Artificial Cell Membranes as Bioinformation Hubs: Unraveling Therapeutic Networks through Nano-Informatics

The living cells are composed of bio-membranes which construct lipid bilayers composed mainly of phospholipids with proteins and cholesterol embedded in them. The internal organelles of the cell are composed of intracellular membranes and their unique structure modulates the permeation of molecules, like water, ions, and oxygen. Bio-membranes are considered as complex systems, and their state of matter is the liquid crystalline state corresponds to the fluid mosaic model of Singer & Nicolson [1]. Such state of matter undergoes a huge number of metastable phases that are named as ‘lipid rafts’ that are considered to act as information hubs.

These ‘lipid rafts’ are thermodynamic driven bioinformation hubs essential for the cell functions and for the survival of the organism [2]. The convergence of various scientific disciplines, including bioinformatics, cheminformatics, medical informatics, and nanoinformatics, has given rise to novel approaches in understanding and harnessing the potential of artificial cell membranes as bioinformation hubs. This paper delves into the intricate interplay between bio-membranes, lipid rafts, and thermodynamic-driven bioinformation, elucidating their pivotal role in establishing therapeutic networks.

Artificial cell membranes and bionetworks

Artificial cell membranes represent a cutting-edge frontier in biomimicry, replicating the structural and functional aspects of natural membranes. These synthetic constructs serve as dynamic bioinformation hubs within bionetworks. Liposomes and Lipid nanoparticles, with their ability to mimic the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, emerge as key players in this domain. They are considered as artificial cell membranes, demonstrating complex behavior [3], due to their composition and are currently used as therapeutic products against serious diseases as well as to produce innovative vaccines.

The internal ‘decision making system’ of a liposomal or a Lipid nanoparticles dispersion nanosystem is an artificial bio- network promotes the most effective and functional behavior of the system that can ‘survive’ with respect to the external stimuli and the environmental conditions. Their structural versatility allows for the encapsulation of therapeutic agents, paving the way for advanced drug delivery nanosystems [4], [5].

In silico tools and nanoinformatics

In silico tools have become indispensable in the evaluation of nanomaterials, playing a crucial role in predicting and understanding their toxicity and safety profiles. The successful paradigm of NanoSolveIT cloud platform [6], among others, with its comprehensive libraries and datasets, facilitates the correlation of morphological and biological data with potential adverse effects. This integration of nano informatics [7], [8] into drug development processes provides valuable insights, guiding researchers and regulatory agencies in decision-making processes.

Information science and therapeutic innovation

The pharmaceutical industry needs such tools as guides in the development process of innovative therapeutical formulations. The regulatory agencies need bioinformatics and nanoinformatics as tools to evaluate new nanoplatforms that incorporate enough information to evaluate the toxicity and safety of advanced nanomaterials that could be approved as complex and innovative drug delivery nanosystems, further reducing their possible adverse drug reactions. Finally, this opinion article emphasizes the importance of leveraging informatics tools to explore cloud platforms with extensive libraries, supporting the development of complex and innovative drug delivery nanosystems.

In conclusion, the apparent emerging synergy between artificial cell membranes, bioinformation hubs, and nanoinformatics has ushered in a new era of therapeutic innovation. The comprehensive understanding of complex systems, toxicity profiles, and safety assessments through in silico tools positions artificial cell membranes as pivotal components in the creation of therapeutic networks. The integration of information and biostatistics in cloud platforms provides a robust foundation for advancing drug delivery nanosystems, minimizing adverse reactions, and propelling the pharmaceutical industry towards more efficient and informed decision-making processes. Finally, this approach further evolves personal and precision medicine for the benefit of the patient.

1. Singer ST, Nicolson GL (1972) The fluid mosaic model of the structure of cell membranes. Science 175(4023): 720-731.
2. Demetzos C (2023) Nanoplatforms as information carriers and thermodynamic epitopes, in neurodegenerative and immune diseases, Handbook of Computational Neurodegeneration. Springer, Germany, pp. 77-89.
3. Naziris N, Chountoulesi M, Stavrinides SG Hanias MP, Demetzos C (2022) Chaotic dynamics and stability of liposomal nanosystems. Current Nanoscience 18(3): 375-390.
4. Naziris N, Demetzos C (2021) http://nanoinformatics.org/nanoinformatics/index.php/.
5. Demetzos C (2016) Pharmaceutical nanotechnology: Fundamentals and practical applications. Springer, Germany.
6. Afantitis A, Melagraki G, Isigonis P, Tsoumanis A, Varsou DD, et al. (2020) Nanosolveit project: Driving nanoinformatics research to develop innovative and integrated tools for in silico nanosafety assessment. Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal 18: 583-602.
7. Barnard AS, Motevalli B, Parker AJ, Fischer JM, Feigl CA, et al. (2019) Nano informatics, and the big challenges for the science of small things. Nanoscale 11(41): 19190-19201.
8. Liu Y, Zhao T, Ju W, Shi S (2017) Materials discovery and design using machine learning. Journal of Materiomics 3(3): 159-177.