• Biomaterials and Biomechanics in Bioengineering
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.1-13
• /
• 2015

Despite recent progresses in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, there are still many unsolved limitations. Most of all, a major obstacle in current nanoparticle-based drug carrier is the lack of sufficient drug delivery into target cells due to various biological barriers, such as: extracellular matrix, endolysosomal barrier, and drug-resistance associated proteins. To circumvent these limitations, several research groups have utilized photochemical internalization (PCI), an extension of photodynamic therapy (PDT), in design of innovative and efficient nano-carriers drug delivery. This review presents an overview of a recent research on utilization of PCI in various fields including: anti-cancer therapy, protein delivery, and tissue engineering.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Potoscience Conference
• /
• spring
• /
• pp.21-21
• /
• 2004

• Proceedings of the Optical Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2007.02a
• /
• pp.44-45
• /
• 2007

• Medical Lasers
• /
• v.10 no.3
• /
• pp.132-137
• /
• 2021

The effects of low-level laser irradiation on cells and tissues, known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), are the basis of photomedicine. Several investigations have evaluated the therapeutic effects of PBMT for neuronal regeneration and differentiation in animal models and humans. Recently, intranasal PBMT (iN-PBMT) has shown potential as a treatment method for neurologic disorders. In this review, we have summarized the various modes of iN-PBMT delivery and their application in the treatment of brain disorders.

• Medical Lasers
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.119-125
• /
• 2020

Photobiomodulation forms the basis of photomedicine and is defined as the effect of coherent or non-coherent light sources, such as low-level lasers and light-emitting diodes, on cells and tissues. This treatment technique affects cell functions, proliferation, and migration, and plays an important role in tissue regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to be beneficial for tissue regeneration, and the combination of stem cell therapy and laser therapy appears to positively affect treatment outcomes. In general, a low-power laser has a positive effect on MSCs, thereby facilitating improvements in different disease models. This study elucidates the mechanisms and effects of low-power laser irradiation on the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of various MSCs that have been examined in different studies.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.1-4
• /
• 2010

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to summarize the historical aspects of parabolic reflector moxa and to suggest the applications of light moxibustion in Korean medicine. Results : Getting a fire by parabolic reflector(concave mirror) is well known because of the Olympic torch lighted with a solar reflector in Greece. From anecdotes or myths for Diocles and Archimedes(third century B.C.) a long history has been chronicled in books and films in western culture. However, it has another history in Asian countries since 2,000 years ago. Some reflectors had a tiny size with 6.5 to 10 cm in diameter, 4 mm to 1 cm thickness, and these mobile handheld devices could make us guess that they have been used for multiple purposes. Bronze reflectors were described in Dongeui-bogam, and excavated from the ancient remains of the Shilla and Koryo dynasties. This common firing device was used as a moxibustion device, one of the acupuncture and moxibustion modalities in traditional Korean medicine. Conclusions : Reflector moxa has been used as a light moxibustion to deliver heat energy to acupuncture points, muscles, and skin along meridians. We present a plausible proposal to improve other phototherapy modalities including reflector moxa in Korean medicine practice.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.45 no.1
• /
• pp.66-74
• /
• 2021

Background: Abnormal chloride (Cl-) transport has a detrimental impact on mucociliary clearance in both cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF chronic rhinosinusitis. Ginseng is a medicinal plant noted to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The present study aims to assess the capability of red ginseng aqueous extract (RGAE) to promote transepithelial Cl- secretion in nasal epithelium. Methods: Primary murine nasal septal epithelial (MNSE) [wild-type (WT) and transgenic CFTR-/-], fisher-rat-thyroid (FRT) cells expressing human WT CFTR, and TMEM16A-expressing human embryonic kidney cultures were utilized for the present experiments. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and airway surface liquid (ASL) depth measurements were performed using micro-optical coherence tomography (μOCT). Mechanisms underlying transepithelial Cl- transport were determined using pharmacologic manipulation in Ussing chambers and whole-cell patch clamp analysis. Results: RGAE (at 30㎍/mL of ginsenosides) significantly increased Cl- transport [measured as change in short-circuit current (ΔISC = ㎂/㎠)] when compared with control in WT and CFTR-/- MNSE (WT vs control = 49.8±2.6 vs 0.1+/-0.2, CFTR-/- = 33.5±1.5 vs 0.2±0.3, p < 0.0001). In FRT cells, the CFTR-mediated ΔISC attributed to RGAE was small (6.8 ± 2.5 vs control, 0.03 ± 0.01, p < 0.05). In patch clamp, TMEM16A-mediated currents were markedly improved with co-administration of RGAE and uridine 5-triphosphate (8406.3 +/- 807.7 pA) over uridine 5-triphosphate (3524.1 +/- 292.4 pA) or RGAE alone (465.2 +/- 90.7 pA) (p < 0.0001). ASL and CBF were significantly greater with RGAE (6.2+/-0.3 ㎛ vs control, 3.9+/-0.09 ㎛; 10.4+/-0.3 Hz vs control, 7.3 ± 0.2 Hz; p < 0.0001) in MNSE. Conclusion: RGAE augments ASL depth and CBF by stimulating Cl- secretion through CaCC, which suggests therapeutic potential in both CF and non-CF chronic rhinosinusitis.