Tanvir Ahmed

Tanvir Ahmed

Publications

Bio-inspired artificial synapses: Neuromorphic computing chip engineering with soft biomaterials

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memori.2023.100088

Abstract

In the context of neuromorphic computing chip engineering, this review paper explores the area of bio-inspired artificial synapses with a focus on the incorporation of soft biomaterials. Soft biomaterials, including biocompatible hydrogels and organic polymers, have definite advantages in resembling the soft and dynamic properties of biological synapses. The article gives a general review of neuromorphic computing while emphasizing the shortcomings of traditional von Neumann architectures in terms of emulating the functions of the brain in computing. It highlights the artificial synaptic design concepts, including synaptic plasticity and energy efficiency. Spike-timing-dependent plasticity, synaptic weight modulation, and low-power operation can all be incorporated into these synapses thanks to the use of soft biomaterials. Inkjet printing, self-assembly methods, and electrochemical deposition are only a few of the technical techniques covered in this article for creating artificial synapses that are inspired by biological structures. These methods enable accurate biomaterial patterning and deposition, enabling the construction of complex neural networks on neuromorphic circuits. The research also emphasizes possible uses of bio-inspired artificial synapses in robotics, prosthetics, and cognitive computing. Soft biomaterials' capacity to mimic the synaptic activity of the brain creates new opportunities for effective and clever computing systems. In summary, this review paper succinctly outlines the incorporation of soft biomaterials into artificial synapses that are inspired by biological structures for neuromorphic computing chip fabrication. It analyzes production methods, highlights the value of synaptic plasticity and energy efficiency, and examines prospective applications. The development of new computing paradigms and the creation of extremely effective and brain-like computer systems are both significantly impacted by this research.

Keywords: Neuromorphic computing; Artificial synapses; Bio-inspired design; Biomaterials

Oncolytic virotherapy using neural stem cells as a novel treatment option for glioblastoma multiforme

Tanvir Ahmed

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh

https://doi.org/10.1002/mog2.23

Abstract

The most deadly and aggressive form of brain cancer is called a glioblastoma multiforme. Following diagnosis, the median duration of survival is only 14 months. It is imperative to develop cutting-edge therapeutic options because the results of conventional treatments are so poor. Replication-competent oncolytic viruses and replication-deficient viral vectors can be used to treat malignant tumors, an idea that has been around for more than a century. Cancer cells can be eliminated by any class. Oncolytic viruses are created with the specific purpose of locating, attacking, and multiplying in cancerous cells while bypassing normal brain tissue. Because of this, the viruses can kill tumors while protecting healthy brain cells. Getting the oncolytic virus reach tumor locations where it is needed is the biggest challenge. If neural stem cells were used as carrier cells to deliver oncolytic viruses to the right tumor locations, glioblastoma multiforme virotherapy will be significantly more efficient. The most recent advancements in the field of utilizing neural stem cells to deliver oncolytic viruses into glioblastoma tumors are the main focus of this review.

Keywords: glioblastoma multiforme, immunotherapy, neural stem cells, oncolytic virotherapy

Functional biomaterials for biomimetic 3D in vitro tumor microenvironment modeling

Tanvir Ahmed

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh

https://doi.org/10.1007/s44164-023-00043-2

Abstract

The translational potential of promising anticancer medications and treatments may be enhanced by the creation of 3D in vitro models that can accurately reproduce native tumor microenvironments. Tumor microenvironments for cancer treatment and research can be built in vitro using biomaterials. Three-dimensional in vitro cancer models have provided new insights into the biology of cancer. Cancer researchers are creating artificial three-dimensional tumor models based on functional biomaterials that mimic the microenvironment of the real tumor. Our understanding of tumor stroma activity over the course of cancer has improved because of the use of scaffold and matrix-based three-dimensional systems intended for regenerative medicine. Scientists have created synthetic tumor models thanks to recent developments in materials engineering. These models enable researchers to investigate the biology of cancer and assess the therapeutic effectiveness of available medications. The emergence of biomaterial engineering technologies with the potential to hasten treatment outcomes is highlighted in this review, which also discusses the influence of creating in vitro biomimetic 3D tumor microenvironments utilizing functional biomaterials. Future cancer treatments will rely much more heavily on biomaterials engineering.

Keywords: Tumor microenvironment · 3D in vitro model · Biomaterials · Extracellular matrix

Biomaterial-based in vitro 3D modeling of glioblastoma multiforme

Tanvir Ahmed

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpt.2023.01.002

Abstract

Adult-onset brain cancers, such as glioblastomas, are particularly lethal. People with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) do not anticipate living for more than 15 months if there is no cure. The results of conventional treatments over the past 20 years have been underwhelming. Tumor aggressiveness, location, and lack of systemic therapies that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier are all contributing factors. For GBM treatments that appear promising in preclinical studies, there is a considerable rate of failure in phase I and II clinical trials. Unfortunately, access becomes impossible due to the intricate architecture of tumors. In vitro, bioengineered cancer models are currently being used by researchers to study disease development, test novel therapies, and advance specialized medications. Many different techniques for creating in vitro systems have arisen over the past few decades due to developments in cellular and tissue engineering. Later-stage research may yield better results if in vitro models that resemble brain tissue and the blood-brain barrier are used. With the use of 3D preclinical models made available by biomaterials, researchers have discovered that it is possible to overcome these limitations. Innovative in vitro models for the treatment of GBM are possible using biomaterials and novel drug carriers. This review discusses the benefits and drawbacks of 3D in vitro glioblastoma modeling systems.

Keywords: Glioblastoma multiforme; Biomaterials; In vitro 3D modeling; Bioengineering

Neural stem cell engineering for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Tanvir Ahmed

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bea.2022.100053

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immunological and neurological disease of the central nervous system. Demyelination and neuronal death are the outcome of autoreactive T lymphocytes attacking the myelin sheath, resulting in functional neurological impairment. Relapses in MS are caused by extrinsic causes such as viral infections, although the disease's complicated etiology remains unexplained. Even though there are several disease-modifying drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), none of them prevent inflammation from causing damage to the central nervous system (CNS) or encourage repair. This emphasizes the unmet clinical need for treatments that can halt and even reverse the increasing worsening of MS-related disability (P-MS). Transplantation of NSCs into the chronically inflamed CNS has been shown in preclinical research to give neurotrophic support and suppress harmful host immune responses in vivo. This article discusses the history and current applications of neural stem cell treatment for multiple sclerosis. The review also discusses the incorporation of these cells into existing brain structure and the risks involved in this therapy. Finally, the prospects of MS neural stem cell treatment are addressed, as well as its ethical concerns.

Keywords: Neural stem cells; Multiple Sclerosis; Bioengineering; Remyelination

Organ-on-a-chip microengineering for bio-mimicking disease models and revolutionizing drug discovery

Tanvir Ahmed

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosx.2022.100194

Abstract

The core of the drug research and screening processes is predicting the effect of drugs prior to human clinical trials. Due to the 2D cell culture and animal models' poor predictability, the cost of drug discovery is continuously rising. The development of organ-on-a-chip technology, an alternative to traditional preclinical drug testing models, resulted from the intersection of microfabrication & tissue engineering. Preclinical safety and effectiveness testing is improved by the ability of organ-on-a-chip technologies to mimic important human physiological functions necessary for understanding drug effects. Organ-on-a-chip could drastically improve the success rate of the preclinical testing thereby better predicting how the drug will act on the clinical trials. Organ-on-a-chip is a term used to describe a microengineered biomimetic device that mimics the structure and functionality of human tissue. It integrates engineering, cell biology, & biomaterial technologies on a miniature platform. To reflect human physiology in vitro and bridge the gap between in vivo and in vitro data, simplification shouldn't compromise physiological relevance. At this level of organ-on-a-chip technological development, biomedical engineers specializing in device engineering are more important than ever to expedite the transfer of technology from the academic lab bench to specialized product development institutions and an ever-growing market. This review focuses on the recent advancements in the organ-on-a-chip technology and discusses the potential of this technology based on the current available literature.

Keywords: Organ-on-a-chip; Microengineering; Drug discovery; Microfluidics; Organoids

Potential of Microneedle Systems for COVID-19 Vaccination: Current Trends and Challenges

Jasmin Hassan 1,† , Charlotte Haigh 2,†, Tanvir Ahmed 1,† , Md Jasim Uddin 1,3,4,* and Diganta B. Das 2,*

1Drug Delivery & Therapeutics Lab, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

2Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK

3Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK

4Department of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

*Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.

†These authors contributed equally to this work.

Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(5), 1066; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14051066

Abstract

To prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and aid restoration to prepandemic normality, global mass vaccination is urgently needed. Inducing herd immunity through mass vaccination has proven to be a highly effective strategy for preventing the spread of many infectious diseases, which protects the most vulnerable population groups that are unable to develop immunity, such as people with immunodeficiencies or weakened immune systems due to underlying medical or debilitating conditions. In achieving global outreach, the maintenance of the vaccine potency, transportation, and needle waste generation become major issues. Moreover, needle phobia and vaccine hesitancy act as hurdles to successful mass vaccination. The use of dissolvable microneedles for COVID-19 vaccination could act as a major paradigm shift in attaining the desired goal to vaccinate billions in the shortest time possible. In addressing these points, we discuss the potential of the use of dissolvable microneedles for COVID-19 vaccination based on the current literature.

Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine delivery; dissolvable microneedles; immunogenicity; mass vaccination

Immunotherapy for neuroblastoma using mRNA vaccines

Tanvir Ahmed

Department of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adcanc.2022.100033

Abstract

In children, neuroblastoma seems to be the most frequent form of tumor found in the extracranial region, with a wide range of medical outcomes ranging from reduction of the tumor volume with time to even developing into a metastatic form and death, regardless of treatment. mRNA vaccines have emerged as a potential cancer treatment platform and could be used as a treatment of neuroblastoma as well. mRNA vaccines, whether naked or loaded with a carrier, proficiently express the antigens of the tumor in APCs after the process of immunization which facilitates the stimulation of the APCs and innate immune reaction. The characteristics such as elevated effectiveness, harmless administration, quick expansion abilities, and efficient manufacturing allows the mRNA cancer vaccines outperform other traditional vaccination platforms. This review focuses on the mRNA vaccine for the immunotherapy of neuroblastoma and gives an overview based on the recent literature available.

Keywords: Neuroblastoma; Immunotherapy; mRNA vaccine; Cancer

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