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Qiu C, Zhang JZ, Wu B, Xu CC, Pang HH, Tu QC, Lu YQ, Guo QY, Xia F, Wang JG. Advanced application of nanotechnology in active constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicines. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:456. [PMID: 38017573 PMCID: PMC10685519 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02165-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have been used for centuries for the treatment and management of various diseases. However, their effective delivery to targeted sites may be a major challenge due to their poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity. Nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles and organic/inorganic nanohybrids based on active constituents from TCMs have been extensively studied as a promising strategy to improve the delivery of active constituents from TCMs to achieve a higher therapeutic effect with fewer side effects compared to conventional formulations. This review summarizes the recent advances in nanocarrier-based delivery systems for various types of active constituents of TCMs, including terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and quinones, from different natural sources. This review covers the design and preparation of nanocarriers, their characterization, and in vitro/vivo evaluations. Additionally, this review highlights the challenges and opportunities in the field and suggests future directions for research. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems have shown great potential in improving the therapeutic efficacy of TCMs, and this review may serve as a comprehensive resource to researchers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jun Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medical Science, Sixth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Cheng Chao Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Huan Huan Pang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qing Chao Tu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yu Qian Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qiu Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Fei Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Ji Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
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Yang J, Shang J, Yang L, Wei D, Wang X, Deng Q, Zhong Z, Ye Y, Zhou M. Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Honokiol: Enhancing Therapeutic Potential and Overcoming Limitations. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:6639-6665. [PMID: 38026538 PMCID: PMC10656744 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s431409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Honokiol (HNK) is a small-molecule polyphenol that has garnered considerable attention due to its diverse pharmacological properties, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-obesity effects. However, its clinical application is restricted by challenges such as low solubility, poor bioavailability, and rapid metabolism. To overcome these limitations, researchers have developed a variety of nano-formulations for HNK delivery. These nano-formulations offer advantages such as enhanced solubility, improved bioavailability, extended circulation time, and targeted drug delivery. However, existing reviews of HNK primarily focus on its clinical and pharmacological features, leaving a gap in the comprehensive evaluation of HNK delivery systems based on nanotechnology. This paper aims to bridge this gap by comprehensively reviewing different types of nanomaterials used for HNK delivery over the past 15 years. These materials encompass vesicle delivery systems, nanoparticles, polymer micelles, nanogels, and various other nanocarriers. The paper details various HNK nano-delivery strategies and summarizes their latest applications, development prospects, and future challenges. To compile this review, we conducted an extensive search using keywords such as "honokiol", "nanotechnology", and "drug delivery system" on reputable databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering the period from 2008 to 2023. Through this search, we identified and selected approximately 90 articles that met our specific criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinlu Shang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liuxuan Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daiqing Wei
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qinmin Deng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhirong Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meiling Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang X, Hu S, Huang L, Chen X, Wang X, Fu YN, Sun H, Li G, Wang X. Advance Progress in Assembly Mechanisms of Carrier-Free Nanodrugs for Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2023; 28:7065. [PMID: 37894544 PMCID: PMC10608994 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanocarriers have been widely studied and applied in the field of cancer treatment. However, conventional nanocarriers still suffer from complicated preparation processes, low drug loading, and potential toxicity of carriers themselves. To tackle the hindrance, carrier-free nanodrugs with biological activity have received increasing attention in cancer therapy. Extensive efforts have been made to exploit new self-assembly methods and mechanisms to expand the scope of carrier-free nanodrugs with enhanced therapeutic performance. In this review, we summarize the advanced progress and applications of carrier-free nanodrugs based on different types of assembly mechanisms and strategies, which involved noncovalent interactions, a combination of covalent bonds and noncovalent interactions, and metal ions-coordinated self-assembly. These carrier-free nanodrugs are introduced in detail according to their assembly and antitumor applications. Finally, the prospects and existing challenges of carrier-free nanodrugs in future development and clinical application are discussed. We hope that this comprehensive review will provide new insights into the rational design of more effective carrier-free nanodrug systems and advancing clinical cancer and other diseases (e.g., bacterial infections) infection treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shuyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Lifei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiyue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ya-nan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Hepatology, Tongliao Infectious Disease Hospital, Tongliao 028000, China
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, PLA Medical College & Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Guofeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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Liang H, Lu Q, Yang J, Yu G. Supramolecular Biomaterials for Cancer Immunotherapy. Research (Wash D C) 2023; 6:0211. [PMID: 37705962 PMCID: PMC10496790 DOI: 10.34133/research.0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has achieved tremendous successful clinical results and obtained historic victories in tumor treatments. However, great limitations associated with feeble immune responses and serious adverse effects still cannot be neglected due to the complicated multifactorial etiology and pathologic microenvironment in tumors. The rapid development of nanomedical science and material science has facilitated the advanced progress of engineering biomaterials to tackle critical issues. The supramolecular biomaterials with flexible and modular structures have exhibited unparalleled advantages of high cargo-loading efficiency, excellent biocompatibility, and diversiform immunomodulatory activity, thereby providing a powerful weapon for cancer immunotherapy. In past decades, supramolecular biomaterials were extensively explored as versatile delivery platforms for immunotherapeutic agents or designed to interact with the key moleculars in immune system in a precise and controllable manner. In this review, we focused on the crucial role of supramolecular biomaterials in the modulation of pivotal steps during tumor immunotherapy, including antigen delivery and presentation, T lymphocyte activation, tumor-associated macrophage elimination and repolarization, and myeloid-derived suppressor cell depletion. Based on extensive research, we explored the current limitations and development prospects of supramolecular biomaterials in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liang
- College of Science,
Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, P. R. China
| | - Qingqing Lu
- College of Science,
Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, P. R. China
| | - Jie Yang
- College of Science,
Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, P. R. China
| | - Guocan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry,
Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
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Chen Y, Xiong T, Zhao X, Du J, Sun W, Fan J, Peng X. Tumor Cell-Responsive Photodynamic Immunoagent for Immunogenicity-Enhanced Orthotopic and Remote Tumor Therapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202085. [PMID: 36377488 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) and immune checkpoint blockades is an efficient method to maximize immunotherapeutic outcome by boosting tumor immunogenicity and modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. However, the always-on bioactivity of photosensitizers or immune checkpoint inhibitors leads to uncontrollable side effects, limiting the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of treatments. An activatable strategy is of great importance for improving the selectivity during cancer therapy. In this study, a photodynamic immunomodulator, ICy-NLG, is developed by conjugating the photosensitizer ICy-NH2 with the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 inhibitor NLG919 through a glutathione (GSH)-cleavable linker to achieve activatable photodynamic immunotherapy. The conjugation considerably suppresses both the PDT effect and the activity of the inhibitor. After ICy-NLG is activated by high levels of GSH in tumor cells, the PDT effect is restored and leads to immunogenic tumor cell death. The released tumor-associated antigens in conjunction with the activated immune checkpoint inhibitor induce a synergistic antitumor immune response, resulting in the growth inhibition of primary and distant tumors and the prevention of lung metastasis in mouse xenograft models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Tao Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Xueze Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Jianjun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Wen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Jiangli Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China.,Research Institute of Dalian University of Technology in Shenzhen, Gaoxin South Fourth Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Xiaojun Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China.,Research Institute of Dalian University of Technology in Shenzhen, Gaoxin South Fourth Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, China
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Wang H, Tang G, Zhou Z, Chen X, Liu Y, Yan G, Zhang X, Li X, Huang Y, Wang J, Cao Y. Stable Fluorescent Nanoparticles Based on Co-assembly of Acifluorfen and Poly(salicylic acid) for Enhancing Herbicidal Activity and Reducing Environmental Risks. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:4303-4314. [PMID: 36631294 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c18642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Herbicides are widely used in modern agricultural production for their advantages of high efficiency, convenience, and speed. However, there have been many problems caused by herbicide formulations, such as volatilization, leaching, and rain-washing loss in the process of agricultural application. Self-assembled nanotechnology is a promising strategy to solve these existing problems due to the environmentally friendly preparation process and high delivery efficiency. In this study, the stable fluorescent nanoparticles (AP NPs) based on co-assembly of acifluorfen (ACI) and poly(salicylic acid) (PSA) are constructed by using non-covalent bond interactions. The results indicate that the obtained nanoparticles with a stable fluorescence characteristic show improved physiochemical properties, such as uniform morphology, good thermal stability, low surface tension, and high retention on plants. The co-assembly can produce singlet oxygen to enhance the herbicidal activity under irradiation of light and reduce the leaching property of ACI to minimize the adverse impact on the aquatic environment. The safety evaluation of soybean seedlings indicates that AP NPs have no damage to non-target plants. In summary, the co-assembled herbicidal nano-formulation composed of ACI and PSA has high bioactivity and low environmental risks, which can be widely used in agricultural production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huachen Wang
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193Beijing, China
| | - Gang Tang
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhou
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193Beijing, China
| | - Xi Chen
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193Beijing, China
| | - Yulu Liu
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193Beijing, China
| | - Guangyao Yan
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Li
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193Beijing, China
| | - Yuqi Huang
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193Beijing, China
| | - Jialu Wang
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193Beijing, China
| | - Yongsong Cao
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193Beijing, China
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Lin X, Huang X, Tian X, Yuan Z, Lu J, Nie X, Wang P, Lei H, Wang P. Natural Small-Molecule-Based Carrier-Free Self-Assembly Library Originated from Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. ACS Omega 2022; 7:43510-43521. [PMID: 36506183 PMCID: PMC9730315 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The carrier-free self-assembly of small molecules opens a new window for the development of nanomaterials. This study is dedicated to developing binary small-molecular self-assemblies derived from phytochemicals in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Among them, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma are a common pair used in clinics for thousands of years. Here, we found that there were numerous spherical supramolecular nanoparticles (NPs) originated from Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma decoction. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the composition of the supramolecules, and a total of 119 phytochemicals were identified (23 anthraquinones, 31 alkaloids, 24 organic acids, 8 tannins, and other components). Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) showed that the interaction between Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma was a spontaneous exothermic reaction, indicating that their phytochemicals had the property of self-assembly and interacted to form supramolecules in the decocting process. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV, IR, NMR, and ITC were used to verify that rhein and coptisine could self-assemble into nanofibers (Rhe-Cop NFs), while emodin and coptisine could self-assemble into nanoparticles (Emo-Cop NPs). The formation mechanism analysis of the self-assemblies revealed that they were induced by electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and π-π stacking, forming nanospheres of about 50 nm and nanofibers. The current study not only provides an idea of discovering carrier-free self-assemblies from traditional herbal medicine decoction but also supplies a reference for the design of binary self-assembly of small molecules in the future.
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