Front Cover: Bcl-xL siRNA and DOX encapsulated polymersomes (CPSomes) are synthesized using amphiphilic methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactic acid) copolymers to enhance the stability and delivery efficacy of their contents. Successful delivery of drugs and genes by CPSomes shows its potential as a dual delivery vehicle for cancer treatment. Further details can be found in the article by H.-O. Kim, E. Kim, Y. An, J. Choi, E. Jang, E. B. Choi, A. Kukreja, M.-H. Kim, B. Kang, D.-J. Kim, J.-S. Suh, Y.-M. Huh,* and S. Haam* on page 745.

A patterned surface is fabricated based on controlled surface-initiated polymerization of monomer and degradation of the obtained polymer at the UV-exposed domains on the polymer surface with UV irradiation. Switching on and off of platelet adhesion on the polymer surface is realized with a precision down to single cell level. The dysfunctional platelets can be quantitatively detected based on the adhesive pattern.

The influence of varying the length of the spacer, attached to polymer nanoparticles, on the formation of a protein corona and cellular uptake are studied. Although the composition of the protein corona is not affected by different spacer lengths, an influence on cellular uptake can be identified.

The use of various gelatin gels containing alginate as a molecular delivery system is described. The concept, development and use of several protein-polysaccharide architectures to retain very small molecules and control their release is described. The strategy presented here resides in the use of enzymes to hydrolyze one of the two phases of the gel in a highly controlled way.

Biocompatible polycaprolactone/poly(α,β)-DL-aspartic acid/collagen nanofibrous scaffolds are fabricated by electrospinning, and nanohydroxyapatite (n-HA) is deposited by a calcium phosphate dipping method. These scaffolds are characterized for fiber morphology, hydrophilicity, porosity, and tensile properties. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) cultures on these nanofibrous scaffolds facilitate cell adhesion, proliferation, mineralization, and osteogenic differentiation.

Nanofibrous materials from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and COS are fabricated by an effective approach, consisting of electrospinning, electrospraying, and impregnation. The mats exhibit photocatalytic properties and a biocidal effect against pathogenic bacteria, and moreover, they provide a favorable environment for hMSCs.

The sequence composition is critical for DNA conformation and can impair its use as a recognition mechanism in biosensing applications. Repeated sequence patterns such as polyT or PolyC, although similar, generate different sensor conformations when mixed with a polythiophene derivative DNA hybridization sensor. Knowledge of the impact of DNA sequences on biosensors can help improving biosensing systems.

Osteogenic syringeable gels exploit the capability of osteoinductive poloxamine Tetronic 908 to form polypseudorotaxanes with αCD and to solubilize and sustainably release the simvastatin hydroxy acid form for synergic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts. αCD transforms dilute poloxamine/simvastatin dispersions into affordable osteogenic/osteoinductive networks that can be administered using minimally invasive techniques for local treatment of bone pathologies.

A folate-conjugated PEG coating on single walled carbon nanotubes is developed in a facile strategy that can target delivery of the anti-cancer drug, doxorubicin, into cancer cells and effectively induce cancer cell death, but shows negligible cytotoxicity to normal cells.

Successful delivery of small molecular drugs and therapeutic genes by Bcl-xL siRNA and doxorubicin (DOX) encapsulated polymersomes shows potential as a highly powerful nanocarrier-based dual therapy system for cancer treatment.

In order to develop small-diameter vascular grafts that have excellent hemocompatibility to prevent platelet adhesion and aggregation on the scaffold surface and simultaneously be suitable for vascular cell growth, a combined sulfated silk fibroin scaffold is fabricated by modifying a knitted silk scaffold with sulfated silk fibroin sponges. The scaffold may greatly improve the chances of successful vascular reconstruction.

Amylose and polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF) can form inclusion complexes that are able to self-assemble to form supramolecules. Amylose, with its hydrophobic cavity, acts as host molecule and PTHF acts as guest molecule. The resulting complexes induce the formation of the so-called V-amylose, which is influenced by the arrangements of the guest PTHF chains inside or in between the amylose helices.

Hydrogels are highly hydrated polymers with structural properties similar to soft tissues. In view of bone regenerative applications, the incorporation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) within hydrogels is a simple and promising strategy to generate scaffolds with both an organic and inorganic phase. Specifically, the enzymatic hydrolysis of organic phosphates, diffused from the physiological environment, leads to the formation of minerals.

Besides factors such as particle size, morphology, and surface charge, the hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio of the micelle matrix also has a great effect on cellular uptake of micelles. The internalization of micelles with different hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio into cells is through different endocytosis mechanisms.

The capability of a micropatterning platform in modulating cell shape to direct lineage commitment of human mesenchymal stem cells derived from different sources (i.e., bone marrow, fetal tissue, and adipose) is investigated. Myogenesis is shown to be the predominant differentiation activity at mRNA and protein levels in three types of micropatterned stem cells. The platform is thus demonstrated to be generic and could possibly be extended to any type of stem cell.

A dual enzyme microgel is constructed based on the covalent crosslinking of Mn-THPP-(PEG₂₀₀₀-BA)₄ and seleno-ferritin (Se-Fn). The microgel exhibits excellent antioxidative activity in the protection of mitochondria against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation due to the synergism of the Mn^III porphyrin (SOD mimic) and Se-Fn (GPx mimic).