein and lipid composition to that of the cells that secrete them, indicating that exosomes might be uniquely employed as carriers for anti-cancer therapeutics. Methods: We isolated exosomes from two cancer cell lines, then co-cultured each type of cancer cells with these two kinds of exosomes and quantified exosome. HT1080 or Hela exosomes were systemically injected to Nude mice bearing a subcutaneous HT1080 tumor to investigate their cancer-homing behavior. Moreover, cancer cell-derived exosomes were engineered to carry Doxil (a common chemotherapy drug), known as D-exo, were used to detect their target and therapeutic efficacy as anti-cancer drugs. Exosome proteome array analysis were used to reveal the mechanism underly this phenomenon. Results: Exosomes derived from cancer cells fuse preferentially with their parent cancer cells, in vitro. Systemically injected tumor-derived exosomes home to their original tumor tissues. Moreover, compared to Doxil alone, the drug-loaded exosomes showed enhanced therapeutic retention in tumor tissues and eradicated them more effectively in nude mice. Exosome proteome array analysis revealed distinct integrin expression patterns, which might shed light on the underlying mechanisms that explain the exosomal cancer-homing behavior. Conclusion: Here we demonstrate that the exosomes' ability to target the parent cancer is a phenomenon that opens up new ways to devise targeted therapies to deliver anti-tumor drugs.}, number={8}, journal={THERANOSTICS}, author={Qiao, Li and Hu, Shiqi and Huang, Ke and Su, Teng and Li, Zhenhua and Vandergriff, Adam and Cores, Jhon and Dinh, Phuong-Uyen and Allen, Tyler and Shen, Deliang and et al.}, year={2020}, pages={3474–3487} } @article{shen_li_hu_huang_su_liang_liu_cheng_2019, title={Antibody-Armed Platelets for the Regenerative Targeting of Endogenous Stem Cells}, volume={19}, ISSN={["1530-6992"]}, DOI={10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b04970}, abstractNote={Stem cell therapies have shown promise in treating acute and chronic ischemic heart disease. However, current therapies are limited by the low retention and poor integration of injected cells in the injured tissue. Taking advantage of the natural infarct-homing ability of platelets, we engineered CD34 antibody-linked platelets (P-CD34) to capture circulating CD34-positive endogenous stem cells and direct them to the injured heart. In vitro, P-CD34 could bind to damaged aortas and capture endogenous stem cells in whole blood. In a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction, P-CD34 accumulated in the injured heart after intravenous administration, leading to a concentration of endogenous CD34 stem cells in the injured heart for effective heart repair. This represents a new technology for endogenous stem cell therapy.}, number={3}, journal={NANO LETTERS}, author={Shen, Deliang and Li, Zhenhua and Hu, Shiqi and Huang, Ke and Su, Teng and Liang, Hongxia and Liu, Feiran and Cheng, Ke}, year={2019}, month={Mar}, pages={1883–1891} } @article{huang_li_su_shen_hu_cheng_2019, title={Bispecific Antibody Therapy for Effective Cardiac Repair through Redirection of Endogenous Stem Cells}, volume={2}, ISSN={["2366-3987"]}, DOI={10.1002/adtp.201900009}, abstractNote={AbstractBone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) are a promising strategy for cardiac regenerative therapy for myocardial infarction (MI). However, cell transplantation has to overcome a number of hurdles, such as cell quality control, clinical practicality, low cell retention/engraftment, and immune reactions when allogeneic cells are used. Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have been developed as potential agents in cancer immunotherapy but their application is sparse in cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, BsAbs are designed by chemical cycloaddition of F(ab′)2 fragments from monoclonal anti‐CD34 and anti‐ cardiac myosin heavy chain (CMHC) antibodies, which specifically targets circulating CD34‐positive cells and injured cardiomyocytes simultaneously. It is hypothesized that intravenous administration of stem cell re‐directing (SCRD) BsAbs (anti‐CD34‐F(ab′)2–anti‐CMHC‐F(ab′)2) can home endogenous BMSCs to the injured heart for cardiac repair. The in vivo studies in a mouse model with heart ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury demonstrate the safety and therapeutic potency of SCRD BsAb, which supports cardiac recovery by reducing scarring, promoting angiomyogenesis, and boosting cardiac function.}, number={10}, journal={ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS}, author={Huang, Ke and Li, Zhenhua and Su, Teng and Shen, Deliang and Hu, Shiqi and Cheng, Ke}, year={2019}, month={Oct} } @article{liu_hu_yang_li_huang_su_wang_cheng_2019, title={Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Integrated with Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Secretome to Treat Endometrial Injury in a Rat Model of Asherman's Syndrome}, volume={8}, ISSN={["2192-2659"]}, DOI={10.1002/adhm.201900411}, abstractNote={AbstractStem cell therapies have made strides toward the efficacious treatment of injured endometrium and the prevention of intrauterine adhesions, or Asherman's syndrome (AS). Despite this progress, they are limited by their risk of tumor formation, low engraftment rates, as well as storage and transportation logistics. While attempts have been made to curb these issues, there remains a need for simple and effective solutions. A growing body of evidence supports the theory that delivering media, conditioned with mesenchymal stem cells, might be a promising alternative to live cell therapy. Mesenchymal stem cell‐secretome (MSC‐Sec) has a superior safety profile and can be stored without losing its regenerative properties. It is versatile enough to be added to a number of delivery vehicles that improve engraftment and control the release of the therapeutic. Thus, it holds great potential for the treatment of AS. Here, a new strategy for loading crosslinked hyaluronic acid gel (HA gel) with MSC‐Sec is reported. The HA gel/MSC‐Sec treatment paradigm creates a sustained release system that repairs endometrial injury in rats and promotes viable pregnancy.}, number={14}, journal={ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS}, author={Liu, Feiran and Hu, Shiqi and Yang, Hua and Li, Zhenhua and Huang, Ke and Su, Teng and Wang, Shaowei and Cheng, Ke}, year={2019}, month={Jul} } @inbook{dinh_paudel_brochu_cores_huang_hensley_harrell_vandergriff_barrio_allen_et al._2019, title={Inhalation of Lung Spheroid Cell-Secretome and Exosomes Promotes Therapeutic Lung Repair in Rodent Models of Pulmonary Fibrosis}, volume={199}, DOI={10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2019.199.1_MeetingAbstracts.A1225}, booktitle={A29 Emerging Concepts in Lung Fibrosis}, publisher={American Thoracic Society}, author={Dinh, P.-U. and Paudel, D. and Brochu, H. and Cores, J. and Huang, K. and Hensley, M.T. and Harrell, E. and Vandergriff, A. and Barrio, R. and Allen, T.A. and et al.}, year={2019}, pages={1225–1225} } @article{hu_li_cores_huang_su_dinh_cheng_2019, title={Needle-Free Injection of Exosomes Derived from Human Dermal Fibroblast Spheroids Ameliorates Skin Photoaging}, volume={13}, ISSN={["1936-086X"]}, DOI={10.1021/acsnano.9b04384}, abstractNote={Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), the main cell population of the dermis, gradually lose their ability to produce collagen and renew intercellular matrix with aging. One clinical application for the autologous trans-dermis injection of HDFs that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration aims to refine facial contours and slow down skin aging. However, the autologous HDFs used vary in quality according to the state of patients and due to many passages they undergo during expansion. In this study, factors and exosomes derived from three-dimensional spheroids (3D HDF-XOs) and the monolayer culture of HDFs (2D HDF-XOs) were collected and compared. 3D HDF-XOs expressed a significantly higher level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and differentially expressed miRNA cargos compared with 2D HDF-XOs. Next, the efficacy of 3D HDF-XOs in inducing collagen synthesis and antiaging was demonstrated in vitro and in a nude mouse photoaging model. A needle-free injector was used to administer exosome treatments. 3D HDF-XOs caused increased procollagen type I expression and a significant decrease in MMP-1 expression, mainly through the downregulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and the upregulation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). In addition, the 3D-HDF-XOs group showed a higher level of dermal collagen deposition than bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes. These results indicate that exosomes from 3D cultured HDF spheroids have anti-skin-aging properties and the potential to prevent and treat cutaneous aging.}, number={10}, journal={ACS NANO}, author={Hu, Shiqi and Li, Zhenhua and Cores, Jhon and Huang, Ke and Su, Teng and Dinh, Phuong-Uyen and Cheng, Ke}, year={2019}, month={Oct}, pages={11273–11282} } @article{qiao_hu_liu_zhang_ma_huang_li_su_vandergrif_tang_et al._2019, title={microRNA-21-5p dysregulation in exosomes derived from heart failure patients impairs regenerative potential}, volume={129}, ISSN={["1558-8238"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI123135}, DOI={10.1172/JCI123135}, abstractNote={Exosomes, as functional paracrine units of therapeutic cells, can partially reproduce the reparative properties of their parental cells. The constitution of exosomes, as well as their biological activity, largely depends on the cells that secrete them. We isolated exosomes from explant-derived cardiac stromal cells from patients with heart failure (FEXO) or from normal donor hearts (NEXO) and compared their regenerative activities in vitro and in vivo. Patients in the FEXO group exhibited an impaired ability to promote endothelial tube formation and cardiomyocyte proliferation in vitro. Intramyocardial injection of NEXO resulted in structural and functional improvements in a murine model of acute myocardial infarction. In contrast, FEXO therapy exacerbated cardiac function and left ventricular remodeling. microRNA array and PCR analysis revealed dysregulation of miR-21-5p in FEXO. Restoring miR-21-5p expression rescued FEXO's reparative function, whereas blunting miR-21-5p expression in NEXO diminished its therapeutic benefits. Further mechanistic studies revealed that miR-21-5p augmented Akt kinase activity through the inhibition of phosphatase and tensin homolog. Taken together, the heart failure pathological condition altered the miR cargos of cardiac-derived exosomes and impaired their regenerative activities. miR-21-5p contributes to exosome-mediated heart repair by enhancing angiogenesis and cardiomyocyte survival through the phosphatase and tensin homolog/Akt pathway.}, number={6}, journal={JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION}, publisher={American Society for Clinical Investigation}, author={Qiao, Li and Hu, Shiqi and Liu, Suyun and Zhang, Hui and Ma, Hong and Huang, Ke and Li, Zhenhua and Su, Teng and Vandergrif, Adam and Tang, Junnan and et al.}, year={2019}, month={Jun}, pages={2237–2250} } @article{huang_hu_cheng_2018, title={A New Era of Cardiac Cell Therapy: Opportunities and Challenges}, volume={8}, ISSN={2192-2640 2192-2659}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adhm.201801011}, DOI={10.1002/adhm.201801011}, abstractNote={AbstractMyocardial infarction (MI), caused by coronary heart disease (CHD), remains one of the most common causes of death in the United States. Over the last few decades, scientists have invested considerable resources on the study and development of cell therapies for myocardial regeneration after MI. However, due to a number of limitations, they are not yet readily available for clinical applications. Mounting evidence supports the theory that paracrine products are the main contributors to the regenerative effects attributed to these cell therapies. The next generation of cell‐based MI therapies will identify and isolate cell products and derivatives, integrate them with biocompatible materials and technologies, and use them for the regeneration of damaged myocardial tissue. This review discusses the progress made thus far in pursuit of this new generation of cell therapies. Their fundamental regenerative mechanisms, their potential to combine with other therapeutic products, and their role in shaping new clinical approaches for heart tissue engineering, are addressed.}, number={2}, journal={Advanced Healthcare Materials}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Huang, Ke and Hu, Shiqi and Cheng, Ke}, year={2018}, month={Dec}, pages={1801011} } @article{su_huang_daniele_hensley_young_tang_allen_vandergriff_erb_ligler_et al._2018, title={Cardiac Stem Cell Patch Integrated with Microengineered Blood Vessels Promotes Cardiomyocyte Proliferation and Neovascularization after Acute Myocardial Infarction}, volume={10}, ISSN={["1944-8252"]}, DOI={10.1021/acsami.8b13571}, abstractNote={Cardiac stem cell (CSC) therapy has shown preclinical and clinical evidence for ischemic heart repair but is limited by low cellular engraftment and survival after transplantation. Previous versions of the cardiac patch strategy improve stem cell engraftment and encourage repair of cardiac tissue. However, cardiac patches that can enhance cardiomyogenesis and angiogenesis at the injured site remain elusive. Therapies that target cardiomyocyte proliferation and new blood vessel formation hold great potential for the protection against acute myocardial infarction (MI). Here, we report a new strategy for creating a vascularized cardiac patch in a facile and modular fashion by leveraging microfluidic hydrodynamic focusing to construct the biomimetic microvessels (BMVs) that include human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) lining the luminal surface and then encapsulating the BMVs in a fibrin gel spiked with human CSCs. We show that the endothelialized BMVs mimicked the natural architecture and function of capillaries and that the resultant vascularized cardiac patch (BMV-CSC patch) exhibited equivalent release of paracrine factors compared to those of coculture of genuine human CSCs and HUVECs after 7 days of in vitro culture. In a rat model of acute MI, the BMV-CSC patch therapy induced profound mitotic activities of cardiomyocytes in the peri-infarct region 4 weeks post-treatment. A significant increase in myocardial capillary density was noted in the infarcted hearts that received BMV-CSC patch treatment compared to the infarcted hearts treated with conventional CSC patches. The striking therapeutic benefits and the fast and facile fabrication of the BMV-CSC patch make it promising for practical applications. Our findings suggest that the BMV-CSC patch strategy may open up new possibilities for the treatment of ischemic heart injury.}, number={39}, journal={ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES}, author={Su, Teng and Huang, Ke and Daniele, Michael A. and Hensley, Michael Taylor and Young, Ashlyn T. and Tang, Junnan and Allen, Tyler A. and Vandergriff, Adam C. and Erb, Patrick D. and Ligler, Frances S. and et al.}, year={2018}, month={Oct}, pages={33088–33096} } @article{tang_wang_huang_ye_su_qiao_hensley_caranasos_zhang_gu_et al._2018, title={Cardiac cell-integrated microneedle patch for treating myocardial infarction}, volume={4}, ISSN={["2375-2548"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aat9365}, DOI={10.1126/sciadv.aat9365}, abstractNote={A microneedle cardiac stromal cell patch has been developed for therapeutic heart regeneration after myocardial infarction.}, number={11}, journal={SCIENCE ADVANCES}, publisher={American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)}, author={Tang, Junnan and Wang, Jinqiang and Huang, Ke and Ye, Yanqi and Su, Teng and Qiao, Li and Hensley, Michael Taylor and Caranasos, Thomas George and Zhang, Jinying and Gu, Zhen and et al.}, year={2018}, month={Nov} } @article{tang_cores_huang_cui_luo_zhang_li_qian_cheng_2018, title={Concise Review: Is Cardiac Cell Therapy Dead? Embarrassing Trial Outcomes and New Directions for the Future}, volume={7}, ISSN={2157-6564 2157-6580}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/sctm.17-0196}, DOI={10.1002/sctm.17-0196}, abstractNote={Abstract Stem cell therapy is a promising strategy for tissue regeneration. The therapeutic benefits of cell therapy are mediated by both direct and indirect mechanisms. However, the application of stem cell therapy in the clinic is hampered by several limitations. This concise review provides a brief introduction into stem cell therapies for ischemic heart disease. It summarizes cell-based and cell-free paradigms, their limitations, and the benefits of using them to target disease.}, number={4}, journal={Stem Cells Translational Medicine}, publisher={Oxford University Press (OUP)}, author={Tang, Jun-Nan and Cores, Jhon and Huang, Ke and Cui, Xiao-Lin and Luo, Lan and Zhang, Jin-Ying and Li, Tao-Sheng and Qian, Li and Cheng, Ke}, year={2018}, month={Feb}, pages={354–359} } @article{liang_huang_su_li_hu_dinh_wrona_shao_qiao_vandergriff_et al._2018, title={Mesenchymal Stem Cell/Red Blood Cell-Inspired Nanoparticle Therapy in Mice with Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Failure}, volume={12}, ISSN={1936-0851 1936-086X}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.8b00553}, DOI={10.1021/acsnano.8b00553}, abstractNote={Acute liver failure is a critical condition characterized by global hepatocyte death and often time needs a liver transplantation. Such treatment is largely limited by donor organ shortage. Stem cell therapy offers a promising option to patients with acute liver failure. Yet, therapeutic efficacy and feasibility are hindered by delivery route and storage instability of live cell products. We fabricated a nanoparticle that carries the beneficial regenerative factors from mesenchymal stem cells and further coated it with the membranes of red blood cells to increase blood stability. Unlike uncoated nanoparticles, these particles promote liver cell proliferation in vitro and have lower internalization by macrophage cells. After intravenous delivery, these artificial stem cell analogs are able to remain in the liver and mitigate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver failure in a mouse model, as gauged by histology and liver function test. Our technology provides an innovative and off-the-shelf strategy to treat liver failure.}, number={7}, journal={ACS Nano}, publisher={American Chemical Society (ACS)}, author={Liang, Hongxia and Huang, Ke and Su, Teng and Li, Zhenhua and Hu, Shiqi and Dinh, Phuong-Uyen and Wrona, Emily A. and Shao, Chen and Qiao, Li and Vandergriff, Adam C. and et al.}, year={2018}, month={Jun}, pages={6536–6544} } @article{su_huang_ma_liang_dinh_chen_shen_allen_qiao_li_et al._2019, title={Platelet-Inspired Nanocells for Targeted Heart Repair After Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury}, volume={29}, ISSN={["1616-3028"]}, DOI={10.1002/adfm.201803567}, abstractNote={AbstractCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. While reperfusion therapy is vital for patient survival post‐heart attack, it also causes further tissue injury, known as myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in clinical practice. Exploring ways to attenuate I/R injury is of clinical interest for improving post‐ischemic recovery. A platelet‐inspired nanocell (PINC) that incorporates both prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)‐modified platelet membrane and cardiac stromal cell‐secreted factors to target the heart after I/R injury is introduced. By taking advantage of the natural infarct‐homing ability of platelet membrane and the overexpression of PGE2 receptors (EPs) in the pathological cardiac microenvironment after I/R injury, the PINCs can achieve targeted delivery of therapeutic payload to the injured heart. Furthermore, a synergistic treatment efficacy can be achieved by PINC, which combines the paracrine mechanism of cell therapy with the PGE2/EP receptor signaling that is involved in the repair and regeneration of multiple tissues. In a mouse model of myocardial I/R injury, intravenous injection of PINCs results in augmented cardiac function and mitigated heart remodeling, which is accompanied by the increase in cycling cardiomyocytes, activation of endogenous stem/progenitor cells, and promotion of angiogenesis. This approach represents a promising therapeutic delivery platform for treating I/R injury.}, number={4}, journal={ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS}, author={Su, Teng and Huang, Ke and Ma, Hong and Liang, Hongxia and Dinh, Phuong-Uyen and Chen, Justin and Shen, Deliang and Allen, Tyler A. and Qiao, Li and Li, Zhenhua and et al.}, year={2019}, month={Jan} } @article{li_shen_hu_su_huang_liu_hou_cheng_2018, title={Pretargeting and Bioorthogonal Click Chemistry-Mediated Endogenous Stem Cell Homing for Heart Repair}, volume={12}, ISSN={["1936-086X"]}, DOI={10.1021/acsnano.8b05892}, abstractNote={Stem cell therapy is one of the promising strategies for the treatment of ischemic heart disease. However, the clinical application of stem cells transplantation is limited by low cell engraftment in the infarcted myocardium. Taking advantage of pretargeting and bioorthogonal chemistry, we engineered a pretargeting and bioorthogonal chemistry (PTBC) system to capture endogenous circulating stem cells and target them to the injured heart for effective repair. Two bioorthogonal antibodies were i.v. administrated with a pretargeting interval (48 h). Through bioorthogonal click reaction, the two antibodies are linked in vivo, engaging endogenous stem cells with circulating platelets. As a result, the platelets redirect the stem cells to the injured heart. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that bioorthogonal click reaction was able to induce the conjugation of platelets and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and enhance the binding of EPCs to collagen and injured blood vessels. More importantly, in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction, the in vivo results of cardiac function, heart morphometry, and immunohistochemistry assessment all confirmed effective heart repair by the PTBC system.}, number={12}, journal={ACS NANO}, author={Li, Zhenhua and Shen, Deliang and Hu, Shiqi and Su, Teng and Huang, Ke and Liu, Feiran and Hou, Lei and Cheng, Ke}, year={2018}, month={Dec}, pages={12193–12200} } @article{mihalko_huang_sproul_cheng_brown_2018, title={Targeted Treatment of Ischemic and Fibrotic Complications of Myocardial Infarction Using a Dual-Delivery Microgel Therapeutic}, volume={12}, ISSN={1936-0851 1936-086X}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.8b01977}, DOI={10.1021/acsnano.8b01977}, abstractNote={Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, affects millions of people worldwide and results in significant death and disabilities. A major cause of MI is fibrin-rich thrombus formation that occludes the coronary arteries, blocking blood flow to the heart and causing fibrin deposition. In treating MI, re-establishing blood flow is critical. However, ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury itself can also occur and contributes to cardiac fibrosis. Fibrin-specific poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) nanogels (FSNs) comprised of a core-shell colloidal hydrogel architecture are utilized in this study to design a dual-delivery system that simultaneously addresses the need to (1) re-establish blood flow and (2) inhibit cardiac fibrosis following I/R injury. These therapeutic needs are met by controlling the release of a fibrinolytic protein, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and a small molecule cell contractility inhibitor (Y-27632). In vitro, tPA and Y-27632-loaded FSNs rapidly degrade fibrin and decrease cardiac cell stress fiber formation and connective tissue growth factor expression, which are both upregulated in cardiac fibrosis. In vivo, FSNs localize to fibrin in injured heart tissue and, when loaded with tPA and Y-27632, showed significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction 2 and 4 weeks post-I/R as well as significantly decreased infarct size, α-smooth muscle actin expression, and connective tissue growth factor expression 4 weeks post-I/R. Together, these data demonstrate the feasibility of this targeted therapeutic strategy to improve cardiac function following MI.}, number={8}, journal={ACS Nano}, publisher={American Chemical Society (ACS)}, author={Mihalko, Emily and Huang, Ke and Sproul, Erin and Cheng, Ke and Brown, Ashley C.}, year={2018}, month={Jul}, pages={7826–7837} } @article{tang_su_huang_dinh_wang_vandergriff_hensley_cores_allen_li_et al._2018, title={Targeted repair of heart injury by stem cells fused with platelet nanovesicles}, volume={2}, ISSN={2157-846X}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41551-017-0182-x}, DOI={10.1038/s41551-017-0182-x}, abstractNote={Stem cell transplantation, as used clinically, suffers from low retention and engraftment of the transplanted cells. Inspired by the ability of platelets to recruit stem cells to sites of injury on blood vessels, we hypothesized that platelets might enhance the vascular delivery of cardiac stem cells (CSCs) to sites of myocardial infarction injury. Here, we show that CSCs with platelet nanovesicles fused onto their surface membranes express platelet surface markers that are associated with platelet adhesion to injury sites. We also find that the modified CSCs selectively bind collagen-coated surfaces and endothelium-denuded rat aortas, and that in rat and porcine models of acute myocardial infarction the modified CSCs increase retention in the heart and reduce infarct size. Platelet-nanovesicle-fused CSCs thus possess the natural targeting and repairing ability of their parental cell types. This stem cell manipulation approach is fast, straightforward and safe, does not require genetic alteration of the cells, and should be generalizable to multiple cell types.}, number={1}, journal={Nature Biomedical Engineering}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Tang, Junnan and Su, Teng and Huang, Ke and Dinh, Phuong-Uyen and Wang, Zegen and Vandergriff, Adam and Hensley, Michael T. and Cores, Jhon and Allen, Tyler and Li, Taosheng and et al.}, year={2018}, month={Jan}, pages={17–26} } @article{vandergriff_huang_shen_hu_hensley_caranasos_qian_cheng_2018, title={Targeting regenerative exosomes to myocardial infarction using cardiac homing peptide}, volume={8}, ISSN={["1838-7640"]}, DOI={10.7150/thno.20524}, abstractNote={Rationale: Cardiac stem cell-derived exosomes have been demonstrated to promote cardiac regeneration following myocardial infarction in preclinical studies. Recent studies have used intramyocardial injection in order to concentrate exosomes in the infarct. Though effective in a research setting, this method is not clinically appealing due to its invasive nature. We propose the use of a targeting peptide, cardiac homing peptide (CHP), to target intravenously-infused exosomes to the infarcted heart. Methods: Exosomes were conjugated with CHP through a DOPE-NHS linker. Ex vivo targeting was analyzed by incubating organ sections with the CHP exosomes and analyzing with fluorescence microscopy. In vitro assays were performed on neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and H9C2 cells. For the animal study, we utilized an ischemia/reperfusion rat model. Animals were treated with either saline, scramble peptide exosomes, or CHP exosomes 24 h after surgery. Echocardiography was performed 4 h after surgery and 21 d after surgery. At 21 d, animals were sacrificed, and organs were collected for analysis. Results: By conjugating the exosomes with CHP, we demonstrate increased retention of the exosomes within heart sections ex vivo and in vitro with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. In vitro studies showed improved viability, reduced apoptosis and increased exosome uptake when using CHP-XOs. Using an animal model of ischemia/reperfusion injury, we measured the heart function, infarct size, cellular proliferation, and angiogenesis, with improved outcomes with the CHP exosomes. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a novel method for increasing delivery of for treatment of myocardial infarction. By targeting exosomes to the infarcted heart, there was a significant improvement in outcomes with reduced fibrosis and scar size, and increased cellular proliferation and angiogenesis.}, number={7}, journal={THERANOSTICS}, author={Vandergriff, Adam and Huang, Ke and Shen, Deliang and Hu, Shiqi and Hensley, Michael Taylor and Caranasos, Thomas G. and Qian, Li and Cheng, Ke}, year={2018}, pages={1869–1878} } @article{su_daniele_erb_huang_hensley_young_allen_vandergriff_dinh_cores_et al._2017, title={Hydrodynamically Controlled Fabrication of Three-dimensional Microvasculature for Engineering Thick Vascularized Cardiac Tissues}, volume={23}, number={S1}, journal={Tissue Engineering Part A}, author={Su, T. and Daniele, M.A. and Erb, P.D. and Huang, K. and Hensley, M.T. and Young, A.T. and Allen, T.A. and Vandergriff, A.C. and Dinh, P. and Cores, J. and et al.}, year={2017}, month={Dec}, pages={134–134} }