bims-mricoa Biomed News
on MRI contrast agents
Issue of 2022–11–27
two papers selected by
Merve Yavuz, Bilkent University



  1. AMB Express. 2022 Nov 19. 12(1): 145
      The suitable structural characteristics of magnetic nanoparticles have resulted in their widespread use in magnetic hyperthermia therapy. Moreover, they are considered a proper and operational choice for pharmaceutical nanocarriers. Using the biomimetic method, we were able to produce iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles from the bacterial source of PTCC1250, Bacillus megaterium, for therangostic diagnosis systems and targeted drug delivery. Some of the benefits of this method include mitigated environmental and biological dangers, low toxicity, high biocompatibility, cheap and short-term mass production possibilities in each synthesis round compared to other biological sources, simple equipment required for the synthesis; and the possibility of industrial-scale production. Bacillus megaterium is a magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) that has a magnetosome organelle capable of orienting based on external magnetic fields, caused by the mineralization of magnetic nanocrystals. Utilizing this capability and adding an iron nitrate solution to the bacterial suspension, we synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles. The extent of synthesis was measured using UV-visible spectrophotometry. The morphology was evaluated using FESEM. The crystallized structure was characterized using RAMAN and XRD. The size and distribution of the nanoparticles were assessed using DLS. The surface charge of the nanoparticles was measured using zeta potential. The synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles was confirmed using FT-IR, and the magnetic property was measured using VSM. This study is continued to identify industrial and clinical applications.
    Keywords:  Bacillus megaterium; Hyperthermia; Iron oxide; Nano-biomimetic
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s13568-022-01490-y
  2. Science. 2022 Nov 25. 378(6622): 858-864
      With increasing evidence that microbes colonize tumors, synthetic biology tools are being leveraged to repurpose bacteria as tumor-specific delivery systems. These engineered systems can modulate the tumor microenvironment using a combination of their inherent immunogenicity and local payload production. Here, we review genetic circuits that enhance spatial and temporal control of therapeutic bacteria to improve their safety and efficacy. We describe the engineering of interactions among bacteria, tumor cells, and immune cells, and the progression from bacteria as single agents toward their rational combination with other modalities. Together, these efforts are building toward an emerging concept of engineering interactions between programmable medicines using synthetic biology.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1126/science.add9667