Emergence of uniform linearly-arranged micro-droplets entrapping DNA and living cells through water/water phase-separation

Periodic Alignment of Binary Droplets via a Microphase Separation of a Tripolymer Solution under Tubular Confinement

We report the spontaneous formation of a characteristic periodic pattern through the phase separation of a tripolymer solution comprising polyethylene-glycol (PEG)/dextran (DEX)/gelatin. When this tripolymer solution is introduced into a glass capillary with a PEG-coated inner surface, we observe the time-dependent growth of microphase separation. Remarkably, a self-organized, periodic alignment of DEX- and gelatin-rich microdroplets ensues, surrounded by a PEG-rich phase. This pattern demonstrates considerable stability, enduring for at least 8 h. The fundamental characteristics of the experimentally observed periodic alignment are successfully replicated via numerical simulations using a Cahn-Hilliard model underpinned by a set of simple, theoretically derived equations. We propose that this type of kinetically stabilized periodic patterning can be produced across a broad range of phase-separation systems by selecting appropriate boundary conditions such as at the surface within a narrow channel.

Spontaneous Formation of Uniform Cell-Sized Microgels through Water/Water Phase Separation

In this study, a one-step method is discussed for producing uniform cell-sized microgels using glass capillaries filled with a binary polymer blend of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and gelatin. Upon decreasing temperature, phase separation of the PEG/gelatin blends and gelation of gelatin occur, and then the polymer blend forms linearly aligned, uniformly sized gelatin microgels in the glass capillary. When DNA is added to the polymer solution, gelatin microgels entrapping DNA are spontaneously formed, and the DNA prevents the coalescence of the microdroplets even at temperatures above the melting point. This novel method to form uniform cell-sized microgels may be applicable to other biopolymers. This method is expected to contribute to diverse materials science via biopolymer microgels and biophysics and synthetic biology through cellular models containing biopolymer gels.

The screening, identification, design and clinical application of tumor-specific neoantigens for TCR-T cells

Recent advances in neoantigen research have accelerated the development of tumor immunotherapies, including adoptive cell therapies (ACTs), cancer vaccines and antibody-based therapies, particularly for solid tumors. With the development of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics technology, the rapid identification and prediction of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) has become possible. Compared with tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), highly immunogenic TSAs provide new targets for personalized tumor immunotherapy and can be used as prospective indicators for predicting tumor patient survival, prognosis, and immune checkpoint blockade response. Here, the identification and characterization of neoantigens and the clinical application of neoantigen-based TCR-T immunotherapy strategies are summarized, and the current status, inherent challenges, and clinical translational potential of these strategies are discussed.