Non-diffracting integer-order and half-integer-order carpet beams obtained by even-type sinusoidal amplitude radial gratings

In this work,we introduce a kind of new structured radial grating,which is named the even-type sinusoidal amplitude radial(ETASR)grating.Based on diffraction theory and the principle of stationary phase,a comprehensive theoretical investigation on the diffraction patterns of ETASR gratings is conducted.Theoretical results show that novel carpet beams with beautiful optical structures and distinctive characteristics have been constructed on the basics of the ETASR grating.Their diffraction patterns are independent of propagation distance,that is,the new carpet beams have diffraction-free propagating characteristics.The non-diffracting carpet beams are divided into two types by beam characteristics:non-diffracting integer-order and half-integer-order carpet beams.Subsequently,we experimentally generate these carpet beams using the ETASR grating.Finally,their particularly interesting optical morphology and features are explored through numerical simulations and experiments.

Three-dimensional (3D) hydrogel serves as a platform to identify potential markers of chondrocyte dedifferentiation by combining RNA sequencing

Dedifferentiation of chondrocyte greatly restricts its function and application,however,it is poorly understood except a small number of canonical markers.The non-cell-adhesive property endows polysaccharide hydrogel with the ability to maintain chondrocyte phenotype,which can serve as a platform to identify new molecular markers and therapeutic targets of chondrocyte dedifferentiation.In this study,the high-throughput RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)was first performed on articular chondrocytes at primary(P0)and passage 1(P1)stages to explore the global alteration of gene expression along with chondrocyte dedifferentiation.Significantly,several potential marker genes,such as PFKFB3,KDM6B,had been identified via comparatively analyzing their expression in P0 and P1 chondrocytes as well as in 3D constructs(i.e.chondrocyte-laden alginate hydrogel and HA-MA hydrogel)at both mRNA and protein level.Besides,the changes in cellular morphology and enriched pathway of differentially expressed genes during chondrocyte dedifferentiation was studied in detail.This study developed the use of hydrogel as a platform to investigate chondrocyte dedifferentiation;the results provided new molecular markers and potential therapeutic targets of chondrocyte dedifferentiation.

Novel Gelatin-based Nano-gels with Coordination-induced Drug Loading for Intracellular Delivery

In this study, we develop the gelatin-dopamine （Gel-Dopa） nano-gels （GDNGs） and explore their potential as drug delivery vehicles. The GeI-Dopa precursor is synthesized using EDC/NHS coupling reaction, in which the catechols can coordinate with transition metal ions such as Fe^3＋. These novel GDNGs exhibit excellent cytocompatibility. The model drug, doxorubicin （Dox）, is readily conjugated into catechol of GDNGs by the coordination cross-link of Fe^3＋ ion. The morphology and size distribution of the nanogels are characterized via field emission scanning electron microscopy and particle size analyzer, respectively. The GDNGs loaded with Dox （GDNGs-Dox） is capable of efficiently penetrating ceil membrane and enter the HeLa cells. The endocytosed GDNGs-Dox release Dox molecules and subsequently kill the tumor cells.